THE VOICE OF CHICAGO’S GAY, LESBIAN, BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 September 19, 2007 • vol 23 no 02

NAJIMY AT ROUSING

LUNCHEON page 5 FALL 2007 THEATER PREVIEW GENTRY: starting on page 15 A CHANGE IS IN THE AIR page 12 HIV/AIDS Community RUNNING Faces TOWARDS Housing A GOAL Crisis by AMY WOOTEN

If local HIV/AIDS organizations don’t receive $1.5 million in ongoing city funding for AIDS housing and rental assistance, 211 low-income, disabled Chicagoans living with HIV/AIDS may LUCY LAWLESS: face the threat of homelessness and serious risks page 32 to their health beginning January 2008. WARRIOR The local HIV/AIDS housing crisis is not a new problem, and is progressively worsening. Local organizations and Alderman Tom Tunney (44th Ward) are calling for city officials to allocate ongoing funds to help alleviate the high rates of housing instability and homelessness among pick it up HIV-positive Chicagoans next year. take it home “These 211 clients will be at serious risk of homelessness,” AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s (AFC) John Peller said. “We know that housing #910, SEPTEMBER 19, 2007 is healthcare. When people are housed, they are able to improve their health.”

Federal funding dwindles Federal funding for AIDS housing, called Hous- ing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA), More photos online and pg. 4 Turn to page 4 www.WindyCityQueercast.com www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com 2 September 19, 2007 September 19, 2007 3

index GRAND News OPENING AIDS Run/Walk pics 4 Housing crisis 4 Najimy at CFW luncheon 5 ALMA event kick-off 6 CELEBRATION! Cheetah manager speaks 6 Local news 6 Saturday September 29th World news 8 Nat’l news 9 Viewpoint: Almost married 10 7 am - 5:30 pm Hall of Fame 11 Gentry undergoes changes 12 Special savings, events and fun! National roundup 13 Live: Talk with BEHIV 14 Kramer at NLGJA confab 14 Windy City Times chats with out opera Quotelines 14 star David Daniels (above) in this week’s fall theater preview. See page 16. ENTERTAINMENT photo by Mike Hoban LGBT Top 10 plays 15 David Daniels interview 16 Hubris Productions 18 #of colors: 4C Output (%): 100 Fall dance preview 20 Stage Door Jonny 21 Special Critics Picks 26 Knight at the Movies 28 (Initials required all for areas below) Hollywood, briefs 29

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AIDS Run/Walk in Full Swing AIDS Run/Walk Chicago, one of the city’s most high-profile annual events that raises money to combat HIV/AIDS, was held Sept. 15 in Grant Park. Proceeds benefited the grant-making pro- gram of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. In addition to a 5K run and a 5K walk, the event also featured a Fitness & Healthy Lifestyle Village, sponsored by the Illinois Department of Public Health. The village had product sam- plings, service demonstrations and information about HIV/AIDS-related services and volunteer opportunities with local AIDS service providers and other organizations. Photos by Kat Fitzger- ald; more at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com

that program was phased out due to decreasing funding has been flat, which means fewer peo- The well-attended event was a way for advo- CRISIS from cover funds. ple can get the help they need. cates, clients and agencies to voice their con- has been decreasing. The funds allocated to the For fiscal year 2007, Chicago was awarded $5.5 HAP funds are projected to decrease 27 per- cerns, share ideas and learn. Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) go million, and roughly $2.1 million went to HAP cent for 2008, cutting 211 people. According to “Housing is the foundation of health,” AFC to community residences such as Bonaventure programs. This year, 661 households will receive AFC, $1.5 million from the city would prevent housing program director and housing expert Ar- House; housing locator and advocacy programs; rental assistance; AFC projects 450 will be as- those individuals from losing their assistance; turo Valvivia-Bendixon said at the meeting. “It’s and rental assistance. The Housing Assistance sisted in 2008. At one point, over 1,000 house- provide rental assistance for more; expand ser- not just a human issue; it’s a public health issue. Program (HAP) provides short-term rental assis- holds received HAP assistance after a one-time vices or beds for community residences; and in- We believe every human being is sacred and the tance and provided long-term assistance until bonus for community housing; however, HOPWA crease funding for housing locator and advocacy dignity of every human being is sacred.” programs. Part of much bigger problem Broken housing system The immediate crisis is part of a much larger When funding decreases, the AIDS housing problem of homelessness in Chicago, and the continuum becomes “broken,” according to AFC. fact is that supply doesn’t equal the demand. Those who go from homelessness and hospital- According to AFC, of the estimated 10,000- do you DARE? ization are put on long waiting lists to get into 15,000 Chicagoans living with HIV/AIDS that community residences. Those in such housing need housing assistance, only 1,460 units are can’t graduate to owning their own apartment available. with rental assistance because none is available, According to the National AIDS Housing Coali- and those on assistance can’t graduate to living tion, up to two-thirds of people living with HIV/ JOIN Chicago NOW for completely on their own. AIDS have a lifetime experience with homeless- “The system is completely backed up at this ness or inadequate housing. WOMEN WHO DARED 2007 point,” Peller said. The decline in “affordable” rent in Chicago Chicago House’s executive director, Stan isn’t helping the problem. The Department of Sloan, knows that firsthand. Chicago House is a Housing and Urban Development has tracked a Cocktail Reception and Silent Auction community residence that provides beds and es- steady increase in rent in Chicago, and projects sential services. “There are waiting lists because prices for one-bedroom apartments and studios When: ursday, September 27, 2007 6:00 - 9:00pm people can’t graduate to receiving rental assis- to continue to rise for 2008. Where: e Newberry Library, Ruggles Hall tance,” he told Windy City Times. “We always The problem worsens when dwindling federal 60 W. Walton Street have waiting lists.” dollars and Chicago’s affordable housing crisis Sloan fears what would happen if city dollars are thrown in the mix. “The demand is always Chicago, IL 60610 aren’t provided. “We’ve got literally hundreds of increasing,” CDPH’s HOPWA program manager people that will become homeless or worse. Give Shirley Nash told Windy City Times. “It’s chal- 2007 Honorees them a toolbox, so by the time they are ready, lenging. We have to just be creative and utilize Marcena W. Love they can pay their own way and live on their that money as effectively as we can.” Founder of Personal PAC, Illinois largest bi-partisan pro-choice PAC own,” Sloan said. “It’s critical we have a flow into that.” Local organizations struggle Organizations, such as Better Existence with T. Khyentse James Housing equals health HIV (BEHIV) struggle to find resources for cli- Founder of Estrojam Music and Culture Festival The 211 individuals at risk of being cut are ents. Housing advocate Michele Olson told low-income, disabled and living with HIV/AIDS. Windy City Times that there are fewer landlords Purchase tickets online at www.chicagonow.org According to AIDS activists, they are not only to make referrals to as it is, not much in terms of Contact: 312.578.9351 or [email protected] face housing instability, but also the possible affordable housing out there and expects much threat of homelessness. In addition, without worse if funding doesn’t become available. Do you Dare? this basic necessity, positive individuals may not “We have clients on the waiting list anywhere have access to a refrigerator for their medica- from five or six months, and up to 10 years,” tions, a bathroom, clean water, food and more— said BEHIV housing manager Cassandra Smith. all of which contribute to their overall health. “It’s depressing for the clients.” “Without housing, we can’t have any of the Eric Nelson, BEHIV’s executive director, other things,” AFC’s Jim Pickett said at a recent stressed how crucial housing is. “You can’t get town hall meeting hosted by AFC Sept. 11 in to the doctor if you don’t have a place to stay,” order to inform the community about the issue he said. His housing staff hears stories of cli- and provide the facts and tools needed to help Continued on next page persuade the city to provide additional dollars. September 19, 2007 5

Najimy Stirring at CFW Luncheon On Tues., Sept. 11, actress Kathy Najimy (above, left) spoke to approximately 2,000 guests at the Chicago Foundation for Women’s (CFW’s) 22nd Annual Luncheon and Symposium, held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker. Najimy, a last-minute replacement for Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Shirin Ebadi, delivered a rousing speech in which she mixed humor with serious praise for CFW’s goals and actions, according to an organizational press release. During the event, CFW also announced its 100-point action plan for getting everyone involved in reducing violence against women and girls. “A Call to Action, Part 1” was the culmination of the foundation’s year-long initiative, “What Will It Take? Building the Safest State for All Women and Girls.” On the right is CFW African-American Leadership Council Co-Chair Gwen Gilbert Cohen. Photo by Kat Fitzgerald; more images online

CRISIS from page 4 helped them manage their bills, overcome ad- diction, give back to the community, take medi- ents not taking their medications because they cation and stay alive. are spending all of their energy finding a place to stay. Unstable housing can also lead to drug Taking action dependency, hanging out with the wrong crowds “Without housing, I probably wouldn’t be and more. standing here,” said National AIDS Housing Olson said, “They will always choose food, Coalition board member Debra Fleming at the shelter, what have you, over meds.” Sept. 11 town hall. She encouraged attendees Until more funding becomes available, Smith to become involved, and said you don’t have to said the agency has to “pull rabbits out of other have HIV or be in need of housing to become an hats,” such as working to build rapport between advocate. landlords and clients to get application fees and Also at the meeting was young hip-hop J. credit checks waived, etc. “It’s challenging, but Xavier, who appeared at the AIDS Run & Walk. it is definitely rewarding when they are housed,” “You don’t have to be a victim to be an advo- she said. “We’ve had clients excel so much as a cate, but just have a voice,” he stressed. result.” In October, the mayor’s budget will be intro- At the town hall, Jennifer Williams of Inter- duced, and budget hearings and public testi- faith House said that each year, the organiza- mony will take place. The final budget will be tion has to turn away roughly 300 individuals, passed in November, and the 2008 fiscal year and their list is months long. “When we do get begins Jan. 1. Until then, organizations and ac- to them, we don’t know where they go,” she tivists say action is needed to convince the city said. that ongoing funds are crucial. Strategies discussed included writing to your Clients and former clients speak up representatives (city, state and national); be- BEHIV client Timothy Jones has had his life coming very informed and getting personal sto- dramatically impacted due to housing. After los- ries out in the open for people to hear. Activists ing his home and career, he found himself living also advised people to spread the word and to on the streets, “just giving up.” Through word become a part of the process by registering to of mouth, he was able to get the assistance he vote. More information can be found at www. needed to get a roof over his head. And with aidschicago.org. “hard work,” Jones was able to become drug- free, obtain a job, build credit and take care of his health. “It’s the best thing that has ever happened to me,” Jones told Windy City Times. Chicago House “Things are getting better and better. I’ll be 52 World Tour [soon], and I feel younger then that.” When asked where Jones would be without that Sept. 29 assistance, he simply stated, “In the ground. There’s no other way to put it.” The annual World Tour to benefit Chicago Evany Turk, who now runs a program at Chi- House & Social Service Agency will have an cago House, was diagnosed in 2001. A couple Italian flair when the organization presents of years later, she was evicted and walking the Bella Notte di Mille Stelle (Beautiful Night of streets pregnant. For her, stable housing helped a Thousand Stars) at the Renaissance Hotel, 1 her deal with the “baggage” that came with HIV. W. Wacker, on Sept. 29. Now, she helps others that are in the position The black-tie gala will begin at 6:30 p.m. she was once in to find employment. Turk is not Tickets are $250 and $350. For reservations only giving back, but has a home, her health and information, phone 773-248-5200, ext. and is preparing to get married. “All of that is 303, or visit www.chicagohouse.org. because I was able to be stably housed,” she told Windy City Times. Many clients who attended the town hall also provided personal stories about how housing 6 September 19, 2007

WCT: So everything will be fine regarding Cheetah Gym employees? AF: Yeah! MB Financial has been more than Manager: fantastic; they’ve gone above and beyond. They’ve paid us from our last payday ahead and have taken care up to the day we closed. ‘We’re Moving Accounts were put on hold and the bank had to step forward and take over, and we had Forward’ to take everything that was supposedly paid By Andrew Davis for on the day we closed...we had to redo ev- erything. It was a lot for [MB Financial], but To say that Cheetah Gym’s Angie Frank has had they’ve been fantastic. an up-and-down week might be the under- WCT: At this point, what will happen with statement of the year. After now-former chief plans to build a Cheetah Gym in Logan David Wilshire abruptly shut down all three Square? locations, alleging employee corruption, the AF: Honestly, my main concern is to make sites reopened a few days later and Frank— sure that these three facilities are up and run- the regional general manager—is making sure ning. It’s only been week one, and we’re trying Runway ALMA Kicks Off that all the facilities are running smoothly. She On Thurs., Sept. 13, at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, the Association of Latino Men for Ac- to prioritize. Not that Logan Square isn’t im- spoke with Windy City Times at the Anderson- portant, but we [need to] make sure that these tion (ALMA) held a kick-off party for Runway ALMA, an Oct. 12 event that will showcase the works of ville site last week about moving on. Latino/a fashion designers and that will feature gay Latinos Alex Perez (who is a broadcast journalist three facilities are running soundly; then, we can reach out to the community and let for NBC-5) and J.P. Calderon (a Survivor: Cook Islands contestant who is spotlighted on season two of Windy City Times: How is membership af- The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency show). At the kick-off event—which featured food, musicians them know what we decide to do with Logan ter what happened? Square. and even a runway show—ALMA Board President Julio Rodriguez (above, left) told Windy City Times Angie Frank: Things are really good. Every- that he hopes “to sell out the event, like last year. We’re really excited because we’re honoring two WCT: So the plans [with Logan Square] are body’s responded very positively. Of course, on hold? Latino men who, locally and nationally, are really great role models for Latino gay men. We hope that there was a little hesitation, but they see that [ultimately] that creates more visibility, so when people think of gay men, they recognize that Latino AF: Correct. the doors are open and that the staff hasn’t WCT: You’ve talked about moving forward. men are part of that community.” Photos and text by Andrew Davis; more images at www.WindyCity- changed. I would say that we got 99 percent of MediaGroup.com Of course, part of moving forward is reconcil- our staff back; I think that says a lot. Things ing with the past—so have you done that? have changed, but not that much. The amount granted this year is $125,000 AF: I’ve had numerous people ask me about Cheetah Gym has always had a name, and I Gov. Grants more than last year, according to Blagojevich that and, for me, being silent isn’t necessarily think that we’ve always been that neighbor- spokesman Justin DeJong. a bad thing. People who know me know what hood facility—and that’s what we’re trying to $2.5M to The Illinois Department of Public Health has I’ve done for Cheetah Gym for the past six or do. awarded the federal HUD Housing Opportuni- seven years, and I don’t have anything to prove WCT: Once Cheetah closed down, people HIV/AIDS Groups ties for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) grants since to anybody but that and to move forward. Gov. Rod Blagojevich has announced $2.55 wondered about the surrounding business- 1996. I wish no one any ill will. It is what it is, and million in grants to 17 community-based or- es. I’m just going to make the best of what it is. ganizations across Illinois to provide housing AF: Well, I know that the Starbucks [at 5300 I think the members appreciate the few things services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. ALCC Accepting N. Clark] is one of the busier ones in the city; we have changed, like the free towel service The grants will be used to provide such items people either stop there on the way in or out. we have now. I just want members to be able as lodging and meals to residents; rehabilitation Award So, it affects business all over; it does. to come in, work out and go home. Hopefully, and facility repair; and supportive services such Nominations WCT: And how are the other [Cheetah] lo- those who did leave [to go to other gyms] will as case management, mental health counseling cations doing? The AIDS Legal Council of Chicago (ALCC) is come back; if they don’t, I don’t blame them. and substance abuse treatment. AF: Good. Bucktown opened the same [day] inviting members of the public to submit nomi- WCT: What’s a typical day for you? “People fighting HIV/AIDS shouldn’t have that Andersonville did. nations for its 14th Annual Advocates of the Year AF: [Smiles] It’s been nothing but work, but to make a choice between being able to af- I think that each facility is stuck in the Awards. The awards recognize the outstanding it’s OK. I actually had my first morning off to- ford the medications they need, or being able neighborhood. I have to say that I’ve had some contributions of those who are working locally day and had breakfast with my girlfriend. to pay for basic living expenses like rent and positive experiences out of this, and I’m trying to improve the life quality of persons with HIV. It’s going to be tough for the first couple food,” Blagojevich said. “These grants are one to move forward from this. At Edgewater, I had Interested individuals can submit nominations months; I only had so much of the business more way in which we’re helping making sure families calling in to see how they could help in six award categories: Outstanding Health before and now I have to go over everything that those living with HIV/AIDS have a stable and take care of staff; some people dropped Care Provider, Outstanding Community Advo- with the consulting company that’s through living environment in which to better fight this off gift cards to some of my staff because they cate, Outstanding Client Advocate, Outstanding the bank. It’s going well. It’s like picking ev- disease.” knew that [the employees] hadn’t been paid. Philanthropist, Outstanding Volunteer and Out- erything apart and trying to figure it out; it’s “According to a recent study, people who are We had employees who had to feed their standing Emerging Leader. A nomination letter like a puzzle. not properly housed are sixteen times more like- children. I think that [the employees not get- (maximum length of two pages) must be mailed See www.cheetahgym.com for more info. ly to have HIV/AIDS,” said Reverend Stan Sloan, ting paid] was the hardest part for me. I knew or faxed to ALCC by no later than 5 p.m. on Fri., Those with questions should e-mail Kristen CEO of Chicago House, one of the grant recipi- I’d get paid, eventually, and I have other re- Sept. 21, to be considered. Nominations should at [email protected]. ents. “The need for HIV/AIDS housing contin- sources—but not everyone does. also include two brief letters of support explain- ues to skyrocket and this grant from the Illinois ing why the candidate should be selected in his Department of Public Health will help Chicago or her award category. House reduce that need in the City of Chicago.” ONLINE... All submissions will be reviewed by a panel of Among the other recipients of grants are AIDS- Bob Roehr’s profile of new previous Advocate of the Year Award recipients. Care (Chicago), Jo Ray House (Chicago), Phoenix Guidelines and forms can be obtained online at Servicemembers Legal Defense Network Center (Springfield), Bethany Place (Belleville), www.aidslegal.com or by calling Ricardo Cifu- The Children’s Place Association (Chicago) and executive director Aubrey Sarvis entes at 312-427-8990. Vision House (Chicago). www.windycitymediagroup.com

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With more than 25 years of public HIV/AIDS Host Benefit Equality Illinois health experience—including 21 years with the Equality Illinois has announced the appoint- Better Existence with HIV (BEHIV), a Chicago- Indian Health Service—his career has touched Writing Contest ment of Amy Bloom as executive director of and Evanston-based AIDS service organization, on medical social work, substance abuse, HIV/ the statewide advocacy organization for LGBT will host a number of events in the afternoon AIDS prevention and health care administra- for Youth rights. The Hear Me Project is hosting a national HIV/ on Sun., Oct. 7, to benefit its massage therapy tion. Bloom brings nearly ten years of non-profit AIDS story-writing contest. program. The event, a “tag day” at bars in An- For more about the film, see www.kevinsroom. experience to her new position, including a suc- The contest is open to those between the ages dersonville and Edgewater, will include activities org. See www.naswil.org about the conference. cessful tenure over the past three years as Se- of 14 and 22 as of Dec. 1, which is the dead- such as guest bartending, raffle drawings and nior Manager of Special Events at Howard Brown line (and is also World AIDS Day). The original drink specials. Health Center, the region’s leading LGBT health Russian to submissions can be fictional or non-fictional and Thirty percent of people with HIV suffer from care institution. must be about personal vulnerability to HIV/ neuropathy. The pain, which can include burn- At Equality Illinois, Bloom will direct fundrais- Speak at AIDS. The characters in the story must be im- ing feet, tingling hands and numb toes, is often ing and oversee organizational operations. Rick Shepherd Rally pacted by HIV/AIDS. Also, the maximum length so bad that sufferers scramble to piece together Garcia, the non-profit group’s longtime public for stories is five pages. scant relief from topical creams and pills. Mas- Gay Russian leader Nikolai Alexeyev will be policy director, will continue leading all advo- Judges include celebrities such as entertainer sage therapy is a restorative health option for the keynote speaker at the 9th Annual Matthew cacy, governmental policy and legislative activi- Hilary Duff, actress Jasmine Guy and film direc- individuals dealing with neuropathy; unfortu- Shepard March on Sat., Oct. 6. The rally/march, ties. tor Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. nately, federal funding for massage therapy has organized by the Gay Liberation Network (GLN), “We are extremely excited to have someone For entry forms and more info, see www. been eliminated. will begin at 8 p.m. in the parking lot located with Amy’s experience and dedication to LGBT HearMeProject.org. For more information about the event, contact on the corner of Halsted and Roscoe streets in causes join our staff,” said Arthur Johnston, Eric Nelson at 847-475-2115 extension 104 or Lakeview. president of the organization’s board of direc- [email protected]. For the past two years, Alexeyev has led the tors, in a statement. ‘Women Who Dared’ efforts of Russian lesbians and gays to win the right to publicly organize, braving police arrests Sept. 27 Martha Stewart and physical attacks by neo-fascists and reli- Chicago NOW will hold its Tenth Annual Women Kevin’s Room: gious zealots, according to a GLN press release. Who Dared cocktail reception and silent auction in Chicago Together “The Gay Liberation Network is proud to host on Thurs., Sept. 27, 6-9 p.m., at The Newberry Sept. 26 of Alexeyev because his example of tenacious Library, 60 W. Walton. The women honored this Martha Stewart, executive producer and host to Premiere organizing demonstrates how rights have always year will be Marcena W. Love and T. Khyentse of The Martha Stewart Show and founder of Mar- been won, regardless of country,” said GLN co- James. tha Stewart Living Omnimedia, will deliver the at Confab founder Andy Thayer. Love is founder of Personal PAC, a bipartisan keynote address at the 21st Annual Entrepre- The National Association of Social Workers Il- On Wed., Oct. 3, 7-9 p.m., GLN will host a political action committee dedicated to electing neurial Woman’s Conference on Wed., Sept. 26, linois Chapter is hosting its statewide confer- solidarity reception with Alexeyev at the Ger- pro-choice candidates to state and local office at 12 p.m. at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand. This is the ence Mon.-Wed., Sept. 24-26, at the Holiday Inn ber/Hart Library, at 1127 W. Granville. For more in Illinois. James is the founder of the Estrojam first day of the two-day event presented by the Chicago Mart Plaza. information about either event, call GLN at 773- Music and Cultural Festival, an annual not-for- Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC). One of the highlights of the event, open to 209-1187, e-mail [email protected],or profit, community-based event that features fe- Registration for the conference is available social workers and the public, will be the pre- visit www.GayLiberation.net. male musicians, artists, educators, activists, and online at www.wbdc.org or by calling 312-853- miere of Kevin’s Room: Together, the 90-minute community leaders. 3477, ext. 24. Tickets are $275 for everyone, in third and final installment of the acclaimed se- Tickets are $75 per person (or $80 at the advance and at the door. ries that addresses the HIV/AIDS crisis in the door). Student tickets are available for $40. In African-American gay community. 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For further information, Kevis Rejuvenation Programs, Inc. visit www.kevis.com or call 1506 Railroad Street 1-800-242-0999 Glendale, CA 91204 Our friendly and knowledgeable consultants will answer all your questions. 8 September 19, 2007 his private life and recognition of his true iden- WORLD tity. City bans all flags ROUNDUP to avoid the gay flag by Rex Wockner The Town Council of the small city of Truro, Nova Scotia, which has been hauled before the Ugandan tabloid outs provincial Human Rights Commission for refus- ing to fly the rainbow flag over the Civic Build- gay citizens ing during August’s gay pride festivities, has The Ugandan tabloid newspaper Red Pepper decided to stop flying flags altogether -- except on Sept. 9 again outed several citizens as gay. for the city, provincial and Canadian flags. Under the headline “HOMO TERROR! We Name The council previously had welcomed tempo- And Shame Top Gays In The City,” the paper rary displays of flags representing various groups called homosexuality “an unnatural habit that is Human Rights Watch GLBT program head Scott Long and the front of the Uganadan Red Pep- and organizations on its five official flagpoles. eating up our beloved nation.” per newspaper. Wockner file photo on left When it rejected the gay flag, in a 6-1 vote The paper named 40 individuals, by first name in August, Mayor Bill Mills remarked: “God says, only, but, in many cases, provided details about ‘I’m not in favor of that [homosexuality],’ and be angered that PinkNews.co.uk has decided to their physical appearance, place of employment, I have to look at it and say, ‘I guess I’m not, Ecuadorean defense take adverts from the Conservative Party,” the neighborhood of residence and the kind of car either.’ If I have a group of people that says Web site noted. “We can only stress that we look they drive. minister quits amid pedophiles should have rights, do we raise their forward to the day when all the parties see the In response, a new international grassroots flag too? ... There doesn’t seem to be standards gay conflict value of advertising on our site and understand activist network called Gays Without Borders Ecuadorean Defense Minister Lorena Escudero anymore.” the value of the unique access to clued-up, en- (GWB) has been organizing various actions quit Aug. 30 amid controversy over her plan to In adopting the total flag ban Sept. 10, a ma- gaged and switched-on gay and lesbian readers against the newspaper and protests to the Ugan- allow people in the military who come out as jority of the council also apologized to pride or- that we can offer.” dan government. The network communicates via gay to remain in the forces. ganizer Charles Thompson for Mills’ homophobic a Yahoo! group at http://groups.yahoo.com/ Escudero said Ecuador’s constitution, which remarks, saying they didn’t share his opinions. group/gayswithoutborders. bans discrimination based on sexual orienta- Euro court rules Mills said he had no further comment. But a spokesman for the European Region of tion, mandated the change in policy. At the for Lithuanian Thompson told The Chronicle Herald newspa- the International Lesbian and Gay Association, same time, Escudero was not advocating that per that the new policy is an easy solution that who just returned from Uganda, urged GWB to open gays be allowed to join the military. transsexuals doesn’t “deal with homophobic attitudes that reconsider its campaign. Reports said Escudero resigned after high mili- The European Court of Human Rights issued we feel exist in this town [and] sends the mes- “[The] coalition of LGBT organisations in tary commanders expressed strong opposition to a ruling Sept. 11 strengthening the rights of sage that they still don’t want to deal with us.” Uganda SMUG (Sexual Minorities Uganda) have her proposal. transsexuals in Lithuania. Truro, population 12,000, is about 60 miles decided to ignore the publication, as did even Escudero reportedly moved to a new job head- Such individuals already had the right to of- (96 km) northwest of Halifax. most of those who were outed,” wrote ILGA-Eu- ing the government’s Migrant Office. ficially change their gender but the nation has rope Programs Director Maxim Anmeghichean. New Defense Minister Wellington Sandoval failed to pass enabling legislation necessary for Suddenly, there are “[In the] absence of any national pressure, said he has no plans to “politicize” the armed them to gain access to full sex-reassignment letters ... from abroad may be strategically awk- forces. surgery through the country’s health care sys- more gay Canadians ward and support the idea promoted by the gov- tem. There are a lot more gay Canadians than there ernment that the fight for LGBT rights in the In a 6-1 ruling in a case brought by a female- used to be. Or maybe not. Perhaps the census country does not belong to Ugandans and is pro- Brit Tories to-male transsexual, “Mr. L.,” the court said the has gotten better at counting them, and gays moted by the West. [T]hink twice before sending advertise in lack of access to full surgery violates the Euro- are getting better about coming out to the gov- a letter and check with a number of Ugandan pean Convention on Human Rights’ guarantee of ernment. activists before proceeding with action!” gay press respect for one’s private and family life. Newly released data from the 2006 census Britain’s Conservative Party, the Tories, is ad- Human Rights Watch GLBT program director “This is a very positive judgment [that] high- shows 45,345 same-sex couples nationwide, a vertising in the gay press for the first time. Scott Long agreed that foreign activists should lights a problem with some European countries 32.6 percent jump from 2001. But the figures are The popular Web site PinkNews.co.uk agreed take care to work through established Ugan- which formally permit gender reassignment and still far from complete, as the couples amount to to accept the party’s ads, saying it is “proud of dan gay organizations, such as member groups amendment of identity documents but lack legal only 0.6 percent of total Canadian couples. our ability to engage with all political parties of SMUG, both to be certain the foreign assis- clarity and consistency, and available medical Half of the couples who came out to census and interest groups [and] the messages that the tance is welcome and because some individuals facilities,” said the European branch of the In- takers lived in Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver. Conservative Party in 2007 want to share with in Uganda have attempted to raise funds from ternational Lesbian and Gay Association. Of the couples counted, 7,465 have gotten the gay community are ones we feel comfortable abroad by setting up sham gay groups. The court gave Lithuania three months to fix married since Canadian provinces began legaliz- with.” the problems or face a 40,000 euro (US$55,612) ing same-sex marriage in 2003. It was legalized The party reportedly also has bought ads on payout to Mr. L., who was granted 5,000 euros nationally in 2005. Records from the provinces Facebook and the gossip portal Popbitch. British in damages immediately. show that 12,438 marriage licenses had been is- political parties are prohibited from advertising Mr. L. was prescribed hormone therapy in 1998 sued to Canadian same-sex couples as of summer on television. but denied further therapy in 1999 because it 2006. “We are aware that some of our readers will was not clear he would have access to a sex- Officials say they realize their tally of gay change operation. He continued the therapy on couples is an undercount, in part because the his own and, in 2000, had his female breasts effort to count them was newly formulated and iLœÀ> Ê
°Ê removed. because the census forms lacked clarity. In the In 2003, a new law granted transsexuals the U.S., a census count of gay couples jumped 300 Wednesday, Sept. 19 ÕÀ« ÞÊ *
right to gender-reassignment surgery when percent from 1990 to 2000. In Australia, it dou- 7:30 p.m. medically possible, but additional measures that bled from 1996 to 2001. Gioia Diliberto were necessary to implement the law were never Of the married same-sex couples counted in adopted, and medical facilities to carry out a full the Canadian census, 53.7 percent were male The Collection ÇÇ·{ä{‡n{ä£ female-to-male sex-change operation apparently couples and 46.3 percent female. Sixteen per- do not exist in Lithuania. cent of female couples had children living with Thursday, Sept. 20 In court, the government suggested that in- them, as did 3 percent of male couples. Ó£xxÊ7°Ê,œÃVœi dividuals such as Mr. L. might be eligible to un- 7:30 p.m. dergo surgery abroad at state expense. —Assistance: Bill Kelley Michael McColly £Ê-œÕÌ But, for now, the court said, Mr. L. faces unac- The After Death Room ceptable and distressing uncertainty regarding

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VOL. 23, No. 2, September 19, 2007 VIEWPOINT The combined forces of Windy City Times, founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, founded May 1987.

on the phone. When he hung up, Pam and I in- PUBLISHER & Executive EDITOR troduced ourselves, and explained our request. Tracy Baim MARRIED His response was devastating: “I apologize for having to give you bad news, but I just spoke with the judge who authored Assistant Publisher Terri Klinsky IN IOWA— MANAGING Editor Andrew Davis yesterday’s decision. He just issued an im- Business manager Cynthia Holmes mediate stay of his ruling, pending appeal to Director of New Media Jean Albright the Iowa Supreme Court. I am so sorry.” ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson ALMOST account managerS: Amy Matheny, Suzanne Kraus, Kirk Before we left Iowa City Friday morning, we Williamson, Jerry Nunn, Terry Wiegel, Thomas Koontz, knew this was the possible, even likely, out- Matthew Robitaille We were surprised—actually, admittedly come of our marriage attempt. We knew we Promotions director Kathleen Ulm had limited time, and that an appeal and stay OFFICE Robb Olson stunned—after Thursday’s court ruling struck NIGHTSPOTS MANAGING Editor Kirk Williamson could occur at any minute. We thought we had down Iowa’s marriage laws limiting marriage Elizabeth Beglin (right) and Pam Lee. SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Amy Wooten to a “man and a woman,” thus paving the way steeled ourselves against disappointment. Yet, National Sales Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 when it came, it hurt more than we could ever TheatER Editor Jonathan Abarbanel for Pam and I to be wed in the Hawkeye State. “We’ll meet you at the Recorder’s Office at 8.” Cinema WRITER Richard Knight, Jr. have imagined. Deflated, we walked silently to We didn’t think it would happen here in the “I’m sorry, but the Judge’s ruling is valid only BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair hand back our notarized application. We left Des SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, Rex Wockner, David Byrne, heartland, at least not yet. After an evening in Polk County [Des Moines], the local recorder charity fundraiser, Pam and I re-read the court Moines with a file-stamped marriage applica- Cathy Seabaugh, Tony Peregrin told us. Pam and I exchanged glances. “Let’s ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS tion. It awaits a decision by the Iowa Supreme decision, and I proposed. Admittedly, it wasn’t go.” Our first stop was the courthouse, where Mary Shen Barnidge, Jim Edminster, Steve Warren, Lawrence Court. Funny—when something isn’t legally romantic. But, after 20 years, we were past Sally validated our marriage application by sign- Ferber, Mel Ferrand, Tim Nasson, Romeo St. Vincente, Scott permissible for a class of individuals to which Morgan, Catey Sullivan, Eric Eatherly, J. S. Hall the “tryout stage.” We went to bed thinking, ing as a “disinterested” witness, confirming you belong, you can fool yourself into believ- Columnists/Writers: Yvonne Zipter, Mubarak Dahir, “Did this really happen?” our identities in front of a notary, and my co- Michelangelo Signorile, Susie Day, Jorjet Harper, Lee Lynch, ing it doesn’t matter. However, when something As a former head coach at the University of workers. Steve Starr, Joe Rice, Dan Woog, Marie-Jo Proulx, Lisa Keen, as fundamental as marriage becomes a reality— Chris Crain, Charlsie Dewey, Aqua Terra Travel, Michael Knipp Iowa, a 1984 bronze medalist and 1988 Olym- We were not quite sure who was more excited pic team captain, I had represented Iowa in the even for a few hours—it is difficult to return to PHOTOGRAPHERS Mel Ferrand, Kat Fitzgerald, Steve Becker at the idea of our instant wedding, my co-work- ARTISTS/CARTOONISTS Alison Bechdel, Mikeoart that state of denial. Marriage, with all the rights national and international athletic arena in a ers or us. Just as Sally was about to sign, Iris and responsibilities, matters to us. For 20 years, first-class manner. On Friday, Pam and I almost stopped the proceedings, grabbed Meredith’s we have gladly shared in its responsibilities. Fri- became first-class citizens. “Welcome Back from Maternity Leave” bouquet, day, we hoped we could finally avail ourselves of Awake at dawn on Friday, Pam and I reached divided it in half and handed each of us a flo- its rights. a mutual decision: We should do this. Knowing ral arrangement for the signing ceremony. Pam We left the Administration building, driving to CIRCULATION a judicial stay was only a matter of time, we and I traded “Bride” and “Groom” signs while Circulation director Jean Albright the same restaurant we dined at two years ago grabbed the computer, and printed an applica- flashbulbs popped. We hopped in the Miata, top- Distribution: Ashina, Allan, Carol, Crystal, Dan, Ed, Jack, after I was deemed morally fit to practice law as John, Maria and Sue tion. The form created our first dilemma: Who down on a hot summer day, and bolted. a member of the Iowa Bar. I was, that day, sworn wanted to be the “Groom” and who wanted to On the way to Des Moines, Pam and I made our in before some of the same justices who will de- be the “Bride,” as those were the designated invitation list, discussed reception dates, picked cide whether I should have the same rights as categories and the only choices. Could we cross music and ironed out the details of the wedding the Iowans for whom I legally advocate. As Pam out “Groom” and each be a “Bride”? Would this we would hold for friends and family. We were and I unsuccessfully attempted to blink back invalidate the form? Are we really having a dis- excited about a possibility that had been long our tears, we tried to focus on what we will re- WCMG Board of directors cussion about this? OK, flip a coin. I am the closed to us. Imagine having the same legal pro- President: Tracy Baim member from this day: our love, and the support groom; Pam is the bride. tections as every other married couple! Vice President: Nan Schaffer of our friends, family and co-workers. Thank you Secretary: Pete Thelen First bridge crossed; now, we needed a witness. Inside the Polk County Administration Build- That decision was easy. At 7 a.m., we called from the bottom of our broken hearts. At-large: Jonathan Abarbanel, Michael Bauer, ing, we headed toward the recorder’s office, Marv Pollack Sally, our friend and neighbor. “Hello, Sally, traversing a hallway crowded with TV crews and Elizabeth Beglin what are you doing this morning?” I asked. She cameras. We had our application signed and no- responded after a momentary pause: “Why?” Assistant Johnson County Attorney Copyright 2007 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media Group; All tarized, and headed to the courthouse with an rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back issues available for Former University of Iowa Head Field Hockey I didn’t hesitate. “Pam and I wanted to know application to waive the three-day waiting peri- $3 per issue (postage included). Return postage must accompany if you would be our witness for our marriage Coach (1988-2000) all manuscripts, drawings, and photographs submitted if they are to od, which required a judge’s signature. Our plan be returned, and no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited 1980 Olympian, 1984 Bronze Medalist, 1988 application. We can’t think of anyone else we was to get the waiver signed, file it, get our mar- materials. All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy would rather have.” An emotional Sally replied, Olympic Team Captain City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication riage license and be married back in Iowa City. purposes and as such, subject to editing and comment. The opinions “I would be honored.” My own eyes welled as I Waiting to see the judge, we were seated in a expressed by the columnists, cartoonists, letter writers, and com- realized our marriage was an actual possibility. mentators are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of courtroom outside his office door and heard him Windy City Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orienta- tion of such person or organization. While we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept responsibility for advertising claims. ONLINE... (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com e-mail: [email protected]

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www.windycitymediagroup.com September 19, 2007 11 So, enough about us. Let’s talk about you.

Dr. David Blatt and Dr. David Moore; Vera Washington. Photos by Hal Baim Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame Honorees Chosen The Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues has named the 2007 list of individuals and organizations for inclusion in the only known government-sponsored hall of fame that honors members of the LGBT commu- nities. Honorees will be inducted at the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame’s 17th annual ceremo- ny, to be held from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. on Thurs., Oct. 18 at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Tell us your life story, and we’ll give Washington. Those honored in 2007 are: you $25 to start the next chapter. Individuals —Dr. David Blatt, 56, and Dr. David Moore, 57, partners and groundbreaking medical practitio- ners and advocates in HIV/AIDS care. At Fifth Third Bank, it's all about you. Your dreams. Your goals. Your life —Robbin Burr, 53, former executive director of the Center on Halsted. story. Stop in a Fifth Third Banking Center to learn how we can write the —Tarrina Dikes, 50, activist who has been in Affinity and many other groups. next chapter together. If you like what you hear, we’ll give you $25 to start a —Martin Gapshis, 60, for long-standing ser- Fifth Third banking relationship. And, we’ll help you make the financial vice to the city of Chicago, including the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. decisions you need, so your life story has a very happy ending. —Jeffrey E. McCourt (1955–2007), founding publisher of Windy City Times. —Dr. Carlos T. Mock, 51, physician, author, and advocate. Call 1-877-579-5353 or walk in any of our 158 Chicagoland —Chili Pepper, one of Chicago’s most cel- ebrated entertainers. and Northern Indiana Banking Center locations today. —Karen C. Sendziak, 50, for 20 years of work with Gerber/Hart Library. —Patrick Sheahan, 51, for his outstanding re- cord of civic and LGBT community leadership, including his efforts in building the Center on Halsted. —Vera Washington, 55, promoter, HIV/AIDS counselor, youth service coordinator and co- founder of Executive Sweet Inc.

Organizations —American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER), Chicago Chapter. —Chicago Games, Inc., for hosting Gay Games VII —A Real Read, an African-American LGBT per- formance ensemble.

Friends of the Community www.53.com —Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun, 60. —Harold Washington (1922–1987), former mayor of Chicago. $25 bonus for any new Fifth Third checking account opened between 8/27/07 and 9/30/07. $50 minimum deposit to receive bonus. Returned check and overdraft fees apply to all checking accounts. Accounts closed within six Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted, will host a celeb- months will be charged $25. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) accurate as of 8/26/07. Fifth Third Interest Checking pays an APY of 0.25% on balances below $5,000 and 0.75% on balances of $5,000 and above. Club 53 Checking pays rity auction to benefit the hall of fame on Tues., an APY of 0.10%. APYs may vary by market. Rates may change after account opening. Fees may reduce earnings. Fifth Third and Fifth Third Bank are registered service marks of Fifth Third Bancorp. Member FDIC. Sept. 25, at 7 p.m.. Registration is $10. 12 September 19, 2007 back of the same area. Also, there are live DJs to do is pay tribute to gay and lesbian people rently bricked-over windows on the south wall on Fridays and Saturdays, and ladies’ night on throughout Chicago history. People born in Il- will be windows once again. BUSINESS: Wednesdays. Plus, karaoke will be in tune Mon- linois will be featured [on the walls] with large In addition, Cannella is planning a new look Paul Cannella: days, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. black-and-white photos with a handwritten to the back portion of the bar, and he’s look- The billboard outside now claims, “This isn’t story of what they did to contribute to society.” ing to secure a patio license. Lastly, the current Changing your father’s Gentry.” The list includes Rock Hudson, Henry Gerber and old-school green stools will be replaced with How true. David Kopay, among others. custom-made furniture from Ireland. Gentry’s Tune “This isn’t a difficult business. It’s about being And shots of liquor at The Levee will carry a “The goal is: When you walk into The Levee, By Ross Forman the bridge to allowing people to have a good celebrity tie, too, with drinks named in honor of you feel like you’re walking back in time. We time,” said Cannella, who also is an account luminaries such as Liberace. want it to be a part of history. And for anyone Paul Cannella’s vision for the future of Gentry on manager for Time, Inc., and runs a highly suc- The biggest changes will involve the decor. in the neighborhood, gay or straight,” said Can- Halsted relies heavily on the past. cessful home-based business for dogs and their The green carpet will be removed and replaced nella, who noted that it always will be “ultra- Cannella, 37, a Lincoln Park resident who was owners called PoopBags.com. with five-inch-thick plank walnut floors. The clean” and offer “top-notch customer service.” raised in Chicago’s northern suburbs, purchased “What we’re fighting now is the brand,” he mirrors and oak walls also will be removed. And But what about the fabled piano? It will be the Lakeview bar in May. He’s already made a few said. “I keep hearing people say, ‘Gentry is an the ceiling will have a new look too; it will sport donated to charity or sold, Cannella said. changes, adding his personal touch. Bartenders, old-man bar.’ Well, not anymore.” some color, but no ceiling fans. Plus, the cur- for instance, have exchanged their all-black at- Cannella, who is gay, wants to attract the Wabash. The event is free. Call 312-344-8300 tire for funny, conversation-starting T-shirts. younger set as well as lesbians. “A bar is about Local Events or see www.colum.edu/dancecenter. And there now are framed ‘70s fashion posters whoever feels comfortable there, and I want ev- Down under: The Chicago Architecture Foun- that he purchased on eBay. eryone to feel comfortable,” he said. Book it: Gerber/Hart Library, 1127 W. Gran- dation, 224 S. Michigan, will present “Under- That’s just the start of Cannella’s overhaul for Gentry will have a monthly theme and corre- ville, is actively recruiting people to sign up ground Chicago: Historic Basements in the to get library cards for Library Card Sign-Up Loop” on Thurs., Sept. 27, 4:30-6:30 p.m. The Month. Those who do so this month will re- cost is $20-$30. RSVP at www.architecture.org ceive a $5 gift certificate redeemable at either or at 312-922-3432, ext. 224. of the library’s two remaining 2007 book sales. Drinks with the commissioner: Citizens for Memberships are $25-$65, depending on sta- Quigley will hold a cocktail social at Cocktail, tus. Call 773-381-8030 or see www.gerberhart. 3359 N. Halsted, on Thurs. Sept. 27, 6-8 p.m. org. (Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley will Camp meeting: The global medical humani- be present.) Tickets are $35-$500. See www. tarian organization Doctors Without Borders MikeQuigley.com. will display an interactive exhibit, “A Refugee Mingle file: The Chicago Area Gay and Les- Camp in the Heart of the City,” on Wed.-Sun., bian Chamber of Commerce is hosting “Mix & Sept. 19-23 at Grant Park, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. each Mingle: The Art of Networking” on Thurs., Sept. day. See www.doctorswithoutborders.org/ 27, 6-9 p.m. at Thomas Robertello Gallery, 393 education/refugeecamp/chicago about related W. Randolph. The event is $20 for members events. and $30 for non-members. Register at www. Moral sects: On Thurs., Sept. 20, 7-9 p.m., glchamber.org. The Mosaic Initiative will hold a panel discus- All that jazz: Jazz pianist Larry Vuckovich sion entitled “HIV and Morality” at Barrows Au- will play at Club St. Sava (at the Serbian Cultur- ditorium in the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton al Center), 448 W. Barry, on Fri., Sept. 28, at 8 College. The event is free. See www.mosaicini- p.m.; and at PianoForte Jazz Salon (at the Fine tiative.org. Arts Building), 410 S. Michigan, Ste. 825, on Paul Cannella. Photo by Ross Forman State of shock: The Public Square at the Il- Sat., Sept. 29, at 3 p.m. See www.clubstsava. linois Humanities Council, Experimental Sta- org and www.pianoforte.com, respectively. tion, and Seminary Co-op Bookstore present Belle of the Ball: Honey West will play “the “An Evening with Norma Klein” on Fri., Sept. ‘50s female Lenny Bruce” Belle Barth on Mon., the long-standing North Halsted Street bar that sponding decorations for the rest of 2007. June, 21, at 7 p.m. at Experimental Station, 6100 S. Oct. 1, at Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. seems to carry an old-man’s gay bar label. of course, was gay pride, so there naturally were Blackstone. Klein will discuss and sign her new Belmont, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10-$15. RSVP “I worked at a bar while in college [at Wis- rainbows galore. July carried a patriotic Inde- book, The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster at 773-929-7367, ext. 5. E-mail info@writers- consin-Whitewater] and always wanted to own pendence Day feel. August centered around a Capitalism. To reserve a signed copy or for more blocfest.org. a bar. I, of course, have hung out in plenty of summer luau theme so, yes, bartenders likely info, see http://semcoop.booksense.com/NA- Dance like an Egyptian: Deeply Rooted Pro- them,” said Cannella, who is the captain and is will be wearing grass skirts. SApp/store/IndexJsp or at 773-684-1300. ductions will present “Nefertiti: A Concert of arguably the best player on the Chicago Drag- At North Halsted Market Days, Gentry had Reading is fun-damental: “Eat, Drink and Music and Dance” on Thurs.-Sun., Oct. 4-7, at ons, a local gay rugby team. beach chairs out front, and, no doubt, some tiki Be Literate” will take place on Sat., Sept. 22, the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport. huts around. He considered buying a pizza restaurant two at Oak Park Library, 834 Lake, Oak Park, at 12 The production is based on the 1977 Chicago Cannella is planning a huge New Year’s Eve years ago, but decided against it. He learned p.m. A variety of activities is scheduled, in- musical Nefertiti. Tickets are $25-$45; call party that will double as a goodbye party to online that Gentry on Halsted was for sale from cluding a jazz show and an international film 312-902-1500 or visit www.ticketmaster.com. Gentry. the estate of the late former owner, David Ed- festival. See www.resourcesunlimited.org. Trio-thermal: Two-time Grammy Award-win- The bar will then close in January for about wards. (The downtown Gentry, 440 N. State, is Life is a cabaret: Daryl Nitz and George ning Kingston Trio, credited with the “folk mu- two months—and $150,000 worth of renova- separately owned.) Howe, creators of the “Nitz and Howe Experi- sic revival” in the late 1950s, brings its three- tions will take place. After his first meeting to discuss buying it, ence” cabaret show, will celebrate their 500th part harmony to Centre East at the North Shore It will reopen as The Levee, a name that pays Cannella gave a check—his first down payment. performance on Sat., Sept. 22, at Davenport’s Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie, tribute to Chicago’s original red-light district “The bar opened in about 1982 and is a piano, Piano Bar and Cabaret, 1383 N. Milwaukee, 10 Skokie, on Fri., Oct. 12 at 8 p.m. Tickets are cabaret-style bar. But I’m not a huge fan of cab- up through the 1920s. The Levee offered every p.m. The cover is $2 (yes, $2). Call 773-278- $55; call 847-673-6300. aret, so we’re going to change that,” he said. known vice of that era: prostitution, drugs and 1830 to reserve. A NU day has dawned: Northwestern Univer- And, boy, does he have grand plans for the gay sex. Let me hear your body talk: The Dance Cen- sity Gay & Lesbian Alumni (NUGALA) will host location. However, the real changes, including In 2008, The Levee will be an old-fashion Chi- ter of Columbia College Chicago will present a a homecoming party Fri., Oct. 12, at Mary’s At- the name, won’t come until 2008. cago pub. panel discussion, “Body Language: Intercultur- tic, 5400 N. Clark, 7-9 p.m. The cost is $5. See In the meantime, he’s moved the familiar pi- “It’s just going to be so different from what al Exchange in Choreography,” on Tues., Sept. http://alumni.princeton.edu/~ffr-gala/sc_in- ProjectMixWCT:Layout 1 9/7/2007 2:01 PM Page 1 1/15 Page – 3.125” x 2.75 ano from the middle of the front section to the it is now,” Cannella said. “What we’re going 25, 12:30-2 p.m. at Conaway Center, 1104 S. dex.asp.

poppers crystal SEX. Russian Gay Leader tina DRUGS. to Speak in Chicago! alcohol ALCOHOL. at the JOSEPH RICE “K” POSITIVE. rock NEGATIVE 9th Annual INTERIORS, INC. ecstasy . Matthew Shepard March Have you had your last visit with PROJECT MIX? for LGBT Freedom CHICAGO The study is about to end... Nikolai Alexeyev has courageously led the organizing of (773) 271-2361 Just a friendly reminder! Russian LGBT people, braving government repression, Project MIX is asking you to return for your final visit. physical assaults by fascists, and the vicious opposition of www.josephriceinteriors.com The stipend can be as much as $50 for your visit all major religious denominations in Moscow. Call us at 773-388-8880 Chicago’s Gay Liberation Network is proud to sponsor Alexeyev’s first-ever visit to the U.S. Info: 773-209-1187 A research project by Specializing In Drapery Treatments 8 PM, Saturday, October 6 Corner of Halsted & Roscoe Streets, Chicago www.howardbrown.org 2007 Howard Brown Health Center. All rights reserved. September 19, 2007 13 identity in its non-discrimination policies. cil voted 4-4 to support it, meaning the issue Pro-gay think tank Truth Wins Out is warn- stalled. NATIONAL ing people to be very skeptical of an “ex- Equality Forum, an international LGBT-rights gay” study conducted by Stanton L. Jones of organization, has announced 31 icons to be ROUNDUP Wheaton College and Mark A. Yarhouse of Pat featured during GLBT History Month in Octo- BY ANDREW DAVIS Robertson University. According to an organi- ber. Icons incude athlete Billie Jean King, writ- zational release, the study states that a lot of er Gore Vidal, ruler Frederick II, singer Bessie In Massachusetts, Boston organization The gay people can become straight through faith- Smith and actress Lily Tomlin. Icon videos and Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project has is- based counseling. Truth Wins Out leader Wayne biographies will be available at www.GLBTHisto- sued a press release that focuses on bashings Besen said in a statement that “after several key ryMonth.com. reportedly taking place in the gay mecca of ex-gay leaders have been caught in sex scandals, The Rev. D. James Kennedy, a Christian Provincetown. A man received serious injuries their tales of transformation lack credibility.” broadcaster and pastor known for being after being attacked Sept. 10, according to the Danny Fields—the manager of such leg- against same-sex marriage, among other is- release—and the incident came at a time when endary musical acts as Iggy Pop and the Ra- sues, died in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Sept. 5 Provincetown’s police department is being criti- mones—is suing OUT magazine for $100 mil- at the age of 76, according to the AP. Kennedy cized for its allegedly violent arrest of Boston DJ lion, according to The New York Post. The lawsuit was the force behind Coral Ridge Ministries, and Barry Scott. alleges defamation, with the openly gay Fields, he created a political branch called the Center In his new book, Washington Post journalist 65, claiming that the publication “has called me for Reclaiming America for Christ. In a state- Glenn Kessler states that Secretary of State virtually a sexual predator.” Fields contends that ment, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s Condoleezza Rice once co-owned a home and an October 2006 article that quoted him essen- Jason Cianciotto said, “We express our condo- Wayne Besen. Photo by Mel Ferrand shared a line of credit with another woman, tially “gay-bashed” him. lences to the family, friends and all those close according to RawStory.com. The book reveals A Mafia killer who likes to hang out with to the Rev. Dr. D. James Kennedy. ... Unfortu- that Rice owned a home with documentary film- student; later, three white students hung nooses gay men—and who is on the FBI’s 10 Most nately, Kennedy’s ‘truth’ included the vilification maker Randy Bean, who said that she had little from a tree at the school, and were suspended Wanted list—has allegedly been seen in Ita- and demonization of millions of [LGBT] people money and Rice helped her by buying the house even though Black parents wanted the whites ly, according to 365Gay.com. Photos and video for more than 30 years.” with openly gay Stanford University professor expelled. from Italy reveal a man who resembled James In Pennsylania, a prostitution sting has Coit Blacker. Speaking of the HRC, the organization held its “Whitey” Bulger, 77, and his girlfriend, Cathe- resulted in the arrest of a local policeman, Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Brotherhood Mutual fifth “Claim Your Truth” Summit in Washington, rine Greig. Bulger, who is believed to have been 365Gay.com reported. Levi Gibbon, Jr., 40, a Insurance Company has refused to even give D.C., Sept. 12–15, according to an organization- involved in the deaths of 20 people, reportedly part-time officer with Newport Township, was coverage quotes to a United Church of Christ al statement. The conference was the organiza- owned two Boston gay clubs in the ‘60s and ‘70s. arrested after he talked about sex acts and fees (UCC) congregation in Michigan after learning tion’s training program for LGBT students at In 2001, Tulsa, Okla., police said that Bulger has with an undercover officer; Gibbon eventually the denomination supports same-sex mar- the country’s historically Black colleges and “an affinity” for the gay community. settled for $200. Authorities said that Gibbon riage, according to a UCC release. The company universities. Among the slated speakers were The first-ever transgender community career admitted in a written statement that he was an told West Adrian UCC in Adrian, Mich., that its former NBA star John Amaechi and Noah’s Arc expo took place Sept. 14 at the 17th annual escort and expected to be paid for performing positions increased its risk for liability and prop- co-star Doug Spearman. Southern Comfort Conference in Atlanta, Ga., sexual acts. erty insurance. Washington, D.C., Mayor Adrian Fenty has according to a Human Rights Campaign press LGBT-rights organization Equality Forum has New HIV-related cases have increased by a named Christopher Dyer as permanent direc- release. Representatives of more than 20 major announced that 92.6 percent of the 2007 For- third in gay men under the age of 30 in New tor of his Office of LGBT Issues, according to corporations with policies that incorporate gen- tune 500 companies (or 463 of them) include York City since 2001, according to a New York The Washington Blade. Dyer, a longtime gay- der identity protection participated. sexual orientation in their employment nondis- Daily News item. In 2001, there were 374 new rights activist, was interim director for about six San Diego’s city council will not support a crimination policies. The finding stands in stark diagnoses in that demographic; last year, a city months. court challenge to California’s refusal to al- contrast to federal and state laws; there is no report stated that there were 499. Moreover, the The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education low same-sex couples to marry, according to comparable federal measure and only 20 states rate in teenage gay males has doubled over that Network (GLSEN) has released a research brief 365Gay.com. Los Angeles, Long Beach and Oak- have sexual orientation as a protected category time span, from 41 to 87. that documents how helpful gay-straight al- land are among the cities supporting a “friend in the workplace. In Evesham, N.J., the school board voted to liances (GSAs) have been in schools. Among of the court” brief. However, San Diego’s coun- stop showing third graders That’s a Family, an the important findings is that GSAs contribute educational video that includes families headed to a more positive environment (e.g., more sup- by same-sex couples, according to The Philadel- portive administrations), making schools more phia Inquirer. The school district started show- accessible to LGBT students. Over 3,600 GSAs ing That’s a Family last year, but some parents are registered with GLSEN in every state, Puerto objected to the gay content. Rico and Washington, D.C. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has So far this year, 53 major companies—in- thrown its support with a civil-rights coali- cluding MasterCard, Starbucks and Campbell tion seeking justice in the “Jena 6” case in Soup—have added non-discrimination poli- Jena, La., according to an organizational press cies that cover gender identity and expres- release. The Washington Post reported that the sion, making the total number 230, according case has drawn nationwide attention because to a Gender Public Advocacy Coalition (Gender- of the seriousness of the charges filed against PAC) release. Ten years ago, Lucent Technologies six Black youths who allegedly attacked a white was the first large corporation to include gender Help him, Host Committee: Hon. John J. Cullerton, Hon. Sara Feigenholtz, Hon. Tom Tunney, Michael Bauer, Kelly Cassidy, Justin DeJong,Kimberly A. Duda, Debbie Dodge, Alicia Obando, help yourself. Jon F. Erickson, David Gassman, Geno, Jackie Kaplan, Joel Kessler, Roland A. Kline, Jennifer Kuhn, Franco La Marca, Bennett Lawson, Nick Libert, Mary Cay Marubio, Brian Mobley, Gail Morse & Lauren Verdich, Brandon Neese, Michael Oppenheimer, Jay Rowell, John Russell, Chris Swanson, Mary True, & Ryan VanMeter. Erectile Dysfunction: Understanding Satisfying Solutions for You and Your Partner

When ED becomes a problem, you need a solution that Join us for cocktails works for both of you – and oral medications aren’t effective for with our favorite approximately 30% of those who try them. Learn more about the latest solutions in an informative seminar especially for gay men. County Commissioner Thursday, FREE SEMINAR Mike Quigley. September 27 Featuring Dr. H. Merrill Matschke 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 25, 2007 6:30pm Some of the reasons we toast Mke: Cocktail Center on Halsted -sponsored and passed Domestic 3359 N. Halsted 3656 N. Halsted St. Partnership ordinance for County The event is free to the public and partners welcome. workers. Ticket levels: $35; $100; $250; $500 TO RSVP CALL 877-4ED-CURE -sponsored and passed Domestic Partnership registry. RSVP to Erica -sponsored and passed the Gender at 773/935-9555. Identity Amendment to the Cook Sponsored By: County Human Rights Ordinance. Paid for by Citizens for Quigley. For more information go to: www.malecare.com 14 September 19, 2007 to talk with their clients. the buzz WCT: Is that your biggest immediate chal- lenge? about EN: That’s probably it, in terms of funding. The federal government cuts funding, and the state QUOTELINES picks up some of it, but it’s hard for them to do. BY REX WOCKNER behiv The city did a very good job of providing pre- BY ANDREW DAVIS vention funding last year, but now there’s more need for housing. Q The organization known as Better Existence JS: The biggest reason I wanted to do this “[Sen.] Larry Craig isn’t simply ‘a “[A] closeted gay Republican [lives] a with HIV (BEHIV) recently tapped staff members is because services here are dwindling and the nasty, naughty, bad boy,’ as the senator life of desperation and fear and loneliness, Eric Nelson and Julie Supple as its new execu- needs are [increasing]. The word out in the famously called Bill Clinton during the Monica of expressing one’s true feelings only in the tive director and program director, respectively. community [does not reflect] what’s going on; Lewinsky scandal. Larry Craig is a confused and anonymity of the Internet, of furtive bathroom Windy City Times talked with them and got the a lot of people are sick and many are going to closeted gay man unable to connect the dots encounters, of late nights darting in and out lowdown on the direction they hope to take the continue to be sick, as the transmission rates between his sexuality and his belief in mar- of dark bars, hoping not to be seen. It [is a] agency. are still up. The needs are up and the services riage and family. ... Craig’s personal story is life without a long-term partner, without real are going down—something is wrong with that a cautionary tale in support of gay rights as love.” — Syndicated gay-press columnist Dale WCT: So what are your responsibilities as picture. It’s very frustrating. consistent with marriage and family values. Carpenter in an Aug. 29 filing. program director and what would you like to EN: I don’t think we’re in any danger of going Craig should never have married a woman in see done? away, but we need to look at how everything’s the first place, and his scandal is a reminder “The states have always determined Julie Supple: My responsibilities are basically changing. Our clients need more services. Cli- that legal recognition for gay relationships age of marriage, other conditions and over to oversee the staff in this office. I supervise the ents need mental health counseling, housing can help other closet cases see an alternative time we’ve gotten rid a lot of discrimination managers who oversee the workers. I’ll be sitting or help with substance-abuse issues. People to attempting heterosexual marriage, with all that used to exist in marriage laws. That’s in on different meetings, such as ones involving are living longer and they need more services the collateral damage to unwitting spouse and now happening. People are making decisions. fundraising. because they have more issues to deal with; if children.” — Syndicated gay-press columnist Civil unions, marriage. They’re deciding in the Eric Nelson: She’ll also be coordinating all the someone doesn’t have a home or is dealing with Chris Crain, Sept. 4. states and I think that’s the appropriate place direct services, so if it falls outside of develop- domestic violence, that person is not [necessar- for that to be.” — Presidential candidate Hil- ment or human resources. ily] concerned with taking medication. “Why are undercover cops hanging lary Clinton on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Aug. JS: I’ll be advocating for the changes that’ll be WCT: Your [Thorndale] location will be ex- out in airport restrooms? Are we all done with 31. happening federally, with all the money that’s panding. Are you looking to eventually open terrorists? Does this mean that Appalachian been cut and the changes that will be coming. other offices? [BEHIV currently has two of- grandmothers can pass through airport secu- [For example,] money for massage therapy was fices, in Chicago and Evanston.] rity without being frisked for explosives? Just “Couples, such as plaintiffs, who cut recently, but we’re working on maintaining EN: Not right now. We don’t know who’s going asking.” — Kathleen Parker of the Washington are otherwise qualified to marry one it; art therapy money was cut and then replen- to be around five or 10 years from now. A lot Post Writer’s Group, Sept. 2. another may not be denied licenses to marry ished. Whether it’s case management or mental of agencies don’t have the diversified funding or certificates of marriage or in any other way health, they’re going to be moved into a [sepa- streams that we have, and if they’re relying on “The New York Times ran 15 articles prevented from entering into a civil marriage rate] component where there’s a medical aspect, Ryan White funding for 95 percent of its [mon- on [Sen. Larry] Craig’s guilty plea to ‘disor- ... by reason of the fact that both persons so we have to regroup and figure out a way to do ies] and it gets cut—that’s something we’re all derly conduct’ in a bathroom. The Washington comprising such a couple are of the same sex. what we can do. looking at. Post ran 20 articles on Craig. MSNBC covered [State marriage law] must be read and applied EN: Our clients see so many different health- BEHIV was founded in Evanston; now, most it like it was the first moon landing—Three in a gender neutral manner so as to permit care providers (such as CORE or private facili- of our clients are in the Chicago area. We’ve small taps for a man, one giant leap for public same-sex couples to enter into a civil mar- ties), so we have to work with the providers to changed over the years, and we’re possibly ready gay sex!” — Conservative commentator Ann riage.” — Polk County District Court Judge Rob- make sure the clients keep their appointments, to change again if need be. Coulter in a Sept. 5 column. ert Hanson striking down Iowa’s 1998 Defense for example. We don’t want case managers run- See www.behiv.org. of Marriage Act on Aug. 30. He said the law ning from provider to provider and have no time “[Sen. Larry] Craig was born in 1945, violates the state constitution’s guarantees of which would have made him 29 years old at the due process and equal protection. One same-sex time of the Stonewall riots. Craig has known— couple managed to marry the next day before for most of his adult life—that he didn’t have Hanson issued a stay of his decision while the assembled GLBT journalists. to be a closeted, lying piece of shit. He had county appeals the ruling to the Iowa Supreme 400 at NLGJA He didn’t break any new ground in the inter- options.” — Gay writer Dan Savage at TheS- Court. view, but the format was unusual for Kramer, tranger.com, Sept. 4. National who, when he does make public appearances, Convention; usually presents a prepared speech. “When [Sen. Larry] Craig said, ‘I am —Assistance: Bill Kelley The gay population is far too passive and not gay,’ he might even have believed it. Larry Kramer apathetic these days, Kramer said. The Human That wasn’t him in the men’s room. That was Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest GLBT po- another guy with whom Makes litical group, is ineffective, he said. And presi- he happens to share the Rare Appearance dential candidates throw gays crumbs and gays same body and conscious- by Rex Wockner don’t demand more. ness. And that guy is bad! “I want so much for us,” he said. “But sadly, I There should be laws to Craig has known Some 400 people turned out for the National continue to be disappointed in us. stop that guy! And yet, “If you want the freedom ... you have to find no matter how many laws that he didn’t Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association annual Wockner Rex by Photo convention in San Diego Aug. 30-Sept. 2—a a way. Just don’t be so passive. We are capable Craig votes for or against, dramatic drop from the 650 people who attended of so much more.” that guy, that doppel- have to be a last year’s confab inMiami. In a hallway interview, Kramer weighed in on ganger, keeps appearing, NLGJA officials blamed the lower turnout on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s expected veto of a interfering with his simple closeted, lying the holiday weekend, the fact that the group has bill legalizing same-sex marriage, which passed attempts to use the bath- more members in the eastern part of the nation the California Legislature Sept. 7. Schwarzeneg- room of a large regional piece of shit. ger vetoed an identical bill in 2005—the only airport.” — Columnist than in the West, and the reality that contin- —Gay writer Dan Savage ued downsizing in the mainstream media means time any U.S. legislature has voted to open the Jon Carroll, San Francisco fewer media companies are paying the hefty reg- institution to same-sex couples. Chronicle, Sept. 4. istration fees and travel expenses to send their “People in California have to be prepared to journalists to professional conventions. march in celebration or in protest,” Kramer said. Next year’s convention will be back east, in “If he signs it, then there should be a massive Washington, D.C., and the 2009 convention will celebration, and if he doesn’t sign it, there be in Montreal. should be a humongous demonstration of anger, One convention highlight was a rare public ap- which there wasn’t last time. pearance by gay legend and curmudgeon Larry “It’s shocking that the gay population in Cali- Kramer, 72, author of “Faggots,” “The Normal fornia has been invisible on all this,” he said. Heart” and “The Tragedy of Today’s Gays,” as “You also need to have a massive protest before well the founder of ACT UP and Gay Men’s Health Schwarzenegger acts. Tell him, ‘Sign that bill or GET MORE ONLINE... Crisis. else.’ Kramer had been lured to the convention by “You need to have a lot of angry gay people. being convinced it’d be nice to also spend some You tell him, ‘We are angry you sold us down the time with his brother, who lives part-time in the river so far, and we won’t let you do it again.’” ultra-posh San Diego suburb of Rancho Santa Fe. www.windycitymediagroup.com Kramer was interviewed onstage by Hank Plan- te, a longtime openly gay reporter at KPIX-TV in San Francisco, and then took questions from the September 19, 2007 15 GOINGS ON WINDY CITY TIMES’ ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

FALL THEATER PREVIEW

Next Theatre’s The Busy World is Hushed (above) is just one of dozens of productions for theatergoers this fall. HOLLYWOOD KNIGHT AT THE MOVIES PROFILE ‘L’ to pay. Special ‘orientation.’ From warrior to Page 29. Page 28. warbler. Page 32.

WCT’S Top 10 LGBT title, Fierce Presence, seems a fitting companion to the old song lyric, “I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar.” Oct. 26-28 only at Links Hall; 773-936- Shows for Autumn 7896; $15. By Jonathan Abarbanel —The Busy World is Hushed, Next Theatre —What the Butler Saw, Court Theatre—Joe (Evanston)—It’s another contemporary look at Orton’s over-the-top, poly-sexual 1960s social Let’s face it; theater in Chicago (or anywhere the clash between religious faith and sexuality farce is rather dated today, and always has been else, for that matter) wouldn’t be what it is with- in this tale of a female minister who engineers tricky to play well vs. play silly. Still, the aggres- out the presence of LGBT artists. To my knowl- an affair between her gay son and a male writ- sively gay Orton was important for his in-your- edge, there isn’t a theater troupe in town that’s ing assistant she employs. Excellent director face challenges to social, sexual and theatrical straight as an arrow, although an overwhelming Kimberly Senior tackles this Off-Broadway hit by norms even if he was far too much the exuberant percentage of LGBT theater folk go about their Keith Bunin, whose earlier play, The Credeaux bad boy in a life and career cut short by his artistic and technical labors without focusing Canvas, has received several Chicago produc- jealousy-inspired murder. Nov. 17-Dec. 9; 773- their insidious gay agenda—as some conserva- tions. Through Oct. 4; 847-475-1875; $28-$38. 753-4472; $32-$38 (previews) then $38-54. tives insist on calling it—upon the stage prod- —iHole, GayCo—Here’s a new sketch comedy —It’s Only the End of the World, TUTA ucts they help create. show from the LGBT gang who created Whitney Theatre—Two years ago, TUTA introduced the Windy City Times frequently receives requests Houston, We Have a Problem and the Xmas show theatrically off-beat social satire of out French to review or write about this show or that show Do You Fear What I Fear? among other hits. playwright Jean-Luc Lagarce to Chicago with his because the author or director or some princi- GayCo now is one of several troupes in residence Rules for Good Manners in the Modern World. pal player is openly gay or lesbian. The truth at Hoover-Leppen Theatre at the Center on Hal- Although Lagarce writes no more—he died from Kristen Bush (left) and Nicole Wiesner in is that it’s so entirely commonplace nowadays sted. Through Oct. 20; 1-800-838-3006; $15. AIDS-related illness—his name on a play is Passion Play. Photo courtesy of Goodman that the presence of an LGBT individual alone —Passion Play; a cycle in three parts, Good- enough to interest me. Whether or not the play’s Theatre isn’t enough of an argument to make a show of man Theatre—A medieval prostitute who’d content is specifically LGBT, Lagarce’s sensibil- special interest to our writers and readers. rather sleep with women plays the Virgin Mary; ing a New York City escort following his divorce ity certainly is. Nov. 23-Dec. 22; 847-217-0691; Just looking at the line-up between now and a young actor in 1930’s Germany falls in love and excommunication from the Church of Jesus $22. the end of the year, one finds plays by an array with a young Nazi solder . . . . These are among Christ of Latter-day Saints (you know, the Mor- —Good Boys and True, Steppenwolf The- of gay authors, among them such icons as Ten- the situations in which sexuality meets religion mons). It’s a return engagement following its atre Company—The newest play from Roberto nessee Williams, Langston Hughes, Oscar Wilde, meets politics and history in Sarah Ruhl’s epic 2005 Chicago run and subsequent off-Broadway Aguirre-Sacasa (whose very gay comedy Say You Edward Albee and Paula Vogel as well as impor- about dramatizations of the Passion of Christ in stand. Oct. 17-21; 773-883-1090; $30-$35. Love Satan was produced in Chicago last year) tant local and/or contemporary authors such as different centuries and countries. Through Oct. —Twilight of the Golds, Apple Tree Theatre concerns an all-boys’ prep school star—football Eric Rosen (About Face Theatre), Nilo Cruz (Te- 21; 312-443-3800; $30-$70. (Highland Park)—If you knew your unborn captain, straight-A student, set for Dartmouth— atro Vista), Nicholas Patricca (Victory Gardens) —Zanna, Don’t!, Bailiwick Repertory— child was going to be gay or lesbian, would you who’s world begins to crumble when a sex vid- and Paul Oakley Stovall (Dog & Pony) to name Imagine a world in which LGBT was normal and have the child anyway? This is but one of sev- eotape surfaces. Openly gay Aguirre-Sacasa is a just a few of several dozen examples. The lists straight was not, and then imagine what high eral thorny issues tackled in Jonathan Tolins’ rising star for his plays, films and comic books of directors, designers, actors and composers school would have been like in that world. Why, quasi-comedy, produced on Broadway in 1993. (Fantastic Four and Spider-Man). We don’t know would be equally rife with members of our com- the locker room scenes alone boggle the mind, The very straight Tim Gregory directs; it will be if Good Boys and True is hetero or homo, but munities. not to mention prom night. But what happens interesting to see what his take is. Oct. 17-Nov. we want to see Steppenwolf’s take, a troupe not That being said, there are some shows that when the star jock falls for—gasp!—a girl? This 11; 847-432-8223; $38-$48. known for LGBT sensibilities (although we hear may be of special interest to Windy City Times new musical comedy by Tim Acito brings it on. —Fierce Presence, Stockyard Theatre Compa- Steppenwolf is planning and even connected to readers because of LGBT-specific storylines and Oct. 1-Nov. 4; 773-883-1090; $20-$25 (pre- ny—The 8th annual Women’s Performance Arts this play involving outreach to potential LGBT themes, or because their LGBT authors have views) then $25-$30. Festival promises an all-new line-up of mono- donors and subscribers). Dec. 6-Feb. 10, 2008; powerful sensibilities but are not yet widely —Confessions of a Mormon Boy, Bailiwick logues, comedy, dance, music and various per- 312-335-1650; $20-$45 (previews) then $20- known. Here are 10 such shows, carefully culled Repertory—Grab your hankies for Stephen Fales’ formance art moments blending any number of $68. by yours truly: award-winning autobiographical tale of becom- the afore-mentioned disciplines. The umbrella 16 September 19, 2007 no Sarah Connolly played Caesar in male drag for Known for being an avid Braves baseball fan, in the 2005 production), de Niese said her good Daniels’ recent move to Atlanta wasn’t just David friend Daniels made everything comfortable. prompted to be closer to friends or his mother “I’m sure David would like me to talk up his who lives in South Carolina. smooching skills because he’s really truly a great “Unfortunately, my wonderful 20-year relation- Daniels: kisser,” de Niese said. Though de Niese has al- ship with my partner, John, ended—we decided ready appeared in the Windy City for Chicago to go in opposite directions,” Daniels said, de- Opera Theater performances of The Coronation clining to give his ex’s full name. “Even though Hail, of Poppea and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, she’s we continue to be good friends and we’ll always really looking forward to her Lyric debut in the be very good friends, I didn’t want to continue Caesar! American premiere of this Caesar which has cat- living in Washington and I just thought he need- BY SCOTT C. MORGAN apulted her to operatic fame in Europe. ed to get on with his life and I need to get on “Danielle’s my girl. We’re good friends and I with mine.” Three days before jetting off to London on Sept. adore being on stage with her,” Daniels said Daniels says he’s not looking to date since he 8 to record a Bach recital disc on the Virgin la- of his twentysomething colleague. “It’s always needs to see what it’s like being officially single. bel, openly gay American countertenor David great to appear with another artist who re- Still, he admits that if a relationship falls into Daniels is taking care of a few last-minute de- ally pushes you on stage dramatically. If you his lap, he might reconsider. tails near his new home in Atlanta. don’t bring your A-game to the stage, you’ll be As for being openly gay in the opera world, There are a few final music sessions to go David Daniels and Danielle de Niese co-star eclipsed by Danielle, particularly in this produc- Daniels points out that he’s not alone. Coun- through with Daniels’ vocal coach in Greenville, as Caesar and Cleopatra in Lyric Opera of Chi- tion.” tertenor Brian Asawa came out in The Advocate S.C. Then there’s another important session at cago’s Julius Caesar. Photo by Mike Hoban. Though Daniels has appeared in numerous nearly a decade ago, while soprano Patricia Rac- the local Mystic Tan. Caesar productions ranging from settings in the ette and her mezzo-soprano partner Beth Clay- That is, until a call on Daniels’ cell phone from and sold-out 2005 Glyndebourne Festival Opera Baroque era to Bubsy Berkeley Hollywood, he ton both came out in 2002 in an issue of Opera the Windy City Times interrupts his bronzing. production helmed by gay Scottish director Da- counts McVicar’s version as his favorite. “The News. (Daniels joked that his coming out in a “Is that today?” chuckles Daniels about the vid McVicar, who moved the action up to the age Lyric audiences are going to adore this,” Daniels New Yorker profile was in a more important pub- interview. “I’m the one who never remembers of the Imperial British Empire. said. “It’s just so entertaining.” lication.) anything.” The original production was such a smash that Daniels has gone from triumph to triumph “I decided to be open about it because I Daniels’ memory slip can be forgiven, especially Opus Arte rushed to preserve it on DVD a year throughout his career. Last spring Daniels won thought it was important and I think that it has as he wins you over on the phone with his down- in advance of its scheduled 2006 revival tap- raves for starring in a new Metropolitan Opera helped—not me but from the letters I receive, to-earth charm and openness. Though he sings ing, particularly to capture the knockout singing production of Orfeo ed Euridice directed by cho- younger gay teenagers in high school who have in the alto range, Daniels has become known for and dancing performance of soprano Danielle de reographer Mark Morris and costumed by fashion written me letters saying that it’s so wonderful his bearish good looks and the oft-commented- Niese as Cleopatra. designer Isaac Mizrahi. And later this season, that someone is so open and honest,” Daniels on masculinity he brings to the stage—smash- “The first time that I heard that Cleopatra Daniels is set to co-star with tenor Placido said. “If I can help in sort of being a good ex- ing the notion that a gay man can’t convincingly dances all of her arias [in this Caesar], I thought Domingo in a Washington National Opera pro- ample, then it’s worth it.” play a romantic lead on stage. ‘Oh what is that? It sounds stupid,’” Daniels said duction of Handel’s Tamerlano, a prospect that David Daniels stars in eight performances As one of the world’s most famous operatic before he co-starred alongside de Niese for the amazes Daniels. of Julius Caesar between Nov. 1 and Dec. 1 countertenors, Daniels returns to the Lyric Op- 2006 Glyndebourne revival. “But then I saw and “I didn’t think when my career started as a at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, 20 N. Wacker. era of Chicago this November to star in the title I witnessed it and I worked in it and I can’t countertenor that I would ever be singing with Tickets are $31-$187. Call 312-332-2244 or role of Handel’s 1724 opera Julius Caesar. It’s his imagine it any other way.” Placido Domingo, but I am.” visit www.lyricopera.org for tickets. fourth appearance at the Lyric following previ- “We’ve gotten along quite well and we have ous triumphs in 2003 with Handel’s Partenope, a very good stage chemistry as well,” said de SEASONS CHANGE: in 2006 with Orfeo ed Euridice and a featured Niese, offering up nothing but praise for Daniels spot in the company’s 50th-anniversary gala. during a telephone interview from Amsterdam. 2007-08 The advance buzz on Caesar is phenomenal. Though she was a bit apprehensive about kissing a man in the 2006 Caesar revival (mezzo-sopra- OFFERINGS The Lyric is presenting the critically acclaimed The fall season means many things but, to theatergoers, it signifies one thing: new line- ups with exciting shows. Below is just what a few companies are offering late this year and into 2008:

Apple Tree Theatre in Highland Park will cel- ebrate 25 years with such productions as Twi- light of the Golds (Oct. 20-Nov. 11), The Mis- tress Cycle (Dec. 15-Jan. 5) and Match (March 15-April 6). Subscriptions are $140-$165; see www.appletreetheatre.com. The Crucible is at Steppenwolf. Photo by Mi- Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s three-play chael Brosilow subscription series covers Cymbeline (running through Nov. 11), Othello (Feb. 3-April 6) 3-18). See www.nexttheatre.org or call 847- and The Comedy of Errors (April 27-June 29). 475-1875. Subscriptions run $120-$198; see www.chica- Raven Theatre’s 25th season will feature goshakes.com or call 312-595-5600. Night of the Iguana (Oct. 9-Dec. 8), Columbi- City Lit Theater, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr, already nus (Jan. 22-March 15) and Laughter on the is running Hound of the Baskervilles until Oct. 23rd Floor (April 29-June 28). Subscriptions 14. Future productions include Twelfth Night are only $50. The theatre is located at 6157 N. (Jan. 11-Feb. 24) and Pudd’nhead Wilson (May Clark; see www.raventheatre.com. 2-June 15). For subscription information, call Remy Bumppo, 3717 N. Ravenswood, will 773-293-3682 or see www.citylit.org. showcase Fiction (Sept. 27-Nov. 4), The Phil- The Goodman Theatre’s Albert Theatre offer- adelphia Story (Nov. 15-Jan. 6) and Bronte ings include the critically-acclaimed Passion (March 20-May 4). See www.remybumppo.org Play (running through Oct. 21), Shining City or call 773-244-8119. (Jan. 12-Feb. 17), Trip to Bountiful (March Among the offerings from the side project 1-April 6), The Ballad of Emmett Till (April 26- are Laura Jacqmin’s Butt Nekkid (opening Nov. June 1) and The Boys are Coming Home (June 11) and Adam Rapp’s Faster (opening March 6). 21-July 27). Owen Theatre productions are The See www.thesideproject.net. Cook (Oct. 20-Nov. 18), Horton Foote Festival The 32nd season for Steppenwolf, 1650 N. (Jan. 26-March 2) and Ain’t Misbehavin’ (April Halsted, includes The Crucible (through Nov. 5-May 4). See www.goodmantheatre.org or call 11), Good Boys and True (Dec. 12-Feb. 16) and 312-443-3800. Superior Donuts (Jun. 19-Aug. 17). Call 312- Lincolnshire’s Marriott Theatre’s 2008 sea- 335-1650 or see www.steppenwolf.org. son will include favorites such as Les Misera- TimeLine Theatre, 615 W. Wellington, is bles (Feb. 13-May 11), Nunsense (May 14-July showcasing Paradise Lost (running through 14) and The Full Monty (July 16-Sept. 21). Oct. 21), Tesla’s Letters (Nov. 10-Dec. 23), Visit www.marriotttheatre.com or call 847-634- Dolly West’s Kitchen (Jan. 26-March 22) and 0200. Fiorello! (April 19-June 15), a remounting of Next Theatre, Evanston, features The Busy its 2006 production. FlexPass subscriptions are World is Hushed (through Oct. 14), Defiance $96. See www.timelinetheatre.com or call 773- (Nov. 8-Dec. 9), The American Dream Songbook 281-TIME (8463). (Feb. 14-March 22) and 9 Parts of Desire (May September 19, 2007 17

GAY NIGHT Thu. December 20th Meet Tovah after the performance! 18 September 19, 2007 Productions, and one of its three co-founders, group of bridesmaids—one of them a BOYSTOWN “when we overheard somebody using this word— lesbian—hiding in a bedroom to get loudly, repeatedly and erroneously—having, we away from the reception. But right were sure, consulted his word-a-day calendar across the street from our theater, on PIONEERS: before leaving the house. But don’t you have to the northeast corner of Halsted and be possessed of some arrogance to get up on a Waveland, is the Kit Kat Lounge, a fa- Hubris stage and proclaim, ‘look at ME!’?” vorite spot for bachelorette parties. “Fellow actors warned us in the beginning that We look forward to bringing people Productions we were inviting critics to pan us,” chuckled ar- to the Center who might not come BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE tistic director and co-founder Jacob Christopher there otherwise.” Green, “but my own experience has been very Guerrero concurred: “I think our More literary heroes have died as a result of positive. People read my business card, take a company is a perfect fit for the neigh- hubris—defined in Webster’s dictionary as “wan- second look, then look at ME and start laughing. borhood. We are currently working ton arrogance arising from excessive pride or So they really do ‘like what we like’.” with the Horizons Youth Programs, passion”—than of consumption, suicide and This audacity has brought them nothing but offering workshops in acting and in malicious mischief combined. So a theater com- reward so far: Barely two years in operation, technical areas that we hope will pany adopting that epithet as its name, along Hubris Productions might have struggled along translate to life skills. But we want with its exhortative motto, “We think you should with many small off-loop companies roaming to expand our outreach programs to like what we like”, can certainly be presumed to from storefront to storefront, but for the bold the broader community and so does exhibit a willingness—no, make that an eager- impulse that led them to apply for quarters in the Center. We understand what it is Hubris Productions. Image courtesy of the company ness—to take risks. the newly constructed Center On Halsted, said to be young and gay and to deal with “We were in a bookstore one day,” recalled to be one of the largest—if not the largest—gay those issues.” Anthony Guerrero, executive director of Hubris community facilities in the United States. When From its inception, Hubris has com- ery girl should have a gay best friend.’ Being About Face Theatre, the logical candidate for mitted itself to social activism, with a share of gay is only one ingredient in the development of residency in the Center’s Hoover-Leppen play- every show’s proceeds donated to a designated Hubris Productions. We are all in our late 20s or house, hesitated over questions of limited seat- charity. Their recent production of Love! Valour! early 30s and, more than anything, I think that ing capacity, Hubris swooped in with plans for a Compassion! presented $300 in combined ticket our rapid growth is due to our having started our three-play season encompassing material to ap- sales and audience contributions to the AIDS company after we all had enough experience to peal to gay and non-gay audiences alike. Their Foundation of Chicago. A portion of the pro- know what does, or does not, work for us. Also, production of Terrence McNally’s Love! Valour! ceeds from the upcoming production of Five we are old enough not to be intimidated about Compassion! inaugurated the new space, which Women Wearing The Same Dress will go, appro- asking for what we want and need. I have to they now share with the sketch comedy troupe priately, to Dress For Success, an advocacy group applaud people who start their companies right GayCo. providing employment training and interview out of college—at that point in my life, I didn’t With a company history that includes such dis- clothes to low-income women re-entering the have the focus to see it through.” parate fare as the same-sex romantic romp Jef- workforce. Both Guerrero and Green are grateful for the frey and the hostage drama Two Rooms, both What part, if any, have their own gay identities luck that brought them to their residence in the Guerrero and Green deny any pressure to do only played in the growth of Hubris Productions? Hoover-Leppen facility at the Center, as well as overtly gay-themed plays. “I am a very proud and out gay man,” declared optimistic regarding the potential offered their “I think one of the reasons that the Center On Guerrero, “but I think that my drive as an art- artistic endeavors and its wider impact on the Halsted invited us into partnership was that we ist, and as a businessman, affect my choices in gay scene citywide and nationwide. “As a com- strive to appeal to a wide range of audiences,” regards to Hubris more than my being gay.” pany, we wanted to give something back to the Green surmised. “We are not an exclusively gay “You know, our third co-founder [Communications Anthony Guerrero, Jacob Christopher Green community.” theater company, restricting ourselves to a spe- Coordinator Patricia Savieo, out of town and and Patricia Savieo (from left) of Hubris Pro- cific dramatic genre. Our next play, Alan Ball’s thus, unavailable for this interview] isn’t gay,” ductions Five Women Wearing The Same Dress, is about a Green reminded me, “although she does say ‘ev- September 19, 2007 19 steppenwolf 2007-08 season New this year – “NO FRILLS” SAVER SERIES Become a Steppenwolf subscriber for only $25 a play.

September 13 – November 11, 2007 The Crucible by Arthur Miller directed by ensemble member Anna D. Shapiro Arthur Miller’s classic tale of truth on trial The Crucible

December 12, 2007 – February 16, 2008 Good Boys and True by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa directed by Pam MacKinnon A prep school scandal exposes

Good Boys and True the dark side of privilege

February 28 – April 27, 2008 Carter’s Way written and directed by ensemble member Eric Simonson music by Darrell Leonard A jazz-filled tale of love, lust Carter’s Way and an artist’s integrity

March 27 – July 27, 2008 in the Steppenwolf Upstairs Theatre Dead Man’s Cell Phone by Sarah Ruhl directed by associate artist Jessica Thebus A witty new play about how we live now Dead Man’s Cell Phone

June 19 – August 17, 2008 Superior Donuts by ensemble member Tracy Letts directed by ensemble member Amy Morton There’s an awful lot going down in Uptown

To Subscribe, call 312-335 -1650 Superior Donurts or visit www.steppenwolf.org 20 September 19, 2007 is simply a sampling of the work being produced this season. For more information about these FALL shows or others not mentioned here, check out www.seechicagodance.com or any company Web site. DANCE Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s 30th an- niversary season opens with the Fall Series at PREVIEW the Harris Theatre, 205 E. Randolph. Two dis- BY ERIC EATHERLY tinct programs showcase a “who’s who” of the world’s leading contemporary choreographers. The fall is always a busy season for Chicago’s di- Program A (Sept. 26-30) includes Baker’s Dozen verse dance community, and this year promises by Twyla Tharp, Nacho Duato’s Cor Perdut, Daniel to be no exception. Almost every company you Ezralow’s SF/LB, Susan Marshall’s Kiss and Jim can think of, from the small modern troupes to Vincent’s Palladio. Program B (Oct. 3-7) features the major big-budget groups, are presenting fall a world premiere by Brian Enos, Ohad Naharin’s concerts, as well as some wonderful out of town Passomezzo, Duato’s Rassemblement and Jiri guests that rarely show work in Chicago. Below Kylian’s Sechs Tanze. CULTURE CLUB WC TimesListing-9-20 9/13/07 12:40 PM Page 1

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Image by Todd Rosenberg Photography Chicago premiere! Deeply Rooted Productions, which celebrates The Merce Cunningham Dance Company the African-American aesthetic, presents Nefer- makes its annual Chicago visit this year Oct. 12- FICTION titi: A Concert of Music and Dance, Oct. 4-7 at 13 at the Harris Theatre. Each night features a by Steven Dietz the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport. different program spanning five decades of Cun- Choreographed by co-artistic directors Kevin ningham’s iconoclastic work. Directed by Nick Sandys Iega Jeff and Gary Abbott, this production is Audiences get a rare chance to see an immortal based on the musical Nefertiti which debuted classic when The Joffrey Ballet premieres Giselle “The only thing harder than dying in 1977 at Chicago’s Blackstone Theatre. It tells Oct. 17-28 at the Auditorium Theatre. Originally with your secrets is living with them.” the tale of a love triangle between Nefertiti, the performed by the Paris Opera in 1841, this is –Steven Dietz pharaoh Akhenaten and the general Horemhab, ballet’s most famous ghost story about love and who enabled the royal couple to lead an artistic, redemption. Frederic Franklin, legendary Ballet spiritual and cultural revolution. Russe de Monte Carlo dancer, has coached the Sept. 27–Nov. 4 For one night only, Oct. 6, the Auditorium Joffrey ensemble for this production and Adolph at Victory Gardens Greenhouse Theater Theatre, 50 E. Congress, presents The Georgian Adams’ haunting score will be performed by the 773 871 3000 or www.remybumppo.org State Dance Company. The program features a Chicago Sinfonietta. unique look at the traditional folk dances of the Luna Negra Dance Theatre returns to the Har- 2 for 1 preview tix Sept. 27–29 Eastern European nation of Georgia, showcasing ris Theatre Oct. 19-21. Headlining the program use code 2PREVIEW strength and agility in a wide array of ceremo- is the world premiere of CUGAT!, an homage to nial, work, game and comic dance types. Turn to page 27

For more shows and listings, check out www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com September 19, 2007 21 As they say online, LOL. Jonny can’t leave you without an update about Stage Luke Grimaldi-Snyder, the young gay hero of CBS soaper As the World Turns, son of forever-her- oine Lily Walsh Snyder Grimaldi Santana Snyder. Door Still a virginal college boy, Luke at last has been kissed by his best friend, Noah, who’s used their Jonny mutual gal pal as a beard, even sleeping with her. Luke recognized the truth, however, and By Jonathan Abarbanel without seducing Noah has slowly and painfully brought him out of the closet by the strength One of our town’s favorite directors, Gary of verbal arguments alone and his truly disarm- Griffin (he’s also one of our best), already is ing cute-boy smile. Problem is Noah’s father, thinking about his vacation next summer since although attractive, is a homophobic retired he’s just about booked solid right through the military officer who doesn’t want to know the spring. Griffin’s next production is the Stephen truth about his son and blames it all on Luke. Sondheim/James Lapine musical, Passion, now The week’s previews indicate that Luke will end in rehearsal at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater up in the trunk of the Colonel’s car!! Jonny is (plays Oct. 2-Nov. 11), where Griffin remains as- The Color Purple. Photo by Paul Kolnik breathless and can’t wait for his next lunch of sociate artistic director. Following that, Griffin fat-free cottage cheese and bananas in front of will stage Neil Simon’s The Goodbye Girl at the the TV. Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace Theatre (plays Dec. Amazons and Xena, as Columbia College Chicago Women Warrior Festival, call 312-344-8213 or 27-March 2, 2008). Now that Griffin is an estab- is set to demonstrate with its Fourth Biennial see www.colum.edu. lished Broadway and London director, the choice Women Warrior Festival, Oct. 1-31, a program Those attending Lynda Carter’s solo show last African Group of a play at west suburban Drury Lane may seem of the Center for Asian Arts and Media. Under week at the Apollo Theater, and those who will odd, but you may chalk it up to old loyalty. The the umbrella title of Generations before Us, be seeing The Sparrow at the Apollo (which at Centre East South African group Ladysmith Black Mam- late Drury Lane founder and producer Tony De- the month of exhibits, book discussions, film begins Sept. 26) are among those enjoyed the bazo will perform Sept. 23 at 7 p.m., on the Santis gave Griffin an early break by naming him screenings and special events will chronicle and venue’s new lobby exhibit (through Nov. 11), All Centre East stage at the North Shore Center artistic director of the Oakbrook Terrace opera- examine the Asian and Asian-American experi- the World’s a Stage. for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., tion. ence across several generations. Presented by the visual arts organization Ana- Skokie. As winter ends, Griffin will be back in New Among entertainment-related events is the tomically Correct, the collection of photos and Ladysmith Black Mambazo saw its first York to stage the Off-Broadway world premiere photo exhibit Asian Women on Screen: The paintings by Chicago-area artists chronicles U.S. album release, the Paul Simon-produced of a new musical, Saved, at the influential Play- Joy Luck Club and Beyond, which illustrates nearly 120 years of Chicago theater architec- Shaka Zulu, win the 1987 Grammy for Best wrights Horizons (begins previews May 9, opens characters and performers from silent era star ture with views of the Auditorium Theatre, the Traditional Folk Recording. They have since June 3). Co-authored by J. Michael Friedman Anna May Wong to Nancy Kwan in Flower Drum Fine Arts Building, the Palace (now the Cadillac been nominated for 11 additional Grammys, (music), Rinne Groff (lyrics) and John Dempsey Song (the co-star of which, Miyosho Umeki, died Palace), the Uptown, the Esquire, the Nortown, and won again in 2005 for Best Traditional (book), Saved is a show about late-adolescents two weeks ago) to the mothers and daughters the Coronado (in Rockford), the Rialto Square World Music Recording. The 2006 release, at a Christian school, and features a coming-out in The Joy Luck Club. The exhibit will run all (in Joliet) and the famous and infamous Century Long Walk to Freedom, was nominated for two story and teen pregnancy among its plot lines. October at the Columbia College Library (624 S. Theatre. The latter, located on Clark Street at Grammys and featured performances by Sarah Sounds a bit like the current Tony Award-win- Michigan Avenue), kicked off by panel discus- Diversey, started life as a glorious Balaban and McLachlan, Melissa Etheridge and Emmylou ning hit, Spring Awakening. sion and opening reception from 5-7 p.m. on Katz vaudeville and movie palace that became Harris, among others. FYI: Griffin’s big, beautiful staging ofThe Col- Oct. 4; free. by the 1970s a popular gay cruising ground. Now Tickets are $55. Call the box office at 847- or Purple ends its six-month Chicago run at the The final festival program is a forum, “Same only the elaborate facade remains as the front 673-6300 or visit www.centreeast.org. Cadillac Palace Theatre on Sept. 30. Sex Parents: Mothers & Daughters,” at 2 p.m. to the Century mall, and no cruising at all ever There’s more to the female warrior game than on Oct. 28 at the Center on Halsted; it’s free. For goes on at the Bally’s Fitness Club and the Land- complete information on all events of the Fourth mark Cinema multiplex within its historic walls.

ABWCTcolor.indd 1 9/12/07 6:15:51 PM 22 September 19, 2007 ONLINE THIS WEEK... o

S a n d r THEATER REVIEW OF

a p h y : EAT THE RUNT P h o t g r www.windycitymediagroup.com G u i n a

a n c i s ABOUT-a-musical had to find a PLAY amid the hi- r F jinks, with an actual story and characters. And a n d this is how neurasthenic number-cruncher Leo

i l d e r Bloom was converted into a bona fide protago- W nist, progressing from cowed anonymity to fully

A l a n realized manhood—not to mention winning the d , fancy of the princess—as a result of his adven-

B a r f o tures with the amoral Max Bialystock.

I a n Ross Lehman, as the rapacious Bialystock, and Guy Adkins, as the self-effacing Bloom, have been playing these respective roles for most of m e b r s their careers. But the latter goes the extra mile to create a Cinderella-man whose blossoming we

e n s m b l applaud heartily (especially when conveyed in The Producers. Photo courtesy of Dan Rest a Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers pas de deux with the statuesque Angela Feeney). A diverse cast THEATER REVIEW features the tag-team of Bernie Yvon and George Keating as a flamboyant director and his con- Arthur Miller’s classic tale The Producers sort, along with Michael Aaron Lindner’s self- Playwright: music and lyrics by Mel Brooks, styled hagiographer and a high-kicking, goose- of truth on trial book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan stepping, lusciously-costumed ensemble tossing At: Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, off bon mots without missing a beat. The real Lincolnshire star of the show, however, is director/choreogra- Phone: 847-634-0200; $45 pher Marc Robin, whose Noah’s-Ark procession- Runs through: Dec. 2 als and wagon-wheel promenades keep the pace lively and stage picture vibrant throughout. The Crucible BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE by Arthur Miller Though the set-up requires a universe governed by capitalism as practiced in modern America, the plot is classical farce: a theatrical producer, directed by ensemble member acting on his accountant’s unwitting suggestion, schemes to secure a fortune through defrauding Anna D. Shapiro his financial investors. By engineering a project certain to fail, thus absolving him of the respon- featuring ensemble members Alana Arenas, Ian Barford, Francis Guinan, sibility of repaying the show’s supporters, he can Tim Hopper, Ora Jones, James Vincent Meredith, Sally Murphy then retire on the surplus funds. The accountant and Alan Wilder must be inveigled into the plan, of course, lest he blow the whistle on the swindle. But apart from that, nothing can go wrong—can it? What distinguished Mel Brooks’ 1968 film was Now Playing the sheer savagery of its humor. Hollywood had jeered Adolf Hitler during the war but, by 1968, the Third Reich was relegated to snapshot gags on Laugh-In. The script chosen by our corporate THEATER THURSDAY crooks, however, is a romantic comedy entitled September 20th, event begins at 6:00 p.m. Tickets: $35 Springtime For Hitler, its machinations forcing Special event celebrating The Crucible, the Fall 2007 them into the company of unreconstructed na- zis (gasp!), homosexual transvestites (oooh), One Book, One Chicago selection. Pre-show event includes bosomy odalisques (pant!) and posturing artists music, appetizers and two drinks. (haw!), all of them—even our heroes—portrayed with the scope and subtlety of a live-action car- To purchase call Audience Services and use code 3522 toon. None of this should be shocking to 21st cen- tury sensibilities—did I mention the sex-crazed dowagers right out of 1950s-vintage Playboy magazine?—so the musical version of the film- steppenwolf

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Subscribe Now For Five Great Nights. Visit www.steppenwolf.org or call 312-335-1650. 24 September 19, 2007 THEATER REVIEW gratiating and takes a very good stab at the difficult North Country dialect, but they aren’t Up ‘n’ Under given much with which to work. Playwright SPOTLIGHT Playwright: John Godber John Godber barely sketches in the characters, At: Circle Theatre (Forest Park) so their appeal rests on the charm of the players Phone: 708-771-0700; $24 rather than on character exposition. Godber also Hello, Dolly! Runs through: Oct. 21 throws in a purely decorative lone female who owns the local gym. Lacking any romantic twist, BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL what she contributes to the plot could have been done by a fella’ just as well. The company I once stayed at a small hotel at the same time does an adequate job with what they have, al- as a world-famous rugby team, the New Zealand though Chambers and crew clearly have focused All-Blacks (not a racial reference). I observed on nailing down the physical stuff first. Top act- first-hand that professional-caliber rugby play- ing honors go to stalwart Andrew J. Pond (who ers come in three sizes: some are 6’4” tall, some looks like a rugby player) as bet-maker Hoyle are 6’4” wide and some are 6’4” tall AND 6’4” and Stephen Loch as Phil, a schoolteacher by wide. day. It’s not coincidental that they have more The actors in Up ‘n’ Under are not nearly that character material than the others. size, nor are they supposed to be; the charac- Up ‘n’ Under probably is too British for U.S. ters they portray represent lower-level amateur viewers. On opening night, I was the only one She wears a fancy beaded dress, she struts and sings, she changes peoples’ lives and, eventual- rugby in the north of England, where pubs spon- laughing at a joke about a budgie (Brit slang for ly, even her own life. It can only be Dolly Gallagher Levi, once again fixing her feathered hat for sor teams whose members would just as soon be a parakeet). You don’t even learn much about Horace Vandergelder, the well-known half-a-millionaire of Yonkers, N.Y., during the Gilded Age. watching soccer on the telly and drinking their rugby, that seemingly ruleless game of male “Money is like manure,” Dolly tells him, “it doesn’t do any good unless you spread it around.” fifth pint. When local bloke Arthur Hoyle bets ass-grabbing. Typical of its genre, its appeal is For its new production of Hello, Dolly!, Theatre at the Center has scored the wonderful wife/ the farm—almost literally—that he can coach slacker charm and bittersweet triumph. husband team of Paula Scrofano and John Reeger as Dolly and Horace in the tuneful evergreen the never-won-a-match Wheatsheaf Pub crew show by Jerry Herman and Michael Stewart. Hello, Dolly! runs through Oct. 21 at Theatre at the into winning The Big Game, the play is off and Center, Munster, Ind.; 219-836-3255; $39. running. Utilizing plot devices familiar from The Full Monty, Rocky and similar feel-good films of un- derdog triumph, Up ‘n’ Under is a play of modest “for keeping theatergoers in stitches for nearly dramatic and thematic ambitions. It’s physical ‘Forbidden’ 25 years by affectionately lampooning Broad- Queen Latifah theater first and foremost that demands military Thru Nov. 4 way productions and personalities.” The current at Centre East drill precision, especially in the Act II Big Game edition, Forbidden Broadway: Special Victims action sequences. They are the play’s high point, After receiving rave reviews and overwhelm- Film, music and TV star Queen Latifah will ingly favorable feedback from Chicago audienc- Unit, winner of the 2005 Drama Desk Award for bring her jazz repertoire and trademark style to with a clever coup de theatre in which the same Best Musical Revue, spoofs the crimes commit- small cast plays both Our Heroes and their op- es, Off-Broadway’s longest running and most Centre East at the North Shore Center for the popular musical comedy revue, Gerard Ales- ted against U.S. theater and the cruelly victim- Performing Arts on Sat., Oct. 6, at 8 p.m. for ponents. Directed by Rob Chambers, this produc- ized theatergoing public. tion succeeds on that level of intense physical sandrini’s Forbidden Broadway: Special Victims one show only. Unit, has extended its Chicago run for a third Tickets are $45-$55. Call the Royal George Tickets are $75-$125 each and can be pur- discipline, which only will become smoother and Theatre box office at 312 988-9000 (or visit in tighter as the run continues. time at the Royal George Cabaret Theatre, 1641 chased by calling the box office at 847-673- N. Halsted, through Sun., Nov. 4. person), or call Ticketmaster at 312-902-1500; 6300 or visiting www.centreeast.org. But the high points end there. The rest of Up also, see www.TicketMaster.com. ‘n’ Under—all that precedes The Big Game—is In 2006, Forbidden Broadway and its creator thin and predictable. The ensemble cast is in- Gerard Alessandrini were awarded a Tony Honor

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September 19, 2007 25 mitment and patience, that and As You Like It? Shakespeare rams each of Yando being quite regal), the play jumps around we in 2007 are too wise—or these wildly coincidental plot devices into Cym- in focus giving a slew of minor character meaty cynical, if you prefer—to buy beline. Oh yeah, there’s also a bloody war with a dramatic moments. into the illusion. happy ending! Shanesia Davis is delicious as the evil step- Despite Cymbeline’s lack of credibility, that mother Queen, playing her as if a no-nonsense THEATER doesn’t mean that the sprawling Shakespearean Disney villainess. Brian Sills gets plenty of laughs REVIEW problem play is beyond salvageable. Chicago as her vainglorious and haughty son Cloten, pro- Shakespeare Theater artistic director Barbara viding plenty of comic relief when sparring with Cymbeline Gaines shows once again that she can transform his back-talking servants, played wryly by Jeff Playwright: William Cymbeline into a thoroughly engaging and rol- Parker and William Dick. Shakespeare licking piece of theater. Chaon Cross is lovely and witty as the defiant At: Chicago Shakespeare This is Gaines’ third time successfully tack- princess Imogen, paired with beefy pretty boy Theater, 800 E. Grand ling Shakespeare’s problem play, but her first in Joe Sikora as her exiled husband Posthumus. As Phone: 312-595-5600; Chicago Shakespeare’s glorious Navy Pier home. the lascivious Roman Iachimo who tests Imo- $54-$70 Gaines production celebrates Cymbeline for the gen’s fidelity to her husband, an equally beefy Through Nov. 11 glorious and tangential melodrama that it is and Juan Chioran oozes with slimy villainy that is makes it a must-see simply more so than the wonderfully over the top. Chioran’s sneaky se- BY SCOTT C. MORGAN fact that it’s so rarely produced. duction of a sleeping Imogen is a highlight. Gaines’ production isn’t afraid to laugh at the Dennis Kelly’s gruff Belarius (the banished ex- There are just too many outrageousness of the play itself. The actors play soldier who kidnaps and raises the king’s long- Shakespearean echoes of oth- the emotions loosely, but also for real as well. lost sons), is right on the mark. Derrick Trum- Chaon Cross, Shanesia Davis and Larry Yando (from left) in er plays going on in Cymbeline That balance easily sweeps you away into the bly and Stephen Louis Grush are respectable as Cymbeline. Photo courtesy of Chicago Shakespeare Theater to make it one of the Bard’s world of Shakespeare’s improbable fairy tale. the savage-yet-still noble princes Arviragus and truly great works. Gaines wisely keeps Michael Philippi’s sets a Guiderius. You want a death/sleep void of black to highlight the actors who sparkle Even if you if you find yourself constantly THEATER REVIEW magic potion just like in Romeo and Juliet? Or in Susan E. Mickey’s colorful and sparkly cos- checking off retreads of previous Shakespearean The Collector how long-lost royal children raised as peasants tumes. plays in Cymbeline, you’ll still have plenty of Playwright: adapted by Mark Healy like in The Winter’s Tale? And who could forget Though the play’s title is named after the an- fun in Chicago Shakespeare’s colorful and campy from the novel by John Fowles the cross-dressing heroine like in Twelfth Night gry and initially deceived King Cymbeline (Larry production. At: LiveWire Chicago Theatre at the Side Project, 1439 W. Jarvis Phone: 312-533-4666; $15 Runs through: Oct. 17

BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE

Centuries ago, hazards of excessive inbreed- ing were largely avoided through the practice NOTHING IS EVER AS IT APPEARS. of abducting brides from neighboring tribes— NOTHING IS EVER AS IT APPEARS. indeed, in many parts of the world today, mar- riage customs hearken to symbolism reflect- ing this barbaric prototype. With the dawn of “romantic” love in the 12th century, however, fidelity to an idealized love-object from afar became indisputable evidence of True Love. So culturally persistent did this paradigm prove to be that up until only a few decades ago—when this extravagant behavior was dubbed “stalking” and severely proscribed as a threat to a free and orderly society—a young man obsessed with a woman indifferent, even hostile, to his atten- tions continued to be declared, if only secretly, rather admirable. But the early 1960s were a sufficiently roman- HURRY, BEST tic age for English author John Fowles to risk SEATS GOING FAST! invoking our nostalgia for lovers acting on their emotions in defiance of social restrictions. Fred- erick Clegg, our protagonist, is such a hero—a working-class boy who wins the lottery and with it, the means to pursue his desires. One of these leads him to kidnap Miranda Grey, a bourgeois art student, imprisoning her at a country cot- “SARAH RUHL IS AMONG THE MOST tage in hopes that she will come to bestow her chaste blessing upon him. ACCLAIMED AND ACCOMPLISHED It doesn’t take a Ph.D. in English Lit to rec- YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTSPLAYWRIGHTS ON THE CONTEMPORARY SCENE.”SCENE.” ognize this as an allegory of conflict between —The New York Times the external life—synonymous with “practical,” or with “superficial,” depending on your orien- tation—and the desire for deeper spiritual pur- pose. Miranda is not herself immune to platonic sensibilities, calling on memories of a beloved mentor for comfort in time of trial, just as El- eanor of Aquitaine said to do. Neither are we, flinching as the reluctant lady cruelly spurns her swain’s fairy-tale courtship in a vain attempt to bring him to his senses. This kind of dynamic has always required a period setting steeped in sentimental myth to distance it from contemporary cosmologies, lest A humorous yet unsettling trilogy about three small towns in three politically charged epochs who stage it be revealed (as Fowles himself is forced to the historic Passion play. Experience award-winning playwright Sarah Ruhl’s epic that exposes the thorny admit) as the stuff of crime thrillers—patrician relationship between politics and religion, lust and dogma—and perception and reality. damsel terrorized by proletariat psycho resent- ful of her superiority and even more resentful at the prospect of its abandonment—but Fowles almost pulls it off, as does director Christopher PERFORMANCES THROUGH OCTOBER 21

Dennis for this LiveWire Chicago Theatre produc- AMERICAN AIRLINES, Exclusive Airline of Goodman Theatre. KRAFT tion. Certainly, it is through no fault of actors Special group savings for 10 or more! FOODS, Principal Sponsor of the free Student Subscription Series. PETTERINO’S, Promotional Partner for Passion Play: a cycle in three Call Kim Furganson at 312.443.3820. parts. Photo of Kristen Bush by Brian Warling. Design and direction Matt Kelly and Michele Kline, who navigate the GoodmanTheatre.org | 312.443.3800 Exclusive Corporate Sponsor demands of their ambivalent universe with com- by Kelly Rickert. 26 September 19, 2007 From Berlin to Broadway With Kurt Weill, Light Opera Works—Many people speak of “the CRITICS’ PICKS SPECIAL two Kurt Weills,” unflatteringly comparing his For this special expanded Critics’ Picks, we Suddenly Last Summer, Shattered Globe native German works (The Threepenny Opera) asked Windy City Times theater critics Mary Shen Theatre—Tennessee Williams’ gothic story of a with his American ones (Lady in the Dark). Who Barnidge (MSB), Scott Morgan (SCM) and Catey woman trapped in a New Orleans mental hos- cares? It’s all fabulous music and this revue Sullivan (CS) to suggest six shows that are on pital and the horror that drove her there shows shows why Weill was such an innovative the- their personal don’t-miss lists for Chicago’s fall the playwright at his lurid finest steeped in sex, ater composer. Sept. 30-Nov. 11; 847-869-6388; theater season. Here are their choices, listed melodrama and ghastly veiled violence. Kevin $20-$39. SCM chronologically. Read their reviews in print and Hagan directs a cast worthy of Williams, with The Defiant Muse, Victory Gardens Theatre—A online at www.windycitymediagroup.com to see Shattered Globe ensemble members Eileen Nic- 16th-century Mexican nun swaps wordplay and whether their Critics’ Picks are hits or misses in colai, Linda Reiter and Brian McCaskill. Through swordplay with a Spanish playboy in the world their own judgments. Oct. 27; 773-770-0333; $27-$35. CS premiere of Nicholas Patricca’s contemplative The Color Purple, Cadillac Palace Theatre— Merchant of Venice, Silk Road Theatre Proj- look at the life of Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz. Oct. Producer Oprah Winfrey will never forgive you ect—Shakespeare’s (in)famous Jew becomes a 1-28; 773-871-3000; $20-$45. MSB if you miss this populist and energetically per- Muslim in Shishir Kurup’s Bollywood-influenced Passion, Chicago Shakespeare Theater—Gary formed Broadway musical adaptation of Alice re-imagining of The Merchant of Venice. Stuart Griffin and Ana Gasteyer return to Chicago from Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Okay, Carden directs the world premiere of the po- Broadway for Stephen Sondheim and James Lap- okay, she’ll probably forgive you, but consider litically provocative story. Choreographer Alka ine’s thought-provoking and artsy 1994 musical yourself warned that time is running out. Di- Nayyaar’s gorgeously hypnotic dances punctuate about a sickly Italian woman who relentlessly rected by Chicagoan Gary Griffin. Through Sept. Kurup’s iambic pentameter poetry. Through Nov. pursues a handsome soldier who loathes her. 30; 312-902-1400; $48-$85. SCM 4; 888-745-5849; $28-$30. CS More opera than musical, Passion is Sondheim at Passion Play: a cycle in three parts, Goodman Sounds So Good, Makes You Wanna Holler his dark and acerbic best. Oct. 2-Nov. 11; 312- Theatre—Sarah Ruhl’s three-part epic travels (Old school vs. New School), Black Ensemble 595-5600; $44-$64. SCM from Elizabethan England to Nazi Germany to Theater—The reliable team of producer Jackie The Madness of Edgar Allen Poe, A Love Sto- ry, First Folio Shakespeare Festival—Alternately 1960s South Dakota as it delves into the lives Taylor and musical director Jimmy Tillman bring Robert Allan Smith in The Madness of of people cast in theatrical reenactments of the us a world-premiere tale of fathers and sons in spooky and heart-breaking, the life and litera- ture of Poe come to life in David Rice’s intelli- Edgar Allen Poe, A Love Story. Bible. Shattered psyches reverberate through the music business with a score ranging from Photo by D. Rice the centuries among those caught up in playing Ray Charles to Kanye West. Open run from Sept. gent drama as the audiences moves from room to God. Through Oct. 21; 312-443-3800; $30-$70. 30; 773-769-4451; $35-$40. MSB room through the deliciously creepy (and report- the bridesmaids shun the party action for some CS edly haunted) Peabody Estate Mansion. Larry candid chat in Alan Ball’s wittily incisive com- Neumann is all haunted eyes and doomed genius edy that also makes a fashion statement, as the in the title role. Oct. 3-28; 630-986-8067; $16 title suggests. Nov. 1-Dec. 8; 773-398-3273; (previews)-$26. CS $20. MSB The Sparrow, The House Theatre of Chicago at Things We Said Today, Profiles Theatre Ensem- Apollo Theater—This bittersweet story of super- ble—If ever a Chicago troupe were born to stage heroine teenage angst sold out for two runs and Neil LaBute it’s Profiles. Both playwright and swept the Jefferson Citations last spring—don’t theater company are known for brazen, unswerv- you think it’s time you saw it? A tale of the- ing vivisections of the darker sides of the human atrical fancy, 1950’s-style sci-fi and compas- psyche. With this series of LaBute shorts, Pro- sion. Oct. 3-Dec. 31 (at least); 773-935-6100; files continues it’s disquieting and enthralling $34.50-$49.50. MSB season dedicated to the Barrington playwright. The Night of the Iguana, Raven Theatre— Nov. 16-Dec. 16; 773-549-1815; $15 (previews); Linda Reiter and David Dastmalchian in Suddenly Last Summer. Photo by Jana Giacoppa Tennessee Williams’ last major Broadway smash $25-$30. CS is quite a downer. But oh, what wonderfully po- The Turn of the Screw, Writers Theatre (Books etical wallowing is to be found by a defrocked on Vernon)—Just in time for the holidays, here priest and a lonely artist stuck in the Mexican is Henry James’ Victorian thriller of good and tropics during World War II. Raven generally evil, possibly-twisted nannies and childhood does Williams to a fare-thee-well. Oct. 9-Dec. 8; corruption. Call it the dark side of Mary Poppins. 72)4%23 4(%!42% 773-338-2177; $15-$25. SCM And a cheery fa-la-la to YOU, too. Nov. 28-March ).',%.#/% The Island of Dr. Moreau, Lifeline Theatre— 30, 2008; 847-242-6000; $40-$58. MSB Genetic engineering makes for tragedy in H.G. Hunchback, Redmoon Theatre—The gro- Wells’ prescient and much-copied 1896 fable of tesquely disfigured hero, the beautiful gypsy / Ê7", Ê*,  , Ê"Ê science gone amuck. It’s Wells at his science- woman, and the stunning bells of Notre Dame fiction and social best, and this world premiere leap to gorgeous life in Redmoon’s remount of adaptation should be right up Lifeline’s alley. its acclaimed adaptation of Victor Hugo’s nov- Oct. 22-Dec. 2; 773-761-4477; $25. MSB el. Expect Redmoon’s signature wonders as the Cabaret, Theo Ubique Theatre—Tap into the tale of Quasimodo unfurls in a visually stunning decadence of Weimar Republic Germany just as it pageant of puppets and masks. Nov. 29-Jan. 6, / Ê-
6

 2008; 312-850-8440; $15-$35. CS was trampled by the forces of fascism in Kander and Ebb’s classic musical based upon gay author Doctor Atomic, Lyric Opera of Chicago—Any- Christopher Isherwood. The fact that the show one interested in classical music, modern opera is performed in the No Exit Café should make it and science shouldn’t miss the Midwest premiere even more intimate and thrilling. Oct. 26-Dec. of John Adams and Peter Sellars’ 2005 opera -*1/
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Five Women Wearing The Same Dress, Hubris in the build-up to the 1945 detonation of the Productions, Center on Halsted—The wedding atomic bomb. Dec. 14-Jan. 29 (in repertory); guests hail from Knoxville’s finest families, but 312-332-2244; $31-$187. SCM

h#!.9/5'/ a new sketch iHole comedy Fri & Sat 8PM thru 10/20 Tickets $15 1-800-838-3006 or 4/(%,, gayco.com *534&/2"%).'3450)$ v Center on Halsted -!2'!2%4 4(%3!6!..!($)3054!4)/. Hoover-Leppen Theatre 3656 N. Halsted    gayco at Center on Halsted 72)4%234(%!42%/2' gayco.com September 19, 2007 27 DANCE from page 20 tions premieres Cinderbox 18 at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago, Nov. 15-17. the “Mambo King” Xavier Cugat, choreographed This evening-length work explores the comedy by Eduardo Vilaro with live accompaniment by and terror of everyday ritual through highly in- Angel Melendez & The 911 Mambo Orchestra. ventive movement. Led by artistic director Ju- The show also offers the Chicago premiere of lia Rhoads, Lucky Plush is known for its unique Tango Vitrola by Argentinean choreographer incorporation of technology and unexpected Alejandro Cervera and the Chicago premiere of visual design to create immersive and transfor- Ellegro con Sabor by Pedro Ruiz, a work com- mative environments. missioned by The Joffrey Ballet in collabora- The Harris Theatre hosts a special guest for

The Princess Club. Photo by Sean Williams THEATER REVIEW far from it. This is an often funny and always visually enchanting production as well as a com- Princess Club prehensive, kinetic portrait of the pernicious, in- Playwright: Jim Lasko, developed with Kasey sidious influences that bombard girls their every Foster, Judith Lesser, Molly Plunk, and Lauren conscious moment. But for all its smarts and wit, Sharpe The Princess Club stumbles in some respects. It Lucky Plush Productions. Photo by Cheryl Mann At: Redmoon Theater at Redmoon Central, takes forever to get going, and then becomes 1463 W. Hubbard mired in repetitiveness, a fault that edges into Phone: 312-850-8440; $15-$30 pretention as points are hammered home again tion with Luna Negra, performed by dancers one night only: Aspen Santa Fe Ballet. Making Runs through: Oct. 7 and again and again and again. And yet again, from both companies. its Chicago debut on Nov. 17, this contempo- lest you missed it the first four times. The Harris Theatre is a busy hub for dance rary ballet company offers a program of stun- BY CATEY SULLIVAN Take, for example, the scene wherein a quar- this season. Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago ning works, including Finnish choreographer tet of Princesses teaches a new girl the proper will present its fall concert there Oct. 26-27. Jorma Elo’s Pointeoff, Noir Blanc by Moses Nip/Tuck meets Mean Girls meets The Dumb way to walk and talk. The grotesque runway This energetic jazz ensemble offers a program Pendleton and Twyla Tharp’s rarely seen Sweet Waiter meets Perez Hilton meets Teen Vogue strut—butt and chest thrust outward, chin held mixing premiere and repertory work, including Fields. meets Cinderella, Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty haughtily high, arms swerving with meaningless a new piece by Kiesha Lalama-White, the hit Last (but never least), Dance Chicago kicks in Redmoon Theater’s wildly over-the-top de- arrogance—is demonstrated over and over, as Pyrokinesis by former Alvin Ailey dancer Chris- off this fall Nov. 2-Dec. 2 at the Athenaeum construction of the alternately cruel, bizarre and is the almost unintelligibly exaggerated mind- topher Higgins, Davis Robertson’s Entropy and Theatre. The largest festival of its kind in the flat-out ridiculous forces that shape girl culture. less Valley Speak. It’s funny and insightful the Tony Powell’s Impulse. Undoubtedly, Giordano’s world, Dance Chicago’s five-week run showcas- Welcome to The Princess Club, a world where the first two times around; the fourth and fifth, it’s show will be acrobatic, sculptural, passionate, es the broad spectrum of dance styles being word “celebutard” is absolutely indispensible. merely self-indulgent. meditative and intensely complex. performed by Chicago artists today. This sea- Credit creator Jim Lasko, who co-directs with That said, the stage pictures are knockouts. Hedwig Dances will present Sweet Darkness/ son offers 13 different programs, each geared cast member Vanessa Stalling, for ensuring that Costume designer Joel Klaff has turned cast Earthly Tongues, a new collection of modern toward various aesthetics, including Dance the mash-up of endlessly stupid and infinitely members into living sculptures, stuffed and works, Nov. 1-4 at the Hamlin Park Theatre, for Kids, New Moves Festival, International powerful cultural influences is never overwhelm- cinched effigies of Barbie dolls and inflatable 3035 N. Hoyne. The show will include a pre- Rhythms, Jazz Fusion and Dance Slam, among ing. From Brit-Brit and LiLo to crack and smack, sex dolls, complete with towering heels, Crayola miere by artistic director Jan Bartoszek, ex- others. Each vibrant show will make you eager the dangerous universe of girls takes on fever- make-up misshapen feet and plumped-to-ex- ploring her Polish heritage and the eternal to take in even more of Chicago’s fantastic ar- ishly absurdist proportions as a quintet of as- tremes derrieres. As the parade of hazards winds question of nature versus nurture, as well as piring supermodels and boytoys play dangerous to its horrifying (and inevitable) conclusion, Bartoszek’s Night Blooming Jasmine, choreog- games in an abandoned warehouse (wonder- you can’t help but marvel at the superhuman raphy by New York-based Bill Young and a new fully evocative work by Andrei Onegin), where strength girls need just to survive adolescence. piece by company member Kirsty MacKellar. an ominously creaking freight elevator signals Same Planet Different World Dance Theatre trouble of all kinds. This is a culture of seven- will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a spec- Tovah is Hepburn tacular “best of” show Nov. 9-11 at the Ruth word vocabularies (Oh, my God! Seriously! Like, Four-time Tony Award Nominee Tovah Feld- Page Theatre, 1016 N. Dearborn. The evening you guys!”) and desperate, do-it-yourself body shuh will portray Katharine Hepburn Dec. 19- features selections of the versatile troupe’s rich modification undertaken with rusty lawn tools. 23 in the Chicago premiere of Tea at Five, a repertory, as well as two premieres, including Earlier this month, the Center for Disease Con- one-woman play. The production will be per- choreography by Jan Erkert, Shirley Mordine, trol reported that the suicide rate among girls formed at the North Shore Center for the Per- Sam Watson, Jason Ohlberg and more. 10 to 14 spiked 76 percent between 2003 and forming Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie. Fusing ballet, modern, urban street dance, 2004. The pressures that result in such dire sta- Tickets are $28-$85 and are available to the fashion, art and improvisation, Complexions tistics show up in The Princess Club’s subversive general public at Broadway In Chicago box of- Contemporary Ballet will perform at the Audi- commentary on a culture defined by nightmarish fices (151 W. Randolph, 24 W. Randolph and torium Theatre Nov. 10-11. Founded by former absurdities. Only in the land of the grotesque do 18 W. Monroe), by calling Ticketmaster at Alvin Ailey dancers Dwight Rhoden and Des- rich girls starve themselves to death while the 312-902-1400 or online at www.ticketmaster. mond Richardson, this innovative group brings likes of Kathy Griffin natters on national televi- com. sion about the wonders of slicing your face open a fresh perspective to the expression of race, Complexions Contemporary Ballet. in the service of a good brow lift. culture and background. Not that The Princess Club dwells in darkness— The modern ensemble Lucky Plush Produc-

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WE SHIP ANYWHERE DR. JAY L. HAMMERMAN, R.PH. 28 September 19, 2007 do not one but a half dozen warm and fuzzy which includes Goodman, out actor Heather Mat- montages of the characters engrossed in their tarazzo as a tough talkin’ Bronx babe, Rachel books. As the montages pile up, so do the com- Dratch as a perennial student and drunk, and KNIGHT plications and the questions. How will all these puppy-eyed Mike Erwin as Sam’s roommate. Plays love-starved folks resolve their problems? exclusively at Landmark Century Centre Cinema. AT Not one of the questions has a surprising an- www.landmarktheatres.com THE swer—a happy event for viewers wrapped tightly in the cocoon of this expertly made sisterhood Cruising, director William Friedkin’s controver- MOVIES picture. Austen’s novels have the same magical sial 1980 story of a serial killer stalking gay men effect on the characters as the Italian country- immersed in New York City’s S&M culture, is out JANE AUSTEN... side did on those in Enchanted April which was on DVD (courtesy of Warner Home Video). Al Pa- so starry-eyed you could almost see the summer cino stars in the lurid thriller as a straight cop smile. Romantic fool that I am, I reveled in the who really goes undercover to find the brutal Austen novels and gets the chance to lead the chance to indulge in another of these “Calgon, murderer. At the film’s conclusion, as his girl- discussion. The idea for the club is hatched by take me away…” movies, but cynics and hat- friend, Karen Allen, tries on his leather jacket, Bernadette (Kathy Baker, in a welcome return to ers of dogs, straight men in touch with their he has become so immersed in the culture it a major screen role), a wise, aging hippie type feminine side or sunset picnics would be wise to is strongly suggested that his sexual proclivi- who is between husbands and looking to con- avoid The Jane Austen Book Club. This ain’t your ties have expanded to include homosexuality. FILM REVIEWS nect on a regular basis with her close friends. cup of Twinings tea. Protests of the movie occurred even as it was These include Jocelyn (Maria Bello), a fiercely being filmed; activists were concerned that The Jane Austen independent dog breeder; Sylvia (Amy Bren- Freshman Orientation, a frat comedy in which the filmmakers were attempting to link gay sex Book Club, Freshman neman), whose life is falling apart after her sex-crazed Sam (Clay Adams, Jimmy Olsen from and violence and feared that the movie would husband, Daniel (Jimmy Smits), has announced Superman Returns) pretends to be gay to bed be responsible for an increase in homophobia Orientation, Cruising that he’s having an affair and wants out of the a comely blond, gets off on the wrong foot but and hate crimes (a term that didn’t exist at the marriage; and Sylvia’s daughter, Allegra (Maggie then, surprisingly, recovers. Sam is a realist who time). BY Richard Knight, Jr. Grace), a lesbian who moves from girlfriend to doesn’t have much going for him. He has av- When Cruising opened in February 1980, it was girlfriend. erage looks, doesn’t have a great future ahead greeted in major cities (including Chicago) with The chick flick has been on life support of late On impulse, Bernadette invites a stranger, and knows that this is probably the only time more protests from gay activists, which hurt the Prudie (Emily Blunt, the nasty assistant from but The Jane Austen Book Club might turn the in life he’ll be able to parlay his confidence into movie at the box office to some extent. How- tide for the troubled “women’s picture.” Like Prada and the lesbian femme fatale from My a variety of sexual trysts. So, through a mis- ever, when seen today it’s more of a curio than other movies in the genre, it too was based on Summer of Love), an English high school teacher understanding, he willingly plays gay. First, he anything else—a Hollywood-style glimpse into a best seller but, unlike some of its recent fore- and Austen scholar, to join in. All the ladies are gets lessons in how to look and act the part the sexual excesses of pre-AIDS Manhattan. Its bears, it doesn’t rely on star power or a Gorgon- surprised when Grigg (Hugh Dancy, who played from John Goodman (sweet, fun and knowing) interpretation and attitudes about gay life are as like main character (as in The Devil Wears Prada the closeted Buddy in Evening) shows up at the the owner of the local gay bar. “Let’s put some out of date as those in The Boys in the Band— and The Nanny Diaries) to give it life. Instead, it first discussion after having received a back- sugar in those britches” Goodman tells him as ironically, another gay-themed movie directed takes its template from that of the “sisterhood” handed invitation from Jocelyn. The stage is the lessons commence. Transformed (sorta) Sam by Friedkin 10 years before Cruising. The DVD picture—movies like Fried Green Tomatoes, The now set for the characters and situations in the quickly wins the heart of the blond (who has her includes a commentary track and two featurettes Joy Luck Club or Waiting to Exhale—in which Austen novels to be reflected through a modern own agenda) though the bumpy road to lust will detailing the movie’s troubled history. the ladies bond over a similar ethnic or cultural prism by the ladies (and solo male) in the book be paved with a lot of potholes. Check out my archived reviews at www. background. Get out your hankies, girls; we fi- club. There are reminders of the heated situations in windycitytimes.com or www.knightatthemov- nally have a winner. Naturally, romance in all its forms will ebb and the gay comedy Eating Out; however, although ies.com. Readers can leave feedback at the The premise of the movie is that six friends flow between these folks as the months pass Freshman Orientation has it beat in the humor latter web site, where there is also ordering meet each month to talk about one of Jane and the meetings continue. With the six Austen department, it lacks its sexiness. The burst of information on my new book of collected film Austen’s six novels. Each is assigned one of the novels-six month framework in place screenwrit- humor is because of some stellar comic support, reviews, Knight at the Movies 2004-2006. er-director Robin Swicord gets the chance to “EXTRAORDINARY” “A SWEET AND FUNNY FILM Stephen Holden, THE NEW YORK TIMES WITH A VERY TALENTED CAST.” - Greg Hernandez, Los Angeles Daily News

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CWCT 5"x6.625" 9-19 ATU 9/14/07 11:14AM craig Chicago Windy City Times Wednesday, September 19, 2007 Qtr Pg (5” x 6.625’’) Landmark Theatres jw September 19, 2007 29 new mom with partner Allison Adler. On camera, bonus of both male and female contestants (32 Romeo San Vicente loves tequila, too, but she’s not only a recurring presence on ER, but of them, to be exact) who, if promotional clips only as a friend. He can be reached care of she’s also about to reunite with her former “hus- are to be believed, spend as much time making this publication, or at DeepInsideHolly- band,” fellow Roseanne alum Johnny Galecki. out with and pulling the hair of each other as [email protected]. The Big Bang Theory, a new CBS sitcom, centers they do courting Ms. Tequila. This blast of bi- around Galecki and Jim Parsons (Judging Amy) sexual liberation explodes all over basic cable in as two socially awkward scientists who become October, so don’t miss out. friends with their hot new neighbor, played by Kaley Cuoco (8 Simple Rules). Gilbert will guest star in a multiple-episode arc on the fledgling defamatory.” In related news, an MSNBC.com comedy as a physicist colleague and possible Entertainment item stated that Mark Hatten, a former lover of love interest for Galecki. Provided the show sur- Briefs Smith, has sued Stern for $100 million, saying vives the usual harsh new series cancellation that Stern tried to kill him.

rate, the chemistry’s already built in. Music mingled with politics when Madonna Former Top Chef contestant Josie Smith- (along with spouse Guy Ritchie) met with Malave said that she was attacked by an in Sea Cliff, N.Y., Advocate.com Kelly McGillis. Photo courtesy of Strand Re- Liz Sends Love Letters Shimon Peres, the president of Israel, ac- anti-gay mob leasing Many of today’s more ubiquitous celebrities— cording to the Associated Press. Peres, a Nobel reported. Smith-Malave and six friends went the kind who would attend the opening of an Peace laureate, gave the pop-music superstar a to an establishment called Partners; she and DEEP INSIDE envelope—could stand to take a lesson or two copy of the Old Testament that she wanted. The another woman, Emily Durwood, were asked from Elizabeth Taylor. The screen goddess limits day before, Madonna sang Jewish songs and to leave after they danced together. Outside, HOLLYWOOD her public appearances, thereby assuring that danced at a Kabbalah conference in Tel Aviv. Smith-Malave, her sister and Durwood were when she does hit the red carpet, it’s major However, some gays have criticized Madonna confronted by approximately a dozen individu- BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE news. And since she often leverages this press because Kabbalah leaders reportedly oppose als who allegedly punched and spat on them. exposure for charitable causes, it’s a win-win homosexuality, 365Gay.com. Police are treating the incident as a potential McGillis Raises L hate crime. situation. Both her stature and her privacy will In a recent interview, rapper Ja Rule has Kelly McGillis is an actress who has always allow her to demand big bucks for a one-night- blamed MTV’s gay-centered programming Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael known how to work her unique brand of sexual- only stage performance of Love Letters, opposite for the country’s ills, according to Monster- Solner has approved entertainer Jennifer ity to her big gay following. Whether playing James Earl Jones, in Los Angeles, with all pro- sAndCritics.com. The hip-hopper told Complex Lopez’s $545,000 arbitration award in her an amorous lesbian in The Monkey’s Mask, de- ceeds going to AIDS organizations. The actress’ magazine that “We need to go step to MTV and lawsuit against Ojani Noa, her first husband, fending Jodie Foster in The Accused, or putting appearance is just another milestone in a now Viacom, and lets talk about all these fucking according to the Associated Press. Noa had on a military uniform to seduce Tom Cruise in nearly three-decade commitment to the cause of shows that they have on MTV that is promoting planned to write a tell-all book, but Solner, in Top Gun, McGillis has an almost Dietrich-like ca- HIV and AIDS. Los Angeles audiences with chari- homosexuality, that my kids can’t watch this addition to approving the monetary judgment, pacity for bewitching men and women alike. So table cash to spare for the benefit can catch this shit.” GLAAD has urged media outlets to boy- issued a permanent injunction against Noa, how perfect, then, that she’s joining the cast rare theatrical appearance in December. cott the rapper in the wake of his comments, prohibiting him from publishing disparaging of Showtime’s The L Word in the sapphic soap’s SixShot.com reported. items about Lopez. forthcoming fifth season, as a military lawyer Tequila Takes a Shot at TV Larry Birkhead and Howard K. Stern—who Openly gay actor Sir Ian McKellen will be handling a “don’t ask, don’t tell” case. (Sounds Tila Tequila. Heard of her? If not, then you once both claimed to be the father of the child this year’s Global Voices speaker at Minne- like Alice’s relationship with Iraq vet with Tasha annual Global Voices haven’t spent enough time on MySpace, where of the late Anna Nicole Smith—plan to sue apolis’ Guthrie Theater’s is no longer on the D.L.) McGillis and the show’s event Oct. 8, according to Playbill.com. In ad- she enjoys the status of “most-friended” per- Rita Cosby, the author of an explosive new cadre of drama-loving lesbians (with their en- dition, McKellen will appear at the Guthrie in son on the site. And since this is the sort of book called Blonde Ambition: The Untold viable jobs, perfect hair, designer outfits, and the Royal Shakespeare Company’s productions achievement that only begets others, the bi- Story Behind Anna Nicole Smith’s Death, great apartments) will return in January. sexual Internet phenomenon has been signed up the AP reported. Among other things, the of King Lear and The Seagull, which run Oct.

for her own reality dating competition on MTV. book states that the two men had a sexual en- 5-14. See www.guthrietheater.org for more Sara Gilbert Returns with a Big Bang A Shot at Love with Tequila’s premise is similar counter; Birkhead calls the charge “false and info. Off camera, Sara Gilbert—aka Roseanne’s most to other put-them-all-in-a-house-to-fight-over- sarcastic teenager—is all grown up and a happy one-person smackdowns, but features the added

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32 September 19, 2007 really of no consequence. So I think that’s why it performance is the soundtrack of my life.” was never explored. But I feel like I’d been made What songs are you doing, and how do they a bit of a, I felt a bit of a dick, you know? connect to your life? AM: They also probably discovered it while LL: I’ll Stand By You; that’s really about the We Love Lucy filming. They realized the amazing chemistry connection between these Xena fans. They have between the two of you, and the audience they built a community of support that goes way be- BY AMY MATHENY of Xena and Gabrielle was finally made crystal were attracting, so they were able to develop yond the show. They have raised hundreds of clear at the end of the series? I’m going to that relationship and create a history for Xena thousands of dollars for charities that Renee and For Battlestar Galactica fans, she is D’Anna Biers, hold you to the wall to say they are lesbians, that had some key important women. I align ourselves with. We try to be very respon- the awesome kick-ass Cylon. To others, she is the right? LL: There may be some truth in what you say. sible about what we give our name to because we leggy blonde winning votes on Celebrity Duets. AM: [The producers also must have thought] know that we drag this incredibly generous loyal But for lesbian and gay fans, Lucy Lawless will these women look really good on screen to- fan base everywhere we go. eternally be Xena. And for Amy Matheny, host of gether and we should put them in a hot tub. Also, I love my audience from the gay com- Windy City Queercast, after years conceiving the LL: It was the lesbian audience that actually munity. I never want to dishonor them. I’m inter- smash hit Xena Live! and starring as Gabrielle brought that to the forefront. But knowing Rob ested in equality of all folks. for About Face Theatre, she finally got the op- [Tapert, producer and Lucy’s husband] and [open- AM: I know you headlined Grease on Broad- portunity to go head to head with her Warrior ly lesbian producer] Liz Friedman as I do…. it way, but I think you need to do a big comedy. Princess. just could not have been lost on Liz, who was You’re hilarious when you pull up your come- there at the character’s inception. This was a nat- dic straps. Amy Matheny: Hi Lucy! How are you? ural outcome of having these two kick-ass chicks LL: Yeah, I strap it on for this show. Don’t you Lucy Lawless: Hi. I am a box of birds. wandering through life together. So it can’t have worry. AM: You’re a “box of birds?” been altogether unexpected. Except by me and AM: Thank you, Lucy. I appreciate that. LL: That means, very well indeed, thank you. Renee, who were just thrilled to have a gig! LL: My pleasure. AM: I love it! A little New Zealand right off AM: So were you okay with her death in the AM: You are also making an appearance at the top. What do you miss about New Zea- end? It’s fairly controversial. the OfficialX ena Convention. It’s the first time land? LL: I know. When I see that now I kind of regret ever you and Renee are both going to be in LL: I miss the gray and the green of Auckland, that, because of how much it hurt people. I know Chicago. instead of everything being just tawny brown ev- it sounds silly to the uninitiated out there, but LL: And we’re raising money for the United Way erywhere I look. I miss the moody skies of Auck- Lucy Lawless. if they had done something to Tony Soprano, I in Chicago [with all proceeds from autographed land, and the sparkling harbor. But that’s about would have wept. So, finally, I understood what pictures]. it. I really am not a tremendously sentimental was at stake for the audience. AM: If you were playing a lesbian in a film, person, I’m horrified to say. I just don’t have that AM: Is there an update on a Xena movie? whom would you want as your co-star? gene. Everything I have is with me—my friends LL: Well, I was pissed at that. OK. If you were LL: I would love to say there was, but it will LL: Renee O’Connor. Now I’ve got a question for and my family, and nothing else really matters. going to make her a lesbian, why not do it ages just be filibustered to death. It’s all about the you. The number one and two lesbian icons in the AM: So what do you miss about Xena? ago? What’s this waffling around? And it made rights. It’s a big legal question because there was world are Xena and Gabrielle—NOT in that order. LL: Not that I miss it, but what I value most a liar out of me because all those years I said, some sort of screw-up in the paperwork, so no- So is it a compliment to me that they want to be of that memory is the camaraderie. The fact that “Well, she might not be, it’s up to the audience.” body knows who owns it, legally. It’s killing me Gabrielle? Or is it a compliment to Renee that I worked on a show where there was zero bitchi- Well, were [the producers] planning it from the that someday somebody will say, “Oh why don’t they want to be Gabrielle? ness. There was no finger-pointing, no blaming start? Why couldn’t you just be brave about it? I we resurrect that character?” and it will be like, AM: Lucy, you are asking the wrong person. and the show was even greater than the sum of think that they just never made up their minds “Let’s get a young Lucy Lawless.” [Laughing] Because I wanted to be Gabrielle so badly that its parts. And how lucky was I to get a co-star and were so busy telling stories of adventure, AM: You continue to work with your Xena I created an entire stage show so that Xena like Renee O’Connor who was not a pain in the that the internal adventure or details like [their castmates. You were in Spiderman with Ted Warrior Princess could save me. ass, who was good at her job, who was inspira- sexuality] were not really important, you know? (Raimi/Joxer), directed by Sam Raimi (Xena tional to me [and] who never stopped working Like it doesn’t matter what sexuality a firefighter director), and you just filmed an episode of like a Trojan? She was really my greatest ally. is; they do their job to the best of their ability Burn Notice with Bruce Campbell. AM: Were you happy that the relationship and their sexual preference or gender identity is LL: I love hanging out with Bruce, Ted, Renee. They’re the most talented, wonderful, generous human beings. I have to thank Bruce for Burn Notice. He championed me for the role, and it’s GAY PHONE SEX an awesome show! I’ve been trying to do other things since Xena to explore other sides of my talents and this time it’s like, shit man, this is You want it. We’ve got it. what people want to see me do. This is what dif- ferentiates me from 99 percent of the other ac- Live, One-On-One • Bulletin Board tresses out there, because I can do this without even thinking about it. Sometimes you’ve got to go with your natural schtick. AM: The critical success of Battlestar Galac- tica is extraordinary. Are you returning next season? LL: I’m so glad people like it and, yes, I am coming back. We’re filming a couple of epi- sodes next month. D’Anna comes back and she, LL: So they want a great big strong lesbian to no doubt, will get up to her old tricks. Certain come up and throw them over their shoulder? people want to use her for the information she AM: In leather, yeah!…on a horse. That would has gleaned in her experiments between lives. be great! And maybe some baths involved. It’s about how will she handle that. LL: [Laughing] Well, I am going to tell Renee AM: My guilty pleasure is BBC’s Footballers this because she is always going, “Ha, ha, ha” to Wives. So when they cast you to play vixen me. So I am taking your opinion to the bank. Tanya Turner in the American version on ABC, I was thrilled. But then it did not get picked up. Lucy Lawless appears at Buddy Guy’s Leg- What the hell happened? ends, 754 S. Wabash, Fri.-Sat., Oct. 5-6. For LL: I don’t believe that it will ever happen. info and tickets visit www.lucyconcert.com. The people that own the property own ESPN, and Also, she will appear at the Official XENA showing those American superstars with some- Convention with Renee O’Connor Sat.-Sun., body else’s naked wife is not commensurate with Oct 6-7, at the O’Hare Wyndham Hotel, 6810 the image that they want to put out. That’s just N. Mannheim, Rosemont; for more, see www. my kooky little conspiracy theory. It’s so funny creationent.com. To listen to this entire inter- because in American media, everything is about view, visit www.windycityqueercast.com. Call now. Guys are waiting… the train wrecks. It’s about Paris Hilton, and Brit- ney with her ass hanging out at the bloody shop- ONLINE... ping mall. So being completely rich sells. Sadly 1-800-PROMALE [the show] would bring more glamour to ill-be- THE FULL 1-800-776-6253 haved football stars than they ever had before. $1.99/min. 18+ Discreetly billed to your Visa/MC It would not hurt them in any way, so it seems lucy lawless peculiar to me, but that’s the way they want to play it. Ta-ta. INTERVIEW 1-900-825-4500 AM: You are coming to Chicago to Buddy $1.49/min. 18+ Discreetly billed to your phone. $2 connect fee. Guy’s Legends after your huge sold-out run at www.windycityqueercast.com © 2007 npp productions, reno, nv customer service (888) 283-3331 the Roxy in Hollywood. You have said, “this September 19, 2007 33 WHAT TO DO? Wednesday, Sept. 19

Wednesday, Sept. 19 public, Wheaton College’s Billy Graham SP1. Halsted at Belmont, www.spin- Wednesday, Sept. 26 Center on Halsted Chicago premiere of Center, www.mosaicinitiative.org nightclub.com Center on Halsted Women and Investing. burlesque-style variety show starring Spin Femininity, a special night for West Suburban Gay Association Booty- First of a five-part Women and Money Margaret Cho, The Sensuous Woman, women who love women. 10 p.m.- 2 licious Camp levi/leather party and series of financial literacy workshops. followed by reception at Center on Hal- a.m., Halsted at Belmont, www.spin- adult video sale at member’s home. For 6-8 p.m., free to the public, 3656 N. sted. $100 for performance and recep- nightclub.com more info see www.wsga.com, west_ Halsted St., www.centeronhalsted.org tion; show 8 p.m., Lake Shore Theater, Women and Children First Michael Mc- [email protected], 630-512-0100 Gay Liberation Network Meeting to 3175 N. Broadway; reception with Cho Colly: The After-Death Room. 7:30 plan for Matthew Shepard March (Oct. and cast 9:30-10:30 p.m., 3656 N. Hal- p.m., 5233 N. Clark St., 773-769-9299, Sunday, Sept. 23 6). 7-9 p.m., Gerber/Hart Library, 1127 sted St.; RSVP or more info at 773-576- www.womenandchildrenfirst.com Hydrate DJ Jeannette. 3458 N. Halsted W. Granville Ave., www.gayliberation. 2447 or [email protected] St., www.hydratechicago.com net, [email protected], 773- Dyke Mic 2.0 All-ages open mic for Friday, Sept. 21 PFLAG/Oak Park Monthly meeting; 209-1187 queer women of all gender persuasions; Affinity XPU Youth Drop-In. Every third meets fourth Sunday of each month. Sir Spa Free monthly workshop: Walk- CHO TIME co-hosted by JT Newman and Nikki Pa- Friday. 6 p.m., 5650 S. Woodlawn Ave., 3-5 p.m., First United Church of Oak ing the Tightwire: How a balanced life tin. Extended through end of Decem- 773-324-0377, www.affinity95.org Park, 848 Lake St., Oak Park, www. can help you achieve more. 6:30 p.m., Margaret Cho (above) will entertain bur- ber; every Wednesday. 8-10 p.m., $10, Hydrate Lube wrestling (11 p.m.) and DJ oakpark-pflag.blogspot.com 5151 N. Clark St., www.sirspa.com/ lesque-style with The Sensuous Woman. $8 with student ID, Center on Halsted Jeannette. 3458 N. Halsted St., www. Windy City Gay Naturists M2M massage. tightwire.html Hoover-Leppen Theatre, 3656 N. Halst- hydratechicago.com 3 p.m., $10 fee, call 312-494-2654 or photo courtesy of Pixie Vision Productions ed St., www.centeronhalsted.org, www. Spin Bear Shower Contest. Sign up by 11 email [email protected] to RSVP myspace.com/dykemic2, dykemic@ p.m., midnight showtime, Halsted at and for info Thursday, Sept. 27 gmail.com Belmont, www.spin-nightclub.com Association of Latino Men for Action Support group: Amigos Apoyando Ami- Tuesday, Sept. 25 Estrojam Estrojam Festival celebrates Women and Children First Estrojam Monday, Sept. 24 its fifth anniversary! This year’s music gos. Every Thursday. 7-9 p.m., free, Workshop: DJ Skilz 101 with DJ Girl 6. Chicago Department of Public Health fest features women artists such as 7:30 p.m., 5233 N. Clark St., 773-769- Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St., Premiere of Kevin’s Room: Together, a contact 773-661-0926 or email pro- Bahamadia, ESG, Exene Cervanka of X, 9299, www.womenandchildrenfirst.com video produced by the CDPH’s Office of Kristin Hersh, Marnie Stern, MC Rita J., [email protected] if interested, LGBT Health. 5 p.m., Holiday Inn Chi- space limited Nicky Click, the Noisettes, Pet Er Pat, Saturday, Sept. 22 cago Mart Plaza, free to public, www. Psalm One, Suffrajette, Yo Majesty and Center on Halsted What Makes a Family? Center on Halsted Pink Party to benefit kevinsroom.org much more. In locations throughout Part 1. Adam Pertman discusses LGBT Horizons Youth Program, Mental Health adoption and the changing definition Chicago through Sept. 23. See www. Services and Community & Cultural estrojam.org for updated listings and Tuesday, Sept. 25 of American family. 6-8 p.m., free to Programs. 6:30-11:30 p.m., $50 in- Center on Halsted Help Him, Help Your- the public, 3656 N. Halsted St., www. details of events/event locations. dividuals, VIP tickets $75, MCA Ware- Mental Health Rainbow Group Weekly self: Life after Prostate Cancer. Seminar centeronhalsted.org house Loft, 1747 W. Hubbard, www. covers the causes and range of treat- Center on Halsted Transgender Town Hall meeting. 3-4 p.m., free, Center on Hal- centeronhalsted.org sted, 3656 N. Halsted St., www.center- ment options available. 6:30 p.m., Meeting. 7-9 p.m., 3656 N. Halsted St., Chicago House The World Tour Gala: free, 3656 N. Halsted St., www.center- www.centeronhalsted.org onhalsted.org Bella Note di mille Stelle. Renaissance Windy City Gay Naturists Club night at onhalsted.org Chicago National Organization for Hotel, 1 W. Wacker Dr., see www.chica- GLBT Hall of Fame 15h Annual Hall of Women 10th Annual Women Who Dare Touche. 7:30 p.m., $20 guest fee, bring gohouse.org for more info, tickets ID and own towel Fame Celebrity Auction Benefit. 7 p.m., reception, celebrating Marcena W. Love Circuit DJ Junior Vasquez. 3641 N. Hal- Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted St., contact and T. Khyentse James. 6-9 p.m., $75, Women and Children First Gioia Dilib- sted St., www.circuitclub.com AUCTION STARS erto: The Collection. 7:30 p.m., 5233 Bill Greaves at 312-744-7911 or Gary The Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton St., Funky Buddha Lounge Outdanced: Met- Chichester at 773-281-5077, info@gl- Ruggles Hall, [email protected], N. Clark St., 773-769-9299, www.wom- ric & Crystal Castles after party. Spe- The Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame will hold enandchildrenfirst.com halloffame.org, www.glhalloffame.org 312-578-9351 cial guests TBA. Hosted by Metric and Tallgrass Writers Open mic hosts indie Women and Children First Nicole Hol- its 15th Annual Celebrity Auction Benefit at Kampfire Killaz. 10 p.m.- 2 a.m., 728 musicians, featuring Indianapolis- lander: Tales of Graceful Aging from the Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted. Thursday, Sept. 20 W. Grand Ave., 312-666-1695, www. based group The Dancin’ Nancys. 7:30 Planet Denial. 7:30 p.m., 5233 N. Clark photo of the 2006 benefit by Andrew Davis Mosaic Initiative HIV and Morality panel funkybuddha.com, outdanced@yahoo. p.m., $6 cover, $5 for students, The St., 773-769-9299, www.womenand- discussion. Panelists representing a com Red Lion, 2446 N. Lincoln Ave. childrenfirst.com variety of Christian faiths discuss how Hydrate Brett Henrichsen. 3458 N. Hal- their faith and beliefs have opened sted St., www.hydratechicago.com doors for people to respond to the Spin Ear-rotic hip-hop, house and reggae pandemic. 7-9 p.m., free and open to party. Special guest DJs, DJ Stoney and 34 September 19, 2007

The book includes an overview of the past Gay Games seven Gay Games, including images of the first event in 1982 with co-founder Dr. Tom Waddell. There are also special photos taken by interna- VII Photo tionally renowned photographer Victor Skreb- neski of amateur and professional Gay Games Book athletes, including Esera Tuaolo, Leigh-Ann Naidoo and Matthew Cusick. Published Especially memorable are images from the Opening and Closing ceremonies at Soldier More than 1,000 images in Field and Wrigley Field. There are photos of the new four-color book featured performers and speakers, including Mayor Richard M. Daley, Cyndi Lauper, Megan The excitement and joy of the 2006 Gay Games Mullally, Margaret Cho, Andy Bell, Ari Gold and in Chicago are captured in a new 208-page many more. four-color glossy photo book available online The Gay Games decided to go with an online from the Web site www.lulu.com. The book fea- publishing format to allow for more creativ- tures more than 1,000 images of the sports, ity and flexibility. In using www.lulu.com, the culture and ceremonies of Gay Games VII, held process is similar to ordering any book online, July 15-22, 2006. and takes just a few days. The book is $49 plus Several dozen professional photographers shipping, or is $19 as a PDF download. donated their services to cover the Gay Games, Order at www.lulu.com/content/1179609. contributing more than 60,000 images to the Gay Games photo archives. These images were then culled to 11,000 and were made available Olivia to in 2006 as downloads on the Gay Games Web site. Now, the best of those images are in the Honor King Olivia, the globally-known lesbian travel book “Gay Games VII: Where the World Meets.” agency, will mark its 35th anniversary next The book is written by Gay Games VII Co Vice- year while celebrating women’s sports histori- Chair Tracy Baim, who is also publisher of Chi- cal events, including Billie Jean King’s monu- cago’s Windy City Media Group (WCMG). WCMG mental win in the “The Battle of the Sexes” and its weekly newspaper, Windy City Times, and the passing of Title IX into law. Olivia will coordinated the Gay Games photo project, and honor these events by offering its first “Women WCMG Art Director Kirk Williamson designed in Sports Cruise,” departing the Mexican Rivera the book. on Oct. 4, 2008, and returning to San Diego The featured photographers in the book are exactly one week later, on Oct. 11. Steve Becker, Kat Fitzgerald, Amy Moseley and The cruise will also include an All-Star bas- Patsy Lynch, who took the majority of the im- ketball game featuring popular WNBA players ages. There are dozens of other professional and other iconic women sports figures. Addi- and amateur photographers included, with im- The Bucks Stop Here tionally, Olivia will host “Breakfast of Women ages from all 31 sports and dozens of cultural The Chicago Dragons rugby team (in black and blue) was absolutely dominant as it routed the Atlanta Champions” onboard, a fundraiser benefiting events and ceremonies of Gay Games VII. Bucks 38-5 on Sat., Sept. 15, at Lerner Park, 7000 N. Sacramento. Photos by Becky Frey the Women’s Sports Foundation.

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GET YOURS TODAY! Training at Gym or Home http://www.lulu.com/content/1179609 Discount Packages Available or go to www.lulu.com and search for “Gay Games” under books. 312.907.1720 or 312.909.0733 Jeffrey Gross September 19, 2007 35 THROUGH THE LENS LGBT Blacks Exhibited in Photos In celebration of Unity Month (September), WE ARE HERE: African-American Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Images,™ an exhibit of photographs by Richard Lee Gray, is on exhibit at Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln, announced Clarence N. Wood, chairman of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations. WE ARE HERE will be displayed until Fri., Sept. 28. A reception to celebrate the exhibit was held on Tues., Sept. 11, in the library’s auditorium. The exhibit is free and open to the public. In addition, there was “WE ARE HERE: Spiritual Connections”—stories and dialogue with Black same-gender-loving ministers—the following night, Sept. 12, in the library’s meeting room. Questions about the exhibit should be addressed to We_Are_Here_Chicago@ yahoo.com. The “We Are Here” Web site is www.geocities.com/We_Are_Here_ Chicago. Photos of Gray’s images (far left) taken in 2006 by Andrew Davis; photo of the Rev. Juan Reed (near left) by Suzanne Kraus

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