THE VOICE OF CHICAGO’S GAY, LESBIAN, BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 December 19, 2007 • vol 23 no 14 Ryan White’s Mom Talks Huckabee By AMY WOOTEN at a board meeting in Washington, D.C. was, “Where are all the other Republicans? Why aren’t For Jeanne White-Ginder, the mother of Ryan they embarrassed?” Jodie Foster White, the last week has felt like Indiana in the She fears that conservatives are eating up Huckabee’s comments. “They are loving every page 8 ‘80s all over again, fighting ignorance and con- Comes Out? servatives. minute of this,” White-Ginder said. “They found White-Ginder is shocked over Republican pres- somebody to agree with them.” idential candidate and former Arkansas governor Huckabee recently told the press he is willing Mike Huckabee’s stance regarding people living to have a meeting, but both The AIDS Institute with HIV/AIDS. The Associated Press revealed and HRC have not received any official response that in 1992, Huckabee stated in a questionnaire from their multiple requests. that all people living with HIV/AIDS should be White-Ginder isn’t too hopeful until she hears isolated. After recently being confronted about from his campaign. “I don’t know if he would this, the candidate has remained steadfast in ever retract it, though,” she said. “From my un- Jeanne White-Ginder. Photo by Michael standing by the statement he made 15 years derstanding, he’s standing by it.” Ruppal ago. She doesn’t want a meeting in which her words “You don’t know whether to laugh or cry,” tling AIDS contracted during treatment for his would fall on deaf ears, but does want to give White-Ginder told Windy City Times. Since, both hemophilia. White was banned from his school Huckabee one of Ryan’s books. “Apparently, he the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and The AIDS due to fear that the disease could be spread via hasn’t heard the story, yet.” Institute have requested that Huckabee meet casual contact. Both he and his mother fought The tireless advocate is surprised that Hucka- with White-Ginder to discuss his comments. So to eradicate ignorance and hate; White passed bee, despite his words, is leading in the polls. far, Huckabee’s campaign has not given any type away in 1990. White-Ginder now lives in Florida, She is baffled that he continues to receive sup- Liz Thomson of official response. and serves on the board of The AIDS Institute. port, and that other Republicans haven’t spo- During the ‘80s, the nation had its collective page 9 One of the first things that ran through White- Turn to page 4 and Family eye on Ryan White, an Indiana teenager bat- Ginder’s mind when she heard the news while

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PASSAGES: Allan Berube, p. 4; Rep. Julia Carson, p. 8; Melvin Cheren, p. 8;

www.WindyCityQueercast.com David Jenkins, p. 4; Vi Leppen, p. 5; Sir Robert Loescher, p. 7 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com 692US07AB03802_v2_MECH 9/7/07 12:32 PM Page 1 2 December 19, 2007

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692US07AB03802 AD SIZE: 10” x 13.125” December 19, 2007 3 Check out your index new News Passages: Allan Berube 4 neighbor. Passages: David Jenkins 4 Ryan White’s mom talks 4 Passages: Vi Leppen 5 TVcV[TTVcV[T Tunney victim of robbery 5 LGBT immigration forum 6 Indiana school district sued 6 Passages: Robert Loescher 6 World news 7 National roundup 8 Did Jodie Foster come out? 8 Passages: Carson, Cheren 8 UIC’s Liz Thomson 9 Project Runway’s Steven Rosengard Quotelines 9 (above) dishes with Windy City Times about the show. See page 19. ENTERTAINMENT ‘Nice’ holiday productions 12 Waveland Robert Aguirre-Sacasa 13 & ! Profile: Alexandra Billings 16 Halsted Theater reviews 17 Il Divo’s David Miller 18 Runway’s Steven Rosengard 19 FREE PARKING Knight at the Movies 20 Entertainment news 21 Customized baskets make a great holiday gift. Pick one up today! OUTLINES Real estate ads 18 3640 N. Halsted (773) 472-0400 Classifieds 19 wholefoodsmarket.com Calendar 21 Wrapture, Deratany 21 Chicago House held its Champagne Wrap- Sports 22 ture recently. See page 21. More images are at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com and www.MysticImagesPhotography.com. Photo by Kat Fitzgerald

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santa baby Celebrate Christmas with Frida Lay and the whole Nigtspots gang. photo by Ryan Kolodziej. 4 December 19, 2007 from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur lan’s work as a community historian was proof Historian Bill Kelley added that “[i]t was a great Foundation for his work. that knowing history, seeing history, could be a shock to learn of Allan’s death. I hadn’t seen him For the past decade, while living in New York force for change in the world.” for many years, since our paths crossed a couple City and the Catskills, Berube had been working of times in activist connections, but he was bril- on a history of queer working-class men in the liant, beautiful, and charming.” Marine Cooks and Stewards Union in the 1930s and ‘40s, a project for which he received a Rock- the AIDS outreach programs for the Episcopal efeller Residency Fellowship in the Humanities Diocese in Philadelphia. from the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies at “He lived his life affirming a determined com- CUNY. mitment to human and civil rights,” said Rich- Berube traveled the country presenting slide ard Turner, his partner of 16 years. “He made a David Jenkins. shows about his current research, and lectured career of putting his compassion into programs on gay and lesbian history at Stanford Univer- and organizations that served others.” sity and the University of California, Santa Cruz. Jenkins came to Chicago in 1997 to live with He wrote stories for numerous publications, Turner, who he had met when they were both Allan Berube. Photo by Rex Wockner including Mother Jones, Gay Community News, members of the Board of Governors of the Hu- man Rights Campaign. Prior to returning to The Advocate, The Washington Blade, Out/Look, PASSAGES and the Body Politic. He also published articles Chicago, they lived in West Palm Beach, Fla., PASSAGES in several anthologies, including White Trash David Jenkins and New York City, where Jenkins volunteered Gay Historian (which included a rare personal essay in which Gaston Justice Jenkins—a gay veteran known with Funders Concerned About AIDS. he recounted his childhood in a trailer park in to friends and family as “David”—passed away Jenkins’ passion, in addition to civil rights Allan Berube Bayonne, N.J.) and Policing Public Sex, in which Dec. 13 from complications of Parkinson’s dis- for gays and lesbians and AIDS issues, was By Wayne Hoffman he detailed the history of gay bathhouses. ease at Chicago’s Warren-Barr Pavilion. He was singing. In Philadelphia, he was one of the “Allan took great pride in his role as a com- 75. founders of the Spruce Street Singers. He also Gay historian Allan Berube, the award-winning munity historian,” said John D’Emilio, professor Jenkins found a sense of purpose in his mid- sang with the New York Gay Men’s Chorus and, author of Coming Out Under Fire, Dec. 11. He of history at the University of Illinois at Chicago dle name. He was devoted to his community as after moving to Chicago, with the Windy City was 61. and author of several books on gay history. “He well as to his country and lived the principles Gay Men’s Chorus. His death was due to sudden complications loved the excitement that his talks and slide of compassion and respect his entire life. Turner told Windy City Times that Jenkins following the discovery of two stomach ulcers, shows generated in an audience, and he loved Jenkins was born November 13, 1932, in Bal- “was the kindest guy in the world. David didn’t according to his close friend Jonathan Ned Katz, that he, a college dropout, had written a book timore. He attended St. Paul’s School in Bal- like the limitations in his life, but he never a fellow gay historian. that made a difference in the world. He was an timore and graduated from the University of once complained.” Berube was, for decades, an independent his- inspiration to everyone who knew him, as sweet North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1954. During his four plus years of living with Par- torian and community activist. He first came and kind and genuinely moral a human being as He served 13 years on active duty as a pilot kinson’s, Jenkins was fortunate to have an ex- to progressive political activism in opposition anyone could hope to meet.” in the U.S. Navy at bases and on aircraft carri- traordinary caregiver, Gilbert Magallanes, who to the Vietnam war, working with the American For the past several years, Berube lived in Lib- ers around the world. He was among the elite became an integral member of the family. Friends Service Committee in Boston in the late erty, N.Y., in the Catskills. There, he owned a bed pilots stationed at Guantanamo immediately Jenkins is survived by Turner and three chil- 1960s, after dropping out of the University of & breakfast, and operated Intelligent Design, a after the Cuban missile crisis in 1962. dren, David (Giselle), of Herndon, Va.; Suzanne Chicago. After coming out in 1969, he joined a store selling mid-century modern collectibles. After active military service, Jenkins—known Martin (John) of Reston, Va.; Frank (Ann) of “gay liberation collective household,” and later Berube’s partner, John Nelson, said, “Allan just to friends and family as “David “—enlisted at Columbus, Ohio; and four grandchildren: Jus- moved to San Francisco to join a gay commune loved it when people walked into the Liberty the front of the ”war on poverty” during the ad- tin, Gwendolyn, Patrick and Victoria. His earlier for craftspeople. He remained in San Francisco store, looked around, and were happy.” ministration of President Lyndon B. Johnson in partner, the late Dr. Benjamin Verdile of Phila- for many years, and was one of the founders of Berube was twice elected a trustee of the vil- 1964. Working in the Office of Economic Oppor- delphia, died in 1993. the San Francisco Lesbian and Gay History Proj- lage of Liberty. tunity, he designed and supervised anti-poverty A memorial service will be held in January. ect in 1978. His slide shows about women who “Allan was extremely proud of helping to pre- programs that blended economic opportunities, Contributions can be made to either the Ser- dressed and passed as men—and married other serve Liberty’s historic character,” said Katz. social services and educational programs. Over vicemembers Legal Defense Network, P.O. Box women —were welcomed by enthusiastic audi- “Allan initiated the successful nomination of his 20-year tenure in the federal government, 65301, Washington, D.C., 20035-5301 (or ences around the country. Liberty’s whole Main Street as a historic district, he traveled throughout the United States to www.sldn.org) or the Chicago Academy for the Berube is best remembered for his ground- saved from demolition a major building with a implement the programs in small towns and ur- Arts, 1010 W. Chicago, Chicago, IL 60622. breaking work of gay history, published in 1990: classic 1950s façade, and bought and renovated ban areas. Jenkins also concurrently continued Read the entire obituary—including what Coming Out Under Fire: The History of Gay Men the Shelburne Playhouse, one of the last remain- military service for 19 years as an officer in the Howard Brown CEO Mike Cook said about and Women in World War II. The Lambda Literary ing performance halls that were once part of the Naval reserve and retired as a Captain in 1985. Jenkins—at www.WindyCityMediaGroup. Award-winning book, which was later adapted area’s many hotels.” During the late 1980s, Jenkins coordinated com. by Arthur Dong into a Peabody Award-winning In addition to Nelson, Berube is also survived documentary, was often cited in Senate hearings by his mother and three sisters. on the military’s anti-gay policies in 1993. to handle it like Ryan did, is just sad.” Martin Duberman, distinguished professor of RYAN from cover Editor’s note: D’Emilio sent Windy City Times “C’mon America,” White-Ginder pleaded. history emeritus at the City University of New this separate tribute to Berube: “Important as ken out against his stance. “We can’t have a “We’ve already fought this battle. This battle York, called Berube’s book “superb ... not only Coming Out Under Fire is—and it is an important presidential candidate who is uninformed,” she is over about how you get AIDS. We’re on to in terms of his prose style, which was absolutely book—I often think that Allan left his biggest said. fighting the disease now.” lucid and even elegant, but also in terms of the mark through the traveling slide talks he did. “How could he be leading in the polls?” she Although she doesn’t want to put words in very fine-spun analysis. Allan was not one to cre- From the late 70s through the early 90s, he must asked. “Would you want a president who be- Huckabee’s mouth or categorize him, Ginder- ate shallow generalizations about either a given have presented “Lesbian Masquerade,” on women lieves that?” White wonders what causes such beliefs, de- individual or a series of events. He was utterly who passed as men in 19th century San Francisco, White-Ginder also fears that there are people spite scientific fact and common knowledge. meticulous and utterly careful. No one will ever, and “Marching to a Different Drummer,” his talk out there who will believe his words simply be- Due to her prior experience dealing with con- I think, have to redo the book on World War II, on gay men and lesbians during World War II, cause he is a presidential candidate. Also, she’s servatives over the years, she wonders if Huck- and you can almost never say that about a his- hundreds of times. People came out because of afraid of the harm that might come to people abee’s beliefs stems from a desire to “punish torian or a given piece of historical research.” it, went public with their experience and their living with the disease. “Ryan went through so people with AIDS” because of homophobia and In 1996, Berube received a “genius grant” identities, and became part of a movement. Al- much of this,” she said. “A lot of people can’t religious beliefs. “I guess only time will tell,” handle it like Ryan did. To put certain people she said. in that situation again, who might not be able

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Michael Leppen with his mother, Vi, in June at Center on Halsted. Photo by Tracy Baim

PASSAGES Vi Leppen Windy City Times mourns the passing of Vi- enna “Vi” Leppen, mother of local philanthropist Michael Leppen. She passed away Dec. 15 at the age of 86. Born Oct. 10, 1921, in Humboldt, Mich., Vi- enna Leppen was the loving daughter of the late Liisa Justina and and Leander Niskala and and the loving wife of the late Arthur L. “Lee” Leppen. Vi was a loving and caring individual throughout her lifetime. She lived in Waukegan throughout her married life, raising five boys, many dogs and cats, several grandchildren and enjoying a wealth of friends and family. Even- tually, she moved to Hawthorn Lakes in Vernon Hills, where she was currently residing. She is survived by her family: Corrine Leppen of Laurium, Mich.; Michael Leppen of Glencoe, Ill.; Robert and Joyce Leppen of Hawthorn Woods, Ill.; Howard and Lori Leppen of Spring Grove, Ill.; David and Kristen Leppen of Grand Blanc, Mich.; Jeff and Jennifer Leppen of Syracuse, N.Y.; and Nicole Leppen of Chicago; her sister, You choose the color, Miriam Hoover of Glencoe; and her companions and friends, Rusty Raszkiewicz of Vernon Hills, Ill. and Laurie Paddock of Gurnee, Ill. She was preceded in death by her mother and father; we’ll make the donation. nine sisters; three brothers; her husband, Arthur L. Leppen; and, this year, by her sons, David L. Leppen and Donald H. Leppen. Up to $200 donation In an e-mail, Michael said that “[h]aving lost two sons with the past 2 1/2 months had taken More than 100 worthy causes its toll on her and I think she just couldn’t mus- ter the strength to continue on.” Michael also asked people to “[p]lease keep At Fifth Third Bank, we’re making a difference in the lives of our customers our family in your prayers to have the strength to get through this tragic time and to continue and in the communities we serve with our new Community Matters program. on without David, Don and Mom.” Her visitation was on Dec. 18 at Congdon Fu- This holiday season, you have the opportunity to give a special gift to those neral Home. The funeral will take place Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. the First Apostolic Lutheran Church, who need it most. When you establish a new banking relationship with us, 39372 North Carol Lane, Zion, with Pastor Jim Torola officiating. Interment will follow in North- Fifth Third will make a donation to a local charity of your choice. shore Garden of Memories, North Chicago, Ill. Memorial gifts may be made to First For you and for the community. Apostolic Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 252, Zion, IL 60099. The online guest book is at www. congdonfuneralhome.com. Walk into any Fifth Third Banking Center today to make a difference in your community. Tunney Victim of Armed Robbery By Andrew Davis

Two 16-year-olds have been charged as adults with armed robbery after a confrontation with 44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney Dec. 15 at a location close to his office, a Chicago police spokesman told Windy City Times. Tunney was walking along the 3300 block of North Seminary at about 1:30 p.m. on Sat- urday when the youths demanded his wallet. The robbers were apprehended after Tunney identified them. The youths were also charged as juveniles for attempted armed robbery regarding an in- The Community Matters program is subject to change, including cancellation, at any time without notice. Accounts must be opened by 12/31/07. Not valid in combination with any other offer. Offer valid only at cident that occurred several hours earlier that participating Chicagoland, Northern Indiana and Northern Illinois Fifth Third Banks. Visit any financial center for complete details. Fifth Third and Fifth Bank are registered service marks of Fifth Third Bancorp. day. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender 6 December 19, 2007 a man from Brazil. Livingston has decided that, tuxedos—basically suggests that it’s the mes- cuss the situation have yielded no response. Global Gays in order to be with the person he loves, he will sage (associated with allowing a male to wear When questioned about what is being sought, Initiative be forced to leave the United States. They met a dress) that the principal didn’t like. We think Madigan responded that they are seeking com- when his boyfriend was here on a work visa [H1B that her reaction to that message and the chal- pensatory and punitive damages as well as a Crosses Borders Visa] but was later laid off. Unable to find a job, lenge to that convention [are] why she shot him declaration from the court “that the school’s by Emmanuel Garcia he was forced to return to Brazil. Livingston is down.” The other element, according to Madi- policy is in violation of the First Amendment.” actively trying to create more awareness to pass gan, is “an issue of whether they violated the The case is Logan vs. Gary Community School The Global Gays Initiative was unveiled Dec. 13 the Uniting American Families Act, which would rules that prohibit sex and gender discrimina- Corporation et al. at a town-hall meeting at Center on Halsted, allow him to sponsor his same-sex partner. In tion.” Madigan is handling the case along with Cole 3656 N. Halsted, to discuss issues and concerns addition, activists (and panelists) Yasmin Nair He also said that the legal team represent- Thaler, staff attorney for Lambda Legal’s Trans- related to the LGBT immigrant community. The and Tania Unzueta both urged audience mem- ing Logan asked the school district for all of the gender Rights Project and co-counsel from the forum, attended by over 50 people of diverse bers to become involved. “reasons and policies [regarding] what happened Chicago law firm Sonnenschein Nath & Rosen- ethnic backgrounds, listened as Amigas Latinas The initiative is separated into three groups: to [Logan],” and simply received the policy stat- thal. co-founder Evette Cardona introduced a group support and services; legal; and advocacy and ed above. “They sort of, quite frankly, gave us Windy City Times contacted the school corpo- of panelists who are directly affected, are advo- activism. At the forum, attendees received a the brush-off,” Madigan said. “They didn’t send ration’s superintendent, Dr. Mary Steele-Agee, cates for immigrants or identify as allies. directory of services and resources of organiza- any explanatory letter other than [the] policy.” but had not received a response by the time the The subject of immigration has been at the tions that provide legal support for LGBTQ im- Madigan added that subsequent requests to dis- newspaper went to press. political forefront for the past three years, yet migrants. many contend that relatively little has been For more information, contact C.C. Carter at of Fine Arts and the University of Madrid in written about how current and future immigra- [email protected]. Spain. After obtaining his Ph.D. in art history tion law impacts the LGBT community. The Glob- at the University of Michigan, Loescher taught al Gays Initiative is the second effort in Chicago the subject at the University of Michigan, Dart- involving the LGBT immigrant population. In the Lambda Legal mouth College, Northwestern University and summer of 2006, CLIA (Chicago LGBT Immigrant Challenges Ind. the University of Chicago. Alliance) was formed out of concern over the In 1973, Loescher joined the faculty at SAIC, proposed Sensenbrenner Bill (also known as the School District and developed one of the largest art history The Border Protection, Anti-terrorism, and Ille- By Andrew Davis departments within a professional art school gal Immigration Control Act of 2005) and the in the United States. In the 1980s, the de- consequential massive marches in protest across Lambda Legal filed papers Dec. 12 in the North- partment was renamed the Department of Art the United States. ern District Court of Indiana, charging that a History, Theory and Criticism. His main areas Jonathan Eoloff, staff attorney for National Gary, Ind., school violated a student’s rights of education centered on Spanish and Latin Immigrant Justice Center’s National Asylum when it stopped a male student from entering American art as well as gastronomy in art and Partnership on Sexual Orientation (NAPSO), his prom because he wore a dress. culture. Loescher was beloved by students, spoke about asylum and gave a brief overview Kevin “K.K.” Logan attended West Side High faculty and staff for his intelligence, wit and of eligibility. “In order to apply for asylum a School and “expressed a deeply rooted feminin- Sir Robert J. Loescher. dedication. refugee must be present in the U.S. and be able ity in his appearance and demeanor,” according In 1990, King Juan Carlos of Spain pro- to prove persecution or a well-founded fear of to a Lambda Legal press release. During this PASSAGES claimed Loescher a caballero (knight) in honor persecution on account of sexual orientation or time (his junior and senior years), classmates of the educator’s contributions to the dissemi- gender identity,” he explained. Under the current and teachers supported Logan. However, at Robert J. Loescher nation of Spanish culture. In a ceremony at The definition of the law, members of the transgen- the May 19, 2006, senior prom, principal Diane Sir Robert J. Loescher, professor emeritus Art Institute of Chicago, Loescher was formally der community do not fall under the umbrella Rouse stretched her arms across the door when at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago presented with the Cross of the Order of Isa- of “membership in a particular social group,” Logan attempted to enter, blocking his access (SAIC) and founder and chair of the school’s bella the Catholic. which allows someone who identifies as gay to to the facility. The press release also stated that art history department, passed away Dec. 8. He Loescher is survived by his brothers, Thomas be eligible for asylum. However, there are spe- classmates and friends “rallied to his defense to was 70. Loescher of Tucson, Ariz., and Richard Loe- cial circumstances that may allow a transgender no avail—even though a female student was al- Loescher was born Sept. 13, 1937, in Apple- scher of Appleton, Wis.; and special friends individual to apply. lowed entrance dressed in a tuxedo.” ton, Wis., to the late Clarence Albert Loescher Shay DeGrandis, Nathan DeFoor, Brian Sikes “Often, a transgender individual encounters Rouse has supported a school policy that bans and Sarah Jane (McCullough) Loescher. After and Bibiana Suarez of Chicago; Joyce Neimanas identification barriers that reflect gender and “clothing/accessories that advertise sexual ori- graduating from Menasha High School in Me- of Albuquerque, N.M.; Wendy Woon of New York chosen names,” said panelist Caitlin Daniel-Mc- entation, sex, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, profanity nasha, Wis., Loescher attended the University City; and many colleagues and students. Carter, an activist. Daniel-McCarter talked about [and] negative social or negative educational of Wisconsin-Madison, where he graduated SAIC has established a memorial fund in Loe- the effect of the No Match Letters (in which statements.” summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with scher’s honor. On April 4, 2008, SAIC will hold employers may terminate workers whose Social Jim Madigan, a staff attorney in Lambda Le- a B.A. and M.A. in art history. He studied at a symposium devoted to Loescher will be held Security numbers do not match those in govern- gal’s Midwest Regional Office, told Windy City the University of Mexico in Mexico City and at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State, ment records) on members of the transgender Times said that the plaintiff’s case has two fac- completed a Fulbright Grant at the Institute in conjunction with the Midwest Art History community. An employer may receive such a let- ets. “There’s an aspect [that] is the First Amend- Society Conference. ter based on gender and decide to fire the per- ment,” Madigan said. “The fact that they shut son, assuming the employee is undocumented. him out by virtue of wearing this dress—while Jonathan Livingston shared his personal expe- allowing other students to wear gender-non- rience of being in a binational relationship with conforming clothing, particularly females in

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2ATE December 19, 2007 7 expression have been violated, and the court ILH said in a statement. “A real charge of energy mittee Office and the U.N. Theme Group on AIDS has convicted them without apparent evidence; to continue fighting against discrimination. A in China. they should be set free,” said HRW’s Sarah Leah thousand and one times we will say that mo- But the overall rate of HIV infection has Whitson, who directs the group’s North Africa ments like these are unique—seeing thousands slowed, said the report, “The Joint Assessment programs. of people exercising, not just demanding, their of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Treatment and Care in “These men are behind bars for private acts right to free expression.” China (2007).” between consenting adults that no government Chilean President Michelle Bachelet sent a let- While there were 70,000 new infections in has any business criminalizing in the first place,” ter to the festival supporting MOVILH’s goals. 2005, only 50,000 are expected this year, the she added. “Her Excellency is conscious of your sustained report stated. In all, around 700,000 of China’s The one individual who received a 10-month effort for the acceptance of sexual minorities 1.32 billion residents are believed to have HIV. sentence also was convicted of selling alcohol. and supports you in this act of integration of Heterosexual sex is expected to account for 45 Article 489 punishes gay sex with imprison- equality,” she said. “We express to you, and to percent of new infections, intravenous drug use ment for six months to three years and a fine of all who participate in this event, the best wish- for 42 percent, and gay sex for 12 percent. $15 to $150. es for success and we send you an affectionate The report claimed that 70 percent of gay men Fredrick Federley. Campaign photo greeting.” have multiple sexual partners and that only 30 20,000 party A similar pride event in Santiago in July at- percent use condoms. tracted some 5,000 people to the Plaza de Armas WORLD in Santiago for seven hours of dancing, music and drag per- Some 20,000 people turned out for a gay pride formances. —Assistance: Bill Kelley celebration in Santiago, Chile, Nov. 16. ROUNDUP The organizers, the Movement for Homosexual For more world news, see www.WindyCity- by Rex Wockner Integration and Liberation (MOVILH), said it was Dramatic HIV MediaGroup.com. the nation’s largest pride event ever. Their de- increase among Swedish MP mands included passage of anti-discrimination Chinese gays and civil-union legislation. gay-bashed The percentage of Chinese gay men infected The festivities on Paseo Bulnes featured 22 Swedish Member of Parliament Fredrick Fed- with HIV jumped from 0.4 percent to 3.3 percent DJs performing on three stages, go-go dancers erley was gay-bashed at a hot-dog stand after between 2005 and 2007, according to a new re- and drag shows. leaving a gay club in Stockholm on Dec. 8. BTQad_WCT 12/14/2007 12:32 PM Page port1 from the State Council AIDS Working Com- “It was an incredible, emotional scene,” MOV- Federley, 29, and two friends were attacked by six or seven men in their 20s who called them “fags.” Federley was hit four times. “They screamed that we were disgusting and a threat to Sweden and that they were going to beat us up,” he told The Local newspaper. Federley spent the night at a friend’s house rather than take the bus home. He did not seek medical treatment. Hey, it’s a Botswana gay group to sue government Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana (LEGABIBO) is suing the Department of Civil and National Registration for refusing to register the organization. Lawyer Duma Boko served Attorney General Athaliah Molokomme with a notice of intention to sue on Dec. 6. The department reportedly rejected LEGABI- BO’s application because of Penal Code Section 164, which states: “Any person who has carnal knowledge of any person against the order of na- bitch ture, has carnal knowledge of an animal, or per- mits a male person to have carnal knowledge of him or her against the order of nature is guilty of an offense and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years.” Boko called the department’s rejection “im- proper and unlawful” and demanded that it be “nullified.” “This matter implicates a whole array of con- stitutional rights and protections not least of which are the right to freedom of expression, to quit! freedom of association as well as the right to the equal protection of the law,” he said. Men jailed for Are you ready for the ban? gay sex in Morocco Six men were sentenced to prison in Ksar el Quit smoking with Howard Brown Health Center Kbir, Morocco, on Dec. 10 for alleged violation of Penal Code Article 489, which bans “lewd or unnatural acts with an individual of the same sex.” The men were arrested and jailed in late No- vember after media reports identified them as attendees at an alleged “gay marriage” party that was the subject of an amateur video up- loaded to YouTube. Following the arrests, hundreds of people Partial financial support for Bitch to Quit provided by the marched in Ksar el Kbir calling for the men to be American Legacy Foundation and these community partners: punished. Call 773-388-8682 today to sign up or visit Lawyers for the men, who were sentenced www.howardbrown.org/bitchtoquit to between four and 10 months’ imprisonment This program is designed specifically each, complained that prosecutors presented no for the LGBT community. evidence that any crime had taken place, and Human Rights Watch denounced the verdicts. Various program locations available ©2007 Howard Brown Health Center. All rights reserved. “The men’s rights to privacy and freedom of 8 December 19, 2007 Republican presidential candidate and May 2007 issue, which featured the 50 most former New York City mayor Rudy Giu- NATIONAL Jodie Foster powerful gay men and women in America. liani recently revealed his thoughts on The cover showed two people holding masks gay relationships on an episode of Meet Comes Out? ROUNDUP the Press. “No, I don’t believe it’s sinful,” At a recent Women in Entertainment awards of Foster and television journalist Anderson BY AMY WOOTEN he said. “My moral views come from the Catholic ceremony, honoree Jodie Foster thanked “my Cooper—neither who had officially come out Church. The way that somebody leads their life beautiful Cydney, who sticks with me through at that time—in front of their faces. The ac- According to 365gay.com, postings on a Web is not sinful. It is the acts that people perform companying headline read “The Glass Closet: site believed to be made by Colorado Church the rotten and the bliss,” her partner, in addi- that are sinful, not the orientation.” Why stars won’t come out and play.” shooter Matthew Murray stating that he is bi- tion to her friends and family, according to a As she accepted the Sherry Lansing Leader- sexual were recently removed. The Web site was It might take a while before California CNN video of the event. Supreme Court will declare whether or not The acknowledgement is seen as the first ship Award at the breakfast, Foster said, “I for people who have left evangelical churches. don’t feel very powerful.” Several of the posts alluded to his sexuality and same-sex marriage is legal. Chief Justice Ron- public one of Bernard, who has been with the ald George recently told San Jose Mercury News two-time Oscar winner for almost 15 years. Jodie Foster’s dear friend was gay filmmak- a couple posts mentioned the hypocrisy of Ted er Randy Stone, who passed away in Febru- Haggard, who was exposed as being gay by a that it could take a while because there is a They have two children: Charles, 9, and Kit, 6. “vast amount” of literature to read from all of “I’m not sure I deserve the family and friends ary. Stone was executive director of Foster’s male escort. Haggard was the former pastor for directorial debut, Little Man Tate. In 1998, New Life Church, where one of the shootings the “friend of the court” briefs it has received that surround me,” Foster said. “Here we all Stone co-founded the nonprofit Trevor Project, took place. from 145 different organizations. George said are, after so many years, getting older togeth- the court expects to hear the case sometime named after Trevor, a short film he did about In Florida, sponsors of an anti-gay marriage er, staying young together. Thank you all for next year, however. a gay teen’s attempted suicide. Foster was the ban may have gathered enough signatures to holding me and for being in this together.” first major donor to support the short film, and place the proposed amendment on the ballot A medical examiner’s report reveals that two Foster’s sexuality has been the subject of has been a strong supporter of the organiza- next year. The 611,009 collected signatures still gay men who were found dead four days apart speculation in the gay community for years. tion, which runs a 24-hour suicide prevention need to be verified for the measure, which would from each other in a Washington, D.C., apart- According to EdgeBoston.com, comedian Su- hotline. This year, Foster presented Trevor Proj- prevent judges from overturning Florida’s anti- ment in September died from “acute intoxi- zanne Westenhoefer said in a 2005 interview ect with its largest donation in history in order gay marriage laws, to be placed on the Novem- cation,” Washington Blade reported. It has not that “ [a]t this point Jodie Foster should just to kick of a $1 million fundraising campaign to ber 2008 ballot. If passed, Florida will become been determined whether or not the deaths were come out. She’s not an ingénue anymore. You open a new call center. She recently appeared the 28th state to pass such an amendment, ac- accidental, but the report reveals that the men know, it really saddens me because Jodie Fos- cording to the Associated Press. died from intoxication from drugs or alcohol. ter could do so much good.” at the organization’s annual benefit, as well. One of the men, Dean Johnson, was a legendary After a young D.C. gay man was violently at- OUT Magazine had everyone talking with its —Amy Wooten New York performer, and was leader of the band tacked in a subway and the Metro transit inves- tigating the crime initially didn’t classify it as a Velvet Mafia. hate crime, a D.C. councilmember is asking for The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defama- PASSAGES PASSAGES some changes, according to Washington Blade. tion (GLAAD) received a $25,000 grant from The councilmember is asking subway authorities AT&T to support its ongoing work to ensure fair Rep. Julia Carson Melvin Cheren to review their policies for investigating bias- representation in the media. AT&T previously Rep. Julia Carson, the first Black and first Melvin Cheren, a New York disco legend and motivated crimes. supported the organization’s “Digital Initiative” woman to represent Indianapolis in Congress, AIDS activist who set up the club Paradise Ga- internet activism campaign. A lesbian who wed her partner in Massachu- died Dec. 15 after a battle with lung cancer. rage and helped start 12-inch records, passed According to Human Rights Campaign, setts filed for divorce in Rhode Island’s Su- 28 re- She was 69. away Dec. 7. He was 74. perior Court. She filed a week after the state’s tired, high-ranking military leaders signed Carson recently announced her diagnosis and Cheren began his five-decade career in the Supreme Court said that the lesbian couple’s di- onto a letter calling for the repeal of “Don’t and that she would abandon plans to run for a music business at ABC/Paramount. He co- vorce case couldn’t go forward in Family Court Ask, Don’t Tell” on the 14th anniversary of its seventh term in Indianapolis’ 7th District. founded his own company (West End Records) because the court was never given the power to signing. This is the largest number of former Carson was first elected to Congress in 1996. in 1976, which has been associated for over 30 dissolve same-sex marriages when it was created military leaders to voice their opposition of the She supported children’s issues, women’s rights years with dance classics like Heartbeat. in the ‘60s. anti-gay policy at one time. and the eradication of homelessness. She also The history of Paradise Garage is documented was a staunch opponent of the war in Iraq. in Cheren’s autobiography, My Life and the Par- She began her political career in the 1960s. adise Garage: Keep on Dancin’, and in a recent Understanding insurance and financial She ran for the Indiana Legislature in 1972 documentary, The Godfather of Disco. In 2005, NEIGHBORS services can be tough. That’s why I’m —which turned out to be her first victory. She Cheren was inducted into the Dance Music Hall ASK QUESTIONS. here to answer your questions, from auto ran for Congress in 1996 after Jacobs retired. of Fame with a Lifetime Achievement Award. GOOD NEIGHBORS insurance to retirement savings plans. So Among the organizations mourning Carson Cheren is survived and will be greatly missed start by asking me about our great prices. was the Stonewall Democrats. Executive Direc- by many family members, friends and fellow PROVIDE ANSWERS. Nobody can match our combination tor Jon Hoadley said in a statement that “Con- activists. A memorial service/celebration and of service and low rates. gresswoman Julia Carson was a true friend to various memorial benefit parties are slated to 5JGC3GTUCF-Q[GT$IGPV National Stonewall Democrats. ... We remem- take place over the third weekend in Janu- 4911 N. Lincoln Ave. ber and honor the life and work of our friend, ary. Donations can be made to GMHC, 119 W. Chicago, IL 60625 Bus 773-878-8883 Congresswoman Carson, while we extend to her 24th, NY, NY 10011; The LGBT Community Cen- Fax 773-878-8903 family, staff and constituents our thoughts and ter at 208 West 13th Street, NY, NY 10011; or LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR, www.rheajoyer.com STATE FARM IS THERE.TM prayers.” LIFEbeat, 630 9th Avenue Suite 1010, NY, NY Funeral services were pending. 10036. 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back [though] not the first time I’ve thought of it. I figured when it was the right time, I would do it. Last December, I seriously started looking for programs. I connected with [the QUOTELINES organization] Vietnam Ties. Vietnam is one of the nine countries they go back [to] with ad- BY REX WOCKNER opted children. Another program that seemed very good, go in May, is more for adult adopt- Q ees. Vietnam Ties goes in December. I got more candidates for president—and I count myself information from [them], and December works “It [being one of the interviewers on as one of those, but also Mayor [Rudy] Giuliani a lot better for me for work. I’d talked with the Logo channel Democratic presiden- and Sen. [John] McCain and [former Sen.] Fred the founder of the program, [because] I’m go- tial candidates forum] meant that I was Thompson—there’s only one of us who’s in fa- ing by myself. I understand other people [in grateful for my celebrity. And I know that we vor of a federal amendment to the constitution the group] will be the mom and dad, and the live in a world of celebrity worship or what- to limit marriage to the relationship between Liz Thomson. 8-, 10- or 12-year-old adoptee. She reassured ever it is—that we’re celebrity-crazed. And a man and a woman. And that’s me.” — Mitt me. Also, a social worker, who’s about my age, know that I was asked to be on that because Romney speaking at Luther College in Decorah, Liz Thomson: comes on the trip, so I wouldn’t be the only I am a name and it will bring people to watch Iowa, Nov. 2. Some students booed and hissed. adult person. it or something. I hope that I represented my Family Ties LLJ: How would you identify yourself in community, and it’s hard, the gay community, “It’s no fun to worry about holding By Lola Lai Jong terms of your sexuality? you can’t get more different people. We’re all hands in a public place and that some red- Elizabeth Anh Thomson—known to many simply LT: I would say bisexual. In high school, I the people in the whole world, we’re not even neck is going to follow you in a pick-up truck as “Liz”—is coordinator of Office of Gay, Les- knew the word “gay,” but ... I associated that all Democrats or liberals. And I hope that I and show you what it’s like to be with a man.” bian, Bisexual and Transgender Concerns at the word with just men. People in my surroundings brought a personal side to it. That’s what I was — Crime novelist Patricia Cornwell to London’s University of Illinois at Chicago. Thomson talked were just very heterosexual—like there wasn’t asked to do and that is what I wanted to do, Telegraph newspaper, Nov. 26. Cornwell married with writer Lola Lai Jong about her life, starting even an option. In my group of friends, no one and I was so honored to be there and I learned Staci Gruber, a psychiatry instructor at Harvard with her immediate adoptive family. ever came out as being GLBT, so we kind of a lot.” — Singer Melissa Etheridge to the San Medical School, in February 2005. Liz Thomson: My moms are two biological didn’t pay attention to that. In college, one of Diego gay magazine The sisters living in Indianapolis. They never got my good friends did come out as being gay. BottomLine, Nov. 2. married, tho both knew they wanted to have ...Right now I’m at UIC’s Office of Gay, Les- a family. The one I call “Ma” really wanted bian, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns. It’s to travel, and took a secretarial job with the [one] of the oldest of [five] cultural and diver- “I was asked to sing ...So often the government. [This] landed her in Vietnam for sity centers, about 12-13 years old. We do a lot at a NASCAR race last of educational and academic programs around news shows char- three years. [While] working in Saigon, Ma week. Any time I’m asked Wockner Rex by Photo hired girls for household duties; they won- different GLBT stuff. I think it’s pretty good to to go into the heart of acterize [gay dered why this 33-year-old American, white, be so old, and from a state school. fear of the people who pride parades] as middle-class woman was in Vietnam without a LLJ: What would you say to a young bisex- fear gay people and think freak shows. husband or family. Ma told them she did want ual Asian-American woman in the Midwest? they don’t know gay peo- —The L Word star kids. I don’t know how she explained not want- LT: Actively seek out groups that could sup- ple, that’s when I want to ing or needing a husband. So, I think her name port you—an Asian-American studies class. step up now. I’m through Jennifer Beals. was Boi Tu, brought me to her—just came to Even though you might not see people like with the us and them her apartment—and said, “Do you like this yourself—Asian-American, bi [and] Midwest- thing. We are all just one?” Ma said, “Yes. Of course, I’ll take her,” adopted—just to know that there are. It’s such people. We need to stop without hesitation. Looking back, it was like a human nature that if you don’t see people like being afraid.” — Singer plant: “If you don’t like this one...” you, then how do you know there are [others]? Melissa Etheridge to the Lola Lai Jong: Tell us about your upcoming Be proactive. national lesbian magazine 12-day trip to Vietnam. Read much more about Thomson at www. Curve, December issue. Liz Thomson: It’s the first time I’ve ever gone WindyCityMediaGroup.com. “I went to Harvard to research neu- “What really irritates me is that roscience and was directed to meet with Dr. so often the news shows character- Gruber because she’s so eminently respected. ize them [gay pride parades] as freak It was one of those things: You meet some- shows. When I was there in San Francisco it one when you’re not looking. I’ve never been a was primarily families, so totally unlike what soapbox person for gay rights, but now I’m in the media often tries to portray it as being. a same-sex marriage I tend to be more open, And it’s really true that this is the way the because I am outraged that it should be illegal media often tries to characterize the gay com- in other states. If we were outside of Massa- munity—as a freak show. They don’t look at chusetts and Staci were in a horrible car wreck, people and their relationships, they don’t look a hospital could forbid me from seeing her. The 1508 W. JARVIS ST, CHICAGO, IL 60626 at the families, and in doing so it really makes federal government does not honor same-sex ROGERS PARK • JARVIS & N. GREENVIEW • RED LINE JARVIS EL STOP it hard in terms of passing legislation for GLBT marriage, so couples can’t file joint tax returns people regarding the most simple of rights, and, in terms of death benefits, people have TEL 773 508 5565 including basic things like hospital visitation. to go to extraordinary lengths with lawyers to People aren’t looking at gay couples other try to make sure that their partner isn’t evicted SPECIALTY WINE & BEER LIST - FULL BAR - DRINK SPECIALS than as some form of bizarre entertainment. from the home.” — Crime novelist Patricia Corn- WINE & BEER TASTINGS And that’s really upsetting to me.” — The L well to London’s Telegraph newspaper, Nov. 26. OUTDOOR SEATING - CARRY OUT Word star Jennifer Beals to QVegas magazine, Cornwell married Gruber, a psychiatry instructor SUNDAY BRUNCH November issue. at Harvard Medical School, in February 2005. HOURS TUES-SAT 5 PM-12 AM, SUN 11 AM-10 PM, CLOSED MONDAYS “For those who are not familiar with WEB www.gruppodiamici.com it, of the four nationally leading [Republican] —Assistance: Bill Kelley

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VOL. 23, No. 14 December 19, 2007 The combined forces of Windy City Times, VIEWPOINT founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, founded May 1987. These statistics overwhelm- American women in this epidemic has much to do ing?! with how the absence of a gendered race analysis PUBLISHER & Executive EDITOR But so, too, is the failure of makes African-American women invisible to the Tracy Baim REV. IRENE MONROE leadership African Americans larger society. Assistant Publisher Terri Klinsky have faced since the epidemic What is also unnerving is that today African- MANAGING Editor Andrew Davis began. American women make up 60 percent of all AIDS Business manager Cynthia Holmes And no group of women is as cases reported among women, 64 percent of new Director of New Media Jean Albright affected by the failure of leader- AIDS cases among women, and are three times ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson account managerS: Amy Matheny, Suzanne ship in this country than women of African de- the number of new cases reported among white Kraus, Kirk Williamson, Jerry Nunn, Terry Wiegel, This era of scent. women. Thomas Koontz American women and their struggle against the “There are many women, too many women, in Promotions director Kathleen Ulm Black women AIDS epidemic was never so glaringly obvious than relationships with men who they think they know OFFICE Robb Olson NIGHTSPOTS MANAGING Editor Kirk Williamson in the 2004 vice presidential debate between Dick but really don’t. He knew he had the disease, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Amy Wooten and HIV/AIDS Cheney and John Edwards. his mother knew he had the disease, his doctors National Sales Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 And the invisibility of my group’s plight has less knew, everyone seemed to know except me. And TheatER Editor Jonathan Abarbanel to do with African-American women’s agency to no one said a word,” LaJoyce Brookshire wrote Cinema WRITER Richard Knight, Jr. BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair Black women are dying of AIDS, and is anyone combat the epidemic than with how the govern- in the foreword of Browder’s book, herself author doing anything about it? SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, Rex Wockner, David ment, African-American men, the Black church, of Faith Under Fire: Betrayed by a Thing Called Byrne, Cathy Seabaugh, Tony Peregrin With the recent commemoration of the 19th an- and race and gender biases inherent in the prob- Love. ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS niversary of World AIDS Day and the United Na- lem collude with African-American women’s ef- While homophobic attitudes in the larger Afri- Mary Shen Barnidge, Jim Edminster, Steve Warren, Lawrence Ferber, Mel Ferrand, Tim Nasson, Romeo tion’s AIDS-fighting agency overestimating the forts to get help. can-American community and church contribute global impact of the epidemic by six million peo- St. Vincente, Scott Morgan, Catey Sullivan, Eric Gwen Ifill, an African-American female journal- to their behavior, African-American men are also Eatherly, J. S. Hall ple we would think we’ve seen the worst of this ist with PBS’ Washington Week and moderator of not taking responsibility for how their behavior is Columnists/Writers: Yvonne Zipter, Mubarak pandemic. the vice-presidential debate, brought the issue of killing African-American women, and putting the Dahir, Michelangelo Signorile, Susie Day, Jorjet Harper, Lee Lynch, Steve Starr, Joe Rice, Dan Not quite! Right here in the nation’s capitol, AIDS in the U.S. front and center when she asked entire community at risk. the HIV/AIDS epidemic rivals that of many Third Woog, Marie-Jo Proulx, Lisa Keen, Chris Crain, the men to comment on its devastating impact on But the disparities within the healthcare system Charlsie Dewey, Aqua Terra Travel, Michael Knipp World countries. Washington D.C. affectionately African-American women. also contribute to the disproportionately higher PHOTOGRAPHERS Mel Ferrand, Kat Fitzgerald, dubbed as “Chocolate City” is approximately 60 “I want to talk to you about AIDS, and not about number of HIV cases among African-American Steve Becker ARTISTS/CARTOONISTS Alison Bechdel, Mikeoart percent of people of African descent. And of its AIDS in China or Africa, but AIDS right here in this women, which directly affects their quality of life residents, one in 20 is thought to have HIV, and 1 CIRCULATION country, where Black women between the ages of and the spread of HIV. Circulation director Jean Albright in 50 of its residents to have AIDS. Of the 3,269 25 and 44 are 13 times more likely to die of the While health disparities in the black community HIV cases identified between 2001 and 2006 who disease than their counterparts. What should the is overwhelming so too is the failure of leadership tested positive nine of 10 were African American. government’s role be in helping to end the growth African Americans have faced since the epidemic Are these statistics overwhelming? of this epidemic?” Ifill asked. began. “The Washington data is really a microcosm of Vice President Cheney responded to Ifill’s ques- But Phill Wilson states it plainly: “I think it’s Distribution: Ashina, Allan, Carol, Crystal, Dan, what we already know: that AIDS in America today tion by saying, “Here in the United States, we’ve important for us to take just a moment to real- Ed, Jack, John, Maria and Sue is a black disease,” said Phill Wilson, founder of made significant progress. I have not heard those ize that we are where we are today because we the Black AIDS Institute, an HIV/AIDS think tank numbers with respect to African-American wom- weren’t concerned when we thought it was some- WCMG Board of directors that focuses exclusively on AIDS among black en. I was not aware that it was—that they’re in body else’s disease,” President: Tracy Baim Americans. Vice President: Nan Schaffer epidemic there.” However, the disease has also taught us about Secretary: Pete Thelen According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Con- But Edwards’ response wasn’t any better. Ed- the various faces—across race, class and gender— At-large: Jonathan Abarbanel, Michael Bauer, trol and Prevention, African Americans account for wards deflected the question by first going back who wore and continue to wear the face of this Marv Pollack half of all new HIV cases despite comprising 13 to answering the previous question. Then with disease. percent of the U.S. population. the remaining seconds left, he flubbed his way When The New York Native, a now-defunct gay Equally alarming is that HIV/AIDS is the lead- through. newspaper, in its May 18, 1981, issue first report- ing cause of death for African-American women However, three years later at this June’s Demo- ed on a virus found in gay men then known as between the ages of 25 and 44. cratic Primary Debate at Howard University that GRID (Gay-Related Immune Deficiency), an edito- At the “Women and Response to AIDS” panel at Copyright 2007 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media focused on African American issues ranging from rial noted that “even if the disease first became Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. the at the 16th International AIDS Conference in health care and housing to Katrina relief, the apparent in gay men, it is not just ‘a gay disease.’” Back issues available for $3 per issue (postage included). Toronto in 2006, Sheila Johnson, founder of the Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, economy and the environment. And HIV/AIDS, having neither an alliance to nor and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and Crump-Johnson Foundation in Washington D.C., Black women stood on there feet as they ap- an affinity for queer sexualities, spread. no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. pointed out that another at-risk population in the All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy plauded Sen. Hillary Clinton’s comment about the But where would the leadership on HIV/AIDS City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned African-American community is teenage girls. impact of HIV/AIDS on African-American women. come from? for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing Seventeen percent of the U.S. teen population and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, “Let me just put this in perspective: If HIV-AIDS But let’s confront the elephant in the black com- cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own is African-American. In 2004, 70 percent of all were the leading cause of death of white women munity, by telling the truth and shaming the dev- and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City teens testing HIV-positive were Black. One in 10 Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of between the ages of 25 and 34 there would be an il. The biggest problem that black lawmakers have a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy African-American teenage girls test HIV-positive outraged outcry in this country,” she said. had to confront concerning the HIV/AIDS crisis City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the in the nation’s capital, the highest percentage in When the color of the epidemic shifted from in their communities is the political gag order sexual orientation of such person or organization. While the country among this age group. we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make white to black, the inherent gender bias focused imposed on them by their voting constituency’s this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept When asked why such a high percentage test only on the needs of African-American men and homophobia and animus toward any discussion of responsibility for advertising claims. positive, Johnson said, “As long as girls see them- rendered women invisible. And when gender be- the disease. (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 selves as glorified sex objects in hip-hop videos, came a new lens to track the epidemic, white Read Rev. Monroe’s entire message at www. e-mail: [email protected] HIV/AIDS will increase within this population.” women were the focus. The invisibility of African- WindyCityMediaGroup.com. www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com radio: WindyCityQueercast.com

WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, 5443 N. Broadway, #101, Chicago, IL 60640 LETTER USA Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. Dear Editor: continuously calls us to never limit either our Both stories point to a world in which everyone Nightspots Deadline every Wednesday. community family or our responsibility for each knows and accepts each other with love and dig- Identity (BLACKlines and En La Vida): Now Merry Christmas to ALL. other. Like Christmas, Stonewall calls us to pro- nity. Both Christmas and Stonewall remind us no online only Advent in the Christian Church is a time for mote peace and avoid war. person is excluded from this vision of hope. Deadline The 10th of month prior. OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE preparation, anticipation and hope. It is a time The Christ child who was born on Christmas Day The Rainbow Sash Movement (GLBTA Catho- www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com of retelling a centuries-old story about God’s love is not an endorsement of Christianity. His birth lics) wishes all of our community happy holidays. for humanity. A story full of possibilities and hope and story is a consistent challenge to the reli- Speaking directly to members of our community SUBSCRIPTION RATES that can guide us in this time of moral confusion gious establishment to move beyond the box of who are transgender, remember that faith is “the ___ $89 for 1 year Windy City Times only and ethical dilemmas. It can be our moral com- comfort when it comes to community, love and realization of what is hoped for and evidence of ___ $55 for 1 year Nightspots only pass, which will challenge our ability to love as a hope. Stonewall, like Christmas, challenges us to things not seen.” This, indeed, is the time of hope ___ $109 for 1 year WCT & Nightspots community. Also, more importantly it emphasizes be an inclusive community, promote diversity and and anticipation for a better world for all of us. ___ $5 for 1 copy of all products love as the road to community. not leave any member of our community family SEND PAYMENT TO: WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, Like Christmas, Stonewall is a story of hope and behind when it comes to social justice. Under the God bless, 5443 N. Broadway, Suite 101, love for the GLBTA community. mantle of political strategy, Pharisees and Sad- Joe Murray Chicago, IL 60640 USA Both stories challenge us to see our neighbor ducees among us have justified rights for gay/les- U.S. Convener in the poor, the outcast and the immigrant. Both bians/bisexuals while cutting off our transgender Rainbow Sash Movement www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com www.WindyCityQueercast.com stories require us disobey any laws or religious brothers and sisters. dogma which promote homophobia in the name of So Christmas and Stonewall challenge us to be religious/political correctness. better people. We are called by both stories to love Stonewall points to a community of love, and one another and be responsible for one another. December 19, 2007 11

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‘TRUE’ TO LIFE

Writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, whose Good Boys and True (above) is at Steppenwolf, talks with us. See page 13. PROFILE MOVIES TV ‘Twist’-er. Looking sharp. Sew figure. Page 16. Page 16. Page 19.

A Charlie Chaplin Christmas, Silent Theatre Among the large cast are two people named Rab- ‘Nice’ Shows Company, Dec. 7-Jan. 6. Inspired by Chaplin’s inowitz but, hey, that’s what acting is all about, universally-known Little Tramp character, and right? 866-764-1010; $25. for the Holidays drawing on Chaplin’s films and music (did you The Hipmas Carol, Headcheese Fat Boss Pro- By Jonathan Abarbanel know he was a composer, too?), this original ductions, through Dec. 30. Can it actually be the mostly-silent show borrows vaudeville perform- eighth year for this hip and literate alternative Two weeks ago, we offered our list of holiday ing styles to tell the tale of the Tramp and his holiday show? Inspired by the hippest cat of all season shows that are naughty. This week, we companions on the eve of a poverty-stricken (except for The Naz), the late and great Richard bring you a list of shows that are nice, pitched holiday season. Chicago Cultural Center Studio Buckley, Lord of Hip Manor, this show is a jive, to families with “kids of all ages,” as the ads Theater, 66 E. Randolph; 312-742-8497; $20. jazz, blues and beat retelling of Dickens’ classic like to say. Also in this issue, check the Dancin’ A Christmas Carol, Goodman Theatre, through tale, performed by two actors and a guitarist. Feats column for a rundown on holiday-themed Dec. 29. The Mother of All Xmas Carol produc- And, by the way, it isn’t satire. At the Apollo dance events including several versions of The tions returns for the 30th year, this time with Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln; 773-935-6100; $22. Nutcracker. a brand-new Scrooge in splendid veteran actor Suitable for mature kids. Larry Yando. Former Scrooge William Brown di- It’s a Wonderful Life, American Theater Com- Prices quoted are for regular adult tickets. Dis- Black Nativity. Photo by Michael Brosilow counts frequently are available for kids, seniors rects. As ever, the Goodman version is a lavish, pany, through Dec. 30. The sixth annual pro- and card-carrying elves on R&R. Venue addresses full-length production boasting a large cast, mu- duction of this great, 90-minute version of the sailed schooners across Lake Michigan to deliver are given only if the producing theater company sic and dance. Sometime during the run, some- classic Frank Capra movie, staged as an old-time Christmas trees to Chicago in the late 19th Cen- and the venue name are different. In addition one will purchase the one millionth ticket for live radio play complete with live sound effects, tury. 773 883 1090; $25-$50. to ordering by phone, you can purchase tickets the show and receive a special prize. 312-443- singing commercials and actors who double and A Christmas Story, Theater Wit, through Dec. by e-mail, at the theater box office or often at 3800; $20-$70. triple in various roles as they bring Bedford Falls 30. Gifted humorist Jean Shepherd’s story of an a discount through the League of Chicago The- A Christmas Carol, Metropolis Centre (Ar- to life. Free milk and cookies after every perfor- Indiana Xmas, seen through the eyes of a boy, atres Hot Tix program. Check online at www. lington Heights), through Dec. 24. This is the mance. 773-929-1031; $40. has become a cult classic in its delightful film chicagoplays.com. Remember, too, that many Metropolis Centre’s sixth annual staging of the Princess Donkey-Head, A Christmas Tale, version, inspiring this stage adaptation. The- family-friendly shows offer additional matinees holiday classic, but with a new director, chore- New World Repertory Theater (Downers Grove), ater Wit offers its production for the first time, over the holiday weeks. ographer and 30-person cast this year. There’s through Dec. 22. This world-premiere play by M. directed by James Pelton. At Theatre Building Black Nativity, Congo Square Theatre Compa- song, dance and a children’s chorus from nearby E. H. Lewis based on a Scottish folktale, Kate Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont; 773-327-5252; $15- ny, through Dec. 30. For the fourth year, Congo schools. 847-577-2121; $27. Krackernuts, comes to the Western burbs, which $25. Square presents this elaborate gospel reworking A Christmas Carol, Writers’ Theatre, Glen- always remind me of lochs, highlands and men Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy, Jam Theatri- of Langston Hughes’ setting of the Nativity as coe, Dec. 19-23 only. For the 12th year, Writ- in skirts blowing pipes. This family show offers cals, Dec. 26-31. OK, so this isn’t at all a holiday an African-American folk tale. It’s not short and ers’ Theatre Artistic Director Michael Halberstam two princesses on a magical journey, a hand- show but it is a “holiday engagement,” borrow- it verges on church service, but it sure deliv- performs a reading of the greatest ghost story some prince under a spell and some puppets. ing from the successful Cirque de Soleil formula ers a bulging Christmas stocking of great music, ever written, for four performances only. No mu- 630-663-1489; $12-$20. of extravagant visual production, original music dance and costume. At the Goodman Theatre, sic, no dancing, no expurgations—just Dickens’ Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Annoy- and dance, and all the circus acts you can imag- 170 N. Dearborn; 312-443-3800; $40. original words and Halberstam’s finest British ance Theater, through Dec. 29. The Annoyance ine minus animals (well, minus live animals). Blue Nativity, Quest Theatre Ensemble, voice. Suitable for mature kids. Performed at 325 has a strictly adult reputation, but this is a fam- It’s all set in an enchanted forest, er, jungle. through Jan. 1. For the sixth year, Quest The- Tudor Court; 847-242-6000; $30. ily-friendly aberration (so they swear), based on At the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State; 312-902- atre takes its unique, charming and free nativ- The Christmas Schooner, Bailiwick Arts Center, the familiar and popular animated TV special. 1500; $20-$57.50. ity pageant—featuring live music and oversized Dec. 18-19 only. The beloved annual schooner 773-561-4665; $15. Don’t confuse this show Ebenezer, Village Players Theatre, Oak Park, puppets—to venues across Chicago, suggesting has sailed, but will make a port of call for two with the “naughty” Rudolph the Red-Hosed Dec. 9-23. This original musical adaptation of ancient traditions of mummery, mime and music. performances only in a concert version to ben- Reindeer at Bailiwick. You Know What (hey, how many misers named Locations and times vary (St. Mary of the Woods efit the American Brain Tumor Association and Scrooge!, The Musical, Theatre at the Center, Ebenezer do you know?) returns by popular de- Church, Dec. 14; St. Barnabas Catholic, Dec. 16; Bailiwick’s Capital Campaign Fund. The warm- Munster, Ind., through Dec. 23. We’ll admit this mand to the newly-remodeled Village Players, St. Teresa’s of Avila, Dec. 22, etc.). For full info: hearted original show—based on fact—tells the a mainstay of the performing arts in Oak Park. Turn to page 22 www.questensemble.org or 312-458-0895. story of the German and Swiss immigrants who December 19, 2007 13 teaching job like 95 percent of the playwrights sexuality inform your writing? And have you shows at some pretty big New York theaters, do. I got a random phone call from a woman at ever fallen in love with a guy that was just Manhattan Theater Club, Second Stage, people Marvel Comics whose job it was to recruit writers this side of Satan? nod. Then I say I have a show at Steppenwolf, from different disciplines, novelists, television RAS: I think we’ve all certainly dated people and they immediately perk up because of its na- writers [and] screenwriters, who seemed to have we shouldn’t have dated. tional reputation. Growing up, I had an idea of a an affinity for comic books. AM: It’s a rite of gay passage. certain wish list. … I want a show on Broadway, This woman called a couple of theaters that RAS: Exactly. I am a gay man and that does in- to win a Pulitzer Prize or a Tony Award and I had read my plays [asking for] playwrights who form everything that I write. I don’t consciously want to have a show at Steppenwolf. It’s been would be good for comic books. [Somebody] set out to write this play and the main character slightly surreal, and Steppenwolf’s reputation said, you should talk to this guy named Ro- is going to be gay, or write about a gay issue. It precedes it. It has incredible actors who will act berto. He is a comic book fan, and a bunch of just sort of kind of happens, because I do think the hell out of a play, are very smart, incredibly his plays have comic book themes, or are about there’s something about representation that’s committed and never go for the easy choice, and comic book characters. I spent months essen- important. That’s why a lot of my plays, even that’s exactly what it’s been. tially pitching Marvel different ideas. [Then] if they have gay characters, they’re not usually AM: With the writer’s strike, you’ve been Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa. they said, “We’re also thinking about doing about gay issues. There are some exceptions, but able to be here [more]. something with the Fantastic Four.” They had in Say You Love Satan, that guy was gay, but he RAS: Absolutely. In the back of my head I was just started work on the first movie, and those could have just as easily been a woman who was thinking, “Well, if there’s a strike, I could go to Roberto were among my favorite comic book characters. dating a guy. Chicago and really spend time at Good Boys.” So I came up with a pitch, and it was basically AM: Tell me about Good Boys and True. AM: There is a trend of playwrights flock- Aguirre-Sacasa: to take these superheroes and humanize them RAS: It is basically set at a Boys prep school ing to L.A., [such as] John Rogan [and] Jon and focus on their everyday lives, as opposed in the late 1980s, and it involves a senior at the Robin Baitz. Can you do both? ‘Good’ to Go to their superhero lives …to feature them as a prep school who is sort of a golden boy, top of RAS: There are lots of different opinions about BY AMY MATHENY family, which is what the Fantastic Four are. So his class, great athlete. He is implicated in a this. When I first finished graduate school, I said Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa is an openly gay play- that was a really lucky break. sex scandal that sweeps through the school. The I’m going to be a playwright and live that gritty wright making his debut at the Steppenwolf AM: What was your draw as a young gay man play is a mystery, and it follows the mother as lifestyle. But the truth is that the economics of Theater with Good Boys and True. From his work to comics? she tries to figure out if her son was or wasn’t being a playwright are pretty scary. Not every with Marvel Comics to writing for HBO’s Big RAS: There are lots of different theories about involved in this scandal, and if he was, why, and play of mine is going to be done at a theater like Love, Roberto is making a name from stage to comic books and being gay. Like in the X-Men, what that means for them and their relationship, Steppenwolf. Most of the time my plays are done screen. some gay people really see the X-Men as a meta- and what [this all] does to his family and the in pretty small theaters where it really is about Amy Matheny: Welcome to the blisteringly phor for being “other,” for being gay. Like in school. the work. I don’t think anyone gets into theater cold city of Chicago. X-Men 2 the movie, the one kid who is Iceman, AM: How does the scandal start? for money—and I don’t even mean a healthy liv- Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa: It seems like a dream he comes out to his parents as a mutant, and RAS: Boys’ prep schools, they’re very insular. ing. I mean a livable wage. that four weeks ago I was in shorts in Los Ange- his mom says, “Do you have to be a mutant? Can Because it’s set in the ‘80s, it doesn’t spread as There are maybe five or ten playwrights liv- les. I mean I was on a picket line, but I was in you not be a mutant?” For me, I don’t know what quickly or as virally as [today’s] YouTube Genera- ing and working consistently in the theater right shorts and a T-shirt. it was. I’ve read comic books all my life. For me tion. now. You do need to supplement your income, AM: You went from Yale School of Drama to it was more about plugging into a fantasy world. AM: The ‘80s is the era of the Rob Lowe sex and I think that’s what’s really attractive about the comic book business writing for the Fan- So in terms of the secret identity or the odd video. Los Angeles. For me, I’m a pop culture junky. I tastic Four and Spiderman. How did that hap- homoeroticism of some comic book superheroes RAS: Twenty years later, it feels like everyone love movies. I love TV. I am happiest when I’m pen? … ultimately, a lot of superheroes are outsiders, has a sex tape. It’s not quite as shocking as it working on a play, but I also think that certain RAS: I was really lucky. Before I graduated and ultimately they are power fantasies that I would have seemed like ten years ago or twenty stories will make great comic books, and certain from Yale in 2003, I was getting ready to go to think any sort of group that is marginalized can years ago. stories will be better as a TV show. So my hope is New York to be a struggling playwright, and all plug into. AM: How is working at Steppenwolf, the that I’ll be able to keep a toe in many different playwrights are struggling playwrights. I wasn’t AM: Your play Say You Love Satan is about a great American theatre? worlds. ready to move to L.A. to be a film or television gay man who falls in love with a guy who just RAS: What’s so funny is that I’ve been in Los Turn to page 15 writer. So I thought I would get an office job or happens to be Satan. How much does your Angeles doing things for TV. If I say I’ve had 14 December 19, 2007 ‘Diva’ Dec. 20-23 Randy Duncan The new holiday revue How the Diva Stole Christmas 2, starring the duo of singer Amy Named Chair The Chicago Academy for the Arts, 1010 W. Armstrong and pianist Freddy Allen, will con- Chicago, has named internationally recog- tinue its performances at The Lakeshore The- THE STEPPENWOLF TRADITION OF DYNAMIC, nized choreographer Randy Duncan chair of its ater, 3175 N. Broadway, Dec. 20-23. dance department. Duncan will provide leader- Diva Christmas 2 features classic songs and EXCITING NEW WORK CONTINUES WITH THE ship for faculty and students, and build upon musical numbers (Jingle Bells, Santa Baby, The a curriculum that incorporates various dance 12 Drinks of Christmas) along with some not- SUCCESS OF TRACY LETTS’ disciplines, including classes in ballet, modern so-traditional surprises along the way. Accord- dance and jazz technique. , ing to a press release, the following holiday AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY Duncan has since created works for numerous customs will not be featured in this show: cute companies, including the Joffrey Ballet, River WHICH THE NEW YORK TIMES CALLED children; staged nativity scenes involving real North Chicago Dance Company and Giordano livestock; dancing Santas; and figure skaters, Jazz Dance Chicago. His first major motion among others. picture, Save the Last Dance, earned him a Tickets are $25 and are available by nomination for the American Choreography calling 773-472-3492 or by visiting www. Award for dance on film. lakeshoretheater.com. “flat-out, no asterisks and with out qualifications, CULTUREWC TimesListing-12-19 CLUB 12/6/07 2:26 PM Page 1 the most exciting new THE American play Broadway PHILADELPHIA STORY has seen in years.” — The New York Times

““Pure theatrical champagne”” –Chicago–Chicago Sun-TimesSun-Times ThruThru Jan.Jan. 66 773773 871871 30003000 The only way to guarantee your seats www.remybumppo.org now for Tracy Letts’ new play Superior NYEve show 7pm! Donuts is through a 4 play subscription (starting at $100) or a Steppenwolf Pass. The Steppenwolf Pass is valid for 3 tickets to ANY performance of the remaining four plays in the Steppenwolf 07-08 season. Act now, so when everyone is buzzing about our four exciting world premieres this year, you can say “I knew it was going to be big.”

The ASS P The microphone is a registered trademark of Shure Theatre with Northlight Incorporated, which is not affiliated f nwol eppe st SEASON 2008 2007–

ensemble members Yasen Peyankov and Jon Hill in Tracy Lett’s Superior Donuts,

steppenwolf

Order online at www.steppenwolf.org or call 312-335-1650. For more shows and listings, Overnight delivery available. Performances run through August 17, 2008. check out www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com December 19, 2007 15 CRITICS’ PICS A Christmas Carol, Goodman Theatre, through Dec. 29. Greater attention to sound effects and an epic-sized performance by Larry Yando, fresh off the Lion King circuit, make this familiar fable a feast for the ears as freshly reassuring as the humanitarian values it celebrates. MSB The Sparrow, The House Theatre of Chi- cago at Apollo Theatre; through Dec. 31. Time is running out to catch this amazingly staged homegrown show full of teenage angst and uplift. Don’t let it fly the coop before seeing it. SCM Hunchback, Redmoon Theater, through Jan. 20. The tolling of the cathedral’s bells, the ethereal beauty of the gypsy Esmer- alda and haunting, tragic specter of the title character come to life in Redmoon’s enthralling interpretation of Victor Hugo’s classic. CS —By Barnidge, Morgan and Sullivan

GOOD from page 13 When Big Love made the offer, I was like, “I‘m going to do this” because I wanted to learn what it was to be a TV writer. And I wanted to [work] on a show I believed in. And when I talked to the two creators, they are writing and life partners. AM: I adore Big Love because it chal- lenges us to look at alternative families. RAS: Absolutely, and, truthfully, when you look at everything—Big Love, my plays, even the Fantastic Four—they’re all alterna- tive families. What is the Fantastic Four if not the ultimate alternative family? And Big Love, when we’re talking about characters, and without giving too much away, one of the wives thinks about what it would be like to live a monogamous life, as opposed to a polygamous life, and we were trying to wrap our brains around it, and one of the creators said, “Well, it’s like when I would think about living a straight life. It would be so much easier, and there’s all this heartache, societal heartache. Is it worth it, you know? There is something that’s attractive about the main- stream ‘lifestyle’.” When he said that, I was like, “Oh, yeah.” It clicked. They seem very disparate, but they also seem like they in- form each other. AM: There should be some wife-on-wife action this year. The business partner’s wives were playing cards last year and there was some footsy action going on. RAS: I think you’ll find some good stuff in season three. AM: You’re working on a show for FOX called Howl. Are they werewolves? RAS: There are many werewolves. I’ve al- ways loved werewolves, and as I was work- ing on the pilot, and I remember vividly my dad taking me to see American Werewolf in London. It felt like I’d been getting ready to write this pilot for the last 35 years of my life. The central relationship is this woman who is 25 and lives in San Francisco, and her gay best friend and they’re roommates. She gets bitten by a werewolf in the pilot, and realizes that there’s a whole community of werewolves living in San Francisco, many of them passing as humans. It’s sort of like I Claudius, but with werewolves. She finds out there’s a whole sort of monarchy or dynasty of werewolves that she may be a part of. I’m really proud of it. I don’t know what’s going to happen because of the strike, but I feel really good about it. The world premiere of Good Boys and True is at Steppenwolf through Feb. 16. For tickets and info, visit www.Steppenwolf. org. To listen to this full interview, visit www.WindyCityQueercast.com. 16 December 19, 2007 including Xena! Live!, Larry Kramer’s Just Say No To combat HIV in the trans community, Billings thought you were this guy.’” and her one-woman autobiographical show, Be- argued that more trans people need to come out: Twist plays at L.A.’s Avery Schreiber Theatre fore I Disappear. Her first television role was on “There’s no reason to lie to your partner; there’s through Dec. 30. Tickets can be purchased at the ABC movie Romy and Michelle—A New Be- no reason to make up a past. You’ve got to em- Theatermania.com. In spring 2008, Billings will ginning. She’s also appeared on ER, Karen Sisco brace what happened to you because…whatever appear in The House of Yes. and Grey’s Anatomy. happened to you informs what’s happening to The trans writer Jacob Anderson-Minshall She currently appears in Gay & Lesbian Alli- you now.” co-authored Blind Leap, the second install- ance Against Defamation (GLAAD)’s “Be an Ally Billings has found her own past relevant to her ment of the Blind Eye mystery series available & a Friend” public service advertisements that role of Fagin, who—halfway through the play— now. For more information visit anderson- encourage viewers to treat people with respect changes into a dress. “He plays the rest of the minshall.com or e-mail jake@trans-nation. regardless of gender identity or sexual orienta- show as sort of a female impersonator! So all of org. tion. my past…[I] just dig that up.” © 2007 Jacob Anderson-Minshall As the first openly trans actress to play the Playing Fagin has led to some unusual com- Alexandra Billings. many theatric roles of her career, and the first pliments, as when an audience member asked trans woman to play a transgendered female her to sign his program: “I flipped open to my character on television, Billings has broken picture and signed. And he said, ‘That’s you? I many barriers. But don’t call her a pioneer. Alexandra “You say the word pioneer and I think of some woman wearing a bonnet and churning butter. Billings: I just wanted to work. Now, when I look back, I think to myself, ‘Wow, I guess that is kind of Twisted Sister important.’” By Jacob Anderson-Minshall “I’m 43 years old and I’m everybody’s grand- SPOTLIGHT mother in this town,” Billings jokes. “All the Twist, a queer pop-rock musical that opened Dec. roles that didn’t go to Jessica Tandy are going The Mistress Cycle 1 in L.A., weaves Victorian erotica, dark comedy to me. But that’s just sort of the nature of the and gender-bending into Charles Dickens’ Oliver beast. The camera is just a very unforgiving Twist. Driven by physical desire but begging for monster.” more, Oliver journeys into an underworld ruled Billings (www.alexandrabillings.com) identi- by a male dominatrix—Fagin—played by former fies as a lesbian woman and is married to direc- Chicagoan Alexandra Billings. tor Chrisanne Blankenship, whom she’s known “[This] is the first time in twenty-plus years of since high school, where they were cast in theater that I’ve ever played a man,” exclaimed Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night as brother and sis- the trans actress, whose novice years included ter. “Of course we look nothing alike. I’m brown shows with luminaries like Carol Burnett, Yul and have dark hair and she’s practically invisible Brynner and Sandy Duncan. Formerly a female because she’s so white. [But] I was in love with impersonator, Billings made the leap to profes- her and I had to have her close to me.” sional acting in the 1980s, when she starred in An accomplished singer, Billings was awarded When is a musical not a musical? When it’s The Mistress Cycle, a new work described as a Chicago’s rendition of Vampire Lesbians of So- the New York MAC Hanson Award for Cabaret Art- “song cycle” illuminating stories of passion, sacrifice and spirit in the lives and loves of five no- dom, a role that won her an After Dark Award for ist of the Year in 2004, and release two CDs, torious mistresses. The historic females, who rose to positions of power and influence through Best Actress in a comedy including her debut, Being Alive, which was up their liaisons, range from 20th-century sexual adventurer Anais Nin to 16th-century Diane De “My past…helped me get my foot into that for Grammy consideration. particular door, which was some weird bridge be- HIV-positive for several decades, Billings has Poitiers (mistress of King Henri II) to Ching, a teenage concubine in 12th-century China. With tween female impersonation and legitimate the- sat on the Board of Directors of Season of Con- music by Jenny Giering and lyrics by Beth Blatt, The Mistress Cycle has won a slew of honors in ater. Everything that I had done before helped cern and worked with Healthworks Theatre, an theater development circles. This regional premiere runs through Jan. 5 at Apple Tree Theatre, me on the road ahead.” AIDS educational theatre geared towards teens. 1850 Green Bay Road, Highland Park; 847-432-4335; $38-$48. Photo by Michael Brosilow Billings has since appeared in dozens of plays,

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I=: A>IIA:9D< A6J<=:9 7n9dj\aVh8VgiZg7ZVcZ™9^gZXiZYWn:g^XGdhZc I=:IDCN6L6G9"L>CC>C<8DB:9N =ddkZg"AZeeZcI]ZVigZVi ?6C.";:7&,!'%%- 8ZciZgdc=VahiZY.(ALSTED VWdji[VXZi]ZVigZ#Xdb™8VaaDkVi^dci^mVi-++-&&")&&& December 19, 2007 17 upon Hugo as an annoyance, they go with the flow and find a creative Redmoon way to capitu- A Charlie Chaplin late to the author’s demands that proves to be Christmas just as entertaining as it is enlightening. Playwright: adapted by Tonika Todorova These Hugo interruptions do dissipate the from the films of Charlie Chaplin linear flow of Hunchback, but they add to the At: Silent Theatre Company at the quirky and creative magic that goes on in this Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph sometimes deconstructionist look at the iconic Phone: 312-742-8497; $20 19th-century novel. Redmoon’s approach makes Runs through: Jan. 6 you stop and think about how stories get adapt- ed to different mediums, especially with the BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE impressive grab bag variety of storytelling tech- niques that the folks of Redmoon confidently Audience members arriving early in the lobby of show off. the Cultural Center may be puzzled at hearing a So anyone expecting a straightforward re- decidedly vocal group exercise occurring inside telling of The Hunchback of Notre Dame will be the auditorium. After all, isn’t this the Silent disappointed. But you’re in the mood for some Theatre Company, dedicated to live-action rep- amazing theatrical magic that tickles the imagi- lications of movies from the days before sound Heidi Kettenring (left) and Dara Cameron in Little Women. Photo courtesy of Dan Rest nation, you’ll find loads to admire and fall in tracks? Oh, the stageside combo supplying the love with in Redmoon’s Hunchback. customary musical accompaniment might want to play a few warm-up scales, but what purpose THEATER REVIEW tells her. Moreover, she should go home and do are these other noisy preliminaries to serve? what women are supposed to do with their lives: Ella Playwright: book by Jeffrey Hatcher, Citizens with first-hand recollections of pre- have babies. (And if you think that scene is jaw- Little Women music by various artists, conceived talking motion pictures are now aged somewhere droppingly archaic, think again: I’ve got a shoe- Playwright: Based on the novel by Rob Ruggiero and Dyke Garrison in their 90s (though Baby Boom brats may recall box full of rejection letters from the mid-1960s, by Louisa May Alcott; At: Northlight Theatre at afternoon broadcasts of Ben Turpin and Buster addressed to my Lisagor Award-winning mother, book by Allen Knee; music the North Shore Center for the Keaton on television during the 1950s and ‘60s). containing the exact same advice.) by Jason Howland, Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie, Skokie Taking this into consideration, Silent Theatre A formidably proper John Reeger as the lyrics by Mindi Dickstein Phone: 847-673-6300; $38-$58 adapter/director Tonika Todorova provides us wealthy, curmudgeonly neighbor Mr. Lawrence At: Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre, Runs through: Jan. 6 with a prologue: a comedy shoot in progress is 10 Marriott, Lincolnshire and a bright-eyed Stephen Schellhardt as honor- interrupted by the studio producer, who threat- ary March brother Laurie complete an ensemble Phone: 847-634-0200; $45 BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE ens to withdraw his funding of the project. The Runs through: Feb. 3 of mighty heart. The pleasures of Little Women? desperate director claims that they have signed They’re anything but small. “You’re the nice one!” her manager reminds her. a sure box-office draw, the immensely popular

BY CATEY SULLIVAN And she was, too—the jazz diva who didn’t Charlie Chaplin. After a search for a copycat drink, smoke, take drugs or sleep around. That Chaplin, they proceed to make A Tramp’s Christ- In this, the Age of Irony, Louisa May Alcott’s Hunchback didn’t mean that Ella Fitzgerald had an easy life, mas—a linear narrative blending slapstick, sen- novels might seem to scream out for a revision. however. As another pop star in another musical timent and social commentary and featuring the Little Women and its companion tomes (Little By: Jim Lasko and Mickle Maher genre’s classic comic routines. At: Redmoon Theatre, 1463 W. Hubbard warns us, “You sell a hundred million records, Men, Jo’s Boys, Under the Lilacs and Eight and see how you handle it.” But the caution that The speeded-up pace associated with vintage Cousins) are unabashedly earnest, unashamedly Phone: 312-850-8440 ext. 112; $15-$35 two-reelers was a technical glitch engendered by Runs through: Jan. 20 kept this international celebrity on the straight unhip and absolutely sincere in their praise of and narrow was rooted in the same insecurities faulty projection, but even so, the Silent The- authentic family values—integrity, loyalty and atre ensemble is to be commended for resisting BY SCOTT C. MORGAN that drove her peers to reckless extremes. interdependent sisterhood. Marmee March and Indeed, the destiny of the 16-year-old child the temptation to overstated facial or bodily her daughters—tomboy Jo, style-conscious who cooch-danced for small change in front of movement, instead imposing no more exaggera- Amy, angelic Beth and romantic Meg—are all There’s a grand tradition of Chicago theaters tion than mandated by historical accuracy and adapting great works of literature for the stage. sportin’ houses might have turned out very dif- too easily caricatured more than a century after ferently if her escape from the police one night the artificial chiaroscuro created by a unified their creation. So it’s to the Marriott’s immense Redmoon Theatre’s brilliant revised revival of scheme of starkly neutral colors carried into all Hunchback is one of the great reminders that hadn’t taken her through the stage door of Har- credit that Little Women, the Broadway Musical, lem’s Apollo Theatre on amateur night. After design aspects, down to the white-face makeup. rings with truth rather than treacle. the transition from page to stage can revel in Anchoring the action is the amazing Marvin Edu- flamboyant theatrical tricks. that fortuitous debut, she was hired by her first Alcott’s complex, fully-formed women stand mentor, bandleader Chick Webb, who taught her ardo Quijada, playing the Little Tramp himself, out in a literary era thick with hysterical gov- Much is lost when paring down the mammoth ably assisted by Gillian Hastings as his urchin novels of Victor Hugo for the stage—even if the value of self-presentation while manager ernesses, doomed adulteresses and dragon-lady Moe Gabler guarded her against bad company. sidekick and a bevy of clown-mimes performing spinsters. Leaving such ladies to her menfolk those adaptations like the musical Les Misera- such familiar lazzi as “the piano movers” and bles go on for more than three hours. Redmoon’s During these years she honed her skills at “scat- peers, Alcott penned complex characters em- singing” (in be-bop music, an improvised vo- the “flea circus,” along with three musicians as bracing life in all its messiness; real women in a Hunchback runs approximately 90 minutes with- agile with a czarda or ragtime as the actors with out intermission, but under the assured direc- cal doggerel employed as a solo turn, its name literary era of archetypes and impossibly virtu- derived from the word, “scatter”). In 1955, she a pants-kick or a pratfall. ous heroines. Which isn’t to say Little Women, tion of Leslie Buxbaum Danzig, the entire com- Clocking in just over an hour, A Charlie Chap- pany cleverly packs as much as they can in an signed with Verve Records under the manage- the Broadway Musical, is as well constructed ment of Norman Granz, forging a worldwide ca- lin Christmas is a unique theater experience for as Alcott’s books—far from it. Jason Howland’s inordinately creative fashion. Loop visitors reluctant to make the investment Hunchback is filled with many of the creative reer until her death in 1996. music and especially Mindi Dickstein’s lyrics are In the musical revue conceived by Rob Rug- required by the playhouses west of State Street, egregiously generic. Predictable power ballads Rube Goldberg-style contraptions that we’ve as well as a treat for downtown shoppers look- come to expect from Redmoon: Perspective- giero and Dyke Garrison, we meet Fitzgerald in (such as Astonishing) ooze triumph-of-the-hu- 1965, just before a concert in France. She has ing to rest their feet and brains in some old- man spirit cliches while subtle-as-a-Mack-truck altering puppets (in the hand, marionette and fashioned populist escapism. shadow varieties originally designed by Laura just come from the funeral of her beloved step- shifts in tone and dynamics let you know pre- sister (a conceit making for additional resonance cisely what you should be feeling. Heit), oversized masks designed by Shoshanna Utchenik and a dazzling display of acrobatics on the Sunday night that I attended), only to be But the limitations of the score doesn’t stop told by Granz that she must cut one song from Olympia Dukakis to the Marriott’s blazing cast from making Little played out on two moving-parts pylons designed by Jim Lasko and Utchenik which skeletally sug- the program in order to make room for some Direct Victory Women a joyous and even inspiring event. Led “patter,” setting us up for some biographical by Paula Scrofano (more gorgeously luminous gest Notre Dames’ iconic bell towers. Redmoon could have just stuck with pantomim- confessions, along with banter with the band Gardens Play than ever in the fourth decade of a remarkable Academy Award-winning actress Olympia ing the story to the ear-clattering pre-recorded over the proposed excision. career) as Marmee March and Heidi Kettenring Dukakis will direct the world premiere of Todd score. The opening chase scene between hunch- Despite signs of strain on the cold and snowy (fire-eyed and clarion-voiced) as the headstrong Logan’s Botanic Garden. The two-character back bell-ringer Quasimoto (Jay Torrence and evening, E. Faye Butler’s voice never faltered Jo, Little Women’s ensemble infuses every mo- play will begin preview performances on Wed., Alden Moore) and lovely gypsy Esmeralda (Katie over two hours of warbles ranging from Cole Por- ment of the production with heart. Jan. 30, at The Victory Gardens Greenhouse Rose McLaughlin) showed that the entire story ter and Hoagie Carmichael to such rare classics In a genre (over)populated by ingénues, di- Theatre, 2257 N. Lincoln, and run through could have been told without a muttered word. as the Carter-DePaul-Raye ditty Cow Cow Boo- rector Joe Leonardo creates a crowd of fierce, Sun., March 9. But what Redmoon cleverly does to acknowledge gie and Sam Coslow’s Mr. Paganini, backed by fascinating females: Morgan Weed’s precocious, Among Dukakis’ films are Steel Magnolias, 3 the missing swaths of text is to have actor Jer- a quartet of musicians alert to her slightest nu- endearingly vain Amy; Abbey Mueller’s soul- Needles, Mr. Holland’s Opus and Moonstruck, emy Sher playing author Hugo come back to life ance, with trumpeter Ron Haynes standing in for ful, compassionate Meg, Dara Cameron’s sweet, for which she won a Best Supporting Actress to impudently challenge some of the gross (if Louis Armstrong on a free-wheeling rendition of saintly Beth and the invaluable Ann Whitney’s Oscar. In the world of TV, she is known for extremely creative) simplifications of the novel. Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off. However wintry horse-hide tough Aunt March—each is a portrait her Emmy-nominated role as Anna Madrigal For instance, while the two puppets of lov- it might be in Skokie, audiences of all ages can of a deeply memorable lady. Their context is also in the Tales of the City, More Tales of the City ers Esmeralda and Phoebus copulate, a sinister warm to le jazz hot at Northlight Theatre. memorable, with Allen Knee’s book etching a and Further Tales of the City, among other knife-wielding shadow puppet of villain Claude clear picture of how easily and how often the productions. Frollo (Samuel Taylor) hovers in the background. so-called fairer-sex was dismissed back in the Tickets are on sale, and are $25 for previews At that point, Hugo demands that his character days of hoop skirts and corsets. Little Women and $35 for regular performances. 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WCT: Do you ever miss opera and Broad- cagoland Pops Orchestra. Tell me a little bit Il Divo’s way? about what we should expect. DM: Oh yes, absolutely. I connect very strongly DM: It’s going to be a lot of my favorite David Miller: to musical situations, where you’re a character, things, in a way. I’m singing the operatic reper- you’re in a costume, you’re on set, you’re going toire that kind of got me to the point before Il Divine to lose yourself acting-wise and put up a fourth Divo, like Romeo … and La Boheme, which I did wall. For me, that’s so much easier singing-wise on Broadway and was the only production of it Intervention to let go of all of my preconceptions of who I I’ve done, which was just prior to Il Divo, … and BY AMY WOOTEN am personally, and drop into a role and drop into also where I met my current girlfriend, who will the music. When it’s me on stage, just me, that’s be singing with me in the concert. We’re very ex- The last several years have been a whirlwind for a lot harder. Like what’s coming up [his solo cited about that. We’ll also be doing something David Miller, the American tenor for the operatic show], it is all opera tunes, but people are com- from La Boheme and West Side Story. There’re a pop quartet and international sensation Il Divo. ing to see just me? That just feels so different. couple other musical theater numbers in there Ever since he was invited to join the chart- I haven’t done a lot of concert repertoire over that are just some of my favorite pieces. There’s topping group created by American Idol judge the years. It’s been mainly shows on stage. But also going to be some holiday music in there. Simon Cowell, it has been a wild ride Miller I definitely miss it, and I’m so looking forward Then, I’ll also be going back to opera, pieces never expected. to it, you have no idea. where I’ve just previously been too young to Il Divo means “divine male performer” in Ital- WCT: Let’s talk about your fan base a little handle in the voice. Opera has an age hierarchy. ian, and the group is known for its beautiful bit. You have such a huge following, not only Some roles are appropriate earlier in the career, ballads, fashion and good looks. Their albums all over the world among women of all ages, and some are for later. These roles you just don’t have gone multi-platinum all over the world but interestingly enough, you have a huge touch until your mid-30s. Well, now I’ve been since their 2004 debut. gay following, too. in Il Divo for four years, and it’s kind of transi- Before Il Divo, Miller worked with some of the DM: I’m not entirely sure what makes Il Divo tioned a maturation period in my voice. It’s very top opera companies around the globe, perform- tick, in the first place, among women. Obvi- exciting for me. I’m looking forward to coming David Miller. ing in lead tenor roles. ously, there’s a kind of romantic fantasy that back to Chicago. It is one of my favorite cities. Miller will come to Chicago Dec. 21 for a solo goes along with it, sure. I suppose that that concert backed by the Chicagoland Pops Orches- You know, the four of us are soloists. Let me translates to all people who are interested in tra at Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River. Tickets tell you, that first year and a half was a lot of that type of music. It has to do with the exotic- Live Celine Dion are $40 and $55, and can be purchased at www. learning to, let’s just say, define boundaries. ness of all four being from different countries. We dress up nice, we sing nice music and we Show Out on DVD chicagolandpops.com or 847-671-5100. [Laughs] Celine Dion fans may be very happy this use our voices in the most beautiful ways that Windy City Times talked to Miller about transi- WCT: A lot of egos in the room? holiday season now that A New Day ($21.98), we can. I think there’s something in there for tions, touring the world and stereotypes. DM: A lot of healthy self-esteem, for sure. a two-disc set featuring the singer’s Live in everyone that connects to something of quality, There was some ego-clashing. There was actually Las Vegas concert, came out on DVD Dec. 11. something of luxury. It’s really great for us to Windy City Times: Were you always into a lot of language and culture barriers. I actually The first disc contains the concert as well know that, especially in this MTV culture, where singing? thought that was pretty funny. You know, France as a featurette entitled Because You Love (A the memory span is about 2.3 seconds, people David Miller: Actually, no. I didn’t started and Spain are right next door to each other. Tribute to the Fans). The second disc has the can stop and unplug for a little while to use our signing until my second year of high school. You’d think they would be able to understand featurettes A New Day: All Access, a behind- music to connect to a really emotional place. Before that, I was really interested in science, the cultures, but apparently not. the-scenes item, and A New Day: The Se- WCT: There have been many interviews where oddly enough. Math and sciences, and I wanted WCT: I bet you’ve learned so much, so far. crets. to go into the Air Force Academy and I wanted DM: When we look back at the end of that year people have asked if you guys are straight or to be an astronaut. Around my freshman and and a half together, we had done a lot of things. gay, and I’m not going to ask you that be- sophomore years, my height grew to be about But every even kept coming one right after the cause you guys have said you are straight 6’ 2”, and the cutoff for a person is 5’ 11”, I next, so there was no time to slow down and enough times. What I want to know is what believe, for a person to be an astronaut because think, “Oh, wow. We’ve done a lot.” It was all, do you think that says about our culture still, they live in such confined spaces. So, that whole “What’s next? What’s next?” We went to Japan where if a guy dresses nice and sings beauti- dream kind of went out the window, so I started for the first time and we made our kind of show- ful music, we automatically assume? searching for other things, and I found music. case debut over there in the same performance DM: I think there’s an aspect in Western so- WCT: At first, did you know Il Divo was a space that The Beatles did when they first per- ciety that really tries to very clearly delineate Simon Cowell project? formed in Japan. That was really cool. They had between the sexes and in terms of sexuality. I DM: Actually, I didn’t. The other guys had been this video screen that was up while they were think when people see us, we spend a lot of told who was in charge of it, but they had never presenting us before we went on stage. It was time creating the look, focusing on details and heard of him. He’s not that big in Spain, and showing all the things we had done. A part of making sure its very high quality. I think that’s he’s definitely unknown in France and Switzer- our video was up there, all the TV shows we were naturally perceived as a feminine aspect. And land. In a way, that was a really balanced thing. on…and they just kept putting up one country then there’s this stereotype that gay men are We all came together because we all wanted to after the next of all these major TV shows we feminine men, which plays into that. So, when do something we believed in, and not because had been on. We just stood there, saying, “Oh men are displaying creativity by taking care of we thought who was behind it. my God!” their appearance and being sensitive to emo- WCT: Was it weird to transition from doing WCT: Is that when it hit you that this had tional music, they just automatically put those solo work in lead tenor roles to being a part definitely exceeded your expectations and two categories together. 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WCT: Is it finished filming? testing firm grading tests in French, then went Making It Work SR: Filming in not entirely complete at this to [University of Wisconsin at] Madison for two point. There is still a riveting ending and a re- years and studied Dutch and German. With Steven union show to shoot. WCT: You sew for the exhibits at the Mu- WCT: Who would be your dream model? seum of Science and Industry. How is that Rosengard SR: There are so many women I would love project going? to dress: Nicole Kidman, Natalie Portman, Anne SR: It’s actually quite a bit of fun. There’s by Jerry Nunn Hathaway, Catherine Deneuve. But for someone something very satisfying in knowing that what- ever I put into the museum will be seen by as Project Runway is in its fourth season on Bravo with whom I’d love to collaborate and just hang many as 1.5 million people a year. this year. For me, it was exciting this time out out for hours, I would have to say Sarah Jes-

to see one of Chicago’s very own taking on Heidi sica Parker. She is such a phenomenally beautiful WCT: You recently were involved in the Gay and friends. Although he heard “Auf wiederseh- person. Her sensitivity and sweetness is beyond Games. How was that experience? SR: Being involved was an eye-opening experi- en!” too soon on episode five, Steven Rosengard touching—it’s disarming. ence. I was with the Special Events committee. kept his dignity and continues to wow us in The WCT: Where do you see yourself next? Stay- I ended up having to leave the committee be- Windy City. ing in Chicago? SR: I think I have to go wherever work will cause there was so much design work coming in Windy City Times: Who is the person you take me. I don’t care much for New York and I at the time in addition to preparing for try-outs bonded with on the show? [The show] must think we have a much higher quality of life here, for season three of Project Runway. But what be a surreal experience. was so great to see was a group of Chicagoans Steven Rosengard: During the show I probably generally speaking. However, when I was in New putting together whatever ideas they wanted bonded most with Jillian just because she’s a York a couple of weeks ago, I noticed something and then going forth to make them a reality. great girl and was all of five feet away from me. while walking around: women that I could envi- I think so many Chicagoans—myself included— As time wore on, I got close to Kit and Kevin and sion wearing my clothes on a daily basis. It gave me such a rush to see these women and know suffer from the Second City Syndrome where we others. But I have to say that I adore everyone— that those women were out there. With some think that New York will always be able to do we’re a very tight-knit group. That’s why it’s easy of my pieces erring on the more dramatic side, things better with more talented people. I think for me to be offended when someone starts to I’m afraid that they come off as “too much” for the Games were a great example of how hard make off-handed remarks about my castmates. most Chicago women who are in the market for work can make anything happen. To make disparaging remarks about them is real- custom-made clothes. I want so much for the ly no different than someone bashing any other WCT: What’s your Web site? What are your Chicago woman to prove me wrong! But I have friend of mine. We’re all real people who work in plans for the future? to say the last challenge to design a menswear SR: My Web site address is StevenRosengard. museums and bars and studios, just the same as look really intrigued me. I have been bouncing com and there is a link for new clients to con- anyone else and I think it’s easy to forget that. around several ideas for men’s sportwear items Steven Rosengard. tact me. I am looking to expand my business All of that aside, it was a surreal experience, but that I’d like to start producing. to include men’s sportswear, but I am working it was also one of the most wonderful I’ve had. towards opening a boutique with some prêt- I don’t know that I’ll ever have such a chance WCT: You live in Boystown. Are you ready unnoticed, I wonder why no one is paying atten- à-porter items, but with a stronger focus on to share an experience with so many wonderful for the fans in your neighborhood? tion to me. I’m sure I’ll get a couple of shrinks’ SR: The in-person fan response has been slow, custom-made clothing. I believe the future of people again. phone numbers from that remark. but I’m all right with that. I’m actually a very fashion is not in every woman wearing a mini- WCT: Do you feel you are depicted correctly WCT: What is your educational background? private person and sometimes just being able to skirt or every woman wearing a full-skirted ball- on the show? SR: I went to Columbia College for a year for walk down the street without anyone staring or gown. The future will be about women dressing SR: I am having such a blast seeing the way fashion design (which is why I find it amazing saying “hi” is a nice thing. But I do have what for their body types and not about one trend or I look on TV! The best part is that it’s not like that Web site after Web site claims that I have I like to call the “Eva Peron complex.” When I another. watching any other TV program—it’s more like absolutely no formal training). I took a few years get noticed, I want my privacy. But when I go watching home movies in an odd way. off, worked [at] a pre-employment psychological

20 December 19, 2007 Sweeney’s daughter, Johanna (Jayne Wisener), who he has glimpsed through a window at Gay Man Judge Turpin’s. There’s also the Italian barber, Signor Pirelli (Sacha Baron Cohen), to contend Wins ‘Survivor’ KNIGHT with but mainly we’re concerned with Todd and For the second time, a gay man has come AT Lovett—the evil duo at the center of the film out on top on TV’s Survivor. THE (and who are made up to look like silent-film Todd Herzog, 22, a longtime fan of the stars or human panda bears) and sing lust- show, won the $1 million prize after 39 days MOVIES fully of their rapacious desires—briefly, as all of outwitting and outlasting the other con- the songs have been trimmed and the chorus testants. Herzog—the youngest winner ev- numbers jettisoned. To shore up Depp’s pleasant er—won Survivor’s 15th season by garnering and resonate tenor singing and Bonham Carter’s four votes from the seven-member jury, which whispered vocals, Burton has cast lesser-trained consisted of players who were eliminated be- voices in the other parts and downplayed the fore the final three: Herzog, Courtney Yates score’s operatic qualities. Mood is all here and and Amanda Kimmel. Johnny Depp in Sweeney Todd. the songs move quickly around the fantastic, Herzog, a flight attendant, was actually the cramped, inky dark sets (by Dante Ferretti). The second gay Mormon to compete on the show, don the pun) bloody good time for young and following Survivor: Guatemala’s Rafe Judkins. old, and one that goths and show-tune queens color palette is so dark it’s almost like seeing a Sweeney Todd, movie of charcoal drawings. (The film’s breath- The first gay man to win it all was Rich- alike can embrace. ard Hatch. Hatch is currently serving time for The story follows the former Benjamin Barker, taking cinematography is by Dariusz Wolski.) Charlie Wilson’s War I’m a huge fan of the stage version but the failing to pay taxes on his winnings, or on By Richard Knight, Jr. now re-dubbed Sweeney Todd (Depp), who has the income he earned as co-host of a Boston returned to London after escaping a false im- shortened songs didn’t bother me as the atmo- sphere is so overpowering here. The vocal defi- radio show and rent on property he owned. With Tim Burton at the helm, the emphasis on prisonment at the hands of the nefarious Judge Turpin (Alan Rickman) and his evil henchman, cits of the cast, on the other hand, are harder blood and gore in Sweeney Todd: The Demon to overlook; both Pretty Women and Not While Entertainment News the Beadle (Timothy Spall). Turpin coveted Shock jock Don Imus is at it again. On a Barber of Fleet Street in this long-awaited I’m Around, two of the score’s most achingly Sweeney’s beautiful wife and, to get her, had Dec. 12 edition of ABC Radio Networks’ Imus adaptation of the Stephen Sondheim musical beautiful songs, are not the expected highlights, Sweeney imprisoned. The wife— gravely used in the Morning, host Imus asked guest Jay masterpiece as expected, is very high. In fact, though they are aided (as is the entire score) by the judge—poisoned herself and now Turpin Severin, “Why don’t you like [Mike] Hucka- from the opening credits, the film literally drips by Joanathan Tunick’s gorgeous orchestrations. has Sweeney’s grown-up daughter in his clutch- bee? Because you are gay, or what?” The two with blood. It falls from the skies over a Lon- Going with a younger cast also has its advan- es, with plans to marry her. With the aid of the had been discussing Republican presidential don so dark and foul it might even make old tages—the freshness of Anthony and Johanna amoral Mrs. Lovett (Bonham Carter), who runs a candidates. According to Media Matters for Scrooge pause. But unlike The Corpse Bride and is quite believable (they seem like high school meat-pie establishment above where his barber America, you can hear sound engineer add, Sleepy Hollow, Burton’s most recent goth mov- kids) and really ups the sexual tension between shop used to stand, Sweeney goes about get- “Stand by for the drive-by,” following Imus’ ies, Sweeney Todd’s story of doomed romance Sweeney and Lovett. Bonham Carter’s cleavage ting his horrible revenge. While Sweeney awaits comments. Imus had only been on the air a and revenge is so perfectly suited to Burton’s almost spills over her dress into those meat pies gloomy yet enticing sensibilities that it cannot a chance to get at Turpin, he and Mrs. Lovett handful of days before the slip-up. Imus was hatch a dastardly plan: Using the gleaming ra- and Depp wields his phallic symbol razors like a fired from his previous on-air position for fail to land. man possessed. Welded to Sondheim’s exquisite score, even in zors (“My Friends”) that Lovett has hidden away, making a racist remark. Sweeney will kill a batch of black-hearted Lon- I’m not sure how mainstream audiences are An anonymous L Word fan recently donat- this truncated form, is a perfect meeting of di- going to take to Sweeney Todd: The Demon Bar- rector and material. The movie rests on the per- doners, who Lovett will then bake in her pies. ed $1 million to the Dr. Suan Love Research A reconfigured barber chair which shoots bod- ber of Fleet Street. This isn’t exactly Hairspray, Foundation, a breast cancer foundation, in formances of Johnny Depp in the title role and you know. Will the gore and creepy atmosphere Helena Bonham Carter, to be sure, but it’s the ies through a trapdoor down to the cellar inge- honor of Erin Daniels and Leisha Hailey, two niously helps the plot along. and golden goose Johnny Depp be enough for of the show’s stars. Erin Daniels’ character intersection of Burton with Sondheim’s doom- musical-phobic crowds? Will show-tune queens and-gloom score that is the real triumph—a ver- A subplot involves Anthony, the young sail- died of breast cancer at the end of one of the forgive Burton for butchering Sondheim’s score hit show’s seasons. itable match made in hell. The result is a (par- or (Jamie Campbell Bower) who has fallen for (even with Sondheim’s help) in order to keep Australian actor Tim Campbell (“Home the running time down to two hours? No matter and Away”) came out of the closet, reported how these questions get answered, however, it’s Queerty.com. He confirmed rumors that out hard to argue that this is yet another enthralling singer Anthony Callea is his ex. Campbell said derring-do between Burton and Depp—perhaps he is concerned he’ll be labeled as “the gay GAY PHONE SEX their strongest pairing to date. actor” now. A gay plot line will be revealed in an up- Mike Nichols’ latest film, Charlie Wilson’s War coming episode of Reaper, AfterElton.com You want it. We’ve got it. (with a screenplay by Aaron Sorkin), is being reports. In the episode, Sock and Sam, after Live, One-On-One • Bulletin Board sold by the star power of Tom Hanks and Ju- moving into their condo, will be given a help- lia Roberts and the incongruities of the story ing hand by their new gay neighbors. Come- that the movie loosely reenacts: A playboy Tex- dian and director Kevin Smith is involved in an Congressman joined forces with a mega-rich the series, and directed Reaper’s pilot. blond bombshell—another Texan—in the early In an interview with GQ Magazine, Heroes ‘80s to arm Afghan rebels and defeat Russian star Hayden Panettiere said she doesn’t forces, thus ending Communism in that war-torn mind the rumors floating around that she country. is interested in women. “You want to make One would expect the star wattage of the me a lesbian? That’s totally fine by me,” Pa- two leads, aided by thick accents and character nettiere said. “We could do a love affair with eccentricities (not to mention a big ‘ole bouf- Angelina [Jolie].” She went on to list off oth- fant for Roberts) to be incredibly, tantalizingly er women she thinks are beautiful, such as high, but instead it only burns fitfully. Scenes Charlize Theron, Kate Beckinsale and Jessica that would have increased caring about these Alba. two seem to have been cut while the ironies After calling “The Bachelor” Brad Womack in the story don’t really seem so off-the-wall, a “jerk” on a recent episode of her show, talk considering the effect Texas conservatives have show host Ellen DeGeneres met with Wom- had on American politics the last seven years. ack face-to-face on her show to apologize, The picture just sort of bumps along in a fairly Access Hollywood reported. During the sea- entertaining manner, light in tone but not par- son finale of The Bachelor, Womack surprised ticularly involving. Only a visit to a Darfur-like viewers when he revealed to contestants refuge camp and each appearance of Philip Sey- DeAnna Pappas and Jenni Croft that he would mour Hoffman as a scrappy CIA operative (who not choose either of them. After sharing his has a great opening rant and then never lets up) side of the story, DeGeneres told Womack she have the effect of drawing you back into the was sorry for judging him. Call now. Guys are waiting… Boy George’s trial date has been set for movie—temporarily. Feb. 25, according to The Press Association. Check out my archived reviews at www. George is accused of falsely imprisoning a windycitytimes.com or www.knightatthemov- 1-800-PROMALE male escort. The escort claims George chained ies.com. Readers can leave feedback at the 1-800-776-6253 him to a wall in his London home. George is latter Web site, where there is also ordering $1.99/min. 18+ Discreetly billed to your Visa/MC currently out on bail. information on my new book of collected film 1-900-825-4500 reviews, Knight at the Movies 2004-2006. $1.49/min. 18+ Discreetly billed to your phone. $2 connect fee.

© 2007 npp productions, reno, nv customer service (888) 283-3331 December 19, 2007 21 WHAT TO DO? Mon., Dec. 31

Wednesday, Dec. 19 Chicago Community Chorus Christmas www.berlinchicago.com Station, Ind., 219-962-4640 or www. Annoyance Theatre Dick O’ Day’s Big, concert, “Songs of the Season.” 3 emcompassnightclub.net for info Lovely Holiday Bingo. One night only. p.m., $10 suggested donation, St. Hydrate New Year’s Across the Nation. 8 p.m., $10, http://dickoday.com Luke’s Lutheran Church of Logan Thursday, Dec. 27 3458 N. Halsted, www.hydratechicago. Association of Latino Men for Action Square, 2649 N. Francisco Ave., www. New Town Writers Workshop. 7:30 p.m., com for info on tickets Gay Wednesday nights at Bocadillos; chicagocommunitychorus.org Gerber/Hart Library, 1127 W. Granville Neo-Futurists “Too Much Light” New raises funds for ALMA. 8 p.m.- 1 a.m., Circuit Holiday party with free holiday Ave., www.newtownwriters.org Year’s Eve Benefit. Performance, hors $5 suggested donation at door, 6739 buffet from 9 - 10:30 p.m., hosted by d’oeuvres, toast and pizza at mid- Ogden Ave., Berwyn, www.almachi- Miss Foozie, entertainment by Cyon night. Doors open 9:30 p.m., all ages cago.org Flare, Sebastian Cock and more, 3641 Friday, Dec. 28 performance at 11 p.m., $40, advance Windy City Gay Naturists Club night at N. Halsted St., www.CircuitClub.com Affinity Speed dating. 7-9 p.m., 5650 tickets required, www.neofuturists.org, HAPPY CREW YEAR Hydrate Mike Cruz. 3458 N. Halsted, S. Woodlawn, www.affinity95.org 773-275-5255 Touche. 7:30 p.m., RSVP by Dec. 17, Crew (featuring co-owners Steve Milford and 312-494-2654 www.hydratechicago.com Gerber/Hart Library Cinema Lesbiana. Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders South Suburban SISTERS Social Group 7:30 p.m., 1127 W. Granville Ave., Coffee and Conversation on a special Brian Wells, above), 4804 N. Broadway, will X-Mas dinner at Buca di Beppo in www.gerberhart.org day! Lunch provided. 12-3 p.m., Cen- be among the many area bars ringing in the Thursday, Dec. 20 Lombard, 90 Yorktown Rd., RSVP ter on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St. Affinity Drumming Circle. Every third new year. required to lezbefriends71@yahoo. Sidetrack NYE on the Isle of Sidetrack. Thursday. 7-9 p.m., 5650 South Photo by Kirk Williamson com, www.myspace.com/southsubur- Saturday, Dec. 29 Includes steamy, island-war fashion Woodlawn Avenue, Garden Level, www. Flesh Hungry Dog Show Featuring bansisters show. Host: Circuit Mom. Performance affinity95.org performances by The Joans, The Spin Ear-rotic Hip Hop Reggae Party. by Miss Foozie. Open at 7 p.m., $20 Estrojam Chicago Artists Underwear Pussy Pirates. Host Gary Crawford Halsted at Belmont, www.spin-night- advance from bartender or at www. Tues., Jan. 8 Auction. Modeled and auctioned and DJ Mercedes Crawford. 8:30 p.m., club.com eqil.org (portion benefits equal- live. Crew, 4804 N. Broadway, www. Jackhammer, 6406 N. Clark St., www. ity Illinois), 3349 N. Halsted, www. estrojam.org fleshhungrydog.com sidetrackchicago.com Sunday, Dec. 23 Annual Windy City Gay Naturists Spin NYEVE. $20 cover includes hors Hydrate DJ Jeannette. 3458 N. Halsted, holiday party. 4:30 p.m., RSVP by Dec. Friday, Dec. 21 www.hydratechicago.com d’oeuvres, party favors, champagne Affinity XPU Youth Drop-in. Every third 27 at 312-494-2654 Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay As- toast. Doors open 8 p.m., Belmont Friday. 7 p.m., 5650 South Woodlawn sociation Women Like Me group. 2 and Halsted, www.spin-nightclub.com Avenue, Garden Level, www.affinity95. p.m., OPALGA Center, 947 Garfield, Sunday, Dec. 30 org achurch4me/MCC Cross-cultural Kwan- Oak Park, www.opalga.org, 708-848- Saturday, Jan. 5 Berlin DJ Greg Haus until 4 a.m., 954 zaa Celebration. 11 a.m., followed 0273 Girlie-Q Live show starring Cherish the W. Belmont, www.berlinchicago.com by community pot luck and music by PFLAG/Oak Park Monthly meeting. 3 Burlesque Goddess, Miss Bea Haven, Hydrate Lube wrestling at 11 p.m. and Drum Divas, Center on Halsted, 3656 p.m., First United Church, 848 Lake Red Hot Annie and more. Hosted by DJ Jeannette. 3458 N. Halsted, www. N. Halsted St. St., Oak Park Tamale. 10 p.m., Empty Bottle, 1035 hydratechicago.com N. Western Ave. Lakeshore Theater Miss Richfield in Fall Monday, Dec. 24 Monday, Dec. 31 on Your Knees. And Dec. 22. 10 p.m., Circuit NYE celebration. DJs Teri Bristol, achurch4me/MCC Christmas Eve Cel- Sunday, Jan. 6 $20, $30 VIP tickets available, 3175 Dani. B. Hosts Paula Sinclaire, Ve- ebration. Everyone welcome. 7 p.m., WACT Brunch. Noon, email cherylchi- N. Broadway, www.ticketweb.com or ronica Zaid. Doors open 8 p.m., 3651 Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St. [email protected] for info. box office N. Halsted St., www.circuitclub.com Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders Spin $200 Bear Shower Contest. Halsted Crew Crew Year’s Eve 07, a benefit for Coffee and Conversation on a special at Belmont, www.spin-nightclub.com Howard Brown Health Center. Dancing, Tuesday, Jan. 8 day! Holiday Party! Special lunch pro- ‘NAKED’ AMBITION party favors, champagne toast, raffle Steppenwolf An Intimate Evening with vided. 12-3 p.m., Center on Halsted, Saturday, Dec. 22 and more. Doors open 8 p.m., $40 David Sedaris (author of Me Talk Pretty Writer David Sedaris—the author of such 3656 N. Halsted St. One Day, Naked). Through Jan. 13. Berlin DJ Chester until 5 a.m., 954 W. advance, $50 at the door, 4804 N. books as Naked and Me Talk Pretty One Belmont, www.berlinchicago.com Broadway, www.worldsgreatestbar.com 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun., 3 p.m. Sat. and Day—will perform at Steppenwolf, 1650 N. Chicago 3160 The Tajma Hall Show. Tuesday, Dec. 25 Encompass NYE celebration. Dinner Sun, $35, Upstairs Theatre, tickets at Special guest Aurora Sexton. 10:30 Berlin Open at 11 p.m. $1 drinks all 6-8 p.m., hors d’oeuvres, champagne 1650 N. Halsted St, www.steppenwolf. Halsted. p.m. and midnight, 3160 N. Clark St., night. DJ Chester. 954 W. Belmont, toast, cash balloon drop, etc. Doors org or 312-335-1650 www.chicago3160.com opn 5 p.m., 2415 Rush St., Lake

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Caught Up in the Wrapture Chicago House held its annual Upon Further Champagne Wrapture Dec. 11 at The Review... James Hotel, 55 E. Ontario. Attend- Jay Paul Deratany (left in the picture ees enjoyed champagne and Belve- above), an openly gay candidate for the dere Vodka cocktails and tasty treats Cook County Board of Review, held a while viewing and bidding on unique fundraiser Dec. 12 at Cru Cafe and Wine works of champagne bottle artistry. Bar, 25 E. Delaware. (Among the event’s At a VIP reception, a guest somme- hosts were U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky lier hosted a tasting of rare vintages and Cook County commissioners Mike of Veuve Cliquot champagne. Photos Quigley and Forrest Claypool.) Primary by Kat Fitzgerald; see more at www. elections will be held Feb. 5, 2008. Pho- WindyCityMediaGroup.com and www. tos by Andrew Davis MysticImagesPhotography.com 22 December 19, 2007 That help was on display when former Nation- tance of aligning themselves with something Dan Woog is a journalist, educator, soccer al Basketball Association player Tim Hardaway like this.” Something, that is, that reaches not coach, gay activist, and author of the “Jocks” spoke derisively of John Amaechi’s coming-out. only GLBT athletes, but folks like the father of a series of books on gay male athletes. Visit GLAF fired back with a press release. NBA Com- 17-year-old rower who wants to be sure that, in his website at www.danwoog.com. He can be missioner David Stein’s decision to bar Hardaway college, his gay son can be himself. reached care of this publication or at Out- from participation in All-Star Weekend activi- [email protected]. Mac ties was, GLAF said, “an appropriate ‘first step’ toward ridding the league of such inexcusable Chisaboon. self in a Claus outfit, and a description of why ignorance within its ranks.” However, GLAF ad- Olivia Cruise to you should be part of the special “Vacationing vised, “the NBA and others should actively speak Santas” section. up against such overt homophobia at every op- Honor King portunity, whether it occurs in an interview, in In 2008, Olivia—which creates travel experi- the locker room, or on the court.” ences for lesbians—will commemorate its 35th Skiing “Gay-La” GLAF continued: “We often look to sports stars anniversary while celebrating three women’s Jan. 23-27 in Tahoe sports historical events, including Billie Jean as heroes and role models, particularly when Disco act KC and the Sunshine Band will be King’s monumental win in the “The Battle of they have overcome substantial barriers to their one of the entertainment headliners during the the Sexes” and the passing of Title IX into success. GLAF hopes that today’s youth can see action-packed second annual Blue Gay-La gay law. This first-of-its-kind experience will in- beyond Hardaway’s hateful rhetoric and instead and lesbian ski week in South Shore Lake Ta- clude Grammy Award winner singer and song- make sport a better meritocracy where we all hoe, Jan. 23-27, 2008. writer Paula Cole; other Olivia favorites include can play according to one’s ability, regardless of Blue Gay-La combines skiing and riding with Vickie Shaw, Suede, Rene Hicks, Poppy Cham- other factors. This, after all, is the very thing we 24-hour gaming and nightlife, headliner en- SPORTS plin and Julie Wolf; others will be announced love about sport.” tertainment, renowned comedians, top-rated soon. Chisaboon notes that “sports has huge ramifi- DJs, après-ski parties, hot nightclubs and on- The OutField Olivia guests will depart San Diego to the cations on how people—including youths—see mountain activities. BY DAN WOOG Mexican Rivera on Oct. 4, 2008, and return to the world. If GLAF can utilize our knowledge Comedians Paula Poundstone and Anthony the United States Oct. 11 aboard the Holland base, we can help become a mechanism of social “ANT” Kalloniatis are also scheduled to ap- GLAF Supports Acceptance for All America’s ms Oosterdam. The cruise will offer change.” pear. everything from spa services to a casino. It’s taken eight years for Chisaboon to develop Other highlights include the Chocolate and This fall, Mac Chisaboon fielded an anguished See www.olivia.com. e-mail sent to the Gay & Lesbian Athletics Foun- that mechanism. In 1999, as an MBA candidate Martini Party as well as the Blue World Pub dation (www.glaf.org). As founder of the orga- at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he Crawl. The notorious “Queen of the Mountain nization, which promotes the visibility and ac- joined students from Harvard and Boston Uni- EU to Fight Drag Races” will take place Jan. 26. ceptance of GLBT athletes at the professional, versities to form the Boston Bay Blades, a gay Homophobia in Soccer See ww.BlueLakeTahoe.com/glski. amateur and recreational levels, he was used to and lesbian rowing group. As the Blades met Franco Frattini, the European Union (EU) jus- queries from closeted players. But this was dif- GLBT squash players, tennis players, flag football tice commissioner, has talked about his desire Gay B-ball Show ferent. players and bowlers, they formed PrideSports to establish a EU police force for sport, ac- to Air on LOGO Boston, an umbrella group. cording to PinkNews.co.uk. Frattini wants to It came from the father of a gay rower. His Logo recently announced the launch of a Around that time, a panel discussion at Har- implement the plan at next year’s Euro 2008 17-year-old son was applying to college, and show that centers around the San Francisco vard on the topic of gay sports drew a packed tournament in Austria and Switzerland. the man wanted to know how he could help. Rock Dogs, a gay basketball team, according to house. Chisaboon and others decided to build At a recent sports conference, Frattini He was very supportive of his son; he recog- OutSports.com. on the energy created by organizing a New Eng- pledged 10 million euros toward raising a nized that whether the young man was out to The working title of the show is Rock Dogs land-wide group. Their board soon mushroomed training program for the police. his teammates or not was a personal decision. and the series will reportedly follow the play- beyond the region. By 2003, when they hosted Michel Platini, president of UEFA, soccer’s But he wanted to make sure that wherever his ers on the team as they live together in San their first conference at MIT, GLAF had become a European governing body, said that he has son went, the environment would be safe and he Francisco. One of the people on the team— national organization. A second event was held “talked about a monitoring or control or sur- could be himself. which won a gold medal at the most recent a year later. In the summer of 2006, GLAF spon- veillance organisation, not just for violence Chisaboon—a rower himself—forwarded the Gay Games, in Chicago—is DeMarco Majors, sored panels at the Outgames in Montreal and at but for illegal betting, match fixing, racism e-mail to GLAF’s advisory board. That eclectic who played pro basketball overseas and was a group included activists, professors, triathletes, Chicago’s Gay Games. and homophobia.” GLAF also ran a train-the-trainer session at a part of OUT Magazine’s OUT 100 this year. an HIV-positive gymnast, Gay Games organiz- No official air date has been announced, al- ers, a wrestler, swimmers, an equestrian, tennis conference on counseling athletes, at Spring- field College. Blackhawks though it may start next summer. players, football players, administrators, extreme Thanking Santas sports competitors, skiers, business executives, That’s a lot of work for a group run entirely by To thank Santa Clauses for bringing cheer, and even a former Major League umpire. (Full volunteers. GLAF has no directors, no staff and Gay Basketball the Chicago Blackhawks is offering up to 50 disclosure: It also includes me.) no fundraising. “We’re strictly an educational Tourney in L.A. Santas a chance to start their vacations right Advisory board members leaped to respond. A organization,” Chisaboon says. “It’s all about The National Gay Basketball Association has by attending a Blackhawks game on their first Brown University graduate contacted a former giving athletes an opportunity to network and announced that the West Coast Classic III will day off—Wed., Dec. 26. fraternity brother about his alma mater’s pro- connect with each other.” be held over the Martin Luther King, Jr., holi- The Dec. 26 game against Nashville is a gram. He told the rower’s father that Brown Recently, a basketball player e-mailed Chisa- day weekend, Jan. 19-20, 2008, in Los Ange- home-televised game so “Vacationing Santas” was “almost assuredly” welcoming; as far back boon. She wanted a job in the gay sports world. les, according to GayWired.com. should expect to have their picture taken and as the early 1970s, there were gay rowers, even He told her that no such position is available Twenty teams from across the United States be on TV. a gay assistant coach. Someone else offered to yet—but one might be in the future, and it and Europe will compete in three men’s divi- If you or someone you know deserves a break call college coaches directly. Other respondents could be with GLAF. “She has the mindset and sions; there will also be a women’s division. after being Santa, Mrs. Claus or a Christmas elf, passed along names of gay rowers and coaches experience to help take us to the next level,” Teams can reserve slots by visiting www. e-mail All Terrain Public Relations at public.re- for the father and son to contact themselves. Chisaboon says. ngba.us and filling out the team registration [email protected]. Include your name, e- To Chisaboon, the quick, insightful replies A real estate developer and broker and for- form. Individuals can also register to be placed mail address, phone number, a photo of your- were “a good example of how we can leverage mer consultant to the Young Presidents’ Orga- on a team by visiting www.ngba.us. the great talent, the years of personal experi- nization, Chisaboon knows his way around a company boardroom. “Corporations are open to ence, that gay athletes have, in order to help spectacular scenery and favorite holiday songs sponsorship,” he insists. “They know the impor- NICE from page 12 others.” from White Christmas to Silent Night to I Saw isn’t our favorite version of the Dickens tale, Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. Famous songs but it’s a familiar one ‘cause it’s adapted from from Broadway hit shows also are promised, the popular movie. It’s certain to be a good although holiday tunes from Les Miserables or show with James Harms in the title role, Dale Phantom of the Opera escape us. Whatever, it’s Benson as Marley’s Ghost, and stage full of unique for the Western ‘burbs. 630-896-6666; BYOB colorful scenery and costumes. 219-836-3255; $35.50-$45.50. BUILD YO UR OWN BO D Y $36-$39. FYI: fill up with gas across the bor- A Wonderful Life, Porchlight Music Theatre, der; it’s a lot cheaper. through Dec. 30. The second annual staging of Certified and Insured Personal The Snow Queen, Victory Gardens Biograph this musical version of It’s a Wonderful Life, Fitness Trainer and Senior Specialist Theater, through Dec. 23. Year Two of this Hans the legendary Frank Capra film selected as the Christian Andersen tale promises an improved most inspiring movie of all time by the Ameri- SPECIALIZING IN version of the slightly dark but family-friendly can Film Institute. “We honor the film with • HIV Fitness adaptation by stellar folk composer Michael this musical version,” says Porchlight Artistic • Senior Fitness Smith. New scenery and choreography will Director L. Walter Stearns. ”We cannot improve • Strength Training • Cardiovascular Workout Programs compliment Smith’s wonderful music and great on the classic, but our live musical experience puppets by Blair Thomas & Co., with the es- tells the story in a unique way.” At Theatre Training at Gym or Home teemed Frank Galati again serving as director. Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont; 773-327- Discount Packages Available 773-871-3000; $20-$45. 5252; $34-$35. Spirit of Christmas, Paramount Theatre, Au- 312.907.1720 or 312.909.0733 rora, Dec. 21-22 only. It’s a TV Christmas va- Jeffrey Gross riety special, only it’s live: dancers, singers, December 19, 2007 23

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