(OUTview NW) EXCLUSIVE INTER-view: Peaches Christ and Latrice Royale Previews "Mister Act" coming to the Egyptian Theater on Jan 12 for two performances!

by MK Scott

She's back! and this time the incredible Peaches Christ is bringing Seattle Fave, Latrice Royale (fresh from her scene stealing performance in 'A Drag Queen Christmas' that played the Moore November 28, for a brand new show, 'Mister Act,' billed as a SHE-larious stage show parody of the divinely funny '90s Whoopi Goldberg classic Sister Act. Joining them is another Seattle Fave, Willam Belli, and Abbey Roads, along with lots of local queens and performers including Sylvia O'Stayformore, La Gaviota, Fraya Love, Tipsy Rose Lee, Isabella Extynn, Strawberry Shortcake and Leicester Landon.

THE PLOT:
Drag superstar and reformed criminal LATRICE is a struggling Reno drag performer who spills the tea after accidentally seeing some seriously shady shit. She finds herself in the rare position of having to go back into the closet to hide - but lucky for us, she finds a whole new way to express her drag habit when she flees to Seattle to impersonate a nun at a struggling skid row church in the Capitol Hill neighborhood ghetto.

It seems SISTER WILLAM has a hidden talent for singing and tucking, but it just needs it to be brought out - her voice, that is! When REVEREND MOTHER CHRIST suggests that 'Sister Mary Latrice' use her 'experience' to direct the failing church choir, she embraces the challenge and eventually makes the parishioners EAT IT! Joined by the giggly SISTER ABBEY ROADS and former choir director SISTER SYLVIA LAZARUS, and many more, their 'Mister Act' becomes a huge hit that knows no bounds - until Ms. Royale's trashy past catches up with her!

(OUTview NW) How the New Years Eve Party at the Chihuly (in the shadow of the Space Needle) became one of the most exciting moments of my life!

by MK Scott

For the second year in a row I was lucky enough to attend the annual New Year's Eve Gala at Chihuly Garden and Glass (located next to the Space Needle at Seattle Center) with my boyfriend, Brian. As usual this was a high artsy affair and is clearly one of the best ways to celebrate New Year's Eve.

When we first arrived we kept our coats on because it was indeed a chilly night as we ventured outside to visit the outdoor glass garden. (By the time we'd arrived at 9pm, the always-enjoyable live glassblowing demonstrations from the Community Hot Shop had closed down.) We then came back inside, checked our coats and toured the museum's display of Dale Chihuly's work. It's an impressive collection.

After 10pm, the party officially moved into the Glasshouse ballroom, where there was live music from the Craig Lawrence Band, free appetizers and pastries, and a no-host bar. By midnight, everyone had received a glass of champagne as we waited and looked up at the Space Needle from the glass roof as we counted down to the start of 2017.

Watching the fireworks coming out of the Space Needle was an exciting moment and this year was by far one of the best displays I had ever seen.

After the fireworks Brian and I sipped our champagne to bring in the New Year and celebrate our engagement (Yes, Really)! .

This Article also was featured in the Seattle Gay News!

(OUTview NW) Best of 2016 For NW Music and Theater!

Olivia was FAB!

In 2016, OUTview NW continued to RE-view Concerts, Theater, and Comedy/Cabaret in Both Seattle and Portland. Here are Our Top 5 Faves in each category:

Top 5 Concerts:

1) Olivia Newton-John (Aug)
2) Duran Duran/Chic (Sept)
3)  Dolly Parton (Sept) and Bernadette Peters (Nov)
4) Weird Al (July)
5) Culture Club (July)

The Devil made us all squirm!   (Sound)

Top 5 Theater:

1) The Last Days of Judas Iscariot  (Sound)
2) Luna Gale (Seattle Rep)
3) Parade (Sound)
4) Really Really (Artswest) and Disgraced (Seattle Rep)
5) Psycho Beach Party (Fantastic Z)

You should see them without clothes!

Top 5 Comedy/Cabaret:

1) Who's Afraid of Bianca Del Rio? (June)
2) Seattle Vice (Jan)
3) Disney After Dark (March)
4) Andy Cohen with Anderson Cooper (Jan)
5) Realish Housewives of Seattle (Feb)

(OUTview NW) PHOTOS: Former Gov Chris Gregoire and Diverse Harmony bring Unity and Hope to the GSBA Annual Holiday Luncheon at McCaw Hall!

by MK Scott

It was an exciting afternoon this past Wednesday (12/14) when major players from the Seattle LGBTQA business community came together at McCaw Hall for the GSBA Holiday Luncheon and Annual Meeting.

As you entered the main hall and lobby there were booths lined up featuring all the GSBA corporate sponsors including Wells Fargo, Pacific Medical, Microsoft, Amtrak, 1st Security Bank, Sound Publishing, with goodie bags filled with mugs, water bottles, stuffed toys, and even hand sanitizer. The always-fab piano man Victor Janusz provided live background music for the pre-luncheon showcase as he had done at the GSBA's recent Equalux scholarship fundraising gala.

On the McCaw Hall mezzanine level round tables were set up with salad-filled plates and rolls for the luncheon. I was honored to share a table with GSBA president and CEO Louise Chernin and special guest and keynote speaker Washington's former Governor Christine Gregoire.

(OUTview NW) RE-view: Ham for the Holidays is Back and Gayer than ever!

Shielding the Candy?    (Bennion)

By MK Scott

It is that time of year again that we get to Check IN with the Spudds and the Drama queens of the Sequim Gay Men's Chorus and more at Ham for the Holidays: Jurassic Pork.  Always performed by Seattle comedy legends of Lisa Koch and Peggy Platt! Also last but not least the supporting talents of Michael Oaks, Abbie Drake and the ripping beefcake of Joel Domenico (Judy's Scary Christmas, Robbie Turner Revue) plus newcomer, Bruce Hall, made his debut as Musical director and new head of the Sequim Chorus, replacing DJ Gommels  .

Once again (For 4 years in a row) with a larger budget at ACT Theater and a Full house, this comedy masterminds went from sketch after sketch with professional ease.

(OUTview NW) RE-view: SMC's Silver and Soul is Bittersweet with the Old and the New!

 (John Pai)

by MK Scott

It wasn't easy last season for the Seattle Men's Chorus as they prepared to say farewell to Dennis Coleman who was retiring after being the artistic director for 35 years. With a new conductor at the helm, Paul Caldwell is headed for a slow, but positive start.

If you hadn't heard about Caldwell being a victim of a Hit and Run, you were missing out. As we learned more about Caldwell we learned he is slowly returning and has lots of respect to preserve the Coleman Legacy. As a speaker, Caldwell inspires more so then the mild-mannered Coleman.

With no Guest artist, the first time in over a decade, it was just the chorus and the audience getting to know Mr. Caldwell.

The small orchestra was the best in recent memory and the songs had a different sound.

(WORLD AIDS DAY) The 13th Annual Stronger Together World AIDS Day Breakfast brings triumph and hope!

(vj)

by MK Scott

On Thursday morning, December 1, the LGBTQ and allies community came together for the 13th Annual Stronger Together World AIDS Day Breakfast. After over a decade at the Washington State Convention Center, it moved next door to the Seattle Sheraton Hotel this year.

After an incredible performance of the 'The Sacred Music' by Victor Janusz, the program featured welcoming remarks from KOMO 4 News anchor Molly Shen and messages from Gay City's Fred Swanson and Seattle Counseling Service Executive Director, Ann McGettigan.

This year's honorees were, long-time HIV/AIDS community activist Tony Radovich, and Phyllis Little-Epamynonda from the People of Color Against AIDS Network (POCAAN).

This year's keynote speaker was Washington State Secretary of Health John Wiesman, who recognized accomplishments in our state in the fight against HIV/AIDS, including the first state to promote PrEP.

Beneficiaries of the breakfast were Gay City: Seattle's LGBTQ Center, Seattle Counseling Service, and CareTeams, a program of Samaritan Center of Puget Sound.

Also Posted in the Seattle Gay News

(OUTview NW) RE-view: Seven divas from 'Rupaul's Drag Race' invade the Moore Theatre; Latrice Royale steals the show!

by MK Scott

Seven divas from 'RuPaul's Drag Race' hit Seattle's Moore Theater on Monday evening with 'A Drag Queen Christmas' and there were great performances; but the Queen of the Night went to Season 4's Latrice Royale who was the one of the queens that the audience stood up to applaud for and who actually had something to say that resonated with the audience.

'No orange man with bad hair is gonna steal my joy,' Royale said to the roaring crowd, after her splendid dancing, flagging and lip sync performance.

The event was hosted by Season 8 star, Thorgy Thor, who came out and kicked a stuffed head to the audience and asked the male receiver to come up on stage to drink a holiday shot.

The biggest upset of the night was a no-show by Season 4's Alyssa Edwards.

(OUTview NW) RE-view: Bernadette Peters at Benaroya Hall was truly a night to remember!

by MK Scott

It was a full house at Benaroya Hall this past Saturday, when Broadway diva Bernadette Peters took the stage in a solo performance to demonstrate what an incredible performing artist she truly is.

Accompanied by a 12 piece orchestra, headed by the legendary Marvin Laird, who was the musical director for Peters' starring performances on Broadway in 1999's Annie Get Your Gun and 2003's Gypsy. The band was in top-notch form as Peters came out onto the stage in a long, violet-colored, sequined gown, singing 'Let Me Entertain You.'

Peters talked about her love of Stephen Sondheim, but also sang a few songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein, including South Pacific's 'There is Nothin' Like a Dame.'

(OUTview NW) Re-view: "Peter and the Starcatcher" is only part of the story, but that is A-OK!

Peter not flying yet! (John McLellan)

by MK Scott

Oh, Peter Pan, you know that show with Mary Martin and later Cathy Rigby, you know the story?

How about the Backstory? No, this is not 'Finding Neverland" about author, J.M. Barrie, but more of a prequel called "Peter and the Starcatcher" co-written by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, and Adapted  by Rick Elice (“Jersey Boys”) that opened the past weekend at West Seattle's Artswest Playhouse.

Directed by the FAB, Eric Ankrim who helmed last years huge hit, "American Idiot" surely brought the youthful energy to this production.

The cast is 99% men with the exception of the refreshing,  Aly Gutierrez as Molly. Plus Molly's Nanny and Head Mermaid, is played with Pizazz by Nathan Brockett.

(OUTview NW) RE-view: Seattle Rep's "King Charles III" is a scandalous look at the Royals in the near future!!

William betrays Charles!  (Michael Doucett)

by MK Scott

With the Drama of Shakespeare to a modern day comedy, it all works in Seattle Rep's (co-produced  by American Conservatory Theatre and The Shakespeare Theatre Company) new lavish production of "King Charles III" by Mike Bartlett.

It is nearing, 2022 and Queen Elizabeth II has died after reigning the UK for 70 Years, and Prince Charles is automatically King (without  ceremony) and that is when it gets complicated with hilarious results.

There are numerous times of when an actor has a long monologue in the style of Shakespeare, but in a tone that most people can understand.

(OUTview NW) RE-view: Seattle Opera's As One is a triumph and provides discussion and education about the Transgender community!

by MK Scott

Get this, an opera with only two performers, with no elaborate set or costumes, in a smaller venue in the Central District. The fact that the characters (one male and one female) are two sides of one transgender character (Hannah) makes this a rare treat. Seattle Opera has finally brought this groundbreaking 2014 production to share with their Seattle audience.

As One by Laura Kaminsky is a chamber opera that made its debut in 2014 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music as part of American Opera Projects. What makes this production so unique is the performers are people of color.

We meet 'Hannah-before' (played by baritone Jorell Williams) with 'Hannah-after' (played by mezzo-soprano Taylor Raven) in the shadows as Williams expresses himself and struggles with his gender identity.

(2016 TWIST): Seattle Queer Film Festival Award Winners Announced!

We're thrilled to announce the jury and audience award-winning films for the 2016 TWIST: Seattle Queer Film Festival!

JURY AWARDS

2016 Narrative Jury: Ana Walker, Adé Connére, and Drew Droege.
2016 Documentary Jury: Werner Borkes, Jill Leininger, and Kara Phoebe.
2016 Short Film Jury: Stephen Anunson, Eliaichi Kimaro, and Emily Zimmerman.



Best Narrative Feature
“For its complex characters, acid-sharp wit, and refreshing take on queer story-telling—it’s also mother-fucking funny—we proudly present the Narrative Jury Award to WOMEN WHO KILL (Ingrid Jungermann, USA, 2016)."

Special Jury Prize
“The Narrative jury is pleased to give a Special Mention For Artistic Achievement to Torrey Pines (Clyde Petersen,  USA, 2016), a revolutionary, dialogue-less, beautifully crafted explosion of sound, color, and beauty."

Best Documentary Feature
"Because the film creates a pluralistic view of trans men's stories while delightfully updating the coming of age road trip and embracing the idea of self-documentation, we would like to give the TWIST documentary award to REAL BOY (Shaleece Haas, USA, 2016). Musical mentorship and intergenerational growth propel the film as thematic elements. REAL BOY’s unique aesthetics, created by centering on Bennett's voice, confronts and explores the intersections of queer identity, addiction and familial reconnection."

Best Short Film
"ALZHEIMER’S: A LOVE STORY (Monica Petruzzelli & Gabe Schimmel, USA, 2016) is a beautiful, tender, intimate portrait of a man loving, and caring for, his longtime partner with Alzheimers for the past 11 years. As the ways they express love and compassion for each other changes, their ability to show up for each other continues to matter.  A truly impressive effort, especially for a student film project, that exemplifies the power of the documentary form."

Most Innovative Short Film
"Through exceptional cinematography and production quality, VÁMONOS (Marvin Lemus, USA, 2015) communicates relevant themes of gender expression in a new and innovative way. The film's compelling narrative structure propels this story about the tension between assigned versus chosen families in the wake of the death of a loved one."

(OUTview NW) RE-view: Seattle Rep's "A Raisin in the Sun" is Beyond a Classic, It is a Testament in Class!

Walter thinks he is Da Man, Ruth isn't so sure! (Alabastro)

by MK Scott

I confess, I never saw 'Raisin in the Sun' by Lorraine Hansberry, on stage until now. I never saw the 1961 film starring Sidney Poitier, but I did see the stunning 2008 TV film starring Sean Combs and Phylicia Rashad and was somewhat familiar with the story.

In the new production at the Seattle Rep, you see from the get go of why this play is endearing Classic and still holds up today over 55 years later.

The Play isn't just about racism in 1960's Chicago, but more about Class-ism and working your butt off to get somewhere in life.

For the Younger family, waiting for their payday comes in the form of the late-patriarch's $10,000 life insurance payout and ideas of how to spend it. Walter Lee (Played by the Fab, Richard Prioleau) is tired of working as a chauffeur and wants to invest the money in a get rich quick scheme. His Mother, the old and wise, Lena (the incredible,  Denise Burse) wants to buy a house away from the ghetto to show that they have accomplished the American Dream. Walter's Wife, Ruth (Mia Ellis), supports that idea, especially learning she is pregnant. Walter's Free-spirited sister, Beneatha (Claudine Mboligikpelani Nako) is a Med student, her Nigerian classmate Joseph Assangai proposes to her, wanting to take her to Africa with him after they finish school, but she is unsure what to do.

(OUTview NW) Theater RE-view: Artswest's "GHOSTS" is Classic Ibsen Plus a Whole Lot of AMAZING!

No 'GHOSTS' but a whole-lotta Drama! (Artswest)

by MK Scott

When I think of Ibsen, I recall doing a scene from A Doll's House in College and being told by the instructor that I was no longer the shy kid that she met 2 years earlier I was an actor and I never forgot that.

So when I saw that our friends at Artswest was doing an Ibsen ONE Act play called Ghosts, I knew I would enjoy it and I certainly did.

It turns out that Henrik Ibsen originally called it Gengangere, back in 1881 and according to Wikipedia, totally disliked  English translator William Archer's use of the word "Ghosts" as the play's title, as the Norwegian Gengangere would be more accurately translated as "The Revenants", which literally means "The Ones who Return".

The subjects were quite controversial during its time which includes religion, venereal disease, incest and euthanasia, etc.

(OUTview NW) RE-view: an International Scandal turns into an AMAZING threesome in Bad Apples at ACT!

Chadwick, Taylor and Hagreen shine! (Jeff Carpenter)

by MK Scott

Back in 2004, America was stunned at the actions of the guards of Abu Ghraib prison near Baghdad, and it was clear that this wasn't your grand-daddies war.

The images of the prisoners in shocking poses along with images of the 3 guards tells one story. In the new rock-musical, Bad Apples,  by Jim Leonard and music and lyrics by Beth Thornley and Rob Cairns,  currently at ACT Theatre (co-presented by Circle X in LA and our very own Artswest in West Seattle} is something different and very reminiscent from last fall's "American Idiot" at Artswest.

(TWIST 2016): Seattle Queer Film Festival Announces Lineup with a New Name & Expanded Vision!

Seattle, WA -- Three Dollar Bill Cinema is thrilled to announce the lineup for their 21st annual LGBTQ+ festival--the first year with the event’s NEW name! Formerly known as the Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, the organization announced last year the change to a name more fitting of the diverse event the festival has become. TWIST: Seattle Queer Film Festival will take place October 13th-23rd at several locations around Seattle. The full film and event program, along with tickets and passes, are available online at twistfilmfest.org.

The 2016 opening night event befits the festival’s new, more inclusive name and programming vision. The evening’s program features the World Premiere of Seattle-based artist Clyde Petersen’s animated film, TORREY PINES, on Thursday, October 13th at 7:15pm at the Egyptian Theater. Produced with the assistance of Three Dollar Bill Cinema’s fiscal sponsorship program, TORREY PINES is an enthralling and visually stunning queer coming-of-age tale based on Petersen’s fascinating life story. The screening will include live musical accompaniment by Your Heart Breaks and special guests, including Clyde Petersen, Zach Burba, Jacob Jaffe, Lori Goldston, Kimya Dawson, Corey J. Brewer, Chris Looney, Art Petersen and the Beaconettes. Live foley and soundscape provided by Susie Kozowa.

(OUTview NW) RE-view: Olivia Newton-John at Snoqualmie was simply a magical 'Twist of Fate'!

(Snoqualmie)

by MK Scott

Olivia Newton-John is an icon and is clearly a pioneer as a crossover artist and I realized just how much like Taylor Swift she was when I learned of Olivia's journey as a crossover artist from country to Pop in the mid-70's to being a cultural icon from Grease to Xanadu to, of course, the 'Physical' phenomenon in the '80s and once again re-inventing herself in the '90s and beyond.

In my interview published in the SGN August 19 she was ecstatic to be back in Seattle and that the Aug 25th concert would at Snoqualmie Casino's Outdoor amphitheater. The show started only 15 minutes late with no opening act. Olivia, wearing a black suit with a gorgeous white jacket brought back the 'Magic' and 'Xanadu.' Then 'Suddenly,' with one of her back-up singers, she took on the Cliff Richard part.

(OUTview NW) RE-view: SOUND Theater's Amazing "Ensemble" Season continues with the Sensational 'One Man and Two Guvnors'!

(Ken Holmes)

by MK Scott

When I attended the opening night performance of Sound Theater's production of One Man and Two Guvnors by Richard Bean, it felt oddly familiar and I knew of the story and then it hit me that this was an adaptation of a play staged by Seattle Rep in 2013 called a Servant of Two Masters, an Italian play that was written in 1753 by Carlo Goldoni.

For Two Guvs (written in 2011) the play is updated to 1963 England with contemporary Songs added that each cast member takes turns performing.

Compared to Two Masters, that featured so much Improv, that got a little too much as I wrote in 2013:

Truffadino is more like the Aladden's Genie with the modern references and slapstick Inprov. By Act 2, the constant Improv, which in the theater, can be misunderstood as Ad-libbing. Sometimes it went on for too long. 

(OUTview NW) Concert RE-view: For the first time in 15 years Culture Club is Back, Mature and really Wowed Chateau Ste. Michelle!

Photo: Drew Lienau

by MK Scott

Another concert on my bucket list was finally fulfilled on Thurs, August 11th, when Culture Club toured the US for the first time in 15 years with a visit at Chateau Ste. Michelle's summer concert series in Woodinville.

With Boy George's muse (and ex-lover), Jon Moss taking center stage at his drum set and followed by Roy Hay and Mikey Craig and finally Boy George, 55, himself belting out Church of the Poison Mind without Helen Terry, but with the key backupsinger mimicking her voice perfectly. Boy George's voice sounded lower (ongoing throat issues) but didn't disappoint.