(OUTview NW) END OF AN ERA: Two Seattle LGBTQ landmarks demolished in one week

by MK Scott

We knew this day was coming, but to lose not one, but two buildings, that each meant so much to many in the Seattle LGBTQ Community (during Pride Week, no less): I am talking about the house on 303 17th Ave. E. (home to the Seattle AIDS Support Group, later called Dunshee House, and then Seattle Area Support Groups & Community Center for 26 years) and the former Brass Door and later Brass Connection and later incarnations (a Gay bar and dance club with various owners and names for over 20 years) at 722 E. Pike St.

For SASG, who vacated the house and moved in late 2015 to its current location on 15th Ave. E. between E. Denny Way and E. John St., it was not clear that the 2,460 SF house that was built in 1906 would ever be torn down. So last week's demolition surprised even myself.

(OUTview NW) INTERVIEW: Joey Arias on Pride, Drag and Bowie!

By MK Scott 

Seattle Pridefest on Sunday, June 25th at Seattle Center promises to be a great show to enjoy the
heat from Aleksa Manila to Ms Pak Man and the always fabulous Mary Lambert.

Pridefest has always done well with out of town legends in years past from Jackie Beat to
Amanda Lepore and Lady Bunny. This year brings bon-a-fide legend, Joey Arias to the main stage.
My relationship with Arias goes back to 2010, when she was in town for the screening of 'Arias
with a Twist” at SLGFF. I was elated to chat with her about her return to Seattle.

(OUTview NW) RE-view: Peaches Christ was back, front and center; Ben DelaCreme and Major Scales shined in 9 to 5 Inches

by MK Scott

The SIFF Egyptian Theatre had a full house on Thursday, June 15th for the stage show and parody, 9 to 5 Inches, written and directed by Peaches Christ and produced by Qurb Productions. This time Peaches was finally front and center as Peachie (the role originally played by Jane Fonda in the film version). Joining her was the iconic, Heklina (in the Lily Tomlin role) and 'Rupaul Drag Race' alum, Pandora Box (in the Dolly role).

Local queen and 'Drag Race' alum, Ben Delacreme was a hoot as Roz and Major Scales (after 2 days notice) was phenomenal as slimy Mr. Fart. The role was going to be played by Mackenzie Miller, but due to illness he had to bale out. Several other local performers made cameo appearances, including, Fraya Love, Strawberry Shartcake, Isabella Extynn, Angel Snowbunny, Visage LaRue, and Tipsy Rose Lee!

(OUTview NW) PRIDE ISN'T CHEAP: Capitol Hill Chamber responds to question about lack of Pride banners on Capitol Hill!

by MK Scott

During all this Capitol Hill Pride chaos, has anyone one wondered where the traditional Pride banners are that used to line Broadway?

The tradition was started in the mid-1980's by Bill Swigart and was taken over by the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce. I went directly to Executive Director, Sierra Hansen for a response.

Hansen explained that the company that used to put up the banners had retired. The city also requires a permit to turn off the Metro Trolley lines (which costs about a $1,000) in order to put up the 26 banners, and another $1,000 permit to take the banners down. In addition it costs $6,000 to print the banners raising the price tag to $8,000.

When I asked Hansen if there were any steps to reach out to notify the community of the extra cost, she replied that they had conducted a survey in early 2017, and the banners were not a priority that the Chamber wanted to spend money on. Other steps to notify the community never happened.

Hansen was enthusiastic about if anyone in the community wanted to take this project on to ensure this tradition continues.

Seattle Gay News publisher, George Bakan said he would get involved as a sponsor and would welcome the community to come together and support the project for next year.

(OUTview NW) Exclusive Interview:Terri Nunn of Berlin still “Take[s] My Breath Away”!

by MK Scott

You know what Pride weekend means? Another epic street party at the Cuff Complex on Sunday, June 25th. Last year I chatted with disco diva, Martha Wash (“It’s Raining Men”) and this year the Cuff has a headliner with the group Berlin headed by a diva (Terri Nunn) that should heat up your summer nights. I had a great opportunity to chat with Terri Nunn by phone last week on June 15th.

(OUTview NW) EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Peaches Christ and Heklina preview '9 to 5 Inches' coming to the Egyptian on June 15!

by MK Scott

Qurb Media Group and Peaches Christ Productions proudly present a SHE-larious drag stage show parody of the hit 1980 cult classic film 9 to 5 starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton.

This side-splitting rendition stars 'RuPaul's Drag Race' superstars PANDORA BOXX and BENDELACREME along with San Francisco drag legends HEKLINA and PEACHES CHRIST!

Watch these roosters become hens before your very eyes and cheer along as the ladies take on their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical, bigot boss in a drag show overthrow like no other!

Featuring a sensationally talented local cast of Seattle performers including: Mackenzie Miller, Fraya Love, Sparkle Leigh, Strawberry Shartcake, Isabella Extynn, Angel Snowbunny, Visage LaRue, and Tipsy Rose Lee!

(OUTview NW) 5th Avenue Theatre and Broadway composers team up to raise money for famed Oregon high school theater program!

by MK Scott

Everything I learned about theater and performance I learned from my high school drama teacher and as a Gay kid in the late 80s it really helped me stay in school and come out. My high school drama teacher was a legend and a well-known musical theater director in the Portland theater scene for over 40 years.

James Erickson was also the head of the Beaverton High School Theater Arts Department for 29 years from 1970 to 1999, and was an enduring mentor to Broadway stars such as Brooks Ashmanskas (currently in Sunday in the Park with George), Shoshana Bean (Wicked), indie film star, Jesse Archer (A Four Letter Word, Going Down in LaLa Land), Pixar's Angus MacLane and NPR's Ari Shapiro.

(OUTview NW) EXCLUSIVE: An interview with Lady Bunny - The Trans-Jester! appearing at the SIFF Egyptian Theatre May 11!

by MK Scott

Lady Bunny is bringing her acclaimed show The Trans-Jester! to the SIFF Egyptian Cinema next Thursday, May 11. (For details read the press release article in this week's SGN.) I had the opportunity to chat with Lady Bunny, herself, via email this past week about her life, her friendships, her politics and her upcoming show and here is our conversation.

(OUTview NW) RE-view: Frozen at Artswest is 'Killer' Entertainment!

Photo credit- John McLellan

by MK Scott

 A play about a serial killer of children may be depressing and hard to watch, but when Artswest Playhouse, under the direction of Mathew Wright, and  with powerhouse actors of Amy Thone (Festen, My name is Asher Levi) and Peter Crook (The Seagull Project), that changes the dynamics immensely.

 With anecdotes of humor in all the right places,  the play is gripping as it is entertaining. With the addition of Jonelle Jordan as Agnetha is a psychologist who is as crazy as her patients and some of her behavior is hysterical.

With all seriousness aside, Ralph (Crook) is a disturbed man who creates fantasy that leads to reality and his sickness of sexually molesting and killing towards young girls. One girl, Rhona is in the wrong place at the wrong time, while her mother, Nancy (Thone) is hopeful that her missing daughter could return at any moment.

Once caught, Angetha arrives at the prison to determine if Ralph is pure evil or pure mad. Nancy wants Ralph to suffer and die. 

Nancy wants to confront her child's killer and goes to see Ralph against Agnetha's wishes. Nancy tells Ralph, she forgives him and is ready to move on. Getting there to that stage creates moving performances. 


The set was interesting as each actor had their own stage and space, but by the end of the play, those spaces are shared by two actors at month. The being in-the-round created more intimately with the audience. 

Artswest's Frozen, by Bryony Lavery and directed by Mathew Wright continues through May 14th. Tickets at http://www.artswest.org

(OUTview NW) RE-view: Bob the Drag Queen takes center stage and Sparkle Leigh and Abby Roads shine in Peaches Christ's 'Legally Black'!

by MK Scott

The SIFF Egyptian Theatre had a full house on Thursday, April 6 for the stage show and parody, Legally Black, written and directed by Peaches Christ and produced by Qurb Productions. As usual, Peaches gave her star, RuPaul's Drag Race Season 8 winner, Bob the Drag Queen, room to shine.

As Peaches Christ said in her March 31 interview with the Seattle Gay News, she created this show for Bob at the suggestion of the Seattle producer Jimmy Scarpello.

This production was wonderful!

Local queen Sparkle Leigh sparkled and shined in the role of Professor Stromwell made famous by Holland Taylor in the movie Legally Blonde. Several other local performers made cameo appearances, including Mahlae Balenciaga, (the delicious) Mackenzie Miller, Isabella Extynn (out of drag as the UPS man), Fraya Love, La Gaviota, Strawberry Shartcake, Kristie Champagne, and Stacey Starstruck.

Abbey Roads was picture perfect as the defendant, Anna Nicole Smith (yes, Anna Nicole) - I heard later that she borrowed Drew Paradisco's breast plate to enhance her assets.

(OUTview NW) INTER-view: Peaches Christ and Bob the Drag Queen present 'Legally Black' at the Egyptian April 6th!

by MK Scott

She's back! and this time the incredible Peaches Christ is bringing Bob the Drag Queen (fresh from the Hater's Roast tour that hit the Moore Theatre last Sunday) for a brand new show, 'Legally Black,' billed as a hilarious all-new live stage show parody of the hit 2001 comedy Legally Blonde that starred Reese Witherspoon as ditzy sorority girl Elle Woods who stole our hearts quicker than you can say 'bend and snap.' This time, the drag queens take over and the theme becomes 'Never judge a queen by her wig color.'

Joining them is Abbey Roads, Mahlae Balenciaga, Mackenzie Miller, Sparkle Leigh, Isabella Extynn, Fraya Love, La Gaviota, Strawberry Shartcake, Kristie Champagne, and Stacey Starstruck.

(OUTview NW) RE-view: Fanstastic Z's 'Bad Panda' is Really Good, Yes, Really!

by MK Scott

Listen to this scenario, 2\two pandas have mating issues, and things spice up when the male panda is seduced by a crocodile. Ok, you expect this camp from Fantastic Z theater, but what "Bad Panda' is, is good and not to be missed.

The 90-minute play by Megan Gogerty and directed by Kate Huisentruit delves into the argument of straight relationships as for pro-creation and what truly makes a family.

In the animal world there are issues about conservation and same sex attraction as well.

Gwo Gwo and Marion (Richard Sean Glen and Helen Martin). are two mating pandas and are dreaming of having a family. Unfortunately, Gwo Gwo's equipment doesn't seem to working but when he meets flamboyant Chester (the incredible, Michael Ryan Blackwood), Gwo Gwo has no problem in connecting with Chester in a natural way.

When Marion discovers the truth and goes missing, she later returns insisting she has delivered a baby panda. The audience is unsure if the baby stuffed panda is real or imaginary.

As Chester slithers in and out of the den, Marion and Panda-like Chester start as Hostile to slowly creating a bond as Gwo Gwo becomes more crocodile and grows up in the same process.

Fantastic Z "Bad Panda" continues through Aril 8th at Theatre Off Jackson through April 8th. For tickets or information visit them online at www.fantasticz.org.

(OUTview NW) RE-view: Spectrum Dance Theater's 'Rambunctious' series shines light on 'The Immigrants' !

(Jazzy Photo)

by MK Scott

Seattle's prestigious Spectrum Dance Theater lead by nationally-celebrated choreographer Donald Byrd addressed the current topic of 'Immigrants' last week in the third iteration of their 'Rambunctious' series.

The dances, all choreographed by Donald Byrd, are set to music composed by American classical composers who are Americans but not native born. The production focuses on immigrants coming from Mexico, the Middle East, Cuba and China, places that America has sometimes been at odds with or that are part of the current debate on immigration.

The music and costumes, as well as the movement, tell the story.

(OUTview NW) RE-view: Sarah Rudinoff is a Triumph as Lisa Kron in 'Well' at Seattle Rep!

Sarah Rudinoff as Lisa Kron in “Well” at Seattle Rep. (Alan Alabastro)

by MK Scott

Sarah Rudinoff is a Seattle treasure as is writer/performer, Lisa Kron is beloved on a national level and with the production of 'Well' currently at the Seattle Rep, ii is triumph, even though getting there is little confusing.

I had thought this was a one woman show at first with Rudinoff (as Kron) talking to the audience and then we are introduced to her mother, Ann (Barbara Dirickson).  (Kron's mother, not Rudinoff's).


Kron, the Tony-winning lyricist and book writer of musical “Fun Home” (the Lesbian musical), first made her mark in solo performance, and she starred in both the off-Broadway and Broadway productions of “Well.”

We learn that Lisa a directing a play and Ann wants to know what it is about. It is autobiographical, and claims it is not about her over-bearing mother. But is it really?

(OUTview NW) Olivia Newton-John presents smaller acoustic concerts in Everett and Tacoma Feb. 16 & 17!

by MK Scott

After a sold-out show at Snoqualmie Casino this past August, Olivia Newton-John returns to the Northwest next week for a smaller acoustic-style show to promote her newest album, Liv On. Joining her for the concerts are her two dear friends, Amy Sky and Beth Nielsen Chapman, who appear on the album with her.

The shows will be held on Feb 16th (8-10pm) at the Historic Everett Theatre (2911 Colby Avenue, Everett - http://www.historiceveretttheatre.org/) and on Feb 17th (7:30pm) at the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts, Tacoma's Pantages Theater (901 Broadway, Tacoma - http://www.broadwaycenter.org/)

In the following excerpt of an interview I had with Olivia Newton-John last summer, Olivia talks about her newest album, Liv On. (The full interview appeared in the August 19, 2016 edition of the SGN.

(OUTview NW) RE-view: It was an 1980's Party with all-new Nu Shooz and Animotion at Everett's Historic Theatre.

by MK Scott

While the 1990s was the era for Seattle music (Nirvana, Pearl Jam), it was Portland in the 1980s that was the birthplace of three incredible bands. I am talking about the legendary sound of Quarterflash (headed by Pat Benatar-like Rindy Ross), the percussion-heavy Dan Reed Network (headed by dreamy Dan Reed, with a Jon Bon Jovi-like smirk) and finally the Pop/R&B/Funk style of Nu Shooz (led by Valerie Day with husband, John Smith).

After a lengthy hiatus from the world of Pop/Funk and Soul (to raise a family and play other styles of music) Valerie and John have revived the original Nu Shooz sound. The husband and wife team are back on the road as part of the Super Freestyle Explosion Tour with their live eight-piece band, Shoo-Horns, and are playing shows for the first time in 25 years.

(OUTview NW) As a first-time marcher, the Seattle Women's March was an uplifting experience!

 by MK Scott

 On January 21, 2013, the country had lots of excitement as President Obama was sworn in for his second term. The inauguration was held on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and most felt the dark days were over.

Four years later to the day of that historical moment, on January 21, 2017, another history-making day happened and it wasn't Donald Trump's day, it was a day of The People and what a swell time it was.

While the national Women's March on Washington was taking place in the other Washington, other cities including Seattle marched (actually walked) 3.6 miles from Judkins Park to Seattle Center.

(OUTview NW) RE-view: Hometown girl Megan Hilty earns standing ovation at Benaroya Hall with Seattle Symphony Pops

by MK Scott

It was a full house at Benaroya Hall this past Saturday, January 14th, when Bellevue-bred turned Broadway and TV star, Megan Hilty, returned to Benaroya Hall for the first time since 2010, when she was the guest artist in the Seattle Men's Chorus' 'Holiday Glee' concert. This time she was invited by guest conductor Steven Reineke (from the New York Pops) for the Seattle Symphony Pop series.

The energetic Reineke led the full symphony with a montage of musical songs featuring Blondes, before introducing special guest, Megan Hilty (wearing a blue ball gown) singing Loesser's 'Luck Be a Lady.' The theme of the concert actually was 'Luck Be a Lady: Megan Hilty Sings Sinatra and More.' The seven-months pregnant, Hilty, 35, showed off her baby bump and announced she was expecting a boy to join her two-year-old daughter, Viola, due in March.

(OUTview NW) RE-view: Latrice Royale takes center stage and Willam and Abby Roads shine in Peaches Christ's 'MISTER ACT'!

by MK Scott

The SIFF Egyptian Theatre had a full house on Thursday, January 12 for the stage show and parody, 'Mister Act,' written and directed by Peaches Christ and produced by Qurb Productions. As usual, Peaches gave her star, Latrice Royale, room to shine.

As Peaches Christ said in our January 6 interview in the Seattle Gay News, she had created this show for Royale, at the suggestion of Willam who also had a part in the show.

Local queen Abbey Roads was picture perfect in the hysterical role made famous by Kathy Najimy (in the movie version of 'Sister Act') as 'Sister Abbey Roads Najimy.'

Several other local performers made cameo appearances, including Sylvia O'Stayformore (as Sister Sylvia Lazarus), Aisha Oni, Sparkle Leigh, La Gaviota, Fraya Love,  Isabella Extynn, and Strawberry Shartcake.

(OUTview NW) RE-view: 'Woody Sez' bring Song and Protest to the Seattle Rep!

(Michael Doucett)

by MK Scott

You may have never heard of singer and songwriter, Woody Guthrie, but certainly have heard his songs that became folk anthems. Does "This Land is your Land" ring a bell?

In a concert style musical, Woody Sez, currently at the Seattle Repertory Theater, showcases parts of Guthrie's life through music.

In the backdrop of the dusty plains, during the great depression of the 1930's, Guthrie uses songs to protest like many of contemporaries from Dylan to Springsteen, and becomes a folk hero and pioneer.