 |
 |
| From the top: Philadelphia, Studio Theater and Be Bar (Studio Theater and Be Bar photos by Henry Linser) |
|
|
| | |
| |
|
|
| | |
HOME > OUT IN DC > BEST OF GAY DC
COMMENTS
 
Dining | People | Community | Nightlife
Maybe it’s because they’re located at 14th and P Streets, N.W. (what passes as gay central these days as the lingering queer spirit of Dupont Circle moves ever more eastward). Or because they’re opening their 30th anniversary season with a potent production of Athol Fugard’s heartfelt anti-apartheid play “My Children! My Africa!” (through Oct. 21). Or maybe it’s simply that they consistently deliver intelligent, thoughtfully produced, relevant theater. Whatever the reason, Studio Theater has been voted “Best Theater” by Blade readers for the second time in three years.
Studio’s strong production of Fugard’s 1989 play staged by Studio’s associate producing artistic Serge Seiden — whose big talent becomes more evident with his every endeavor — has received stellar reviews all around. Look for Studio to continue impressing audiences this season with, among others, productions of Irish playwright Conor McPherson’s ghost story “Shining City,” and gay playwright Alan Bennett’s Tony Award-winning, touching classroom comedy “The History Boys.”
1501 14th St., NW
202-332-3300
Be Bar’s owners are adamant that their establishment is to be a new sort of D.C. bar, one that functions as a chic lounge and a neighborhood joint, and by all accounts, they’ve succeeded. There are always places to sit at Be Bar, but more refreshingly there is always someone to talk to.
The bar’s dance floor is located at the back of the space, giving patrons ample time to meet and greet each other as they prepare to boogie.
The staff also contributes to the bar’s overall atmosphere. The bartenders are both cute and conversational, a D.C. rarity, and at least one of the owners can be frequently spotted mingling with his customers at the bar.
1318 9th St., NW
202-232-7450
www.Bebardc.com
For as much as everyone loves the District, D.C.’s gays spend a lot of time plotting how to get out of it for vacations. Luckily, the District is close to several fantastic weekend trip locations.
Only two hours away by car, Delaware’s charming beach town holds appeal for a wide range of gay tastes. Not the 24-hour party that places like Fire Island and Provincetown are widely reputed to be, Rehoboth retains a family charm while still being gay friendly and accommodating.
Gay bars like Cloud 9 and lesbian bars like the Frogg Pond provide the nightlife options, but a visitor doesn’t have to sleep over to get a good feel for the town. The beautiful beach is the main focal point, with Poodle Beach, the gay section, located at the far end of the boardwalk. The boardwalk itself provides a number of attractions, from fries to souvenir shops and bumper cars.
Though Rehoboth is most popular in the summer, the shops and bars stay open long past the warm weather, making it an autumn, winter or spring destination as well.
The City of Brotherly Love is another go-to destination, and it loves its gay and lesbian brothers and sisters. Philadelphia has put a lot of effort into courting the gay tourist, and given the friendly locals and the popularity of fabulous gay neighborhood Center City’s Washington Square West, it’s easy to see why.
Philly can certainly meet the needs of A-list gay namedroppers, but it’s also a great city for the alternative types who are fond of piercings and tattoos. Add to that the world-class museums and restaurants, and you have a perfect destination that’s a short drive away.
If a great musical act is coming to town, it’ll probably show up at the 9:30 Club’s door.
The club has graced D.C.’s music scene since the 1980s and it’s still going strong. Some patrons will find the standing-room only club a bit much to handle, but the single-tier tickets mean that anyone can get a good spot near their favorite act if they’re willing to arrive early and defend it from the inevitable side-longers.
Most of the show’s tickets are moderately priced, too, which means the young — traditional supporters of fresh music, anyway — have the financial opportunity to see their idols live and up close.
Beyond hosting great acts, the club also is used for dance nights ...
| 
