Actor, director, stage manager, drama coach: Name a job in theater, and there's a good chance that Delia Taylor has done it.

Her most recent effort is as director of “Sleeping Arrangements,” a coming-of-age play currently making its world premiere at Theatre J where Taylor is also on staff as production manager. Adapted by Laura Shaine Cunningham from her same-titled memoir, the post-war Bronx tale takes a left turn when a young mother dies, leaving her daughter to be raised by two quirky bachelor uncles who know nothing about housekeeping and even less about child rearing. Nonetheless, the trio, along with an eccentric, equally useless grandmother, comes together to ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2007/2-2/locallife/theater/9955.cfm Fri, 2 Feb 2007 05:00:00 EST Into the future
Signature opens 'Into the Woods' in its new multi-million dollar theate
By PATRICK FOLLIARD
Friday, January 26, 2007

At first glimpse, Signature Theatre's sterling new $16 million digs overlooking bustling Shirlington Village in Northern Virginia couldn't be more different from its humble old home, the nearby converted garage where the venerable company has wowed audiences for 13 of its 17-year history.

Unlike the squat garage, the spacious new complex with its name dazzling in lights and a sky-high glass facade is impossible to miss. Inside, a dramatic two-story curved staircase (and elevator), leads from the ground floor box office area to an ah-inducing lobby that runs the entire length of the industrial-style space. Gargantuan photos from past shows soar above a full service bar, sleek furn ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2007/1-26/locallife/theater/theater.cfm Fri, 26 Jan 2007 05:00:00 EST Be very afraid
Kathleen Turner and Bill Irwin give chilling performances in 'Virginia Woolf'
By PATRICK FOLLIARD
Friday, January 19, 2007

More whiskey-voiced than ever but no longer slim, Kathleen Turner has moved well into middle-age and landed onstage with what's assuredly the role of a lifetime. As Martha in gay playwright Edward Albee's modern classic “Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?,” Turner serves up equal parts of bitterness, bawdiness and vulnerability, all required properties to portray one of theater's most complicated ladies.

Energetically staged by British director Anthony Page, the perfectly cast production comes to the Kennedy Center from Broadway via London's West End. In his faithful revival, Page gives license to theater's most fun dysfunctional couple to have at it again: Fueled by coun ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2007/1-19/locallife/theater/theater.cfm Fri, 19 Jan 2007 05:00:00 EST Trusting the Man
Studio Theatre tackles racism, sexuality in 'This is How it Goes'
By PATRICK FOLLIARD
Friday, January 12, 2007

Feeling less than thrilled with a man or men in general, lately?  If so, count on a dose of envelope-pushing playwright and screenwriter Neil LaBute to bolster your sentiments. Much of his scathingly provocative work (“Fat Pig,” “In the Company of Men”) is inhabited by a parade of today's callow-hearted louts, dastardly cads and garden variety schmucks — all male; and LaBute delights in painstakingly pointing out their many shortcomings.  
 
With his 2005 play “This Is How It Goes” — an interracial love triangle now playing at Studio Theatre — LaBute not only explores racism in our quotidian lives but has a ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2007/1-12/locallife/theater/theater.cfm Fri, 12 Jan 2007 05:00:00 EST Lighting up stage and screen
Gay playwright Craig Lucas' Tony-nominated work arrives at the Kennedy Cente
By PATRICK FOLLIARD
Friday, January 05, 2007

Before adapting “The Light in the Piazza” for the stage, celebrated gay playwright Craig Lucas was familiar with Elizabeth Spencer's charming love story set in 1953 Florence, but he had never thought of the novella as material for a musical. When lyricist-composer Adam Guettel (Richard Rodgers' grandson) approached him about writing the book for the show, Lucas took a second look at Spencer's work and came to share in Guettel's brilliant vision.

Set to collaborate on “Piazza” (playing at the Kennedy Center Opera House through Jan. 7), Lucas confronted a technical problem: how to get into the head of Margaret Johnson, a protective American mother on holiday ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2007/1-5/locallife/theater/theater.cfm Fri, 5 Jan 2007 05:00:00 EST Playing Father Christmas
Local gay actor in caustic Christmas show grows into the role of fatherhood
By PATRICK FOLLIARD
Friday, December 22, 2006

Solo shows are the stuff that legends are made of. Patrick Stewart's one-man “A Christmas Carol,” made theater history, and “The Belle of Amherst,” a one-woman show about Emily Dickinson, has made names for actresses all over the country.

“A one-man show is a huge responsibility,” says local actor Bruce Nelson. As a Macy's elf in Rep Stage's production of gay humorist David Sedaris' “The Santaland Diaries,” two-time Helen Hayes Award-winning Nelson is required to make devilishly merry mayhem for 75 minutes straight. For the D.C. gay favorite, it's a daunting, yet intoxicating challenge.

“Ordinarily, I am part of an ense ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2006/12-22/locallife/theater/theater.cfm Fri, 22 Dec 2006 05:00:00 EST Living the dream
African Continuum Theater opens 'Raisin in the Sun' at new arts center

By
Friday, December 15, 2006
In addition to being young, gifted and black, playwright Lorraine Hansberry was also gay. With the 1959 premiere of her “A Raisin in the Sun,” Hansberry was the first black woman to have a play produced on Broadway, giving many theatergoers their only glimpse into the everyday hardships encountered by their black contemporaries. More than 40 years later, the African Continuum Theatre Company christens the Atlas Performing Arts Center's Sprenger Theatre with its own production of the still resonant, American classic.

Dreams are the fuel that keeps us going. In Hansberry's play, it is aspirations — small and daringly large — that propel the Youngers, a s ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2006/12-15/locallife/theater/theater.cfm Fri, 15 Dec 2006 05:00:00 EST To grandmother's house we go
Puppetry-infused production at Studio is an homage to lesbian playwright's gay brothe
By PATRICK FOLLIARD
Friday, December 08, 2006

For prolific lesbian playwright Paula Vogel, the death of her older brother Carl from AIDS complications proved a source of inspiration to create personal yet transcendent work. She broached the subject to wide acclaim in her AIDS comedy “The Baltimore Waltz” in 1992.  Several years later, Vogel won the Pulitzer Prize for “How I Learned to Drive,” a dark, female coming-of-age comedy. More recently, she again turned to the subject of Carl, but this time in something holiday-themed.

With her 2004 “The Long Christmas Ride Home,” now playing at Studio Theatre, Vogel revisits her gay brother's death, takes on his fascination with all things Jap ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2006/12-8/locallife/theater/studio.cfm Fri, 8 Dec 2006 05:00:00 EST A winning 'Stratagem'
Shakespeare Theatre rings in the laughs with world premiere of comic romp
By PATRICK FOLLIARD
Friday, December 01, 2006

Almost all shows around town start a few minutes late, but a full half hour is a bit unusual. Such was the case a couple of Wednesdays ago with the Shakespeare Theatre Company's world premiere adaptation of George Farquhar's classic comedy “The Beaux' Stratagem.” According to a chatty usher, some gizmo or other on the mechanized set caused the delay.

Eventually, the curtain rose to reveal a set more than worth the wait. Ubiquitous gay set designer James Kronzer's charmingly conceived interiors have been cleverly placed on a double revolve that facilitates swift scene changes. In a flash, a rustic Tudor inn becomes a genteel pink and green drawing room, and, just as qu ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2006/12-1/locallife/theater/theater.cfm Fri, 1 Dec 2006 05:00:00 EST Losing its sting
Woolly Mammoth's latest production is a study in misfits, imagery and lost laughs
By PATRICK FOLLIARD
Friday, November 24, 2006

When a dominatrix loses interest in raising a welt, something's wrong. In British playwright Charlotte Jones' cute comedy “Martha, Josie, and the Chinese Elvis,” now making its American premiere at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, a professional sadist who's suddenly turned off by torture takes stock of her life over a long day of surprises and self-revelation.

On her 40th birthday, Josie (Beth Hylton) hits a brick wall. Unable to bring herself to beat her regular client Lionel (David Bryan Jackson) — a middle-aged cross-dresser with a penchant for leather straps and frilly French maid uniforms — Josie realizes it's time to hang up her whip.  And despi ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2006/11-24/locallife/theater/theater.cfm Fri, 24 Nov 2006 05:00:00 EST Living 'Legends'
'Dynasty' costars Linda Evans and Joan Collins star in dueling diva show
By PATRICK FOLLIARD
Friday, November 17, 2006

As “Dynasty's” big-haired, shoulder-pad-wearing arch-enemies Krystle and Alexis, Linda Evans and Joan Collins had gays (and just about everyone else) across America glued to their TV sets on Wednesday nights during the '80s. Twenty years later, the two senior glamour girls have teamed up again, this time on stage in the national tour of James Kirkwood's “Legends.” It's Evans' professional stage debut.

Nolan Miller, famed “Dynasty” costume designer and Evans' friend, told the actress about the project. He relayed that director John Bowab wanted Evans to co-star with Joan Collins, and asked if she'd look at the script.

Politely, Evans agr ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2006/11-17/locallife/theater/legends.cfm Fri, 17 Nov 2006 05:00:00 EST Battling the bulge
'Bulletins from Fatland' explores the power of the paunch over the female psyche
By PATRICK FOLLIARD
Friday, November 10, 2006
For millions of Americans, Fatland is a familiar zip code: either they live there now, or have in the past. For millions more, it's a future destination.

Opening its 30th season, Horizons Theatre, the country's oldest continuing women's theater, presents “Bulletins from Fatland,” a one-woman show penned by playwright Shelley Herman Gillon. Just over one hour long, it's one of four distinct performances running in repertory entitled “Still Going Solo.”

“Bulletins from Fatland” features actor Caren Anton, directed by George Grant, playing nine different women, all of whom have been affected by fat in some way. (The show could b ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2006/11-10/locallife/theater/bulge.cfm Fri, 10 Nov 2006 05:00:00 EST Grey never looked so good
Musical adaptation of 'Grey Gardens' film is a star vehicle for Christine Ebersole
By PATRICK FOLLIARD
Friday, November 03, 2006

According to a Broadway insider, above all other titles, musical theater star Christine Ebersole yearns to be labeled a gay icon. Evidenced by the reaction to her towering dual role performance in “Grey Gardens,” it's clear that her wish has now come to fruition.

Like the 1975 cult documentary on which the musical is based, “Grey Gardens” places the loopy, undeniably charismatic close relations of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis under the microscope. While the former first lady was jet-setting with her Greek tycoon, her aged aunt Edith Bouvier Beale was living in squalor along with a couple dozen cats, raccoons and her delightfully outrageous adult daughter &ldq ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2006/11-3/locallife/theater/grey.cfm Fri, 3 Nov 2006 05:00:00 EST Making a killing
Actors' Theater of  Washington resurrects infamous gay killers Leopold and Loeb
By PATRICK FOLLIARD
Friday, October 27, 2006

If only Nathan Leopold had stuck to bird watching. Instead, the brilliant Chicago college student and ornithologist put down his binoculars and succumbed to the charms of the equally brainy, angel-faced extrovert Richard Loeb. Together, Leopold and his new college pal joined in committing one of the most notorious crimes of the 20th century.
 
Wealthy, good-looking and gay, Leopold and Loeb believed morals were for chumps. In the Actors' Theater of Washington's rock-solid production of gay playwright John Logan's “Never the Sinner,” the smug pair's meeting, philosophy in action and subsequent trial unfolds non-chronologically in two well-acted, imaginativel ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2006/10-27/locallife/theater/theater.cfm Fri, 27 Oct 2006 05:00:00 EST By Jove, they've got it
Signature Theatre's 'My Fair Lady' reinvigorates the dusty musical into a vibrant production
By PATRICK FOLLIARD
Friday, October 20, 2006
Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe's beloved musical chestnut “My Fair Lady” isn't exactly what you'd expect to see as Signature Theatre's last production in its garage space before finally moving across the tracks to far grander digs. You'd imagine something a tad more edgy and a lot more Stephen Sondheim.

In fact, the garage was scheduled to close at the end of last season with the company's successful run of Sondheim's “Assassins.” But stuff happens, construction is delayed and plans are re-arranged. Hence, Eliza Doolittle's transcendent tale steps in to steal our attention, and like many an unplanned baby, it proves to be undeniably loveable.
http://washblade.com/2006/10-20/locallife/theater/theater.cfm Fri, 20 Oct 2006 05:00:00 EST Smoldering Spanish seduction
Spanish actor Mel Rocher tackles the role of Don Juan
By PATRICK FOLLIARD
Friday, October 13, 2006
THE SPANISH LEGEND of Don Juan, a womanizer of epic proportions, has inspired artists as diverse as Mozart, the poet Byron and playwright George Bernard Shaw. Now, the infamous seducer, as created by handsome gay Spanish actor Mel Rocher, has arrived in D.C. in Gala Hispanic Theatre's “Valor, agravio y mujer … Stripping Don Juan,” which is currently open and running through Oct. 22.

“As a Spaniard, I've played Don Juan more than once in my career. Ordinarily, he's the same man: macho, impenetrable, unyielding,” says Rocher. “But this time it's the legendary lothario with a twist, because I've been given the unique opportunity to uncover his ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2006/10-13/locallife/theater/theater.cfm Fri, 13 Oct 2006 05:00:00 EST Race and politics
Two local theaters examine the effects of the political on the personal
By PATRICK FOLLIARD
Friday, October 06, 2006

LIT BY THE BLUISH dawn light streaming through a living room window, Gloria and Vincent meet for perhaps the last time in their once hopeful, now empty apartment on New York's Lower East Side. Not long ago, this idealistic young couple was ready to take on the world regardless of difficulties, but after three years of marriage — two spent at each other's throats — they're all argued out.

The tale of an interracial marriage gone sour, gay playwright Lanford Wilson's “The Gingham Dog” takes its name from a dark nursery rhyme about a stuffed dog and cat made from different fabric who literally tear each other apart because they are different. In 1969, it was ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2006/10-6/locallife/theater/theater.cfm Fri, 6 Oct 2006 05:00:00 EST A swimmingly good show
MetroStage's 'Girl in the Goldfish Bowl' takes a sober look at a dissolving family
By PATRICK FOLLIARD
Friday, September 29, 2006

AT TIMES, HE'S green at the gills, and occasionally he blows bubbles with his saliva. In fact, almost everything about the mysterious houseguest in gay playwright Morris Panych's quirky “Girl in the Goldfish Bowl” is a little bit fishy. Still, the dysfunctional family who've netted this odd catch can't bring themselves to throw him back.

The girl from the title is Iris (Susan Lynskey), a precocious 10 year old who has been warned by her father not to utter words that have more letters than her age. With her wry observations and cutting remarks, sometimes Iris sounds more like a bitchy 40 year old than the astonishingly inquisitive Catholic schoolgirl she is.

F ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2006/9-29/locallife/theater/theater.cfm Fri, 29 Sep 2006 05:00:00 EST