Seattle Gay News
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Issue 34, Volume 42, August 22, 2014
Lesley Bohm
by Eric Andrews-Katz SGN A&E Writer A CHORUS LINE 5TH AVENUE THEATRE September 3-28 Chryssie Whitehead has a unique connection to the musical A Chorus Line. One of her earliest shows, she’s performed the show on Broadway, has appeared in the musical’s documentary, and is currently starring in the 5th Avenue’s upcoming production. Ms. Whitehead has appeared on television, in the movies and alongside Neil Patrick Harris in the PBS filmed concert version of Stephen Sondheim’s Company. The Seattle Gay News caught up with this very active performer as she prepares for Mark Kitaoka
Chryssie Whitehead
The cast of A Chorus Line
Andrews-Katz: What was your her role as Cassie in the 5th Avenue’s production of A Chorus Line. Paper Mill Playhouse audition like for Lola from the musical Damn Eric Andrews-Katz: Who were Yankees? Whitehead: I auditioned for your earliest influences? Chryssie Whitehead: I first did that role on tape! I’ve never had A Chorus Line when I was in the that happen before. I lived in LA 8th grade, at Community Theatre, most of my career, so when I found so I definitely have to say Michael out Paper Mill was doing Damn Bennett. I love the art form, the Yankees, I went for it. I always Gypsy art form – that we learn to wanted to play the role of Lola. I stand on the shoulders of those had to do two auditions on tape. who came before us. Elaine Stritch The first was “too glamorous” they was another inspiration because said. Their feedback was that they her voice wasn’t perfectly beauti- couldn’t see my body and how it ful, but she could act, and that was moved, and that’s so important for important to me. that role. I went to another studio Andrews-Katz: What was the and put myself on tape. I sang the show that gave you the theater bug? song and randomly called a friend Whitehead: A Chorus Line was to read scenes with me. It was a absolutely the show that did it! low quality production on that I was in Annie when I was 10 (as tape, but it got me the job. Andrews-Katz: Is Lola an evil an orphan), and later as part of a character? ballet company in South CaroWhitehead: Lola? Evil? I think lina – which is where I was born she’s an extremely insecure womand raised. I loved the jazzy part an who never felt pretty enough or of it all. In 8th grade I did A Chogood enough when she was alive. rus Line and had the time of my life. I remember watching the lo- She found out that she could have cal ballet teacher do “Cassie,” and that and live forever by making a watching them do this incredible deal with the Devil. By the end of number every night. I remember the day, she comes to terms with saying, “That’s what I do! That’s herself and the bargain she’s made. who I am! I have to play Cassie one see Sensation page 18 day.” And now I am.
EMMY FRONTRUNNERS
by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer EMMY AWARDS NBC/KING-5 August 27 at 5 p.m. PDT The shows we love. The series we follow week to week, episode to episode. The heroes we adore, the villains we loathe. Those scenes we
can’t shake out of our heads. An entire season of riveting drama, belly-aching comedy, shocking cliffhangers, plot twists, breakups, weddings, murders, hookups, meth dealers, female prisoners and sneaky politicians comes to a close when the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards are given out on Monday, August 27. Among those vying for TV’s top prize are several LGBT actors
see EMMY page 3
www.portlandmonthlymag.com
www.examiner.com
“The Normal Heart,” favored to win Outstanding Television Movie
and directors, such as Jim Parsons (“The Big Bang Theory”), Sarah Paulson (“American Horror Story: Coven”), Matt Bomer (“The Normal Heart”), Ryan Murphy (“The Normal Heart,” “American Horror Story: Coven”), Jodie Foster (“Orange is the New Black”) and Paris Barclay (“Glee”). With 16 nominations total, the AIDS-themed HBO film “The Normal Heart” is the strong favorite to win Outstanding Television Movie, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a TV Miniseries or Movie (Julia Roberts) and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a TV Miniseries or Movie (Parsons, Bomer, Alfred Molina, or Joe Mantello). Seth Myers is this year’s emcee and the list of presenters includes Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Viola Davis, Sofia Vergara, Halle Berry, Gwen Stefani, Andy Samberg, Kerry Washington, Adam Levine, Amy Poehler, Debra Messing and Jimmy Fallon, to name a few. Here’s a closer look at some of the key categories with expected winners and my personal picks:
Cappella Romana
“Cappella Romana sings this “The Fall of Constantinople” music as if already in the heavenly The Utrecht Early Music Fesrealms, and can transport the lis- tival, the most important event tener there, as well.” – Fanfare of its kind in the world, presents Cappella Romana on September Cappella Romana is a profes- 7, 2014 with the program “The sional vocal ensemble that per- Fall of Constantinople.” Join the forms early and contemporary sa- ensemble on Labor Day weekend cred classical music in the Chris- just before its European tour as tian traditions of East and West. it explores the musical legacy of Cappella Romana takes you on a the ancient civilization of Byzjourney of discovery – a dynamic antium – with majestic ceremoexperience of immersion in sound nies for the cathedral of Hagia and space, traditional and history, Sophia, triumphant assertions innovation and light. see Cappella page 18