Seattle Gay News
Issue 40, Volume 45, October 6, 2017
Arts & Entertainment
A cheerful, talent-packed Tales of Armistead Maupin music festival in Las Vegas Maupin to appear in Seattle October 16 ends in tragedy
Armistead Maupin – Photo by Christopher Turner
by Eric Andrews-Katz SGN A&E Writer Country singer Jason Aldean – Photo courtesy of ticketmaster.com
by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer This is the third time in less than two years that I’m writing about a mass murder at a music event, something I hope doesn’t become the norm. The attack at the Bataclan in Paris, the bombing at Manchester and the shooting at last weekend’s Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas were all acts of terrorism. All were senseless. Though
not directly music-related, the Pulse nightclub tragedy in Orlando is a fourth mass murder also falling into this time frame. Country music fans from all over the world had convened at a 15-acre makeshift live performance venue called MGM Resorts Village at The Lot, across from the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip, on September 29 through October 1. The Route 91 Harvest Festi-
see LAS VEGAS page 3
Jafar’s spell:
ARMISTEAD MAUPIN IN PERSON BENAROYA HALL ILLSLEY BALL NORDSTROM RECITAL HALL October 16 Armistead Maupin is one of the best American gay, storytellers of the contemporary time. His beloved chronicles, Tales of the City, became blockbuster classics and have become a part of Gay history.
Appearing at Benaroya Hall on October 16, Maupin has published his memoir, Logical Family, which was released on October 3, and also has a new documentary film based on his life, The Untold Tales of Armistead Maupin, will be screening at the TWIST: Seattle Queer Film Festival’s Opening Night Gala on October 12 at the SIFF Cinema Uptown. NOTE: Those choosing to attend the TWIST: Seattle Queer Film Festival screening of The Untold Tales of Armistead Maupin can enter to win a pair of tickets to meet Mr. Maupin in person at Benaroya Hall on October 16.
see MAUPIN page 10
Seattle Women’s Chorus is FIRED UP for their 15th Anniversary Concert Season
An interview with Jonathan Weir
Jonathan Weir (Jafar) in Aladdin (North American Tour Original Cast) – Photo by Deen van Meer
by Eric Andrews-Katz SGN A&E Writer DISNEY’S ALADDIN, THE MUSICAL PARAMOUNT THEATRE October 12-29 Jonathan Weir is no stranger to playing the villain. He’s played Scar in Disney’s The Lion King and now tours the country with the Disney production of Aladdin.
He’s playing the villain Jafar in the current Disney tour. Eric Andrews-Katz: Who were your earliest influences in becoming a performer? Jonathan Weir: I had my first real theatrical experience of seeing a live show, when I was living in Saint Louis. My family took me to the Muny [an outdoor venue] and saw The King and I. It was starring
see WEIR page 6
see FIRED UP page 5