SGN March 25, 2016 - Section 2

Seattle Gay News

Issue 13, Volume 44, March 25, 2016

Arts & Entertainment

Here she is, world!

Here’s Patti LuPone!

T he na me Patti LuPone is synonymous with Broadway.

Her magnificent vocals and strong stage presence exploded in 1979 when she created the Tony Award winning Broadway title role of Evita. Since then her name has been linked with the Great White Way through many avenues: Anything Goes, Master Class, Noises Off, Sweeney Todd, her Patti LuPone – Photo by Axel Dupeux Tony Award winning role in Gypsy, and of course, her acby Eric Andrews-Katz tions on ‘Theatre Etiquette.” Her book SGN A&E Writer Patti LuPone: A Memoir gives even greater details on her life as an actress and all of PATTI LUPONE IN CONCERT – her theatrical experiences. As Ms. LuPone “DON’T MONKEY WITH BROADWAY” gets ready for a return concert to the Pacific EDMONDS CENTER Northwest the Seattle Gay News chatted FOR THE ARTS with the Great Diva of Broadway!

Thursday, April 21 MOUNT BAKER THEATRE Eric Andrews-Katz: Who were your (BELLINGHAM) earliest influences?

Saturday, April 23 see patti lupone page 5

Robbie Turner skates into another week of “RuPaul’s Drag Race”

(l to r) Naomi Smalls, Bob The Drag Queen, Cyndi Lee Fontaine, Chi Chi DeVayne and Robbie Turner

by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer Well, one flew over the cu-cu’s nest.

Spoiler alert: Cynthia Lee Fontaine was sent packing. I never quite understood what she was saying, but she was a sweetheart.

The Texas queen was out-lipsync’d and outskated by Seattle contender Robbie Turner, who again found himself nearly eliminated.

Episode 3 of this season’s “RuPaul’s

Drag Race” opened with the remaining field of nine contestants entering the work room and seeing lipstick-written messages left behind by Dax ExclamationPoint and Laila McQueen, both asked to “sashay away” last week in a rare double-elimination. Naysha Lopez, knocked out in the first episode, rejoined the competition.

For the mini challenge, the ladies were asked to create a look and character that paid homage to SCOTUS called “Supreme see robbie turner page 8

Seattle Men’s Chorus will sing a new tune under incoming artistic director Paul Caldwell

Paul Caldwell – Courtesy of SMC

by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer How does stepping into giant-sized shoes feel? Challenging, to say the least.

Just ask Paul Caldwell, who takes the

reigns of the Seattle Men’s Chorus this summer when Dennis Coleman retires after a 35-year run. But he’s up to the task.

The ensemble’s new artistic director, boastsee paul caldwell page 4

Seattle Jewish Film Festival turns 21!

An interview with Pamela Lavitt

A Tale of Love and Darkness kicks off the 21st annual Seattle Jewish Film Festival – Courtesy of Seattle Jewish Film Festival

by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN A&E Writer SEATTLE JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL PACIFIC PLACE 11 SIFF CINEMA UPTOWN STROUM JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER April 2-10 Beginning Saturday, April 2 with a gala screening of Academy Award-winning ac-

tress Natalie Portman’s feature directorial debut A Tale of Love and Darkness, the 21st annual Seattle Jewish Film Festival (SJFF) offers up nine days of cinematic eloquence that spans the entire globe. An idiosyncratic mix of narrative features, documentaries and short films, this year’s festival hopes, to paraphrase the event’s website, to use Jewish film to showcase colorful worlds and unique narratives that affirm diverse perspectives, universal connections and common humanity across countries, languages see sjff page 13

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March 25, 2016

Celebrating 41 Years!

KEXP to celebrate new digs at Seattle Center with free live performances on April 16

by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer Seattle-based radio station KEXP has completed its relocation to the Seattle Center and will open its doors to the public on April 16. Studios and offices for the listener-powered station, tuned in daily by an estimated 200,000 people around the world, were situated at Dexter Avenue North, right off of Denny. KEXP’s new home was designed by SkB Architects and WSDG, tailored specifically to reach more music lovers, break down barriers between listeners and their favorite artists, and make it easier to share new music and experiences with KEXP Community members globally. The public is invited to a full afternoon and evening celebration at Seattle Center on April 16, which includes free live performances

by Bob Mould, Strand of Oaks, Hey Marseilles, Deep Sea Diver and Samaris. Also, for the opening, KEXP worked with Microsoft to create a unique, interactive music experience inviting the audience to physically go “Inside the Music of KEXP.” Using Microsoft technology including Kinect, an environment and experience will invite participants to enter and remix songs by four KEXP artists (to be announced soon).

The lineup for the Chateau Ste. Michelle 2016 Summer Concert Series has been unveiled. As previously reported here in The Music Lounge, the series opens with sold out back-to-back performances by the legendary Paul Simon (May 28-29), followed by two more sold out shows that pairs American music icons Bob Dylan and Mavis Staples (June 4-5). The remaining schedule looks like this: Tears for Fears (June 17), Chicago (June 18), Lyle Lovett & His Large Band (July 2), Goo Goo Dolls with Collective Soul & Tribe Society (July 9), Don Henley (July 19), Chateau Ste. Michelle Festival of Jazz featuring Jonathan Butler & Gerald Albright, Bobby Caldwell, Nellie McKay & more (July 30), Wine Country Blues Festival featuring Robert Cray Band, Mavis Staples, James Hunter Six and Shemekia Copeland (July 31), Earth, Wind & Fire (August 5-6), Culture Club (August 11), Jackson Browne (August 12-13), Josh Groban (August 23, sold out), The Gipsy Kings (August 25), Steve Miller Band (August 26-27), Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons (September 2), Chris Isaak (September 4), Ray LaMontagne (Septem-

Visit us online www.sgn.org

Ernestine Anderson – Mercury Records

ber 5) and Bonnie Raitt (September 16).

Tickets for all concerts go on sale March 26 at 10 a.m. at all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com, the Chateau Ste. Michelle wine shop, or charge by phone at (800) 7453000.

The Vans Warped Tour returns this summer with a stop at White River Amphitheatre on August 12 with over 50 bands set to perform on seven stages. The artist roster includes New Found Glory, Tonight Alive, Falling In Reverse, Less Than Jake, The Story So Far, Yellowcard, Reel Big Fish, We The Kings, Sleeping with Sirens, Four Year Strong, Mayday Parade, The Maine, Motionless in White, Issues, Crown the Empire, State Champs, Chelsea Grin, From Ashes to New, Masked Intruder, The Heirs, Old Wounds and Rage War, plus many more. For a full list of Vans Warped Tour dates, venues and bands, go to vanswarpedtour.com. Tickets are on sale now for the White River Amphitheatre event at LiveNation.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, or charge by phone 1-800-745-3000.

March 25, 2016

There are a few more shows to announce, among them Corinne Bailey Rae at The Triple Door on June 2, Chevelle at The Showbox SoDo on June 4, Dead & Company (Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Bob Weir, John Mayer) at the Gorge Amphitheatre on July 23 and Jethro Tull: Written and Performed By Ian Moore at the Moore Theatre on October 28.

Finally, if you hadn’t heard, jazz great and Seattle music legend Ernestine Anderson passed away on March 10. She was 87 years old. In her career, she received four Grammy nominations and performed at some of the top venues in the country, including Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. The family of the acclaimed singer invites the public to a special event called “Celebrating the Life of Ernestine Anderson” on April 9 at the Paramount Theatre (1 p.m.). To RSVP, go to stgpresents.org.

Seattle Gay News 3

Smokin’ performance of Mrs. Warren’s Profession at Seattle Shakes

The taut six-person cast, ably helmed

by Victor Pappas, vigorously presents the story of a young woman, brought up with every advantage, finding out that her mother is actually a successful brothel owner.

Raised by nannies and sent to boarding schools, Vivie Warren (briskly and independently played by Emily Chisholm) doesn’t really know her mother well, and is tired of the secrecy of her mother’s background.

Now that Vivie is grown and finished

with university, she intends to make a new life for herself in actuarial work. Vivie eschews romance and art and leisure and loves to work. She thinks that will conflict with her mother’s ideals for her, and in some ways she is correct. But Kitty Warren (empathetically played by force-of-nature Bobbi Kotula) is more complex than that, finally revealing most of her background to her daughter.

Kitty grew up dirt poor with sisters whose prospects for work were in leadfilled factories (dying of lead poisoning) or waitressing or bar-maiding. She describes how another sister disappeared and reappeared with wealth and options, having used both her body and her smarts to succeed somewhat on “her own terms” by saving and owning brothels.

This play, written in 1893, is as modern as can be regarding the business environment’s use of both feminine labor and exploitation of female function. Echoes of factory work in China for Apple, sewing of garments in Indonesia and other such countries, are inevitable to reflect upon as you watch the play.

Vivie at first understands – for the first time – and then works at a complex level of distancing. She doesn’t want her mother’s money, but also, as many youth do, rejects her mother, entirely. She is a new breed of woman and Shaw postulates that one can leave behind everything that came before

and start anew. That idea might give rise to an excited argument on the way home.

The men in the piece are useful to propel the story, but for once are more augmentation than focus. Richard Ziman is Sir George Crofts, a businessman who both supports and exploits Kitty’s business acumen. Robert Shampain is Mr. Praed, who turns a blind eye to Kitty’s business dealings, and tries to impart the importance of art, to little avail. Trevor Young Marston plays Frank, a conniving suitor to Vivie, who would like to live off what looks like a rich young woman. Todd Jefferson Moore plays Frank’s father, a reverend, who could possibly be Vivie’s father, or not.

This is a great production for a) people who have never been to Seattle Shakes, b) all families – there is little objectionable in even the words, but much to discuss about labor, getting rich off of others’ labor, women’s roles, and demonizing sex work, and c) anyone who thinks that “classic play” means “does not apply today.” And, of course, everyone else. So, get busy getting tickets.

For more information, go to www.seattleshakespeare.org or call 206-733-8222.

with Seattle? Had you been here before?

Caldwell: I had never been there. But it’s one of America’s great cities. I’m kind of remiss to have not been there before, but I was excited to visit. It’s breathtakingly beautiful, it’s exciting, it’s really kind of the drama of the state, the city and the geography. It’s almost theatrical.

Rodriguez: Aside from Seattle being smaller than Chicago, what would you say are the major differences between the two cities?

Caldwell: It’s very concentrated, I think. Chicago is half Lake Michigan on the east, but Chicago can spread all it wants to on the west; so the vastness of everything is kind of packed in this space [in Seattle] and there’s nowhere else to go. That’s a little different, but it was exciting.

Rodriguez: You begin in August, so what will be the first performance you’ll conduct or direct for the chorus?

Caldwell: The Seattle Women’s Chorus has a concert in October. I’m not sure the exact date, and I’m not sure the exact date has been set yet, but I know it’s towards the end of October.

Rodriguez: Did you grow up participating in church or school choir?

Caldwell: I think my first singing experience was probably in church. I grew up in a Baptist tradition, which perhaps parts of it were fundamentalist. I don’t remember hate speech and all this stuff people talk about from those traditions, but what I remember is the music being thrilling and that’s probably where it all started.

Rodriguez: Did you stay involved with choir or theater, in high school and college?

Caldwell: Oh yeah. I was always in choir, always, always, always. I didn’t know I was going to be a choir director, but I was always in choir.

Rodriguez: When did you make the leap to choir director?

Caldwell: It was really pretty accidental. I finished graduate school as a keyboard

performer and then I got a job teaching elementary school music, and there was a choir there, so I started doing that and I found that I really enjoyed it and I found that I was good at it. Instrumental music can be a very lonely activity; you spend most of your rehearsal time by yourself. I loved making music, but I didn’t really like being lonely, so the chance to make music surrounded by a big group of happy people was something I discovered that I liked more.

Rodriguez: What kind of music do you gravitate towards as a fan?

Caldwell: Personally, I love music from diverse world cultures, music that comes from different places around the world, which tends to comment on the experiences that different cultures have had collectively. I think that music is a unique, beautiful way to archive the human journey. That really excites me. I like music that reflects on where we’ve been, or where we should go for a more peaceful future.

Rodriguez: Do you like current pop music, like Lady GaGa, Katy Perry and Justin Bieber?

Caldwell: I love it because it is a commentary on current culture, so just as I’m interested in music from West Africa that’s 200 years old, I’m also interested in music that addresses where we are today or where we might go tomorrow, in that music is an intrinsic part of that. One of the wonderful things about the Seattle Men’s Chorus is that they embrace the entire tradition.

There can be, in the world, a concept that choir music is old, choir music is church, choir music is Mozart, but this organization really does embrace the LGBT journey, which includes very current music.

Rodriguez: For the chorus’ fall concert, has the concept for it already been developed, or is that something you will be developing as the new director?

Caldwell: It is to be developed by me. I haven’t done it yet, but I will soon.

Rodriguez: What is it like filling Dennis Coleman’s shoes, someone who has been with the chorus for 35 years?

Caldwell: Honestly, it’s a little intimidating. Dennis Coleman is a legend in my profession and I don’t know if Seattle realizes he’s not just a legend there, he’s a legend in the country. He really is. I think one of the things I like so much about the chorus is the way they have cherished their relationship with Dennis. Music is really important, but honestly relationships are more important. The way that he built the organization to be such a powerhouse, and then the way they loved and cherished him is really quite moving. As someone looking in from the outside, they’ve created a world that I wanted to be a part of. And yes, the music and the artistry was very attractive to me as an artist, but the relationship that the singers were willing to have with Dennis, and the relationship he has had with them, is what attracted me as a person, so much so that I’m willing to uproot my life and move there to be a part of it.

Rodriguez: The Seattle Men’s Chorus is the largest of its kind in the world with over 300 members. What’s the toughest challenge to directing such a large ensemble?

Caldwell: I guess it’s crowd control, isn’t it? You have a huge number of people and every one of those persons arrives with needs, desires and expectations. And while we’re all moving towards the same goal, the job of the director is to motivate everyone to move that way together. To a certain degree, the singers have to give up a bit of their individuality in that setting in order to contribute to the collective good, in order to contribute to the work the community is doing. So it’s incumbent on the director to make that happen.

Rodriguez: Once you get moved to Seattle and settled in, is there anything you look forward to exploring or doing here?

Caldwell: Seeing orcas. I’ve never seen a whale outside of an aquarium.

Bobbi Kotula and Emily Chisholm in Mrs. Warren’s Profession – Photo by John Ulman

by Miryam Gordon SGN A&E Writer MRS. WARREN’S PROFESSION SEATTLE SHAKESPEARE COMPANY Through April 10 Take a bracing drag of cigar smoke and listen up: The GB Shaw production of Mrs. Warren’s Profession at Seattle Shakespeare Company is a cogent, smoking hot production!

paul caldwell continued from cover

ing an impressive resume himself that includes artistic director for the Youth Choral Theatre of Chicago, Windy City Gay Chorus and Windy City Treble Quire, was hired after a careful, international search to fill the position and can’t wait to get started.

Seattle Gay News reached out to Caldwell by phone last week and he excitedly spoke to us about his new job and upcoming move to the Emerald City. Here’s what the Chicago native had to say to us.

Albert Rodriguez: Are you in the process of moving to Seattle, or have you already moved?

Paul Caldwell: Oh, Lord, no. I haven’t packed a box. I’m in Chicago. I’m going to move in July.

Rodriguez: When is your first official day at work with the chorus?

Caldwell: August 1.

Rodriguez: I know that the Seattle Men’s Chorus conducted a national search to select its next director. What was the interview process like from beginning to end?

Caldwell: Well, it was long. The thing I noticed most about it from the very beginning is that it was invigorating. From the very first phone call I got, the conversation was interesting and thrilling and people were asking really good questions and were interested in important things that made a big impression on me. I remember telling a friend after the first phone interview, “If I never hear from them again, I will always remember that conversation as exciting.”

And then it kind of continued through the whole process, through Skype interviews and then a marathon three days in Seattle where I had to meet with a million people and direct the choirs. It was all really fun, it was interesting.

Rodriguez: How familiar were you

4 Seattle Gay News

March 25, 2016

Discuss your opinions with sgncritic@ gmail.com or go to www.facebook.com/SeattleTheaterWriters. More articles can be found at miryamstheatermusings.blogspot. com.

Celebrating 41 Years!

Following is a copy of Flying House Productions press release issued March 2.

Flying House Productions announces Paul Caldwell to succeed Dennis Coleman as Artistic Director.

Planned transition begins Spring 2016. Caldwell starts August 1, 2016.

Flying House Productions (FHP) the parent organization for Seattle Men’s Chorus and Seattle Women’s Chorus, is delighted to announce that Paul Caldwell will be named the new artistic director, effective August 1, 2016. His first concert at the podium will be for SWC in October. The organization has flourished under the 35year artistic leadership of Dennis Coleman, whose retirement was announced in February 2015. Immediately the FHP board of directors began an extensive international search for Coleman’s successor; work is currently underway with the Board of Directors, executive director Steven Smith, and Coleman for a smooth transition process. In the coming months Caldwell is expected to relocate from his Chicago-area home where he has worked as artistic director for the Youth Choral Theatre of Chicago, Windy City Gay Chorus, and Windy City Treble Quire.

Most recently, Caldwell helped revitalize Chicago’s Windy City Gay Chorus and Treble Quire while also doubling its membership. He has worked with youth choruses for 20 years, is in-demand nationally for his diverse expertise as a conductor of classical, world, and popular music, and is one of the U.S.’s most-performed choral music composers. His music has been broadcast on PBS, heard at Carnegie Hall and The Kennedy Center, as well as concert halls worldwide. Caldwell also performs as a drummer having studied with West African and Cuban masters. He has been recognized nationally for adventurous programming and his philanthropic contributions to the Arts.

Caldwell’s diverse experiences working with young singers and LGBTQ cho-

patti lupone continued from cover

Patti LuPone: Bette Davis, Busby Berkeley, and Edith Piaf. I just liked their work, so maybe that’s the real influence; is in admiring someone else’s work.

Andrews-Katz: How did John Houseman’s The Acting Company prepare you for a life in the theatre?

LuPone: It was when we were touring in a repertory company. We were so young, inexperienced, and sometimes working in adverse conditions. It was how we learned to surmount those obstacles and still perform well. There is nothing I can’t do, and that’s primarily because of The Acting Company and our experiences on the road.

Andrews-Katz: You’ve said that despite it making you a Broadway star, Evita was the most difficult role you’ve ever done.

What made it so difficult?

LuPone: The singing. It’s a very rangy show, and the high notes [written for the show] are the weakest part of my voice.

In order to portray her [Evita] accurately, you can’t sing that part lyrically. It has to be sung out. I don’t want to use the word “belter” but it has to use power. I was afraid I was going to blow out my voice. And I did.

Andrews-Katz: Can you tell us about the several encounters you’ve claimed to have with the ghost of Evita Peron?

LuPone: I describe them in my book.

Andrews-Katz: On stage you have done drama, comedy, farces, straight plays, musicals and solo concerts. Which do prefer and why?

LuPone: I don’t have any preferences.

I’m lucky to be working. As varied as it is, I’m really lucky I have the opportunity to

ruses provide a cutting-edge perspective on musical programming and community outreach. Together with FHP’s executive director, Steven Smith, Caldwell will build on the FHP legacy for great entertainment and inspiration with a fresh commitment to use the power of music to create change and expand the definition of community.

Caldwell has a dynamic personality and maintains a bold curiosity about today’s music and issues that will work to expand audiences and engage more of the greaterSeattle community.

Current artistic director, Dennis Coleman remarks that, “Paul’s national reputation as a talented conductor and composer makes him a great choice to lead SMC and SWC into the future. I’m proud to pass on the baton to him and look forward to seeing how he builds on the legacy of our mission to entertain and inspire.”

Board President, Bob Davidson, adds: “We are very excited that Paul has decided to join us as our next artistic director.

We conducted an extensive international search over the past nine months, which included input from our members, donors, and fans. Paul was the unanimous choice of our search team and Board of Directors because of his incredible music skills, tremendous enthusiasm, and a strong desire to expand our outreach within the community.

Paul is the perfect individual to build on the legacy of Dennis Coleman and lead both Seattle Women’s Chorus and Seattle Men’s Chorus into their next chapters.”

“I’m delighted to join Seattle Men’s Chorus and Seattle Women’s Chorus; they are dynamic musical legacies in one of American’s greatest cities.” Caldwell con-

tinues, “While I have long admired the choruses and their tradition of artistry, I’m inspired by the way Seattle Men’s Chorus and Seattle Women’s Chorus represent things that matter more than music like diversity, social justice, and creating safe spaces. I’m committed to contributing to a creative civic dialog in Seattle that will further these causes. We create moments that inspire people to change the world and I’m looking forward to a thrilling musical adventure.”

work on the stage, on film, or in concerts.

I designed it that way, in the years I didn’t work, so they wouldn’t pigeonhole me. It was the way I was trained as an actor. It paid off. I came home from “Penny Dreadful” and went into a Dram-edy film. I’m singing now, and soon I’ll be going into rehearsals for a new musical. It’s called War Paint, based on the rivalry of Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden. [War Paint, the musical is written by Doug Wright with music and lyrics by Scott Frankel and Michael Korie, and is based on the book by Lindy Woodhead.]

Andrews-Katz: Knowing what you learned from Evita, what made you decide to play Norma Desmond in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard?

LuPone: Primarily, I wanted to get out of L.A. When you are a leading lady, unless it is a terrible play, you don’t say “No.” Andrews-Katz: Women on the Verge (of a Nervous Breakdown) had a great cast and great songs. Was it the competition that gave it a short run, or are people hesitant to see newer, avant-garde musicals?

LuPone: I don’t think it was given time to breath. I think it was a terrific musical and when you have to face New York critics, you have to work twice as hard. It was part of the Regional Theatre and was only supposed to run for three months (with hope of extending it). It didn’t get its time to let it live. We opened cold in New York City.

Andrews-Katz: Personally, I praise you as the “Defender of Theatre Respect & Etiquette.” I don’t even let my friends wear blue jeans to the theater.

LuPone: Good for you!

Andrews-Katz: In reality, is there any-

thing a theater can do to enforce the “no pictures and no recording” rules?

LuPone: Absolutely! They don’t and that’s the sad part for me, is that they leave it up to the actors to do the performance and catch them. It is the [theatre] house’s responsibility, the responsibility of the ushers, the house managers, etc.… not the actors. I read in an article that Dave Chappelle is working on a recording-free environment. I can understand that because in Stand Up, if you’re jokes are stolen, that’s your paycheck! In the theatre there should be someway to scramble the sound. It’s always one or two people that are so disrespectful and selfish.

Andrews-Katz: They say an actress learns something from every part. What have you learned playing “The Cut-Wife” on “Penny Dreadful”?

LuPone: I don’t know whether they are talking about stage or film. I don’t think you can learn anything when only playing a role for a month. It takes a year or more to learn [something substantial].

Andrews-Katz: Who are the composers that you enjoy singing?

LuPone: I love David Yazbek. I sing Scott Frankel – who wrote the music for War Paint and Michael Korie. There’s Scott Whitman, Marc Shaman and, of course, Sondheim. I’m lucky I get to work with composers that are alive.

Andrews-Katz: How did you pick the right selection of songs for your upcoming concert, “Don’t Monkey With Broadway”?

LuPone: It’s a story and the songs fall into place. I have been working with Scott [Whitman] for over 20 years, and we wanted to update the previous concert, “Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda … Played That Part,”

and I started to think about how I became a Broadway performer. That is the question I ask, and I answer that by singing the songs I sang as a kid.

Andrews-Katz: Rumors say you have officially retired, to use your words, “that song about Argentina and all the tears.” Is this true?

LuPone: (laughing) No. No. I don’t know where that came from.

March 25, 2016

Seattle Gay News 5

Visit us online www.sgn.org

About Paul Caldwell Paul Caldwell has served as artistic director for Windy City Performing Arts in Chicago since 2013 where he provided renewed leadership and vision for both the Windy City Gay Chorus and Windy City Treble Quire. Since 2001 he has also served as artistic director for the Youth Choral Theater of Chicago, a community-based after-school program enrolling 200 young people in Chicago’s northern suburbs.

Paul’s work with youth garnered national recognition, receiving the Chorus America/ ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming.

Paul made his Carnegie Hall conducting debut in 2014, leading concerts comprised entirely of music he composed. He has also been artistic director for the “¡Canta! Costa Rica” festival in San Jose. He returns to the “Sing A Mile High” choral festival in Denver biennially.

Paul composes and arranges music collaboratively with Sean Ivory. Their choral works have been telecast on PBS and A&E and performed at Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and throughout Europe, Asia and Africa. Legendary guitarist Steve Vai

recently collaborated with Caldwell and Ivory to create a choral-rock fusion song, “Book of the Seven Seals.”

Paul is a member of the board of directors of Chorus America. In 2008, his efforts in the choral field were recognized when he received the Michael J. Korn Founders Award for Philanthropic Contribution to the Arts.

About the Seattle Men’s Chorus/ Seattle Women’s Chorus Founded in 1979, the internationally renowned Seattle Men’s Chorus, along with Seattle Women’s Chorus (founded in 2002), are the largest community choruses in America; and the largest Gay choruses in the world. Flying House Productions, home of Seattle Men’s Chorus and Seattle Women’s Chorus, ranks third among the state’s music organizations with over 400 members of SMC and over 300 members of SWC. Together, the Choruses produce five major concerts each season, attended by over 40,000 people, with a total of 20+ performances in greater Seattle, as well as a number of appearances in other communities statewide, including Spokane, Wenatchee, Tacoma, and Mount Vernon.

FHP’s annual operating budget is just over $3 million.

Our Mission is to entertain, enlighten, unify and heal our audience and members, using the power of words and music to recognize the value of Gay and straight people and their relationships.

Our Vision: A world that accepts and values its Gay and lesbian citizens.

Courtesy of Flying House Productions

Andrews-Katz: If you could play any role – regardless of any gender or race limitations – what would it be and why?

LuPone: I don’t even know if I can answer that question. I don’t know. I don’t think that way. My career takes me by surprise. If I want a role, I don’t get them.

I stopped wanting roles, and so I’m more thrilled by the surprises in my career.

Andrews-Katz: Ms. LuPone, I want to say thank you for your time. I look forward to seeing your work once more.

LuPone: You’re an angel! Thank you for being prepared with good questions!

Patti LuPone has appeared in more than 26 Broadway shows and has been nominated for six Tony Awards. She has won the Tony Award twice (for Evita and Gypsy) as well as two Grammy Awards. Patti LuPone will be performing her solo concert, “Don’t Monkey With Broadway” on April 21 at the Edmonds Center for the Arts (http:// www.edmondscenterforthearts.org/events/ eca-presents-patti-lupone) and on April 23 at the Mount Baker Theatre in Bellingham (http://www.mountbakertheatre.com/ shows/patti-lupone-coulda-woulda-shoulda-played-that-part).

PNB’s “Director’s Choice” is an astonishing program of dance

Pacific Northwest Ballet principal dancers Lesley Rausch and Jerome Tisserand in Paul Gibson’s Rush, which PNB is presenting as part of DIRECTOR’S CHOICE, March 18 - 27, 2016.

Photo © Angela Sterling.

by Sharon Cumberland SGN A&E Writer

The annual “Director’s Choice” program at Pacific Northwest Ballet – a selection of dances by contemporary and emerging choreographers – is becoming my favorite event at PNB, not only because Director Peter Boal seems to be connected to every established and budding choreographer in the known world, but because PNB dancers have become experts at executing the new movements these danceinventors come up with. Every year “Director’s Choice” gets better until now it is nothing short of astonishing. Opening night was so fabulous that both I and my dance buddy were agog. Even though I think the PNB audience is sometimes overly expressive, whooping and whistling like they’re at the Ellensburg Rodeo instead of the ballet, I have to admit that I joined them on Friday night in repeated cheers and standing ovations. As my companion said to me, “This is what we come here for.”

ultimately send spinning across the stage in a finale that defies logic but strikes at that place in your chest where the thrills vibrate.

In the opening section a single male dancer comes out and performs a tour de force of body language and dance acrobatics that concludes with – well, I’d better not tell you (no spoilers) but it caused a collective gasp and a wave of laughter from the orchestra to the top tier. The sections that follow – duets interspersed with sequences for all ten dancers – display a style of movement that uses every part of the body independently, as though the head and arms are inexplicably independent of the torso, and the skeleton inside is a flowing liquid rather than a solid. This may sound weird, but it isn’t. It actually does what great dance always does – it gives us a new understanding of what the human body can do. One aspect of Cerrudo’s choreography that I loved is his use of simultaneous movement in groups – all ten dancers moving together in a kind of semaphore communication that bypasses the left brain and goes straight to the heart. “Little mortal dance” is the first work I’ve seen by Cerrudo and my antennae are out now – I want to see everything he’s ever made.

“Little mortal jump” (2012) Choreography: Alejandro Cerrudo Music: Various Artists, including Philip Glass, Max Richter, and Tom Waits Costumes: Branimira Ivanova

“Rush” (2002) Choreographer: Paul Gibson Music: “Double Concerto for Two Siring Orchestras, Piano an Tympani”

by Bohuslav Martinu Costumes: Mark Zappone

Of the three marvelous dances in the evening’s program, this was my and the audience’s favorite, prompting the entire contents of McCaw Hall to erupt into shouts of amazement and delight at the end. “Little mortal jump” was first created for Hubbard Street Dance in Chicago where Spanish choreographer Alejandro Cerrudo is the resident choreographer. It’s funny, mysterious, and startling. For some undisclosed reason the men are dressed like 1930’s news boys, in knickerbockers and suspenders, while the women are in more contemporary, cool-looking jumpsuits and skirts.

The stage contains four huge black boxes that dancers stand on, disappear into, and

You may not be familiar with this composer but there is something deeply familiar in the music: a hornet’s nest of buzzing violins that put you on high alert – an effect all the more dramatic because the dancers begin in silent silhouettes, leaping across the stage to take positions that spring to life with Martinu’s driving music.

This dance could have been called “Reflection” for the way choreographer Paul Gibson arranges his forces into mirror images that kaleidoscope into complexities that never lose their relationship to one another. Once again the word “semaphore” comes to mind as the dancers’ arms become as critical to the movement as their

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PACIFIC NORTHWEST BALLET “DIRECTOR’S CHOICE” MARION OLIVER MCCAW HALL Through March 27

legs, with symmetrical gestures that reinforce the drama of Martinu’s music, intensified by the presence of a deeply tympanic piano. It’s not often we hear twentieth century orchestral music using a piano in the 18th century continuo style, supporting the musical foundation, rather than as a solo instrument. I found it exciting. It was as if the piano’s pounding chords bubbled up though the orchestra like a boiling pot, driving the dancers into their patterns.

The red costumes by Mark Zappone enhanced the power of Gibson’s symmetry by introducing a principal couple in gold who occupied the central spaces that the reflecting forces in red created between them. It was a particularly effective example of serendipitous costuming, where one art enhances the other.

Choreographer Gibson is the dance master at PNB – a job for a retired dancer who coaches current dancers in learning the works in the repertoire. As worthy and rewarding as that work must be, I wish Gibson would make more dances like this one – complex, orderly, musical. There is an intriguing mind at work, and I, for one, would like to see more, much more.

darth, Gibson and Cerrudo – as if to say “Look, here’s one talent in a whole field of talent. It’s a golden age of choreography!”

In Ballet 422 you can see how someone so young can manage the opportunities thrust upon him. Peck finds the balance between humility and sure-footedness, speaking with confidence to dancers, directors, orchestra, and conductor as if he’d been doing it for years. As a soloist at NYCB he has been doing it for years, but as the body upon whom others choreograph dances rather than as the choreographer himself.

Clearly, he was paying attention.

This new work, “Year of the Rabbit” uses the corps de ballet in tiers, as three layers of dancers line up like Redcoats to alternate heights and depths, popping in and out of each other’s rows, while the appropriately named Angelica Generosa capers opposite them, as though they are less Greek Chorus and more cheering squad. Peck is adept at managing groups in interesting and charming ways, at one point having the corps stack their heads in a sideways puppy pile, and at another point having the central boy surrounded by girls who sink into splits while the central girl is surrounded by boys who do one-legged push-ups. It may sound

Pacific Northwest Ballet company dancers in Justin Peck’s Year of the Rabbit, which PNB is presenting as part of DIRECTOR’S CHOICE, March 18 - 27, 2016. Photo © Angela Sterling.

“Year of the Rabbit” (2012) Choreographer: Justin Peck Music: Sufjari Stevens Costumes: Justin Peck Justin Peck is the much-touted choreographer whose work, “Debonair,” was commissioned by PNB in 2014 and who was the subject of a fascinating documentary film, Ballet 422, in which Peck, then a 25-yearold soloist at the New York City Ballet, was commissioned to create that company’s 422nd dance, following in the footsteps of City Ballet luminaries George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. What a daunting set of expectations! Here’s a young guy, now 28 years old, who is expected to step into the shoes of giants. Can he do it? Will he flare out or fade? Or will we witness his brilliant career develop over the coming years?

What I love about Director Peter Boal is that he can support his former student and rising talent while at the same time showing PNB audiences the best the whole world has to offer – Crystal Pite with last year’s unforgettable “Emergence” comes to mind, as well as Forsythe, Gaines, Sud-

simple, or even corny, but the effect – the cascading effects of Peck’s imaginative manipulation of the corps – adds up to a fully developed universe in which the extras are the stars.

Peck also gets half-credit (in my estimation) for his design of the costumes.

The girls were delightful in blue razorpleated skirts with white piping, but the boys looked like Star Trek supernumeraries – their blue tee shirts had dark blue front panels that seemed to cry out for communicators. But this is a small critique in a dance whose choreographer lived up to his press clippings. Onward and upward, Justin!

“Director’s Choice” continues at McCaw Hall through March 27 (Sunday matinee). If you miss this one it will be your own fault when Cerrudo, Gibson, and Peck catapult onto the world stage, and everyone says how lucky you are to live in Seattle and to have seen the greats in their youth, and you have to say you missed it because you were – what were you doing? Better get over there and see this show. You’ll be hooting and hollering like you’re at the Ellensburg rodeo!

Celebrating 41 Years!

Batman v Superman and The Hateful Eight in 70mm A conversation with Cinerama’s Greg Wood

by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN A&E Writer Starting today, Seattle’s landmark Cinerama Theatre will be one of only ten venues in the United States to showcase a 70mm print of superhero blockbuster Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Additionally, the Cinerama also announced they would be showcasing the road show version of Quentin Tarantino’s Academy Award-winning western The Hateful Eight the week of April 15 in this format as well. I sat down with Director of Operations Greg Wood to chat about why this is such a big deal as well as what else has been going on with the theatre. Here are some of the highlights from our conversation.

Sara Michelle Fetters: Why are these announcements of the week-long 70mm screenings of Batman v Superman and The Hateful Eight such a big deal? Not just for cineastes, but for the average moviegoer.

Why should they be excited?

Greg Wood: It’s a rare format that certain filmmakers really support, such as Christopher Nolan, Zack Snyder, Paul Thomas Anderson and Quentin Tarantino.

When you have those names pointing at something I think it’s important to grasp what is happening. The format simply has a different feel than the norm. It is impor-

tant to note that Batman v Superman is only 70mm for week one [March 24-March 31], and then it will be projected via laser for weeks two and three; so people really have an amazing opportunity to see the differences and the inherent characteristics of each format.

Sara Michelle Fetters: Why does it continue to be important to the Cinerama to showcase films in this fashion? Isn’t film dying? Isn’t digital all that matters at this point? For the layperson, what’s the difference?

Greg Wood: It’s always important for the Cinerama to be able to provide audiences with what is happening at the moment, whether it is Star Wars being projected in the most modern of formats with Laser Projection and Atmos Sound, or the special event rarities such as these 70mm titles.

Sara Michelle Fetters: For you, as a cinema lover and someone who I know takes great joy in programming events like these at the Cinerama, how great is it for you, personally, that Warner Bros is willing to trust the theatre with one of the few 70mm prints they’ve struck for one of what is likely the studio’s biggest films of the entire year?

Greg Wood: Well, honestly, they should! The Cinerama is one of the nicest theaters in the nation and the studios are certainly aware of that. We wish we could

do everything at one time but the nature of a single screen can make it tough. For example, we could not open The Hateful Eight due to a little film called Star Wars playing at the same time.

Sara Michelle Fetters: Speaking of said “little film,” care to comment about what just transpired in regards to Star Wars: The Force Awakens? We all knew it was going to be a hit, however, I don’t think anyone could have imagined it was going to be that massive. The darn thing crashed the Cinerama website, more than once!

Greg Wood: Star Wars crashed the nation! [laughs] The demand was really something. I mean, clearly, we all knew it would be a busy event movie, but on a scale of 1 to 10 it was a 20. Selling out the first four weeks of shows was certainly something we did not expect.

Sara Michelle Fetters: With these two 70mm events coming within a handful of weeks of one another, can we posit that the Cinerama might be ready to program another Widescreen Film Festival sometime soon? Will we get a chance to maybe even see some actual Cinerama prints (like How the West Was Won) at the theatre again in 2016? What is the outlook for the Cinerama for 2016? What are you hoping to do?

Greg Wood: We always play the big movies in the May to August summer period and then the busy holiday stretch of

November thru December. In the slower months we try and fill the void with creative programming and festivals. We have a few balls up in the air this year, but we are not sure where they are going to land. So, stay tuned to our email list!

Sara Michelle Fetters: I think it is safe to say, what with the gigantic crowds for Star Wars and the packed houses for many of the screenings during the recent Academy Awards Best Picture showcase, the Cinerama is still Seattle’s go-to theatre for moviegoers. How does that make you feel?

Do you feel any pressure to keep living up to audience expectations for the theatre?

Greg Wood: Seattle is certainly fortunate to have an owner, Paul Allen, who cares so much about the city and the role that the Cinerama can play in it. He gives us the ability to stay on the cutting edge and keep the Cinerama on the forefront of leading the industry. We look forward to many great years to come! As for the pressure, yeah, sure, but it’s also really exciting to be able to provide such great movie going experiences for our audiences.

Sara Michelle Fetters: What’s going on next?

Greg Wood: Batman v Superman, The Hateful Eight and then we are close to summer starting with Captain America: Civil War. Check our website Cinerama.com and the e-mail list to stay up to date.

Cluttered Dawn of Justice a super disappointment

by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN A&E Writer BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE Now playing There’s a lot of external baggage as it pertains to Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice that has nothing to do with the Man of Steel sequel itself. For Warner Bros and DC Comics, this film is their attempt to set up their own comic book superhero universe on par with what Marvel Comics and Disney have managed to craft since Iron Man was released in 2008. Massively successful, generating billions of dollars in tickets sales, films like The Avengers and this May’s Captain America: Civil War are what every Hollywood studio is aiming to duplicate, trying to get a piece of a pie audiences around the globe by all accounts are eager to gobble up, quality notwithstanding.

That returning director Zack Snyder’s second take on creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster’s hero has trouble balancing its various subplots, tangents and responsibilities sadly isn’t much of a surprise; that it actually focuses more on Bob Kane and Bill Finger’s Batman character than it does it’s supposed central figure moderately is.

It’s almost as if screenwriters Chris Terrio (Argo) and DC movie veteran David S. Goyer (Man of Steel, Batman Begins) don’t know what to do with Krypton’s favorite son, Kal-El/Clark Kent/Superman a dour, sad-faced supporting player in a story he’s by all accounts supposed to be the central figure in.

This is just an issue, however; it is not, sadly, the problem. The biggest complaint levied against Marvel’s Cinematic Uni-

Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck star in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice – whatculture.com

verse, a.k.a. the MCU, is that, no matter what the central story being told in any specific motion picture is, too much time is spent setting up and spelling out plot points and scenarios to be explored in subsequent films. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is tasked with setting up the entire DC universe, laying groundwork for stories involving The Flash, Aquaman, Cyborg, Wonder Woman and others. It spends precious little of its massive 153 minutes on the plot at hand, which ostensibly concerns the bout between superheroes hinted at in the title, and instead feels like nothing more than a heavy-handed, pointless exercise in exposition spelling out the larger add DC world. As a self-contained story, there is little of substance and, what there is of it, is so inconsequential and ill-conceived it’s

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practically meaningless.

It’s not a total loss. While feeling a little like a kneejerk reaction to Man of Steel criticism, the opening sequence featuring a frantic Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) taking a helicopter from Gotham City to rush headlong into the chaos assaulting Metropolis is effective. The billionaire businessman, his Caped Crusader alter ego left back at home, is angrily horrified as he watches Superman (Henry Cavill) and General Zod (Michael Shannon) battle, the catastrophic damage they inflict upon the citizens of the city getting personal as his own building comes spiraling down into rubble right at his very feet. It’s a terrific setup, one that makes concrete and personal why Batman would be wary of this all-powerful visitor from another planet.

In fact, the entire Bruce Wayne/Batman arc is pretty good, until an insipid and silly climactic twist involving both superheroes’ love for their respective mothers comes along. This is an older Caped Crusader, one whose worldview has slowly been dragged down into the mud due to decades of constant battle and unimaginable personal loss. Affleck plays the character with angry restraint, his interactions with protector and caretaker Alfred (a pitch-perfect Jeremy Irons) tinged with a melancholic regret worthy of additional exploration. There are also some nice, if far too brief, scenes between the actor and Gal Gadot as Diana Prince, otherwise known as Amazonian super-warrior Wonder Woman, the electricity

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Seattle Gay News 7

see dawn of justice page 18

Forgettable Allegiant a nonchalant dystopian nightmare

ecologically damaged world seemingly beyond repair. With Evelyn’s second-in-command Edgar (Jonny Weston) hot on their tail, the group is rescued from oblivion by a technologically advanced military unit commanded by the charismatic Matthew (Bill Skarsgård). He, in turn, leads them to safety. More, he introduces Tris to David (Jeff Daniels), an enigmatic scientist who has been orchestrating events behind the scenes hoping this young divergent woman would seek him out and then take important steps to ensuring humanity’s survival.

Based on the final book in young adult fiction author Veronica Roth’s popular trilogy, The Divergent Series: Allegiant is the next chapter in young Tris’ evolution into hero and savior, the movie picking up not long after the events of the last film, showcasing a Chicago in turmoil with no faction system to help guide the remaining citizens. It’s honestly an interesting subplot, showing how destructive and heartless mob rule can become, how anger unmanaged can easily transform into just the type of dictatorial fascism those like Evelyn were

supposedly rising up against when it pertained to Jeanine.

Not all that surprisingly, those ideas are not so much dismissed as they are hastily set aside, only referred back to when the narrative requires it, as if to remind the viewer Tris needs to come to her senses, return home and set things back on the course she placed them on before the damage is irrevocable. No, the main thrust of the film concerns the heroine’s dealings with David, Caleb’s redemption and Four’s realization that this apparent utopia they’ve been welcomed into isn’t as wonderful as those in charge would like everyone to believe.

There are discussions about free will and genetic alterations, the theoretical fight between the two made concrete when it is revealed what exactly Chicago has been used for and where the powers-that-be would like to take the citizens still residing there next.

The problem? None of it matters. Not a lick. The writing is anemic, so insultingly silly all of the potentially good ideas buried within the scenario are never given a chance to evolve. They’re all stranded in neutral, everyone forced to portray genre archetypes and never anything else close to a living, breathing human being. The inherent melodrama is laid on so thick it comes close to feeling like a parody of these sort of YA dystopian stories, the rushed nature of the production easily making this second-to-last chapter (Roth’s final book has been split into two, The Divergent Series: Ascendant scheduled to hit theatres in July of 2017) the worst entry in the series so far.

The only one still looking like he’s having any fun is Teller. The actor is a total hoot, performing as if he’s the star of the show, oozing a form of self-centered menace that’s as comical as it is unsettling. His egocentric bravado is like a breath of fresh air every time he bursts onto the screen,

dominating entire passages in ways that only shine a spotlight on just how mundane and unimportant so much of the rest of the picture proves to be. His Peter is the real villain in all of this, showing how the darkness lurking inside just about anyone can slowly and irrevocably consume everything it encounters no matter how small its presence inside the soul initially might be.

The rest? What’s there to say other than the majority of the remaining cast members have little that’s worthwhile to portray. This includes the fantastically talented Woodley. She’s stranded dealing with writing that paints Tris in so many contradictory directions it’s impossible to tell if she’s the smartest person in the room or the most blindly clueless. The character is an amalgam of just about every hero prototype one can imagine, a pseudo combination of Luke Skywalker, Katniss Everdeen, Joan of Arc, Bella Swan and Sarah Connor that just never works. Woodley tries, but there’s never an emotional connection to the character, at least not this go-around, watching her struggle to make some sense out of all this chaos hardly what I’d call entertaining.

There’s more, not the least of which is the ugly, and oddly cheap, visual esthetic returning director Robert Schwentke (Red) and his team have come up with this time, nothing as eye-popping as a small handful of sequences from the previous two films admittedly were. Worse, it’s just all so painfully dull, and even with rebellion and insurrection joining forces hand-inhand there is a rudimentary nonchalance to things that grows increasingly tiresome as events progress. While I’ve never hated any of these Divergent efforts, this latest one certainly tried my patience to an exasperating degree, Allegiant a tedious exercise in futility even fans of the series will have a hard time finding anything worthwhile to talk about once it comes to an end.

ters were identical for each team, but the interpretations were different. Bob The Drag Queen and Thorgy Thor played “Chocolate Chip Cookie,” ex-wife of “Rucious” (RuPaul) from their respective groups, and both excelled at “over-acting” their parts, as they were expected to. Other roles included “Vanilla Wafer,” “Macaroon,” “Ginger Snap” and “Shortbread” – alas, there was no Snickerdoodle, Oatmeal Raisin, or Peanut Butter.

Robbie Turner, a trained actor, struggled through the taping of “RuCo’s Empire,” as did Derrick Barry and Cynthia Lee Fontaine, while the rest of the girls managed just fine, especially Shreveport native Chi Chi DeVayne, who poured a lot of Louisiana hot sauce on her accent this episode – is it me, or did it suddenly get twice as thick?

Speaking of thick, is “big meat” a Southern thing? I need to start to using that.

The runway theme was retro roller-

girl, forcing the ladies to wheel themselves down the catwalk on rollerskates.

Some were pros, some were novices. Case in point: Naysha Lopez, dressed in pink short-shorts with matching blouse, who fell hard on her tooshie. Kim Chi wore a John Galliano-inspired, parrot-theme ensemble, Acid Betty went for a fiery, punkish look complete with mohawk, while Thorgy Thor channeled Chrissy Snow in a vintage SoCal outfit. I adored Bob The Drag Queen’s silvery robotic catsuit (where can I get one?), but Derrick Barry’s ruffly, ice capade getup was all kinds of wrong.

In the end, the New York trio – Bob The Drag Queen (this week’s winner), Thorgy Thor, Acid Betty – landed in the top three, while the judges placed Robbie Turner, Cynthia Lee Fontaine and Derrick Barry in the bottom three. Derrick received the “you’re safe” pass, leaving Robbie and Cynthia to lip-sync for their lives. Besides

RuPaul and Michelle Visage, the judges panel was comprised of Carson Kressley (his second appearance on the show this season), Tasha Smith (“Empire,” “Power”) and Faith Evans, who is great but certainly not “legendary” as referred to by Ru. Wearing a denim, star-decaled jumpsuit with an unflattering wig (emphasis on “flat”), Robbie bested Cynthia in a lip-sync battle to Evans’ “Mesmerized,” choosing to perform on wheels, while Cynthia went with heels.

I didn’t like Robbie’s wig, but loved his commentary, saying he got it from his Aunt Diane: “I scalped her in 1975.” Ha! The next episode of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” is set to air March 28 on LogoTV, or you can stream it the day after on logotv. com. ’80s supergroup Blondie is scheduled to appear, when the contestants compete in a new wave flashback challenge.

(l to r) Theo James, Ansel Elgort and Shailene Woodley in Divergent Series: Allegiant – www. denofgeek.us

by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN A&E Writer DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT Now playing After destroying the faction system in Chicago, divergent Tris (Shailene Woodley) is ready to discover what’s on the other side of the wall. But while Evelyn (Naomi Watts), Four’s (Theo James) estranged mother (who is quickly consolidating her power what with former nemesis Jeanine’s demise) has decreed no one can leave, the teenage heroine cannot shake the sense she is being called by forces outside the city.

Tris needs to know who, or what, is out there, and nothing is going to stop her from doing just that.

With Four leading the way, Tris, her traitorous brother Caleb (Ansel Elgort), trusted ally Christina (Zoë Kravitz), and duplicitous know-it-all Peter (Miles Teller) break out of Chicago and escape into the wasteland beyond the wall, discovering an

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Court Realness.” Each had to costumize a judge’s cloak and pen an identity that Mama Ru read aloud, as the girls pranced around and shimmied and flipped their wig, literally (Derrick Barry). But it was Naomi Smalls that won the challenge, which earned applause and the honor of being one of the captains for the main challenge; the other captain was Naysha Lopez, offered to her as a welcome back gift from Ru (honestly, giving her another chance was sufficient gift-giving).

The main challenge was awkward and campy, as many of the challenges can be.

Split evenly into teams of five, the contestants had to display their acting chops – or, lack thereof – in a RuPaul original production, “RuCo’s Empire,” a drag spoof of the hit series “Empire.” The scripts and charac-

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Celebrating 41 Years!

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Celebrating 41 Years!

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Celebrating 41 Years!

sjff

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A tough task, to be sure, but one the SJFF has managed to live up to more often than not throughout its first two decades of existence. This year’s highlights include the striking, intimately thought-provoking Palestinian documentary Oriented chronicling a trio of Gay men as they attempt to navigate the complexities of their everyday lives, as well as the beautifully tender, humorously complex To Live, a superb comedy-drama chronicling the seaside 1960s reunion of three Auschwitz survivors as together they find a way to process unimaginable horrors none of them are likely to ever forget.

I was lucky enough to engage in a brief back and forth with longtime festival director and Stroum Jewish Community Center Cultural Arts Director Pamela Lavitt about this year’s SJFF. As always, she was a joy to touch base with, her insight into the festival, its films and its continued importance to the Seattle and Pacific Northwest cinematic landscape speaking for itself.

Sara Michelle Fetters: The festival has turned 21! How are you feeling right now? Worried about the hangover after this year’s SJFF comes to an end?

Pamela Lavitt: Haven’t you heard?

Jews don’t drink! Just kidding! We drink the “fruit of the vine” – almost every holiday celebration includes Manishewitz – so, as we say on Purim (by the way, the only holiday Jews are encouraged to dress in drag!), you are supposed to drink until you can’t tell the difference between Haman (the bad guy) and Mordechai (a saint). And alternative beverages are always provided!

As the Festival turns 21, it’s an incredible feeling to toast founding chair Deborah Rosen, a stalwart supporter for 21 years and an amazing people motivator; as well as the extraordinary documentarian Aviva Kempner, the first filmmaker I ever brought to Seattle and the founder of the “other Washington” – as in DC – Jewish Film Festival over 30 years ago. Besides celebrating and honoring these creative, powerful, and widely loved women, both considerable forces of nature, we wanted to toast the Festival’s longevity and maturity, one of the largest and longest-running Jewish film festivals in the country and one of the most longstanding and most highlyacclaimed festivals in our region. Our yearround Cultural Arts and film programming means that hangover had better not last too long after the Festival is over! We have work to do right after, with Joan Nathan, the Martha Stewart of Jewish Food, coming on April 17 and comedian Judy Gold soon after.

Sara Michelle Fetters: In all seriousness, talk about the growth of the festival over these past two decades. What’s that been like? What has surprised or struck you the most about this growth?

Pamela Lavitt: The Festival started as a small series in the 100-seat Grand Illusion and grew in a decade into the Cinerama, selling out 800 seats for our big events, garnering 200-500 at most screenings and filling that theatre. About a decade ago, with the rise of digital projection and selfserve media such as VOD, home entertainment and media centers, Netflix and other streaming platforms, we thought it was the death knell of film festivals (“Video killed the radio star,” but a decade later), but instead, flash forward to our 21st, people are hungrier than ever for connection. They believe and trust in festival curation and want to live out experiences that are not medi-

ated.

We are now back to selling out 400 and 600-seat houses, such as our Opening Night at AMC Pacific Place 11, featuring Natalie Portman’s A Tale of Love and Darkness, and our Matzoh Momma Brunch, which is almost sold out. Fueling “reel” experiences through food and fabulous parties and speakers is all the rage again. These special events both sold out last year, a day before the Festival, and this year they have sold out almost a week before the Festival.

We will likely add an encore screening of Ms. Portman’s film at our cinema on Mercer Island, so don’t snooze when that goes on sale!

In two decades (including 13 years under me as Festival Director), the hunger and desire for communal experiences in our digital age seems to be on the rise. People are looking for excellent and trusted curation (and our excellent committee and programmers certainly deliver), not homeschooled media experiences; they want connection over disconnection, shoulderto-shoulder, “I was there!” experiences, overhearing new perspectives and ideas.

It’s exhilarating.

Sara Michelle Fetters: You’ve been SJFF director since 2005 and Cultural Arts Director at the Stroum Jewish Community Center since 2012. What keeps you coming back each day? What excites and inspires you?

Pamela Lavitt: I am lucky to now also run a year-round robust Cultural Arts program in addition to the Film Festival. This

ing a vibrant and diverse program starts there.

You need screeners, advisors, a village of people to re-imagine something anew that you’ve been doing year after year. It is a challenge. With 350 films annually to consider, you can easily pick the best films or see what San Francisco or New York does, but our community likes different things and our relationships and location bring different opportunities. Film festivals are regionally specific and if we don’t invite our community voices, we miss a great opportunity. Our programmers look for experiences, not just great films: a rock concert after a documentary film, a brunch film for families.

Sara Michelle Fetters: Getting Natalie Portman’s feature directorial debut A Tale of Love and Darkness as the Opening Night attraction was something of a moderate coup. How did that come about? Why this film?

Pamela Lavitt: We’ve been pursuing this for at least six months. A joint effort, with some help from local producer Lauren Selig and a dedicated film festival team navigating the waters from the Cannes premiere to distribution chains, publicists, Natalie’s publicists and so on. We are thrilled to open with Ms. Portman’s feature directorial debut, in which she stars, in Hebrew no less. Given that we are on standby a week before the Festival, we made the right decision to open with this film, a challenging one that deals with trauma, the creation of the State of Israel and coming

Surviving Skokie plays April 4 @ 6:10pm – Courtesy of Seattle Jewish Film Festival

consists of a number of 92nd Street Y-type series: Global Sounds (international bands), Word to the Wise (spoken word), Jest Fest (comedians such as Judy Gold), Fable to Table (famous chefs and foodie programs), and Yadda Yadda (theatre, visual arts, family programs, and more).

I used to try to pack all this yummy goodness into the festival. I am inspired and challenged to break out and do it all year long, with a fabulous team and council of local arts professionals as advisors.

The fact that the Stroum JCC had the vision and leadership to build a beautiful, state-ofthe-art theatre was an incredible feat. I’m just lucky to have been given the keys to the sports car to drive it year-round and draw upon my knowledge as a theatre scholar, oral historian and curator to engage all the senses.

Sara Michelle Fetters: This year’s festival is another wonderfully diverse lineup featuring features, docs and shorts of almost every type imaginable. What’s the challenge each year in creating lineups like this one? What do you and your programmers look for?

Pamela Lavitt: Seattle Times film critic Moira Macdonald once asked me, “What’s new?” I take that question to heart annually. It starts with a great idea before we even begin screening, and this year it was “Drink up the culture!” I owe that theme to a wonderful committee member, and build-

Visit us online www.sgn.org

of age. Amos Oz’s beautiful best-selling words are captured by Portman’s eye, and her “punim” (face in Hebrew) and performance grab your heart.

Sara Michelle Fetters: And, of course, opening night is followed by a post-screening dessert party hosted by Tom Douglas.

Can you tell us more about that? Personally, I’m getting hungry just thinking about it right now.

Pamela Lavitt: We are beyond grateful for Tom Douglas Restaurants and Catering’s support and the bountiful contribution to our opening night for years. Everyone can wipe away the tears with sugar and coffee by Batdorf & Bronson Coffee Roasters from Olympia, providing the “drink” for the night. SJFF is supported so beautifully by our community. We are lucky to have Tom Douglas and his catering manager Alexis Berry’s phenomenal support and deliciousness.

Tom Douglas’s renown tends to overshadow some of our other catering sponsors who also make a huge difference, such as Matzoh Momma Catering who have been delivering bountiful Jewish soul food for over 15 years, VIP Gala sponsor Il Fornaio, who have been with us for just as long, and new sponsors Eli and Barbara Lahav, making a “Taste of Zahav” tahini cookies to accompany In Search of Israeli Cuisine on April 7. We are proud of local partnerships that create experiences and lend ca-

March 25, 2016

chet to a festival for everyone to enjoy. In addition to “drinking up the culture,” they can truly “taste it.”

Sara Michelle Fetters: What are some of the films that you can’t wait for people to get a look at? What are some of the standouts in your personal opinion?

Pamela Lavitt: Little films with guests such as Surviving Skokie, introduced with a Q&A by the survivor’s son, the film’s director; Mussa, about a Sudanese boy immigrant struggling in his new home of Israel, introduced by a local refugee youth; and In Search of Israeli Cuisine with James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Solomonov. All three are stand-out documentaries. To tell the truth, the docs always rule the day for me. Shorts and documentaries and guests are the melted butter of our film festival. The features are the bread, but the butter makes Festival delicious and fully plated.

Sara Michelle Fetters: Seattle’s passion for cinema is well known around the world at this point. How do you make sure, in that climate, the SJFF stays a vital part of the Pacific Northwest cinema landscape?

To that point, do these “niche” festivals still matter? Why? Pamela Lavitt: The Pacific Northwest is even more of a digital landscape than other places and we’ve lacked the public transportation systems of most major cities, so our desire for connection and interaction seems more vital. We need pathways and forums for interaction and conversation, and film is the perfect launching point, a mutual text to initiate discussion and shared experience.

Also, we live in a conflict-adverse (dare I say passive-aggressive) culture, and Moses knows the Jewish community has a lot of that in our past and present history. However, film provides opportunity for deep description and storytelling, sometimes by those we don’t agree with or don’t know much about. In a cultural way, we hope this inspires awareness, tolerance and connection to the Jewish and Israeli experiences on a deeper level.

Sara Michelle Fetters: When the festival is finished, what do you hope people are talking about?

Pamela Lavitt: As they say at the end of the Passover seder, “Next year in Jerusalem.” That’s great, but what I’d like everyone to say is, “Next week at the JCC!” We are on a journey together that doesn’t end with the Festival, and we hope people will take a drive (over I-90) and a leap of faith beyond film and not “pass over” the richness of what we are building at the JCC’s Cultural Arts and other community engagement programs year-round. Festivals are festive and people trust our curation, so come back soon!

As your Jewish grandmother (bobbe) might say, “You never write, you never call.” Just visit us regularly and we will leave the Jewish guilt at the Closing Night door.

The 21st annual Jewish Film Festival runs from Saturday, April 2 to Sunday, April 10. This year’s venues include screening at Pacific Place, SIFF Cinema Uptown and the Stroum Jewish Community Center on Mercer Island. For more information including the complete festival schedule as well as purchasing tickets go to http:// seattlejewishfilmfestival.org or call (206) 388-0833.

Seattle Gay News 13

Volunteer Park

• BACON MANSION

E. PROSPECT ST. • SHAFER MANSION E. ALOHA ST.

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Seattle Central Community College

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NEW YORK EXCHANGE • STUDIO 229 • PANACHE • LAUGHING BUDDHA TATTOO •

BELLEVUE AVE.

• SEATTLE COUNSELING SERVICE FOR SEXUAL MINORITIES MELROSE AVE.

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DENNY WAY

E. OLIVE ST. GLSEN ONYX LEATHER • SEAMEC

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• UNICORN • POST OPTIONS •WILDROSE • HOT HOUSE

BATHS

CLUB Z - (men) 1117 Pike near Boren - 622-9958 HOT HOUSE SPA & SAUNA - (women) SW corner of Pike & 11th (stairs behind Wildrose) - 568-3240 STEAM WORKS - (men) 1520 Summit - 388-4818

RESTAURANTS & BARS

88 KEYS - 315 2nd Ave. S. - 839-1300 BALTIC ROOM - 1207 Pine St. - 625-4444 THE BOTTLENECK LOUNGE 2328 E. Madison St. - 323-1098 C.C. ATTLE’S BAR & GRILLE 1701 E. Olive Way - 726-0565

THE CANTERBURY - 534 15th Ave. E. - 322-3130 CHANGES IN WALLINGFORD 2103 N. 45th - 545-8363 THE CRESCENT - 1413 E. Olive Way - 720-8188 THE CUFF COMPLEX 1533 13th Ave. - 323-1525 DIESEL BAR - 1413 14th Ave. - 322-1080 GLO’S - 1621 E. Olive Way - 324-2577 GNOCCHI BAR - 1542 12th Ave - 328-4285 HOT MAMA’S PIZZA - 700 E. Pine St. - 322-6444 JAZZ ALLEY - 2033 6th Ave. E. - 441-9729 JULIA’S - 300 Broadway Ave. E. - 860-1818 KREMWERK - 1809 Minor Ave. #10 - 682-2935 MAE’S CAFE 6412 Phinney Ave. N. - 782-1222 MADISON PUB - 1315 E. Madison - 325-6537 NEIGHBOURS - 1509 Broadway - 324-5358 OUT WEST - 5401California Ave. SW THE PINE BOX - 1600 Melrose Ave - 588-0375 POCO WINE ROOM 1408 E. Pine St. - 322-9463

RETAIL SHOPS

CASTLE SUPERSTORE #17 1017 E. Pike St - 204-0126 DOGHOUSE LEATHERS 1312 E. Pike St. - 257-0231 EMERSON SALON - 909 E. Pike St. - 323-7437 NEW YORK EXCHANGE 231 Broadway Ave E - 726-7978 ONYX LEATHER - 1605 12th Ave. #8 - 328-1965 PANACHE - 225 Broadway E. - 726-3300 RUCKUS 1465 E Republican St. - 257-4805 STAN’S ADULT SUPERSTORE 9630 16th Ave. SW - 762-3299 TOYS IN BABELAND - 707 E. Pike St. - 328-2914 UNDER U 4 MEN 709 Broadway Ave. E. - 324-6446 WILD AT HEART 1111 NW Leary Way - 782-5538 YOUR CHOICE VIDEO 9811 16TH AVE SW - 768-0711

BELLINGHAM

LOVER’S 193 Telegraph Road - (360) 752-1862 RUMORS CABARET 1119 Railroad - (306) 671-1849

BAR MYX - 1212 California St. - 425-610-4071 LOVER’S - 112 SE Everett - (425) 353-3607 LOVER’S - 3402 Broadway - (425) 252-8754

KENT

LOVER’S 25801 104th Ave. S.E. - (253) 852-1720 THE FANTASY SHOP 604 Central Ave. S. - (253) 850-8428 NASHVILLE’S SPORTS BAR (Drag Shows) 114 - Railroad Ave. N. - (253) 852 - 0909

14 Seattle Gay News

March 25, 2016

E. PINE ST.

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PONY - 1221 E. Madison St. - 324-2854 PURR - 1518 11th Ave. - 325-3112 R PLACE - 619 E. Pine - 322-8828 RE-BAR - 1114 Howell at Boren - 233-9873 SEATTLE EAGLE - 314 E. Pike - 621-7591 SHORTY’S 2222 2nd Ave - 441-5449 SPINNAKER BAY BREWING 5718 Rainier Ave S - 725-BEER(2337) STOUT -1530 11th Ave - 397-3825 TOULOUSE PETIT 601 Queen Anne Ave N - 432-9069 UNICORN - 1118 E Pike - 325-6492 WILDROSE - 1021 E. Pike - 324-9210 ZIPPY’S GIANT BURGERS 5633 Airport Way S - 466-5954 9614 14th Ave SW - 763-1347

EVERETT

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E. UNION ST.

SEATTLE

• RUCKUS

E. UNION ST.

LA CONNER

THE HERON INN & WATERGRASS DAY SPA 117 Maple Ave. - (877) 883-8899 info@theheron.com

OLYMPIA

DARBY’S CAFE 211 5th Ave. S.E. - (360) 357-6229 LOVER’S 3959 Martin Way E. Suite D - (360) 456-7300 JAKES - 311 4th Ave. E. - (360) 956-3247 URBAN ONION 116 Legion Way - (360) 943-9242

PORT ANGELES MAPLE ROSE INN 112 Reservoir Rd - (800) 570-2007

SPOKANE

ANDY’S 1401 W. 1st Ave. - (509) 747 - 0304 IRV’S (Drag Shows) 415 W. Sprague Ave. - (509) 624 - 4450 NYNE BAR AND BISTRO 232 W. Sprague Ave. - (509) 474 -1621 SPOTLIGHT LOUNGE 321 W. Sprague Ave. - (509) 624 - 0722

TACOMA

CASTLE SUPERSTORE 6015 Tacoma Mall Blvd. - (253) 471-0391 CLUB SILVERSTONE 739½ St. Helens Ave. - (253) 404-0273 THE FANTASY SHOP 2301 6th Ave. - (253) 272-6640 LOVER’S 7002 Tacoma Mall Blvd., #F - (253) 475-2271 THE MIX - 635 St. Helens Ave. - (253) 383-4327 RAINBOW CENTER 2215 Pacific Ave. - (253) 383-2318 SHAKABRAH JAVA CAFE 2618 6th Ave. - (253) 572-2787 TANDEM FOR GEAR, CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES 3019 6th Ave, Ste. B - (253) 301-3026

TUKWILA

LOVER’S 530 Southcenter Blvd. - (206) 248-5085

WENATCHEE

THE CELLAR CAFE 240 N. Mission St. - (509) 662-1722

Celebrating 41 Years!

community calendar

Meetings Events Activities

TO GET A CALENDAR LISTING: To have your meeting or event considered for the Community Calendar, please mail, fax, or drop off details to: SGN, Attn: Community Calendar, 1707 23rd Ave, Seattle, WA 98122. SGN phone: 324-4297. Fax: 322-7188. E-mail: sgn2@sgn. org. INCLUDE: Date, time, location, contact phone # for publication (if possible), brief description of event & sponsoring organization. DEADLINE: Tuesday 5pm.

ACCESSIBILITY: Is your event accessible to LGBTQ people with visible or hidden disabilities? See Jean’s List webpage www.scn.org/activism/calendar/disabilities. html for Marla Nonken’s disabilities accommodations lists.

NOTE: Phone numbers accompanying listings are within area code (206) & locations of meetings/ events are in Seattle unless otherwise noted.

(253) 474-8897.

Washington Gender Alliance Support Group Meeting in Shoreline. 7:30pm. Center for Human Services, 17018 15th Ave NE, Shoreline. Meets every Monday. For information email info@washingtongender alliance.com Queers, Crackpots & Fallen Women AA. 8-9pm.

SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Every Monday. Open women only AA group. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org.

TUESDAY - March 29

Strength Over Speed. 2-3:30pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. FREE drop-in support group (not a 12 step) for Gay & Bi men who desire recovery from meth. For information visit www.strengthoverspeed.org. SASG 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Crystal Meth Anonymous. 6:30pm. Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church, 1729 Harvard Ave. Also meets Thurs @ 6:30pm, Sat @ 10:30am, Sun @ 6:30pm. More info: crystalmeth.org.

Pozitively Me! 6:30-8pm. Gay City Health Project, 517 E. Pike St. Every Monday. A group and conversation about HIV for Gay & Bi men newly diagnosed and for Gay & Bi men facing the challenges of living with HIV longterm. www.gaycity.org.

Freely Speaking Toastmasters. 7pm. FredLind Manor, 1802 17th Ave. Every Monday (except holidays & the last Mondays in August & December). Seattle’s only LGBT speaking club. www.FreelySpeaking.org Orca Swim Team Workout. 7-8:15pm. Seattle University, Connolly Athletic Center, 14th Ave & E Cherry St. (See Sunday listing at 5pm.)

PFLAG/South King County Monthly Meeting. 7pm.

Unitarian Universalist Church, 25701 14th Pl S, Kent.

Meets 4th Monday each month. Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays is a national support organization for parents, spouses & families of GLBT persons, as well as those sexual minorities. PFLAG/Puget Sound: 325-7724.

Parley Workshop Production: “Beautiful Moon”

by Amber Hughes. 7pm. West of Lenin, 203 N 36th St. A young girl struggles to fall asleep in her violent & chaotic home, her heart aching over the suffering she sees all around her. Desperate for something different, she escapes into her own mind to discover a solution that wil change everything. Her vivid imagination brings forth a few famous characters to her aid, but will they be enough? www.parleyproductions.com Trans Youth Group. 7-8:30pm. Lambert House, 1818 15th Ave. Every Monday. A chance for youth to talk with others about their experiences & concerns related to identifying as Transgender. www.lamberthouse.org “After Hours.” 7:30pm. ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave SW. A one night only musical experience featuring Justin Huertas & Kirsten DeLohr, the dynamic duo behind “Lizard Boy” & “Hanschen & Ilse.” Tickets: $30 general admission, $35 onstage seating.

Lambert House Art Night. 7:30-9:30pm. 1818 15th Ave. Every Monday. Bring your ideas & let’s have some fun.

322-2515, www.lamberthouse.org Unity Gay Men’s AA Group in Tacoma. 7:30pm. New Heart MCC, 759 S 45th St. Tacoma. Every Monday.

Plate of Nations (3/25-4/10). Fifteen local venues with global menus on MLK Way S in the Rainier Valley offer $15-$25 meals to share with 2 or more people, showcasing some of Seattle’s best international cuisine. www. plateofnations.com. Sponsored by the MLK Business Association.

Amor Open Meditation. 5-6pm. Amor Spiritual Center, 2528 Beacon Ave, Suite B. Meets every Tuesday.

LGBTQ Questioning & Allied Youth Drop-in Group in Renton. 6-8pm. Renton Area Youth Services (RAYS), 1025 S 3rd St, Renton. Meets every Tuesday. Confidential. Snacks provided. Bring friends or come alone - anyone 12-18 is welcome. Questions? Call Sarah Hardin, 425-271-5600 ext 155, or email sarahh@rays.org Strength Over Speed. 6-7:30pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. FREE drop-in support group (not a 12 step) for Gay & Bi men who desire recovery from meth. For information visit www.strengthoverspeed.org. SASG 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Diverse Harmony. 6:30-9pm. Seattle First Baptist Church, 1111 Harvard Ave. Every Tuesday. Diverse Harmony is the nation’s first Gay/Straight Alliance Youth Chorus. Youths ages 13-22 are welcome regardless of sexual orientation. www.diverseharmony.org Queer Young Females Group - For Female-Identified Youth, Ages 22 & Under. 6:30-7:30pm. Lambert House, 1818 15th Ave. Every Tuesday. Topics range from family issues to school happenings to like/lust/love relationships. All Queer females welcome. Come discuss how smart. strong Queer women live their lives. 322-2515, www. lamberthouse.org “In Their Own Words: The Tuskegee Airmen - The 75th Anniversary.” 7pm. Pacific Place 11, 600 Pine St; Thornton Place with IMAX, 301 NE 103rd St.; Southcenter 16 with IMAX, 3600 Southcenter Mall, Tukwila; Galaxy Gig Harbor Uptown 10, 4649 Point Fosdick Dr NW, Gig Harbor. 16 of the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first African-American military aviators who flew the skies of the European Theater during World War II are featured in this powerful film. The film tells the story of how these airmen were some of the first to begin the civil rights movement and have lived long enough to see the changes that continue to resonate today. More info and tickets at fathomevents.com and at the door.

MOHAI Denny Lecture: “The Whitest City in America?” With Dr Quintard Taylor. 7-8:30pm. MOHAI, 860 Taylor Ave N. Taylor explores African American influence on the history of Seattle & how the city’s changing demographics influence its future. Cost: MOHAI members $5, general public $10. www.mohai.org Tuesday Night Sex Addicts Anonymous (GLBTQI).

7-8:30pm. All Pilgrims Christian Church, 500 Broadway E (enter at 509 10th Ave E; buzz in, Dickson room). Every Tuesday. SAA is a fellowship of men & women whose primary purpose is to stop addictive sexual behavior & help others recover from sexual addiction. Seattle SAA helpline 237-8828. SAA International Service Organization 1-800-477-8191.

Over 40’s Group - For Lesbian Women 40 & Older.

7-8:30pm. University Congregational Church, 4515 16th Ave NE, Pilgrim Room. Every Tuesday. Open group for Lesbian women, 40 & older, in every stage of coming out or being out. Lots of social activities in addition to Tuesday meetings. 545-3521.

Rainbow Duplicate Bridge. 7pm. Bus-accessible Central Area location. Every Tuesday. (See Saturday listing at 6pm.)

Different Drummers. 7:15-8:30pm. Every Tuesday.

Hand drumming classes for Gay men. It’s easy, it’s fun & anyone can do it! Learn traditional African & AfroCaribbean rhythms & basic hand drumming techniques.

Experience connection, community & spirituality. Drums are provided. For info & location call Dennis at 363-4500 or www.outdrum.com What About Me? 7:30-9pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Every Tuesday. Drop-in social, support & discussion group for Gay & Bi men of all ages. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Here & Now Gay & Lesbian AA Meeting in Tacoma.

7:30pm. Christ Episcopal Church, 310 N “K” St, Tacoma.

Every Tuesday.

Spiritual Empowerment. 7:30-9pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. A group for all LGBT & friends of any spiritual belief to explore how spiritual practice can enrich their life. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Seattle Otters Water Polo Team. 8-9:30pm. Medgar Evers Pool, 500 23rd Ave E (at E Cherry St). Every Tuesday & Thursday. GLBT & GLBT-friendly co-ed water polo team is open to all who want to play. Beginners & experienced players welcome. Check our website for up to the minute details, or call the Otter Hotline 414-8797. www.otterpolo.com.

Seattle Poetry Slam. Doors 8pm, Show 8:30pm. Rebar, 1114 Howell St. Every Tuesday. A spoken word poetry event that features a weekly open mic, feature poet, and slam (poetry competition). Come out and express your-

March 25, 2016

Seattle Gay News 15

SATURDAY - March 26

Plate of Nations (3/25-4/10). Fifteen local venues with global menus on MLK Way S in the Rainier Valley offer $15-$25 meals to share with 2 or more people, showcasing some of Seattle’s best international cuisine. www. plateofnations.com. Sponsored by the MLK Business Association.

Seattle Frontrunners Fun Run. 9am. Greenlake (outside Evans Pool). Every Saturday. GLBT running & walking club sponsors weekly runs, monthly potlucks, track & field activity, annual Run With Pride. 448-8518. www.seattlefrontrunners.org.

Yoga With Andrew Conner. 9:30-11am. Amor Spiritual Center, 2528 Beacon Ave, Suite B. Meets every Saturday. A love offering is suggested but no one will be turned away.

Crystal Meth Anonymous. 10:30am. Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church, 1729 Harvard Ave. Also meets Mon @ 6:30pm, Thurs @ 6:30pm, Sun @ 6:30pm. More info: crystalmeth.org.

Oasis Youth Center in Tacoma - For Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning Youth, Ages 14-25. 6pm-12 midnight. Call for location & details. Every Saturday. (253) 671-2838. www.oasisyouth center.org.

(Also meets Thursdays & Fridays 4-10pm.)

Rainbow Duplicate Bridge. 6pm. Bus-accessible Central Area location. Every Saturday. Games also on Tuesdays & Thursdays. $4 fee includes coffee & snacks.

For more information visit www.rainbowbridgeclub.org or email rainbowbridgeclub@gmail.com

SUNDAY - March 27

Happy Easter!

Plate of Nations (3/25-4/10). Fifteen local venues with global menus on MLK Way S in the Rainier Valley offer $15-$25 meals to share with 2 or more people, showcasing some of Seattle’s best international cuisine. www. plateofnations.com. Sponsored by the MLK Business Association.

Gay Men’s Bowling in Lynnwood. 9:30am. Brunswick Majestics Lane, Lynnwood. 9:30am Every Sunday.

Spectators welcome. Join us for lunch afterwards!

Sponsored by the Snohomish County Gay Men’s Task Force. For info email John at johndmarsh@mac.com; www.gaysnohomish.org Seattle Tennis Alliance Sunday Social Doubles.

9:30am. Amy Yee Tennis Center, 2000 MLK Way S. Cost: STA members $12, non-members $15. To REGISTER visit www.seattletennisalliance.org Seattle Sunday Bowling. 10:30am. West Seattle Bowl, 4505 39th Ave SW (at SW Oregon St). Open bowl every Sunday for the GLBT community & friends. You don’t have to worry about how you bowl! $6.50 + $2 shoe rental. (425) 785-4725.

Meditation for GBT Men. 11am-1pm. Cal Anderson House, 400 Broadway. Suitable for beginning & experienced meditators. Sponsored by Dharma Buddies.

Contact Forrest Rode, 920-6117, Mike Chin (509) 990-0007, or Doug Allison, doug.l.allison@gmail.com. www.dharmabuddies.org. (Women may wish to contact our sister meditation group at www.LotusSisters.org.)

Just for Today. 12-1:30pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Every Sunday. Drop-in 12-step (Narcotics Anonymous) group open to anyone in recovery. 3222437; www.sasgcc.org Paths to Recovery Al-Anon Family Group. 12-1:30pm.

Seattle University Student Center, 901 12th Ave, Room 122. Every Sunday. LGBTQ supported. The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives & friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength & hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness & that changed attitudes can aid recovery. Greater Seattle AIS 24-hour number 625-0000; www.seattle-al-anon.org Rain City Soccer Club - Ripple Effect. Sunday afternoon. Location varies. Ripple Effect soccer team plays an almost weekly recreational scrimmage game for LGBTQ players in Seattle. Perfect for individuals looking for more relaxed play, who are just getting back into soccer, just learning the game and/or want to supplement their competitive play with a recreational team. To sign up visit www.raincitysoccer.org Seattle Prime Timers Rap Group. 12:30pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Subject: What makes older guys attractive? Metro routes 8, 10, 43. www.seattleprimetimers.org No Safeword Writers Group. 1pm. Meets 4th Sunday each month. NSWG exists to provide mutual support for members’ efforts. Support is in the form of critique

March 26 thru April 3

& commentary on each other’s work, information about publishing opportunities, & discussion of issues facing writers. NSWG’s primary focus is erotic writing - but they welcome anyone who writes. The only requirements are to write, to attend, & to be respectful. For info & location, NSWG@sexpositiveculture.org; www.nosafeword writersgroup.org (Also meets 2nd Tuesday, 7pm.)

Rain City Jacks. 4th Sunday each month at 1pm; 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month at 7pm. West Queen Anne/ Interbay. Location & membership details provided upon request. RCJ is a traditional jack-off club. Friendly, sexpositive, non-profit and private. Membership required.

Adult men only. Enroll at the door. www.raincityjacks. org, email info@raincityjacks.org or call 1-888-809-5035.

Orca Swim Team Workout. Sun: 5-6:15pm; Mon/Weds/ Fri: 7:30-8:45pm. Seattle University, Connolly Athletic Center, 14th Ave & E Cherry St. Every Sun, Mon, Wed & Fri. Pre-registration required. Orca Swim Team workouts are for both competitive & recreational swimmers. www.orcaswimteam.org Shame to Grace Sunday SAA. 6-7:30pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Every Sunday. SAA is a fellowship of men & women who share their experience, strength & hope with each other so they may overcome their sexual addiction & help others recover from sexual addiction or dependency. Seattle SAA helpline 237-8828, SAA International Service Organization 1-800-477-8191.

SASG 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Crystal Meth Anonymous. 6:30pm. Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church, 1729 Harvard Ave. Also meets Mon @ 6:30pm, Thurs @ 6:30pm, Sat @ 10:30am. More info: crystalmeth.org.

Pride League Bowling. 6:30pm. West Seattle Bowl, 4505 39th Ave SW. Every Sunday (except during the summer). Regular league bowling. Jeff, 932-3731.

Noche Latina - Latino Night. 10pm. Neighbours, 1509 Broadway. Every Sunday.

MONDAY - March 28

Plate of Nations (3/25-4/10). Fifteen local venues with global menus on MLK Way S in the Rainier Valley offer $15-$25 meals to share with 2 or more people, showcasing some of Seattle’s best international cuisine. www. plateofnations.com. Sponsored by the MLK Business Association.

SOBER - On Meds. 1-2pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Every Monday. 12-step group open to anyone in recovery & living on a medicine regimen. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org

Visit us online www.sgn.org

self. LGBTQ- & QTPOC-friendly; all genders welcome. $5. 21+. seattlepoetryslam.org

WEDNESDAY - March 30

Plate of Nations (3/25-4/10). Fifteen local venues with global menus on MLK Way S in the Rainier Valley offer $15-$25 meals to share with 2 or more people, showcasing some of Seattle’s best international cuisine. www. plateofnations.com. Sponsored by the MLK Business Association.

LGBTQ Support Group in Renton. 10am-12noon.

Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave N. Meets the last Wednesday of every month. This newly-formed group will address issues while providing support & information that may be ubnique to the LGBTQ community.

Topics of discussion may be legal issues, housing, medical ‑needs, bereavement, acceptance ‑& othe topics of your choice. 425-430-6633, rentonwa.gov Mature Friends Morning Exercise/Health & Fitness Get-Together. 10am. Ballard Odd Fellows Hall Bldg, 1706 NW Market St. Every Wednesday. An hour of health-related activities, followed by a walk around Greenlake & lunch at a local restaurant. MF is a social group for Gay men & women, 40 years & over. www. maturefriends.org True Colors: Connecting LGBTQ Teens in Shoreline.

4-5pm. Every Wednesday. Discussing your important issues, building a supportive community. For information, location & to REGISTER call Lindsay Bagley 362-7282 x 8018 or email lbagley@chs-nw.org GLOBE (GLBTQ Loving Ourselves, Becoming Empowered): A Support Group & HIV/STD Prevention for Youth (14-20) in Everett. 6-8pm. CCA Building, 3331 Broadway - Bottom Floor, Everett. Every Wednesday.

Sponsored by PFLAG Everett chapter. David/Brenda, (425) 263-2908. globeleaders@hotmail.com The Rowing Team Peer Recovery Group. 6-7:30pm.

All Pilgrims Church, 500 Broadway E. Meets every Wednesday. This peer recovery group provides a safe & supportive faith community to share your recovery journey with, God answers our prayers & sends us a boat.

Sometimes rowing furiously for yourself & sometimes for others. All are welcome.

Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club. 6-7:30pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Every Wednesday. Discuss the best LGBT novels with other book-lovers in a safe, comfortable conversation. Come once or come every week. Check our website for this month’s book. http:// faculty.washington.edu/swittet/SGLBookClub/ SASG 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Lotus Sisters Meditation & Dharma Discussion North. 6:15-8pm. Ravenna Bryant neighborhood. Meets every Wednesday. Call 525-7295 for location. www.

LotusSisters.org.

Seattle Frontrunners Fun Run. 6:30pm. Volunteer Park (in front of Black Sun across for museum). Every Wednesday. (See Saturday at 9am.)

HIV/AIDS Support Group. 7-8:30pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Every Wednesday. Please arrive by 7:00pm. FREE peer-facilitated emotional support group for HIV+ men who are newly diagnosed or newly dealing.

322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Ingersoll All-Trans Drop-In Support Group. 7-9pm.

Seattle Counseling Services, 1216 Pine St, Suite 300.

All Transgender, Gender Variant, Gender Queer, Gender Questioning, allies, family & friends are welcome. This is a drop in group to get & give support, social interaction & information for the whole Gender community. No fee, donations welcome. www.ingersoll center.org Mature Friends Weekly Bridge Group. 7:30pm. Call for location. Every Wednesday. All levels welcome. MF is a social organization for Gay men & women, 40 years & over. www.maturefriends.org Orca Swim Team Workout. 7:30-8:45pm. Seattle University, Connolly Athletic Center, 14th Ave & E Cherry St. (See Sunday listing at 5pm.)

Washington Gender Alliance Open Support Meeting in Everett. 7:30-9pm. Everett United Church of Christ, 2624 Rockefeller Ave, Everett. Every Wednesday.

Trained peer facilitators lead a structured support meeting helping people deal with issues of gender identity & expression. All adults are welcomed, including those who are questioning, allies, or identify as FTM, MTF, Transgender, Queer, or Intersex, among others. (360) 445-2411; www.washingtongenderalliance.com.

THURSDAY - March 31

Plate of Nations (3/25-4/10). Fifteen local venues with global menus on MLK Way S in the Rainier Valley offer $15-$25 meals to share with 2 or more people, showcasing some of Seattle’s best international cuisine. www. plateofnations.com. Sponsored by the MLK Business Association.

Alcoholics Anonymous “Safe & Sober Group.”

12noon-1pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Open meeting of AA. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org.

BABES Women’s Support Group/Lunch Meeting.

12 noon-2pm. Call for location. Every Thursday. The BABES Network is a peer led agency; a sisterhood of women facing HIV together. 720-5566 or 888-292-1912; www.babesnetwork.org.

Oasis Youth Center in Tacoma - For Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning Youth, Ages 14-25. 4-10pm. Call for location & details. Every Thursday. (253) 671-2838, www.oasisyouthcenter.org (Also Fridays 4-10pm & Saturdays 6pm-12 midnight.)

Everett-Snohomish County Friendship Dinner for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS. 6pm. Grace UMC (formerly Firs United Methodist). Meets last Thursday most months. FREE. Everyone welcome. Sponsored by the Evergreen AIDS Foundation & SNOCO Gay Men’s Task Force. For information call (425) 252-7751.

16 Seattle Gay News

community calendar

Destiny Gay AA Group in Tacoma. 7:30pm. New Heart MCC, 759 S 45th St, Tacoma. Every Friday.

(253) 474-8897.

Orca Swim Team Workout. 7:30-8:45pm. Seattle University, Connolly Athletic Center, 14th Ave & E Cherry St. (See Sunday listing at 5pm.)

LGBT Friday Night Al-Anon Family Group. 7:45pm.

Seattle Counseling Service, Rainbow Room, 1216 Pine St at Melrose Ave. Every Friday. The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives & friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength & hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness & that changed attitudes can aid recovery. Greater Seattle AIS 24-hour number 625-0000; www.seattle-al-anon.org The Libertini’s P(ART)Y BENDER (4/1-4/3). Fri & Sat 10pm; Sun 8:30pm. Pocket Theater, 8312 Greenwood Ave N. Join Seattle’s sexiest interarts gang for the next go-round of their regular P(ART)Y series – a lost April Fools weekend of wacky new work! Tickets: $10 in advance, $14 at the door. www.thelibertinis.com

SATURDAY - April 2

Shifting Gears. 6-7:30pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Every Thursday. Drop-in support group (non 12-step) for anyone of any orientation or gender who desires recovery from drugs or alcohol. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org B-GLAD (Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Trans & Questioning Adolescent Drop-In Group). 6:30-8pm. Call for location. Every Thursday. Sponsored by Youth Eastside Services, which offers many programs for GLBT youth.

(425) 747-4937.

Crystal Meth Anonymous. 6:30pm. Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church, 1729 Harvard Ave. Also meets Mon @ 6:30pm, Sat @ 10:30am, Sun @ 6:30pm. More info: crystalmeth.org.

Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation - Contemplative Service. 6:30pm. 7141 California Ave SW. 935-0418, office@wsuu.org, www.wsuu.org Boys’ Group - For Male-Identified Youth, Ages 1422. 7-8:30pm. Lambert House, 1818 15th Ave. Every Thursday. Youth take the opportunity to talk about issues that relate to their everyday lives, with the facilitation of a male volunteer. 322-2515 ext 16. www.lamberthouse.org Rainbow Duplicate Bridge. 7pm. Bus-accessible Central Area location. Every Thursday. (See Saturday listing at 6pm.)

Buddhism & Recovery. 7:30-9pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Every Thursday. A meditation/recovery group. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Gay Fathers Association of Seattle. 7:30-9pm. Group Health, 201 16th Ave E, Central Bldg, Lower Atrium.

Every Thursday. Support meetings for Gay fathers & Gay men who are currently or previously married. Safe, anonymous, non-judgmental environment of caring fathers & friends. You are not alone. For information, community events & “questioning” visit www.gfas.org or our message board at http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/ gayfathersseattle Gay Male Sexuality & Relationships. 7:30-9pm.

SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Every Thursday. A discussion group that is strictly focused on sexual topics and relationship issues related to being a Gay male.

322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Amor Chorale Rehearsal. 8-9pm. Amor Spiritual Center, 2528 Beacon Ave, Suite B. Meets every Thursday.

Calling all sopranos, altos, tenors & basses. The Amor Spiritual Center currently has openings for singers in its Chorale group.

Seattle Otters Water Polo Team. 8-9:30pm. Medgar Evers Pool, 500 23rd Ave E (at E Cherry St). Every Tuesday & Thursday. (See Tuesday listing at 8pm.)

March 25, 2016

FRIDAY - April 1

Plate of Nations (3/25-4/10). Fifteen local venues with global menus on MLK Way S in the Rainier Valley offer $15-$25 meals to share with 2 or more people, showcasing some of Seattle’s best international cuisine. www. plateofnations.com. Sponsored by the MLK Business Association.

AA Ageless in Recovery. 12noon-1pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Meets every Friday. A drop in AA group for older & wiser people 55+. www.sasgcc.org Re-Parenting Ourselves. 12noon-1pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Meets every Friday. A peer support group for adult children of any addiction. www. sasgcc.org SLAA Road to Recovery. 12noon-1:30pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Meets every Friday. Ongoing 12 step group for sex & love addicts. www.sasgcc.org Oasis Youth Center in Tacoma - For Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning Youth, Ages 14-25. 4-10pm. Call for location & details. Every Friday.

(253) 671-2838, www.oasisyouthcenter.org (Also Thursdays 4-10pm & Saturdays 6pm-12 midnight.)

Strength Over Speed. 6-7:30pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. FREE drop-in support group (not a 12-step) for Gay & Bi men who desire recovery from meth. www.strengthoverspeed.org. SASG 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org “Top Gun” - Three Dollar Bill Cinema’s 9th Annual Dinner & Auction Gala. 6pm. MOHAI, 860 Taylor Ave N. Get your tickets to sip, dine, and bid your way through an evening that will entertain and make your adrenaline rise! Tickets: $139 individual + tables for 10 available.

206-323-4274; www.threedollarbillcinema.org.

First Fridays in Yakima. 7-9pm. 223 N 1st St, Yakima.

Meets 1st & 3rd Fridays. Social, support, education & advocacy group for the Yakima area GLBTQ community & their allies. All are welcomed & invited. (509) 576-0276. www.gayakima.com/1stfridays.html Lambert House Queer Movie Night. 7-9:30pm. Lambert House, 1818 15th Ave. Every Friday. Lambert House is a nationally-recognized activities & resource center for GLBT & questioning youth, ages 14-22. 322-2515, www.lamberthouse.org Rain Country Dance Night. 7-11pm, lessons at 7:15pm.

The Cuff, 1533 13th Ave. An evening of country-western dancing for the LGBTQ community. FREE. www.raincountrydance.org.

(See previous Saturday for ongoing activities.)

Plate of Nations (3/25-4/10). Fifteen local venues with global menus on MLK Way S in the Rainier Valley offer $15-$25 meals to share with 2 or more people, showcasing some of Seattle’s best international cuisine. www. plateofnations.com. Sponsored by the MLK Business Association.

Youth Job Fair for LGBTQ & Allies. 1-3pm. Miller Community Center, 330 19th Ave E. All youth of any age are encouraged to attend. There will be many opportunities for high shcool age (14-19) & young adults (19-24). Metro routes 8, 12, 43. For more information gwen.wessels@seattle.gov Imperial Court of Seattle - Imperial Prince & Princess Ball & Investitures: “A Stormy Night in Hell.” 5pm.

Neighbours Nightclub, 1509 Broadway. $15 suggested donation. www.imperialcourt ofseattle.com and on Facebook.

Northwest Bears Potluck and Meet & Greet Beer Bust. 6pm. The Cuff, 1533 13th Ave at E. Pine St. Meets 1st Saturday each month. Northwest Bears is a Gay men’s social and service organization providing a focal point within the Gay community for Bears and Bear admirers. www.nwbears.com.

“Everything Broadway” - Seattle Men’s Chorus in Concert (4/2-4/3). Sat: 8pm; Sun: 2pm. McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St. SMC presents the definitive guide to showtunes. Tickets: $28-$78. www.seattlechoruses. org; 206-388-1400.

Seattle Red Dress Party. 9pm-2am. Fremont Studios, 155 N 35th St. A special evening where people of all backgrounds come together for a celebration full of dancing & music, spirits & laughter. 100% of net proceeds go to support HIV/AIDS charities. Tickets: advance general admission $35, advance VIP $75; at the door general admission $45, at the door VIP (if available) $90.

The Libertini’s P(ART)Y BENDER (4/1-4/3). Fri & Sat 10pm; Sun 8:30pm. Pocket Theater, 8312 Greenwood Ave N. Join Seattle’s sexiest interarts gang for the next go-round of their regular P(ART)Y series – a lost April Fools weekend of wacky new work! Tickets: $10 in advance, $14 at the door. www.thelibertinis.com

SUNDAY - April 3

(See previous Sunday for ongoing activities.)

Plate of Nations (3/25-4/10). Fifteen local venues with global menus on MLK Way S in the Rainier Valley offer $15-$25 meals to share with 2 or more people, showcasing some of Seattle’s best international cuisine. www. plateofnations.com. Sponsored by the MLK Business Association.

Border Riders Motorcycle Club First Sunday Ride.

Contact Border Riders for details and rendezvous point.

Meets 1st Sunday most months. BRMC provides a social & educational fraternity for individuals interested in recreational motorcycle touring. www.borderriders.com “Everything Broadway” - Seattle Men’s Chorus in Concert (4/2-4/3). Sat: 8pm; Sun: 2pm. McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St. SMC presents the definitive guide to showtunes. Tickets: $28-$78. www.seattlechoruses. org; 206-388-1400.

PFLAG/Kittitas County. 4-5:30pm. First United Methodist Church, 3rd & Ruby Sts, Ellensburg. Meets the first Sunday of every month. For information, (509) 925-7937.

Seattle Jazz Vespers. 6-8pm. Seattle First Baptist Church, Seneca St & Harvard Ave. 1st Sunday of every month (October-June). The historic Gothic sanctuary of Seattle First Baptist Church is offered to the best jazz groups in the city to perform 100 minutes of their own popular music. FREE. For info 325-6051, www.seattlefirstbaptist.org/sjv The Libertini’s P(ART)Y BENDER (4/1-4/3). Fri & Sat 10pm; Sun 8:30pm. Pocket Theater, 8312 Greenwood Ave N. Join Seattle’s sexiest interarts gang for the next go-round of their regular P(ART)Y series – a lost April Fools weekend of wacky new work! Tickets: $10 in advance, $14 at the door. www.thelibertinis.com

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Allyship - an organization of LGBTQ individuals fighting for economic and social justice. www.LGBTQ Allyship. org, allyship@yahoo.com, 279-8169.

American Veterans for Equal Rights - www.aver.us Another Gay Social Club! - www.meetup.com/AnotherGay-Social-Club/ Bellingham/Whatcom County - www.theslowlane. com/guide.html BiNet Seattle is a mixed gender, social group for Bisexuals, their partners & other Bi-friendly folks - www. binetseattle.org.

Celebrating 41 Years!

Bremerton/Kitsap County - www.outwestsound.org Central Washington University GALA Hotline: (509) 963-1994.

DIFFA/Seattle (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS). 763-8885; www.diffaseattle.org DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & SEXUAL ASSAULT: Crisis Clinic, 461-3222 (24 hour line); King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) - 24-hour crisis line for information, support, & medical & legal assistance: 1-888-99-VOICE; Northwest Network - support & advocacy for Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian & Gay Survivors of Abuse & Dating Violence, 568-7777 (voice), 517-9670 (tty), www.nwnetwork.org; Pierce County Domestic Violence Helpline: Teresa, (253) 798-4166; Seattle Counseling Service for Sexual Minorities - offers on-going support groups for men: 323-1768; Seattle Police Dept Domestic Violence Unit, 684-0330; State Wide Domestic Violence Hot Line, 1-800-562-6025.

In an emergency call 911. Report domestic violence and sexual assault.

Equal Rights Washington - 324-2570; www.equal rightswashington.org Everett/Snohomish Cty - www.gaysnohomish.org Freely Speaking Toastmasters - www.freely speaking.org Gay City organizes events & activities for Gay & Bi men & offers anonymous & confidential HIV/STD testing at the Center for LGBT Health, 517 E Pike St. More info or to schedule an appointment, 860-6969. www.gaycity.org Gay & Lesbian National Hotline (GLNH): 1-888-THEGLNH (1-888-843-4564). Non-profit, peer-counseling, information & local resources telephone hotline for GLBT people across the country.

GLSEN/WA - Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network - 330-2099; www.glsenwa.org Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) - 3639188; www.thegsba.org HIV/AIDS Program, Seattle/King County Dept of Public Health, provides confidential/anonymous information about & testing for HIV/AIDS. 205-7837. For a comprehensive list of HIV/AIDS service organizations see the GSBA Guide or visit www.thegsba.org or call Lifelong AIDS Alliance, 328-8979.

Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle & the Olympic & Rainier Empire - www.facebook.com/ISCSORE; www. imperialcourtofseattle.com Lambert House - 322-2515; www.lamberthouse.org LGBT Library - 517 E Pike St. Open Mon-Fri 2-8pm; Sat 2-5pm. A wide range of fiction and non-fiction for the LGBT community and allies can be borrowed free of charge.

LGBT MS Connection - 250-5002; LGBTMS Connection@gmail.com. Support group for LGBT persons with MS and their partners and their caregivers. Sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Lifelong AIDS Alliance - 328-8979, www.lifelongaids alliance.org MEN: Gay City: 860-6969, www.gaycity.org; Knights of Mantra: 329-0886, www.jetchapterkofm.com; Mature Friends: Gay men & women 40 & over, www.mature friends.org; Northwest Bears: www.nwbears.com; The Olympians: www.TheOlympians.net; POZSeattle: www.pozseattle.org; Q-Squared: www.qsquared.org; Rain City Jacks: 888-809-5035, www.raincityjacks. org; Seattle Gay Couples: www. seattlegaycouples. org; Seattle Men in Leather: www.seattlemeninleather. org; Seattle Prime Timers: Gay & Bi men 40 & over, www.seattle primetimers.org.

MUSIC: Diverse Harmony: www.diverseharmony.org; Rainbow City Band: 1-866-841-9139 ext 2126; rainbowcityband@onebox.com; www.rainbowcity band.com; Seattle Men’s Chorus and Seattle Women’s Chorus: 388-1408, 323-0750. www.flyinghouse. org.

Northwest Lesbian & Gay History Museum Project - gayhistnw@aol.com Northwest Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf - www. nwrad.org Olympia/Thurston County: www.RainbowCenterOly. org Out & Equal Workplace Advocates/Seattle Regional Affiliate supports the work of LGBT employees and the growing number of ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) making a difference within local companies, including Alaska Airlines, Amazon.com, Amgen, AT&T, Bank of America, Deloitte, Macy’s, Microsoft, Russell Investments, Safeco Insurance, Starbucks Coffee, Xerox. www.outandequal.org/affiliates/seattle PARENTHOOD: Families Like Ours provides a gateway for LGBT families interested in adoption & provides a network of safe placement agencies, training, support & resources: 441-7602, www.familieslikeours. org; Family Works offers support, information & activities for LGBT families: 694-6727, www.familyworksseattle. org; Gay Fathers’ Association of Seattle offers support groups & social activities: www.gfas. org; Proud & Loud Families - Northwest, www.meetup.com/proudand-loud-families-northwest, plfnorthwest@aol.com; Queer Parent Networking Dinners: 568-7777, info@ nwnetwork.org; Rainbow Families of Puget Sound: www.rainbowfamiliesps.org PFLAG is the national organization for parents, families, allies, and LGBTQ people united for equality with chapters in Seattle, Bellevue/Eastside, the Puget Sound region and across Washington state. PFLAG Seattle: 206-325-7724, info@pflagseattle.org, and www.pflag seattle.org; PFLAG Bellevue/Eastside: 425-4836642, info@bellevue-pflag.org, http://community.pflag. org/PFLAGBellevue; PFLAG Pacific Northwest: www.pnwpflag.org; PFLAG Washington state: www. pflagwsc.org.

PEOPLE OF COLOR: Asian/Pacific Islander Queer Network Program at API Chaya, 467-9976; Center for MultiCultural Health, 461-6910, www.multi-

services on a sliding scale. 323-1768.

Seattle Out & Proud - 206-322-9561; www.seattle pride.org Seattle Police Department Sexual Minorities Community Advisory Council: kim.bogucki@seattle.gov Seattle PrideFest - www.seattlepridefest.org Seattle Treatment Education Project (STEP) E-zine is an electronic resource distributed to people affected

by HIV/AIDS, case managers, front line workers & other health professionals. Now a part of Lifelong AIDS Alliance, 328-8979, www.thebody.com/step/steppage.html Servicemembers Legal Defense Network - (202) 328-3244; www.sldn.org SHIFT: A Peer Recovery Network - www.shift recovery.org Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, The Abbey of St. Joan - 860-3666; www.theabbey.org Snohomish Health District HIV/AIDS Program provides free confidential/anonymous HIV counseling & testing 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, until 7pm Tuesdays.

(425) 339-5298.

Social Outreach Seattle (SOSea) - www.facebook. com/socialoutreachseattle South Sound Q Calendar - LGBTQ events in Tacoma, Olympia & Sound Puget Sound area; www.South SoundQCal.com Spokane/Inland Northwest - www.outspokane.com; www.stonewallnews.net SPORTS & RECREATION: Bent Car Guys: www. bentcarguys.org; Border Riders Motorcycle Club: www.borderriders.com; Bottom Dwellers Scuba Club: www.bottomdwellers.org; Capitol Hill Cyclers: join their Facebook group or email capitolhill cycling@ groups.facebook.com or jordan.l.simonson@ gmail. com; Cascade Flyers: www.cascadeflyers.org; Different Spokes Bicycling Club: www.different spokes. org; Emerald City Mudhen Rugby: www.mudhenrugby. com; Emerald City Softball Association: www.emeraldcitysoftball.org, www.eteamz.com/womensecsa; Ethyl Forever Car Club: ethylforever@ hotmail.com; Festival of the Babes: www.festivalofthe babes.com; Olympic Yacht Club: www.oycnw.org; OutVentures: outdoor education & recreation activities, www.outventures.org; Pacific Northwest Gay Rodeo Association: www.pacificnwgra.org; Puddletown Squares: www. puddletownsquares.org; Rain City Soccer: www.raincitysoccer.org; Rain Country Dance Association: a country-western dance organization catering to the LGBTQ community but open to all, www.raincountrydance.

org; Sea Dawgs: LGBT ice hockey - SkateSeaDawgs@ gmail.com and on Facebook; Seattle Frontrunners: www.seattlefront runners.org; Seattle Gay Basketball Association: www.seattlegaybasketballassociation. com; Seattle Orca Swim Team: www.orcaswimteam. org; Seattle Otters Water Polo: www.otterpolo.com; Seattle Quake Rugby: www.quakerugby.com; Seattle Tennis Alliance: www.seattletennisalliance.org; Seattle Unified Bowling Association (SUBA): magee98106@ aol.com, www.teamseattle.org/bowling.htm, www. theprideleague. com, Century 21 League; Seattle Volleyball Club: www.seattlevolleyballclub.com; Ski Buddies: www. skibuddies.org; Team Seattle Gay Sports Network is an umbrella organization for a wide range of local GLBT sports activities, 367-4064, www. teamseattle.org (see website for comprehensive list of sports clubs); Triangle Recreation Camp at Bender Creek: recreational camping for GLBT folks. Must be 21; ID required. trc@camptrc.org, www.camptrc.org, 1122 E Pike St #1069, Seattle 98122-3934.

Strength Over Speed - www.strengthoverspeed.org Tacoma/Pierce County - Rainbow Center, 2215 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, a resource center for the LGBTIQA community of Pierce County, (253) 383-2318, www. rainbowcntr.org TRANSGENDER: Emerald City Social Club: (425) 827-9494; Gender Alliance of the South Sound: www.

SouthSoundGender.com; Gender Diversity: www. genderdiversity.org; Gender Justice League: www. genderjusticeleague.org; Gender Odyssey: www.genderodyssey.com; Hermanos Trans Latino & ForeignBorn Support Group: 322-7700; Ingersoll Gender Center: 329-6651, www.ingersollcenter.org; The New BoyZ Club: www.olympiaftmgroup.webs.com; Olympia Trans Discussion Group: www.facebook.com/pages/ Olympia-Trans-Discussion-Group/262449878114; Washington Gender Alliance: (360) 445-2411, www. washington genderalliance.com WOMEN: Aging Lesbians in South Seattle (ALISS): Fai, 722-0729, alissquestions@gmail.com; BABES: support groups for HIV+ women. 720-5566, 1-888-2921912; Festival of the Babes: www.festivalofthebabes. com; Lesbians Over 40: 722-0729; Mature Friends: Gay men & women 40 & over, www.maturefriends.org; Older Lesbians Organizing for Change/WA State Chapter: gloria@oloc.org, mary@oloc.org, www.oloc. org; Pacific Northwest Lesbian Archives: www. pnwlesbianarchives.org; RainshadowWomen: RainshadowWomen@aol.com; Seattle Girls of Leather: www.sgol.org; Tacoma Lesbian Concern (TLC): www. tacomalesbianconcern.org; Women of West Seattle (WOWS): a fun, member-driven social group for Lesbians, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/womenofwestseattle; YWCA Women’s Health Outreach: providing low or no-cost mammograms for income eligible 40+ LBTQ individuals. Follow us at http://lbtqhealth-ywca.blogspot. com, twitter.com/ingridWHO or email lbthealth@ywcaworks.org, 461-4493.

Yakima: First Fridays - (509) 576-0276. www.gayakima.com/1stfridays.html YOUTH: B-GLAD (Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Trans & Questioning Adolescent Drop-In Group): Youth Eastside Services offers many programs for GLBT youth, including B-GLAD, (425) 747-4937; Diverse Harmony: www.diverseharmony. org; GLSEN/Washington State (Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network) & Washington State GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) Network: GLSEN works to create safe schools for LGBT students. WA GSA Network supports youth-led GSA’s to fight harassment & homophobia in Washington state schools. 330-2099; www.glsenwa. org; www.wagsa. org. GLOBE (GLBTQ Loving Ourselves, Becoming Empowered): a support group & HIV/STD prevention program for GLBTQ youth, 14-20, in Everett, (425) 263-2908, www.globeyouth.org; It Gets Better Project: www.itgetsbetter.org; Lambert House: an activities & resource center for LGBT youth, 14-22, in Seattle, 3222515, www.lamberthouse.org; Lifelong HEYO (Health Education Youth Outreach): for LGBTQ youth, ages 16-24: 957-1665; www.llaa.org/HEYO; www.Matthews Place.com; The Mockingbird Society: 323-KIDS (5437), www.mockingbirdsociety.org; Oasis Youth Center: for GLBTQ youth, ages 14-25, in Tacoma, (253) 671-2838, www.oasisyouthcen ter.org; Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG)/Puget Sound: 325-7724, www.seattle-pflag.org; Peace for the Streets by Kids from the Streets (PSKS): 7268500; www.psks.org; Pizza Klatch: weekly lunchtime support groups for LGBTQ youth in Thurston County, www.pizzaklatch.org; Prism: for LGBTQ youth, 14-21, in Puyallup - Cherise.Alexander@ multicare.org; www. facebook.com/PuyallupPrism; Proud Out Wonderful (POW!): for LGBTQ youth, 13-21, in South King County, 206-326-9112, www.facebook.com/proudoutwonderful; Q Youth Resources: in Kitsap County - 360-698-3335; www.kchaf.org; Renton Area Youth Services (RAYS): LGBTQ, questioning and allied youth drop-in group, ages 12-18 - Sarah Hardin, 425-271-5600, ext 155; sarahh@rays.org; Safe Schools Coalition: www. safeschoolscoalition.org; 451-SAFE (451-7233) (nonemergency), 1-877-SAFE-SAFE (1-877-723-3723) (crisis line); Seattle Young People’s Project (Queer Youth Resource Board): 860-9606, www.sypp.org; Street Youth Ministries (SYM): 524-7301 ext 111; www.streetyouthministries.org; Teen Link: 461-4922, 1-888-431-TEEN; The Trevor Project: 866-4-U-Trevor; www.thetrevorproject.org; True Colors - Connecting LGBTQ Teens: in Shoreline, 362-7282 x 8018, lbagley@chs-nw.org; Vista Youth Center: for LGBTQ, questioning and allied youth, ages 14-21, in Kennewick, 509-396-5198, www.vistayouthcenter.org; YouthCare/ Isis Program (Transitional Living Home for LGBTQ Young Adults, 18-22): 522-8412; YouthCare/Orion Center: 622-5555; Youth in Focus: 723-1479; www. youthinfocus.org; Youth Suicide Prevention Program (OUTLoud-GLBTQ): 297-5922, ext 116, 1-800-273TALK, www.yspp.org

March 25, 2016

Seattle Gay News 17

community calendar

culturalhealth.org; Entre Hermanos, GLBT Latinos/as, 322-7700, www.entrehermanos.org; Ile LaiLai, 7813565, iya@ilelailai.org; Men of All Colors & Cultures Together (MACCT), 923-8313, macctseattle@yahoo. com, www.macctsea.org; Nubian Pride Productions, nubianpride@gmail.com; People of Color Against AIDS Network (POCAAN) offers rapid HIV testing, M-F, 10am-5pm, 322-7061, www.pocaan.org and on Facebook; Seattle Two Spirit, SeattleTwoSpirit@ hotmail.com; Sistah 2 Sistah, LBT women of African descent, 322-7061, 255-8951; Sistah Sinema, www. sistahsinema.com, info@sistahsinema.com; TrikoneNorthwest, GLBT South Asians, (425) 985-4376, www. trikonenw.org; Two-Spirit Honor Project, 1-866-6850164; U.T.O.P.I.A. Seattle.

Pride Foundation - 323-3318; www.pridefoundation. org Project NEON is a program of Seattle Counseling Service providing FREE information & services to Gay & Bi men to reduce health risks associated with methamphetamine use. 323-1768. www.crystalneon.org Public Health-Seattle & King County Online Comprehensive Health Information for Sexual Minorities: www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/personal/ glbt.aspx Q Law: The GLBT Bar Association of WA - 682-6711; www.q-law.org; Q Law GLBT Legal Clinic - 235-7235.

Resource & Referral Line can connect you to LGBTfriendly resources throughout Puget Sound and beyond.

Call 323-LGBT Mon-Fri 2-8pm; Sat 2-5pm. At other times leave voice mail and your call will be returned. Or visit www.gaycity.org to view list of resources online or through Facebook.

Safe Schools Coalition - www.safeschoolscoalition. org; 451-SAFE (451-7233).

SEAMEC interviews, researches & rates candidates for public office on issues of concern to the LGBT community. 905-9941, www.seamec.org Seattle Area Support Groups & Community Center (SASG) is a non-profit organization that builds community and cultivates powerful, healthy lives by providing emotional support and personal development services to those affected by HIV/AIDS, the Queer communities, and those who love them. Our work is done in a spirit of safety, trust, inclusiveness, and celebration of individual differences. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Seattle Commission for Sexual Minorities - 684-4503.

Seattle Counseling Service for Sexual Minorities is a community mental health service for GLBT persons & their families providing comprehensive mental health

Visit us online www.sgn.org

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10 housemates

10 housemates

_______________________________ 11 for rent

11 FOR RENT

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12 12 housing wanted WANTED HOUSING _______________________________ 13 13 housing for sale

HOUSING FOR SALE

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14 Help wanted

14 help wanted

_______________________________ FREE ROOM & BOARD? IN SEATTLE? PLUS CASH?!?

Live-in caregiver and admin support person sought for a senior professional member of the community. Very nice West Seattle home. The candidate should have experience as a caregiver or in the hospitality profession, be highly organized, and have solid, verifiable references. Prior experience as a professional admin a plus.

Must have a valid license and be able to drive. Very unique opportunity with substantial potential upside. Please call 206-478-3844.

15/3 _______________________________ 19 19 home services

HOME SERVICES

________________________________ SGM HANDYMAN SERVICE Painting, decks, drywall, miscellaneous repair. References. 20 years experience. Serving West Seattle and beyond. Chuck, 206935-6730. 15/3 ________________________________

20

20 health & health & well being

WELL-BEING

________________________________ ENERGY/BODYWORK Therapeutic massage. 29 years experience. Relaxation, major/ minor injuries, chronic muscle pain. Small Queen Anne home office/studio. Massage table or massage chair. Convenient parking. (I’m a Gay-friendly straight male graphic artist, web author.)

First session 50% off = $45/1.5 hours (travel extra). By appointment only. References available.

Chris Pringer, Reiki Master, 206286-0899. If you get a voice message mentioning “extension #,” please hang up and call back again. Brochure, testimonials, etc. via chalicebridge.com/BMIBrochure.html. 44/21 _______________________________

21

21 licensed LICENSED massage MASSAGE non-sexual

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________________________________ EXCEPTIONAL BODYWORK Given by highly trained LMP. I specialize in injury treatment, acute, chronic, and repetitive stress motion. I have a studio on CapHill, and one just north of the UW. Insurance accepted.

Matt Shafer, LMP, 206-235-7766.

21/12 ________________________________ RELAXATION and DEEP TISSUE massage on Capitol Hill. Last minute appointments welcome until 9pm. Jeff, LMP, 206-6500542. www.broadwaymassage. com. 11/3 _______________________________ 22 for sale

36 escorts

36 ESCORTS

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37 BODYWORK

37 bodywork

________________________________ DADDY BEAR Magic touch bodywork.

12noon-8pm.

206-328-5828. 16/6 ________________________________ EROTICALLY CHARGED nude full body rubdown from playful top, stimulating the senses. Get seduced. Incalls in Renton area.

Scott, 206-355-4469. 12/3 ________________________________ GREAT MASSAGE given by highly-trained, clean-cut, handsome guy. I have two private studios, one on CapHill, and one just north of the UW. Call/text Matt, 206235-7766. In/out calls. 21/12 ________________________________

22 FOR SALE

38 men

38 MEN

________________________________ RAIN CITY JACKS Seattle’s own JO Club, RCJ hosts three group jack-off events every month. Hot, friendly, safe fun!

Adult men only. 888-809-5035. info@raincityjacks.org; www. raincityjacks.org. 15/12 _______________________________ FREE & ANONYMOUS HIV & STD COUNSELING/TESTING Walk-In or by Appt GAY CITY HEALTH PROJECT 517 E. Pike St. MON-FRI: 3pm-8pm SAT: 12:30pm-5pm More Info & to Schedule Appt 206-860-6969 _______________________________ SEATTLE PRIME TIMERS A social organization for Gay and Bisexual Men over 40 and their admirers. www.seattleprimetimers.org; info@seattleprimetimers. org SGN/ _______________________________

dress for the occasion use a condom to prevent hiv & other stds

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dawn of justice continued from page 7

bouncing back and forth between the two surprisingly palpable.

The other half of the movie concerns Superman, his relationship with Lois Lane (Amy Adams, picking up a paycheck and that’s about it) and his growing insecurity as to how the people of Earth are looking at him as some sort of God sent to protect them from ruination. Mixed into that is a congressional inquiry into his actions spearheaded by an aggressive senator (Holly Hunter) as well as a plan by tech wizard billionaire Alexander “Lex” Luther (Jesse Eisenberg) to engineer a weapon that could be used against the Kryptonian if the need arises. But none of those various tangents amount to much. Worse, they only seem to exist in order to put Superman and Batman within the gladiatorial arena, planting seeds for the Justice League that will be crafted in the aftermath of their scuffle.

Snyder’s direction is all over the map.

The titular match is fairly engaging, as is a battle between Batman and two-dozen assailants in a dilapidated warehouse. But a series of ponderous flashbacks deaden the pace to the point boredom sets in every time they enter into the proceedings, while the filmmaker’s use of slow motion and cartoonish CG-generated backgrounds make things appear more like cut-scenes from a PlayStation or X-Box video game than they do a live-action Hollywood feature. His callous disregard of people and emotion is as omnipresent as ever, as is his fascination with flashy visuals at the expense of storytelling coherence.

18 Seattle Gay News

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice now playing – www.forbes.com

That’s the biggest problem with the movie: coherence. What is Lex’s actual plan? Why does he do any of the things he does? Why is this plan so needlessly complicated? More, for a guy who is supposedly so fantastically smart, why does he allow all of the pieces tying things together to point directly back to him? Throw in lunatic absurdities involving Clark Kent’s job at The Daily Planet, the fact Lois Lane and Martha Kent (a wasted Diane Lane) are nothing more than stereotypical damsels in

March 25, 2016

distress, and a final creature that looks like it was created in a computer lab in the early 1990s, there’s just too much that doesn’t work for the movie to have any chance of being satisfying.

While there are some decent takeaways, not the least of which are Affleck’s interpretation of the Caped Crusader and my growing feeling that Gadot as Wonder Woman is going to prove to be something special, the simple truth is that Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice isn’t a movie,

it’s a commercial for all the DC-related features scheduled over the next half-dozen or so years to come in its wake. Snyder’s film is loud, obnoxious, lacking in substance and barely lucid enough to make even the slightest modicum of sense. While not the worst superhero comic book adventure ever to grace the multiplex, it’s likely the most frustratingly disappointing, it’s failure unquestionably putting Warner and DC’s future plans in jeopardy.

Celebrating 41 Years!

Visit us online www.sgn.org

March 25, 2016

Seattle Gay News 19

20 Seattle Gay News

March 25, 2016

Celebrating 41 Years!