Bay Area Reporter :: Arts_

'Cassandro' - Gael Garcia Bernal shines in new gay docudrama

MOVIES | September 18, 2023 | by David-Elijah Nahmod

Roger Ross Williams, an Academy Award-winning documentarian, offers his first narrative feature with "Cassandro." The film tells the story of Saul Armendariz, a real life competitor in the world of Lucha Libre, Mexican wrestling.

'The Lost Art of Dreaming' - Sean Dorsey and company dance their way into Z Space

DANCE
by David-Elijah Nahmod
Sep 19, 2023

Following a world tour, and an Emmy win, Sean Dorsey Dance returns to San Francisco for a second season of performances of "The Lost Art of Dreaming" at Z Space.

NCTC's 'Before the Sword' - imagining the life of T.H. White

THEATER
by Jim Gladstone
Sep 19, 2023

If you've seen Disney's cheerful animated feature "The Sword in the Stone," the world premiere production of "Before the Sword" at the New Conservatory Theatre Center will deepen your appreciation of the film's source material.

Man on Man: Roddy Bottum and Joey Holman's new album, SF show

MUSIC
by Gregg Shapiro
Sep 19, 2023

Gay duo Man On Man effortlessly avoids the dreaded sophomore slump with the incredible "Provincetown." Not shying away from its sexy subject matter, the duo is in peak condition in songs like "Gloryhole" and "Piggy."

Mysteries, madness & music: The Lavender Tube on 'The Other Black Girl,' 'Chucky,' the VMAs and more

TELEVISION
by Victoria A. Brownworth
Sep 19, 2023

Our steadfast television-viewing columnist notes the queer highlights of MTV's music awards show, the intrigue in a satire of the book publishing world, more of that serial-killing possessed doll, and more.

Steven Rowley's 'The Celebrants'

BOOKS
by Brian Bromberger
Sep 19, 2023

Billed as a "Big Chill" for our times, the lackluster "The Celebrants" is the latest fiction from the gay bestselling author Steven Rowley following his "The Editor" and "Guncle" feelgood books.

Kiki and Herb return for Castro Theatre holiday concert

THEATER
by Jim Provenzano
Sep 18, 2023

On December 15, Kiki and Herb's "O Come Let Us Adore Them" will bring out the holiday spirit, and/or spirits, at the Castro Theatre. Justin Vivian Bond and Kenny Mellman's sometimes soused cabaret duo rounds off their tour with a Bay Area homecoming.

Shabbat at the Jewseum

ART
by David-Elijah Nahmod
Sep 18, 2023

On September 23 the Contemporary Jewish Museum will launch "Shabbat at the Jewseum," a new quarterly program that lets attendees immerse themselves in Jewish ideas of rest and rejuvenation while engaging in the ritual of Shabbat.

Edward Cahill's 'Disorderly Men'

BOOKS
by Jim Piechota
Sep 17, 2023

Edward Cahill's moving, memorable debut novel does indeed deliver the "disorderly men" promised in the title. The novel is set in the 1960s and mostly takes place at a pre-Stonewall-era Greenwich Village gay bar.

Lesbians bring 'Overlooked Latinas' to SF stage

THEATER
by J.L. Odom
Sep 13, 2023

It all started 18 years ago, when director Mary Guzmán took in one of Tina D'Elia's onstage performances and decided she wanted to work with her.

Guest Opinion: Let's create more indie bookstores

BOOKS
by Ken White
Sep 13, 2023

When I worked at A Different Light Bookstore on Castro Street in the 1990s, it was the cultural hub of the LGBTQ neighborhood.

'P.S. Burn This Letter Please' — fascinating '50s New York drag scene told in new book

BOOKS
by Michael Flanagan
Sep 12, 2023

The discovery of a series of letters addressed to someone named Reno Martin from a writer using the name Daphne talking about drag in New York in the 1950s has led to a fascinating documentary and now a book by Craig Olsen.

Film forum: gay DVDs to tide you over

MOVIES
by Brian Bromberger
Sep 12, 2023

Since one can only watch so many reruns through the ongoing writers and actors' strike, queer audiences might reconsider discovering movies from last year that have recently been reissued on DVD and Blu-ray.

'Cruel Intentions' - Ray of Light Theatre's dark '90s jukebox bop

THEATER
by Jim Gladstone
Sep 12, 2023

Based on the hit film, the '90s jukebox musical "Cruel Intentions" makes its Bay Area debut in Ray of Light's production. The show's director-choreographer and the company's artistic director shared their recipe for theatrical success and fun.

Autumn reads, part 3

BOOKS
by Jim Piechota
Sep 12, 2023

With the third and final installment of our fall 2023 books roundup, while we couldn't capture all the amazing queer books publishing this season, here are even more of the novels, memoirs, and picture book titles you will certainly want to seek out.

Arts & Culture