Arts & Culture

Good morning, Baltimore: Drag Race's Nina West headlines 'Hairspray' in San Jose

Good morning, Baltimore: Drag Race's Nina West headlines 'Hairspray' in San Jose

  • THEATER
  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Nov 16, 2021

Hairspray, the Tony Award-winning musical, will perform November 23-28 at San Jose's Center For the Performing Arts. RuPaul's Drag Race star Nina West heads the cast as Edna Turnblad.

Art as a cause: John R. Killacky's book of essays

Art as a cause: John R. Killacky's book of essays

  • BOOKS
  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Nov 15, 2021

In his concise collection of essays and interviews, John R. Killacky's book offers behind-the-scenes perspectives on his decades of arts administration, and his own struggle to deal with physical limitations.

50 years in 50 weeks: 'Queer Crips' in 2003

50 years in 50 weeks: 'Queer Crips' in 2003

  • BOOKS
  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Nov 15, 2021

In the B.A.R.'s November 13 issue, John R. Killacky shares his experience in becoming disabled, and how using a wheelchair helped him gain more freedom than using a cane at age 51.

50 years in 50 weeks: 2002's stages

50 years in 50 weeks: 2002's stages

  • THEATER
  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Nov 11, 2021

In October 2002, New Conservatory Theatre Center premiered Mart Crowley's 'The Men From the Boys,' the sequel to his historic 1968 plays, 'The Boys in the Band.'

Best AIDS films, part 1

Best AIDS films, part 1

  • MOVIES
  • by Brian Bromberger
  • Nov 10, 2021

This year is the 40th anniversary of the start of the AIDS pandemic. It is worth reflecting on how cinema has portrayed the disease and those afflicted with it.

Josie Cotton's more than Johnny's girl

Josie Cotton's more than Johnny's girl

  • MUSIC
  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Nov 9, 2021

In 1982, Josie Cotton released her debut album 'Convertible Music,' containing the campy new wave single "Johnny, Are You Queer?" She's done much more since then, but was happy to chat about the old days, befo0re her Nov. 13 SF concert at Great Northern.

Frameline, Trans fall filmfests

Frameline, Trans fall filmfests

  • MOVIES
  • by Brian Bromberger
  • Nov 9, 2021

Frameline's Fall Showcase, Nov. 11 & 12, will feature four in-person screenings at the Castro Theatre, while the San Francisco Transgender Film Festival will run online from November 11-14.

Hollywood interviews: Ruthe Stein's celebrity-filled book

Hollywood interviews: Ruthe Stein's celebrity-filled book

  • MOVIES
  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Nov 9, 2021

Ruthe Stein's new book, 'Sitting Down With the Stars: Interviews with 100 Hollywood Legends,' is packed with selected interviews from her lengthy journalism career, including a number of Oscar winners.

Mayor Pete: the coming out of American politics

Mayor Pete: the coming out of American politics

  • MOVIES
  • by Brandon Judell
  • Nov 8, 2021

'Mayor Pete,' a highly moving unveiling of everyone's favorite queer presidential candidate, debuts worldwide on Amazon on Nov. 12. This is the latest of the many offerings produced and/or directed by Jesse Moss.

'Forbidden Letters' - long unseen gay classic at Porn Film Festival

'Forbidden Letters' - long unseen gay classic at Porn Film Festival

  • MOVIES
  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Nov 5, 2021

A long unseen gay cinema classic will screen at the Brava Theater on November 12. Arthur J. Bressan Jr.'s 1979 'Forbidden Letters' is an X-rated mood piece whose lead actors don't just have sex on camera, they make love.

50 years in 50 weeks: 2001's tragedies, tallies, tittilation

50 years in 50 weeks: 2001's tragedies, tallies, tittilation

  • CULTURE
  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Nov 4, 2021

Before and after 9/11, the Arts section's attitude seemed to be, "Keep Calm and carry on." The November 22 issue offers an overview of the arts highlights in a year stuck in amber by the catch phrase, "Never Forget," but one some would prefer to.

Arts Briefs: Joan Jett Blakk, Queer Vibes, & more

Arts Briefs: Joan Jett Blakk, Queer Vibes, & more

  • THEATER
  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Nov 2, 2021

Here's an update on several LGBT arts events taking place in-person and online, including a short film about a political drag queen, a hair salon's fun events, and a new performer showcase produced by the SF LGBT Center.

Drag in their family

Drag in their family

  • THEATER
  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Nov 2, 2021

Terry Guest, the Chicago-based playwright of At The Wake of a Dead Drag Queen, shares the inspiration for his play; also, Brava Theater Center hosts the Theyfriend Nonbinary Performance Festival.

Queens, Baes & Ben: new dramas and a Brit detective hunk

Queens, Baes & Ben: new dramas and a Brit detective hunk

'Queens,' the new ABC musical drama series reunites a girl group, hunky gay Ben Aldridge plays a gay detective, the docuseries 'Tamps Baes' explores lesbian life in Florida, plus more in our TV column.