Arts & Culture :: Culture

Vive la différence! — Queer actors of color in "Les Misérables" at the Orpheum

Vive la différence! — Queer actors of color in "Les Misérables" at the Orpheum

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Jun 27, 2023

Haley Dortch plays Fantine in the latest touring production of "Les Miserables," which opens at the Orpheum Theater on July 5. Christine Heesun Hwang is also in the cast, playing Éponine.

Author Jonathan Harper on belonging

Author Jonathan Harper on belonging

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Jun 27, 2023

Jonathan Harper is good at luring and lulling readers. In his debut novel "You Don't Belong Here," the queer writer sets the stage with protagonist Morris, a bisexual writer from the DC area, and an unexpected encounter.

Going Out, June 22-30, 2023

Going Out, June 22-30, 2023

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Jun 21, 2023

Here we go! The last week of June is full-on LGBTQetc. Pride. It's time to stand out, be out, and go out to arts and nightlife events all over the Bay Area.

'In the Evening by the Moonlight' — Lorraine Hansberry Theatre brings its namesake to life

'In the Evening by the Moonlight' — Lorraine Hansberry Theatre brings its namesake to life

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Jun 20, 2023

Now at Fort Mason in a premiere production by Lorraine Hansberry's namesake theater company, Traci Tolmaire's drama imagines a single night of spiky conversation between the "Raisin In The Sun" playwright, singer Nina Simone and author James Baldwin.

Rainbow reading: Pride books round-up

Rainbow reading: Pride books round-up

  • by Jim Piechota
  • Jun 20, 2023

To help usher everyone into the Pride spirit, here is a selection of newly-published LGBTQ books for the ultimate rainbow reading audience.

Frameline47's coming-of-age films

Frameline47's coming-of-age films

  • by Brian Bromberger
  • Jun 13, 2023

Looking through this year's Frameline film selections, a majority of the films focus on young adult LGBTQ people and their concerns. Out of 71 films, 50 are in the teens-to-35 category.

Director Lear deBessonet on "Into the Woods"

Director Lear deBessonet on "Into the Woods"

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Jun 13, 2023

The director of the new production of the 1987 musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, playing a limited engagement at the Curran Theater next week, discusses the timeless themes in the hit musical.

Indictin', enlighten: The Lavender Tube on the name games in politics and programs

Indictin', enlighten: The Lavender Tube on the name games in politics and programs

  • by Victoria A. Brownworth
  • Jun 13, 2023

Happy Pride Indictment Month! Our intrepid TV columnist covers political news, including inanely antigay GOP remarks, plus more uplifting network quotes from singer-actress Janelle Monáe and actor (now author) Elliot Page.

His lion eyes: Henry Hoke's 'Open Throat'

His lion eyes: Henry Hoke's 'Open Throat'

  • by Tim Pfaff
  • Jun 13, 2023

There's such sinewy, feral strength in the voice that powers Henry Hoke's new novel, "Open Throat" that the term "genre-bending" doesn't suffice. The novel is literally in a class of its own.

Going Out, June 8-16, 2023

Going Out, June 8-16, 2023

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Jun 8, 2023

Along with the arts events in this week's issue, we've got dozens more in our expansive coverage, with comprehensive LGBTQ bar and nightclub listings. It's rainbowlicious!

'Breaking the Rules' — Paul Wonner and Theophilus Brown at the Crocker Art Museum

'Breaking the Rules' — Paul Wonner and Theophilus Brown at the Crocker Art Museum

  • by Robert Brokl
  • Jun 6, 2023

Sacramento's new dual exhibit, "Breaking the Rules," benefits by the association that Crocker Art Museum curator Scott A. Shields had with both gay artists during their lifetimes.

Going Out, June 1-9, 2023

Going Out, June 1-9, 2023

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Jun 1, 2023

While you may not yet have your full-tilt Pride on, never fear. June is already filling up this first week with fun arts and nightlife events. Get going out.

The Wiz, kids: Director Sam Pinkleton rethinks Oz for the stage

The Wiz, kids: Director Sam Pinkleton rethinks Oz for the stage

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • May 30, 2023

We're off to see...the movie? That's the question that's been cycloning around my mind ever since last April, when American Conservatory Theater first announced its planned production of "The Wizard of Oz," now in previews with opening night June 7.

Fangs, but no thanks: 'Let the Right One In' at Berkeley Rep

Fangs, but no thanks: 'Let the Right One In' at Berkeley Rep

  • May 30, 2023

Imagine if John Hughes made a vampire movie, set in Sweden. Well, that's what's on the menu — along with big gulps of stage blood — at Berkeley Repertory, in the National Theatre of Scotland's mystifying production of "Let the Right One In."