SEX AND THE SINGING GIRL
Theater brings us a gay guest house and an era of prohibition

Key West is a mad-cap, summer holiday, generational comedy that plays like a French sex farce with revolving doors in a gay guest house in Key West, Florida. It’s a zany romp that is frothy and fun, and the perfect summer bonbon. This is the Southwest premiere of the play, which was a smash hit in San Francisco. The cast consists of six males, and the production contains brief nudity. Directed by Joe Watts. Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m., through Aug. 18 @ Theatre New West, 1415 California (on the ground floor of Sonoma Restaurant Bldg.). Tickets are $20. Reservations: 713/394-0464.

Tamalalia 6. The brains and beauty behind the Tamalalia series of shows, Tamarie Cooper, turns up in the Prohibition Era in Tamalalia 6, another Infernal Bridegroom production. As usual, she’s on the right side of the controversy, serving up drinks and leading the cabaret in her very own Speakeasy. Expect showgirls, vaudeville acts, singing waiters, bullfights, dog acts, Busby Berkley-style musical numbers, and plenty of pie fights. Tickets: $20 (VIP on-stage seating!); $15 (Fridays & Saturdays); $10 (Thursdays). Aug. 9—Sept. 8 @ Stages Repertory Theatre, 3201 Allen Parkway at Waugh, 713/52-STAGE.

AUGUST

1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (Wed.)

HIV Testing. The Montrose Clinic offers free confidential HIV testing and counseling every Wednesday, 6-9 pm @ the Houston Lesbian & Gay Community Center, 803 Hawthorne. Center: 713/524-3818. Clinic: 713/830-3000. Please note: Free & confidential HIV/AIDS testing is also available from 1—3 pm on the 8th & 22nd in Conroe at Northwoods AIDS Coalition, 1414 South Frazier, Ste. 106. More info: 936/441-1614.

6 & 20 (Mon.)

Homosexuality and the Bible. Though the first of three free workshops has already passed, you can still attend the last two. On the 6th, you’ll learn: how the Bible has been misinterpreted; how homophobia is about prejudice & not interpretation; and how there are many different ways to interpret the Bible. Also, you will hear the teaching of Rev. Ken Martin of MCC Austin. On the 20th, you’ll learn: how God used Touched by an Angel to show how much God loves GLBT people; how to embrace the Bible as a friend; and about the coming-out stories of others ("If Ellen can do it, so can I!"). 7—9 pm @ Maranatha Fellowship MCC, 1311 Holman. For more info: 713/528-6756.

7 (Tue.)

k.d. lang & Tony Bennett. 8 pm @ the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Tickets ($17.50—$125) are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, www.sfx.com, or www.ticketmaster.com. Charge by phone at 713/629-3700.

8 (Wed.)

Blink 182. 7:30 pm @ the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Tickets ($25) are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, www.sfx.com, or www.ticketmaster.com. Charge by phone at 713/629-3700.

9 (Thu.)

Adopting a Child. Family to Family Adoption, a nonprofit licensed agency, offers a free seminar on adopting a child in less than a year. Currently they have programs in the U.S., China, Vietnam, Russia, & other countries. Everyone in attendance will be given a free information package. 6:30—8:30 pm in the board room @ Bellaire Medical Center, 5314 Dashwood. More info: 713/249-5941.

11 (Sat.)

John Leguizamo. Remember Miss Chi-Chi Rodriguez in To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar? Well, the guy who got all dolled up as Miss Chi-Chi and acted the other guys off the map is gonna be in Houston for one night only with his one-man show, Live! 8 pm @ Aerial Theatre, 520 Texas Ave. Tickets ($36.50 & $44) are available at sfx.com, the Aerial Theater box office, and all Ticketmaster outlets, or charge by phone at 713/629-3700. For more info: 713/230-1600. (Click here for an interview with John Leguizamo.)

17—19 (Fri.—Sun.)

The Lone-Star Boys of Leather Anniversary and International Puppy Contest. Beneficiaries: Colt 45’s Stone Soup Fun in Houston, and the Leather Archives & Museum in Chicago. Friday: The 611, 9 pm—1 am; Saturday: Mary’s, 11 am—2 pm, and Rich’s, 4 pm—2 am; Sunday: The 611, 11 am—1 pm, and Ripcord, 1—5 pm. For more info or for an application for the contest: e-mail thelonestarboys@aol.com or call Boy Patrick at 832/423-8999.

18 (Sat.)

Health Expo & Psychic Fair. Consult alternative healthcare physicians on hypnotherapy, massage, ear-candling, losing weight, stopping smoking, vitamins, or relieving stress. Visit top Houston psychics, tarot readers, & palmists to review your feature. Try a chi machine and an aura photo. Shop for unique jewelry, more. $1 admission. 11 am—5 pm @ CenterPoint, 1920 Hollister. Info: 713/932-7224 or www.centerpointhouston.com.

23 & 25 (Thu. & Sat.)

German Festival. It’s Mendelssohn & lederhosen. Strauss & strudel. Richard Wagner & Rhine wines. Beethoven & beer. Enjoy a strolling oom-pah band and sample hearty Deutsche cuisine. The highlight of the festival is the music of the German master composers performed by the Houston Symphony. 8 pm @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Drive in the Woodlands. Tickets ($7—$12) available at Ticketmaster outlets, or charge by phone at 713/629-3700. Info: 281/363-3300 or www.pavilion.woodlandscenter.org.

26 (Sun.)

Theater District Open House. Houston’s Theater District and its performing arts organizations will open their doors and invite the public to "Sample the Arts" for an afternoon of learning more about the arts and Houston’s 8 major performing arts organizations: Alley Theatre; Da Camera of Houston; Houston Ballet; Houston Grand Opera; Houston Symphony; Houston Broadway Series; Society for the Performing Arts; and Theatre Under the Stars. Activities at the Wortham Center, Alley Theatre, & Jones Hall include backstage tours, live performances, sneak previews of the new season, question/answer sessions with performers, activities for kids, free refreshments, & season ticket info booths. 1—6 pm @ Alley Theatre (615 Texas Ave.), Jones Hall (615 Louisiana), & Wortham Center (500 Texas Ave.). Free.

31 (Fri.)

Aliens. Volunteer Mike Rogers hosts this evening, which is part of Myx Flix Pix, movies with decidedly macho and macha appeal. Tonight’s Aliens stars the macha Sigourney Weaver. Rogers plans to host Myx Flix Pix on the 5th Friday of every month that has 5 Fridays. 7 pm @ the Houston Lesbian & Gay Community Center, 803 Hawthorne. Individual donations encouraged to help support the center. More info: 713/524-3818 or www.hlgcc.org.

PLANNING AHEAD FOR SEPTEMBER

September 1 (Sat.)

Lyle Lovett. 7:30 pm @ the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Tickets ($15—$65) are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com, or www.sfx.com. Charge by phone at 713/629-3700.

Sept. 13—15 (Thu.—Sat.)

Judy Tenuta. She’s politically incorrect about everything: Bette Davis "was nearing the end of her life, and she was already looking like one of the trees from The Wizard of Oz"; "The bitch prince–Prince Charles, checking the DNA of his son. Hello? I think he has better things to check, like why his damn girlfriend Camilla Parker Bowling Ball isn’t in the Kentucky Derby yet."; "It’s good to have some men around to service me and wash my toes, damnit. What the hell else are they gonna do?"; "Women always approach the goddess and say, ‘I love you, I love you, Judy. When you want to switch over, let me know.’ Like I’m gonna go with Motorcycle Maureen." Space prohibits more sick humor from the Love Goddess, but you can hear more of it at her scheduled shows @ Laff Stop, 1952-A West Gray, 713/524-2333.

Sept. 29—Oct. 1 (Sat.—Mon.)

Medical Conference in New Orleans. The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) will hold its 19th annual conference for GLBT physicians, medical students, researchers, & allied health-care professionals. The conference is a blend of social interaction & continuing medical education on health issues relevant to the GLBT community. "Commitment, Caring, and Advocacy: 20 Years of GLMA" will provide a mix of plenary sessions & lectures as well as panel & group discussions. Lesbian health, mental health, primary care, HIV/AIDS–seen in the varied perspectives of age, ethnicity, race, & culture–will play pivotal roles in a comprehensive program devoted to quality healthcare for everyone. It will take place at the Sheraton New Orleans. More info: www.glma.org or 415/255-4547.

Sept. 30 (Sun.)

Decadent Dessert Extravaganza. AssistHers is proud to present its first annual party of sweet indulgence to raise money for their wonderful organization. Mark your calendar and be prepared to leave your will power at the door. This event will feature tables of decadent desserts for epicurean tastes. 4 pm @ the Uptown/Urban/Lounge Meteor. Tickets can be purchased at the door for as low as $20/person. Hurry and get your ticket(s) today by calling 281/558-2247.

PLANNING AHEAD FOR OCTOBER

October

Judy Garland in New York! Jim Bailey, internationally acclaimed singer and actor, brings his famed portrayal of the legendary Judy Garland to Broadway this fall at a Shubert theater to be announced. The limited six-week engagement begins performances in October and opens October 16, the 50th anniversary of Garland’s triumphant performance at the Palace Theatre. Bailey will be accompanied by a 16-piece orchestra supervised by Mort Lindsey, Garland’s original music director. With his ability to recreate the vocal techniques and visual presence of Judy Garland, Bailey continues to astonish audiences with his uncanny portrayal. Through her songs and stories, Bailey lets an entirely new generation experience the magic of Judy Garland first-hand. OutSmart will keep you posted as more information becomes available.

October 5—7 (Fri.—Sun.)

Makers and Shakers: Texas Media Arts Conference is a two-and-a-half-day event attracting film & video professionals & emerging media artists. The purpose of the conference, sponsored by Southwest Alternate Media Project (SWAMP), is to inform & update Texas media artists & professionals about emerging technologies, showcase venues, and to provide mentoring & networking opportunities. It will emphasize national, regional, & local issues most relevant to Texas media professionals–including makers of film, digital, & video works; educators; programmers; administrators; and students, as well as anyone interested in making professional connections. Panel discussions will include digital media, distribution, exhibition, youth media & education, media as a social tool, funding, and more. Special screenings of independent films will play at the Museum of Fine Arts & Rice Media Center. Cost: full conference (early registration by 8/31/01)–$130 (students w/ID $100); after 8/31/01–$160 (students $130). Friday or Saturday only: $80 (students $65). For more info: 713/522-8592 or www.swamp.org.

PERFORMING ARTS

• Disparate Ingredients. Set against the backdrop of the culture wars, this world premiere musical by Richard Laub focuses on the exploits of an ultra-conservative mayor in his bid for re-election, his closeted spin doctor, and his illegitimate son. 8 pm, Fridays—Mondays, Aug. 13—Sept. 22 @ The Little Room Downstairs, 2332 Bissonnet, 713/522-LRDS (5737). Previews: Aug. 10, 11, & 12.

• Elizabeth I. This Punch-&-Judy-style comedy celebrates the reign of the Virgin Queen. Tickets $14 (students/seniors $10). Through Aug. 18 @ Actors Theatre of Houston, 2506 South Blvd., 713/529-6606.

• Fear of Ducks. Houston’s most planned "planned community" is about to be changed forever when hip hop artist A.C. Adapter comes to town to perform at the Margaret Mueller Mitchell Pavilion. A first amendment battle ensues, led by local televangelist Jiffy Dillard, and this once-peaceful suburb suddenly becomes the focus of the national media. Champagnes, wines, beers, cappuccino, & munchies are available throughout the show. Admission is $16. Thursdays—Saturdays, through September 1 @ Radio Music Theatre, 2623 Colquitt, 713/522-7722.

• Higher Ground is set in 1964 and takes place on "Sweet Auburn Avenue," a mecca for black entrepreneurship, entertainment, & social life. Against the backdrop of actual events of the Civil Rights Movement, it portrays a family with two generations of dreamers, Jesse Hartman, a Sweet Auburn small-business owner and former manager for entertainer Sam Cooke, and his two daughters. The plot revolves around his plan to produce a desegregated concert in order to raise money to save his bar on Sweet Auburn. Through Aug. 14 @ The Ensemble Theatre, 3535 Main Street. Ticket prices/more info: 713/520-0055.

• Marriage Can Murder takes place at the seemingly doomed wedding of Stephanie & Phil, each the scion of competing baked-bean companies. A scheming lawyer, a hallucinating best man, & a sister fresh from the psycho ward further complicate matters. To say nothing of the dead body on the floor. This Mystery Café production plays @ Prima Pasta restaurant, 2710 Richmond. Reservations are required. More info: 713/944-CLUE or www.mysterycafehouston.com.

• No Mother to Guide Her is a comic "mellerdrammer" in three acts. Cheer the manly hero, console the downtrodden heroine, boo & hiss the dastardly villain as you pelt him with popcorn! Tickets $9 adults, $8 students/seniors, $7 matinees (all seats). Through Aug. 25 @ Theatre Suburbia, 1410 W. 43rd. For more info: 713/682-3525.

• Smokey Joe’s Café. Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Famer Gladys Knight stars in this seven-time Tony Award—nominated and Grammy Award—winning musical. With songs like "Hound Dog" and "Yakety Yak," Smokey Joe’s is a celebration of more than 40 Leiber & Stoller songs made popular by Elvis, The Coasters, The Drifters, Ben E. King, & Peggy Lee. While Gladys Knight’s accomplishments with her Pips were astounding, the true measure of her versatility as a performer can be seen in her solo career. She recorded three albums and starred in the motion picture Pipe Dreams, the CBS sitcom Charlie & Co., a Clio Award—winning commercial, and the Ace Award—winning Sisters in the Name of Love. Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) presents Smokey Joe’s Café from Aug. 7—19 @ the Wortham Center, 500 Texas Ave. Tickets ($19—$76) can be purchased by calling 800-678-5440. Tickets are also available at TUTS Tix, 2600 Southwest Frwy, at the Wortham box office, or at any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets can also be bought and printed online using TUTS’ E-Ticket System at www.tuts.com.

RADIO

• After Hours Saturdays, midnight to 3 am. Featuring the QMZ (Queer Music Zone) with Jimmy Carper. KPFT 90.1 FM.

• Lesbian & Gay Voices Mondays, 8-10 pm. Features, news, music, interviews, reviews, and commentary. KPFT 90.1 FM, 713/526-4000.

ART/PHOTOGRAPHY

• Art Classes for People With HIV: The Art League of Houston is offering free art classes for people with HIV. The ongoing course meets every Thursday & Friday from 1-4 pm at the Art League, 1953 Montrose. Mixed media projects for the artist and non-artist. Constructive art-making in a relaxed atmosphere. Focus is on the healing power of art. More info: 713/523-9530. The Museum of Fine Arts Houston is offering free art classes for those with HIV/AIDS. Patrick Palmer begins his 9th year offering art instruction. Abstract painting, linoleum-cut greeting cards, & ceramics are some of the media offerings for the fall semester. Class is limited to 16. Everything is free, even lunch! The classes meet at the Glassell School of Art every Friday, 1—4 pm, 5101 Montrose Blvd., room 202. For more info: 713/639-7500 or 713/526-1118.

• Fast Food for Thought: Cartoon ’n Art includes works by Tina DeRamus, Rachel Hecker, Alejandro Diaz, and many others. Through Aug. 11 @ ArtScan Gallery & Rudolph Projects at Vine Street Studios, 1113 Vine St., 713/224-7722.

• "Red, Hot, & Blue: A Salute to American Musicals" is a collective biography of the performers, producers, directors, composers, lyricists and others who created the Broadway and Hollywood musical. Named for Cole Porter’s 1936 Broadway musical, "Red, Hot & Blue" consists of freestanding "theater kiosks" that narrate–through the reproduction of vintage posters and photographs–the history of American musical theater. In addition to its role as the exhibition’s national corporate sponsor, Turner Classic Movies has provided three video kiosks to complement the exhibition’s content. The interactive kiosks present video footage from some of America’s favorite movies such as The Wizard of Oz, 42nd Street, Showboat, and Singin’ in the Rain. • The exhibition will be on display on the first, second, and third floors of the Houston Public Library (HPL), 500 McKinney, through August 26. There will also be companion exhibits with materials from the collections of the Alley Theatre, Houston Broadway Series, Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS), and HPL. The Alley Theatre, Society for the Performing Arts, TUTS, and the Houston Broadway Series are also contributing free tickets for drawings. For noontime performances at the Central Library held in conjunction with the exhibit, please check www.houstonlibrary.org or call 713-236-1313.

• Robert Frank: A Retrospective from the Collection. This exhibition includes 47 photographs that span Frank’s career from his journeys to South America in the late 1940s, to images from Europe in the early ’50s, to his searing views of America in the mid-’50s, to the late Polaroid prints of his family & homes in New York & Nova Scotia. Through Oct. 14 @ the Museum of Fine Art, 1001 Bissonnet, 713/639-7300.