The Purple Circuit promotes GLQBT
and feminist theater and performance.

poster: Maureen Heuring-Appel

Two plays by Charles Busch:

    “Vampire Lesbians of Sodom”
The saga of two fatally seductive vampiresses, whose paths first collide in ancient Sodom. Their bitter rivalry as bloodsuckers, but more importantly, as actresses, endures for 2,000 years with stops along the way in 1920s silent movie Hollywood, and in contemporary Las Vegas.

“Sleeping Beauty or Comma”
The classic fairy tale, retold in London’s 1960s fabulously mod fashion world.

Cast includes: Loren Freeman, Kam Sisco, Jacob Betts, Richard Marlow, Terry Huber, Steven Ciceron, Adina Lawson, John Fryer.

Recommended for mature audiences due to adult language and brief nudity.

January 20, 2017
The Desert Rose Playhouse, 69620 Hwy 111, Rancho Mirage, California
Wheelchair accessible
Information: paultaylor@desertroseplayhouse.org
Information/Reservation: 760-202-3000

Mason Mahony, John Glenn Harding, Ken Pienkos, Randy Graville, Cheri Gaulke, Darrel Larson, Tristan Scott-Behrends, Sophie Kim image: Ed Krieger

Spanning from the 1988 display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt in Washington DC, to the worldwide Women’s Marches, “Shades of Disclosure” celebrates the triumphant lives of real people whose personal stories have been forgotten or silenced. Individuals, of varying stripes, relive their intimate and heartfelt histories while speaking to a 16-year-old who, after bravely announcing her queerness, finds herself at a precarious turning point in American politics. She discovers a band of mentors who tell it like it was, is, and how they hope it can be.

Cast includes: Albert Auben, Gil Feroli, Cheri Gaulke, Randy Gravelle, John Glenn Harding, Austin Humble, Jessie Jacobson, Sophie Kim, Darrell Larson, Timothy Mack, Mason Mahoney, Jen O’Connor, Roland Palencia, Christine Papalexis, Ken Pienkos, Tristan Scott-Behrends, David Trudell.

A “Shades of Disclosure” world premiere.

February 25, 2017
Skylight Theatre, Los Angeles, California
Information/Reservation: 213-761-7061; tickets@skylighttheatrecompany.com

Danielle Aziza, Micha Lazare photo: Joe Bly

In 2017, New Yorkers Becky and Mandy are not immune to the homophobia that has threatened their marriage. During an inexplicable seismic event they are flung through a window into the early 20th century Greenwich Village Theater, demolished in 1930.

The women discover that issues and conflicts, such as homophobia, racism and anti-Semitism, haven’t changed in a century.

A ghost light is the single lamp, a work light, that is left onstage when a theater is otherwise dark. There is a superstition that every theater has ghosts, and that ghost lights provide illumination for the ghosts to perform.

Inspired by “Alice in Wonderland” and “The Wizard of Oz,” the play follows their journey home. Wandering through remnants of scenery, they encounter ghosts that haunt the site of the theater. Characters and snatches of dialogue from productions of the past are woven into this contemporary play.

Cast includes: Danielle Aziza, Amanda Boekelheide, Rachel Drayke, Robert Gonzales Jr., Micha Lazare, Brandon Sngdnc Mellette, Steph Van Vlack.

Barbara Kahn’s plays have been produced in the U.S., France and Germany. She has directed in New York, Paris, and at the National Theatre in London. Theater for the New City has been the primary New York City home for Barbara’s plays since 1994.

Partial funding for the production is provided by The Arch and Bruce Brown Foundation.

March 2, 2017
Theater for the New City, New York, New York
Information: presskahntnc@aol.com

Karen Stanion, Virginia Baeta photo: Ben Strothmann

It was supposed to be an easy job: trail the bad girl heiress and report her doings to dubious daddy. But private dick Thomas Sparks finds out the hard way that nothing is what it seems, as he’s lured through a lethal labyrinth of love, lies and larceny.

When you’re up against the baddest baddies in Badtown, you either crack the case, or wind up Damaged Goods.

Cast includes: Virginia Baeta, Elizabeth Bell*, Jamie Heinlein*, Karen Stanion*, Casey Weaver. (* Actors Equity)

A 90-minute gender-bending valentine to Film Noir, this production of “Damaged Goods” is presented as part of the Emerging Artists Theatre New Works Series.

March 2, 2017
Tada Theater, New York, New York
Information: 917-697-3344; tososnyc@gmail.com

image: ?

Two teenagers in Mashad, Iran In 2005, two Iranian 15-year-olds, Mahmoud Asgari and Ayaz Marhouni struggle with their identities, as they come of age. They are typical teenagers, longing to discover their place in the world, which includes their status as minority Arab Iranians. When an innocent moment between two friends is misconstrued, the hardline Iranian justice system steps in and ruins their lives.

Cast includes: Sahar Bibiyan, Thamer Jendoubi, Russel Jordan, Kal Mansoor, Colin Mulligan, Naama Potok, Rahul Rai, Roberto Tolentino.

Nominated for a GLAAD Award for its Los Angeles engagement, “Haram! Iran!” is based on the true story of the teenager’s court trial.

March 8, 2017
TADA, New York, New York
Info: altonprandproduction@gmail.com

Coordinated by Victor Bumbalo

Speakers include: Victor Bumbalo, Michael Kearns, Robert Patrick, Tom Jacobson, Mary Casey, Odalys Nanin, Donald Jolly.

A lively discussion of the roots of LGBTQ theater and its impact on our culture. An opportunity to gain a perspective on our cultural history with some the people who helped create it. Plus thoughts about its direction from those working today."

March 9, 2017
West Hollywood Library Community Room, West Hollywood, California
Wheelchair accessible
FREE
Information: vgb828@gmail.com

Written by Michael McKeever
Directed by Jim Strait
Produced by Desert Rose Productions, Inc.

One of the silver screen’s brightest action stars charms his way through the Golden Globe Awards ceremony accompanied by his wife. Meanwhile, back at the Chateau Marmont, his staff tries to figure out what to do with the naked, dead, male prostitute on his bedroom floor.

A look behind the closed doors of the Hollywood elite, revealing a jet-black satire on what it means to be a “man” in the make-believe world of motion pictures, where nothing is ever what it seems, and closets are used for so much more than hanging up your tuxedo.

A west coast premiere.

There is adult material and nudity.

Cast includes: Melanie Blue, Winston Gieseke, Ben Heustess, Michael Pacas, Yo Younger.

“Wildly funny and comically horrifying, the play is carefully crafted to reveal surprise after surprise, as if it were the equivalent of Botoxxed Russian nesting dolls.” – Miami Herald.

May 5, 2017
The Desert Rose Playhouse, Rancho Mirage, California
Information: paultaylor@desertroseplayhouse.org
Information/Reservation: 760-202-3000

Isis Avalos, Yosimar Reyes, Féi Hernandez photos: Leo Garcia

Addressing the thwarted immigration policies of Trump’s administration.

Featuring new work by out, current, and former, undocumented artists:
        Yosimar Reyes, spoken word artist, activist
        Féi Hernandez, poet, teacher
        Isis Avalos, choreographer
        DJ Manuel Rodriguez

A fundraiser, part of Highways’ 2017 Behold! Queer Arts Series, a celebration of Highways’ 28th birthday.

June 3, 2017
Highways Performance Space & Gallery, Santa Monica, California
Information: admin@highwaysperformance.org

Miguel Arballo, Robbie Wayne, Allan Jensen, David Boyd, Kam Sisco, Jason Hull, Samuel Frank photo: ?

A group of gay men gather for their monthly evening of drinks and games. Tonight, the game is a gay version of “Truth or Dare,” called “Fact, Fiction or Fantasy.” True life stories are shared, fictional encounters related, and fantasies often require the player to remove his clothing.

By the end of the evening, everyone is nude, singing and laughing together in a great show of brotherhood.

About his wildly popular comedy, Playwright Dillon says, “Party is not about flesh, but celebrates the fact that, as a group, we are positive, and honest, about our sexuality, and free from a lot of the inhibitions and hang ups that exist in other groups.”

Cast includes: Miguel Arballo, David Boyd, Samuel Frank, Jason Hull, Allan Jensen, Kam Sisco, Robbie Wayne.

June 23-July 30, 2017 - Friday, Saturdays 8pm, Sundays 2pm
The Desert Rose Playhouse, Rancho Mirage, California
Information: paultaylor@desertroseplayhouse.org
Information/Reservation: 760-202-3000

Monica Palacios photo: Sunny Bak

Written and directed by Monica Palacios
Produced by Museum of Latin American Art

The 80s was a challenging decade to be an out, Chicana lesbian comic. AIDS is front page news, shining a negative light on the LGBTQ community.

Monica shares her dynamic stories about:
     Living with her lesbian sister — “double dyke familia”
     Being a San Francisco State film student
     Performing at “Gay Comedy Night” at the Valencia Rose Cabaret
     Performing comedy during the AIDS crisis
     Lusting for women making her burritos at Taqueria La Cumbre
     Birthing the comedy troupe “Culture Clash”
     Auditioning for actor Edward James Olmos on 24th Street
     Grooming her mullet, and mucho mucho mas!

The solo performance includes more than 30 unique images of Monica’s queer performance life that have not been seen since the 80s.

Cast includes: Monica Palacios

July 8, 2017
Museum of Latin American Art, Long Beach, California
Wheelchair accessible
Information: info@molaa.org
Information/Reservation: 562-437-1689

Street Theater poster: Howard Cruse

Tim Abrams, Jeremy Lawrence photo: Ben Strothmann

Joe MacDouglall, Josh Kenney, Patrick Porter photo: Ben Strothmann

Chris Andersson, Michael Lynch photo: Duncan Pflaster

Written by Doric Wilson
Directed by Mark Finley
Produced by Barry Childs, TOSOS

Taking place in New York City’s Greenwich Village district, on June 28, 1969, shortly before the first brick was thrown at the Stonewall Inn, Doric Wilson’s legendary satire follows the exploits of the cruisers, drag queens, undercover cops, dykes, hippies, mobsters and bystanders (innocent and otherwise), as they catapult toward the moment that changed the course of history.

Cast includes: Christopher Borg, Joshua Kenney, Rebecca Nyahay, Chris Andersson, Russell Jordan, Jeremy Lawrence, Michael Lynch, Tim Abrams, Ben Strothmann, Desmond Dutcher.

“Doric Wilson was present at all three nights of the Stonewall riots. His vision is unique among Stonewall chroniclers in that ‘Street Theater’ is not so much a play about what happened, as it is about what made it happen. It focuses less on who-did-what to whom, and zeroes in on why we fought back in the first place. And that’s something I don’t think we can ever afford to forget.” - Mark Finley, TOSOS artistic director

September 20, 2017
The Eagle Bar, 554 West 28th St., New York, New York
Wheelie access with obstacles
Information: 917-697-3344; tososnyc@gmail.com

Mandy Schneider, Amielynn Abellera                   Justin Huen, Christopher Cappiello    Both couples alternate playing the roles of Schiller and Arjay. photo: Roderick Menzies

Written by Tom Jacobson
Directed by Roderick Menzies
Produced by Open Fist Theatre Company

Cultural, national and gender identity; politics; marriage; death; and the mutability of theater are some of the many motifs that run through Jacobson’s deceptively sweet story in which a soon-to-be-married couple, Schiller and Arjay, take Schiller’s parents on their first trip to Europe.

Dramatically illustrating the extent to which casting, and acting, can change a story, two women alternate with two men in the roles of Schiller and Arjay. Both couples learn what it means to be American in a world that no longer admires the U.S.

In this protean comedy, Guinea pigs play cricket, dead bodies talk, and an unexpected trip to a concentration camp, lead to shocking, shattering consequences, and a poignant conclusion.

Cast includes: Amielynn Abellera, Will Bradley, Christopher Cappiello, Justin Huen, Laura James, Ben Martin, Mandy Schneider.

September 15, 2017
Atwater Village Theatre, Los Angeles, California
Information: lucy@lucypr.com
Information/Reservation: 323-882-6912

Written by Boni B. Alvarez
Directed by Rodney To
Produced by Echo Theater Company

In the heart of LA’s Historic Filipinotown, Miracles Malcañang, a ladyboy masseuse, “walks” for Filipinotown’s infamous House of Malacañang. When Miracles’ forbidden love affair sparks tensions between the city’s two most volitile political families, the families must come together to understand the power of desire, identity, and honor.

This fierce and funny new play was inspired by the Spanish Golden Age drama “The Physician of His Own Honor” (1635) by Pedro Calderón de la Barca, and the movie documentary “Paris is Burning” (1990) directed by Jennie Livingston, which detailed New York’s 80s, then-underground, drag queen “ball culture.”

Cast includes: Chris Aguila, Wade Allain-Marcus, Boni B. Alvarez, Renee-Marie Brewster, Tonatiuh Elizarraraz, Adrian Gonzalez, Anna Lamadrid, Joseph Vladez, Allen Lucky.

September 14, 2017
Atwater Village Theatre, Los Angeles, California
Information: lucy@lucypr.com
Information/Reservation: 310-307-3753

Written by Christopher Durang
Directed by Robbie Wayne
Produced by Desert Rose Productions, Inc.

Vanya and Sonia live in their family’s home in Bucks County, PA. Their “Movie Star” sister Masha arrives with her new boy-toy Spike to tell them she is selling the family manse and moving on with life. Add one “Snow White and the 7 Dwarves” costume party, and a Voodoo spell-casting housekeeper, and it’s Christopher Durang at his best!

Cast includes: Jim Strait, Adina Lawson, Heather Brendel, Cody Frank, Alma Lacy, April Mejia.

Tony Winner for Best Play 2013.

September 22, 2017
The Desert Rose Playhouse, Rancho Mirage, California
Information: paultaylor@desertroseplayhouse.org
Information/Reservation: 760-202-3000

Quinn Coghlin photo: Kevin Cristaldi

Writer: Andy Halliday
Director: G.R. Johnson
Producer: Theater for the New City

An adopted, young, gay man, becomes obsessed with tracking down his birth mother. His has led a life of careless sexual exploits, and reckless drug use. When he finally finds his mother, the answers he has been searching for his entire life, finally give him the courage to combat his drug addiction, to attempt climbing out of the darkness, and Up the Rabbit Hole.

An autobiographical play about sex, obsession, and finding your home.

Cast includes: Quinn Coughlin, Andrew Glaszek, Peter Gregus, Tyler Jones, Laralu Smith.

September 26, 2017
Theater for the New City, New York, New York
Information: 212-254-1109

Marty Dew photo: ?

Written by Deborah Lawlor
Directed by Frances Loy
Produced by Fountain Theatre

In 1964 Greenwich Village, Freddy Herko, a brilliant, ballet dancer of extraordinary charisma and talent, and a fiery denizen of Andy Warhol’s Factory. A naïve young woman falls under Fredy’s spell.

Based on a true story, this fusion of theater, music, dance and video, captures the explosive spirit of a passionate, gay artist, and a turbulent era.

Cast includes: Marty Dew, Mel England, Katie McConaughy, Susan Wilder.

September 27, 2017
Los Angeles City College, Caminito Theatre, Los Angeles, California
Information: lucy@lucypr.com

Information/Reservation: 323-663-1525

Oscar Wilde image: Demian

Written by Bill Kaiser
Produced by the Purple Circuit and the Antebellum Gallery

A tea salon to celebrate Oscar Wilde’s 163rd birthday, with a presentation of his lovers, and his support for the cause of men-loving-men.

Cast includes: Devi, Christopher Lissner, Deborah Lissner, Turk, Matthew Steel, Alex Smith, Tim Christian, Javier, Sharp, Ashley Hoffman, Bill Kaiser.

October 18, 2017
Tom of Finland House, Echo Park, California
Information: 818-953-5096; antebellum@earthlink.net

Ashley Romans, Ryan Brophy, Miranda Wynne photo: Ed Krieger

In Rotterdam, New Year’s day 2017, Alice finally found the courage to email her parents that she’s a lesbian. Before Alice hits “send,” her girlfriend, Fiona, reveals that she has always identified as a man, and wants to live as one, sending their relationship into a tailspin.

Amid a breaking wave of transgender stories in the news, Jon Brittain has created a groundbreaking play, with deeply relatable characters that are flawed and hilarious. Rotterdam is a comedy with powerful questions about love and identity at its core.

Cast includes: Ryan Brophy, Audrey Cain, Ashley Romans, Miranda Wynne.

An Olivier Award Winner.
This performance is the west coast premiere of “Rotterdam.”

November 11, 2017
Skylight Theatre, Los Angeles, California
Information: 213-761-7061

Oscar Wilde photo: Napoleon Sarony

Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde, Irish poet and playwright, was born on October 16, 1854.
At 46, he died of meningitis on November 30, 1900.

While Oscar Wilde has been dead for 117 years, his legacy lives on.
Wilde’s impact on literature, poetry, art and culture - including gay culture - cannot be underestimated.

Please attend the salon featuring readings, poetry and eulogies to our beloved gay icon.
Black tea will be served. Hosted by Rick Castro.

Poetry by Oscar Wilde and Bosie (aka Lord Alfred Douglas) will be read by:
    Kevin Dulude
    Matthew Steele
    Alex Smith

Live music by:
    Marcopollo

Dead Oscar Contest
    Come as your version of dead Oscar Wilde.
    Winner gets a glamorous gift basket!
    Wear black.

November 29, 2017
Tom of Finland House, California
Information: 818-953-5096; antebellum@earthlink.net

The Village Playwrights was founded out of the need of lesbian and gay writers to have a venue in which they could present their works without fear of being harshly criticized, or dismissed because of their sexual orientation or gender identification.

We take pride in critiquing works solely on their merit, and not on their sometimes sensitive subject matter.
This allows each writer to find his or her voice as a creative individual. To speak freely is to be empowered.

“This is a place to speak from the heart. This is a place to find one’s voice. This is a place to take risks.”

The Village Playwrights meet at 8pm on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month.
LGBT Center, 208 W. 13th St., New York, New York

Participation is open to all playwrights, screenwriters, directors and actors.
Beginners are encouraged and helped.

Information: 614-285-2515; villageplaywrights@gmail.com

See Web site for GLBT comedy listings in San Francisco, as well as worldwide.

QComedy Showcase occurs on the first Monday of each month.
Mama Calizo’s, 1519 Mission St., San Francisco, California
Wheelchair accessible
Information and comedy bookings: Nick Leonard, 415-533-9133; nickdammit@gmail.com

Just about every month, Ian presents a show, by himself, or with others, and they all are about gay male culture.
He often includes several centuries of such culture all at the same time.

Ian MacKinnon is a GLAAD Award-nominated performance artist who has been working in Los Angeles since 2005.
His solo show series “The Gay Hist-Orgy” toured throughout California at theaters and universities.
He curates many “queer” performance events including the annual Adonis Project, as well as the monthly LGBT experimental performance event “Planet Queer.”
Ian has been leading his “Get More Gay Performance Workshops” in Los Angeles since 2012.

Ian MacKinnon, imackinn1@hotmail.com