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Welcome to the Archive Version of the online On the Purple Circuit, which ran from 2000-2021. Bill Kaiser founded the Circuit as a newsletter in 1991, and, in 2000, Demian joined as co-editor. Demian programmed the site, expanded the scope of the Circuit, as well as retouched all the images. Demian needed to stop working on the Purple Circuit in order to realize his other projects, such as publishing the book “Operating Manual for Same-Sex Couples: Navigating the rules, rites & rights,” now available on Amazon, and to publishing his “Photo Stories by Demian” books based on his more than 6 decades as a photographer and writer. QueerWise and Michael Kearns have committed to offering a continuation of the Purple Circuit. The new Web address is purplecircuit.org. Bill Kaiser continues as editor and can be reached at purplecir@aol.com Bill and Demian express their appreciation for the hundreds of writers, directors, actors, and publicists who sent their articles and play data. They have toiled mightily to bring our gay, lesbian, trans, and feminist culture into public view, and appreciation. |
| Bill Kaiser, founder (1991), publisher, editor - purplecir@aol.com - 818-953-5096 Demian, associate editor (2000), Web builder, image retouch (since 2003) Contents © 2022, Purple Circuit, 921 N. Naomi St., Burbank, CA 91505 |
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Los Angeles Scene by Bill Kaiser May 2006 |
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The theater scene continued at a fever pitch this Spring with shows about, and by, artists. Equinox First, there was a beautiful new play at the Odyssey in West LA by Joyce Sachs called “Equinox” directed by Jules Aaron. It presented an intriguing love triangle between Bloomsbury artists Vanessa Bell (Carolyn Hennesy) and Duncan Grant (Robert Stephenson) whose relationship is disrupted by the arrival of Mt. Everest mountaineer George Mallory (Ralph Lister). The acting, dialogue, bisexual theme, and set are all of the highest quality. It was a treat to view and hear. Elizabeth Rex Equally first-rate was the west coast premiere of “Elizabeth Rex” by Timothy Findley at the NoHo Arts Center. The Open at the Top Company has presented dazzling productions of “Dorian: The Musical,” “Angels in America,” and “Barnum.” It was a delight to see the sparring between the Virgin Queen and the actors of Shakespeare’s troupe in a barn on the night before the execution of the Queen’s closest friend, Essex. Karesa McElheny was exceptional as Elizabeth. Her principal adversary, the boy actor Ned, was played beautifully by David H. Fergusson. Jay Willick as Shakespeare naturally kept the plot moving, as he supplied lines for his audacious actors. This is a production not to be missed. Michaelangelo and Tommaso Also a classical note, I attended an interesting reading of “Michaelangelo and Tommaso, The Love Story Hidden 500 Years” by James Rosenfield at First Stage in Hollywood. Some great revelations about the artist, the church and the Renaissance. 1001 Beds Exceptional performer Tim Miller finally brought his latest work “1001 Beds” to Highways in Santa Monica. The show has been touring around the country, and will be going to San Diego, and South Orange, New Jersey in June. Tim has been defining performance art for decades, and, just when you think you have heard it all, he recounts new stories. This play focuses on the beds and hotels he has stayed at around the world. Tim is the best storyteller, and he weaves his stories with movement and skill that is unsurpassed. Also playing in LA area: “Zorba” - a rousing version at the Reprise! theater at UCLASo with all there is to see, follow The Purple Circuit motto and “see a GLBT show tonight!” |