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.

The Bacchae Todd Kubrak, Mario Simone, Ryan Spahn, Mike Tauzin, Colbert Alembert, Michael Taylor Gray photo: Kurt Boetcher

“The Bacchae” is a superb adapted by Allain Rochel of the Greek tragedy by Euripides. It has relevance to our own warring nation, and the hedonism of some within our own community.

The Chorus — Colbert Alembert, Todd Kubrak, Mario Simone, Ryan Spahn, and Michael Taylor Gray — are a fantastic ensemble, speaking with precision. Michael Sheppard is a playful, yet vengeful, Dionysus. Daryl Keith Roach plays Cadmus, and Bobby Reed plays Tireseas, with humor and agility. Michael Tauzin plays the faithful lover/servant Quintus earnestly, and Bob Simpson plays the priggish, intolerant King Pentheus admirably.

This is the first theater piece that the new company at The Celebration Theatre in Hollywood has completely developed, and it is a fabulous beginning. AD Michael Matthews has directed a frenzied menage of action, wit, and horror.
323-957-1884

Another epic tragedy plays at The Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. “The Dogeaters” by Jessica Hagedorn was produced in 2004 by Playwrights Arena, TDRZ Productions and SIPA (Search To Involve Philippino Americans) to acclaim. This transformed show has the monumental scope and dynamics of the original production.

It is a novella, a drama, with many interlocking stories, adeptly directed by Jon Lawrence Rivera. The entire ensemble, of what seems like a cast of hundreds, is marvelous: from Joey Sands, the gay hustler poignantly played by Ramon de Ocampo; to the wise bar owner/drag performer Perlita, deliciously portrayed by Ivan Davila; to the decadence of Werner Fassbinder, aptly done by Nick Salamone.

Other performances of note were: Esperanza Catubig as Daisy Avila, the beauty queen turned revolutionary; and Natsuko as the elegant but sinister Imelda Marcos. “The Dogeaters” blends history, culture, politics, sex and what is home through the eyes of Rio Gonzaga, splendidly played by Elizabeth Pan, who returned to her homeland from America. This is a must see production!
213-628-2772

The solo show “Confessions of A Mormon Boy” with Steven Fales is making its West Hollywood premiere at The Coast Playhouse. The show was a hit off-Broadway telling the story of a gay man who marries, has children, is excommunicated from the Mormon church, and ends up as an escort and actor in New York City.
800-595-4849

“Wicked,” the mega musical about the witches of Oz by Stephen Schwartz, is coming to The Pantages in Hollywood for its Los Angeles premiere in February, 2007, for an extended run.
213-363-3500

The new national tour of Lerner and Loewe’s “Camelot” started at The La Mirada Playhouse in January, starring Michael York as Arthur. Adapted, the show downplays the role of Mordred but it is a delight to see the show again as it wends its way across the country.