You might find it hard to believe, but there are a lot of queers who like to get up on a stage. And even more who enjoy watching them perform their various and sundry acts.[rssbreak]
Here are some queer-friendly shows that might appeal to specific crowds. See listings.
HEY MARILYN (till June 26, Jane Mallett)
What: a revival of Cliff Jones’s musical (originally commissioned by CBC Radio!) about Marilyn Monroe (played by Isabelle Kiraly), a community icon whose candle in the wind continues to burn decades after her death.
Target audience: Old-school Hollywood glamour queens.
CHEAP QUEERS (Till June 26, Buddies in Bad Times)
What: A multidisciplinary, multi-ethnic and multi-outrageous cabaret of music, dance, comedy, performance – and everything that falls between the cracks.
Target audience: Those with short attention spans who appreciate big talent. With shameless acts like musician Kelly Clipperton & his MANBand, dancer Nova Bhattacharya and comic performer Deb Filler, you get more than your money’s worth.
GUESS WHO’S COMING TO SABBATH (June 25, Al Green Theatre)
What: a staged reading of Phil Pivnick’s Canadian Jewish Playwright Competition winner about parents whose son comes out for more than just chicken soup. Director David Gale’s used to working with food and laughs, having chatted up dozens of cooking bubbes in TV’s Loving Spoonfuls.
Target audience: Anyone who’s thought, “Oy vey!” when bringing a same-sex partner home to meet the family.
HOMO NIGHT IN CANADA (June 27, Buddies in Bad Times)
What: The always fabulous Richard Ryder hosts a night of some of the best gay and lesbian comics in the country, including Dawn Whitwell, Ted Morris, Mae Martin, Susan Fischer and David Tomlinson.
Target audience: People – straight or queer – who’ve cringed at homophobic jokes in mainstream comedy clubs.
THE MAIDS (Till June 27, Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace)
What: Gay playwright and thief Jean Genet explores power and class in the tale of a mistress and her two servants. Expect lots of role-playing and vicious games.
Target audience: The anti-Will & Grace crowd, who still find Genet and his double outsider’s take on society fascinating.
JON KAPLAN/GLENN SUMI
