4 minute read
CALENDAR
from NOVEMBER 2022
QUEER THINGS to DO
For a weekly roundup of LGBTQ happenings, visit www.OutSmartMagazine.com
PHOTO BY AMITAVA SARKAR
STAGE November 25–December 27
HOUSTON BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER
Don’t kid yourself—the classic holiday ballet The Nutcracker might seem to be made for children, but the Houston Ballet production features some very grown-up dancing. Choreographed by artistic director Stanton Welch, an out member of the LGBTQ community, The Nutcracker has all the expected elements: a sugar-plum fairy, scampering mice, an enormous Christmas tree, dozens and dozens of holiday characters, wonderful music and, of course, a nutcracker. The show begins with lots of oohs and ahhs from the audience as the entire company—from the tiniest tots just starting to study ballet to the old pros—dance across the stage. The second half of the show is handed over to the young lions of the company, with each performance featuring a different pairing of ballet soloists as Clara and the Prince.
Check out our story, A Gay Man’s Guide to The Nutcracker, an interview with Houston Ballet first soloist Harper Watters on page 56.
tinyurl.com/4zjf5xmr
STAGE Thru November 6
TUTS’ THE SECRET OF MY SUCCESS
Theatre Under the Stars brings The Secret of My Success to the stage for its regional premiere. The uproarious comedy takes on corporate America and the ever-changing definition of success.
Out@TUTS night (our free party with some of the cast members after the show) is November 3. Hosted by Regina Thorne-DuBois, every Out@TUTS event includes free lite bites, drink specials, and live music while you mingle with your fellow musical-theater lovers.
tinyurl.com/yeapcund
FILM FESTIVAL November 10–17
HOUSTON CINEMA ARTS FESTIVAL
This year’s festival lineup includes outstanding documentaries, narrative films, and shorts being screened at various locations through the city. Don’t miss The Inspection, based on writer/director Elegance Bratton’s real-life experience. Jeremy Pope stars as a young gay Black man who joins the Marines determined to succeed in the brutal military system. tinyurl.com/3jx77mx4
STAGE Thru November 11
HOUSTON GRAND OPERA’S THE WRECKERS
Bisexual composer Dame Ethel Smyth’s opera The Wreckers gets a rare full-scale production from the Houston Grand Opera. Smyth was open about her bisexuality and had a notable affair with author Virginia Woolf.
tinyurl.com/33kf2hpm
COMMUNITY November 11
2022 VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION PARADE
The City of Houston presents the annual Houston Salutes American Heroes Veterans Day Celebration with a rousing parade. Marching bands, local vets, ROTC groups, supporters, and local dignitaries will all be taking part.
tinyurl.com/2zdc5v2u
COMMUNITY November 5
CASINO NIGHT BENEFITING THE MONTROSE CENTER
Presented by OutReach United, Casino Night gives you a chance to hit the roulette wheel and blackjack table while helping a good cause.
tinyurl.com/yew3ncrc
MUSIC November 13
RINA SAWAYAMA
The queer Japanese-British singer-songwriter infuses her catchy pop anthems with UK garage and club beats, and adds hints of nu-metal and New Jack Swing. Expect a heavy dose of new tunes from her just-released Hold the Girl.
tinyurl.com/2aw2e54y
COMEDY November 3
QUEER IMPROV JAM
Work on your comedy chops at the free Queer Improv Jam, a workshop especially for LGBTQ performers, students, and allies. Hosted by Aaron Michaels, this is a safe space for open practice, not a show.
tinyurl.com/f4tmtjy
Improv host Aaron Michaels
STAGE November 12
AN EVENING OF SOUL WITH PATTI LA BELLE, GLADYS KNIGHT & STEPHANIE MILLS
Few women have contributed more to the lexicon of iconic drag anthems than Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, and Stephanie Mills. The trio’s concert tour comes to Houston this month.
tinyurl.com/2p82rwp7
STAGE November 11
FEMININE FRIDAY BURLESQUE SHOW
The female-owned Social Beer Garden HTX presents a free burlesque show dedicated to “womenpowerment” every Friday, featuring performers Gia Vaughna, Fox Monroe, Nikki Knockout, and others. 11 p.m.
tinyurl.com/5y75cz3x
STAGE November 18–December 30
ALLEY THEATRE’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL
This year’s production is a brandnew adaptation by artistic director Rob Melrose featuring ghosts disappearing into puffs of smoke, charming Christmas carols, and new scenes.
tinyurl.com/y3nfhexr
QUEERTHINGS to DO SAVE theDATES
DRAG SHOW Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in December
DIVA ROYALE DRAG SHOW
It’s a different show every night when Diva Royale hits the stage. Celebrity drag queens impersonating Madonna, Liza Minnelli, Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, and many others take turns entertaining while the audience enjoys a scrumptious dinner (7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays) or brunch (1:30 p.m. Sundays). Advance tickets only, and 18 years old and over, please.
tinyurl.com/bddt687a
NIGHTLIFE December 11
THE FREAKSHOW: KINKY CIRCUS & ARTIST MARKET
Celebrate Halloween in December when The Freakshow takes over Numbers Night Club. There will be local aerial performers, circus acts, food, and an artisan market offering unique handmade items, fetish gear, and more. Must be 18+.
tinyurl.com/5czm2epx
COMMUNITY December 31
QUIPPIE (QUEER + HIPPIE) RISE: NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
Expect the unexpected—the really unexpected—on New Year’s Eve. Enjoy a vegan-infused meal, live alternative music, yoga, tarot cards, intention-setting, and conscious connections. Start 2023 off right with the proper hip mindset.
