The California Senate passed a proposed state constitutional amendment to secure marriage equality 31-0 with bipartisan support on Thursday. Assembly Constitutional Amendment 5 (ACA 5), authored by Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Silicon Valley) and Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), would amend the California Constitution to protect the fundamental freedom to marry and remove the unconstitutional and discriminatory language from Proposition 8. Doing so would help safeguard against any future attempts to restrict marriage rights for same-sex or interracial couples.
“Today, with bipartisan support, we are one step closer to ensuring marriage equality as a fundamental right in California. ACA 5 will give voters the opportunity to remove a black stain from the California constitution,” said Assemblymember Evan Low. “California is ready for love, and these protections will protect against any future attempts to restrict marriage rights for same-sex and interracial couples.”
“Next fall, Californians will reject the assault on LGBTQ rights that bigoted, ideological Justices have launched from the Supreme Court,” said Senator Scott Wiener. “The bipartisan support for this amendment shows once again that inclusion remains a core value across ideological lines in our state. I look forward to working with this incredible coalition to advance this critical protection.”
71% of Americans — an all-time high, including majorities of voters across the political spectrum — support the freedom to marry for same-sex couples.That’s why ACA 5 has received overwhelming bipartisan support in the California Legislature — the Assembly passed ACA 5 on June 26, with no members voting against the measure. And in the Senate it also passed with no members voting against the measure.
ACA 5 is set to appear on the November 2024 ballot and requires majority approval from California voters to amend the constitution. In the coming months, a broad coalition of civil rights organizations and labor groups, including Equality California, will launch a statewide campaign to secure the passage of this critical measure.
“Today is a historic day for our community, for California, and for the cause of justice and equality everywhere,” said Equality
California Executive Director Tony Hoang.
“California should always protect fundamental civil rights for all people and ACA 5 is a critical step toward fulfilling that commitment. This wouldn’t be possible without the broad bipartisan support and commitment to love and fairness of our partners in the Legislature. We’re deeply grateful to Assemblymember Low, Senator Wiener and the entire Legislative LGBTQ Caucus for their leadership in this fight.”
“California has long been at the forefront of progressive change, ensuring every Californian, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, is treated with
to repeal Prop 8 once-and-for-all, and we urge every Californian to vote for ACA5 when it appears on the ballot.”
“The repeal of Prop 8 is one critical step toward ensuring lived equality for all Californians,” said Becca Cramer-Mowder, Legislative Advocate for ACLU California Action. “We look forward to working with a broad coalition of LGBTQ+ community members and allies on this ballot campaign, as well as other efforts to address the violence, discrimination, and injustice LGBTQ+ and particularly transgender people are still grappling with today.”
ARTS EDITOR
the respect, dignity, and fairness they deserve,” said California Lieutenant Governor, Eleni Kounalakis. “Today’s Senate vote sends a powerful message of support for our LGBTQ+ community and reaffirms our state’s unwavering commitment to the fight for equity, inclusion, and the right to love.”
“Proposition 8 has been a stain on our state’s constitution for nearly twenty years. It is long past time that we correct this injustice and remove this shameful and outdated provision from our law,” said NCLR Executive Director Imani Rupert-Gordon. “In November 2024, voters have the opportunity
“All Californians deserve to know that their marriages are secure and recognized in the eyes of the law,” said Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson. “California legislators have sent a clear message: LGBTQ+ peoples’ lives and love are valid and supported. We strongly urge all Californians to vote in favor of passing this constitutional amendment, which is an important step to ensuring that marriage equality is protected. As we witness an unprecedented and dangerous spike in anti-LGBTQ+ legislative assaults sweeping statehouses across the nation, we must keep up the fight to ensure everyone in our community has full equality, without exception.”
Equality California is the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization. We bring the voices of LGBTQ+ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ+ people. We advance civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating, and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve. www.eqca.org
Chris Allan Matthew Burlingame
Diana Kienle
Chris Narloch
Lauren Pulido
Ron Tackitt
PHOTOGRAPHY
71% of Americans — an all-time high, including majorities of voters across the political spectrum — support the freedom to marry for same-sex couples.
Extremist school board forcibly removes State Superintendent of Public Instruction, LGBTQ+ students, and Equality California staff from meeting.
Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from Executive Director Tony Hoang after the vote by the Chino Valley USD Board of Education to adopt a policy that will forcibly out transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming students — who may use different names and pronouns at school than those they were assigned at birth — to their parents without the student’s consent:
“Equality California is appalled and alarmed by the level of blatant homophobia and transphobia leveled against LGBTQ+ youth by the Chino Valley Unified School Board yesterday evening. With LGBTQ+ youth around the country under attack, the school board put their most vulnerable students in harm’s way with their dangerous vote to forcibly out trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming youth without their consent. The policy they passed last night is dangerous and in direct opposition to recommendations made by the California Department of Education.
In an ideal world, all LGBTQ+ students would have supportive homes with parents and guardians that are positive and active partners in conversations around gender identity and sexual orientation. Unfortunately, we know that’s not the case. According to the Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, 51% of transgender and nonbinary youth identified school as a gender-affirming space, while only 32% said the same of their homes. LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to be housing-insecure, and engage in selfharming behavior — particularly if they don’t feel they have a supportive family environment.
At yesterday’s meeting, the rhetoric and behavior of many of the board members,
especially Board President Sonja Shaw, was dangerous and unfit for an elected official. Shaw and fellow members referred to LGBTQ+ students as being mentally ill, a harmful and wildly false statement to make in front of students attending the meeting. They also forcibly removed meeting attendees who did not agree with their extremist agenda, including State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, Chino Valley USD students, and Equality California staff members. Shame on them.
One of the major proponents of this misguided policy change is California Assemblymember Bill Essayli, who earlier this year attempted to pass AB 1314, which would have implemented forced outing policies statewide, also attended this meeting amid his push to make the existence of LGBTQ+ youth a partisan issue. Equality California was proud to work with our partners in the legislature to defeat this cruel legislation before it even left committee.
Equality California is committed to advocating for the well-being of all LGBTQ+ students in California and will continue to closely monitor the actions of school districts around the state. We will hold elected officials who use their positions to bully and harm our youth accountable for their actions.”
The Sacramento Community Police Review Commission, in collaboration with the Sacramento Police Department, is hosting two community meetings this week to discuss SPD’s military equipment use policy.
The meetings will be held: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 27, at Hagginwood Community Center (3271 Marysville Blvd.)
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Saturday, July 29, at Hart Senior Center (915 27th St.)
The public is invited to attend and participate in the community meetings. Free food and childcare will be provided at both events.
“The purpose of these conversations is to seek input, transparency and greater understanding of the mutual needs of community and police, leading to equitable balance,” said Graciela Castillo-Krings, chair of the Sacramento Community Police Review Commission.
The meetings will include opening remarks, a presentation by SPD on military equipment use, a Q&A session, break-out sessions and closing comments.
Both meetings will be moderated by a neutral third-party mediator provided by Sacramento State University.
California Assembly Bill 481 requires law enforcement agencies to obtain approval of the applicable governing body (such as City Council) by adoption of a military equipment use policy prior to taking certain actions related to the funding, acquisition or use of military equipment as defined by the legislature.
The Sacramento Community Police Review Commission was established for the purpose of providing recommendations to the Mayor and City Council on bias-free policing and the implementation, evaluation, and sustainability of efforts intended to strengthen communitypolice relations.
The Sacramento Police Department greatly values community feedback and remains
The Sacramento History Museum located in Old Sacramento State Historic Park is proud to debut a newly created exhibit titled Mómtim Péwinan, River People that was curated by the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Exhibits and Collections Center. The all-new exhibit officially opened to the public on July 22 and will remain on display permanently on the Museum’s third floor in the Community Gallery. The exhibit features items specifically made for this exhibit, including four fullsized mannequins dressed in seasonal attire – plus regalia, tools, instruments, and games, all created by today’s tribal artisans using the techniques and knowledge of their ancestors.
The Sacramento History Museum stands on Nisenan land, in Nísem Péwinan territory, where many of the materials in this exhibit were gathered. The artwork and elements in the new exhibit combine research and inspiration, showcasing the artful innovations of the makers, who hail from numerous tribal communities throughout the region. Though all these families uphold their own distinct traditions, languages, and cultures, they utilize many of the same natural materials found in the Central California landscape. The community is encouraged to explore and learn about contemporary Nisenan culture and how today’s artists and culture bearers maintain the old ways through the practice of Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Sharing this continued resourcefulness is a way to provide
For more information about the Mómtim Péwinan, River People exhibit or the Sacramento History Museum, please visit www.sachistorymuseum.org.
The Sacramento History Museum is supported by the Sacramento History Alliance, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that also manages the Sacramento Visitors Center, Old Sacramento Underground Tours, Gold Fever! Games, Anytime Tours, and Living History Programs, and works collaboratively with the City of Sacramento to support the Center for Sacramento History. For more information about the Sacramento History Museum and Sacramento History Alliance, please visit www.sachistorymuseum.org.
Livability.com announces the release of its 10th annual Top 100 Best Places to Live list celebrating the best small and mid-sized communities across the U.S. The list is based on extensive research into relocation trends, economic variables and factors that influence quality of life. Elk Grove’s local economy, health and well-being and environmental stewardship help it place on the list. It’s one of only two California cities on the list. Additionally, Elk Grove has the highest overall score of any city on the list in the environment category.
Find out more about why Elk Grove made the list here: https://livability.com/best-places/2023-top-100-best-places-to-live-in-the-us/elk-grove-ca/
Elk Grove, CA, Named on Livability.com’s Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S.
For over thirteen years, the Homeless World Cup (HWC) has forever changed the lives of its participants, including coach and former player Lisa Wrightsman.
“When people come to an event like this, there’s a sense of freedom. There’s no judgment, it’s very inclusive. So, for a little while you can feel what you want it to feel like all the time, and it can be a point of reference,” says 42-year-old Wrightsman, who is originally from Elk Grove.
A former Sac State soccer star and now Managing Director of Street Soccer USA: Sacramento, Lisa shares her life with spouse Tiffany Fraser, another Hornet’s soccer standout and now Chief of Staff for Street Soccer USA. Together they helped bring the HWC to Sacramento this month.
It was the first time in the organization’s 20-year existence that a U.S. city has hosted the annual event. This year’s competition gathered over 300 athletes from 30 nations in a powerful display of skill and resilience.
Participants must be at least 16 years old, have not played in a previous Cup, and been
homeless during the past year. There are also provisions for asylum seekers and people in rehabilitation programs. This year’s athletes were housed on Sacramento State’s campus during the one-week tournament.
Wrightsman knows firsthand about triumphing over adversity. After her dreams of a professional soccer career faded, she struggled to find her way and her meth addiction finally landed her in jail in 2009. She started her recovery and then everything changed when she had a chance to join Street Soccer USA.
“I was about nine months sober, and to have an opportunity like that and be selected by people who wanted to do something for me… it was kind of wild,” she says. By 2010, she was representing the United States at the Homeless World Cup in Brazil.
“The tournament changed my life,” says Wrightsman. “I felt like I was still
accomplishing dreams that I had to leave behind.”
This year, she coached the U.S.A. women’s team to a fifth place finish out of 12. The men ended up 11th out of 28th. Powerhouse teams from Chile and Mexico took home first and second places in both categories.
Regardless of the team’s final placements, Wrightsman knows that players’ lives have been changed in very significant ways.
“All they want to do is learn and be better. And if you ask them what they do, they would tell you they were a soccer player. They don’t say ‘I am a homeless player,’ and they aren’t going to a ‘homeless practice.’ They’re going to soccer practice.”
To get to this level, Wrightsman notes that players are also working hard on their personal goals off the field. Notably, the tournament supports the participants with access to healthcare, education, employment opportunities, and social services.
As a lesbian, Wrightsman is also aware of how the event can impact homeless LGBTQ+ individuals who face a double
article
and photos by Chris Allan
stigma. She says the HWC provides a safe space for people to find acceptance and support.
“I had to deal with these feelings, and I didn’t realize that they were about not belonging, of shame,” she remembers.
“There’s a really big lack of understanding of how someone ends up homeless. Especially with the LGBTQ community and transgender, it’s a whole other level of trauma.”
Wrightsman encourages support for the homeless community by attending events like the Homeless World Cup. This way, she says, people gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness and the potential for change through sports and community support.
“Seeing, understanding, learning about people will help us to design better solutions,” she believes. “Seeing what somebody can achieve and become with the right resources? Like that’s f**king exciting to me!”
This one is fun, and you don’t even have to say a word. Just leave a pen lying around. We can all do that, right? Maybe in a doctor’s waiting room, at the grocery check-out, those center tables inside banks, or even leave a small handful in a library or bookstore. Everyone loves a free gift. Why not send your little activist message imprinted on a free pen someone happens to find? It’s easy. You’ll be long gone by the time someone finds it.
What would you print on a pen for others to find? Something inspirational? Something humorous? What about a little activist message to get people thinking in more openminded ways, perhaps about LGBT+ rights or respect? Let’s think of some:
“This pen is always write.”
“My kingdom for a verse!”
“Pens don’t work without drag!”
“Clicks Not Cliques”
“This Pen Accepts Everyone.”
“Be Fabulous!”
“Left-Handed Pen”
“Diversity, Equality and Inclusivity”
“The + in LGBTQ+ Might Be You”
“I’m Your Pen Now. Gotta Love Me.”
“Free Pen from a Fabulous Guy”
“This Pen Writes Flamboyant. Try It.”
“Make Fabulous People Your Role Models.”
To create your own, search online for “custom pens”. You will find a lot of options.
You might even have a local printing shop able to put messages on pens, too. (Local purchasing is always better for our
neighborhoods, right?) Some places allow you to purchase just a single pen, while others might have minimums such as 50 or even 500. Costs vary from as low as $0.18 for bulk stick pens, up to a dollar or more for a low quantity of very nice gel pens with comfort cushions. Great assortments are out there, in a variety of prices, materials, features, looks, and inks.
I have no affiliation with these, but they came up in a search online: 4imprint.com (500 at $0.18 for a stick pen, also have nice Gels)
Vistaprint.com (can buy a single one for $2.99, cheaper in bulk)
Pens.com (50 at $1.39, nice variety of click pens)
Pensxpress.com (50 at $0.68. I like the Orbit Swizzle.)
For a local shop, try American Logowear, Things Remembered, The Print Center, Tops Pens & Promotional Products, Staples Printing. Send me a photo! And a story if you have one! Thanks for considering it! Little Activisms encourages readers to consider small changes we can make to help social causes, and to feel good about ourselves for taking small risks. Judy Saint is President of the Greater Sacramento Chapter of Freedom From Religion Foundation and author of The Pleasant Atheist Adult Coloring Book available on Amazon.
Cirque du Soleil returns to Golden 1 Center in Sacramento this August 3-6 with “Corteo,” one of their most popular, classic productions.
I had the pleasure of speaking by phone with one of the handsome acrobats in the show, Victor Huusko, who is thrilled to be touring the globe with the Canadian company, which is the largest contemporary circus producer in the world.
Originally from a small town outside Helsinki, Huusko is a charming chap who already has his dream job, with Cirque du Soleil, at the tender age of 26. Read on for our interview.
Where is Corteo currently, Victor?
I’m in St. Paul, Minnesota right now, and then we travel around the U.S. and Canada with the show for the next year and a half, followed by a short stint in Mexico. We were in Croatia and Europe last year.
How long have you been with Cirque du Soleil?
About a year and a half, but I was with other circuses before that.
So Corteo is a reboot of a classic Cirque show, correct?
That’s right. It was a big top show, and now they have put it in an arena format, with new stuff added, so even if you’ve seen it before, you probably haven’t seen this revamped version. In my opinion, it is the
best or one of the very best of the Cirque du Soleil touring shows.
Corteo is your first show for them. What was it like getting hired by Cirque du Soleil?
It was a shock getting in here, but it’s amazing. There is a lot of competition, so it was a big, big surprise for me, even though I had quite a bit of experience before Cirque. They are the very top in my line of work.
How did your interest in the circus arts begin? Did you want to be an acrobat from a young age?
No, I didn’t really know about it until a friend of mine asked me to go with her to apply to train at a circus school in Finland when I was 16 or 17. It wasn’t even my idea, but I got accepted, and here I am ten years later, with Cirque du Soleil.
Were you an athletic, daredevil kind of kid before that?
No. I was afraid of heights as a child so my parents couldn’t believe it at first when I told them I wanted to move far from home to go to circus school.
Does that get hard? All the travel and being away from your family and
by Chris Narlochfriends for so long?
It’s bittersweet. I love to travel, and I get back to see my family and friends for two or three weeks a year, but I do miss them in between. Luckily, there is FaceTime and so many ways to connect nowadays so that helps a lot.
Is Cirque du Soleil supportive and inclusive when it comes to people who are different or queer or whatever?
Yes. I feel that no matter where you are from or who you are, there is respect for people from other countries and lifestyles. You might have different beliefs, but you always have each other’s back. It’s like a family in that way. You can learn more about “Corteo” at: www.cirquedusoleil.com/usa/sacramento/ corteo/buy-tickets
by Ethan Mordden
reviewed by Terri Schlichenmeyer
You had to look around you and check your seat. Yep, you were still in a theater in a large building, fanny planted in a dusty red seat. You weren’t in a Brooklyn tenement or a castle, or at a society party but the performance you caught made you think you were, at least for a couple hours. As they say, and as in the new book, “Gays on Broadway” by Ethan Mordden, the play’s the thing.
Perhaps not surprisingly, the LGBTQ history of the Great White Way “starts with drag queens.” In the earliest parts of the twentieth century, many comedies were written “specifically calling for a male character forced to disguise himself as a woman,” often to the delight of audiences. Still, any overt mention of such things was forbidden then.
By the 1930s, Mordden says, “our tour mostly starts now.” Not only were audiences treated to titillating hints of gayness that were barely concealed, but the “odd gay character” often showed up in plays on purpose. And yet, behind the scenes, few gay or lesbian actors dared to come out; many of them, instead, entered “lavender marriages.”
In 1942, New York’s “Wales Law,” a sort of Hays Code for Broadway, shut down a “salute to vaudeville,” putting all of Broadway on notice. Even so, “gay characters did turn up in a few postwar titles.” This was, after all, a time when Tennessee Williams’ hand was all over theater – especially with what Mordden calls his “Beautiful Male” character: shirtless, buff, and highly memorable for gay audiences.
In the 1950s, Williams’ influence was joined by some “honestly gay characters” onstage, and by the talents of Tallulah Bankhead, who “maintained a strong association with camp humor.” By the 1960s, “gay characters were everywhere on
Broadway,” the word “gay” was acceptable, and the adventurous theatergoer could find nudity off-Broadway.
A decade later, though Broadway was “still partly stuck in stereotype mode,” says Mordden, “now it was the turn of gay people.”
You’ve seen your favorite play... how many times? You’ve followed a handful of actors from off-Broadway to on, and you’ve discovered some intriguing talent. And now you need “Gays on Broadway” to fill in the gaps of your knowledge and to see how it all began.
Starting more than a century ago –before movies were a thing and TV was invented – author Ethan Mordden acts as a sort of usher as he takes readers on a trip that goes both back- and on-stage. Mordden casually but constantly name-drops, and it’s good to see often-forgotten actors mentioned in a way that may spur you to learn more about actors and their long-ago plays. He also delightfully highlights the cleverness of actors and writers who winked at audiences when «gay» was a bad word.
Almost as much fun as collecting playbills, almost as good as a seat behind the orchestra, this is one of those books that theater-goers will want to take to the show to read during intermission. Get “Gays on Broadway” and take a seat.
ainbow Chamber of Commerce had a great time at our first-ever Drag Queen Bingo at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Sacramento! Located just a short 30-40 minute drive North of Sacramento, in Wheatland, it was well worth the trek. Our fabulous queens hosted and performed for the bingo players and everyone had a super fun time. Especially in our photo booth by Smiles and More, for more info visit them on the interweb at: https://smphotobooth.com If you missed out on this fun time, you can always join RCC at their regularly scheduled Drag Queen Bingo, the 1st Thursday every month at Mango’s in Midtown, where we host and support a different charity each month.
by Chris Narloch
Their unlikely friendship made perfect sense after the fact. Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga connected and became fast friends over their love of classic jazz and the Great American Songbook. The pair released two jazz albums, toured the world together, and closed out Bennett’s career with an amazing final concert at Radio City Music Hall.
Amazing because by that time, Bennett, who died recently at the ripe old age of 96, was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, which robbed him of much of his memory but not his musical memory.
Lady Gaga said that as soon as he hit the stage and saw the crowd for his final shows, his performance skills and ability to remember lyrics returned, and the old Tony was back.
I was fortunate enough to see Lady Gaga’s jazz show in Las Vegas several years back, and darned if Tony didn’t pop in briefly to sing with his buddy, a surprise appearance that understandably drove the crowd wild.
Bennett, of course, was a legend in music long before Lady Gaga was even born, but their mutually beneficial musical partnership brought Tony to the attention of Gaga’s millions of “little monsters,” many of whom had probably never heard of him before.
Bennett, who was born and raised in New York City, will probably be remembered most for his tribute to another great city. Tony turned an obscure song entitled “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” into one of the most memorable and famous popular songs in music history.
I’m sure Lady Gaga was brokenhearted to hear the news of her friend’s passing, but their bond and Tony Bennett’s incredible legacy will endure for many, many years to come.
If you find yourself in the vicinity of New York City anytime this year and you are a fan of Stephen Sondheim’s masterpiece musical “Sweeney Todd,” get thee to the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on W. 46th Street and witness theatrical history being made.
That blockbuster musical is receiving a time capsule-caliber revival starring Josh Groban as Sweeney and Annaleigh Ashford as Mrs. Lovett that is probably the finest production of the show since the
legendary original Broadway cast that featured Len Cariou and Angela Lansbury.
The incredible leads are assisted by a dynamite supporting cast that includes
Ruthie Ann Miles, Daniel Yearwood and Gaten Matarazzo (from “Stranger Things”). Additionally, this production features a fantastic 26-piece orchestra plus direction by the masterful Thomas Kail, who helmed a little show named “Hamilton” that you might have heard of.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Tony
by Chris NarlochAward-winning musical’s story, it involves meat pies and murder and is essentially about how revenge is almost always a soulless dead end.
This revival is so good that it is worth flying across the country and building a trip around.
Tickets are currently on sale through Jan. 14, 2024. For more information, visit https://sweeneytoddbroadway.com
by Chris Narloch
Take your pick between two wacky plays on Sacramento stages – one a slapstick play-within-a-play and the other a musical about a famous dysfunctional family – or see them both.
I grew up on Charles Addams’ deliciously dark cartoons in The New Yorker and have been a diehard Addams Family fan ever since. I have also seen the movies inspired by his source material, including the animated ones.
So it is with great anticipation that I await the Music Circus production of the recent musical tribute to America’s favorite misfit family.
The award-winning show is based on some of the characters created by Charles Addams in his single-panel drawings, which depict a ghoulish American family with an affinity for all things macabre.
The Broadway at Music Circus premiere of “The Addams Family” plays through July 30, 2023, at the UC Davis Health Pavilion. For more information, go to www.broadwaysacramento.com
One of the most successful farces of the 21st century, “The Play That Goes Wrong” follows an amateur theatre group, The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society, who get their first big break performing the play “The Murder at Haversham Manor.”
If you’ve ever seen “Noises Off” or any other farce set in a theater, then you know that the company’s big break turns instead into a big disaster, at every turn. Doors get stuck, scenery falls apart, and fires break out in mid-performance.
The show must go on, however, and the cast is determined to finish the play if it kills them, which just might happen.
Created by the celebrated Mischief Theatre Company, “The Play That Goes Wrong” is a modern classic that will have Sacramento audiences howling with laughter.
You can see “The Play That Goes Wrong” from Aug. 9—Sept. 10, 2023, at B Street Theatre. Visit: bstreettheatre.org
by Chris Narloch
Movie hype being what it is, you would think that the only films in theaters currently are the latest “Mission Impossible,” “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.” Believe it or not, there are several other worthwhile (even wonderful) movies in release, and Outword is here to break it all down for you.
Barbie
Hometown girl Greta Gerwig (“Ladybird”) has another cinematic home run under her belt with the director’s latest, a surprisingly subversive take on all things Barbie that is funny, feminist, and fantastic.
Along with her talented partner, the filmmaker Noah Baumbach, Gerwig has fashioned a smart script that alternately celebrates and spoofs the Barbie phenomenon with a layered approach that should appeal to young girls, adult women, gay men (and even straight men who are fans of one of the most beautiful and talented actresses of her generation, Margot Robbie).
Robbie is the perfect choice to play the title character, but the real surprise here is how funny and committed Ryan Gosling is as Ken. (All the haters who said the actor was wrong or too old to play Ken are going to have to eat their words now that the movie is out.)
In the movie’s Barbieland, the Barbies have the power, and the Kens are hunky accessories, until Robbie’s Barbie has an existential crisis that requires her to journey to the “real world,” where the Barbies unfortunately do not have all the power.
A subplot involving America Ferrera’s character and her daughter is generic, but most of the movie is fresh and very clever, and I loved the candy-colored production design and costume design, which turns the male characters into the sex objects for a change.
Oppenheimer
Sacramento moviegoers are blessed indeed to have one of only 30 locations worldwide with the capability to play the 600-pound IMAX 70mm reel necessary to present Christopher Nolan’s latest film in the format that he recommends you see it in.
I am talking about one of Sacramento’s cinematic jewels: the Esquire IMAX Theatre on K Street, which is one of only 19 locations in the U.S. screening “Oppenheimer” in true IMAX 70mm.
So how is the movie itself? Well, a three-hour film about the history of the atom bomb isn’t for everyone, and I think the first two hours are too dialogue-driven and drawn out. The last hour, however, is dynamite, and Nolan has assembled a fantastic cast.
The great Cillian Murphy may finally get the recognition he deserves after his towering performance as Robert Oppenheimer in this film, and there are at least half a dozen Oscar-worthy actors in the movie, including Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, Jason Clarke, and especially Robert Downey Jr., who does his best work in ages as the movie’s villain.
My advice is to go see the movie and make up your own mind about it. I didn’t agree with all of Nolan’s choices, but the director is swinging for the fences here, and when he pulls the story together in the last third of the movie, it’s something to see.
Funnyman Ben Platt shines in this laugh-out-loud comedy about the eccentric staff members of an upstate New York theater camp, who must band together when their beloved founder falls into a coma.
Since that founder is played by Amy Sedaris, the hilarious sister of David Sedaris, you know you’re in for a real treat. Of course, theater queens will especially love “Theater Camp,” but the jokes and sight gags come so fast and furious that I have a feeling this movie will appeal to a broader audience than that. (In other words, anyone who appreciates a funny film should enjoy it.)
“Theater Camp” opened at Sacramento’s Tower Theatre on July 21st.
There’s just one dream for the women of Ballygar, a village in County Galway, Ireland: to win a pilgrimage to the sacred French town of Lourdes. With a little benevolent interference from their local priest, a group of close friends get the ticket of a lifetime.
Set in 1967, “The Miracle Club” follows the story of three generations of close friends, and since two of those friends are played by Dame Maggie Smith and Kathy Bates, this film is automatically a must-see if only for its performances, which are uniformly excellent.
Throw in Laura Linney as the “black-sheep” daughter of those ladies’ late friend, and you have drama to die for. Sweet and moving, “The Miracle Club” is also slight and somewhat predictable. But as an excuse to watch three of the world’s finest actresses strut their stuff, I’ll take it. “The Miracle Club” was still playing at Tower Theatre as we went to press.
It will be bittersweet to see “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical” so soon after the legendary singer’s passing, but I wouldn’t miss it for the world, when the hit Broadway show performs in the Bay Area this summer.
The first thing to know is that the jukebox musical based on Turner’s rollercoaster life and career is no post-mortem cash grab. The show was authorized by Tina long before she died, and she even flew from her home in Switzerland in ill health to attend the musical’s Opening Night in New York City.
Lucky for us, the musical’s national tour has reached the West Coast and will grace the stage of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Theatre for four weeks this August 1-27.
An uplifting comeback story like no other, “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical” is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers to become the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits, this electrifying show is guaranteed to have you on your feet and singing along with her iconic hits.
One of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, Tina Turner won 12 Grammy Awards and her live shows were seen by millions, with more concert tickets sold than for any other solo performer in music history.
“Tina – The Tina Turner Musical” was written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall and directed by the internationally acclaimed Phyllida Lloyd. For more information, please visit www.broadwaysf.com/events/tina
The Tony Award-winning San Francisco Mime Troupe (SFMT), now in their 64th sensational season, returns to doing what they love and do best – free, live political musical theater all around Northern California.
SFMT’s current production is “Breakdown: A New Musical,” a comedic exploration of some serious and topical subject matter. Sometimes it’s not all just happening in your mind.
In an insane society how can we help those struggling with actual mental illness? And who is driving the country insane? The social worker drowning in the bureaucracy needed to help their unhoused client? Or the news anchor, who feeds anxiety with “breaking news” of daily atrocities and political scapegoating rather than the real “Who, What, Where and Why?”
You can check out this free production in Davis, on Thursday evening, Aug. 3, inside Richard Brunelle Performance Hall, at Davis High School. You must RSVP at: sfmt.org/davisrsvp
Every summer, we talk about how hot it is, but this year the heat is worse than ever. The future of our planet depends on taking immediate action to halt global warming. Remember, there are many things you can do to help, including voting for candidates who will truly lead the way in healing our planet. But, there’s no harm in having some fun along the way, and here are a few events to explore in the coming weeks.
Experience an evening of frivolity hosted by the fabulous DoMe Moore at the August Drag Queen Bingo on Thursday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. Join the fun at Mango’s, 1930 K St., as they raise funds for the Natomas Garden and Arts Club. Rainbowchamber.com.
Cirque du Soleil’s captivating arena production “Corteo” is set to dazzle audiences at the Golden 1 Center, 500 David J Stern Walk, from Aug. 3-6. This enchanting show has mesmerized over 10 million spectators across 20 countries and 4 continents since its premiere in 2005. Don’t miss this extraordinary experience! Golden1center.com.
Get ready for an evening of thoughtprovoking political musical theater as the Tony Award-Winning San Francisco Mime Troupe opens their 64th Season with “Breakdown: The Musical.” Join them on Thursday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. at Davis HS, Richard Brunelle Performance Hall, 315 W 14th St. in Davis. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience their renowned live free performances. SFMT.org.
Don’t miss the “Up Your Alley” event at Folsom St. in San Francisco on Sunday, July 30 from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Join leatherfolk in their finest gear and experience the heart of the kink/leather/alt sex communities. Show up and show out in your gear: leather, rubber, or whatever gets you off and enjoy an electrifying lineup of DJs, gogo dancers, and bondage & kink performers. Folsomstreetevents.org.
Prepare to be captivated by “Hello Gorgeous!” on Sunday, Aug. 6, at 3 p.m. as Rebecca Clark channels the spirit of Barbra Streisand, recreating her iconic performances from stage, screen, and television at the Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Pkwy. in Folsom. Expect an array of Streisand’s greatest hits and surprises that will keep you entertained throughout the evening. Don’t
miss this delightful celebration of one of the greatest entertainers of our time! Harriscenter.net.
Discover the powerful exhibition “A Gathering: Works from Contemporary Black American Artists” at the Crocker Art Museum. Running through Aug. 20, this curated showcase of sculptural and functional ceramics highlights the contributions of thirty-five Black American artists, showcasing their talent, history, challenges, and triumphs. Immerse yourself in their compelling narratives at Crocker Art Museum, 216 O St. Crockerart.org.
Discover your new best friend at the Pet Adoption Event hosted by Finding A Best Friend Rescue on Saturday, Aug. 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join us at Pet Food Express, located at 4710 Freeport Blvd., Ste. 110. Experience the unconditional love and companionship that pets bring to our lives. Petfood.express.
Experience the coolness of watching retro movie classics in a theater! Join us on Friday, Aug. 4, at 7 p.m. at Crest Sacramento, 1013 K St. for a special double feature of “Gremlins” and “Gremlins 2: The New Batch.” Also, get to see Zach Galligan live! Don’t miss this awesome cinematic event. Crestsacramento.com.
Experience the joy of community and the refreshing outdoor ambiance at Music in the Park, hosted by Sierra 2 Center. Join us on Sunday, July 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. at William Curtis Park. Bring a blanket, chairs, and a picnic (no alcohol please) to groove to live music, including The Green Grass Snakes. Sierra2.org.
Experience the compelling tale of “Ragtime” at UC Davis Health Pavilion, 1419 H St., from Aug. 8-13. The story follows three families on their journey towards the American Dream. Broadwaysacramento.com. For events, birthdays, and announcements, send them to matthew@hengemedia.com.
ADULT STORES
L’AMOUR SHOPPE 2531 Broadway, 916-736-3467l
AUTO DEALERS
ELK GROVE ACURA
ElkGroveAcura.com
866-345-7984
ELK GROVE AUDI
AudiElkGrove.com
866-345-7984
ELK GROVE DODGE, CHRYSLER, JEEP
877-399-4262 ElkGroveDodge.com
ELK GROVE SUBARU
877-360-0259 ElkGroveSubaru.com
ELK GROVE VOLKSWAGON
ElkGroveVW.com 888-427-5431
BARS / CLUBS
BADLANDS 2003 K St., 916-441-6823 SacBadlands.com
FACES 2000 K St., Sac, Faces.net
THE DEPOT 2001 K St., Sac, 916-441-6823 TheDepot.net
CHIROPRACTORS
HEALING TOUCH CHIROPRACTIC Dr. Darrick Lawson, 1919 21st St, Ste. 101, 916-447-3344 www.FixMyBack.com
COUNSELING
WEAVE 916-920-2952 (24/7) www.weaveinc.org
BANKS / CREDIT UNIONS
TRI COUNTIES BANK www.tricountiesbank.com
WELLS FARGO www.wellsfargo.com
DENTISTRY
ERIC GROVE, DDS KENDALL HOMER, DMD 9216 Kiefer Blvd., STE 5 916-363-9171 • grovehomerdentists.com
DINING/BEVERAGES
LA COSECHA 916-970-5354 LaCosechaSacramento.com
ROSCOE’S BAR & BURGERS 916-898-3631 Roscoes916.com
ScottsSeafoodontheRiver.com
SCOTT’S SEAFOOD - ON THE RIVER 916-379-5959 ScottsSeafoodontheRiver.com
DMV SERVICES
QUICK & EZ TITLE AND TAGS 3100 O Street, Sacramento 916-452-7777 • www.eztitleandtags.com
FINANCIAL PLANNING
MIDTOWN FINANCIAL Al Roche, 1750 Creekside Dr. Suite 215, 916-447-9220 MidtownFinancial.net
STEELE FINANCIAL PARTNERS
Judy Steele, Financial Advisor 916-846-7733 www.steelefp.com
HEATING & AIR
PERFECTION HOME SYSTEMS
916-481-0658 www.HotCold.com
HEALTH SERVICES
CAPITAL CITY AIDS FUND 1912 F Street, 916-448-1110 PlayButPlaySafe.org
ONE COMMUNITY HEALTH 1500 21st St., 916-443-3299 onecommunityhealth.com
RIVER BEND MEDICAL ASSOC. www.rbmafamilydocs.com
HOTEL/CASINO
HARD ROCK HOTEL AND CASINO HardRockHotelSacramento.com
LIBRARIES
FRIENDS OF THE SAC. PUBLIC LIBRARY 8250 Belvedere, Ste. E, 916-731-8493
MUSEUMS
CROCKER ART MUSEUM 916-808-7000 CrockerArt.org
OPTOMETRY
CAMERON YEE, O.D. 6407 Riverside Blvd., 916-395-0673 DrCameronYee@aol.com
PERFORMING ARTS
BROADWAY SACRAMENTO Safe Credit Union Performing Arts Center 916-557-1999 BroadwaySacramento.com
CREST SACRAMENTO 1013 K Street crestsacramento.com
MONDAVI CENTER UC Davis mondaviarts.org
SBL ENTERTAINMENT Sofia/B St. Theatre bstreettheatre.org sblentertainment.com
PEST MANAGEMENT
EARTH GUARD PEST SERVICES 916-457-7605 contact@earthguardpest.com
PHARMACY
PUCCI’S PHARMACY 3257 Folsom Blvd., 916-442-5891 www.puccirx.com
REAL ESTATE
COLDWELL BANKER Mark T. Peters, 916-341-7794 www.MarkPeters.biz
EXIT REAL ESTATE Carlos Sanchez, 209-646-9520
LYON REAL ESTATE Tanya Curry, 916-698-9970 TCurry.GoLyon.com
MCMARTIN REALTY Brian McMartin, 916-402-4160 brian@brianmcmartin.com McMartinRealty.com
WEDDING VENUES
GRANITE BAY GOLF CLUB Granite Bay, CA 916-791-7578 www.granitebayclub.com
