Wednesday, November 30 at 7:30 pm. SEEKING THE LAST GAY MAN (BUSCANDO AL ULTIMO HOMBRE GAY) (Performed in Spanish with English subtitles) Hector Zavala stars in this bi-lingual solo show about the constant search for love, from the innocence of first love, to heartbreak, marriage and divorce. Digging through the layers of loneliness in all of us to find the acceptance hidden within. Tickets are $22 in advance, $25 at the door. https://www.caltheatre.com/wednesdayweirdness Our menu includes food from Belly, and local beer, wine and signature cocktails. Accessible to patrons in wheelchairs. 528 7th Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 707-664-PLAY.
Cheryl King is producer of the Wednesday Weirdness performance series at The California, the latest new nightspot in Santa Rosa.
She recently interviewed Hector Zavala about his new solo show, Buscando al Último Hombre Gay (Seeking the Last Gay Man) prior to his upcoming performance at The California on November 30. Hector’s answers provide not only a great preview for the show, but also a thoughtful examination of many hot-button issues in current culture.
CK: First a question about the title – What does it mean? Who is doing the seeking? And who is the last gay man?
HZ: When I first wrote the show I wrote it based on the experiences of five of my closest friends and myself. We began talking about our recent break-ups and questioned what it meant to be in a relationship, what we gave up during our relationships and what we wanted from a relationship. After all, we all wanted the same thing, to be gay–happy. After several workshops and rewrites I came to the conclusion that I wanted to talk about the search for happiness. All of us humans want to be happy, gay. In this story, I take humanity as a whole as seeking that last moment of happiness.
CK: In your show you share some of your first experiences as a gay man – actually as a gay 16-year- old. At what point in your life were you aware that you were different, that you liked boys more than girls? How did that manifest itself?
HZ: I always knew I was different, I know it may sound/read cliche, but it’s the honest truth. I still feel different. But my complete awareness came after my coming out, which is a story I talk about in my show. I was “pushed out” of the closet after a night of romantic exploration with another young man my age. That night I knew I was different, I wasn’t gay, I didn’t know what that was, but I was pointed out as different.
As for my attraction to boys, I can say that I’ve always been attracted to both boys and girls. I wanted to be around girls all the time, play with them, dance with them… with boys, I felt my sexuality was more intrigued by them. Since I was very young. My first exploration was at the age of six with a boy my age.
CK: Your show compares the desire for sweetness and intimacy with the desire for sex. How do those two drives work together? How do they conflict?
HZ: Yes, my show also touches on the search for validation. Sex is a big motivation for acceptance and validation in the gay community and culture. In the story, this character is conflicted by his yearning for a love that is sweet and intimate, yearning for a successful romantic relationship, but as we all know, we do not have many positive examples of successful gay couples in media. So in his search, this character is trying very hard to fit to the standards of a community that has been outcast, ridiculed, and marginalized.
CK: Like many people in our culture, you seem to have reached out for the rebound relationship. Do you think there is a value to taking more time after the ending of a relationship to get on solid emotional ground before seeking out a new partner?
HZ: I truly believe that we all have our own journey and we each do the best we can in our search for happiness. A rebound relationship, for me, was the best thing that could happen after my separation.
Imagine believing in a fairy-tale idea of marriage, add the Catholic belief that “marriage is forever” imposed by a matriarchal family and words like “You wanted to get married; now suffer the consequences”. I felt like the worst human after deciding to leave my husband; I needed that human interaction I got from a rebound relationship.
CK: How can self-love heal the wounds of too-casual sex?
HZ: Self love allows for space to make decisions based on what the self truly wants. Sometimes he/she wants casual sex, sometimes he/she wants a burger. Casual sex with out self love can be fogged by the external search for validation and that’s where the troubles begin.
CK: You recently performed this show in Mexicali. What was your audience response there? Did you make any changes to the show based on that Mexican tour?
HZ: Well.. my first run was back in 2019. It was in English and I had a very limited budget. It was produced in the Bay Area and performed at the Marsh, SOMArts and the Queer Arts Fest in SF. For the Mexicali performance, which was part of my tour throughout Mexico, I was able to increase the production value with sets, costumes, props and original music, with the same budget I had in the Bay Area performances. I also translated into Spanish with the aid of a dramaturg and added a whole new concept to the piece by hiring an up-and-coming director in Mexico City.
Many people in the audience waited for me at the end of the show to hug me and talk to me about how the show spoke to and about them, both female and male. I had to go back and schedule three more shows.
CK: What do you see as the differences between how the Mexican culture treats homosexuals versus how they are treated in the US?
HZ: I’ve been a resident of the US since I was very young. I grew up in San Jose, CA with my mother, which is where I accepted my queerness. I saw Heklina in drag on TV on the Ricky Lake show at the age of 12. Queer folk were begining to take a space in media and the community. MTV released “My So-Called life”, a reality show, with a young gay Latinx man who had HIV. Space was being carved out in the US for folks like me. When I moved to Mexico to continue with my higher education, I was faced with a brick wall. I “had to hide” my gayness. Two of my dearest friends were un-a-lived for being gay. Three others were beaten and taken to the hospital. I can not compare, it would be unfair, because I can also say that Mexico has legalized same sex marriage in every state in the last two years.
CK: How can parents support their homosexual children’s life dreams and hopes in a world that still has difficulty accepting homosexuality?
HZ: How? I’m not a parent. Nor do I want to be. Lol. But maybe I can speak for what I wish I had. My father was such an understanding, trusting and playful Dad, he sadly was un-a-lived in a tragic accident. I think back on the Christmas before he passed. He asked me what I wanted. I told him I wanted a boombox. He then said, “Are you sure, I know you get up late at night and use your mother’s sewing machine to make dresses for your sister’s dolls. Do you want your own? If you keep using your mother’s you may break it and she won’t be happy”.
Allow space for children to dream, imagine and play. Don’t judge. Life it’s just a game. We are all here to have fun and be happy.
CK: What message, if any, do you want your audiences to take with them after seeing Seeking The Last Gay Man?
HZ: Enjoy life. Life is but a series of stories we create in our mind. It’s much more fun when we play with others, live in the present with awareness and we share our experience and desires with our “cast members”.
Showtime is 7:30 pm. Tickets are $19-$22 at https://www.caltheatre.com/wednesdayweirdness
Once upon a time, in a secluded Brazilian fishing village, there lived two young women, dependable Helena and her ambitious younger sister, Belmira. It is three days before Belmira’s wedding, a wedding Helena dreads. The groom should have been hers! During a fierce lightning storm, instead of a net of fish for the wedding banquet, the groom and his future father-in-law pull a handsome, well-dressed man with a bandaged head from the murky Amazon River. Where did the unconscious man come from? Assuming the man fell from his boat, the family tends to him in their home. The bride…Read more here
The River Bride November 3-20, 2022by Marisela Treviño-Ortaoriginal music by Nathan Rieblidirected by Marty PistoneThe River Bride is an emotionally riveting play that blends Brazilian folklore and modern poetic storytelling. It offers a vivid sensory experience underscored by original music in native rhythms.
Join us to celebrate 50 years of live theater. Our Gala features a fashion show of costumes from all fifty6th Street Playhouse seasons.
Just in time for Halloween, costumes, carefully curated from our wardrobe department and representing a show from each of our fifty seasons, could be yours. You were wowed when Dolly stepped into the spotlight in this gown.Hello Dolly, 1981You saw Grease and wanted to be a Pink Lady. Now’s your chance. With your partner in the Thunderbird costume, you’ll really “go together” at that up-coming Halloween party.
Grease, 2000
You are bidding on the trip to France…You’ll need something fabulous to wear at Versailles!
The Revolutionists, 2018
Costumes on auction will be modeled while you dine. Make them yours!
Our silent auction will be online and you will have the opportunity to bid on exciting items, including costumes, beginning on Monday, October 17th at 9am until 7:30pm on October 22nd. Winners will be announced at the Gala. Bidders do NOT have to be present to win. Please remember to bring a personal device to access our online auction live during the evening. The live auction will feature special items like trips to Hawaii and France, VIP experiences at local wineries, restaurants… and more!
What to Expect at the Golden Gala The Gala is an indoor/outdoor event. Dress accordingly.Guests are encouraged to come in costume! 5 – 5:30 pm: Arrive and enjoy signature cocktails and wine while you check in to the event and receive your swag bag and bidding paddle5:30 – 6 pm: Enjoy live music in the Monroe and view our fabulous silent auction items.6 – 7 pm: Your buffet-style seasonal dinner, provided by Sally’s Tomatoes, begins. You’ll dine at elegantly decorated outdoor tables under a beautiful tent with delicious wine and a special surprise. You will be entertained by live music during the costume fashion show. You will have a chance to bid on them during dinner!7 – 7:30 pm: Our Live Auction Starts! Get ready to stretch your arms and raise your paddles high for exciting items like a trip to France, a trip to Hawaii, a lifetime subscription to the playhouse and many morefabulous items.7:30 – 8:00 pm: Winners will be announced for our Silent Auction and then we will transition into the GK Hardt Theater for our featured entertainment of the night, The Bruthas.8:00 – 10:00 pm: The Bruthas will have you dancing in the aisles and entranced by their skillful and soulful performance. There will be a 20 minute intermission where you can refresh your beverage and grab a sweet treat in the lobby.10:00 – 10:30 pm: We bid you goodnight! Don’t forget to check out with our greeting tables to pay for your treasures won at the live or silent auctions.
Saturday October 1 @ 7 pm. ZipLine Improv at Occidental Center for the Arts Amphitheater. Occidental native Laura Wachtel returns to OCA with ZipLine Improv, bringing you new hijinks, stories and songs all made up in the moment — led by your suggestions! ZipLine brings together some of the finest improvisers from around the Bay Area for your merriment. Tickets for this OUTDOOR event are $25 GA, $20 for OCA members at www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org . Bring your own seat cushion, wear layered clothing and enjoy our outdoor theater! Fine refreshments for sale, art gallery open during intermission. Accessible to patrons in wheelchairs. 3850 Doris Murphy Ct. Occidental, CA. 95465. 707-874-9392. Become an OCA Member for free and reduced ticket prices!
Come to the cabaret and the heady ‘anything goes’ world of Berlin in 1930. In the steamy, sleazy Kit Kat Klub on the eve of Hitler’s rise to power, is love possible? Jared Sakren, Playhouse Artistic Director, directs this daring and provocative musical in his signature style (West Side Story, Vincent, A View from the Bridge). It’s a treat for all of your senses.Expect lavish music, erotic dancing with tender and humorous moments building toward an alarming finale.
Cabaret September 15 – October 9, 2022 music by John Kander lyrics by Fred Ebbbook by Joe Masteroff directed by Jared Sakren
Come experience this latest rendition with fresh eyes!
“Playwright Kate Hamill has made a madhouse out of the Bennets’ world and it works wonderfully, filling the stage with delicious portraits of classic romance-novel characters.” —J. Peter Bergman, The Berkshire Edge
A rapturous romantic comedy, propelled by Austen’s sparkling characters and blazing wit.
Finding a husband is hardly Elizabeth Bennet’s most urgent priority. But with four sisters, an overzealous match-making mother, and a string of unsuitable suitors, it’s difficult to escape the subject. When the independent-minded Elizabeth meets the handsome but enigmatic Mr. Darcy, she is determined not to let her feelings triumph over her own good sense — but the truth turns out to be slipperier than it seems.
In a society where subtle snubs and deceit proliferate, is it possible for Elizabeth and Darcy to look beyond his pride and her prejudice, and to make the best match of all?
Pride and Prejudice
previews August 11
Monroe Stage
written by Kate Hamill based on the novel by Jane Austen directed by Laura Downing-Lee
Starring Matt Cadigan, Lauren DePass, Sierra Downey, Tim Hayes, Skyler King, Kristine Ann Lowry, Elijah Michael Pinkham, and Miranda Jane Williams
Emily Jansen-Adan stars as Alison in Left Edge Theatre’s premiere production of Fun Home, running September 3-18, at The California, 528 7th Street, in Santa Rosa. In this interview, they speak about Alison Bechdel’s powerful story and nonbinary identification.
Cheryl King: Alison Bechdel’s graphic novel was the source material for Fun Home. In your research for the role of Alison, what commonalities did you discover between the two of you?
Emily Jansen-Adan: The more I learn about Alison, the more I know there is both a lot we have in common, and not, at the same time. We are both lesbians and part of the queer community. And in that sense, almost any queer person can share in her experiences. The moments of not wanting to accept yourself for who you are. And the moments of truly realizing who you are, and coming to terms with that. We all have those moments and stories. I see a lot of myself in her. But the queer community is not monolithic, so it is important to me, as I am playing this character, based on a real life person, that I not only bring the realness that being queer does, but also, that I play it authentic to who she was, and her unique experiences in her life and this story.
CK: I note you use non-binary pronouns.. What are your thoughts regarding the cultural issues surrounding non-binary identification and have you had any personal experiences regarding that issue that you would care to share?
E J-A: I am non-binary, and I use They/she pronouns. I can only speak on behalf of myself, as every person who is part of the queer community is different and we all have our own experiences and perspectives.
I do find that a lot of people have a hard time with being able to understand what being non-binary is, both in the queer community, and outside of the queer community.
A lot of people have a hard time using they/them correctly, and that does make it really hard for me, and I am sure others as well. And I think it’s important for people to take the time to truly understand someone’s pronouns, and learn to use them the right way.
I think there is a big cultural shift, and we are seeing a lot more people being comfortable being themselves, and I think the beautiful thing about being non-binary is there is no finite way of being non-binary. Some people use only they/them for pronouns, some use only she/her, or he/him, or both, or all or none. Even the way we express ourselves is different for each person, and I find it really beautiful and inspiring.
CK: Regarding the issues of parents coming out to their children, what have you discovered about the relationship between Alison and her father (Bruce) in the course of rehearsals and homework on the topic? Can you relate any of that to your experience in life?
E J-A I think one of the most interesting things about Alison’s and Bruce’s story is the stark contrast between them. He lived a closeted and secretive life of being gay, up until his last days; and Alison came to terms with herself in college and has lived authentically since. Alison and Bruce have a very complex relationship, so there is a lot that comes into play when we are portraying this story.
I have a lot more in common with Alison specifically, as I was actually around the same age as she was when I “came out” to the world. I also grew up religious, and was a classic tomboy throughout my childhood, and find many commonalities to her life in that regard.
CK You are working with two younger actors who play Small Alison and Medium Alison. Have you done any particular work to align your interpretations of the character? What is that process like?
E J-A We just started rehearsals recently, so there hasn’t been a lot yet, but really it is just us all taking the time to really understand what Alison is feeling in each moment and stage of her life. We’ve been doing a lot of observing of each other, so we can kind of mirror each other in that regard.
CK: Left Edge Theatre has moved to a new location during the rehearsal process. Are you excited about being in the new space? What are you looking forward to?
E J-A This is actually my first performance with Left Edge Theatre. It is really cool though, to be in the rehearsal process in the new space, as they are still getting the space ready, so we are seeing the transformation of the new space day by day.
C.K. What has been your favorite experience in the rehearsal so far?
E J-A For me, this is my first time really being in a fully professional production, and my first time being the main role, so it’s all new for me. I guess my favorite thing, so far, has just been being in the same space and rehearsing with my fellow cast members and seeing the show start to come to life, as the show has a relatively small cast, so it is very important for us to all be on the same page.
CK: Is there anything you’d like to add?
E J-A: I think something cool to note is the cast has a lot of wonderful LGBTQ+ people putting on this show for everyone. I also think it is just so important to know that this show is based on a real-life lesbian person and her life, family, and her real life gay father who died by suicide. The story is very complex, and it shows the humanity in us all. Kleenex is definitely needed as this show will bring you on a roller coaster of raw emotions.
Emily has been doing theater off and on since they were a teen, making their debut on the Cinnabar Young Rep stage as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors (2012).
Their most recent credits include Fantine in Les Miserables (2019; Music to My Ears), and Gargoyle in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (2020; Music to My Ears).
Cheryl King is a frequent contributor to gaysonoma.com and is a producer for The California.
Saturday August 6 @ 7 pm. ZipLine Improv! at Occidental Center for the Arts Amphitheater. Occidental native Laura Wachtel returns to OCA with ZipLine Improv, bringing you new hijinks and stories (and maybe even a song or two) all made up in the moment — led by your suggestions! ZipLine brings together some of the finest improvisers from around the Bay Area for your merriment. Tickets are $20 GA, $15 for OCA members@ www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org; or at the door. Bring your own seat cushion and enjoy our outdoor theater! Fine refreshments, art gallery open, special needs/access please email info@occidentalcenterforthearts.org. 3850 Doris Murphy Ct. Occidental CA. 95465. 707-874-9392. OCA is a non profit performing and fine arts organization with volunteer staffing.
The tasteless, anti-LGBTQI+ comic Dave Chappelle performed five shows at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa. It is difficult to believe the LBC staff and board were unaware of Chappelle’s numerous anti-LGBTQI+ comments that are well-documented and for which he has offered no apologies. Chappelle identifies as a so-called “TERF (Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminist)” joining author J. K Rawlings in such dangerous hate speech. These people refuse to accept that we are in the position to declare our gender or lack thereof.
Netflix came under fire for producing and airing two Chappelle shows that feature anti-Trans comments. LGBTQI+ Netflix employees protested – some even quit. Days before the LBC shows comenced, a Minneapolis Chappelle show switched locations as a direct result of a protest organized after Chappelle referred to Monkeypox as “a gay disease.” Chappelle mocked the members of the local LGBTQI+ Community who brought about the move. The original venue apologized to the local LGBTQI+ Community for once welcoming Chappelle and his hate. Chappelle has never backed down, apologized or even reached out to better understand the concerns of he LGBTQI+ Community. Instead, he continues to mock our Community.
The Press Democrat revealed that mere weeks before the five July shows, Live Nation approached LBC with an offer LBC appears to have found unable to refuse. The LBC staff and board claim there was considerable conversation – considerable, but certainly brief and misguided. Did they notice how few dates Live Nation had booked for Chappelle? None in San Francisco or Oakland or Los Angeles. LBC thought they could sneak this past our Community. No doubt comedy venues in big cities find Chappalle as toxic as the LBC staff and board should have.
Luther Burbank Center for the Arts found it necessary to confiscate all audience cell phones before the Chappelle shows. I have attended too many LBC concerts to count but have never had my cell phone taken away before a show. They must have done this so no footage of his anti-LGBTQI+ vitriol would find its way onto social media identifying LBC as the location. Sorry, LBC, you are now forever linked to anti-LGBTQI+ comments.
Should the North Bay’s LGBTQI+ Community allow hate speech and inflammatory comments to be staged in our backyard? Make no mistake – this is not an attack on free speech or about censorship. This is about making LBC aware that Trans people are harmed and even killed as a result of such despicable comments. 2021 saw a record number of Trans-folks murdered. So far this year 57 have been murdered in the United States alone. We once valued this venue, but it’s decision to allow Chapelle a forum for his hate is unacceptable. The LGBTQI+ Community finds Dave Chappelle comments offensive, inflammatory and even deadly.
Let’s stand up to Hate Speech and inform those in power at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts we will boycott the venue. Some shy away from boycotts. If you are amongst them, at least express your opinion by contacting the people listed below.
Let the Staff and Board of Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, its sponsors, those who share the Center’s campus, and elected officials know that such Hate results in harm to members of the LGBTQI+ Community. Email and call, as many as possible and as often as possible.
Call to Action: BOYCOTT Luther Burbank Center for the Arts for Bringing Anti-LGBTQI+ Hate to Sonoma County
The tasteless, anti-LGBTQI+ comic Dave Chappelle performed no less than five shows at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa. It is difficult to believe the LBC staff and board are unaware of Chappelle’s numerous anti-Trans comments that are well-documented and for which he has offered no apologies. Chappelle identifies as a so-called “TERF (Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminist)” joining author J. K Rawlings in such dangerous hate speech. These people refuse to accept that we are in the position to declare our gender or lack thereof.
Netflix came under fire for producing and airing two recent Chappelle shows that feature anti-Trans comments. LGBTQI+ Netflix employees protested – some even quit. Recently, a Minneapolis Chappelle show switched locations as a direct result of a protest organized after Chappelle referred to Monkeypox as “a gay disease.” Chappelle mocked the members of the local LGBTQI+ Community who brought about the move. The original venue apologized to the local LGBTQWI+ Community for once welcoming Chappelle and his hate. Chappelle has never backed down, apologized or even reached out. Instead, he continues to mock our Community.
The Press Democrat revealed that mere weeks before the five shows, Live Nation approached LBC with an offer they seen unable to refuse. The LBC staff and board claim there was considerable conversation – considerable, but perhaps, but certainly misguiged. Did they notice how few dates Live Nation had booked for Chappelle. None in San Francisco or Oakland or Los Angeles. LBC thought they could sneak this past our Community. No doubt comedy venues in big cities find Chappalle as toxic as the LBC staff should have.
Imagine, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts confiscated cell phones at the Chappelle shows. I have attended too many LBC concerts to count but have never had my cell phone taken away before a show. They must have done this so no footage of his anti-LGBTQI+ vitriol would find its way onto social media identifying LBC as the location. Sorry, LBC, you are now forever linked to anti-LGBTQI+ comments. Did you think this community could be so easily duped?
Should the North Bay’s LGBTQI+ Community allow hate speech and inflammatory comments to be staged in our backyard? Make no mistake – this is not an attack on free speech or about censorship. This is about making LBC aware that Trans people are harmed and even killed as a result of such despicable comments. 2021 saw a record number of Trans-folks murdered. So far this year 57 have been murdered in the United States alone. We once valued this venue, but it’s decision to allow Chapelle a forum for his hate is unacceptable. The LGBTQI+ Community finds Dave Chappelle comments offensive, inflammatory and even deadly.
Let’s stand up to Hate Speech and inform those in power at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts we will boycott the venue. Some shy away from boycotts. If you are amongst them, at least express your opinion by contacting the people listed below.
Let the Staff and Board of Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, its sponsors, those who share the Center’s campus, and elected officials know that such Hate results in harm to members of the LGBTQI+ Community. Email and call, as many as possible and as often as possible.
Hello Dolly, 1981You saw Grease and wanted to be a Pink Lady. Now’s your chance. With your partner in the Thunderbird costume, you’ll really “go together” at that up-coming Halloween party.
