BRYCE VINE GROWS INTO THE BIG TIME - Jan. 2, 2019 - Windy City Times
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Jan. 2, 2019
BRYCE VINE
GROWS INTO
THE BIG TIME
Bryce Vine.
Photo by JUCO
PAGE 9
Jan. 2, 2019 2
INDEX
VOL. 34, No. 15, Jan. 2, 2019
The combined forces of Windy City Times,
Music: Singing (and playing) in the new year 4
founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper,
4
founded May 1987.
Theater review 5
PUBLISHER Terri Klinsky
Theater: The best of Chicago theater (part two) 6-7
Fashion: Rebirth Garments runs the spectrum in whom it serves 8 EXECUTIVE EDITOR Andrew Davis
Music: Bryce Vine grows into the big time 9 MANAGING EDITOR Matt Simonette
Music: William Elliot Whitmore; The Runnies and Bleach Party 10 DIGITAL DIRECTOR Jean Albright
ART DIRECTOR AND ASSOCIATE EDITOR
10 Questions with Vic: Emma Bell 11 Kirk Williamson
SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Scott Duff
BUSINESS MANAGER Ripley Caine
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Terri Klinsky,
Kirk Williamson, Scott Duff, Kathy Breit, Theresa
Santos Volpe, Kevin Siarkowski
NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media,
212-242-6863
THEATER AND DANCE EDITOR Catey Sullivan
SENIOR WRITERS Jonathan Abarbanel, Mary
Shen Barnidge, Liz Baudler, Charlsie Dewey,
Ross Forman, Carrie Maxwell, Rev. Irene Monroe,
Jerry Nunn, Tony Peregrin, Angelique Smith,
Sari Staver, Sarah Toce, Melissa Wasserman
WRITERS Sarah Katherine Bowden, Ada Cheng,
Sheri Flanders, Joe Franco, Veronica Harrison,
Kelsey Hoff, Aaron Hunt, Eric Karas, Brian Kirst,
Paige Listerud, Billy Masters, Scott C. Morgan,
Amelia Orozco, Ariel Parrella-Aureli, Kerry
Reid, Dana Rudolph, Ana Serna, Karen Topham,
Regina Victor, Sean Margaret Wagner, Lauren
Warnecke, Steve Warren, Lauren Emily Whalen
SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Kat Fitzgerald, Hal
Baim, Tim Carroll, Ed Negron, Vernon Hester
CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jean Albright
DISTRIBUTION Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Sue
and Victor
WEB HOSTING LoveYourWebsite.com (lead
programmer: Martie Marro)
PRESIDENT Tracy Baim
(773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609
8
Editorial: andrew@windycitymediagroup.com
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Television: Dominique Jackson celebrates ‘Pose’ 12
14
Copyright 2019 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media
Sports: The Sporting Life: Doug King 13 Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back
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Nightlife/Drag: Drag It Up!: Angel LeBare 14
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City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned
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and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists,
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Sidetrack’s OUTspoken! series: January’s storytellers 18 sexual orientation of such person or organization. While
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Jan. 2, 2019 3
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Jan. 2, 2019 4
Singing (and playing)
in the new year
Alfonso Pontacelli
and Swing Gitan.
Elliot Mandel
Photography
BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL
Lyric Opera of Chicago is back with the second
MUSIC
half of its season, after a month-long hiatus that a cimbalom ... at least not until encountering
will be filled—beginning next December—by the Alfonso Pontecelli and Swing Gitan, the seven-
Joffrey Ballet of Chicago’s annual production of person unit at the legendary Green Mill in Up-
The Nutcracker (moving from the Auditorium The- town, every Wednesday night (9 a.m.-1 p.m.).
atre to the Civic Opera House). Pontecelli himself is a guitarist.
In rotating repertory, Lyric offers: Puccini’s La The oud (some of you may know) is a Middle
Boheme (Jan. 10-31), Massenet’s Cendrillon Jan. Eastern string instrument broadly in the guitar/
11-20, Strauss’s Elektra (Feb. 2-22), Verdi’s La mandolin family. The cimbalom is a large floor-
Traviata (Feb. 16-March 22) and Handel’s Ario- sitting string instrument in which its many
dante (Lyric Opera premiere, March 2-17). Then, strings are struck with hammers, often associ-
once the classical opera season ends, Lyric will ated with Eastern European music (especially
present its yearly nod to Broadway, this time gypsy music). There’s a $7 cover charge, which is
West Side Story in a month-long run (May 3-June well worth it for this unusual and varied blend of
2) with up to eight performances a week. instruments.
Sure, opera is an expensive proposition, but The Chicago Symphony Orchestra and music
Lyric may be singing your tune through two director Riccardo Muti will desert Chicago for the
ticket rush programs that can bring the cost way last two weeks of January for an overseas tour Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park
down, especially (but not only) for students. that will take them to Shanghai, Beijing, Taipei, (entrance on Randolph Street). These casual one-
Unsold tickets and returns are offered to anyone Tokyo and Osaka, where the CSO will knock them hour, post-work concerts not only feature excel-
at half off the face price two hours before each in aisles if the CSO’s long touring history is any lent and varied musical fare, but also cocktails
performance. Seat locations and prices will vary precedent. There will be slim pickings back in and gourmet food-truck offerings for purchase.
from one performance to the next. Patrons can Chicago, but there is one event musical cogno- There are five more monthly MIX at SIX programs
sign up for email notifications or simply go to scenti know is don’t-miss: a Jan. 15 concert by in the current season (through May), the next one
the box office two hours early. Details: lyricopera. the Civic Orchestra, the CSO’s superb and unique being outstanding young Spanish guitarist Pablo
org/promo advanced-training ensemble for young profes- Sainz Villegas on Friday, Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. Sainz
It gets even better for full-time college under- sional musicians. Players from all over the world Members of the Civic Orchestra. is a master of the Rioja Spanish musical tradi-
graduates or grad students. Would you believe seek membership (via auditions) in the Civic Or- Todd Rosenberg Photography tion, but also features contemporary guitar works
$20 for the best seats in the house? Well, seat chestra, now in its 99th year (!). The Jan. 15 in his repertory. Details and tickets:harristheater.
locations aren’t guaranteed but the price is. Stu- concert, under conductor Bramwell Tovey, offers of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This yearly concert org/at-the-harris/HTP-series. A five-concert sub-
dents can register online for Lyric’s NEXT (sic) works by Elgar, Vaughan Williams and Tchai- was one of the Sinfonietta’s founding events, scription is just $50.
program, through which they can purchase single kovsky’s Symphony #4. General admission for initiated by the late Dr. Paul Freeman, the Sinfo- Ticklin’ them ivories: Pianist Angela Hewitt
tickets or a mini-subscription. Details: LyricOp- Civic Orchestra concerts is free but reservations nietta’s founding musical director (1987 until his will join music director Jane Glover and Music
era.org/lyricunlimited/next are highly recommended: CSO.org/calendar death in 2015). The Jan. 20 matinee concert is at of the Baroque for an all-Mozart concert, Feb. at
One expects a jazz ensemble to have a guitar, The Chicago Sinfonietta—one of the nations Wentz Concert Hall in downtown Naperville, the the Harris Theater, Saturday, Jan. 26. The next
sax, bass and drums, and even a jazz violinist most diverse professional orchestras—offers Jan. 21 evening concert is at Symphony Center afternoon (Jan. 27) at 3 p.m., pianist Leif Ove
ain’t new (not since Stephane Grapelli was about its annual MLK Tribute Concert Jan. 20-21 with in downtown Chicago. Details and tickets: Chica- Andsnes brings his world-renowned artistry to
three years old, anyway). But I’ve been around guest conductors, soloists and chorus perform- goSinfonietta.org the Symphony Center Presents piano series for a
the block more than once and never have en- ing works by Beethoven, Coleridge-Taylor, Tippet One of the liveliest mini-concert series around recital of works by Schumann, Janacek and Bar-
countered a jazz ensemble with both an oud and and others in honor of the life, work and spirit is the MIX at SIX series presented by The Harris tok.
Gerber/Hart, Howard Gary Sinise book ‘Dada Woof’ cast
Paris, and was featured in the 10 Best Books of
2018 by New York Times. Her short fiction won
Brown to host ‘Great a 2017 Pushcart Prize, and was chosen for The
Best American Short Stories for four consecutive
event Feb. 18 announced
Believers’ discussion years (2008-11).
Steppenwolf Theatre Company has announced
a special event as part of co-founder Gary Si-
About Face Theatre has announced casting for
its Chicago premiere of Dada Woof Papa Hot, by
On Wed., Jan. 16, 6-8 p.m., Howard Brown See “Great Believers Book Talk” on Facebook.
nise’s book tour promoting his new book Grate- Peter Parnell (The Cider House Rules) and di-
Health Clark and Gerber/Hart Library and Ar-
Digital lottery, rush
ful American: A Journey from Self to Service. rected by Artistic Associate Keira Fromm.
chives will host a discussion on The Great Be- Sinise will reflect on his book in a candid con- This comedy about gay parenting and modern
tickets for ‘Fiddler’
lievers with author Rebecca Makkai and Howard versation with fellow Steppenwolf co-founder families will feature AFT Artistic Associate Ben-
Brown Health President/CEO David Ernesto Mu- Jeff Perry on Monday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m. at Step- jamin Sprunger with Jos N. Banks, Shane Ken-
nar, followed by a Q&A session and book-sign- Broadway In Chicago announced that there penwolf’s Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted yon, Keith Kupferer, Lily Mojekwu, Bruch Reed
ing. will be a digital lottery and rush tickets for the St. and Rachel Sullivan.
The event will take place at Howard Brown, Broadway revival of Fiddler on the Roof, which Sinise is an actor/musician known for his roles The production will run Jan. 10-Feb. 16, 2019
6500 N. Clark St. will run at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. in films such as Forrest Gump and The Green at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. Tickets
The National Book Award finalist The Great Randolph St., through Jan. 6, 2019. Mile, and TV series like CSI: NY. Perry is possibly ($15-$38 each) are available at AboutFaceThe-
Believers traces the events of the early AIDS The lottery will happen online only the day best-known for portraying Cyrus Beene on the atre.com, 773-975-8150 or at the Theater Wit
crisis in Chicago and features details about before each performance, and 26 tickets will be TV series Scandal. box office.
Howard Brown in its early years. Makkai’s novel sold for every performance at $25 each. Single tickets ($45) are available through
explores friendship and redemption in the face Visit http://www.broadwayinchicago.com/ Audience Services at 312-335-1650 or Steppen-
of tragedy in 1980s Chicago and contemporary show/fiddler-on-the-roof/ to enter the lottery. wolf.org.
Jan. 2, 2019 5
THEATER REVIEW
La Ruta
By: Isaac Gomez
At: Steppenwolf Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N.
Halsted St.
Tickets: Steppenwolf.org.; $20-$89, limited Sandra
$15 student tickets online Delgado
Runs through: Jan. 27 (left) and
Laura Crotte
BY CATEY SULLIVAN in La Ruta.
Photo by
For more than 20 years, women have been van- Michael
ishing along the border of El Paso, Texas and Brosilow
Ciudad Juarez, Mexicso. The number is report-
edly at least 1,500, although there is no official
count. Sometimes the victims are found buried.
Many times, they simply vanish, often on the un-
lit roads between their homes and the factories
where they work.
The lack of a thorough investigation points to
police and politicians who either don’t care or
don’t have anything to gain by looking into the
crimes. When the survivors of the missing women
at their 10-hour-day, assembly-line factory jobs. lection of a crime is intense. Rodriguez makes it haunted, hunted women of Juarez (Mari Marro-
demand justice, they are deemed crazy, hysterical
We see them on the bus—dark, deserted roads to real. quin, Alice da Cunha and Isabella Gerasole), the
women. They march nevertheless, in the names
the horizon—as they ride to and from work. We There is similar intensity to the plight of Del- sound of La Ruta is sonorous and deep.
of the “desapercidas,” often around a sea of pink
see them as human beings with distinct hopes, gado’s Yolanda and Charin Alvarez’ Marisela. Ini- There’s no ending to this story. What Gomez of-
crosses memorializing the missing women.
dreams and personalities. Their tragedy —and tially, Marisela’s default-emotion is optimism, fers instead is a portrait of undaunted resolve:
With La Ruta, playwright (and El Paso native)
all that it says about area politics, misogyny and insisting that Brenda will be on the next bus las muertas de Juarez refuse to stand down.
Isaac Gomez gives voice to both the missing
corruption—becomes impossible to reduce to a even when there is no next bus. Alvarez makes Gomez makes that resolve immovable: They are
women and those who survive them. We see them
statistic from another place. Marisela’s activism the natural evolution of an women with nothing left to lose. And with noth-
Gomez’s drama is far more documentary than insistent, determined outlook. ing on the line, they will stop at nothing to
traditional drama. He culled the dialogue from Music plays a large part in La Ruta, much of make themselves heard. La Ruta amplifies their
c
interviews he did with the women whose loved it gorgeously sung by the Laura Crotte, who calls.
CRITICS’PICKS ones vanished. He interviewed bus drivers who
described seeing women being abducted as they
plays guitar throughout the piece. Backed by the
The Winter Wolf, Otherworld Theatre, through
ran for the bus. He interviewed a man convicted
Jan. 6. A plucky young girl and a predatory
of murdering eight area women. The names have
harbinger of death both learn the limits of their
been changed. The veracity is chilling.
powers while discovering the extent of their hu-
Directed by Sandra Marquez, La Ruta is two
manity in Joseph Zettelmaier’s smart new fable
things: It is a geographically specific story about
for young sci-fi fans of all ages. MSB
a demographically specific (middle, lower-class)
group of women. It is also an irrefutable com-
mentary on the way the world sees women—and
has always seen women. The women of Juarez are
part of a line of women deemed disposable, a line
that reaches back eons. When the macro starts
steaming through the micro, La Ruta’s impact be-
comes a gut punch.
The plot follows Ivonne (Karen Rodriguez), a
veteran factory worker who starts a friendship
with Brenda (Cher Alvarez), a teenager who has
dropped out of school to help support her fam-
ily. We learn early that Brenda disappears, leav-
ing her mother Yolanda (Sandra Delgado) nearly
crippled by grief and anger.
By flipping back and forth in time, Gomez written by
Shariba Rivers in
makes the scenes before Brenda’s disappearance WILLIAM
The Winter Wolf.
more wrenching since you know what’s going to
Photo by Steven
happen to her. Alvarez’s portrayal does the same.
SHAKESPEARE
Townshend
Her Brenda is eminently recognizable: She’s the
bubbly teenager who loves and is exasperated by directed by
her mother, the girl who blushes when she sees
the boy she likes and giggles remembering her
JOE DOWLING
Sam Kebede, photo by Jeff Sciortino
The Old Woman Broods, Trap Door Theatre,
quinceanera.
through Jan. 19. This relic of 20th-century
NOW PLAYING
Ivonne’s confidence and glamour leave Brenda
Absurdist Theater shows its age, but Manuela
a bit awestruck. But as Rodriguez makes clear in
Rentea’s infectious charm and a high-stepping
an eviscerating monologue late in the play, Ivo-
ensemble transform it into a vibrant carnival of
nne has secrets. She’s seen evil all but impossible
multisensory spectacle. MSB
—by Mary Shen Barnidge
to survive intact. The emotion in Ivonne’s recol- 312.595.5600 • chicagoshakes.com
Jan. 2, 2019 6
right before our eyes, using actors, cut-outs and
Jesus Christ Superstar.
Photo by Todd Rosenberg THEATER puppets. You could watch the resulting film on
a large screen, or you could focus on any of the
from the opening number, when Bowling had the equally compelling parts of its stagecraft: the ac-
entire cast onstage in several varied and easily tors rushing through their moments and readying
recognizable settings, each distinct and clearly for other scenes or the musicians creating a bril-
visible to the audience. liant and moody live soundtrack. The result was
—Sweeney Todd (Theo Ubique): Last year, a complex, visual treat that is easily one of the
Paramount Theatre mounted a lavish production best shows of the year.
of this acclaimed Stephen Sondheim musical. This
The best of
Chicago theater
(part two)
Brian Parry and Jason Richards in Frost/Nixon.
Photo by Jan Ellen Greaves
More Windy City Times theater critics weigh in fining day in the couple’s relationship, revealing
on what they felt was the best theater Chicago secrets and bringing powerful emotions to the year, Theo Ubique made the show their own with 2. Mary Shen Barnidge’s choices:
had to offer in 2018. confines of the Den Theatre. Almost a year later, a vastly different take. With Jeff Awards for leads Rarely in our history will you detect a short-
The Light (which won a Jeff Award for new work) Philip Torre and Jacqueline Jones and for James age of popular indignation finding voice in ac-
1. Karen Topham’s choices: still moves in my memory. Kolditz’s lighting design, Sweeney has already cusations aimed at bullies, however nebulous
It was yet another year of tremendous variety —Ragtime (Marriott Theatre): Another Jeff- been considerably honored. But it was director the identities of villains and victims. In 2018,
in Chicago theater, another year of difficult in winning production (including best production Fred Anzevino’s brilliant direction that made this though, audiences afflicted with fingers weary of
coming up with a list of only five plays worthy of and director of a musical, large theater) Ragtime Sweeney Todd fit into the intimate space of the pointing and lungs seared by an atmosphere thick
the “best” label. If I wished, I could make a top was simply perfect. Director Nick Bowling did No Exit Cafe, bringing it to the audience, up close with grievances saw a genesis of plays hinting at
five list of musicals alone. But Chicago’s straight things with the Marriott’s theater-in-the-square and personal. possibility of resolution and accord:
theater scene, from the big houses to the black stage that I wouldn’t have thought possible. The —Frankenstein (Manual Cinema at Court The- —Familiar (Steppenwolf Theatre): When was
boxes, presented some amazing fare in 2018. Of performances he managed to get from his ac- atre): We watched as the Manual Cinema compa- the last time you heard the words “Africa” and
course, I didn’t see everything; no one could. But tors—including Katherine Thomas as Sara—kept ny put on a silent movie version of Shelley’s novel “comedy” in the same sentence? Danai Gurira
here are five that gave me cause to celebrate. audiences riveted. I was thoroughly impressed assembled two families—one, Zimbabwean im-
—Boy (TimeLine Theatre): Playwright Anna migrants—spanning three generations, on the
Ziegler’s fictionalized account of a famous case occasion of a biracial wedding in Minnesota, who
Jeffery Owen Freelon Jr. and Tiffany Oglesby in The Light.
involving gender identity was a complete gem. finish with everyone content.
Photo by Evan Hanover
From the outstanding performance of lead Theo —The Safe House (City Lit Theater): After
Germaine to the set design by Arnel Sancianco, more than a century of playwrights bending the
Boy was the best play of the year about trans is- rules of dramatic discourse in ever-more enig-
sues—even though it didn’t have a trans charac- matic directions, Kristine Thatcher’s return to the
ter. (The titular “boy” was cisgender but raised as roots of theater in straightforward storytelling
a girl after a botched circumcision.) Through the was as fresh as it was bold.
boy’s doctor, parents, and his maybe-girlfriend, —Support Group for Men (Goodman The-
director Damon Kiley made audiences see the atre): Reconstructive reparations are seldom easy
pain and confusion of being brought up in the on those deposed, but Ellen Fairey made a com-
wrong gender. passionate case for males mired down in testos-
—The Light (The New Colony): In the wake of terone ghettos (both gay AND het) desperately
#MeToo, Loy Webb’s two-hander about the persis- seeking toxic cleansing.
tence of rape culture and its intrusion into the —Frost/Nixon (Redtwist Theatre): Our 37th
lives of an African-American couple couldn’t have president was once, to some, the most hated man
been more timely. Directed by Toma Langston, in America, but Brian Parry never flinched in his
outstanding performances by Tiffany Oglesby (as courageous portrayal of a misguided man acting
Genesis) and Jeffery Owen Freelon Jr. (as Rashad) in good faith to his eternal disgrace.
that made this one of the most moving and pow- —Southern Gothic (Windy City Playhouse):
erful dramas of 2018. Webb took us to the de- The fourth wall was never flimsier than in Leslie
Jan. 2, 2019 7
Liautaud’s Dixie-fried comedy, with David Bell’s you-are- searing take on women involved in the Second Liberian
there staging taking actor-audience intimacy to a whole Civil War. Artistic director Ilesa Duncan skillfully trans-
new level. formed Chicago Dramatists’ small space into a stifling
environment where the wives (read: captives) of a rebel
3. Lauren Emily Whalen’s choices: army captain fight over stolen Bill Clinton biographies,
—The Wolves (Goodman Theatre): It’s rare to see a contemplate the possible “escape” of becoming soldiers
play with teenage girls who aren’t shallow bubbleheads or themselves and explore the complex bonds of their forced
sexual-assault victims, and Sarah DeLappe’s Pulitzer Prize- sisterhood. The story was gripping, the acting solid, the
winning glimpse into the lives of an all-female soccer team production unforgettable.
was as riveting as it was unique. Director Vanessa Stalling —Jesus Christ Superstar (Lyric Opera Chicago): Nor-
captured the essence of modern young womanhood as the mally, Judas is the focus of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ground-
characters bantered about periods, formed alliances and breaking rock musical, with showy vocals and a compelling
let loose with primal screams, all while performing athletic character arc involving a deathly betrayal. But in Lyric
drills with practiced precision. When the lights went up Opera’s bombastic blowout interpretation, Heath Saunders’
after a breathless 90 minutes in Goodman’s Owen Theatre, Jesus emerged as the standout of the two lead characters.
my sister and I turned to each other and said, “that was As Judas (Ryan Shaw) blared the “Heaven on Their
us.” Fun fact: We never played soccer. Minds” opening number, Saunders paced back and forth,
—Mies Julie (Victory Gardens Theater): Yael Farber’s wringing his hands and mouthing the words of a sermon, Deeply Rooted Executive/Artistic Director Kevin Iega Jeff.
provocative adaptation of the Strindberg classic, set in clearly uncomfortable with the adoration bestowed upon Photo by Ken Carl
newly post-apartheid South Africa, could make the top five him. Thanks to Saunders, Jesus wasn’t an infallible super-
list for several reasons. Dexter Bullard’s direction perfectly hero, but a vulnerable man overwhelmed by the state of
Deeply Rooted announces new site,
leadership changes
conveyed the sultry heat of a life-changing summer night. the world yet reluctant to leave it behind.
Heather Chrisler and Jalen Gilbert created complex indi- —Kingdom (Broken Nose Theatre): Within spitting
vidual characters and generated stirring sexual chemistry. distance of Disney World, an elderly gay couple contem- Deeply Rooted Dance Theater (DRDT) has announced significant funding sup-
But the real star of Victory Gardens’ Mies Julie was Kristina plate their adult son’s personal issues, their own failing port from the Reva & David Logan Foundation and the Arts Work Fund to support
Fluty’s intimacy choreography, a relatively new term in the health and the possible next step: now-legal marriage. institutional capacity building that will facilitate the first steps of a major ini-
theater world. As the title character and her Afrikaans love Broken Nose Theatre isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions tiative: creating a vision for a potential new center for African-American dance
interest circled one another, flirting and eventually copu- and explore the lives of those often ignored. Kanomé Jones education and professional performances on Chicago’s South Side.
lating before the play’s shocking climax, both moves and helmed the premiere of Michael Allen Harris’ gorgeous fam- The Logan Foundation is providing $75,000 in general operating funds and
energy burst with primal eroticism. ily portrait of an all-black, all-queer family with an un- two matching grants—$25,000 and $20,000—to offer incentives for new DRDT
—Eclipsed (Pegasus Theatre Chicago): Before becom- apologetic passion for Mickey Mouse and Star Wars that’s funders to support this capacity-building. The Arts Work Fund/Idea Lab program
ing a breakout star of TV’s The Walking Dead and Marvel’s only surpassed by their love for one another. Presented is providing $25,000 for each of the next two years to support the visioning pro-
Avengers franchise, Danai Gurira was already an accom- by a stunning ensemble cast, the play deftly explored the cess with current committed partners, including the Logan Center for the Arts at
plished playwright. Last fall, Pegasus Theatre Chicago pre- personal kingdoms we are born into, and the ones we make the University of Chicago, the Chicago Community Loan Fund (CCLF), and Studio
sented a small but mighty production of Eclipsed, Gurira’s for ourselves. One Dance Theater, and possible new partners in the future.
DRDT is also undergoing leadership changes. Executive/Artistic Director Kevin
Iega Jeff is shifting his focus with DRDT to developing the necessary long-term
initiatives and community relationships to cultivate the project.
Beginning in the 2019–20 season, Artistic Team member and Dance Education
Director Nicole Clarke-Springer and Artistic Team member and Emerging Choreog-
raphers Showcase Producing/Artistic Director Joshua Ishmon, also a dancer with
the company, will be co-artistic directors. Co-Founder/Associate Artistic Director
Gary Abbott will take over artistic leadership for the 2020–21 season.
Visit https://deeplyrooteddancetheater.org/.
CULTURE CLUB
NOW PLAYING
AT ITS NEW HOME IN THE SOUTH LOOP
Southern Gothic. 2229 S MICHIGAN AVE
Photo by Michael Brosilow
773.891.8985 | WindyCityPlayhouse.com
Jan. 2, 2019 8
Rebirth Garments
As for working here, “I love being a Chicago
FASHION designer. I am a very diehard Chicago fan,” said
Cubacub. “I wouldn’t want to work anywhere
runs the spectrum
Cubacub refuses to use the word “handicap,” as else.”
it’s a label they feel was given by society. Cubacub lives on the North Side, but they told
“‘Handicapped’ was never chosen by disabled Windy City Times they aren’t a Cubs or White Sox
in whom it serves
folks,” they said. “It was a label given by society fan.
and was never chosen by disabled folks.” “I really don’t like sports,” said Cubacub. They
Cubacub uses visible and invisible disability know their Chicago food, though: “I eat my hot
and apparent and non-apparent disability. dog with everything on it.”
BY VEE L. HARRISON ous shows. “Everyone can self-identify however they Returning to discussing attire, Cubacub said it
Cubacub is also editor of Radical Visibility Zine, want,” they said. is important to feel sexy and comfortable in your
Sky Cubacub is the creator of Rebirth Garments— a magazine QueerCrip Teens based off their mani- Cubacub shared how they wrote their manifes- clothes—and that’s an idea behind Rebirth Gar-
a line of wearables for the full spectrum of gen- festo, as well as a leader in anti-oppression ac- to at the same time they were developing their ments.
der, size and ability. The fashion line was started cessibility workshops. clothing line. “I did a lot of research, interviewed When Cubacub first launched their line in 2013,
Designer Sky Cubacub (left)
and some of their designs.
Left: Photo by Andie
Meadows. Above center:
Model Caleb Luna, photo
by Grace DuVal. Above
right: Model Ubae, photo by
Colectivo Multipolar. Right:
Photo by Kiam Marcelo
Junio.
a lot of folks with identity issues, and made sure they received lots of pushback for the designs
in 2014, when Cubacub was 23. Cubacub is now They are spearheading the QueerCrip dress-re- I got their truths,” said Cubacub. focusing on queer individuals.
27, but their young age is certainly no impedi- form movement that is based on claiming one’s Cubacub has used personal experiences and However, Cubacub said they stood tall and re-
ment on the road to success. body using bright colors, exuberant fabrics and knowledge to create their designs, but also un- fused to conform.
Cubacub—who recently described themself to innovative design. They refuse to assimilate. derstands that people have different stories and “Don’t let other people try to tell you what to
Windy City Times as “a non-binary Filipinx mer- “I’ve been queer my whole life,” said Cubacub. lives. Rebirth Garments is a line for those who do or who to make your clothing for,” Cubacub
mex”—has taken part in the Chicago’s History “I want to really get out there and want my mes- feel as if they don’t fit in. Cubacub said they be- advised. “I want people to feel really comfortable
Museum Out at CHM event, “Celebrating and Con- sage to be spread so that folks think more about lieve that being different doesn’t mean a person and super sexy. I feel like a lot of people don’t
textualizing Queer Fashion.” They have also been disability representation and think more about can’t be fashionable: “It is important to make see the power in fashion. I feel like it’s extremely
featured in Paris Fashion Week and have been queer disabled folks. The visibility helps save our sure that my experience is totally different from powerful.”
named a Windy City Times 30 under 30 honoree. lives. All together is shows people that they have others. Everyone has a unique experience. I tried To learn more about Rebirth Garments and to
Also, their designs have been featured at numer- a future and they’re not alone. “ to make clothing based off that.” make purchases, visit RebirthGarments.com.
Jan. 2, 2019 9
Bryce Vine.
NUNN ON ONE
Bryce Vine grows
into the big time
BY JERRY NUNN
Singer/rapper Bryce Vine started early in the mu-
MUSIC
sic business at the young age of 13. It was under line. Drew is not a Victoria’s Secret model, but
guidance from his mom Tracey Ross—who many has something else special about her. She is sin-
know from the soap opera Passions—that he au- cere and funny. That was the girl I wanted to talk
ditioned for a reality competition show The Glee about.
Project. After landing a part in the cast, Vine was WCT: Do you have a favorite Drew Barrymore
sent home. movie?
The talented artist then recharged his skills by BV: I grew up on The Wedding Singer.
attending the Berklee College of Music and was WCT: There’s a musical version of it.
signed to the label Kiva House Lambroza by fel- BV: No way!
low student Nolan Lambroza. He gained traction WCT: Do you have a favorite musical?
with the song “Drew Barrymore” and is currently BV: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the
working on a debut album. Forum is my favorite.
After opening for singer MAX across the globe, My mom took me to see Ragtime as a child and
Vine is going on a solo tour, returning him to I just didn’t get it. So that is one I didn’t like.
Chicago in 2019. WCT: You have a debut album coming out?
Windy City Times: How is the tour going with BV: Yes; it’s called Carnival. It has all the right
MAX? elements. It has a song called “You” that is one
Bryce Vine: He’s the best. We have been friends my favorite songs ever. It is a love song about
for over a year now. We have started writing to- appreciating someone. That could be your child,
gether. significant other, husband or mom.
WCT: MAX has played several Pride festivals Bryce Vine. WCT: What do you want people to know about
so maybe you could, too. Photos by JUCO you?
BV: I would love to. BV: I have always liked connecting people. My
WCT: How was it being raised by a famous birthday parties were my best friends from every-
mother? where. I met a lesbian in my high school and she
BV: It didn’t really start until she was on Star became the drummer of our school band. I was
Search—way before I was born. When I was 13, just invited to her wedding and the whole band
we were dirt-poor and I came home to find my was there. That is some of the best environments
mom had bought a car. We had driven around a to be in.
Honda with no insurance so I knew something There are so many divides between people that
had changed. People started coming up to her I want to be a bridge.
and talking about the soap opera. the biggest show on television. I had no interest knocked down. I just started putting out songs. WCT: Sounds like you have a diverse life.
WCT: This made you want to perform early? because I didn’t watch it. My mom called and Some of them got attention and now we are here. BV: Look at how I started. I was born with a
BV: Hell, yeah. Music made me happy and was encouraged me to sign up. I made an audition WCT: What inspired your song “Drew Barry- lesbian midwife. My parents were open to all
therapy. Me and my mom would sing to Disney tape of me singing “Gold Digger” by Kanye West. more?” kinds of people. That was how I was raised. I
movies. Me and my dad would listen to R&B, jazz I got flown to LA where there were hundreds of BV: I just started making this beat one day. I never felt like people were different than me.
and Tony! Toni! Tone! in the car. kids. I had to decide to either stay in school or wanted to avoid writing a love song talking about I try to put that into music and make people feel
It didn’t take me long to figure out I could take that opportunity. I took it and was the first someone’s looks. Anyone can write a song talking good in a room.
write my own songs and create my own therapy. one cut off! about physical beauty. Vine winds back into town on Friday, Feb. 15,
WCT: How was The Glee Project experience? I was always very insecure about my talent Julia Michaels sent me an idea three years ago at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave.
BV: I went to college in Boston, and Glee was and thought I had climbed two steps to only get about Drew Barrymore and used her name in a
Jan. 2, 2019 10
William Elliot Whitmore. Meg McDuff (left) and Richard Giraldio
All photos on this page of Bleach Party.
by Vernon Hester
CONCERTS
William Elliott Whitmore;
The Runnies and Bleach Party
BY VERNON HESTER
In one of the more unusual year-end concerts that I’ve
MUSIC
seen, acoustic blues rocker William Elliott Whitmore Merritt; and “Lean On Me,” by Bill Withers)—Whitmore Raye Zaragoza.
headed a deceptively diverse bill at Thalia Hall on Dec. didn’t disappoint as his very vocal audience pelted him
15 and managed to both confuse and excite his passion- with “I love you” and “you sexy motherf*cker” the entire
ate audience. set.
First up was Raye Zaragoza, who opened the show with On Dec. 18, local DIY rockers Bleach Party headlined
a quiet set that included the love song “Heroin,” “Ameri- at The Sleeping Village for what has become one of the
can Dream” and “Fight for You.” Just as the audience was most popular nights at the venue, with its $1 night.
falling into a folksy acoustic lull, local hard rockers Tight Before the band hit the stage, the lively crowd was
Phantomz hit the stage and literally tore the roof off of treated to an energetic set by poppers The Runnies, who
Thalia Hall with a blast of their “death boogie,” served wowed the crowd with old as well as new material (in-
with Pete Croke’s numbing bass chords and guitarist/vo- cluding “Lost on Me” and “You Can’t Hide”). After a set
calist Mike Lust’s raging bark. from Bev Rage and the Drinks, Bleach Party—one of the
After that set, audience members were good and ready hardest rocking bands in Chicago—tore through a set
(and wide awake) for Whitmore’s hard-edged acoustic heavy on mirth and shrieking guitar and light on nuance.
blues. Offering a set of old (“Hell or High Water,” “Johnny Vocalist and guitarist Meg McDuff proved again that she
Law,” “Diggin’ My Grave”) and new material from the re- has one of the strongest voices in Chicago (only Cathy
cently released Kilonova (on Bloodshot Records)—which Richardson comes close) on rockers like “Tom Cruise Con-
features reworked covers from his favorites (“Don’t Pray trol,” “Lunar Moods,” “Shopping is a Feeling” and “No
On Me,” by Bad Religion; ”Fear of Trains,” by Stephen Vacancy,” from the new Nola (available via Bandcamp).
Mike Lust Brett Swinney of
(left) and The Runnies.
Pete Croke
of Tight
Phantomz.10
Jan. 2, 2019 11
ing family who recently lost their daughter in a tragic accident.
Right now it is a short film, but I am working on getting financing
for the feature-length version. I realized over the years I am far
too much of a control freak to be satisfied with solely the acting
journey. I needed to have my hands dirtier, so I decided to write
and direct something for myself and my friends. Pan’s Labyrinth was
Gerami headshot by Stephen Blaha
a big inspiration for this story and all my stories honestly.
WCT: Congratulations on your recent nuptials to fellow actor
Camron Robertson. How did the two of you meet?
EB: My husband and I met doing a play. Our mutual friend ran the
theater company, Not Man Apart, at the time and asked me to be
the Goddess Athena in their next production of Ajax in Iraq. I didn’t
know Camron at the time, but during the rehearsals for the show we
questions
started secretly dating. By the end, we were a done deal.
WCT: Is balancing personal life and career easier being mar-
ried to a fellow thespian?
with Vic
EB: Being married to a creative person, I suppose, is easier in
some ways—I wouldn’t know, I’ve never been married before! He
is incredibly supportive of me and understands the challenges that
working in Hollywood presents. I attribute that to being a generally
amazing man, but also, yes, understanding the lifestyle of an actor.
I couldn’t imagine being married to anyone else.
BY VIC GERAMI WCT: What made you participate in the NOH8 Campaign?
EB: The fact that we even have to have a campaign about not
Emma Bell has been on so many hit TV shows since the onset of her hating people is a weird reality to live in. Love is love, and every-
illustrious acting career on the New York stage that she is already one has the right to be in love with whoever they choose, I don’t
television royalty. Walking Dead and Dallas are just a few shows to understand the arguments against that.
make fans swoon when they meet her. But Broadway and TV success WCT: What is your favorite charity or cause?
has not stopped Emma from taking her career to the next level by EB: There are so many amazing charities, and the amount of
writing and directing her first feature film. She took time from her worthwhile causes can be overwhelming. I think, pick one that
Emma Bell
very busy schedule to chat about her career, recent nuptials and matters to you and run with that. For me, I try to focus on environ-
upcoming projects. mental protections and female-rights advocacy groups. I’ve been a
Windy City Times: Modesty aside, how would you describe Photo by Stephen Churchill-Downes member of the Sierra Club for the last 10 years, as well as the En-
yourself? vironmental Protection Agency [advocacy by the Natural Resources
Emma Bell: I’m a pretty relentless person honestly. When I set my Defense Council]. I’ve also supported Planned Parenthood since I
of person. I’ve always had hobbies that I fill my downtime with, to
mind to something, there’s not a lot that can slow me down. I also was a teenager and using their health services myself. Other than
keep my mind sane. I have a wonderful support system of friends
have a great appetite for things: friends, love, fun, food of course. that, the best way to support a good cause is in your vote. Know
and family who always make me feel like my next job is just around
I’m the type of person who doesn’t feel I’ve earned the view unless what your representatives stand for before you vote them into of-
the corner. I work out every day to get endorphins pumping. Oh,
I’ve hiked to the top of the mountain. fice!
and I had a fair amount of luck to be in the right place at the right
WCT: Your acting career started at 12 years old, with an Off- WCT: Which living person(s) do you most admire?
time.
Broadway cabaret show in New York. Tell me about that. EB: It’s a really confronting time we live in, and so the people I
WCT: Do more people recognize you from Frozen, The Walking
EB: My mother started a career in cabaret and had earned some admire the most are the women who stand up for their right to be
Dead or Dallas?
accolades in that community for her first show. I went to every heard. Christine Blasey Ford, Anita Hill and the 112 women serving
EB: Mostly it’s Walking Dead, although I do get mistaken for Emily
performance and fell in love with the live audience love. Being a in Congress come January are incredibly admirable.
Kinney a lot. It’s the blonde-hair thing. I get confused with a lot
natural ham and determined to be on stage myself, I convinced her WCT: One of your two books is about to be released. Can you
of blonde actresses. I can usually tell by the type of person who
to put me in her second show. I remember she let me design my share a bit about that?
comes up to me what they know me from: young or male? Walking
costume for the show, which was, of course, a gold lamé tube top EB: It has taken me about eight years to write my first novel, en-
Dead. Older and female? Dallas. That pretty much held true until I
dress with a crushed purple velvet cape skirt over it. I wasn’t very titled Realms: Kingdom of Ash. It’s the start of a trilogy, hopefully.
was walking down the street in New York City and a young construc-
popular in school and was excited/mortified when I learned all the I grew up inhaling the tales of Tolkien, Baum, Lewis and Rowling,
tion worker called out, rushed over excitedly, and told me he loved/
cool girls were coming in to see the show during our run. Not sure and have a very healthy love of fairy tales. So Realms is a historical
hated my character on Dallas in the thickest Long Island accent you
what they thought, although they did notice me the next Monday. drama—just kidding, it’s a fantasy. It was important the story had
could find. It was delightful. Also another lesson in not judging a
WCT: Most actors are lucky to get one TV show, while you’ve a female hero, since that’s not something the fantasy genre has a
book by its cover. I am particularly touched when someone recog-
already been in three successful ones. To what do you attribute lot of. What I can say about it is, if you like the expanse of Lord of
nizes me from Frozen. It was such a small film that I’m really proud
your successful career? the Rings and adventures of Harry Potter, you will love this book.
of.
EB: Thank you for saying ‘successful.’ I think no one really feels WCT: Do you have other projects coming up that I didn’t men-
WCT: You wrote and directed the film Between the Pines,
that way, no matter what level they are at. I would say my TV suc- tion?
which has been screening at several film festivals. Tell me a bit
cess had to do with an almost alarming amount of denial and sheer EB: I think you got it covered!
about the film.
optimism in the face of overwhelming rejection. Success is mostly WCT: Tell me a secret—a good one!
EB: Between the Pines is a dark fairy tale centered around a griev-
about staying in the game, and for that it takes a particular kind EB: I know all the lyrics to Salt and Peppa’s ‘Shoop.’
BRYCE VINE
GROWS INTO
THE BIG TIME
Bryce Vine.
Photo by JUCO
PAGE 17
artsandtheaterweekly.comJan. 2, 2019 12
NUNN ON ONE sex work. I am not knocking it, because I call it
Dominique Jackson
survival sex work, because it is used to survive. Parv and Pudi.
I would go out and try telemarketing. Before Photo by
the day was through, someone in the group real- Elisabeth Caren
celebrates ‘Pose’
ized I was trans and outed me. I tried working in
restaurants, but didn’t have a green card. I got
my green card in 2015. It was a 25-year fight to
get it.
BY JERRY NUNN courage to be themselves. I linked up and started WCT: How has your life change since the first
my hormones. It was the happiest time in my life. season of Pose aired?
FX’s television drama Pose broke ground again WCT: How is the relationship with your fam- DJ: It has changed in the sense that I can now
when it was nominated for two major Golden ily now? meet my bills. It was a struggle to stay in the
Globes—Billy Porter, who plays Pray Tell, could DJ: We are still working on it. There’s tension, same apartment for 20 years. I feel more secure
possibly win a Best Actor in a drama TV series honey. They are christians. The amazing thing is now. I am now validated by Ryan Murphy. He re- Sketch Comedy
Festival line-up
award, while the series itself might be named I was speaking to my mother the other day and ally matters and someone people look up to.
best dramatic series. Co-creators Ryan Murphy, she referred to me as a her. I didn’t want to cry Whoopi Goldberg invited me to her house and
Brad Falchuk and Steven Canals are returning to
Pose for its sophomore run in 2019.
on the phone immediately, but I felt the love for
my biological family. I have many people that are
had us over for dinner like normal people. My
husband and I were just with her a few weeks
named
Dominique Jackson plays Elektra Abundance on my chosen and proven family, but these are the SketchFest Executive Producer Jill Valen-
ago and met her daughter and grandkids. She
the television series. In the past, she modeled for people that raised me, so it meant a lot. tine announced the official line-up for the
gives me advice. I feel like she is a big sister and
Vogue Espana and wrote a biography titled The WCT: Where you based out of now? 18th Annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival,
a mother to me. She is phenomenal and that skin
Transexual from Tobago. DJ: I have been in New York for 20 years. I went taking place Jan. 10-20, 2019, at Stage 773,
of hers is amazing.
Before landing Pose, she appeared on the re- to L.A. for Strut, and was going to move there. I 1225 W. Belmont Ave.
WCT: What are you doing for the rest of the
ality television show Strut and earned a GLAAD spent two months there and went to one of the The eclectic 2019 line-up will feature 120
year?
Media Award nomination for it. executive producers and said, “Please tell Whoopi shows in eight days. Headliners include the
DJ: I am going to continue to make club ap-
Jackson sat down at Hydrate Nightclub before Goldberg I am not moving here.” They knew it. two-man show Parv and Pudi, composed of
pearances like this one. People should know I am
judging a ballroom contest to discuss her life. I am a New Yorker. I love getting on the subway Danny Pudi, best known for his role in the TV
from ballroom. People from ballroom can do great
Windy City Times: What are your thoughts on and seeing the different people or ordering a tur- sitcom Community, alongside Parvesh Chee-
things if they are given the opportunity. Ball-
Pose’s depiction of the ballroom scene? key and cheese at the bodega at 2 a.m. na; and The Fail Yours, featuring Derek Mize
room raised me and taught me to be a woman,
Dominique Jackson: I lived in that era. I was a WCT: I spoke with Mj Rodriguez from Pose and Eric Eikey from the NYC comedy group
then I decided on the type of woman I wanted to
little girl during those times. I saw these women about the struggle of trans people in the work FUCT.
be.
and I thought to myself, “I don’t want to be like force depicted on the show. What are your Sketchfest longtime favorites The Cupid
The 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards will
them.” I thought they were elitists, but it was thoughts on that? Players, Rehner and Nixon, Off Off Broadway,
air Sunday, Jan. 6, at 7 p.m. on NBC.
not elitism—it was their way of surviving. They DJ: We have had issues. I never wanted to do GayCo and WGN Radio’s Patty Vazquez will
believed no matter where you came from or level return. Featured international participants
of education, you could still conduct yourself are slated to include HUNKS, Hot Raw Fire
with class, dignity and decency. and Sketchersons. Other acts include Briane
Sometimes they would read us to filth and say Goodrum (with the comedic/horror solo show
our hair was not right. At that time, walking House Lafayette), This Funeral Sucks, The
through the streets and not being recognized as Stuntmen and the trio Barbara Bush, to name
a woman could lead to your death, so there was a a few.
lot of tough love back then. When I got the part Tickets and the entire schedule are avail-
on the show, I realized that I had been trained able at ChicagoSketchfest.com.
and I was being shown the reality of my life. I
was able to return and tell the story. We never Sinfonietta’s MLK
know how the universe works.
WCT: Tell our readers about your backstory. concerts Jan. 20-21
DJ: I am from Trinidad and Tobago. I was born Chicago Sinfonietta will present its signa-
on the smaller island of Tobago called Scarbor- ture annual MLK Tribute Concert—featuring
ough. As you know, in the Caribbean, there are the conducting talents of Chicago Sinfonietta
sodomy laws so it was very difficult for someone Assistant Conductor Kedrick Armstrong and
like myself to exist. I worked on my education Charleston Symphony Orchestra Assistant
because grandma had a plan. It was to finish my Conductor Kellen Gray, both graduates of
exams and come away to America. the Chicago Sinfonietta’s industry-leading
I knew from the time I was five that I was dif- Project Inclusion professional development
ferent. It wasn’t until 12 that confusion set in, program.
because there was molestation and rape. It is The group will perform Sunday, Jan. 20,
all in my book. It is called The Transexual from 2019 at 3 p.m. at Wentz Concert Hall at
Tobago Revised; it’s on Amazon. I used that as North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave.,
my therapy. It helped me realize how far I have Naperville; and Monday, Jan. 21, 2019, at
come. To come from a small island to Maryland 7:30 p.m. at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michi-
and graduate high school, then become homeless gan Ave., Chicago.
after coming out was a long journey. Each piece programmed in this season’s
I came out as gay because I didn’t know “trans” MLK tribute concerts was specially selected
existed. I didn’t know what that was. I thought by Kedrick Armstrong and Gray in collabora-
I would feel happy when I told my family I was tion with Music Director Mei-Ann Chen, for
gay, but I didn’t. It wasn’t until I saw other whom Armstrong and Gray will be substitut-
women in downtown [Baltimore], outside of the ing.
Hippo, that I saw myself. People in the commu- Tickets to the MLK Tribute Concert are $10-
Dominique Jackson. $62 each when purchased in advance online;
nity were calling them men, but I didn’t see that.
Photo by Jerry Nunn visit ChicagoSinfonietta.org.
What I saw were beautiful women who had theJan. 2, 2019 13
THE SPORTING LIFE: Doug King.
SPORTS
Doug King
Photos courtesy of King played the only U.S. player who beat his oppo-
nent in China. I played him twice, once in an ex-
hibition and once for real in a tournament about
40 years later.”
BY ROSS FORMAN competitive level.” So what is the appeal of gay sports?
King said Chicago gay sports leagues have pro- Very simple, King said—it’s the ability to form
Sports is certainly a family affair for Doug King— liferated since the mid-1990s. “It seemed to start lifelong friendships initially based on sports and
well, except with his partner of 39 years, Bob, with softball and basketball, and then segue into then expanding into other common areas of in-
who is not sports-minded at all. other sports such as tennis, soccer and [floor] terest.
However, over the past 26 years, they have hockey, etc. The number of leagues, diversity and “I’ve socialized with my teammates in a variety
raised four foster sons: Juan, Pedro, Miguel and options for competitive [or] social have expand- of settings outside of sports, and they are among
Jose. Three of their kids have played basketbal ed making the sports leagues an excellent way to my closest friends,” he said. “The gay sports
and/or softball in Chicago Metropolitan Sports meet like-minded people.” leagues have also allowed me to open my entire
Association (CMSA) leagues. And CMSA certainly welcomes everyone. CMSA life to everyone I know. I am the ‘same me’ all the
Juan, Jose and Miguel have played basket- is a social outlet as much as a competitive arena. time because of this experience.”
ball and Miguel has played softball. Pedro also Take, for instance, Van, a friend of King’s who is
was the original referee in the local gay soccer a refugee from Burma and now a successful hair Sporting highlights
league. stylist for a major salon in downtown Chicago. King, in 2011, coached and played on the Chi-
Both Pedro and Jose played Division I NCAA Van is transgender and King encouraged him to cago Sidetrack Classic team that captured the
soccer. try the volleyball league. “His experience in vol- title in the Master’s Division of the annual Gay
Soccer players don’t always make amazing soft- leyball has mirrored my experience with basket- Softball World Series, played that summer in Chi-
ball players too, King learned the hard way. ball—he has enjoyed it a lot,” King said. “Sports cago.
“I tried to stack my fall softball team with his can be great for one’s social life and a motivation “We got hammered in our first game, then
[son’s] soccer teammates, many of whom hailed to get and stay healthy.” ended up winning the next four games decisively
from Eastern Europe and South America,” King King’s sports resume has also included table and the championship,” King said. “It was a team
said. “The theory was, I could teach anyone to tennis and golf. that could have easily given up after losing badly
play, especially an athlete. It didn’t work too And he often has introduced gay allies to the our first game, but adjusted and won. It was a
well—great guys, great college-level athletes, gay sports scene. team of players who knew how to behave as a
definitely [just] recreational softball players.” “It has allowed me to transcend the partition- team. We assessed and adjusted as a team.”
King, 61, who lives in Chicago’s Ravenswood ing of my life that I have witnessed in others King also was on the winning Recreational Divi-
neighborhood, is the principal architect in the in the gay community,” he said. “One anecdote sion team in the Coady Roundball Classic about
healthcare practice group Stantec Architecture warmed my heart [was] when several of my fellow 10 years ago. “My highlight was having a ‘Reggie
Inc., an international architecture/engineering gay players expressed it was the first time they Miller moment,’ where I scored 12 points in about
firm. He is originally from Midland, Michigan, at- had really gotten to know [straight] men of a two minutes to make a close game a rout. My
tended the University of Detroit and has called similar age on a personal level and were treated teammates said I was levitating down the court
Chicago home since 1983. as being equal.” after the last three-point shot.”
He has played in Chicago gay sports leagues King’s softball career has been anchored around King’s sporting memories are endless, anchored
every year but one since 1995. The Lucky Charmers, a team whose core has been by many involving his sons and their friends. In
“I started out playing basketball at Margate together for about a decade. fact, King jokes that his son Miguel probably has
Park in 1995, then added softball in 2004 and “I attend the Detroit Tigers’ fantasy camps more friends within CMSA than King himself.
table tennis about 2012,” King said. “There are every few years, [which] has helped my softball King has been a pitcher, catcher and every in-
still a couple of us who played [basketball] in the skills immensely,” he said. “I believe in getting field position, and he has teamed with Gary Vien
mid-1990s [who are] still playing, [and we] have the best mentorship and coaching you can get in “I love the softball season, [which] starts in to annually conduct the CMSA pre-season pitch-
a pact that we won’t quit until the other does.” any endeavor in life. I have attended camps for January with Sunday batting practice. We get [to- ing clinic.
In 1992, the first of King’s four foster sons several sports: basketball, softball and table ten- gether as] a group every Sunday in January, Feb- King is active in the community at-large,
(Pedro) came to the U.S. King didn’t speak much nis and golf. ruary, March and April, so that when the season serving on the development board of Heartland
Spanish, and Pedro didn’t speak much English “At the Tigers camps, I re-learned how to hit, begins we are theoretically in mid-season form.” Health Centers, a healthcare facility that serves
when he arrived, “so we played sports to bridge spending several weeks at the Detroit Tiger fan- King said his table tennis experience dates back immigrants and refugees. Plus, he is active in
this gap,” King said. “From the last time I played tasy camps and having ex-pro players to teach to when he was 6 years-old. “My hometown was professional organizations, such as the High Rise
basketball in 1976 to 1992 they had invented the skills. One of the [former] Tigers, Ike Blessett, where the table tennis team that went to China Committee of the City of Chicago.
three-point line. I found that I had a talent to [once] came to Chicago and ran drills for my for Ping Pong Diplomacy [in 1972] practiced. “I have had a long-standing involvement in the
shoot threes while playing in the playground at CMSA D2 softball team for a weekend. I got to spar with some of them,” he said. “I Addictions Recovery Community, particularly the
Lakeview High School in 1992-93. I started play- New Town Alano Center of Chicago,” he said. “I
ing at the local YMCA with Pedro and being a have been in recovery for 40 years. And in the
youthful 34 years old, I was lighting it up … so I Extra innings with … Doug King mid-1980s to 1990s, I was active in conducting
joined the CMSA basketball league in 1995 at age —Favorite pro sports team: Detroit outreach and education to the LGBT community
38 years. Tigers in the Midwest – helping start organizations to
“I was the 50th best player of 50 players in —Favorite pro athlete: Phil Niekro promote recovery.”
the basketball league in 1995. I was impressed —Favorite pro sports stadium: The
how good the players were, so was my son, Juan, Original Tiger Stadium What’s left in your sporting career?
who came and watched us play. The next year my —One pro athlete who you’d like to “I would like to field an LGBT basketball team
foster son Juan played with us. He was the No. meet: Paul George of the Oklahoma City for a national over-60 tournament,” he said.
1 pick in the draft—and I came along as an ex- Thunder “These are sprouting up and becoming popular.
tra. Juan was 5-foot-6, but could nearly dunk and —If you could attend any pro sports I would like to do a similar thing for softball.
was lightning fast. He and I played together as event/game, what would it be?: “An For the softball team of over-60 players, I would
the starting point guards for our CMSA basketball international professional baseball love to go somewhere that is crazy about base-
team for several years. This was when the league game, [such as a] Japanese Baseball Doug King. ball, like Cuba, and play overseas in a tournament
League game.” Photo by Triquetra Productions
had one division, basically an intermediate or against other over-60 players.”You can also read
