THU.NOV.6
Opening Night
Emmy winner Valerie Harper will reprise her role as Pearl S. Buck in the play “All Under Heaven.” Directed by Rob Ruggiero and written by Dyke Garrison and Harper, the play focuses on the prolific writer and activist, who in 1938, became the first American woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. 2:30 and 8 p.m. at Queens Theatre in the Park, in Flushing Meadows, just off exit 9E on the Grand Central Parkway. Additional performances Nov. 7 at 8 p.m., Nov. 8 at 2 and 8 p.m. and Nov. 9 at 3 p.m. Call 718 760 0064 for tickets.
Movie Night
Join the African Ancestral Lesbians United for Societal Change (AALUSC) for a showing of the controversial Indian movie, “Fire.” Written and directed by Deepa Mehta, “Fire” tells the story of two women living in contemporary Delhi who dare to rebel against the traditional roles expected of Indian women. 8 p.m. at The LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th St. $3 suggested donation.
Laugh Out Loud
Celebrate an alternative laugh-style with some of New York’s most hilarious gay and gay-friendly comics and performers. “Homo Comicus” features Larry Amoros, Jim David, Marga Gomez, Susan Jeremy and more. Hosted by woman-of-a-thousand-faces Jessica Kirson at 8:30 p.m. at Gotham Comedy Club, 34 W. 22nd St., $12 cover and 2 beverage minimum, call 212 367 9000.
Metropolitan Opera & Neil Shicoff
On November 6, 2003, tenor Neil Shicoff will sing in the opening night performance of the highly anticipated new production of “La Juive” written by Jacques Halévy. “La Juive” is a co-production with the Vienna State Opera. As relevant today as when the opera was first written, “La Juive” is a telling story of religious persecution, vengeance, and loss. Marcello Viotti conducts. Performance dates are Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 10 at 8 p.m., Nov. 14, 8 p.m., Nov. 20 at 8 p.m., Dec. 5 at 8 p.m., Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m., Dec 13 at 1 p.m. and Dec. 19 at 8 p.m. Call the Metropolitan’s box office at 212 362 6000 for tickets.
International Center of Photography
Through November 30th admission is “2 for 1” on Thursdays. Visitors to the Center can take in a new exhibit, “Strangers: The First ICP Triennial of Photography and Video,” which presents the work of 40 contemporary artists. “Strangers” reflects a recent revival of urban street photography, based on past works of Robert Frank, Helen Levitt, and Garry Winogrand. The exhibition was largely planned and carried out in the period following September 11, 2001. 1133 Ave. of the Americas at 43rd St. Open Tues.-Thur. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m; Fri. from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (5 p.m. to 8 p.m. voluntary contribution); Sat. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. $10 for adults, $7 for students and seniors and children under 12 free. For more information, call 212 857 0000 or visit www.icp.org.
FRI.NOV.7
Ballet for the Eminem Generation
Michael Nunn and Billy Trevitt may look like regular motor-cycle riding blokes, but don’t be fooled. These London lads are Royal Ballet alumni who have started their own independent ballet company, George Piper Dancers. The “Ballet Boyz” became TV stars in Britain when their film diaries drew an impressive two million viewers, captivated by their pop star charisma and cheeky irreverence. 8 p.m. (Sat. and Sun. at 2 and 7:30 p.m.) at the Joyce Theater, 175 8th Ave. at 19th St. $36. Call 212 242 0800 or visit www.joyce.org for tickets.
Women Quit Working
Playtime Workshop is a unique and outrageously funny way to meet a diverse group of women, incorporating non-threatening, interactive theater games. No experience is necessary. Mary Galfin is the comedian chaperone and has structured the workshop to guarantee that you will meet new people. 8 – 10 p.m. at The LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th St., $17 advance tickets, $20 at the door. Call 212 989 8549 for more information.
Who Wears White?
Planning a wedding can be hell. And planning to ruin a wedding can be fun, especially when one of the grooms is your ex! This is the premise of “My Big Gay Italian Wedding,” a new comedy by Anthony Wilkinson, directed by Peter Rapanaro. Come see if this gay couple can make it through their hilarious family problems and say “I do.” The show runs Fridays and Saturdays at 10 p.m. at Actor’s Playhouse, located at 100 Seventh Ave. between Bleecker and Christopher St. Tickets are $40. Call 212 239 6200 or visit www.TeleCharge.com.
SAT.NOV.8
Circle the City
Fast and Fabulous, New York’s LGBT cycling club invites riders to the Magellenesque “Circumbikeulation” of Manhattan. Cyclists meet on the west side of the little park at 10th Ave. and 14th St. at 10 a.m. for a beginner’s 13-mph paced counterclockwise tour. There will be multiple stops for food and scenery. Call 212 567 7160 or email fastnfab@yahoo.com for more information.
Downtown’s Uptown Tonight
The Nuyorican Poets Café will celebrate its 30th Anniversary with a star-studded concert and benefit, paying homage to the center of the spoken word scene. ALOUD! Will feature Nuyorican Poets Café alumni, comedy, Salsa, Hip Hop, theater performances and celebrity appearances. Ray Barretto, Benjamin Bratt, John Leguizamo, Rosie Perez, and Russel Simmons’ Def Poetry Jam will all be presented with awards. 8 p.m. at Town Hall, 123 W. 43rd St. Tickets are $25 and up. Call 212 840 2824 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Lunch with Judy Garland
Join Dixie Carlyle, the fictitious star of stage, screen, and radio as she welcomes her dear friend, Hollywood icon and legend, Judy Garland, into her home. Eavesdrop on the two stars as they share gossip and the news of the day. Naturally, Miss Garland will recreate some of the grandest musical moments from her illustrious motion picture career. 11:30 a.m. at the Ward Melville Heritage Organization in Stonybrook, N.Y. Tickets are $35. Call 631 689 5888 for more dates and reservations.
Concert in Manhattan’s Oldest House
The Morris-Jumel Mansion, a museum once occupied by George Washington during his Harlem Heights military campaign, hosts “Bass Instruments Face Off,” a concert featuring Carlene Stober on viola da gamba, David Bakamjian on the baroque cello, and Rebecca Pechefsky on harpsichord. 2 p.m. at 65 Jumel Terrace. $15, reservations required, 212 923 8008.
Queens Cabaret Fundraiser
Queens Pride House proudly presents an evening of cabaret to benefit Queer Links, a referral program for Queens residents seeking LGBT-supportive mental health and health care professionals, legal services, HIV/AIDS services, and other social service providers. Cabaret Night features performances by local Queens performers, including Sam Rossi and Sue Scannel. QPH is a not-for-profit organization and contributions—including tickets to the Nov. 8 cabaret—are tax deductible. 8 p.m. at 67-03 Woodside Ave. Call 718 429 5309 or visit www.queenspridehouse.org.
SUN.NOV.9
No Man’s Land
“North Korea: Beyond the DMZ,” by JT Takagi and Hye-Jung Park, is a rare look into North Korea—post-famine, but in the midst of both economic and nuclear crises. The documentary follows a young Korean American woman who searches for her newly-discovered family. 5 p.m. at the Kaufman Theater, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th St. Call 212 769 5200 for information.
Cheap Porn
The 4th annual sale of new and “gently used” pornography for gay men is on sale. Porn Again 4 will have more porn, more prizes and more partying than ever before. The first 100 attendees will receive a gift bag with products from companies such as Titan and Eros. The sizzling new porn star Miguel Leonn, featured in new releases by Titan and Kristen Bjorn, will be on hand to sign autographs, sell videos and keep the party hopping. Proceeds benefit the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus. 2 to 5 p.m., at The Monster, 80 Grove St. $10, call 212 242 1777 or visit www.nycgmc.org.
MON.NOV.10
Defense Attorney Dark Comedy
Come hear a staged reading of a dark comedy by Kal Wagenheim. What if Hitler surfaces in New York having posed all these years as a Holocaust survivor? A dream team of high-profile lawyers scrambles all over each other to mount a defense of the one of the most hated men in history. “Bavarian Rage” is a delightfully dark comedy that skewers our morbid fascination with the grotesque and the people who get rich from it. Directed by Joe Ragno. 7:30 p.m. at the Abingdon Theatre Arts Complex, 312 W. 36th St., between 8th & 9th Aves. For more information call 973 376 2314.
TUE.NOV.11
Pre-Mix
One week in advance of the opening of the annual MIX Experimental New York Lesbian & Gay Film/Video Festival, DUMBO’s Superfine plays host to a kick-off fundraising art auction and cabaret show. The evening includes cocktails, dinner, previews of the festival’s highlights, a live auction, special performances by Mike Albo and Marga Gomez, and a cabaret hosted by Murray Hill. Tickets for the dinner, at 6:30 p.m., are $150, for the party afterward at 8:45 p.m. only, $10 at 212 742 8880. Superfine is located at 126 Front St. at Pearl in DUMBO.
Crazy Sexy Cool
Black Pride NYC presents FlirtingTime.com LGBT Soirees. Come to the soiree for fabulous lesbians. This party will feature a Bacardi Silver tasting, special guests, giveaways and your host comedian, Kieth Price. 7 p.m. at Lola, 30 W. 22nd St. 25 and up, reservations required. Call 212 613 0097 or visit www.blackpridenyc.com.
WED.NOV.12
LeatherFest 2003
Come learn about cupping and fire. Cupping is an Eastern healing technique used with fire to provide stimulation, pain and even fear. FifthAngel, the presenter, comes with a medical background and a taste for the macabre. 7:30 p.m. at the LGBT Comunity Center, 208 W. 13th St. between 7th and Greenwich Aves. $5 for GMSMA members and $7 for non-members. Call 212 727 9878 or visit www.gmsma.org.
Belgian Dance in Brooklyn
The Brooklyn Academy of Music presents the U.S. premiere of “Rain,” by Belgian choreographer Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker. “Rain” is inspired Kirsty Gunn’s novel of the same name, which tells the story of a child’s drowning. The dance is intricately linked to the musical score, Steve Reich’s 1976 breakthrough “Music for 18 Musicians,” which is performed live by the Brussels-based percussion ensemble Ictus. 7 p.m. at BAM’s Howard Gilman Opera House, 30 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn at 7:30 p.m. throuhh Nov. 15. Tickets are $25 or $50. Call 718 636 4100 or visit www.bam.org.
Bottoms Up
Ducky Doolittle, a burlesque performer and sex educator, teaches this workshop on exploring safe, fun anal pleasure. Are you curious but afraid it will hurt? Maybe you want to explore your lover’s body? Or possibly you’re a bottom, but want to learn more? Ducky teaches you how to get the most pleasure out of anal play while staying safe and caring for your body. 7 p.m. at the Museum of Sex, 233 Fifth Ave. at 27th St. $20, $15 for students and seniors. Call 212 689 6337, ext. 115 or 114 or visit www.MoSex.com or www.duckydoolittle.com.
THU.NOV.13
Tradition and Accomplishment
African Ancestral Lesbians United for Societal Change (AALUSC), a group committed to the spiritual, cultural, educational, economic, and social empowerment of African Ancestral womyn, celebrates its 29th anniversary with a program featuring Samiya Bashir, Suhir Blackeagle, and “vim” artist Deli and “vim” artist Story. Tickets begin at $20. Call 212 741 9110, ext. 18. The LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th St. from 7-10 p.m.
SAT.NOV.15
Learning S/M
LeatherFest 2003, is a full program of workshops, demos, bar night, fetish flea market, and erotic art show sponsored by GMSMA. Today’s workshops include basic rope bondage, caning and strapping, endurance bondage, flogging, punching, bruising and kicking, and rope harness. The vendor market was a complete sell out last year, providing an array of unique toys, clothing and art. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. at the LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th St. Call 212 727 9878 for information.
Last Chance on the “DL”
Artists and community members gather for the closing of the exhibition “DL: The ‘Down Low’ in Contemporary Art” to discuss the “down low.” Artists participating in the exhibition include Binga, Ricardo A. Bracho, Wolfgang Busch, Karlos Carcamo, Enrique Cruz, Alex Donis, e-mael, Ricardo Francis, Derek Jackson, Terence Koh, Glenn Ligon, Ivan Monforte, Kori Newkirk, Luna Luis Ortiz, Gigi Otálvaro-Hormillosa, Susan Smith-Pinelo, Steed Taylor, and Jorge Veras. Longwood Art Gallery at Hostos Community College/CUNY, 450 Grand Concourse at 149th St. (2, 4, 5 trains at 149th/Grand Concourse). 3:30-9:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.longwoodcyber.org.
Big Gay Band
The Lesbian and Gay Big Apple Corps Band, with artistic director Eric Peterson and associate conductor Brian Worsdale, is proud to present: “Tourist Season.” 8 p.m., Haft Auditorium at F.I.T., 227 Seventh Ave. $18 or $12 for students, call 212 591 2886.
SUN.NOV.16
Israel, Human Rights, and the Jewish Tradition
Congregation Beth Simchat Torah presents its visiting scholars brunch led by Rabbi David Forman, who will address the moral ambiguities of balancing the absolute need for Israel to defend itself against terrorism and the necessity to maintain moral equilibrium. A Boston native, Forman has lived in Israel for more than 30 years and was a deputy commander in the Israeli army, receiving a medal for distinguished service. 57 Bethune St., 11:30 a.m. Admission is $24 for CBST members/ $28 for non-members at 212 929 9498.