7 Days and 7 Nights

THU.DEC.15

The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson

For the first time in explicit detail, the story of how Henry Willson, a closeted, right-wing star maker of the 1950s, discovered Rock Hudson, Troy Donahue, and Tab Hunter and forever defined “beefcake.” Variety reporter Robert Hoffer chronicles Willson’s maneuvers to sidestep the FBI’s investigation into Hudson’s sex life; the star maker’s use of off-duty LAPD cop and mob ties to scare off Hudson’s blackmailers; Hudson’s arranged marriage and also his affair with a Universal Pictures vice president who helped secure starring roles in “Magnificent Obsession” and “Giant.” Hoffer will be joined in conversation with Village Voice columnist Michael Musto. The LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th St., 7 p.m. 212-620-7310. Free.

MeShell NdegeOcello

Housing Works Bookstore Cafe continues its monthly acoustic music series, “Live From Home” with Chocolate Genius, Inc., who will be playing with friends MeShell NdegeOcello and Marc Ribot. Popular singer songwriter Jeff Klein and up-and-coming brother/sister duo, Judd & Maggie are also on the bill. Housing Works Used Book Café, 126 Crosby St., btwn. Prince & Houston Sts., 7:30 p.m. $25 at 212-334-3324 or housingworks.org/usedbookcafe.

In the Continuum

As the mayor of New Paltz, Jason West has become a political force for his generation. With logic, charm, and conviction, he has used his platform to present a radical vision of human rights. While West has received tremendous attention for marrying same-sex couples, he sees gay marriage in the context of civil rights and basic equality under the law. In “Dare To Hope: Saving American Democracy,” West argues that people alone must and can take charge of their moribund democracy. Bluestockings, 172 Allen St., btwn. Stanton & Rivington Sts. 212-777-6028. 7 p.m. Free.

Cracked Nuts

Dancenow/NYC, in partnership with Joe’s Pub has concocted a holiday brew and treat for the whole family for the December series of dancemOpolitan@Joe’s Pub. In six shows, David Parker and The Bang Group will offer up their notorious 21st-century vaudeville Nutcracker. Finally, a Nutcracker with nuts! Adapted for the 10-foot by 18-foot stage at Joe’s Pub, Parker and his gang tear the classic from its holiday grip in this pub version of “NutCracked” to present a wildly new interpretation full of outrageous wit and antic virtuosity that uses offbeat recordings of Tchaikovsky by Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, and Fred Waring as well as the traditional orchestral suite. 425 Lafayette St., just below Astor Pl. Information at 212-539-8770. Reservations for dinner at 212-539-8778, doors open 6 p.m. $20 at door, $15/$12 for children, at telecharge.com or 212-239-6200. Dec. 15-18 at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17-18 at

1:30 p.m.

Choreographer’s NYC Debut

Daniel Charon presents the premiere of “Anyone in the World,” his debut concert in New York. An evening of tranquil, theatrical, and evocative dance, this evening-length work explores human relationships through five compelling duets, a powerful dance for ten women, and an expressive quintet for men. Joyce SoHo, 155 Mercer St. btwn. Houston & Prince Sts. Through Dec. 17, 2005 at 8 p.m. $15/$12 students and seniors at 212-334-7479.

FRI.DEC.16

‘Twas

The title is a mouthful, but “’Twas the Night Before the Twelve Days of a Nutcracker Christmas Carol,” directed by Ken Nintzel, features the unabridged drama of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” set to the complete score of Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker” with a reading of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” and the carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” An infusion of language, music, dance, and design, Nintzel’s theatrical constructions mix elaborate staging techniques with a quirky detailed aesthetic to create an evening of intimate spectacle that is fun for the whole family. Choreographed by Johanna Meyer and performed by a company of more than 20 of the brightest underpaid talent of downtown theater and dance—and the voice of Richard Foreman. Through Dec. 23 at 8 p.m. Additional performances Fri. at 10:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun. at 4:30 p.m. P.S.122, 150 First Ave. at Ninth St. $20/$15 for students and seniors, $10 for children under 13 at theatermania.com or 212.352.3101.

Holiday Ho

Jackie Beat, a holiday cross between Scrooge, the Grinch, and an old-fashioned hangover, will appear at the Cutting Room for three nights only in her eighth annual holiday show. She’s bold, bawdy, ballsy, and most of all in your face. 19 W. 24th St. 10 p.m. tonight, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., Fri & Sat., Dec. 16-17, and 8 p.m. Sun. Dec. 18. Tickets are $17 at 212-868-4444 or smarttix.com.

Just As We Are

Roulette Fine Art presents 20 fine portraits of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered Americans by photographer Charzette Torrence. 6-8 p.m. at the 96th St. branch of the New York Public Library. 112 E. 96th St. A panel discussion with the artist and people portrayed will take place Sat. Jan.14, also at the library. Through Jan. 21. 212-289-0908.

A Very Bette Christmas

A new holiday play with music, written by Elizabeth Fuller (“Me and Jezebel”) imagines the star in the setting of a 1962 Christmas television special. Tommy Femia, who is best known for his award-winning Judy Garland impersonation, plays the intimidating, explosive actress. Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St.. $20 cover plus two-drink minimum at 212-757-0788. Weekends, various times, through Jan. 8.

SAT.DEC.17

Songs to Save the Children

Acoustic duo Someone’s Sister hopes to give its money away while directing the spotlight onto child abuse prevention. Recently featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered,” the duo has used money they’ve made from their music goes to create a foundation to address the problem. Appearing with Shanna Sharp at The Bitter End, 147 Bleecker St. 8 p.m. For more information, call 252-916-5780 or visit SomeonesSister.com.

Body Fluid

Jordan Eagles has gained notoriety for using blood in his art combining it with contemporary materials such as acrylics, resin, and metallic powders. “Alive” is Eagles’ latest solo exhibition featuring a selection of works from his new body of multidimensional creations. The exhibition will feature over 12 abstract works that portray inner light, explosive energy, and organic patters reminiscent of the inner rings of trees, aerial views of crop circles and heavenly orbs. Qbix Gallery, 211 Arch St. in Philadelphia, 215-625-2521 or qbixart.com. Through Dec. 19, Tue.-Fri. 12-5 p.m.

Genocide In Sudan

Since February 2003, more than 400,000 people in the Darfur region of the Sudan have been murdered. Systemic rape, destruction of villages, and dissolution of entire families are ongoing realities. While the United Nations has failed recognize this genocide, others in the global community are responding. Come out and speak with the members of the Children’s Right Summer Institute, who are working to save lives in the Sudan. Bluestockings, 172 Allen St., btwn. Stanton & Rivington Sts. 212-777-6028. 7 p.m. $5 suggested.

Glam Days

Mick Rock the photographer often referred to as “The Man Who Shot the Seventies,” showcases an intimate selection of some of his most iconic rock ‘n’ roll images. From his earliest work as David Bowie’s official photographer to working with Mick Jagger, Iggy Pop, Debbie Harry, the Ramones, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Rock’s enthusiasm remains remained undiminished as he has continues to capture the musical spirit of successive eras right through to the new millennium. The gallery at SoHo Grand, 310 W. Broadway. Through Jan. 30.

Female Robotics

As part of a rare solo exhibition, encompassing 30 years of Lynn Hershman Leeson’s groundbreaking artistic practices, the artist will premiere her latest artificial intelligence robot. Dubbed as “the grand dame of digital art,” Hershman Leeson has been working with robots and artificial intelligence as an art form for more than a decade. DiNA, a virtual presidential candidate with the slogan campaign, “Artificial intelligence is better than no intelligence,” is embodied by the face of Leeson’s longtime collaborator, actress Tilda Swinton. Swinton’s transformed visage is driven by cutting-edge animation software and a brain as big as the Internet, growing smarter as it interacts with users and processes information. bitforms gallery, 529 W. 20th St. Opening reception 6-8 p.m. Through Jan. 14, Tue.-Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

SUN.DEC.18

Lesbian Yarns

Come on in and knit, make new friends, drink some tea and learn a new craft at a self-help and member led group event. The Dyke Knitting Circle is open to all levels of experience and meets every third Sunday of the month. Please bring yarn and knitting needles. For more information, [email protected] or 212-714-8375. Bluestockings, 172 Allen St. btwn. Stanton & Rivington Sts. 212-777-6028. 4-6 p.m. $1 to $5 suggested.

Book Party in the Slope

Come and celebrate the publication of Anne Maguire’s “Rock The Sham! The Irish Lesbian and Gay Organization’s Battle to March in New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.” Anne, one of the leaders of ILGO’s ten years of direct action protests, will read excerpts from this riveting contribution to history. Signed books will also be available for purchase. Lesbian Herstory Archives, 484-14 St., Park Slope, Brooklyn, F train to 15th St. For more info, 717-768-3953 or lesbianherstoryarchives.org.

MON.DEC.19

Walmart on Film

Meet Liza Featherstone, author of “Selling Women Short: The Landmark Battle for Worker’s Rights at Wal-Mart” in a discussion about the current struggles against Wal-Mart. Robert Greenwald’s documentary “Wal-Mart: The High Cost Of Low Price” will be screened, revealing the corrosive effects that Wal-Mart wreaks upon the communities in which it operates, and upon the men and women it employs. Bluestockings, 172 Allen St. btwn. Stanton & Rivington Sts. 212-777-6028. 7 p.m. $5 to $10 suggested.

Lounge Lizards

It’s Christmas time in the city and once again award winning host Scott Nevins hauls out the holly with his yearly one-night-only spectacular The Scott Nevins Holiday Special! Get into the spirit with some of the greatest songs of the season, sung by some of the most incredible talent from Broadway and beyond—including Billy Porter, Julia Murney, Max Von Essen, Marty Thomas, Shayna Steele, John Hill, Natalie Joy Johnson, XL Star finalists Alysha Umphress, Suzanne Fiore, and Kelly King, plus a special performance from the All-star cast of “A Broadway Diva Christmas.” XL Lounge, 357 W. 16th St.10:30 p.m. Free.

Yoga for Modern Men

Bendyboys has moved to a brand new, spacious, carpeted studio with views of midtown at One Spirit Learning Alliance. Two classes are now offered at different levels—Mon. is Level I-II, suitable for beginners; Thu. is Level II-III, suitable for those looking for a more rigorous flow and advanced poses. New classes will feature such themes as morning after yoga for detoxification as well as special classes for immune system boosting, weight reduction, and overcoming anxiety, depression, and addictions. 6:30 – 8:15 p.m. 330 W. 38th St., Suite 1506. $17; $1 mat rental. bendyboys.net.

Easy Target

Billionaires For Bush will present The Billionaire Follies in “Dick Cheney’s Holiday Spectacular 2005!” Directed by Ivy League-Legacy with Bella de Ball, with choreography by Seamus Lee Rich and music direction by Kiki Baxx. The Billionaire Follies are the performing wing of Billionaires For Bush, celebrating George W. Bush and the emerging plutocracy in song and sketch. Through witty satirical messaging, high production values, culture-jamming actions, and positioning themselves on the cusp of the progressive movement’s advance guard, B4B strives to affect change for good in this country, and to inspire and hearten the American Left. For more information, BillionairesForBush.com. 8 p.m. at Ace of Clubs, inside Acme at 9 Great Jones St. $15 at 212-352-3101 or TheaterMania.com.

TUE.DEC.20

Somnambulic

Location One presents the first New York solo exhibition by Canadian artist Martin Beauregard. This body of recent sculpture, videos, and photographs highlights Beauregard’s ongoing interest in themes revolving around the relationships among dream, illusion, and reality. 26 Greene St., btwn. Canal & Grand Sts. 212-334-3347 or location1.org. The exhibition’s opening reception 6-8 p.m. Gallery hours Tue.-Sat. 12-6 p.m. Through Feb 4.

WED.DEC.21

Broadway Tunes Up for a Cure

The 2005 holiday season will be merry and bright with the latest installment of “Broadway’s Greatest Gifts: Carols for a Cure Volume 7” in which the entire Broadway community comes together to raise money for their favorite charity, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS This year’s twp-CD set is packed with 27 unique versions of both traditional and original holiday songs created especially for this recording. “Carols for a Cure” offers holiday music from virtually every Broadway show—and a few off-Broadway companies—including “Mamma Mia!” “The Phantom of The Opera,” “The Producers,” “Rent,” and “Wicked.” Available at broadwaycares.org or 212-840-0770.

THU.DEC.22

Klezmer Lesbians

Isle of Klezbos, whose Outmusic award-winning recordings have topped world music charts at home and abroad, appears at Joe’s Pub. Hold the date for this special almost-Hanukah show! 425 Lafayette St., just below Astor Pl. Information at 212-539-8770. Reservations for dinner at 212-539-8778, doors open 6 p.m. $12 at telecharge.com or 212-239-6200. 7:30 p.m.

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