Arts & Entertainment
Tone balancing
Screen-to-stage adaptation is multi-media delight
The cast of Kneehigh’s U.S. tour of ‘Brief Encounters’ by Jim Cox. (Photo courtesy STC)
‘Brief Encounter’
Through April 13
Shakespeare Theatre Company
The Lansburgh Theatre
450 7th Street, NW
$30-75
202-547-1122
Conventional wisdom says don’t mess with a classic. Typically the result is a letdown. But there are exceptions. Case in point is the UK-based Kneehigh Theatre’s delightful production of “Brief Encounter,” an adaptation of the same-named 1945 British film.
In bringing the iconic screen romance to the stage, director/playwright Emma Rice blends theater and film incorporating projections, musical numbers and myriad clever touches, all now on display at the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Lansburgh Theatre.
The David Lean film is based on Noël Coward’s “Still Life,” one of many plays the gay sophisticate wrote and performed with longtime pal Gertrude Lawrence. It follows the short-lived romance of two married people who meet cute at a train station when Alec, a handsome doctor, removes a cinder from housewife Laura’s eye. The pair begin meeting weekly, mostly in the station tearoom or restaurants, and though their feelings are intense, their relationship remains chaste, never going beyond a kiss. And while the inevitable return to their respective respectable lives and practical mates happens as expected, it’s still a painful outcome. Rice’s adaptation draws from the film and the play.
The action kicks off in the Lansburgh lobby with a zippy string quartet of cast members dressed as ‘40s movie theater ushers performing a selection of vintage tunes. Inside, the stage’s usual curtain has been swapped out for one that’s brighter and redder, reminiscent of those found in old movie palaces. There’s a big movie screen that plays black-and-white footage, a nod to the source film and an exploration of the protagonists’ experience. When not on stage, Alec (Jim Sturgeon) and Laura (Hannah Yelland in her Tony-nominated role from when the show ran on Broadway in 2010) can sometimes be found seated amongst the audience; after all, their first date was a trip to the cinema. They also may slip through a slit in the movie screen only to reappear as bigger-than-life projections.
While meeting in public, the pair is reserved. Their muted passion is represented by film of fast moving clouds and raging tides. As the romantic tension mounts, Laura begins to grapple with doing the right thing. It’s she who suggests they part ways.
Director Emma Rice’s precise and inventive staging is wondrous, the cast is superb and her team’s spectacular technical, multi-media design is top notch. Neil Murray’s set is ingeniously serviceable and his period costumes are impeccably drawn. As the besotted but staid lovers, Yelland and Sturgeon play it straight, never mocking the necessarily formal dialogue. But the supporting ensemble has no such restraints. They’re free to camp it up and play for laughs, and they do, expertly. It’s an effective balance.
The tearoom’s other regulars are its manager Myrtle (Annette McLauglin), an amusingly genteel type whose breaks are spent trysting with the amorous station manager Fred (Joe Alessi); and Beryl (Dorothy Atkinson), a cheeky waitress who is dating the cute young station snack seller, Stanley (Damon Daunno). The cast play multiple parts and along with Dave Brown and James Gow, they also sing and play instruments. Songs include Coward’s “Mad About the Boy,” “A Room with a View,” and melodic original music.
The music is put to especially good effect with another Coward song, “Go Slow, Johnny” sung poignantly by Daunno during a key scene in which the Alec and Laura are alone drying off after having fallen out of a rowboat.
Most of the play takes place in the train station. Not surprisingly, there’s a moment when it seems that Laura might throw herself on the tracks and end it all. But no, she’s too sensible for that. Instead, she returns home (two leather club chairs and a big radio) where her patient husband (Alessi, again) and young son and daughter (a pair of life-sized puppets) are waiting.
“Brief Encounter” is part of the really terrific STC Presentation whose mission is to present world class international productions to D.C. audiences. This memorable production is a testament to both the vibrancy of theater and Coward’s enduring genius.
Sports
Blade, Pride House LA announce 2028 Olympics partnership
Media sponsorship to amplify stories of LGBTQ athletes
The Los Angeles Blade and Washington Blade on Friday announced a media partnership with the Out Athlete Fund, which will produce Pride House LA for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Pride House is the home for LGBTQ fans and athletes that will become a destination during the L.A. Summer Games in West Hollywood in partnership with the City of WeHo. This 17-day celebration for LGBTQ athletes and fans will include medal ceremonies for out athletes, interactive installations, speakers, concerts, and more.
The Los Angeles Blade will serve as the exclusive L.A.-area queer media sponsor for Pride House LA and the Washington Blade will support the efforts and amplify coverage of the 2028 Games.
The Blade will provide exclusive coverage of Pride House plans, including interviews with queer athletes and more. The parties will share content and social media posts raising awareness of the Blade and Out Athlete Fund. The Blade will have media credentials and VIP access for related events.
“We are excited to partner with the Washington Blade, the oldest LGBTQ newspaper in the United States and the Los Angeles Blade, already a strong supporter of Out Athlete Fund and Pride House LA/West Hollywood,” said Michael Ferrera, CEO of Pride House LA. “Our mission is about increasing the visibility of LGBTQ+ athletes and fans to challenge the historical hostility toward our community in the sports world. Visibility is what publications like the Washington and Los Angeles publications are all about. We know they will play a key part in our success.”
“LGBTQ visibility has never been more important and we are thrilled to work with Out Athlete Fund and Pride House LA to tell the stories of queer athletes and ensure the 2028 Summer Games are inclusive and affirming for everyone,” said Blade Editor Kevin Naff.
Out Athlete Fund is a 501(c)3 designed to raise money to offset the training cost of out LGBTQ athletes in need of funding for training. The Washington Blade is the nation’s oldest LGBTQ news outlet; the Los Angeles Blade is its sister publication founded nine years ago.
In honor of Black History Month, the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host a series of events uplifting the histories, artistry, and resilience of Black LGBTQ+ communities through dialogue, film, and intentional gathering.
The series begins with “Ballroom Culture: Rhythms of Resilience,” a panel discussion on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026 at 7 p.m. Artists, activists, and leaders from the ballroom community will explore ballroom’s historical, cultural, and political significance as a site of resistance, kinship, creative expression, and social justice within Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ communities.
On Friday, Feb. 13 at 12:30 p.m., the Center will host a screening of the groundbreaking documentary “Paris is Burning,” which chronicles New York City’s ballroom scene and house culture while examining themes of race, class, identity, and survival through the voices of legendary performers including Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija, and Dorian Corey.
The month will conclude with “Soul Centered: A Black LGBTQ+ Gathering” on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. This free, RSVP-required event invites Black LGBTQ+ community members into a space of rest, connection, and reflection centered on love in all its forms. The gathering will feature a panel conversation with Black LGBTQ+ creatives, healers, and community members, followed by intentional speed connections and a closing social mixer.
For more details and to RSVP, visit the Center’s website.
Friday, February 6
Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.
Spark Social will host “RuPaul’s Drag Race Watch Party S18 Watch Party” at 8 p.m. Drag Entertainers TrevHER and Grey provide hilarious commentary and make live predictions on who’s staying and who’s going home. Stick around after the show for a live drag performance. The watch party takes place on our heated outdoor patio and cozy indoor space. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, February 7
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
LGBTQ People of Color will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ People of Color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, February 8
DMV Gay Dog Moms will host “Puppy Love” at 1 p.m. at Wunder Garten. This a Valentine’s pawty and market for dog lovers. Get gifts for your loved ones – both human & canine at this event. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, February 9
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary, whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know that you’re not 100% cis. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Tuesday, February 10
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so — by sharing struggles and victories the group allows those newly coming out and who have been out for a while to learn from others. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity or expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].
Wednesday, February 11
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Thursday, February 12
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be more fair with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5:00 pm if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breathwork and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
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Celebrate Black History Month
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