by Patrick Roehrenbeck, Executive Director “Voice Raised, Lives Changed”, a mission the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC) continues to live by and fulfill through music and community engagement. This season, CGMC piloted a music education and community engagement program with the Boys and Girls Club of Columbus (BGCC).  This program coincides with Illuminati’s, our sacred ensemble, outreach... 

photo by David Rodgers By Chris Azzopardi Times like this – election years, when politics are a comedian’s punching-bag – were made for Kate Clinton, who has hilariously riffed on 30 years of stupid presidents and right-winged morons. In the midst of her All Fracked Up Tour, we caught up with Clinton to talk about the presidential race, progress made in the LGBT community and how comedy is a... 

by Monica Salisbury One of the most wonderful things about origami is the aspect of transformation. You start with a sheet of paper and step by step transform it into a beautiful representation or indication of something else. It’s exquisite in its simplicity, in its purity, its fragility. It’s creation born of inspiration and crafted by artisans who by and large began folding as children. Origami... 

by Christopher Matsos and Chelsea Phillips The Ohio State University and the UK’s Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) – one of the world’s preeminent theatre companies – have joined in a partnership that focuses on guest artist residencies, professional development for K-12 teachers and teaching-artist training. The 2011-2012 academic year has been dubbed the Year of Shakespeare at OSU,... 

From YouTube to TV show, the queen satirist finally makes her dream come true By Chris Azzopardi Think of Sherry Vine’s rise to the (figurative) top as a fairy tale. She begrudgingly waited on people – as a server – until realizing she could dress all pretty and make a lot of money. Next up was singing about penis, poop and boobs (hey, if the shoe fits), referencing those while spoofing pop icons... 

by Leigh Lotocki Winter is usually considered to be a time of hibernation and rest, seclusion and inactivity. Not at the OSU Urban Arts Space, however. This Thursday evening from 6 to 8pm, Urban Arts Space is celebrating the completion of thesis projects by graduate students in The Ohio State University’s Departments of Dance and Theatre with performances, food and fun. With a buzz of... 

by Alana Manwaring If only I had a nickel for every time someone asked “When are the butterflies coming back?” Every spring, thousands of these tiny winged creatures invade Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens as they herald the return of an invigorating, enchanting season. 1000 butterfly chrysales arrive weekly at the Conservatory, shipped from exotic regions of Asia and South America... 

by Sarah Bacha Musicals will take center stage during the CATCO-Phoenix 2012-13 season. CATCO will present Avenue Q, The Story of My Life and Five Guys Named Moe; School House Rock Live! will be presented by The Phoenix Theatre for Children. “During the past year, our patrons told us in audience surveys they want to see more musicals and we’re delivering. We also saw great response to last year’s... 

Star and out director talk coming-of-age film – and how other LGBT teens can relate By Chris Azzopardi Just a girl looking for her place in the world isn’t an all-too-uncommon tale. But Alike is black. And gay. It’s a minority double whammy that singles out the Brooklyn teen from the rest of the world, so she seeks acceptance in gay bars – and, because she’s not definite in her identity,... 

Cast talks character’s sexuality – and why it doesn’t matter By Chris Azzopardi Tattooed and pierced, dressed in full black and the very type of social recluse who’s as mysterious as her body art, Lisbeth Salander is the quintessential outsider. She’s also sexually ambidextrous, something seldom portrayed in a movie as mainstream as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Bisexuality, for once,...