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Gold Dust Orphans Sweeney Claus Event

Ryan Landry & the Gold Dust Orphans present “Sweeney Claus” as this year’s camp holiday theatrical extravaganza now through December 21st at The Iron Wolf Theatre in Boston, MA. The hysterical plot thickens as Dasher one of Santa’s original 9 reindeers comes home from work one night only to find his beloved wife & daughter gone. In fear that his dear, deer family has been kidnapped by “furrier elves” he sets out across the frozen tundra known as “The North Pole” in a desperate search for his loved ones. Lost in the snow, dazed & confused he is soon captured by elfin guards & thrown into an insane asylum where the “screws” immediately have his antlers removed. Now unable to fly & hearing that his family may still be alive somewhere in merry old New England he quickly boards a ship bound for the small seaside town. Once there & bent on revenge he disguises himself as a barber in order to carry out his deadly plan. The cast includes Sweeney (Thain Bertin), his beloved wife Johanna (Mary Mahoney), Santa Claus (Tim Lawton), Mrs. Leaveit (Ryan Landry) & T Perry as the earnest young sailor Semen. It's also been announced that the fabulous Gold Dust Orphan honorary Parker Posey will be joining the cast for their December 20th show at 7:30P. “Sweeney Claus” written by Ryan Landry & directed by Kiki Samko who also appears as the Beggar Woman is not for children since its more naughty than nice. Founded in 1995 The Gold Dust Orphans are an award-winning Vaudeville-inspired theatrical troupe delighting audiences in Boston, Provincetown & NYC with their comedic melodrama, fantasy & political satire. 
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World AIDS Day Observances Globally

Since 1988 World AIDS Day has been observed on December 1st & this year’s theme is "Overcoming Disruption, Transforming The AIDS Response". This emphasizes the challenges facing the HIV response due to disruptions & calls for renewed commitment through resilience, innovation & human-rights-centered approaches to end the epidemic by 2030. According to the World Health Organization more than one million people acquired HIV in 2024 alone. The Save HIV Funding Campaign has released a newly updated Action Alert announcing a coordinated national week of action with partner organizations to call on Congress to reject proposed federal cuts that would jeopardize vital HIV prevention, care & treatment programs. There will be events taking place nationally & globally. The National AIDS Memorial’s World AIDS Day Observance at the National AIDS Memorial Grove takes place on Monday December 1st from 11:30A to 1:30P PST. The Golden Gate Park event in San Francisco, CA is to remember those lost to HIV/AIDS & educate younger generations about the leadership & activism associated with this disease. This annual conversation strives toward an HIV/AIDS-free future where communities are never again harmed by fear, silence, discrimination or stigma. This year the National AIDS Memorial will host a special panel exploring the power of artistic response during the AIDS crisis & its continuing role in movements for social justice today. The panel will reflect on the legacy of artistic activism & consider how creative practice continues to build empathy, fight stigma & elevate community resilience. A few years ago I talked to Cleve Jones in this exclusive audio byte about how AIDS has affected our LGBTQ community. LISTEN 
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Songs Of The Season Holiday Event

A quintessentially San Francisco tradition Songs of the Season is celebrating 33 years of cabaret brimming with world-class performances, cheer & heart December 9th & 10th at Feinstein’s at the Nikko. Produced by Brian Kent & featuring the event’s founder & beloved hostess Donna Sachet, Songs of the Season shines as both a celebration of the holidays & a benefit for PRC supporting life-changing services in behavioral health, housing & workforce development for San Franciscans in need. Step into the warmth of Feinstein’s at the Nikko for an unforgettable evening of festive music, laughter & community spirit. This quintessentially San Francisco tradition brings together an extraordinary lineup of local legends & international stars for a dazzling showcase of talent & heart. Joining Brian Kent & hostess Donna Sachet will include Brian Justin Crum, Charles Jones, Leanne Borghesi, Kenny Nelson, Sister Roma, Meghan Murphy, Kippy Marks, Dr. Dee, Roberta Drake & more. Guests will be treated to soulful renditions of holiday classics, clever skits & surprise performances that capture the joy & magic of the season. From heart-tugging ballads to show-stopping numbers every moment is infused with the spirit of giving & togetherness that defines PRC’s mission. Sip your favorite cocktail, settle into the intimate cabaret setting & experience an evening that’s equal parts heartwarming & hilarious. A true celebration of artistry, resilience & the community that makes the holidays shine brighter in San Francisco. Tickets range from $50 up & all proceeds support PRC's lifesaving, integrated social, legal & behavioral health services to help the City's most vulnerable populations. 
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“Between Goodbyes” PBS Film (AUDIO)

This week I talked to filmmaker Jota Mun about “Between Goodbyes” the first-time director’s feature that POV will debut on PBS at 10P Monday December 8th. The film follows a Korean adoptee reconnecting with her original mother in Seoul as she unravels decades of silence, stigma, confronting long-held regrets all while facing cultural misunderstandings with tenderness, humor & resilience. “Between Goodbyes” is an open love letter to all original mothers who have suffered from family separation providing a deeper understanding about how the adoption industry affects families globally. As a Korean adoptee Mun’s lived experience brings personal insight & uncommon intimacy to a story that reframes conventional narratives about adoption & kinship. Jota filmed “Between Goodbyes” during the years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic through 2021. Archival photos & footage trace the family’s milestones including a reunion in the Netherlands in 2002, time together in South Korea in 2016 & another visit in 2021. Through candid conversations with siblings & extended family “Between Goodbyes” reveals how secrecy & migration intersect inviting audiences into a story that is as complicated as it is loving. Featured in the film are participants Okgyun Kang, Mieke Murkes & Ruth Chon. “Between Goodbyes” made its world premiere at the 2024 DMZ International Film Festival winning the Emerging Filmmaker Award for Jota. The film also won the Special Jury Award for Feature Documentary at the 2024 Santa Fe International Film Festival & was an Official Selection of 2024 DOC NYC. I talked to Jota about the inspiration for “Between Goodbyes” & Mun’s spin on our LGBTQ issues. LISTEN  
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Creative Coalition Wins Anthem Award

The Creative Coalition has won a prestigious Anthem Award for its PSA “The Art's Are America's HeARTbeat” that rallied the cry to protect public arts funding spotlighting the ways creativity fuels community, education, identity & democracy. The PSA starring Iain Armitage (Young Sheldon), directed by Michael Chiklis (The Senior, Fantastic Four, The Commish) & written by Emmy-nominee Bill Prady (The Big Bang Theory, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe) underscores the essential role of the National Endowment for the Arts & illustrates how the arts uplift communities across the nation. Michael Chiklis, Actor & Director stated, “It was an honor to be a part of an effort to save one of the most important endowments in our country’s history. Winning an award for it is unexpected but makes me hopeful for a positive outcome. With humble thanks…” Iain Armitage, Actor added, “I grew up surrounded by the arts — backstage at theaters, watching incredible performers & learning from people who were so passionate about what they do. That world has shaped me in the best ways. It taught me empathy, gave me confidence & showed me how creativity can connect people who might never meet otherwise. Being part of this PSA felt meaningful because it reminds everyone how important those experiences are. I’m really honored to share that message & excited that it’s being recognized with an Anthem Award.” Tim Daly, President of The Creative Coalition concluded, “The arts have shaped every part of my life — they teach us empathy, curiosity & how to imagine a better world. Being part of this PSA was an honor because it reminds people that the arts aren’t a luxury; they’re a lifeline. I’m thrilled to see this message recognized with an Anthem Award.” 
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Anthony Nunziata Italian XMAS Event

Kick-off the holidays with Anthony Nunziata world-renowned Italian-American tenor, songwriter, entertainer & Carnegie Hall headliner December 10th at the Regent Theatre in Arlington, MA. Let Anthony serenade & transport you with his fabulous tenor voice singing timeless songs from the Christmas, Italian & Broadway repertoires. Nunziata stated, “I am thrilled to be bringing my Christmas concert to the Boston area! I love coming back to Boston since graduating from Boston College & this year, it is extra special because I am premiering a brand new “My Italian Christmas!” concert along with releasing my brand-new Christmas album. I can’t wait to share the music with everybody — it’s going to be a very merry Christmas this year!” Known for his soaring voice, captivating & theatrical stage presence & a unique blend of classical, pop & soulful originals this promises an unforgettable musical experience for audiences accompanied by Yasuhiko Fukuoka on piano. Anthony recently headlined a sold-out debut at the legendary Café Carlyle in NYC & has been invited to be a headline soloist for dozens of symphony orchestras around the world including co-headlining Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops Symphony Orchestra. He has performed over 400 concerts over the past decade headlining major performing arts centers, theaters, symphony concert halls, jazz clubs & private events across the country & globally bringing what BroadwayWorld calls “an explosion of love & entertainment.” Expect to hear his soul-stirring renditions of “O Holy Night,” “O Sole Mio,” “Somewhere,” “Funniculi, Funnicula,” “The Christmas Song” & other classics. Tickets run from $39 to $49. 
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Ilana Landsberg-Lewis Rainbow Railroad

The fabulous global org Rainbow Railroad has announced the appointment of Ilana Landsberg-Lewis as their next Chief Executive Officer effective January 5th 2026. Ilana Landsberg-Lewis joins Rainbow Railroad with more than 3 decades of leadership in global human rights, gender justice & philanthropy. As co-founder & former Executive Director of the Stephen Lewis Foundation Ilana led one of Canada’s most respected international solidarity orgs directing more than $140 million to grassroots partners at the frontlines of the HIV pandemic across sub-Saharan Africa. Her earlier work with the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) & her ongoing collaboration with feminist & LGBTQ networks worldwide reflect a lifelong commitment to intersectional community-centered leadership. Bruce Koff, Chair of Rainbow Railroad’s Board of Directors stated, “Ilana brings to this work an unmatched combination of wisdom, experience, insight & compassion. In these extraordinarily challenging times, she is the right person at the right time to inspire hope, build trust & empower an expansive global partnership to ensure the safety & well-being of forcibly displaced LGBTQI+ people." Landsberg-Lewis who will be based in NYC concluded, “At a time when LGBTQI+ people are being forcibly displaced & targeted across the globe, leadership has to mean listening, building trust & sharing power. My focus is on strengthening Rainbow Railroad’s ability to move resources to where they’re needed most & to amplify the leadership of those with lived experience. This work is about collective courage and care & I’m deeply honored to work alongside such a formidable team.” Rainbow Railroad is a global nonprofit org that helps at-risk LGBTQ people escape violence & persecution. 
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Gold Dust Orphans Sweeney Claus Event

Ryan Landry & the Gold Dust Orphans present “Sweeney Claus” as this year’s camp holiday theatrical extravaganza now through December 21s...

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