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Theater

In the Theater section of Arts and Entertainment, The Advocate brings readers the latest news related to Broadway and beyond. Discover the latest plays that appeal to the LGBT community through behind-the-scenes videos and interviews with the stars of the stage. Find out the hottest tickets for theater productions in the United States and around the world, ones that are tell stories that will make gay, lesbian, bisexual, and trans audience members laugh, cry, and burst into applause and a standing ovation.

Sir Ian McKellen at The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim World Premiere, December, 2024, London
Arts & Entertainment

Sir Ian McKellen to host Shakespeare play with all trans and nonbinary cast

The rehearsed reading of Twelfth Night will be produced by the new trans and nonbinary theater company, Trans What You Will.

Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel in the Wicked musical; Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in the Wicked movie
film

Here's our honest cast comparison of the 'Wicked' movie and Broadway musical

How do your favorite actors from the original Broadway cast compare to the new faces bringing these beloved characters to life?
Ian McKellen spotted partying with men at London's gay nightclub Roast.
Ian McKellen

Sir Ian McKellen parties with shirtless twunks in London

The 85-year-old actor attended an event with 10 DJs and a darkroom - we have the details.

Ariana DeBose in House of Spoils
Broadway

Ariana DeBose on Broadway hazing: lessons learned

The Oscar-winning actress also discusses identity, joy, Broadway hazing, and the healing power of food in her latest role as a chef in House of Spoils.

Zane Phillips
People

Zane Phillips figured out his sexuality by acting 'stupid in a very specific way'

"Straight boys are stupid with each other in their own kind of way, but I never really accessed that," the out actor recently told PRIDE.com.

Ariana DeBose performs onstage 75th Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall New York City
Arts & Entertainment

8 Ariana DeBose must-see musical theater Performances ahead of the Tony Awards

The multi-talented Ariana DeBose (the first out queer woman of color to win an Oscar) is hosting the Tony Awards for a third time. Here are seven performances that spotlight her outsized gifts.

Nikki Blonsky and her spouse Hailey Jo Jenson looking into each other's eyes
Arts & Entertainment

Surprise! 'Hairspray' star Nikki Blonsky has eloped with Hailey Jo Jenson

The actor revealed that she married her partner last year, dishing on the details of the intimate engagement and ceremony.

Broadway La Cage, The Color Purple, Some Like It Hot
Arts & Entertainment

A brief history of LGBTQ+ representation on Broadway

We've always been key creators, but in recent years we've been seen more onstage.

Jonathan Groff on Coming Out
Arts & Entertainment

Jonathan Groff thought coming out would make fame 'impossible.' Here's why he did anyway

The Broadway veteran thinks that "everyone that was closeted at some point" can relate to his latest role in Merrily We Roll Along.
Giselle Byrd is taking center stage — and helping others do the same
Theater

Giselle Byrd is taking center stage — and helping others do the same

The activist and educator is creating space for other queer and trans people of color in the theater world.

Ari Notartomaso, Jenn Grinels, and Sarah Rosetta Wakeman
Theater

A gender-bending Civil War soldier's tale comes to the musical stage

Sarah Rosetta Wakeman presented as a man to fight for the Union. Now Wakeman's story is the subject a musical play, written by Jenn Grinels and featuring nonbinary actor Ari Notartomaso.

Megyn Kelly broadway show and juliet cast has nonbinary character
Megyn Kelly

Megyn Kelly is shocked to learn that a musical from 2019 has LGBTQ+ characters

The conservative pundit is continuing to demonstrate her lack of cultural awareness.
Playbill Honors World AIDS Day With Remember the Ribbon
Theater
Badge
play

Playbill Honors World AIDS Day With Remember the Ribbon

Watch Broadway come together for the fourth annual event that benefits Broadway Cares.

Alex Newell, Ariana DeBose, Sean Hayes
Theater

Gay and Nonbinary Performers Sweep the Tony Awards

The historic ceremony was hosted by out actress Ariana DeBose.

Michael Arden
Theater

Tony Winner Michael Arden Reclaims the 'F' Word, Gets Bleeped

Arden, accepting the directing award for Parade, also told LGBTQ+ young people, "Your queerness is what makes you beautiful and powerful."

Alex Newell and J. Harrison Ghee
Theater

Alex Newell, J. Harrison Ghee Make History as First Nonbinary Tony Winners

Alex Newell won Best Featured Actor in a Musical and J. Harrison Ghee Best Lead Actor.

A theatre stage with two people in top hats holding the curtain.
Arts & Entertainment

Indiana High Schoolers Bravely Perform LGBTQ-Inclusive Play Despite School's Ban

The school system said students couldn’t perform the queer-inclusive piece because of safety concerns, so they raised $85K and the show went on anyway.

Unfortunate
Arts & Entertainment

Queer Musical Parody of 'The Little Mermaid' Is Making a Splash Across the Pond

Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch first made waves on UK stages in 2022 – and it's returning this year.
Everybody's Talking About Jamie
Arts & Entertainment

Drag Babies: Everybody's Talking About Jamie (en Español)

A new Mexican production proves a popular musical’s message is universal.

Alex Newell and J. Harrison Ghee
Theater

Nonbinary, Gender-Nonconforming Actors Make Tony Awards History

J. Harrison Ghee and Alex Newell are the first out nonbinary or gender-nonconforming actors to receive Tony nominations.