I have a special place in my gay old heart for Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. The theatre was my birthplace in a way. My first professional set design was for a show that premiered at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. It was a play about the “Orillia Opera House Scandal“, and it was the most fun, and frustrating experience ever in the theatre world. My friend, a female playwright from York University wrote it (whose name I can’t remember…Anyone?), and it was about all the men who were outed in their town and community when the police placed a camera in the men’s public bathroom. It was placed there in order to catch and ultimately shame/destroy the men who went to that bathroom for sexual interactions. Once identified, their names were published in the town’s newspaper, all before any other official action was taken, ruining many of their lives. Pretty intense, right?
I thought the play was brilliant. Including my set, if I can say that. It was pretty awesome, one of those structures that when you rotated it this way and lowered a wall, it was a bedroom. When you turned it that way and opened it up, it was bathroom stalls. Urinals appeared when you rotated it one way. A kitchen counter when you rotated it back. It was cool, and I was proud of my inventiveness, although, I will admit, quite honestly, that the actors were too scared to set foot on the movable wood structure that I built all by myself late in the night. And I didn’t blame them. I was not a carpenter. I was told I would have one, but, as anyone who ever worked in the theatre would know, a carpenter didn’t materialize, and it was me, all alone, nailing pieces of wood together at midnight in an empty theatre. Thank god that one of those scared brave actors was a carpenter by trade, and stayed one night and made it structurally sound. Saving the day, and my honor. So I thank him for that. And for Buddies to be that place that forever lives in my heart as my first slice of working in the big old Gay theatre world.
So I was very pleased to receive the press release from Buddies in Bad Times Theatre announcing their line-up for Queer Pride 2022 – a festival of queer theatre, comedy, cabaret, art, music, and parties that showcases Toronto’s community’s unstoppable spirit. For three weeks, Buddies will host a stellar line-up of Toronto’s most exciting queer entertainers. And I hope to be able to hit a few of them up while I am here in town for the first time in decades.
https://buddiesinbadtimes.com/shows/pride/2022/
“This year’s Queer Pride Festival offers an eclectic mix of new and familiar artists as we welcome audiences back to Buddies, capping off our 43rd season,” says Interim Director of Operations and Programming Daniel Carter, who curated this year’s festival. “As we began this year with an offering of digital programming, I’m thrilled to be closing this season with a full return to in-person programming which celebrates both our communities and this beloved space called Buddies.”
QUEER PRIDE 2022 PROGRAMMING buddiesinbadtimes.com/pride
The Future is Risky and Possible
“The future is risky and possible” is a statement developed by multidisciplinary artist Andrew Zealley. The desire to seek comfort in individuality and permanency is challenged by environmental crises, processes of divisiness, and forces of gentrification that underscore our current moment with calls for compliance. Life itself is a risky proposition. Possibilities abound. Resist calls to return to normal, resist toxic nostalgia.
Trans Gemmes: Daddy Let the Girls Out (Oral Edition)
Throughout the festival // Audioplay // $0-$20
Capping off our Queer, Far, Wherever You Are series, Trans Gemmes: Daddy Let The Girls Out (Oral Edition) is an audio experience capturing a wild night full of pillow fights, flashing lights, trans rights, and burgers. Directed by Bilal Baig, and accompanied by fresh DJ beats by Sofia Fly, your ears are about to receive some major head!
What I LOVE about being QUEER: 10 year anniversary screening June 7 at 7:30PM | The Cabaret | PWYC – $5
34 beautiful queers. One big question. 10 years later. Join Vivek Shraya for an intimate, ten-year anniversary screening of her film, What I LOVE about being QUEER, followed by a conversation with activist, educator, and artist Farrah Khan.
You Made Me Queer! June 8 at 8PM | The Cabaret | $15-$20
Comedian and host Trevor Campbell invites his panel of superstar guests to point the finger of blame at who and/or what left them bent for life. Based on his hit Sonar Network podcast, YMMQ! is the accusatory queer-comedy-musical-talk show you’ve dreamt of but weren’t sure you deserved. We’re here, we’re queer, and it’s your fault!
Gay AF Comedy & Rushzilla Productions present: Pridezilla
June 10, 8pm | The Chamber | $20-$32
Kick off your Queer Pride with laughter! Rush Kazi and Robert Watson host a monstrous showcase of Queer comedic talent, bringing together a mix of fab local and world-renowned comedians from across our 2SLGBTQ+ communities. With headliner Elvira Kurt, special guest Brandon Ash-Mohammed and featuring Coko & Daphney, Tom Hearn, Dave Kim, Bobbi Summers, and more!
Lady 5 Community Drag Pageant & Party
June 10 at 10pm | The Cabaret | $25
Looking for a supportive, fun place to get dressed up, celebrate queerness, and take a chance? Lady 5 has got you! It’s a night of drag competition and special guest performances, all mixed in with a dance party with DJ Regina Gently. Best of all, it’s all in support of the amazing Rainbow Railroad. Dressing up not mandatory, but STRONGLY ENCOURAGED.
Building Bridges and Creating Space for Deaf Artists
June 11 at 6PM | The Cabaret | Free/PWYC
Emerging Company-in-Residence member Courage Bacchus is joined by three Deaf artists for a raw and open discussion about the barriers they experience, and how they’re working to carve out space for themselves and their art.
June 11 at 8PM |The Chamber | Free/PWYC
Since January, our Emerging Creators Unit has been curating a path of artistic exploration and discovery, supported by Tawiah M’Carthy, Philip Geller, and guest mentors. At our Queer Pride Festival, Tan Vu and Kalale Dalton-Lutale conclude their time in the ECU with a sharing of excerpts, experiments, and insights into their creative processes and learnings.
June 11 at 10:30PM | The Cabaret | $10
This isn’t your average Queer dance party. THROB is the event to get crazy, sexy, cool on the dance floor. DJ Tom Cable spins all the erotic pop, 90s, early 2000s, and current vibes, all night long. This dance floor is open and aims to be safe for everyone in our queer communities. Follow @throbtoronto on Instagram for more info!
June 12 from 12-6PM | The Chamber | Free
Toronto’s three-time award-winning LGBTQ2SIA+ market returns to Buddies (in-person!!) this June for a very special Pride edition, showcasing the incredible, talented artisans and business owners in our LGBTQ2SIA+ Community!
June 12 at 3PM | The Cabaret | Free/PWYC
As we return to in-person performance we’re asking: how can we honour and celebrate space for all? What does it mean to embrace excess and access? After spending the past five months sharing in community and learning through our Emerging Artist and Producer Series, artists will bring forward new and experimental performance offerings.
June 14 at 8PM | The Cabaret | $25
Cabaret superstar Kevin Morris returns to Buddies! With the one and only Chris Tsujiuchi leading a live band, Kevin kicks Pride off with his big voice and hilarious (and sometimes sad) stories set to songs by the likes of Madonna, Bronksi Beat, Taylor Swift, and Olivia Rodrigo.
Fancy Art Gallery (F.A.G.)
June 14 at 9pm | The Chamber | $12-$15
An art party/performance night/curatorial experiment, Fancy Art Gallery (F.A.G.) showcases Toronto’s up-and-coming performers alongside more experienced artists in a rotating “exhibit of the month”. Hosts Diana Sauss and Molly Amoresse are kicking off this new monthly party at Pride. By challenging the performers to tackle their deepest creative selves, they’re hoping for the F.A.G.-iest night in Toronto!
aluCinArte Latin American Arts Festival presents : The Delightful Queer Subversion
June 15 at 9PM | The Cabaret | Free/ PWYC
Toronto’s newest multidisciplinary arts festival kicks off in June, celebrating the best in Latinx arts and culture! Opening aluCinArte is The Delightful Queer Subversion, a not-to-be-missed opening night fiesta for the fest. This confluence of Latinx and queer identities features performances by Sinverguenzilla, Cerena, Selena Vyle, and Irmita La Dulca, and music by DJ Sofia Fly.
June 16 at 8 PM | The Cabaret | $30 Canada’s premier theatre company working to end anti-fat bias and promote the inclusion and positive representation of all bodies on stage is live in the Cabaret! EveryBODY on Stage brings you a variety hour featuring some of Canada’s most talented queer performers, celebrating their diverse bodies. Hosted by Chelsea Jayne Bray.
Drop Deadly Gorgeous: the Pageant
Pageants aren’t just about beauty and superiority anymore: enter this comedic take at pageant culture, with a queer twist. Weird Alice Yankadic, self-appointed Canadian trash drag royalty, with Toronto’s Them Fatale Tygr Willy, has chosen eight of Canada’s prime queer artists who’ll compete to show off their best assets for you and our five fierce local judges. Who will be crowned the Deadliest?
June 17 at 7PM | The Cabaret | $20
With credits spanning the CBC, Just For Laughs, Second City, HBO, the Canadian Screen Awards, and more, these four headliners didn’t come to play. Comedians Tricia Black, Ajahnis Charley, Tom Hearn, and Selena Vyle serve up some of their hottest solo work… and they do group stuff, too!
Les Femmes Fatales presents: Other Suns
June 17 at 8PM | The Chamber | $25
Canada’s first burlesque troupe for women and femmes of colour is back at Buddies for the final installment of their Otherworldly trilogy – a night of burlesque and performance art celebrating resistance, magic, sensuality, and love. Hosted and curated by Dainty Smith.
Kings & Classics: A Royal Return
East King Productions has returned with one of Toronto’s longest and hottest running Drag Kings shows, Kings and Classics pride 2022 edition, hosted by PrettyRiikkii! East King is back after two years and can’t wait to share the stage with you once again.
Pride Toronto, The Rekai Centre & Buddies present: See Me, Hear Me, Feel Me: Making Life Better
June 18, 1-4PM | The Rekai Centre – Wellesley | Free
Rekai Cenre—Toronto’s only long-term care facility space dedicated to queer residents—hosts a lawn party celebrating queer seniors, and open to everyone! Stop by and make a new connection or two, enjoy the sun, have a snack, and take in some of the intergenerational entertainment on hand all afternoon.
Haus of Decadence & Drag Academy presents: VS Jasmine Kennedie
June 18, 8PM | The Chamber | $30-$50
Eight Canadian drag artists battle it out onstage through a series of lip sync challenges for an opportunity to take on Jasmine Kennedie, and earn a chance to win a prize pack including a cash prize and the title of Lip Sync Champion. Hosted by Miss Shay Dee, Calypso Cosmic, and Miss Fiercilious, with music by Sofia Fly.
June 19 at 4PM | The Cabaret | Free/PWYC
Buddies’ monthly poetry open mic is back with a special Pride edition. Come by, sign up, and share some words! At 7PM, OCAD University’s SiteLines reading series takes over, with guest readers Arielle Twist and Juliane Okot Bitek presenting some of their works.
#ClownsKillEmpires Battle The Pink Robots
June 22, 7PM | The Cabaret | $5-$20
#ClownsKillEmpires bring their signature blend of clowns, drag, and irreverence to The Flaming Lips’ iconic album. It’s a multimedia, non-stop trip through outer space you won’t want to miss. Featuring Full Blown Father, Mx. Quest, Pickles LaVey, and more, plus digital magic by Lady Kunterpunt!
Good Medicine presents: The Lost Pride Show
June 22 at 8PM | The Chamber | PWYC – $20
The ‘Bad News Bears of Choirs’ are back to perform unseen pieces from the lost Pride Show (not seen at Buddies, 2020), revisit a few greatest hits, and welcome some special guest music and comedy acts. The Bruised Years Choir delves into themes of madness and hope, with all-original takes on the music of Gloria Gaynor, Judy Garland, Gnarls Barkley, Portishead, and more.
Steers & Queers Gay Ole Opry
June 23 at 9PM | Full Facility | $25
After 15 years of debauchery in the west end of the city, this famously rowdy queer country western party is fixin’ to bring their rhinestones and rawhides from the wild west-end to the Village! At their annual “Night of a Thousand Dollys,” expect a cabaret church service, full Dolly choir, live band, drag queens, burlesque and a full-on country western dance party. Hosted by Fluffy Souffle, this gay ole opry is not to be missed!
June 24 at 7PM | The Chamber | $40
MANifesto are here for their first full-steam-all-rainbows-ahead live show featuring all the songs from their smash hit chart topping foot tapping debut album PINKY SWEAR. MANifesto are a gaggle of grown up gays from Toronto, covering songs originated by girl groups.
June 25 at 8PM | The Chamber | $10-$50
When you’ve aged out of being the Main Character what else is there to do but laugh (okay, and also cry)? Serving up weird (sometimes heartfelt) sketches, songs, and the occasional video interlude, Don Valley Girls are a mashup of Somali/Korean/Palestinian/Pakistani Canadian perspectives from women and non-binary folks.This is NOT your auntie’s sketch show. (Or maybe it is.)
June 26 at 3PM | The Cabaret | Free
Buddies provides cool respite for the weary and thirsty on Pride Day afternoon, spreading out the welcome mat for a friendly gathering just off the parade route. Stop by the cabaret to toast the end of the season!
The best party on the block takes over the whole building for Queer Pride. See Toronto’s top drag and burlesque artists in a super-charged floor show, and stay late with our resident DJs spinning your favourites.
June 18: Molly Amoresse, Krēme Inakuchi & Miss Zoe Sweet; DJ Sofia Fly
June 24: Beardra Bidness, Helena Poison & El Toro ; DJ Sofia Fly
June 25: Bombae, Wrong Note Rusty & Tygr Willy; DJ Relentless
June 26: Baby Bel Bel, Carlotta Carlisle, Katinka Kature & Fantasia Royale Gaga; DJ Tom Cable
My love for theater started when I first got involved in high school plays and children's theatre in London, Ontario, which led me—much to my mother’s chagrin—to study set design, directing, and arts administration at York University in Toronto. But rather than pursuing theater as a career (I did produce and design a wee bit), I became a self-proclaimed theater junkie and life-long supporter. I am not a writer by trade, but I hope to share my views and feelings about this amazing experience we are so lucky to be able to see here in NYC, and in my many trips to London, Enlgand, Chicago, Toronto, Washington, and beyond. Living in London, England from 1985 to 1986, NYC since 1994, and on my numerous theatrical obsessive trips to England, I've seen as much theater as I can possibly afford. I love seeing plays. I love seeing musicals. If I had to choose between a song or a dance, I'd always pick the song. Dance—especially ballet—is pretty and all, but it doesn’t excite me as, say, Sondheim lyrics. But that being said, the dancing in West Side Story is incredible! As it seems you all love a good list, here's two. FAVORITE MUSICALS (in no particular order): Sweeney Todd with Patti Lupone and Michael Cerveris in 2005. By far, my most favorite theatrical experience to date. Sunday in the Park with George with Jenna Russell (who made me sob hysterically each and every one of the three times I saw that production in England and here in NYC) in 2008 Spring Awakening with Jonathan Groff and Lea Michele in 2007 Hedwig and the Angry Inch (both off-Boadway in 1998 and on Broadway in 2014, with Neal Patrick Harris, but also with Michael C. Hall and John Cameron Mitchell, my first Hedwig and my last...so far), Next To Normal with Alice Ripley (who I wish I had seen in Side Show) in 2009 FAVORITE PLAYS (that’s more difficult—there have been so many and they are all so different): Angels in American, both on Broadway and off Lettice and Lovage with Dame Maggie Smith and Margaret Tyzack in 1987 Who's Afraid of Virginai Woolf with Tracy Letts and Amy Morton in 2012 Almost everything by Alan Ayckbourn, but especially Woman in Mind with Julia McKenzie in 1986 And to round out the five, maybe Proof with Mary Louise Parker in 2000. But ask me on a different day, and I might give you a different list. These are only ten theatre moments that I will remember for years to come, until I don’t have a memory anymore. There are many more that I didn't or couldn't remember, and I hope a tremendous number more to come. Thanks for reading. And remember: read, like, share, retweet, enjoy. For more go to frontmezzjunkies.com
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