special culture

Archives December 2023

Anarchy Unleashed: Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix Ignite the Joker Sequel Trailer

Todd Phillips’s Joker grossed over $1 billion upon its debut in 2019 and earned its impressive lead, Joaquin Phoenix, an Oscar for best actor. Naturally, it was only a question of time before we learned that the intense psychological suspense film focused on the green-haired villain and Batman rival would receive a follow-up. What is surprising, though, is that the upcoming venture is a jukebox musical with Lady Gaga performing one of its prominent roles.

On June 13, 2022, The Hollywood Reporter disclosed the news that the versatile artist, last appearing in cinemas as the vibrant Patrizia Reggiani in House of Gucci, was initially negotiating to join Phoenix in Joker: Folie à Deux. (The film’s name, announced by Phillips on social platforms, alludes to a clinical term for an identical or shared mental disturbance affecting two or more people, generally relatives.) Then, on August 4 of that same year, she personally affirmed the development, sharing a musical preview on social platforms that features the outlines of the two performers dancing closely.

X content

This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.

Craving Their Charisma: RHONY’s Racquel Chevremont and Mel Corpus

Even though I adore observing affluent women quarrel over trivial matters, I must confess that by the conclusion of last season, I felt somewhat exhausted by RHONY conflict—which is why the arrival of two fresh cast members this season was so invigorating. “Friend of the Housewives” Rebecca Minkoff brings an amusing touch, if only because I’m intrigued to comprehend what fuels a Jewish-Scientologist accessories designer (interesting tidbit: I once attempted to commission a story on Minkoff’s then-obscure Scientology during my tenure as an editor at a now-closed fashion and art publication, but was advised that our parent company’s legal team wouldn’t be capable of protecting the freelance writer from potential litigation if it was published), yet the new RHONY member who has truly captured my affection is one Ms. Racquel Chevremont: curator, art collector, former model, parent of two, and a culturally significant lesbian.

Killer Instincts: Eddie Redmayne Goes Deep on His Slick New Assassin Drama, The Day of the Jackal
Discover the Untold Magic: Sufjan Stevens’ “Illinoise” Heads to Broadway

By this point, considerable excitement has built around Illinoise, the theatrical production/dance show inspired by Sufjan Stevens’s revered album Illinois. Receiving its initial performance at Bard College in New York last spring, feedback for the show has been universally enthusiastic. Following its time at Bard, Illinoise made stops at Chicago’s Shakespeare Theater, the Park Avenue Armory, and ultimately reached Broadway, where it debuts this evening at the St. James Theatre—just in time for it to be considered for the 2024 Tony Awards.

When Stevens’s 26-song concept album was released in 2005, it quickly made a lasting impression on the generation that eagerly consumed it. A tribute to the state of Illinois, Stevens incorporates historical personalities, misfortunes, and highly specific IYKYKs into an album that rises with rich marching-band melodies and then settles with simple banjo tunes. Despite its stories tied to a specific place, the album’s broader appeal was undeniable. It provided listeners with a feeling of losing oneself only to be found once more, a sensation that resonates with everyone.

Justin Peck—both the director and choreographer of the performance and coauthor of the script with Pulitzer Prize–winning dramatist Jackie Sibblies Drury—was roughly 17 when he first heard the album, and from then on, there was no turning back. (Inside the Illinoise program, there’s an article by Jessica Dessner, an artist, author, former dancer, and close collaborator of Stevens who recalls a message on Facebook she got from Peck over ten years ago showing his wish to connect with Stevens.) Peck’s deep admiration for Stevens has led to numerous direct partnerships at the New York City Ballet (where Peck serves as a resident choreographer), starting with a score for the ballet Year of the Rabbit in 2012.

The initial team of Illinoise

Photo: Liz Lauren, 2024

Skipping Wedding Invitations: Navigating Relationship Boundaries

In matters of love, everyone is a novice. However, some of us possess the ability to speak with conviction. Allow me to present Shon Faye, writer of The Transgender Issue (2021) and the upcoming Love in Exile (2025), whose guidance captured our interest. Reach out to her at [email protected] for your personalized path to enlightenment.

Dear Shon,

I am deeply content in a heterosexual partnership with a man. We share many similarities and my affection for him is immense. I remained unattached until the age of 30 and have a vast circle of intimate friends, some contentedly single, some practicing non-monogamy, some identifying as queer, a few wedded in modest registry office ceremonies, others living together with no intention of marrying.

He, contrastingly, has friends who are all exclusively heterosexual, engaged, and planning extravagant weddings. I attended two weddings of his companions this year, and the affair left me depleted, both monetarily and socially. Each was held in remote locations—one even abroad—and both necessitated taking time off work. I found myself awkwardly conversing with the few familiar faces and my partner. Mostly, I ended up retreating to the restroom with a headache. I’m not much for drinking and experience significant social anxiety when meeting new people.

The other girlfriends all seem to be well-acquainted. I sense they aren’t particularly fond of me. The one girlfriend with whom I truly connected was recently abandoned by his friend, and I felt heartbroken, as she was my social support. However, I have my own friends and struggle to understand why I need to adopt my boyfriend’s friends’ partners. At times, being bisexual makes me feel out of place with them. In their view, I seem too eccentric, too queer, and too unusual.

Two of his friends have gotten engaged recently, and I found myself reacting with anxiety. We are awaiting an invitation to yet another wedding. Is there a way I can express to my boyfriend that I am reluctant to attend? I worry about being a terrible girlfriend. But truthfully, these events aren’t enjoyable for me. Ironically, I suspect he doesn’t find them enjoyable either. He merely feels obliged to attend.

From Enchanting Ari’s Fantasy to Madonna’s Epic Stage Command: Top 8 Met Gala Shows Ever

It may be simple to overlook the fundamental purpose of the Met Gala as a tremendously successful charity event. Like similar occasions, it features a cocktail reception succeeded by a formal dinner and a musical act. Yet, considering the grandeur of the Met, this conclusive performance typically reaches monumental heights. Under the inventive direction of visionary Baz Luhrmann in the past, Met Gala acts have varied from the Billy Elliot ensemble executing ballet movements to Bruno Mars delivering flawless authenticity and Diana Ross gently singing in a feathered strapless garment. On the Met stage, musicians have united, released new records, and performed unique tracks never heard again. It’s reassuring that, given the venue, no one has physically brought the building down. (Not yet, anyway.) Presented here are some of the finest Met performances to date.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo
Photo: Getty Images

During her breathtaking medley at the 2024 Met Gala, Ariana Grande artfully merged “Once Upon a Dream,” from Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, with a collection of her most captivating pop tunes—both contemporary and well-known. The finale? A heartrending version of “When You Believe” alongside her Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo. Not to forget, the ensemble included 30 dancers, a choir of 40, and two distinct Maison Margiela Artisanal outfits.

Lizzo
Lizzo performs on a table during the 2023 Met Gala Celebrating “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty.” Photo: Kevin Mazur/MG23/Getty Images
In a New Production of Gypsy, Audra McDonald Takes On a Towering Role
Empowering the Women of Love Actually

Initial thoughts? This is an endearing movie, brimming with a star-studded ensemble, infidelity controversies, and a Christmas pageant, rendering it, on the surface, an adequately delightful holiday film. The film features snappy quips (“Where the fuck is my fucking coat?” has been resonating in my mind for several days now) and grand romantic gestures at an airport. Everything seems quite appealing to me.