Orange County Blog

Corona Del Mar High School officials' initial decision to cancel the student production of Rent and their subsequent failure to address a growing atmosphere of intolerance at the school created "a breeding ground for homophobic attitudes" that is bringing the Rev. Fred Phelps' "God Hates Fags" group to campus today, says American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California attorney Lori Rifkin.

After first being allowed, then being canceled, then being allowed again, a tamer high school version of the hit Broadway musical that includes gay characters and themes opens tonight at CdM High. But the controversy led to an escalation of homophobia and hate crimes on campus, according to an ACLU suit filed last month.

"Despite numerous opportunities to address an atmosphere openly hostile to female, lesbian,
bisexual, gay and transgender students, the district has done nothing that we are aware of to
curb intolerance," Rifkin says in a statement sent to the media. "There has not been a single word condemning bullying or homophobic behavior. No school assembly has been held to address harassment. School officials released a public statement about the play recently that offers nominal support for the drama department and student cast members, but distances district and school administrators from the production and emphasizes that it is 'not a school sanctioned event' and that it contains 'adult content.' 
 
"This tepid and inaccurate statement, on the eve of a protest by Fred Phelps‟ vitriolic hate group that could eclipse the musical production and leave cast members feeling vulnerable and scared on stage, is simply inadequate and unacceptable," Rifkin said.

If you aren't a fan of literature or the Irish, chances are you had no idea that today is Bloomsday, a traditional Irish celebration in recognition of author James Joyce.

Well, it just so happens that Alive Theater company is currently performing Lucia Mad, the story of Joyce's schizophrenic daughter, Lucia, and her love affair with Samuel Beckett, at the Hotel Lafayette in Long Beach. Because of this happy coincidence, Alive Theater is bringing the traditional birthday fete to our shores, and everyone is welcome to attend.

The celebration will include corned beef and gorgonzola cheese sandwiches, Irish libations, performances by Irish band Sligo Rags, and--of course--theatrical readings from Joyce's novels Ulysses and Finnegan's Wake.

Now, because we're talking about the Irish here, the evening's festivities will include a pub crawl, which will begin at the Hotel Lafayette and end at Clancy's Irish Pub, one block away.

I attended a performance of Alive Theater's Lucia Mad by Don Nigro over the weekend and can attest that it is worth catching. The delightful little theater company possesses some extremely good young actors. Go out and support some local theater, won't you? And get drunk, too. It's the Irish thing to do.

Bloomsday Celebration at the Hotel Lafayette, located at 528 E. Broadway, Long Beach. 6-10 p.m. Pub crawl to Clancy's Irish Pub, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.

Performances of Lucia Mad occur every Friday and Saturday until June 29 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, June 22 at 4 p.m. Tickets are $18 general admission and $15 for students/seniors--except on Saturday, June 21, when it's Pay-What-You-Can.