The Rage Monthly Magazine

Kevin James Thornton by kevin perry We crave action, whether it’s a high-octane movie, a meaningful gesture, or a li’l “action” in the boudoir, wink-wink. But taking action can be difficult. Confronting your boss, hitting the gym, cleaning the fridge — in all of these nightmare scenarios, the scariest step is the first step.

Gavin Leahy in Mean Girls The Musical at La Mirada Theatre. Photo by Jason Niedle. by tony reverditto Gavin Leahy, who portrays Damian, talks about theater, identity, and why Mean Girls still matters. Mean Girls began as a razor-sharp cultural phenomenon when Tina Fey adapted Rosalind Wiseman’s Queen Bees and Wannabes into the now-iconic 2004 film directed by Mark Waters. The story follows Cady Heron navigating the ruthless social hierarchy of high school, led by the unforgettable Regina George.

by andrew j stillman Matteo Lane has the kind of stage presence that can make stand-up comedy look casual, almost accidental, like he just wandered into the spotlight and happened to be hilarious. But behind that loose, conversational ease is an artist with years of discipline, obsessive repetition and a finely tuned sense of rhythm. That should not be surprising. Before comedy, Matteo Lane was already deep in the arts.

by tony reverditto Emmy-winning host Melvin Robert rejoins the chorus for And The Beat Goes On, a soulful celebration at Saban Theatre For nearly five decades, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA) has stood as one of the city’s most powerful cultural voices, an ensemble where artistry and advocacy meet in full harmony. Now in its 47th season, GMCLA continues to blend musical excellence with a mission rooted in visibility, inclusion and community impact.

by brad hart For Frankie Errington (they/them), stepping into the role of J. Pierrepont Finch isn’t just about leading a classic musical; it’s about returning to a place that has witnessed their growth, both as an artist and as a person. In San Diego Musical Theatre’s upcoming production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Errington finds themselves at the center of a story about ambition, confidence and perception — timeless themes that resonate deeply in the present moment.

by andrew j stillman The moonrise over the Sea of Cortez looked like the sun. It hovered low and orange on the horizon, casting a glowing path across the water as if someone had flipped a switch in the sky. I stood barefoot at the edge of the beach in Loreto, Baja California Sur, watching the reflection stretch toward me in the shallows, feeling unusually still for someone who teaches yoga and strength training for a living. This was my first wellness retreat. It was also Loreto’s.

by brad hart The holidays in Hillcrest are always special, but this year the neighborhood truly outdid itself. From glowing storefronts to immersive interiors, local businesses, bars, and restaurants transformed the streets into a festive showcase of creativity, warmth, and community pride. Our Holiday Decorations Contest celebrated that spirit, and choosing the winners was no easy task.

Adam Cooley stars in A Christmas Story. Photo by Julie Licari by tony reverditto The beloved holiday classic A Christmas Story began as a 1983 film directed by Bob Clark, adapted from humorist Jean Shepherd’s semi-autobiographical stories about growing up in 1940s Indiana. The movie follows young Ralphie Parker’s comical quest for a Red Ryder BB gun, making it a nostalgic favorite for its witty narration and iconic scenes like the leg lamp and the tongue-on-the-pole.

Debbie Wileman photo by Gabriel Golderg Debbie Wileman: A Rising Star Embracing Judy Garland’s Spirit by kevin perry We are all guided by ghosts. Loved ones linger in our memories long after they’re gone. We follow laws passed down over centuries. And we’re inspired by icons of yesteryear. Spirits rule our lives in complex, comprehensive ways. So, listen up and learn from their legacy. Debbie Wileman has channeled her inner superstar since age 12 when she would entertain her nana.

Across the border in Tijuana, Casa de Luz provides safety, healing and renewal for LGBTQ+ refugees when they need it most. by scott leonard In a quiet neighborhood just beyond the U.S.–Mexico border, a sanctuary glows with a warmth that has nothing to do with twinkling lights or holiday décor. Casa de Luz is its name. A refuge where LGBTQ+ refugees fleeing persecution, violence, or the threat of death find what many haven’t felt in years: safety.