What Students Are Reading
An interview with new librarian Rachel Grover of Rocky Run Middle School.
At Rocky Run Middle School in Chantilly, new librarian Rachel Grover, 28, of Gainesville, says, “Reading is cool and students read like crazy.”
Bluesy ‘Seven Guitars’ at Signature Theatre
Michele Shay tackles August Wilson drama she helped originate on Broadway.
No Rules Theatre Co. opens their new season with “Seven Guitars” written by August Wilson and directed by Tony Award nominated actress Michele Shay, Sept. 10-28, at Signature Theatre.
LTA Stages ‘Spamalot’
Musical comedy is based on “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.”
The Little Theater of Alexandria is staging the musical comedy “Spamalot” Aug. 2-23. The irreverent play, which won three Tony Awards, including the Tony for Best Musical in 2005, is adapted from the 1975 film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” It originally starred Tim Curry as King Arthur, David Hyde Pierce as Sir Robin and Hank Azaria as Sir Lancelot on Broadway.
‘An Evening With Danny Kaye’
Brian Childers brings a Hollywood legend to life in this musical.
Actor Brian Childers has been playing Hollywood star Danny Kaye in numerous incarnations for 13 years. He will be returning to The American Century Theater in Arlington for “An Evening with Danny Kaye” from Friday, July 18 through Saturday, Aug. 16 at the Gunston Arts Center, Gunston Theatre 2, Arlington. This show is part of the Robert M. McElwaine Reflections series.
‘About a Girl’ at Capital Fringe Fest
Play got its start and support from Little Theatre of Alexandria.
Sex, Drugs and Texas 1985 — What’s not to like? A lot if you’re abused, pregnant and still in high school. That pretty much sums up “About a Girl,” which is set in the fictionalized town of Highland, Texas, and dramatizes what happens when everything you have been taught about the world is challenged.
“Cloak and Dagger” at Signature
Musical comedy spoof of 1940s film noir on stage through July 6.
Signature Theater is closing out its 2013-14 season with the world premiere of the screwball musical comedy, “Cloak and Dagger,” on stage through July 6.
Join in 5K Ice Cream Race at Bull Run
Event on June 28 to partially benefit Special Olympics.
The first annual 5K Ice Cream Race will be held Saturday, June 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville. The event includes a chocolate syrup water slide, a whipped cream foam machine, a cherry juice pit, and limber limbo.
Cappies Awarded For High School Theater: Centreville and Chantilly
The 15th Annual Cappies Awards Gala for high school theater was held Sunday, June 8 at The Kennedy Center.
Nine Cappies for WPHS
School received most nominations in the region.
The 15th Annual Cappies Awards Gala for high school theater was held Sunday, June 8 at The Kennedy Center.
LTA Stages “Plaza Suite”
Slapstick comedy by Neil Simon about love and marriage is sure to please.
The Little Theatre of Alexandria is staging the Neil Simon slapstick comedy, “Plaza Suite,” June 14-July 5.
Cappies Awarded for High School Theater
The 15th Annual Cappies Awards Gala for high school theater was held Sunday, June 8 at The Kennedy Center. Nine Cappies went to West Potomac High School for “Spamalot,” including the coveted Best Musical award. The Best Play award went to Langley High School for “The Children’s Hour.” The Cappies’ show season extended from October 2013 to May 2014, and Cappies shows were attended, on average, by 45 student critics. This year’s event included 58 public and private high schools from Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Montgomery and Prince William counties, the cities of Falls Church, Alexandria and Manassas, and Washington, D.C. The event was hosted by Judy Bowns, Janie Strauss and Ed Monk.
Cappies Awarded to High School Theater in Arlington
Cappies Awarded for High School Theater
The 15th Annual Cappies Awards Gala for high school theater was held Sunday, June 8 at The Kennedy Center.
TACT Presents “Judgment at Nuremberg”
Courtroom drama is based on the Holocaust and Nuremberg trials.
The American Century Theater will present the courtroom drama, “Judgment at Nuremberg,” from May 30-June 28 at Gunston Arts Center, Theatre Two, in Arlington. The play, written by Abby Mann, dealing with the Holocaust and complexities of the Nuremberg trials is based on the 1961 Academy Award-winning film starring Spencer Tracy, Burt Lancaster, Marlene Dietrich, Judy Garland, William Shatner, and Montgomery Clift.
Signature Stages “The Threepenny Opera”
Musical presents dark critique of capitalism in this updated translation.
“Life’s a bitch and then you die.” Signature Theatre in Shirlington is staging an updated version of “The Threepenny Opera” through June 1. While it was written in 1920s Germany (and based on John Gay’s 1728 “The Beggar’s Opera”), its themes are timeless: the brutality of humanity and the scathing critique of a capitalist society.
LTA Presents “Boeing, Boeing”
Comical farce stars a philandering architect engaged to three stewardesses.
The Little Theatre of Alexandria is presenting the non-stop comedy, “Boeing, Boeing,” now through May 24. Set in a 1965 Paris apartment on the same day, the classic farce written by French playwright Marc Camoletti is centered on Bernard, a swinging architect engaged to three flight attendants all at once. Bernard’s life goes haywire when his friend Robert comes to visit and a newer, speedier Boeing jet messes up all of his careful planning. Inevitably, all three stewardesses come to visit at the same time, but the ending’s not what you’d expect.
5K Ice Cream Race at Bull Run
The first annual 5K Ice Cream Race will be held Saturday, June 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville.
Synetic Presents ‘Three Men in a Boat’
Based on an 1889 book, the story is a holiday through the English countryside.
Synetic Theater is concluding its 2013-14 season with a new adaptation of “Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog)” May 8 through June 8 in Crystal City. The production features D.C. theater stars Tim Getman, Rob Jansen and Tom Story making their Synetic Theater debuts and Synetic company member Alex Mills who was most recently seen as the title character in “Hamlet …the rest is silence.”
Blues for an Alabama Sky
Port City Playhouse stages 1930s drama set during the Harlem Renaissance.
Port City Playhouse is staging its final production of the 2013-14 season, “Blues for an Alabama Sky,” by playwright Pearl Cleage, May 2-17.
‘Camp David’ at Arena Stage
World premiere explores 13-day peace process orchestrated by President Jimmy Carter.
Arena Stage is presenting the world premiere historical drama “Camp David,” the story of how President Jimmy Carter, Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat came together to forge a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel.
Mount Vernon Rec Center Offers Spring Break Camps
With Spring Break for public and private schools coming up on April 14 and April 21, the Mount Vernon Rec Center at 2017 Belle View Blvd. in Alexandria offers spring break camps, spring classes in ice skating and ice hockey and many opportunities to have fun.
Serving Up Smorgasbord of Local History
There’s a lot going on in Arlington’s history — this being the 150th anniversary of Arlington National Cemetery, and the 200th anniversary of the burning of Washington. And there’s a lot going on in the Arlington Historical Society (AHS) as well.
LTA Stages "Proof"
Drama explores love and relationships, mental illness and mathematics.
The Little Theater of Alexandria is staging "Proof," a dense and compact drama/comedy written by David Auburn about mathematics and mental illness that starred Gwyneth Paltrow, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Anthony Hopkins in the 2005 film adaptation.
Understanding WWII Decisions
Yorktown High junior studies military history in Normandy and New Orleans.
“On Omaha Beach, there were bunkers everywhere. And tons of it is still there. They still have the craters.”
Synetic Theater Offers Street Theater Camp
Synetic Theater and dog & pony dc are teaming up to offer a week-long intensive course in street theater for high school and college students at Synetic's new studio space in Crystal City. It runs March 10-15 and costs $350. Classes will culminate on Saturday, March 15 with public performances that take students from Crystal City to Freedom Plaza in the District. “This year, we are very excited to be working with dog & pony theater,” said Camp Director Elena Velasco. “They use social media and are very focused on audience reaction and audience relationships.” She added, “With dog & pony, it will be how we can invite the audience into the action ... How do we incorporate that into social media — Twitter, texting — how can we expand that performance circle.” Under the guidance of senior Synetic teachers and artists from dog & pony dc, students will study the disciplines of collaborative creation. Street theater offers a means of honing one's skills as an actor, and performers use their craft to empower their community and transform public spaces into arenas of artistic exchange.
”Next Fall” Opens This Weekend
The Port City Playhouse is staging “Next Fall” from Feb. 28 to March 15. The contemporary love story written by Geoffrey Nauffts is about two gay men in an up-and-down relationship in New York. The character of Luke is devoutly religious and his lover Adam is an atheist. The action revolves around their five-year relationship and how they make it work despite their differences. However, when an accident changes everything, Adam must turn to Luke's family for support. “I want to tell a realistic story about two people who love each other very much,” said Director Rob Batarla. “And that at the end of the day, the differences that you think really matter just don't really matter.” He added, “Although the story centers around a same-sex couple, the central theme is universal.” “Next Fall” opened off-Broadway in 2009 and was nominated for the 2010 Tony Award for Best Play. It also received a 2010 Outer Critics Circle Award as Best New American Play. According to Richard Isaacs, 50, of Old Town, who plays the role of Adam, one of the two leads, “All of the characters are in search of where they are in life. They seem to be looking for something, but they aren’t sure what they’re looking for. I think it’s about life’s journey and finding who you are in life.” Added Isaacs, “In this five-year relationship, they are trying to find a common connection and make the relationship work despite different theological attitudes … Some of the questions Adam asks Luke, I have asked these same questions in my own life.”
Synetic Theater Stages ‘Twelfth Night’
Synetic Theater in Arlington is staging a no-dialogue, high-energy and acrobatic production of “Twelfth Night.” Shakespeare’s comedy, set in the silent film era, will run through Feb. 16. With a backdrop of the Roaring ’20s, “Twelfth Night” tells the tale of fraternal twins, Viola and Sebastian, separated in a strange new land.
TAP Presents ‘Clybourne Park’
Arlington community theater tackles Pulitzer and Tony winner.
The Arlington Players is presenting "Clybourne Park," an award-winning, multi-layered play about racism through Feb. 15.
‘The Wizard of Oz’ at Congregation Har Shalom
A cast of 51 performs classic on Jan. 25-26 in Potomac.
Coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the movie, The Har Shalom Players of Potomac is skipping down the yellow brick road with its theater-in-the-round production of L. Frank Baum’s classic “The Wizard of Oz” on Jan. 25-26.
In Harmony With Celebration Singers
Springfield show choir has been going strong 40 years.
The all-volunteer Celebration Singers performed their final holiday concert of the year on Sunday, Dec. 15 at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Springfield. The group started at Springfield Methodist Church in the 1960s by the name of the Wesleyan Singers. Some of the ladies have been singing together for 40-plus years. And through the years, membership has reached 66 people, but has since dwindled to 18.
A Taste of Braddock Holiday Party
Hundreds attend party hosted by Braddock District Supervisor John C. Cook.
Hundreds of people came out for the Annual Taste of Braddock Holiday Party on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at Braddock Hall in the Kings Park Library. Supervisor John C. Cook and his staff greeted guests who dined on food donated by Braddock-area businesses. Free food was provided by Café Rio, Milano’s, Hunan West, Wegmans, Smith & Clarkson’s, Aladdin's Eatery, among others.
Church Street Holiday Stroll in Vienna
Hundreds come out to music, marshmallows and winter magic.
Hundreds of people strolled along Church Street on Monday evening, Dec. 2, during the annual Church Street Holiday Stroll between Lawyers Road and Mill Street. Highlights included local singing groups performing holiday carols, a petting zoo, marshmallow-roasting on open fires, hot chocolate and a visit with Santa.
Firehouse Subs Gives Gift
City of Fairfax Fire Station 403 receives forcible entry equipment.
Firehouse Subs on Main Street in Fair City Mall donated fire equipment to the City of Fairfax Fire Station 403 on Thursday, Nov. 7.
Finding Childcare Providers
Fairfax-based Infant Toddler Family Day Care turns 30.
The Infant Toddler Family Day Care Program of Fairfax helps parents find the best possible childcare provider in the area. It currently serves 360 children, and celebrated its 30th Anniversary on Oct. 13, with a dinner at the Fairfax Marriott.
Holiday Bazaar Returns to Vienna
80 vendors display their wares at Vienna Community Center.
The Vienna Woman’s Club held its 53rd annual Holiday and Harvest Bazaar Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Vienna Community Center.
McLean Antiques Show a Success
1,200 visitors attend 37th annual show at Alden Theater in McLean.
About 1,200 visitors attended the 37th McLean Antiques Show where 50 dealers from up and down the East coast sold their wares at the Alden Theater in McLean on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 9-10.
Great Falls Boy Wins Essay Contest
Sidharth Muralidhar, 13, writes “For Love of Country—What Patriotism Means to Me.”
Sidharth (Sid) Muralidhar, 13, of Great Falls is being honored Oct. 17 for winning first place (gold) for his essay, “For Love of Country—What Patriotism Means to Me,” a contest sponsored by the Fairfax County Public Library System. He will receive $100 and a certificate at a reception at Robinson Secondary School.
Complete the Circle Oct. 27
Our Daily Bread hosting food and toiletries collections, community event.
Our Daily Bread in Fairfax is hosting its third-annual “Complete the Circle” food-collection campaign and community event on Sunday, Oct. 27 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Fairfax High School practice field.
Goodwill Fashion Show at Artisphere
Designer Tu-Anh Nguyen selects used clothing from Goodwill stores.
Arlington’s Artisphere featured the Fashion of Goodwill Runway Show and Gala on Tuesday, Sept. 24, which raised about $155,000 for the cause. With the theme “The Art of Fashion,” Vietnamese designer Tu-Anh Nguyen of Fairfax created the show from hand-selected items found at Goodwill of Greater Washington’s 15 retail stores.
Library Opens at Mount Vernon Estate
$106.4 million building dedicated.
The $106.4 million Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington opened in Mount Vernon last Friday, Sept. 27, with much fanfare. Fred W. Smith, chairman of The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, the largest donor, gave $70 million, including a $38 million lead gift, which was the largest single donation in Mount Vernon’s history. It was seed money to create the museum, foundation and education center. Funds were also collected by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, which came from 7,000 individuals, foundations and corporations from across America — not from any federal, state or local governments. “This is a place where scholars and leaders can visit from all over the world,” said Gov. Bob McDonnell, who referred to George Washington as only having a sixth-grade education — a man of “quiet faith, humility, and civility.” And one of the best whiskey makers in America.
The Arlington Players Presents ‘A Chorus Line’
Talented cast of 24 actors reveal their souls through song and dance.
Under the direction of Susan Devine, 56, of Fairfax, The Arlington Players is staging the iconic dance-musical “A Chorus Line,” through Oct. 12 at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center off Glebe Road in Arlington. The complex show features a cast of 24 actors, singers and dancers on a bare stage with only a wall-length mirror during their audition for a musical. The director Zach, played by formidable real-life director and actor Blakeman Brophy, moves freely through the audience, while running the auditions and putting actors through their paces. As the play progresses, Zach gets them to reveal their souls through song (“What I Did for Love,” and “I Can Do That”) and dance. Devine wanted to convey the feeling of Zach directing from an empty auditorium — even though he was moving around the audience. She said, “I wanted to make this feel like this was as real an audition as possible.”
Offering Special Needs Training
Christ Presbyterian Church holds autism workshops for lay people on Oct. 18-19.
Christ Presbyterian Church is offering a free Special Needs Ministry Training Workshop Oct. 18-19, for Sunday School teachers, lay people, and volunteers who minister to children and youth with autism and other conditions. It features presentations from local ministry leaders, DVDs by experts, and training in classroom management. The workshops are at 12410 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax. “The goal is to bring awareness to the unique opportunity people have in ministering to families of special needs,” said Pastor Geoff McLean, 40. “We’re looking to build a cadre of folks to support each other in this kind of ministry.” McLean said a lot of people come to church and they find it an unwelcoming place if they have special needs. And because most folks are going through their own individual struggles, he wants to bring them together to be resources for each other. “So if they have an issue, they can talk to others and find ways to connect,” he said.
Carlyle House Hosts Historic Fashion Show
15 models highlight styles from Colonial and Federal periods, 1753 to 1760s.
Living historians modeled 18th-century clothing at an Historic Fashion Show at the Carlyle House on Saturday, Sept. 21 — clothing that would have been worn by society maverick John Carlyle and his family in Old Town Alexandria. This year’s show focused on the Colonial, Federal and Civil War-era (1753 to 1860s), as well as the mid-19th century. “Our goal was to share the history of fashion that the Carlyle family would have been wearing and encountering among their peers,” said Helen Wirka, curator and site specialist at Carlyle House. The Carlyle’s home was the center of Alexandria’s wealth and politics from 1741 to 1780, according to Wirka. John Carlyle was a town founder, surveyor, justice of the peace, and building contractor. He hosted the Bread and Butter Ball, and entertained the likes of George and Martha Washington, Gen. Edward Braddock and five governors at his mansion. He married Sara Fairfax in 1747, and the couple had seven children. After Sara died, he married Sybil West in 1761; and they had three children.
Light the Night Walk on Oct. 5
Fundraiser for 4-year-old girl named 'Ava B,' a leukemia survivor.
“Ava B” of Fairfax Corner was a typical 2-year-old when she fell ill with leukemia on Dec. 9, 2011. After having a fever for four days, her mom “Jeannie B” took to a doctor and ran a few tests. A hematologist then confirmed that she had Pre-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. (The family asked that their last name not be used.)
St. James’ Episcopal Church Held 2013 Arts and Crafts Fair
St. James’ Episcopal Church in Mount Vernon held its 6th annual Arts and Crafts Fair on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013, with 72 vendors offering hand-crafted items like musical instruments, jewelry, and paintings.
St. James Episcopal Turns 50
Potomac Church on Seven Locks Road travels the “Via Media” or Middle Way.
It’s been a busy time at St. James Episcopal Church in Potomac; the Fall Rummage Sale takes place Friday-Saturday, Oct. 4-5, 2013, the Blessing of the Animals is on Oct. 6, 2013, at 5 p.m., and the church just celebrated its 50th anniversary on Sept. 21 and 22 with a family dinner and concert by Jason Gray.
Senior Volunteers Stay Active
Fifty percent of Mount Vernon RECenter’s volunteers are senior citizens.
The Mount Vernon RECenter is known for its ice skating rink, massive indoor swimming pool and fitness center with spa and sauna. It has 46 volunteers who help greet guests, clean up the fitness room, landscape the grounds and assist people with adapted swimming and ice-skating. Exactly half of them are retired senior citizens over 50 who want to stay active while giving back to the community.
Fairfax Library’s Book Sale a Success
The City of Fairfax Regional Library’s book sale was a huge success last Friday through Sunday. Its Children’s Book Sale the previous weekend was the best in the last three sales. On Friday, 1,600 people attended.
South County Band Mentors Middle-schoolers
High-school and middle-school musicians perform pep tunes together.
South County High School Marching Band has a great mentoring program. During home football games, 72 musicians perform pep tunes along with 25 eighth-graders—tunes like “The Hey Song,” “Iron Man,” and “Living on a Prayer.” “Being in the band is hard work, but it’s fun,” said Marching Band Coordinator Gina Bartel, whose two sons, Kody, 16, (trumpet) and Ethan, 13, (chimes) are musicians in the band. Her husband is Randy Bartel of the Crosspointe community.
Car Wash at Mark Twain Middle
About 70 seventh- and eighth-graders took part in a car wash at Mark Twain Middle School along Franconia Road in a fund-raiser for the school band on Saturday, Sept. 21. The funds will be used to buy instruments and uniforms for the school.
Burke Library Book Sale a Success
Patrons donated about 8,000 books, including vintage books and bestsellers, to the Burke Centre Library’s book sale last Wednesday through Saturday, Sept. 25-58.