The Game Plan
Shakespeare, Synetic and Scandal Oh My!
Posted by clara / Friday, August 12th, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
Whether you’ve been a regular follower of our Theatre Guide & Reviews, or you’ve skipped the shows because of the crazy expensive ticket prices, this upcoming show at the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Sidney Harman Hall is for you. Their summer “Free for All” program presents William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar,” opening August 18. This year, STC is providing an online ticket lottery for patrons who want to plan ahead instead of waiting in the ticket line before the performance.
“Julius Caesar” is a story about the tyranny of politics. Shakespeare’s three leading men: Julius, Brutus, and Marc Antony, become three voices for the various factions in Rome’s government. Though the play deals with a power struggle in the government, it also gives audiences a well-rounded picture of those involved in a government scandal, and the good and bad traits that make up a person’s character.
Dan Kremer as Julius Caesar, Kryztov Lindquist as the Soothsayer and the cast of the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s 2008 production of “Julius Caesar.” Photo by Carol Rosegg.
More than 600,000 people have attended Free for All since its inception in 1991. Artistic Director Michael Kahn says, “One of the major goals of the Free For All is to make Shakespeare accessible to diverse audiences—people who have never been to the theatre, people who are unable to pay for tickets or afford a babysitter, young people, students, people on fixed incomes. They all come to experience the magic of Shakespeare, to see how his words and ideas still resonate with us more than 400 years later.”
“Julius Caesar” was first presented by the Shakespeare Theatre Company during their 2007-2008 season. The timeliness of their “Caesar” re-staging is uncanny; this October, George Clooney takes another stab at directing with “The Ides of March.” This film is sure to have audiences buzzing; with the presidential election season fast approaching, the commentary of this movie will not only offer insight into our slate of candidates but give us a new spin on the age old phrase “history repeats itself.” Based on the play by Beau Willimon, the movie stars Ryan Gosling, a staff member of presidential candidate George Clooney whose life is turned upside down by the dirty politics of running for the United States presidency.
In other theatrical news – albeit more lighthearted news – comedian Richard Lewis is coming to Synetic Theater!
Richard Lewis. Photo Courtesy Synetic Theater.
Lewis is going into his eighth season on TV’s hit comedy “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” which has received six Emmy nominations. His character performance in the series has been lauded by SAG and magazines like Vanity Fair. He is performing in Arlington as a part of the Misery Loves Company Stand-Up Tour on Friday August 19 and Saturday August 20. Tickets are $40.
For more information about “Julius Caesar,” visit www.shakespearetheatre.org. For more information about “The Ides of March,” click here to visit their IMDb page. For more information about comedian Richard Lewis, visit www.arlingtoncomedy.com.
–Clara Ritger
Happy Hour: Southern Specials In Old Town
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Thursday, August 11th, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Happy hour is from 4 to 7 at Old Town’s Southside 815. More like hungry hour. With their down home Southern cuisine majorly discounted this evening, it’s the go-spot for an inexpensive night out on the town.
HH tonight? Held to Old Town. /Photo courtesy of Southside 815
Craving a juicy burger? They’re half-off tonight. Grab The Old Town Burger, loaded up with lettuce, tomato, pickles and onions, for $4.25. Or try The Virginia Burger, paying tribute to one of our native foods, Virginia ham, smothered with cheddar cheese and hickory smoked BBQ sauce for $4.75.
If wings are what you have in mind, order a plate of French Quarter Hot Wings. At 35 cents each, they’re a yummy steal.
Southside will also be serving up pork – and lots of it – as well as seafood. Get your fix of BBQ with mini pulled pork sandwiches for just $1 each and mini pork nachos at $1.50, or order New Orleans-style mini oyster po’boys for $1.50.
To accompany the wallet-friendly food, Southside has several drink options for under $4, including: $3.75 Guinness and Bass drafts, $3.25 Sam Adams Boston Lager and Seasonal, $2.50 rail drinks and Molson Canadian plus $2 Miller and Bud Lite.
Southside 815 offers many selections on tap. /Photo courtesy of Southside 815
The one downside? Happy hour is only available inside, at the bar. Come early to snag prime seating and embrace one of the reasons we love being below the Mason-Dixon: good ole Southern cuisine.
Southside 815
815 S. Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 836-6222
www.southside815.com
HH: 4 to 7 p.m.
Food specials: $5 and under
Drink specials: $4 and under
-Lorin Drinkard
Sneak Preview: Riot Act Comedy Theater
Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Thursday, August 11th, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
The Riot Act Stage (Photo by Steve Stratton)
Last night, Riot Act Comedy Theater in Penn Quarter held a sneak peek grand opening event for members of the press.
Riot Act owners, Geoff Dawson (also owner of Buffalo Billiards, Iron Horse Tap Room and Rocket Bar), Marjorie Heiss (a veteran of Bedrock Management Company) and John Xereas (coordinated comedy events for Dave Chappelle, Bob Saget, Ellen DeGeneres and Ray Romano) graciously hosted the party. They served drinks and hors d’oeuvres from the Riot Act menu and pampered guests with an open bar. Big Al Goodwin, Tony Woods and Charles Fleischer each gave comedic shows for the lively audience (more on these guys later).
Mingling upstairs before the show
The party started with some mingling at the bar. Here’s what Riot Act had for us to sample off their menu:
Cold Hors D’oeuvres
• Antipasto Skewer
• Watermelon & Feta with Cracked Black Pepper
• Seafood Salad in Phyllo Cup
Hot Hors D’oeuvres
• Beef Hibachi Skewer
• Chicken Hibachi Skewer
• Brie with Raspberry in Phyllo Dough
• Duck Potstickers with Chili Soy
• Mini Quiche
• Spanakopita
• Fig with Mascarpone Cheese
The only appetizers I saw go around were the Antipasto Skewers (tomato, mozzarella and artichoke), Duck Potstickers (my favorite) and the Spanakopita, which weren’t fully cooked and were too doughy to eat. Riot Act also served a few types of wine (two white and two red) and several draft beers like 21st Amendment Blueberry and Riot Act Red. They featured a glorified vodka cranberry called the Summer Riot (Stolichnaya Vodka, Sprite and cranberry juice with a dash of pineapple juice).
Spanakopita & Pinot Noir (Photo by Steve Stratton)
After some more taste testing and mingling, everyone meandered downstairs to the theater for the show.
Big Al Goodwin
First up was Big Al Goodwin, who has toured the country and recently opened for Dave Chappelle, Wayne Brady and Steven Wright. He definitely made me laugh the most. Big Al based many of his jokes around his recent diagnosis with ADD. He pointed out the positive side of ADD: While most men would get yelled at by their wives for saying something out of line, he just gets the question, “Did you take your pill today?” He says, “No, I’ll go do that now.” Punch line: “Then I just don’t come back.” Sneaky. Big Al will be headlining at Riot Act August 24 through 27, and I definitely recommend catching his show! He’s a fun, goofy guy, and also a pretty good singer!
Up next was D.C.’s own Tony Woods. He’s performed for HBO’s “P. Diddy’s Bad Boys of Comedy”, NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” and his very own special “Comedy Central Presents: Tony Woods.” I had trouble hearing a lot of his jokes because the crowd got more talkative and we were sitting at a table to the side of stage where there weren’t speakers in our direction. Tony is a really energetic, animated guy. My favorite joke from him was when he looked at a photographer who was snapping a pic of him and said, “I don’t know if he’s from the press or the insurance company. I supposedly have whip lash.” Tony Woods headlines at Riot Act in October. Make sure you sit toward the middle of the room so you can hear well to keep up with his fast-paced comedy style.
Tony Woods (Photo by Steve Stratton)
Charles Fleischer (Photo by Steve Stratton)
Last up was Charles Fleischer, who is also from D.C. He has been in “The Polar Express,” “Funny People, “Laugh In” and more. Perhaps he is best known for being the voice of Roger Rabbit in Robert Zemickis’ “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” Charles’ jokes revolved around improv more so than the other comedians’ jokes did. He picked out members of the audience and poked fun at them. He asked one guy, “Where do you work?” The guy responded, “Management.” Charles told him, “Thank you for the specific answer.” He can definitely think on his feet, but I wasn’t as fond of his comic style. While the first two comedians kept their acts fairly clean (especially Big Al), Charles’ blunt delivery on some risqué topics made his show my least favorite. Charles Fleischer is headlining at Riot Act today through Saturdayif you want to see a show this weekend. I just don’t recommend bringing the kids along.
Riot Act Comedy Theater
801 E St., NW
Washington, DC 20004
202-697-4900
www.riotactcomedy.com
The new comedy club and event facility will showcase both major national headliners and budding local talent. It officially opens to the public today. Located near the Verizon Center and the National Spy Museum (which I suggest you also check out—you will leave paranoid), Riot Act is a two-story, 13,000-square-foot facility with a 330 seat showroom. It features a School of Comedy, full movie screen, weekly open mic nights, cabaret-style dining with full table service, digital recording capabilities, high-tech broadcast resources and two bar areas for socializing before and after shows and for TV viewings of sold out performances.
Weekly Riot Act schedule:
• Tuesday: Open Mic in main showroom
• Wednesday: Theme nights
• Thursday—Sunday: Local & national headliners
-Rebekah Lowe
Posted by clara / Wednesday, August 10th, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Are you a “Dukes of Hazzard” fan? Or perhaps you recall the song “Blue Ridge Mountains,” by Fleet Foxes? August 13-14 is Hazzard Homecoming in Sperryville, VA. Numerous Hazzard stars will be present for the event, including Catherine Bach, the original TV show’s Daisy Duke, whose costume made the short shorts which Katy Perry lauds in her song “California Gurls.”
Cooter and Miss Alma (Ben Jones and Alma Viator) will also be there to present the event. The two own the “Dukes of Hazzard” themed stores/museums called “Cooter’s Place” and used to hold the event DukesFest for fans across the country. “People from several states away have already contacted us about coming to the event, as well as folks from Canada, France and England,” Viator says. “They love the ‘Dukes’ and they know all about the Blue Ridge Mountains and Southern hospitality.”
Image: Shutterstock/CarlaVanWagoner
The event has grown and changed over the years, culminating in a festival that has hosted nearly 100,000 fans. This year, John Schneider (Bo Duke) will make an appearance on Sunday, August 14, while other stars like James Best (Robbie P. Coltrane) are expected to be there throughout the event.
Photo Courtesy: Cooter’s Place.
True to “Dukes of Hazzard” style, there will be numerous live music performances, lots of food, and a car show! . “Back when we started ‘Cooter’s’ here some years ago, we would have country music on Saturdays, and gospel and bluegrass on Sundays,” says Jones. “I think we’ll stick with that for the Hazzard Homecoming. I’ve already booked country star T. Graham Brown and some others. There is no tellin’ who might show up.”
You can catch re-runs of the show on CMT. For more information about the event, or to purchase discounted advance tickets, visit www.cootersplace.com.
Image: Shutterstock/Andrew Rhodes
“Every lap gets us closer to a world without cancer!” (Slogan of Karts Against Cancer)
Head to Summit Point Motorsports Park in West Virginia on the evening of August 18 to watch or participate in Karts Against Cancer! It is a two hour endurance race to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Teams of six can register for $300, otherwise the event is free and open to the public. If you hope to participate in the event, make sure you wear closed toed shoes and be ready for an adrenaline rush. These karts can go up to 55 miles per hour! For more information, visit www.summitpoint-raceway.com.
–Clara Ritger
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Tuesday, August 9th, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Quick – your kids are begging for a Six Flags trip or Kings Dominion visit right now and that’s not an option. The solution? Spend an summer afternoon at Burke Lake Park, a Northern Virginia hidden treasure, where admission is free (during the week/for Fairfax Co. residents) and the amusement options are seemingly endless.
It's choo-choo time. /Photo Credit: Lorin Drinkard
Fellow intern Clara and I spent our lunch break perusing the shady greenness and are happy to report it was a blast. Yes, we may be a little too old for the kiddie train ride but that did not stop us from buying a $2.50 trip around the park and having just as much fun as the other, uh, children.
Or from getting excited that there was an actual conductor, too.
Sorry, but they had us at, “All aboard!”
For 38 years, a mini Central Pacific Huntington steam engine gave rides to kids and adults alike throughout the park. The current cherry red train, replacing the original train in 2005, runs over 1.75 miles and is about a breezy ten minute journey through the woods, by the lake and in a tunnel, before finally chugging back to the station.
Cost: $2.50 (cash only). Free for ages two and under.
Hours of operation: 11:15 a.m. (first train ride) – 5:45 p.m. (last train ride)
Dates: Memorial Day through Labor Day
Red, blue and fun. /Photo Credit: Lorin Drinkard
After disembarking the train, hop on over to the carousel for a delightful go-round. Both kids and adults alike will enjoy this musical ride. Whether you’re on one of the ornately painted horses or a smaller brightly colored animals, it’s completely worth it’s small price tag (seven quarters). We recommend train first, carousel second (most groups who rode on the train with us did the same).
Cost: $1.75 (cash only)
Hours of operation: 11:30 a.m. (first ride) – 5:30 p.m. (last ride)
Dates: Memorial Day through Labor Day
Then, when the sun becomes unbearably hot, step inside the park’s ice cream parlor for a refreshing creamy treat.
We're all screaming for it - ice cream, that is. /Photo Credit: Lorin Drinkard
They offer about ten yummy Breyers flavors – cherry vanilla, Oreo cookies and cream, M&M vanilla fudge, mint chocolate chip – plus soft serve available by the heaping spoonfuls in a cup or cone. If you’re looking to fill those rumbling tummies, there sell hot dogs, pretzels, chips and popcorn, too.
Cost: Varies ($5 and under)
Hours of operation: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (weekdays) and 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. (weekend) between Memorial Day and Labor Day
And just when you thought you’d heard it all, there’s more: mini golf course, 3 playgrounds, rowboat rentals and fishing on the 218-acre lake, disk golf, camping, horse shoe pits and multiple picnic areas.
So the next time you need an amusement park fix head to Burke Lake where kids can be kids – and grown-ups can too.
- Lorin Drinkard
Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Tuesday, August 9th, 2011
Tuesday, July 9, 2011
With summertime road trips in full swing, you need to have your iPod at full capacity with some rockin’ tunes. There’s nothing like cruising down the back roads with the windows rolled down and the music blasting. And of course, a sing-along is always in order (at least, in my car it is). Your Culture Gurus Clara Ritger and Lorin Drinkard have put together a killer playlist for your next beach trip:
If Looks Could Kill – Camera Obscura
Sun Was High (So Was I) – Best Coast
Summertime – DJ Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince
Feel It All Around – Washed Out
Summer Love – JT
I Only Have Love For You – The Flamingos
Don’t Worry Baby – The Beach Boys
Overdrive – Katy Rose
Summertime Blues – The Who
Be Your Bro – Those Darlins
Protection – Massive Attack
Dusk and Summer – Dashboard Confessional
Summertime – New Kids on the Block
A Little Too Much – Natasha Bedingfield
Pack Up – Eliza Doolittle
Something Good Can Work – Two Door Cinema Club
Hey Mama – Matt Kearney
Tonight Tonight – Hot Chelle Rae
If You Can’t Afford Me – Katy Perry
Runaway Baby – Bruno Mars
Double Vision – 3OH!3
Little Lies – Dave Barnes
Home – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Old Alabama – Brad Paisley
Something In The Water – Brooke Fraser
A Summer Song – Emi Meyer & The Shanghai Restoration
Let’s Get Out Of This Country – Cmera Obscura
Country Girl – Luke Bryan
Girl in Love – The Smith Westerns
All Over Me – Josh Turner
All Summer Long – Kid Rock
Satellite – Lelia Broussard
JTX – Love in America
All The Pretty Girls – Fun Party
Rock Anthem – LMFAO
City Woman – Kyprios
Shake Your Rump – Beastie Boys
A few things you should know about for water cooler talk today:
Twitter’s quick-and-to-the-point approach is spilling into the world of food. Twitter just announced it’s putting out a cookbook. It’s called “Tweet Pie: The World’s Shortest Recipe Book.” It’s a collection of recipes in 140 characters or less. I know what I’ll be putting on my Christmas list!
Kid Rock is apparently getting into shape with a personal trainer and the whole nine yards. Kid Rock also likes to party hardy. Obviously it’s a little difficult to work out hung over, so his trainer, who just so happens to be a surf legend, has Kid Rock stand on a bunch of golf balls in the morning to make his hangover go away. Apparently it’s painful because of all the nerve endings in your feet, so your nervous system starts working overtime and alleviates the headache.
A Texas woman won the lottery four times, and each time, she won a few million dollars. It turns out she is a statistics professor. Some professionals in the gambling industry suspect she figured out the algorithm for where the winning spot is placed on scratch-off tickets and the shipping schedule of the tickets. Luck or math?
Match.com tells us where not to take a date.
Here’s where to gossip about your company anonymously.
And here is the video people are buzzing about today. I guarantee this will be auto-tuned ASAP!
EMBED-Grandma Threatens To Call Internet Police – Watch more free videos
-Rebekah Lowe
Win a Whitewater Rafting Trip!
Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Monday, August 8th, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
Dear Daredevils of NoVA,
We have a special contest just for you!
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done? Skydiving? Street luging? Bull riding? We want to hear your story. Fill out the form by Monday, August 22 at 8 a.m. to be entered to win a whitewater rafting trip from River Expeditions in Lansing, West Virginia.
See more rules & details here.
And in case you are itching for some adventure this weekend, here are some adrenaline-pumping activities that would make for a great Saturday to remember!
PEV’S Paintball Park
703-327-7640
www.pevs.com
39835 New Road, Aldie, VA 20105
Did you know that paintballing is the only extreme sport that gives you a high adrenaline rush without a risk of serious injury? Plus, there’s no serious training required. Mike “Pev” Peverill opened his park to give paintball players of all skill levels a place to play. PEV’S offers a fun, thrilling, and exciting place to play paintball with those who love paintball, for beginners who want to try paintball for the first time, and for those experienced players who play every week. They’ve got walk-on play hours or you can call to make advance reservations.
GO Adventures Team Building
240-603-4150
www.go-adventuresports.com
The Challenge Course at Butler School, 15951 Germantown Road, Darnestown, MD 20874
Eriq Powers has been a team building facilitator and adventure guide since 1992. He founded GO Adventures Team Building in 2001. The adventure instruction programs are giving urban youth an opportunity to experience nature and adventure outside of the city – getting them out of their environment and into the woods. The top-roping anchors clinic is helping local climbers become safer climbers and their caving program has been highlighted in The Washington Post, Audubon News, Men’s Journal Magazine and Rolling Stone. GO Adventures strives to enhance group communication and increase levels of trust through team adventure challenges.
Virginia Skydiving
540-943-6587
www.skydiveorange.com
11339 Bloomsbury Road, Orange, VA 22960
This company is a member of the United States Parachute Association, and serves the Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. communities. Skydiving is a sport that excites and fascinates millions of Americans; even if they have never jumped themselves. You can opt to tandem skydive at speeds up to 120 miles per hour. It is a thrilling outdoor experience, and easy one-day first jumps are around 13,500 feet. This can be a habit forming sport where you learn all kinds of new skills, or a one-time adventure to cross of your bucket list, the choice is yours.
The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Friends School
240-389-4386
16701 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860
www.sandyspringadventurepark.org
Channel your inner-Tarzan among five wooded acres at The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring, where opportunities to zip across the tree tops are plenty. Featuring an aerial forest ropes park that is the largest in the U.S., it’s open for spring, summer and fall, and is guaranteed fun for the whole family. 10 separate courses, varying in levels of difficulty, ultimately create over 150 unique challenges for your ziplining enjoyment. Have a blast, enjoy the beauty of nature, work up a sweat and challenge yourself at Sandy Springs’ park of voyage and exploration.
Trapeze School
410-459-6839
4th St. SE and Tingey St., Washington D.C., 20003
www.washingtondc.trapezeschool.com
Check out what it’s like to fly through the air with the greatest of ease at Washington D.C.’s very own Trapeze School New York, where their motto is “Forget fear. Worry about the addiction.” The world-class aerial school offers classes both indoors and outdoors, and 10-week intensive workshops are available for those who become, well, addicted to flying. At TSNY Washington D.C., master the art(s) of aerial silks, trampoline, lyra, balancing, acrobatics and juggling. If you have a penchant for Cirque Du Soleil shows, you’re going to fall head over heels here. Yep, you’ll have to tell your treadmill/elliptical/bike that you think it’s time for a change, exercise-wise, and it would be best for everyone involved (i.e. you) to move on to bigger and better things.
Earth Treks
1-800-CLIMB-UP (254-6287)
Great Falls, VA
www.earthtreksclimbing.com
Ever been hiking and thought, “Hmm, I think I’d like to scale the side of that mountain”? Then check out Earth Treks outdoor rocking climbing and let the rappelling begin. Since 1990, Earth Treks has been helping folks discover a passion for climbing and learning everything from the basics (how to belay) to moving on to more difficult rope systems. And P.S., an hour of rock climbing burns nearly 900 calories. Why hit up the smelly, stuffy gym when you could be getting a total-body workout plus learning exciting rock climbing skills in the great outdoors? We thought so (it’s a no brainer).
Have fun and be careful out there!
-The Culture Gurus
Sydney Theatre Co’s “Uncle Vanya” redeems Chekov’s characters with excellent performances
Posted by clara / Monday, August 8th, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
We entered the Eisenhower Theater greeted with the picture of a decrepit house, amply furnished, but unkempt. There was a hint of wealth, but money that was lost, and though the inhabitants of the house still lived there, they do not live like they once did. Silly, upbeat music played as the theater’s house lights dim, but once we finally see the occupants of the home we realize it is not a show about fun and games.
Anton Chekov’s “Uncle Vanya” reads much like his other plays; the characters are twisted by their relationships with one another and we feel their tragedy right through the curtain call. Performing Chekov is an art in itself; not only must the actor hit the right cadence with his dialogue, but often what is left unspoken on stage is what matters the most.
Richard Roxburgh as Vanya and Cate Blanchett as Yelena in Sydney Theatre Company's Uncle Vanya. Photo by Lisa Tomasetti.
The Sydney Theatre Company brings a star-studded cast to the Kennedy Center from the land down under for its only American engagement. This show’s largest success is a result of the strength of the cast. Most notably is Cate Blanchett, who is also a co-artistic director of the company with her husband, Andrew Upton. In “Uncle Vanya” she plays the beautiful Yelena, whose mysterious gaze draws the attention of her husband Serebryakov, Vanya, and the doctor Astrov. Blanchett never stops on stage; even when she is still she emanates an activeness that demands your attention. What’s more, Chekov has written Yelena as a person that everyone, even her stepdaughter Sonya, wants to know everything about, and it is only through her private actions that her intentions are made clear.
Richard Roxburgh’s Vanya is bloodcurdling. From the beginning the energy which he brings to the part will make you lean forward in your seat for more – something that doesn’t often happen with Chekov’s mundane characters. Though we can easily ascertain his flaws, it is the young puppy love which Roxburgh exudes that makes us root for his character. And that is exactly what has to happen for the tragic end to have such an impact. Roxburgh becomes a person we can both love and hate, and with Blanchett’s accompanying performance – whose actions as make us feel like there is some subconscious chemistry between Yelena and Vanya – we feel all the more for Roxburgh when he ultimately fails in his quest.
Hayley McElhinney also had an excellent performance as Sonya. The admiration and jealousy Sonya feels for Yelena is palpable as a result of McElhinney’s bold choices on stage. One of the best lighthearted moments on stage is when she and Blanchett sit around drinking and gossiping together. Their ease connects with the audience in an “I’ve been there before” sort of way, which makes it all the more enjoyable.
Serebryakov can be a tough character to play, especially because he appears to have no redeeming qualities. Not only has his aging consumed the lives of the rest of the characters, but he is what stands in the way of love for our protagonist Vanya, and his illness, whether real or fake, is what brings Astrov repeatedly to the house, the man in whom Serebryakov’s daughter, Sonya, has invested all her hope for a future. John Bell’s performance transforms the character from a selfish scholar past his prime into a senile man who then tries to right his wrongs, even though his efforts may be doing more harm than good.
Jacki Weaver’s Marina provides a nice comic relief when Hugo Weaving’s Astrov isn’t drunkenly prancing about the stage, and Andrew Tighe, Anthony Phelan, and Sandy Gore also give strong supporting performances.
Extra recognition must go to the set designer, Zsolt Khell, whose design mutated in unexpected ways that enhanced the performance. I was especially impressed with the rapid change-over between scenes. Director Tamas Ascher’s insight for the show must have been what brought the performance together, and I felt like things were constantly moving forward even though the characters never left the house. I would have loved to have read a director’s note or even a dramaturgical note; “Uncle Vanya” is one of those shows that clearly required such literary behind-the-scenes work, and to read about that personal insight gives the audience another lens through which they can view the show.
The Sydney Theatre Company may have been worried that their production would not resonate with American audiences as well as it has with Australian audiences, but they have nothing to fear. They have put on an excellent show which I would gladly see again.
“Uncle Vanya” will be at the Kennedy Center through August 27. For more information, visit www.kennedy-center.org.
–Clara Ritger
You can’t stop the beat of the “Big” Theatre of Alexandria
Posted by clara / Friday, August 5th, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Why take a chance when you get up and dance? If you twist, I insist, you see “Hairspray.”
Typically, this would be the part where I start to claim my biases. Yes, I’ve seen the movie. Yes, I saw it on Broadway. Yes, I own both soundtracks. But I feel no need to make excuses – The Little Theatre of Alexandria made “Hairspray” their very own, and it’s funny, toe-tapping, and big.
Shannon Kingett as Tracy, Larry Grey as Wilbur and Christopher Harris as Edna in "Hairspray." Photo by Doug Olmstead.
Director Sue Pinkman emphasizes the innate humor in the show. True, it has a powerful message about being different in an image-centric 1960s America. But Pinkman’s production manages to honor that message while also bringing to life a delightful cast of characters and their over the top antics.
Though LTA’s production doesn’t feature big dance numbers, choreographer Ivan Davila transforms the 1960s dance moves into simple group gestures that you can boogie to on your way out to your car. Quick set changes keep the ball rolling; Pinkman and set designer Myke Taister use their space and their set well. The cherry on top for a show with strong design and presentation was revealed in its special effects. Whether it was the starry-sky lighting, trick props, or unexpected costume changes, the unique choices made “Hairspray” all Pinkman’s own.
The live band’s accompaniment backs up a strong set of voices from the cast, and standout Shannon Kingett, Tracy Turnblad, owns the stage. Minor sound problems colored some of the cast’s songs, but overall the vocal strength was impressive. The show opens with Tracy in an upright bed, and her talent shines with enthusiasm and comedic facial expressions. She carried the show with her consistent performance. Other strong voices include Brenda Parker, Motormouth Maybelle, whose delivery in “I Know Where I’ve Been” deserves a Helen Hayes award for putting Queen Latifah to shame.
The acting from the cast gives the audience a portrait of unique characters with their own individualized, poignant movement. Though “Hairspray” can be all about its music, this cast reminds us that without the actors, we wouldn’t have anything to laugh at. Jaclyn Young, Penny, and Adrian Cubbage, Seaweed, make a punchy team that was fun to watch. Another duo deserving of recognition is Christopher Harris, Edna Turnblad, and Larry Grey, Wilbur Turnblad, who not only put the audience in a fit with “You’re Timeless to Me” but vivaciously commanded our attention scene after scene with their shenanigans. Of course, it is all big, but the cast jives well (pun intended) on stage.
“Hairspray” runs through August 13, with a special post-performance talk back tonight, August 5. We hear that special guest Mink Stole, from the original John Waters film, will be there. It’s free and any and all questions are welcome! For more information, visit www.thelittletheatre.com.
–Clara Ritger
Happy Hour: Cool Off With Frozen Drinks
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Thursday, August 4th, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
When the sweaty, sticky month of August finally rolls around, about nothing sounds more refreshing, happy hour-wise, than some ice cold frozen margaritas after work. Who’s in?
Hola, delicious drink. Photo courtesy of Shuttstock/Cappi Thompson
Stop by El Rey Tolteca in Manassas for their $1.99 frozen margarita specials. That’s right – for less than $2 you can sip an adult slurpie and pretend you’re at the beach somewhere with the cool ocean breeze blowing in your hair … or you’re laying out on a cruise ship deck, basking in the just-perfect-temperature summer sun … I could go on.
If that weren’t enough, they offer $5 and $10 off coupons on their site. Print and enjoy.
So grab a cheap drink (also offering $1.99 Bud and Miller special, for you beer drinkers), munch on some delicious fresh salsa and homemade chips and call it a (happy) night.
As they say in Mexico, “Bienvenidos Amigos!”
El Rey Tolteca
8412 Sudley Road
Manassas, VA 20109
703-257-7293
www.elreytolteca.com
HH: 5 to 9 p.m.
Price: $1.99 for frozen margaritas or draft beer
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Lorin Drinkard