September 27 through 30
Courtesy of McLean Community Players
SPOTLIGHT:
‘Social Security’
Throw an older Jewish mother, some romance, lots of comedic relief and her children onto a stage, and you have a recipe for a hilarious theatrical performance. “Social Security” is a fantastic, side-splitting choice for McLean’s season-opening show.
Sept 16-Oct 1; times vary. Alden Theatre, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean; 703-790-9223; www.mcleanplayers.org; $15/adults, $13/students and seniors, $10/groups of 10 or more.
SOUND
Enrique Iglesias w/ Pitbull & Prince Royce • Sept 27 @ 7 PM. Enrique Inglesias, dubbed “one of the most compelling live entertainers in music today” by AEG Live CEO Randy Phillips, is bringing the dance party to Fairfax. Along with Pitbull and Prince Royce, the concert will be full of chart-topping hits that are sure to have everyone on their feet. / The George Mason University Patriot Center, 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax; 703-573-7328; www.patriotcenter.com; $19.50-$89.50.
STAGE
‘Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You’ • Sept 16-Oct 2 @ 8 PM, Sunday @ 3 PM. Cookies, Catholicism and catechism run rampant in this play. Sister Mary Ignatius, a well-meaning nun, along with one of her best students, teaches the audience about her religious beliefs, giving him treats when he answers her questions correctly. Things really get interesting when several of her former students come into the picture and stir the Catholic pot, so to speak. / The Lab at Convergence, 1819 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria; 703-838-2880; www.telgo.com/pcp; $18/adults, $16/seniors or under 18, $14/group of 10 or more.
‘Pirates of Penzance’ • Sept 28-Nov 27; times vary. Over dinner, enjoy this comic two-act opera that follows Frederick as he transitions from apprenticeship to a pirate’s ship. On board, he finds love that is willing to wait, and leap year birthdays don’t come often enough. / Lazy Susan Dinner Theatre, 10712 Richmond Highway, Lorton; 703-550-7384; www.lazysusan.com; $41.95-$44.95/adults, $35/ages 11 to 15, $25/under 10.
‘The Boy Detective Fails’ • Through Oct 15; times vary. The adventures of Billy Argo—or “boy detective”—come to life on the stage as he desperately attempts to solve a big mystery. / Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington; 703-820-9771; www.signature-theatre.org; $62-$86.
‘The Hollow’ • Through Oct 16; times vary. If you liked the classic “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” be sure to check out this movie-turned-play-turned-musical. Directed by Eric Schaeffer, it combines spookiness with 18th-century vibes. / Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington; 703-820-9771; www.signature-theatre.org; prices vary.
FRAME
ValeArts Fall Art Show 2011 • 10-9 Sept 30; 10-6 Oct. 1 and 2. Long an Oakton event, the ValeArts Fall Show is titled “Shared Passion, Different Strokes.” Nine artists will participate in this three day show at the historic Vale Schoolhouse, Focusing on the variety yet sameness of the creative impulse, the show will exhibit more than 150 oils, watercolors, prints, watermedia andcollage pieces of fine art. Reception to discuss art with the northern virigina artists will be at 7 PM Friday September 30. Public welcome, family friendly. / Historic Vale Schoolhouse; 703 860 1888; http://valearts.com; free.
Art in City Hall: ‘Around Town’ • Through Dec 16; times vary. View local juried artwork in Alexandria’s City Hall and embrace local talent. Works include “Confederate Memorial,” “Kendall at Gunston Hall” and “Whimsy.” / Alexandria City Hall, 301 King St., Alexandria; 703-683-1780; www.theartleague.org; free.
‘Midst of the War’ Woodlawn Exhibit • Through DEC 30 from 10 AM-5 PM. The telltale story of the North versus the South created a house divided in this Woodlawn estate. When several families bought and lived in the home back in 1850, hoping to create a flourishing community without the use of slaves, they soon became entangled with disapproving Union soldiers. Learn more about how they fought for their rights and stood up against the troops, despite constant raids and militia attacks. / Woodlawn, 9000 Richmond Highway, Alexandria; 703-780-4000; www.woodlawn1805.org; $8.50/adults, $5/kids under 12.
‘Fairfax in 1861: First Seat of War’ • Through DEC 31; from 9 AM-5 PM. Learn all about the history and battle background of Fairfax through this newly installed exhibit. Artifacts from John Quincy Marr are included. / Fairfax Museum and Visitors Center, 10209 Main St., Fairfax; 703-385-8414; www.fairfaxva.gov/museumc/mvc.asp; free.
‘The Soda Chicks-Parallel Paths in Clay’ • Sept 28-Oct 23; times vary. With sculpted pieces from Suze Lindsay and Gay Smith, the Workhouse Arts Center presents an exhibit of the artists’ ceramic creations. / Workhouse Arts Center, Gallery Building, 2nd floor, 9601 Ox Road, Lorton; 703-495-0001; www.workhousearts.org; free.
TASTE
Cork & Fork Free Beer Tasting • Sept 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 6:30-8:30 PM. If you like sampling new beers, head out to this free specialty beer tasting at Cork & Fork. They will be pouring, and guests will be tasting from four to 20 different beers every Friday night in the month of September. / Cork & Fork, 7344 Atlas Walk Way, Gainesville; 703-753-5554; www.corkandfork.com; free.
Pouring Late Til 8 • Sept 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 11 AM to 8 PM. Live music and a glass of wine go hand-in-hand this summer on Friday nights. Tarara Winery will keep the vino pouring till 8 PM on their outdoor deck as local bands serenade listeners. / Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg; 703-771-7100; www.tarara.com; cost of wine.
Friday Night Wine Down • Sept 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 5:30-8:30 PM. The Virginia Wine Experience is offering free wine tastings every Friday night in September. With four new selections added weekly, trial and error is the only option for picking a favorite. Sign up online for additional insider info (read: tasting notes and discount offers). / The Virginia Wine Experience, 826 Caroline St., Fredericksburg; 540-373-8878; www.storefront.ejosephwines.com; free.
TOTS
Kids’ Nite at Sportrock • Fridays in Sept from 6:30-8 PM. On Friday evenings, children ages 6-14 can experience indoor rock climbing with instructors in an environment that’s both fun and safe. / Sportrock, 45935 Maries Road, Sterling; 703-212-7625; www.sportrock.com; $20.
‘Yo Gabba Gabba!’ Live • Sept 30 @ 7 PM. The popular Nick Jr. show “Yo Gabba Gabba!” isn’t just on the television anymore. The It’s Time to Dance! Tour will be bringing the likes of DJ Lance Rock, Plex, Toodee, Brobee and more to life. With special guests Leslie Hall and hip-hop legend Biz Markie, kids will be educated and entertained all night. / The George Mason University Patriot Center, 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax; 703-573-7328; www.patriotcenter.com; $31.40-$52.90.