Journeyman Theater presents "The Boys Next Door." Written by Tom Griffin, directed by Jeff Keenan, the play addresses the struggles of mainstreaming mentally challenged individuals into society and presents a portrait of the world in which many mentally handicapped adults live and function. The play runs until Saturday, Oct. 15. Showings are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. There are matinees on Saturdays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20. Seniors, students and groups pay $15. The play is showing at the Clark Street Playhouse, 601 S. Clark St. Call 202-669-7229.
Classika Theatre announces opening of The Music Box. The Music Box will be performed through October 30 on Saturdays and Sundays at noon. Prices are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Military ID, groups and senior citizens get 10% off regular ticket price. The theatre is located at 4041 S. 28th Street, Arlington. It is recommended for children ages 4 and up.
View Auriel Bessemer's historic murals. Bessemer was commissioned by the Treasury Department's Section of Fine Art to help beautify local federal buildings in the 1930s and '40s. The murals are at Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St. They are normally on display high on the walls of Arlington's Main Post Office, which is currently being renovated. They will be returned to the post office next fall. Contact Caroline Danforth at 703-228-3771.
"It Had to Be You" (1981), a bright, fast-moving, romantic comedy by the husband and wife writing and acting team of Renee Taylor and Joseph Bologna, will launch The American Century Theater's 11th season. "It Had to Be You" is an autobiographical comedy about a show-business couple whose lives seem stranger than fiction. Runs through Saturday, Oct. 8 at the Theater II, Gunston Arts, Center, 2700 S. Lang Street, Arlington. Performances are Wednesday-Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and 2:30 matinees on Oct. 1 and 8. Tickets including senior and student discounts $20-$29.50. 703-553-8782 or visit www.americancentury.org.
Signature Theatre presents "Urinetown." This Tony Award-winning Broadway musical parody will be performed through Oct. 16, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., Thursdays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 and 7 p.m. Just added: two new matinee performances on Saturday, Oct. 1 and Saturday, Oct. 15 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $39-$55 and are available through Tickets.com at 800-955-5566 or 703-218-6500 or online at www.signature-theatre.org. Signature is located at 3806 S. Four Mile Run Drive.
Fine Art Faculty Painting Exhibition at the Marymount University Barry Gallery, 2087 N. Glebe Road through Oct. 21. Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Opening reception is Friday, Sept. 16 from 5-7:30 p.m. Visit www.marymount.edu.
New Adaptation of "Dracula" at Rosslyn Spectrum Theater. The Synetic theater company, a local theater troupe, will put on a recently adapted musical version of the Play "Dracula" through Oct. 29. Call 703-824-8060.
A group of local artists are having an art show at the Ethiopian Community Development Council, 901 S. Highland St. The works will be on display until Oct. 31. The show is to try and raise funds for Hurricane Katrina victims in New Orleans. Call 703-685-0510.
Fall Solo Exhibitions open at the Arlington Arts Center, featuring six one-person shows, each in its own gallery. Working in diverse media, these artists share a passion for texture and devotion to craftsmanship. Exhibitions run through Nov. 5 at the Arlington Arts Center, 3550 Wilson Blvd. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Contact Carol Lukitsch at 703-248-6800, ext. 12 or call 703-401-3552.
"Once Upon a Mattress" kicks off The Arlington Players' 55th season. This musical, a comical take on the fairy tale "The Princess and the Pea," tells the story of a kingdom where no one can marry until a potential bride for Prince Dauntless the Drab finally passes one of the queen's outrageous tests to ensure that she is a "real" princess. The show runs weekends through Oct. 15, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sunday matinee on Oct. 9 at 2:30 p.m. The Thomas Jefferson Theater is located at 125 S. Old Glebe Road. Prices for tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for seniors and juniors. Reservations can be made online at www.thearlingtonplayers.org or 703-549-1063.
"A Streetcar Named Desire" opens up the season for the Keegan Theatre. "Streetcar" starts Oct. 27 and runs through Nov. 26. Play runs Thursday-Sundays, except for Thanksgiving Day. Thursday-Saturday the play is at 8 p.m. and Sunday the plat is at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 general admission; $20 students/seniors. The play will be performed at Church Street Theatre, 1742 Church St. N.W., Washington, D.C. For information call 703-527-6000. Check www.keegantheatre.com for updated information.
Two plays by Tennessee Williams at Gunston Arts Center Theater II. "Portrait of a Madonna" and "Suddenly Last Summer" will be playing, Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m., and Saturdays at 2 p.m., Nov. 17-Dec. 17, at Guston Arts Center Theater located at 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington. One special performance takes place Wednesday, Nov. 30. For information call 703-527-6000. Check www.keegantheatre.com for updated information.
Columbia Pike Community Chorus began rehearsals on Monday, Oct. 3 for its Christmas concert to be held Dec. 18. All are welcome; formal vocal training is not required. Rehearsals are Mondays from 7–9 p.m. at Trinity Church, 2217 Columbia Pike.
An exhibition of sculptural fused glass artwork by Cindy Ann Coldiron, a longtime Arlington resident, is being presented through Oct. 11 at Cox Communications, 3080 Centerville Road, first floor, in Herndon. The exhibit features everything from glass "boats" to vivid seaflowers. The focal point of the exhibit is the group of 12 spring-inspired glass tiles and glass bars on aluminum. Sponsored by the Arts Council of Fairfax County. Appointments must be made in advance through Alice Webb, corporate art program manager, at 703-642-0862, ext. 8, or awebb@artsfairfax.org. Coldiron also has a Web site at artist-cindyann.tripod.com. She also has two glass art works in the group juried exhibit at Washington Square, 1050 Connecticut Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. This exhibit is open through Nov. 4. Call 703-683-1780.
"Justo en lo Mejor de Mi Vida (Just at Life's Best Moment)." A family outrageously in crisis throws accusations and confessions far and wide. But in reality, life, both fleeting and unseen, is always just at life's best moment. The play opens Oct. 20 and runs through Nov. 12 at the Gunston Arts Center, 2700 S. Lang St. It is appropriate for ages 15 and up. The traditional "Noche de Luna" will be held Saturday, Oct. 22. Tickets for 8 p.m. Thursday and 3 p.m. Saturday showings cost $20 regular and $15 for students and seniors. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday showings cost $25 regular and $15 for students and seniors. Noche de Luna tickets cost $35. A post-show discussion is held every Friday with invited moderators. All performances include English subtitles. Childcare is available at Saturday matinees with reservations 24 hours in advance. Call 703-548-3092, e-mail info@teatrodelaluna.org, or visit www.teatrodelaluna.org.
Stock market discussion every Saturday at 11 a.m. at Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St. Call 703-228-5990 to confirm.
Arlington Mothers First is dedicated to supporting women who have chosen to alter their careers to raise their children at home. Activities include parent/child morning meetings and field trips, moms' nights out, and lectures. The meetings are at the Thomas Jefferson Library, 7415 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church. 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
Mothers Against Unjust Law (MAUL), meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month at 7 p.m. in the library of McLean Baptist Church, 1367 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. Women experiencing difficult litigation, legal abuse, parental alienation or custody evaluations should call 703-748-0072. Free.
Toastmasters strives to improve participants' communication and professional skills. The program walks participants through a process that helps them get around fears about public speaking. The group meets on the first and third Wednesdays of every month at Ledo's Pizza at Quality Inn Iwo Jima, 1501 Arlington Blvd. Call Catherine at 703-838-0477 or Greg at 703-892-1161, or visit www.challengertoastmasters.org.
The Merrifield Lions Club and the Arlington-Fairfax Elks Lodge will have their co-sponsored flea market every Sunday through November from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. There are more than 200 vendor spaces available on a reserved and non-reserved basis. Charge for vendors is $15 per space. Food service will be provided by the Elks Lodge. The lodge is at 8421 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax. Call 703-517-7243 or visit www.merrifieldlions.com or www.bpoe2188.org.
Figure Drawing Open Studio Sessions. Nude model is provided, but there is no instructor. Participants bring their own materials. At the Arlington Arts Center, 3550 Wilson Blvd., Wednesdays from 7-9:30 p.m. and Saturdays from noon-2:30 p.m. No reservation necessary. Cost is $60 in advance for six sessions or $15 per session for drop-ins. Call 703-248-6800.
Ballston hosts a weekly Farmers Market in Welburn Square, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. every Friday May through Oct. 14. Welburn Square is located between N. Stuart and N. Taylor Streets across from the Ballston Metro Station. Call 703-528-3527 or e-mail ballstonvasquare@aol.com.
The Clarendon Alliance Farmers Market is open every Wednesday, 3-7 p.m., through Oct. 19. It is located above the Clarendon Metro Station on the 3100 block of Wilson Boulevard.
Farmers' Market. Join lovers of fresh, local grown food at the Arlington Farmers’ Market each Saturday from 8 a.m.-noon, at the intersection of N. 14th St. and N. Courthouse Road.
The Women’s Auxiliary of the Arlington Chapter of The Salvation Army meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Salvation Army headquarters, 518 S. Glebe Road. The Auxiliary was founded to help raise money for The Salvation Army’s Christmas projects for underprivileged children in Arlington. New members are welcome. Call 703-979-3380.
Straight Partners, a support group for heterosexual spouses and partners, current or former, of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning mates, meets in Arlington and is co-led by professionally trained facilitators (male and female). Call 703-531-4938 for recorded information or to leave a confidential message. For more information visit www.StraightSpouseNetwork.org.
Plant Clinic at the Arlington County Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St., from 7-9 p.m. This clinic is held every Thursday evening through early October. Free. If possible, bring samples of problem plants, weeds or insects in plastic bags or other clear containers.
The Horticulture Hotline is available from 9 a.m.-noon, Monday through Friday, year round at 703-228-6414. Home gardeners are also welcome to visit the Virginia Cooperative Extension office at the Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford St., during these hours.
The Ballston Art Market returns to Welburn Square offering original creations for home decor, gifts and personal use, including handmade jewelry, pottery, quilts, wearable art, giftware, watercolors, oil paintings and photography. The monthly outdoor market operates 10 a.m.-4 p.m. the first Saturday of every month. Different artists exhibit each month. Artists are juried by a select panel. Welburn Square is adjacent to the Metro station at 9th and N. Stuart streets, near the Ballston Common Mall. For directions and further information, call 703-228-0560 or 703-528-3527.
Photo Show at the Hendry House at Fort C.F. Smith Park, 2411 N. 24th St. Nov. 11-20. Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays noon-5 p.m. There will also be workshops. Call 703-243-7329.
"Art at the Heights." Exhibition of works by local painters. 4502 Old Lee Highway. Every Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and Sunday, noon-3 p.m. Showings sponsored by the Arlington Artists Alliance, a nonprofit organization in support of art and artists in Arlington.
Creative Preschoolers Program at Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford St. For 3- to 5-year-olds, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 9:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. For more information, call 703-228-6430. To register, call 703-228-4747.
Cooperative Playgroup at Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford St., for toddlers 12-36 months old with three sessions available per age group Monday/Wednesday, Tuesday/Thursdays or Fridays only from 9:30 -11:30 a.m. Sessions are available throughout the year at costs ranging $15-$30. Call 703-228-6588.
Friday Night Roller Skating at Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford St. 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Fridays throughout the year for grades kindergarten-fourth. The cost is $5 per child and includes a hot dog, chips, cookies, lemonade and skate rental. No pre-registration required. Helmets are required in order to participate. Call 703-228-6588.
Tunes and Tales with Miss Linda. Fridays at 11 a.m. at Aladdin's Lamp Children's Bookstore, 2499 N. Harrison St., Suite 10, Arlington. Ages 18 months to 3 years. For more information, call 703-241-8281.
Story Hour. Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. with a special guest or a staff member at Aladdin's Lamp Children's Bookstore, 2499 N. Harrison St., Suite 10, Arlington. Ages 2 1/2-6, unless otherwise noted. For more information, call 703-241-8281.
“Desperate Housewives” Viewing Parties will be given at La Tasca Clarendon, 2900 Wilson Blvd., on Sundays from 7-11 p.m. The event is being presented by Z104 Radio. Included at the party will be show merchandise giveaways, trivia contests, sangria and wine specials, drawings for restaurant gift certificates and other attractions. The show will be viewed on the big screen. Call 703-812-9120.
Antiques and Collectibles Market. Year-round Saturday event. 2900 Wilson Blvd. About 50 vendors. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free parking available at 3033 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington National Cemetery Civil War Walk. A look at some of the many hundreds of Civil War heroes and the history of the Cemetery and the role of the Civil War in creating it. Sundays at 1 p.m. $12 per person. Call 202-903-6255 for reservations.
CyberCenter Classes. Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St. Call 703-228-6346 to reserve a time. Cherrydale Library, 2190 N. Military Road. Call 703-228-6330 to reserve a time.
Classes de Ingles. Inscripcion empezara en enero. Hogar Hispano de Caridades Catolicas ofrece clases de ingles para los adultos en 18 lugares por todo Norte Virginia. El costo es $40 y incluye el libro. Llame al 703-534-9805, Ext. 222, se habla espanol, o visita www.ccda.net para el horario.
Master Gardeners' Plant Clinic. Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St. 7 p.m. Gardening and plant-care advice and identification every Thursday. Call 703-228-6400.
Pub Trivia. Come to Gaffneys in Ballston on Monday nights for Headgames, an irreverent pub trivia contest. Compete to win $30, $20, and $10 gift certificates based on your knowledge of things tawdry and tasteful, academic and trashy. Questions range from Britney Spears to the French Revolution and all points in between. Games 7-8:30 p.m., no admission charge. Gaffneys is located at 4301 Fairfax Drive.
All day Monday-Friday. Free. Newcomers welcome. Call Carver at 703-228-5700, Culpeper Garden at 703-228-4403, or Thomas Jefferson at 703-228-5290.
Elks Lodge Flea market. The Merrifield Lions the Arlington Fairfax Elks Lodge will sponsor a flea market every Saturday through Nov. 22, 2005. The market will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Charge for vendors is $15 per space. Call 703-517-7243.