Magical Music and Dance
QuinTango comes to JCC in Fairfax on Jan. 10.
Tango. The word conjures earthy dance and sizzling music. "Tango dance best exhibits this: two people create a dance so seamlessly, so beautifully it takes your breath away," said Joan Singer, founder of Northern Virginia's QuinTango.
Cheery and Cheeky Humor Coming to the Alden
“A Kodachrome Christmas” at the Alden Theatre, Dec. 19-21.
Take a sleigh ride of speeding fun with the “Queen of Rural Media” this holiday season as "A Kodachrome Christmas" barrels into the Alden Theatre at McLean Community Center. "Kodachrome" is written by Pat Hazell who wooed audiences last year with his "The Wonder Bread Years."
Exploring the Magical World
Providence Players present “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.”
Time for a family theater event full of wonder. The Providence Players of Fairfax are presenting a show that "families can all enjoy together about a magical world; the world of Narnia," said Brian O'Connor, director of the upcoming "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe."
A Show With Great Heart in Herndon
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” at Industrial Strength Theatre.
It's that time of year. Time to "try to catch snowflakes on your tongue" as a live edition of that animated favorite, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" comes to the Industrial Strength Theater by way of Herndon's NextStop Theatre.
Merriment Entertainment
Gilbert and Sullivan's “H.M.S. Pinafore” from Virginia Opera at GMU Center for the Arts.
Fresh as ever in a world in which "things are seldom what they seem" the irreverent comic musical, "H.M.S. Pinafore" from the franchise of Gilbert and Sullivan will soon dock at the Center for the Arts. It is helmed by the Virginia Opera.
Bye Bye Cares and Woes
‘One Man, Two Guvnors’ in area premiere at 1st Stage.
In a world that can be way too stressful and sober, 1st Stage brings a carnival of rowdy fun and silly jabber. This is the area premiere of the recent Tony Award winning, "One Man, Two Guvnors." It is most definitely a guilty pleasure of escapism.
Feeling the ‘Heat’ at GMU
"In the Heat of the Night" by L.A. Theatre Works at GMU Center for the Arts.
Gripping detective mysteries are not only on the television or streaming on the Internet. They can be found in a live theater production coming to the George Mason University Center for the Arts courtesy of the touring company, L.A. Theatre Works. The show is "In the Heat of the Night".
Bayla Whitten to Perform Carole King's Songbook in Fairfax
"Bayla Whitten is a remarkable talent, with one of the best voices in Washington, D.C." said Matthew Gardiner, associate artistic director, Signature Theatre. "She has graced Signature’s stage several times since she played Beth in our production of "Merrily We Roll Along" in 2007, and is a very important part of the Signature family."
Irresistible American Music from WWII Era
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra presents “I'll Be Seeing You.”
It was a golden age for popular music, even as the guns of war were loudly sounding. It was the era of music by Gershwin, Kern, Carmichael, Ellington done up to perfection by touring Big Bands. It was a time when some couples danced together and others kept in touch by letter with return address from far-away places in Europe or the Pacific.
Beyond Limitations
Connecting with contemporary dance at the Alden with Christopher K. Morgan.
No need to travel far to see a performance of the best in the professional contemporary dance. It is right here at McLean's Alden Theater, as Alden's resident Contemporary Dance Company Christopher K. Morgan & Artists (CKM&A) returns.
Humor to Hold One's Own As 50 Approaches
A singular performer is coming to the area. Annabelle Gurwitch, who co-hosted TV's "Dinner and a Movie," has been seen on a wide variety of television shows including "Seinfeld" and is the author of "I See You Made an Effort: Compliments, Indignities, and Survival Stories from the Edge of 50" will be at the JCC of Northern Virginia. She will be doing her signature comedic riffs on marriage, parenting and insights into turning middle-aged.
Uplifting, Magical Dance
Reston's Gin Dance Company making impressions.
"Through dance, we deliver our ideas, stories and emotions across without saying a word," said Shu-Chen Cuff, artistic director of the Reston-based Gin Dance Company.
McLean's Unruly Theatre Opens for Business
Teen troupe to present anti-bullying play.
The Unruly Theatre Project (UTP), a new professional teen theater troupe, has been established in McLean.
Let Good Times Roll
Funny, touching look at newly empty nesters in the city in NextStop’s production of ‘Sylvia.’
NextStop's upcoming comedy "Sylvia" is by master American dramatist A.R. Gurney whose work has not been performed before at the Industrial Strength Theater. The comedy looks at a middle class couple, now empty-nesters, who move back into the city, leaving their comfortable suburban life. Oh what surprises are in store for them.
Show for All Ages
Reston Community Players brings the family musical ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’ to CenterStage.
Technical artisans were completing the finishing touches to transport a comic strip to life. Set decorator Bea Morse was nimbly sewing cushions for an oversized couch for the Reston Community Players (RCP) musical, "You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown."
Delightful Trick and Treat
‘The Rocky Horror Show’ at the Workhouse Arts Center.
The "edgy, fresh, bold, and daring" Unquiet Theatre is giving audiences a Halloween trick and treat with its production of the delightfully screwball musical "The Rocky Horror Show."
Revenge and Passion on Mason Stage
Virginia Opera opens 40th season with a full-of-life "Sweeney Todd."
“Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd…” Such are well known lyrics for those familiar with the musical "Sweeney Todd-The Demon Barber of Fleet Street." Good news is coming. The production of “Sweeney” as a rarely done opera is arriving from the Virginia Opera.
A Classic Message Play
Providence Players of Fairfax present “Of Mice and Men.”
One of Nobel Prize recipient John Steinbeck’s most acclaimed works, "Of Mice and Men," is coming to the James Lee Community Center Theatre.
Baseball and Life Drama at 1st Stage
"Take Me Out": A drama leavened with brilliant comic touches.
Stepping out into its new season, 1st Stage in Tysons brings audiences a satisfying production of "Take Me Out," winner of a Tony Award for Best Play and a Pulitzer Prize finalist.
Area Premiere of Whodunit Farce
McLean Community Players present ‘The Game's Afoot.’
Be the first in Northern Virginia to see the prolific D.C. area playwright and Helen Hayes Award recipient Ken Ludwig's farcical whodunit, "The Game's Afoot, or Holmes for the Holidays." It is receiving its area premiere from the McLean Community Players.
‘ARTS by George!’ to Kick Off New Season
A great evening of arts and entertainment for a great cause at Mason.
Kick-off the local arts and entertainment season celebrating the arts and benefiting student scholarships at this year's George Mason University "ARTS by George!" gala.
Quick Wit and Fast Comedy
Reduced Shakespeare Company Extravaganza at CenterStage.
A singular delight is soon arriving at Reston's CenterStage. An extravaganza of theatrical comedy covering over a week of different performances as the beloved Reduced Shakespeare Company (RSC) lays anchor.
Fall for the Book in September
Local book festival with something for everyone.
Your opportunity to be part of a literary celebration is about to arrive. The annual Fall for the Book Festival begins on Sept. 11. It is a week-long, multi-venue affair with free events at locations throughout Fairfax County, and beyond.
A Thought-provoking Play
Herndon’s NextStop Theatre to present “Gidion's Knot.”
NextStop Theatre will be presenting audiences with an absorbing, provocative theater piece sure to raise disquieting issues to chew on. With the school year about to begin the dramatic work "Gidion's Knot" takes what could be a current school bullying and aftermath incident and places it on stage for all to take in.
Speedboat of a Production
“Legally Blonde: The Musical” comes to the Workhouse.
Youthful, unstoppable energy with sharp wit will be filling the Workhouse stage as "Legally Blonde: The Musical" arrives. "We are delighted to have the Metropolitan Performing Arts Theatre company bring its production of the musical ‘Legally Blonde’ to the Workhouse stage," said John Mason, CEO/President, Workhouse Arts Center.
Examining a Stressed-out Teen’s Life
Hub Theatre brings world premiere of "Abominable."
Life as a teenager can be fraught with anxiety. Now Fairfax's Hub Theater is bringing a premiere production inspired by "the regularly escalating violence that is being perpetrated in and on our schools" said Hub artistic director and playwright Helen Pafumi. The play is "Abominable."
'Guys and Dolls’ Hitting the Alden Stage
McLean Community Players to present the musical theater classic.
"Guys and Dolls" producer Terry Yates added: "You will be humming when you leave the theater after the show, the songs are so great." So, get ready to have "Guys and Dolls" ring your bell.
Cabaret to Brighten Herndon Summer
Summer Cabaret Series to open July 11.
This summer audiences can cozy up to a delightfully bold Summer Cabaret Series at Herndon's Industrial Strength Theatre.
A Delight With a Message
‘Bat Boy: The Musical’ at 1st Stage.
There is a charming, big-hearted, rock musical with a message of tolerance and acceptance having a highly appealing production at Tysons' 1st Stage.
Outrageously Funny and Deadly Serious
Unquiet Theatre brings the edgy, bold "Some Girls" to Workhouse.
The Workhouse continues to be a "go-to" incubator venue for new theater companies in Northern Virginia. Next up is Unquiet Theater Company and its production of Neil LaBute's "Some Girls." LaBute is a film director and screenwriter as well as a playwright. The Workhouse marketing material described LaBute as "American theater's great agent provocateur" and the show is " by turns outrageously funny and deadly serious."
Life as a Comic Frenzy
Providence Players present Neil Simon's farce, ‘Rumors.’
Women in lovely evening attire and men in snappy tuxedos were walking about the stage of the James Lee Community Center theater. It was an early dress rehearsal for the Providence Players (PPF) production of "Rumors," a farce by award winning playwright Neil Simon. The PPF cast was getting a feel for the set as final touches were being made to a tastefully decorated, contemporary two-story New York City apartment.
Memorable Evening of Movement and Dance
Three local professional dance troupes pull into Reston's CenterStage.
Its successful season of adventuresome professional touring artists series nearing its close, Reston Community Center is bringing the contrasting styles of three local professional dance troupes to CenterStage.
Mason Presents Artistic Discovery
Center for the Arts at George Mason University announces season of great performances.
The arts are an integral part of the quality of life in Fairfax County. The coming 2014-2015 season for the Center for the Arts at George Mason University will once again provide diverse arts and entertainment of national and international quality for the community. For George Mason University President Dr. Angel Cabrera, "our responsibility is to serve others, to enrich the life of our community culturally and economically. We encourage lifelong learning, and the programming at the Center for the Arts is one of the ways in which we live out that mission.
‘Carmina Burana’ at Mason Stage
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra and Fairfax Choral Society join forces to present ‘a compelling piece of music.’
The heat of musical fire is arriving soon thanks to the combined artistic forces of Fairfax County's own Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) and Fairfax Choral Society (FCS). Together, the partnership will bring musical and vocal hip and cool into our own backyard. Both Fairfax-based organizations have been entertaining audiences in the area for over five decades.
Disarming Musical
‘The Fantasticks’ comes to the Workhouse.
With over 20,000 performances in New York City since it opened in 1960 and countless numbers of regional, community and school-based productions, the melodic and oh, so mellow musical, "The Fantasticks" is coming to the Workhouse.
Bittersweet to the Core
Hub Theatre presents area premiere of the ‘Failure: A Love Story.’
"Failure, A Love Story" by Phlip Dawkins "is unique, funny, whimsical and has so much heart," said Helen Pafumi, Hub artistic director.
Comic Satire With a Big Heart
‘The Cripple of Inishmaan’ at the 1st Stage.
Tysons' 1st Stage is giving audiences a terrific evening's entertainment with a talented, engaging cast. The 1st Stage "The Cripple of Inishmaan" is a gem of a production.
‘Carmen’ Comes to Area
Virginia Opera brings "Carmen" to Center for the Arts.
Virginia Opera, the Official Opera Company of the Commonwealth of Virginia, will present Georges Bizet’s sultry tragedy about opera’s most famous femme fatale, "Carmen." The opera has enthralled audiences for more than a century and is one of the most popular. "Carmen" follows Don José and his ill-fated obsession with the alluring Carmen who tosses him aside for another man leading to jealous rage.
Never Giving Up
New play at Workhouse about Alice Paul and the Suffragettes.
"When you put your hand to the plow, you can't put it down until you get to the end of the row." American Suffragette and life-long crusader for Women's voting rights Alice Paul (1885-1977) used this phrase as her watch words. It was a metaphor for never giving up.
Alexandria Theater Companies Earn WATCH Awards
The Port City Playhouse, The Little Theatre of Alexandria and Aldersgate Church Community Theatre each took home honors from Washington Area Theatre Community Honors (WATCH) for artistic and technical excellence in community theater.
Arlington Theater Company Earns WATCH Awards
Dominion Stage took home multiple honors from Washington Area Theatre Community Honors (WATCH) for artistic and technical excellence in Community Theater.
Be Dazzled
The now and the future of dance comes to Mason.
The dancers are coming! The dancers are coming! The Winter Olympics isn't the only venue to see agility, power, speed, strength and beauty. And you won't need to know the difference between a double Lutz and a triple axel. Soon Fairfax County will be welcoming five hundred of another type of athletes: 500 dancers from dozens of colleges and universities showcasing and competing with dreams of appearing at the Kennedy Center this May. It is the American College Dance Festival with a grand opening by the famed Joffrey Ballet. "We are very excited to be hosting this year’s mid-Atlantic festival and opening our beautiful facilities to our talented guests," said Susan Shields, professor, Mason School of Dance. "At Mason, the arts are highly valued throughout the campus and the curriculum."
‘Something Completely Different’
Max Raabe & Palast Orchester come to Center for the Arts.
And now for something completely different for the Northern Virginia area entertainment scene. All the way from Europe to tantalize.
Fresh Take on ‘Pinocchio’
New partnership brings ‘a fresh, playful and hilarious take’ on "Pinocchio" at Industrial Strength Theater.
Local family theater is getting a big boost. Fairfax County's newest professional theater troupe, NextStop Theatre is partnering with the Faction of Fools, a Helen Hayes Awardee for Outstand Emerging Theatre Company.
An Evening of Enduring Music and Song
"MJO's Simply Swingin' with Sinatra and Friends."
It will be a memorable evening for the golden age of pop standards and tin pan alley as the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra (MJO) and vocalist Steve Lippia bring the Great American Songbook to life at George Mason University's Center for the Arts. It will feature music that has "depth and weight ... the kind of event that will stay with you long after it's over," said Jim Carroll, MJO artistic director.
An Evening of Enduring Music and Song
"MJO's Simply Swingin' with Sinatra and Friends."
It will be a memorable evening for the golden age of pop standards and tin pan alley as the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra (MJO) and vocalist Steve Lippia bring the Great American Songbook to life at George Mason University's Center for the Arts. It will feature music that has "depth and weight ... the kind of event that will stay with you long after it's over," said Jim Carroll, MJO artistic director. The Great American Songbook is the short-hand name for the influential and well-loved popular songs of the mid-20th century. The enduring music and lyrics were written for Broadway shows, Hollywood films and touring artists. They were songs about love and life, with a rhythm and rhyme all their own.
Jazz to Brighten a Winter Night at the Workhouse
Pianist Bobby Jasinski and vocalist Lena Seikaly perform this weekend.
Live cabaret is now a regular mainstay at the Workhouse. "The intimate and very population cabaret-style performances regularly sell-out" according to Joey Walden, Workhouse Performing Arts Director. "The popularity of the series has drawn interest from DC talent, as a result the caliber of entertainment you may experience at the Workhouse rivals established metro area venues in the same genre."
Benny is Back!
Arriving soon for your entertainment.
Jack Benny was a classic comedian of stage, screen, radio and television. He spanned decades and generations. He is even considered a forerunner of what is now called situation comedy. Some suggest that the comic styles of Jerry Seinfeld and Kelsey Grammar ("Frasier") have Benny-like qualities. Soon there will be a golden opportunity to see him again. Well, not "the" Jack Benny, but award-winning actor Tim Newell in a one-man performance of "Mister Benny" at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia in a production for all audiences, non-members and members alike.
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra Promises ‘Intense, Personal, Intimate Experience’
Concerts at GMU’s Harris Theater to celebrate the 100th birthday of Benjamin Britten.
Have you heard? The next performance of the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) chamber series, will be in a special location; the Harris Theater at George Mason University.
When Books Are Outlawed and Knowledge Discouraged
Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451" comes to Center for the Arts.
Continuing a series of enthralling professional touring theater productions, George Mason University's Center for the Arts is presenting "Fahrenheit 451" by renowned science fiction and fantasy writer Ray Bradbury. It is another in an "amazing assortment of performances," said Tom Reynolds, Center for the Arts director of artistic programming.