13 minute read
What’s on Washington
special issue ArtsAND Dining Fall
WHAT’S ON
WASHINGTON
MOSAIC’S BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA AT THE ATLAS
Caitlyn and her father John watch birds in their suburban Maryland backyard. Over the course of a decade, climate change slowly shifts the world; birds disappear and John and Caitlyn struggle to say the things they need to say. Mosaic’s Birds of North America by Anna Ouyang Moench is on stage at the Atlas, 1333 H St. NE, Oct. 27 to Nov. 21. mosaictheater.org.
DEAD MAN’S RUN AT CONGRESSIONAL CEMETERY
Dead Man’s Run returns to Historic Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE, on Friday, Oct. 29, 6 to 8 p.m. Dead Man’s Run is a bare bones race for dead serious runners who want to stay one step ahead of the ultimate Repo Man. The race starts with a toll of the funeral bell, continues throughout the cemetery and onto the Anacostia Trail for a ghostly evening run full of spooky music. Costumes encouraged; prizes awarded. $35. No kids’ run this year. Register at congressionalcemetery.org.
Photo: Courtesy of Historic Congressional Cemetery
THE MADNESS OF POE AT CRYSTAL CITY’S SYNETIC THEATER
The Madness of Poe is a terrifying trilogy of tales from Edgar Allan Poe woven into one 90-minute heart-pounding thriller. Featuring a re-imagining of their 2007 hit adaptation of The
Fall of the House of Usher plus two more gothic tales from the inventor of American horror, it is classic Synetic in every way. The
Madness of Poe runs from Oct. 11 to 31 at Synetic Theater, 1800
South Bell St., Crystal City. $25 to $60. Masks and full vaccination (or recent negative test) required. Parking is free after 4 p.m. and weekends. The theater is adjacent to Crystal City Metro Station on the yellow and blue lines. synetictheater.org.
Through June 2022, the Natural History Museum hosts a free, augmented-reality experience emphasizing the intrinsic connection between people, orcas and the ocean. Critical Distance immerses visitors in a holographic orca pod and allows them to witness this endangered species’ daily obstacles. Visitors will see fi rsthand how the orcas, including six-year-old Kiki, must overcome marine noise pollution and vessel disturbances to effectively hunt for food—and, ultimately, survive. To complement the experience, museum educators have created hands-on activities that help visitors learn more about orcas’ family structure, conservation and biology. The Natural History Museum is currently open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. naturalhistory.si.edu.
CAPITAL CITY GO-GO AT ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTS ARENA
The Capital City Go-Go, the Washington Wizards’ NBA G League affiliate, have announced their six priority home dates for the 2021-22 season, with the home opener slated for Nov. 6 at the Entertainment & Sports Arena, 1100 Oak Dr. SE. These early dates are also highlighted by regular season Fan Appreciation Day and a mid-season STEM & Basketball Education Day. Capital City has introduced a Go-Go season pass for the 202122 season, which includes a ticket to each home game, allowing fans to enjoy the entire season for one low price. 202-864-4350 or email ticketsales@capitalcitygogo.com.
DRAFT OF “I HAVE A DREAM” SPEECH ON EXHIBITION
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s original draft of the I Have a Dream speech from the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom is now on display at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in the Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom gallery. “This artifact is one of several drafts of the speech written by King and his advisors hours before the march began,” said Kevin Strait, curator at the museum. “The speech was slotted to be a four-minute closing to the march; however, it became a powerful 16-minute rallying cry for the entire civil rights movement.” The National Museum of African American History and Culture, open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., is at 1400 Constitution Ave. NW. Timed passes required. nmaahc.si.edu.
BOHEME IN THE HEIGHTS BY IN SERIES
The long-awaited animated Spanish-language Afro-LatinX reimagining of Puccini’s classic opera comes to the big screen, with live music performed by the original cast. This film, created by young animators and set in Washington, DC’s Columbia Heights neighborhood through the winter and spring of 2020, tells of the exuberant creative power of youth, the transcendence of love, and the heartbreak of first loss. IN Series’ BOHEME in the Heights is at GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW, on Saturday, Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 31, 2 p.m. (It is also at the Patterson Theater in Baltimore on Friday, Oct. 29 at 8 p.m.) inseries.org.
Baritone Alex Alburqueque as Marcelo on a background by Emma Ayala
Alma W. Thomas: Everything Is Beautiful provides a fresh perspective on the artist’s dynamic long life (1891-1978) and multifaceted career that was defined by constant creativity. This major retrospective at the Phillips traces her journey from semi-rural Georgia to Washington, DC, to becoming the first Black woman given a solo show at the Whitney Museum of American Art at age 81. This exhibition demonstrates how Thomas’s wide-reaching artistic practices extended far beyond her studio, shaping every facet of her life—from community service, to teaching, to gardening. Everything Is Beautiful is at the Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW, from Oct. 20 to Jan. 23. Open daily, except Monday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Timed tickets at $16 for adults; $12, seniors; free for 18 and under. phillipsscollection.org.
Alma Thomas, Pansies in Washington, 1979, acrylic on canvas, 50 x 48 in., National Gallery of Art, Corcoran Collection (gift of Vincent Melzac)
NSO POPS: MARVEL STUDIOS’ BLACK PANTHER IN CONCERT
In 2018, Marvel Studios’ Black Panther quickly became a global sensation and cultural phenomenon, showing a new dimension of what superhero films could be. Now, you can relive the excitement of T’Challa becoming king and battling Killmonger as the National Symphony Orchestra performs Ludwig Göransson’s Oscar-winning score live to film for the very first time on Oct. 14, at 7 p.m., and Oct. 15 and 16, at 8 p.m., at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. $39 to $99. kennedy-center.org.
THE WALL/EL MURO: WHAT IS A BORDER WALL?
The Wall/El Muro: What Is a Border Wall? exhibition at the National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW, examines the border wall from the perspective of architecture and design. It is a prime example of the potential of the built world to affect peoples’ lives, as we now see thousands of migrants crossing the border in the midst of changing federal policies. The exhibition, which opens Nov. 6, addresses the ways in which the architecture and landscape of security surround us and challenge us as we imagine America. The border is a place, but it also looms large as a symbol of both America’s vulnerability and state power. Open Friday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. $10 for adults; $7, youth. nbm.org.
Baja California border wall with names of those who died on the journey. Photo: Sarah A. Leavitt
CAPITAL CITY SYMPHONY RETURNS TO THE ATLAS
On Sunday, Nov. 7, at 5 p.m., the Capital City Symphony opens their season, Who Are We, DC?, with Carlos Simon’s Elegy, A Cry from the Grave “dedicated to those who have been murdered wrongfully by an oppressive power,” followed by his piece This Land, lifting hope and unity. The world premiere of Adirondack Autumn, by one of their own members, Daniel Lu, follows, featuring flutist David Lonkevich. Other pieces include Hector Villa-Lobos’ Bachianas Brasileiras No. 4, Prelude, and William Grant Still’s Symphony No. 2. The Atlas Performing Arts Center is at 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org.
U.S. OYSTER FESTIVAL AT ST. MARY’S COUNTY
The 55th annual U.S. Oyster Festival at St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds is on Saturday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cook-offs are on Saturday and shucking contests are on Sunday. The festival features good food; live music; and Professor Horn-Punch & Judy shows both days. Octoberfest music, Middle Eastern dancing and acrobatic dancers are on Saturday. Gary Rue and the Dance Hall Ghosts play 3 to 5 p.m. during all shucking contests. $10 admission; free for 12 and under. St. Mary’s County Fairground is about 50 miles from DC. usoysterfest.com.
WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON
MATTHEW WHITAKER QUARTET AT THE LINCOLN
A blind from birth former child prodigy, profiled on 60 Minutes and The Today Show, 20-year-old jazz pianist-organist Matthew Whitaker has wowed audiences from LA’s Playboy Jazz Festival—where he inspired spontaneous dancing and a standing ovation—to the Apollo Theatre and a (pre-COVID) 2020 Washington Performing Arts performance. On Friday, Oct. 15, 8 p.m., he brings his irresistible virtuosity back to the Lincoln Theatre with a special guest appearance by DC’s Children of the Gospel Choir. Tickets, $25 to $50, are available only at thelincolndc.com.
Photo: rr jones
In a tour-de-force solo performance, Academy Award nominee David Strathairn portrays World War II hero and Holocaust witness Jan Karski, a messenger of truth who risked his life to carry his harrowing report from war-torn Poland to the
Oval Office only to be disbelieved. Standing tall in the halls of power, Strathiirn captures the remarkable life of the selfdescribed insignificant, little man whose forgotten story of moral courage can still shake the conscience of the world.
On stage at Shakespeare Theatre’s Michael R. Klein Theatre, 450 Seventh St. NW, from Oct. 6 to 17. Vaccinations required. shakespearetheatre.org.
David Strathairn as Jan Karski in Remember This: The Lesson of Jan Karski.
CELIA AND FIDEL AT ARENA
Can one woman change the mind of a man and the fate of a nation? Fidel Castro’s most trusted confidant and political partner,
Celia Sánchez, is never far from his side as he grapples with how to move his country forward. It’s 1980 and a failing economy has led 10,000 Cuban citizens to seek asylum at the Peruvian Embassy in Cuba. Castro must decide what kind of a leader he wants to be: merciful or mighty. Imbued with magical realism, Arena Stage’s
Celia and Fidel imagines a conversation between Cuba’s most influential female revolutionary and its most notorious political leader in a contest between morality and power. On stage at Arena, 1101 Sixth St. SW, from Oct. 8 to Nov. 21. arenastage.org.
Heather Velazquez (Consuelo) and Andhy Mendez (Fidel Castro) in Celia and Fidel running Oct. 8 to Nov. 21 at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. Photo: Margot Schulman. CHAMBER MUSIC AT THE BARNS AT WOLF TRAP
On Sunday, Oct. 24 at 3 p.m. (doors at 1:30 p.m.), Artistic Advisor Wu Han joins Arnaud Sussmann, Paul Neubauer, and David Finckel in an afternoon of works that showcase the friendship and musical influences between composers. Featured works include Dvorak’s Sonatina in G Major for violin and piano, Suk’s Quartet for Piano and Strings in A minor Op.1, and Brahms Quartet for Piano and Strings in G-minor, Op 25. $50. Wolf Trap is at 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna, VA. wolftrap.org.
Wu Han
FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL AT THE FARM AT MOUNT VERNON
On Saturday, Oct. 23 and Sunday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., celebrate the crisp autumn season with 18th-century activities and demonstrations at the Farm at Mount Vernon. You can explore the farm; meet General Washington; learn about Washington’s fisheries and how fish were salt packed; see spinning wheels; hear about 18th century textiles and how they were dyed; and watch cooking demonstrations in the Slave Cabin yard. This event is included with admission. Adult admission is $28; kids six through eleven, $15; five and under, free. mountvernon.org.
Come join for a fall celebration featuring 18th-century farming demonstrations.
TWO FACES COMEDY AT PRESIDENT LINCOLN’S COTTAGE
“I leave it to my audience: If I had two faces, would I be wearing this one?” - Abraham Lincoln, 1858 – Back by popular demand and drawing inspiration from Abraham Lincoln’s legendary humor and self-deprecation, President Lincoln’s Cottage and The DC Improv are again partnering to present Two Faces Comedy, the first comedy series to transform Lincoln’s living room into a comedy den—now outdoors in the front yard. Each show is meant to be inspired by some aspect, silly or serious, of Lincoln’s legacy or the history of the cottage. Upcoming Two Faces Comedy is on Tuesday, Oct. 19 and a forthcoming date in November. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. $10 admission. Beer and wine available for $5/drink at each show. President Lincoln’s Cottage is at 140 Rock Creek Church Rd. NW. lincolncottage.org.
Front door of the Lincoln Cottage where the outdoor comedy show takes place. LET ‘IM MOVE YOU AT DANCE PLACE
Let ‘im Move You is a series of works choreographed by jumatatu m. poe and Jermone Donte Beacham that stem from their multi-year research into J-Sette performance. Initial research for the series absorbed the artists’ curiosity about the performance of joy and the conundrum of Black joy. This Is a Formation is the latest performance work in the series, bringing together a group of seven Black dancers for a multimedia work to be alternately performed in black-box/whitebox spaces, and on sidewalks and in alleyways in predominantly or historically Black neighborhoods. The new project confronts meanings, real and imaginary, of black queered bodies in public assembly. Let ‘im Move You is on stage at Dance Place, 3225 Eighth St. NE, Oct. 28 to 30. All tickets are pay-what-you-can, with price points at $0, $10, $25, $40, $65, and $100. danceplace.org.
Larkin Poe appears on the Main Stage Freedom Hall on Sunday, 7:15 p.m. Photo: Courtesy of the Lancaster Roots and Blues Festival
LANCASTER ROOTS AND BLUES FESTIVAL
Lancaster Roots and Blues, an annual festival of music and art held in downtown Lancaster, PA, returns this year on Oct. 15, 16 and 17. The event is held indoors at multiple venues all located within three blocks of each other. Attendees receive a wristband at check-in and can move about freely from stage to stage. Style wise, Blues is a big part of the music but they also book a variety of genres including jazz, Americana, roots music, funk, soul, rock and roll including rockabilly, zydeco and world music. The genre of music is less important than having artists who play from the heart and possess a high standard of musical excellence. A good description of the music at Lancaster Roots and Blues is, it is timeless. One day general admission is $64; two days, $120; three days, $170. lancasterrootsandblues.com.
Photo: Maria Baranova
