Around Town

By Colleen Kennedy

Catch Emmy and Tony Award-winning singer and actress Kristin Chenoweth belting out ballads by the women she most admires, including Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton and Linda Rondstadt. Chenoweth’s tiny frame belies her big personality and even bigger voice, as evidenced in Broadway roles from Glinda in Wicked to Sally in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and her comedic turns on TV’s Schmigadoon!, Glee and cult favorite Pushing Daisies. This performance supports student scholarships at GMU’s College of Visual and Performing Arts. $65-$125. George Mason University Center for the Arts, 4373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax, cfa.gmu.edu

Signature Theatre - Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel was adapted as a 1985 movie by Steven Spielberg (which made Whoopi Goldberg a household name) and a 2005 musical that garnered 11 Tony Award nominations. With this stage production, Signature presents an opportunity to revisit the indomitable spirit of Celie before the star-studded musical film adaptation is released next year. See website for show times. $43-$111. 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, sigtheatre.org

1st Stage - Despite a 1990 ban on ivory, National Geographic estimates that almost 30,000 elephants are killed each year for their tusks. In the regional premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage’s Mlima’s Tale, the slaughter of elephants and the horrors of the ivory trade unfold. See website for ticket prices and show times. 1524 Spring Hill Road, Tysons, 1ststage.org

Arlington Drafthouse - Actor, writer, producer and all-around funny man David Koechner will perform stand-up over three nights. A Second City and SNL alum who stole scenes in films such as Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy and Talladega Nights, he is perhaps best known as the notoriously NSFW Todd Packer on The Office. The comedian will host an Office-themed trivia contest on Sept. 24 at 4 p.m. Shows are at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $25. 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington, arlingtondrafthouse.com

Arlington Arts Center - Works by five artists offer diverse perspectives of the local community, past and present, from Oz-like cityscapes and iconic landmarks, to portraits of Selena Gray, an enslaved person at Arlington House in the 1800s. Free. 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, arlingtonartscenter.org

Falls Church Arts - Multimedia works in this group show will reflect artists’ interpretations of a single word (“wild”), with pieces for sale both in person and online. Gallery hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. 700-B W. Broad St., Falls Church, fallschurcharts.org

Nearly 60 local artists will open their studios to the public during this annual open house event. Printed tour guides will be available in mid-September at libraries and galleries throughout Arlington. Free. In various studio locations, arlingtonartstudiotour.org

Gateway Park - The 30th annual music fest returns with a focus on African, Latin, and African diasporic contemporary jazz. Afro-Cuban funk performer Cimafunk will headline the event with his trademark swagger, performing hits from 2021’s El Alimento. Also in the lineup: Harlem-based Mwenso & the Shakes, the swinging 1960s souljazz of Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio, and Groove Orchestra, led by D.C.’s own Samuel Prather. Free. 1300 Langston Boulevard, Arlington, rosslynva.org

The Birchmere - Cray was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame for his fusion of contemporary Southern soul and classical blues styling. He and his band are now touring in support of their 20th studio album, That’s What I Heard (2020). Groove to hits such as “Right Next Door” and “My Baby Likes to Boogaloo.” $59.50. 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, birchmere.com

Wolf Trap - Boyz II Men dominated Billboard charts in the 1990s, serenading (“I’ll Make Love to You”), breaking hearts (“It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday”) and ushering in new jack swing (“Motownphilly”). Winner of four Grammy Awards, the Philadelphia vocal supergroup makes its Wolf Trap debut with R&B power trio SWV opening. Tickets start at $37. 1551 Trap Road Vienna, wolftrap.org

The Birchmere - With songs on his 2020 album (Unfollow the Rules) reflecting on his encroaching middle age, his wastrel youth and domestic bliss, Wainwright has eased into a mature, confident sound that is richer than ever. $69.50. 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, birchmere.com

Falls Church City Hall - The family-friendly event returns with bites from area restaurants, a beer garden, live music, children’s entertainment and booths featuring local crafters, businesses and civic organizations. Admission is free. Tickets will be sold for food, beverages and rides. 300 Park Ave., Falls Church, fallschurchva.gov

Cherry Hill Park - Break a sweat to support Falls Church schools on a USATF-certified 5K course that winds through The Little City in all of its autumnal glory. (This fundraiser also promises a 1-mile loop and virtual running/walking options.) Participants will receive a race shirt and other swag. Proceeds benefit the Falls Church Education Foundation. Registration begins at $20 for participants under 18; $35 for adults. 312 Park Ave., Falls Church, potomac.enmotive.com

The 18-time Grammy Award-winning artist returns to Wolf Trap for three unforgettable nights. From his early years as the frontman of The Police, one of the best-selling British rock bands of all time, to his prolific and critically acclaimed solo career, Sting is often hailed as one of the most influential songwriters of our time. Writing and performing in genres as diverse as reggae, rock, new age, classical, jazz, folk and world beat, he has proven again and again that every little thing he does is magic. Tickets start at $47. Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, wolftrap.org

McLean Central Park - Purchase a pumpkin to decorate, enjoy live entertainment for all ages, play with little livestock in the petting zoo and try your hand at other crafts and games during this family-oriented fall event. Free. 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean, mcleancenter.org/special-events

McLean Square Shopping Center - Hosted by the McLean Community Center, this 5K is designed for runners of all abilities and approved by USATF. Proceeds benefit the McLean Community Foundation. $45 through Sept. 30; $50 on race day. 6631 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, mclean5k.com

“[Every] dog will have his day,” to quote Hamlet. This pet-friendly outdoor festival will have tails wagging with a 3 p.m. pet parade, a photo booth, pet trick demos, and treats in the form of food trucks, live music and giveaways—plus exhibitors sharing pet-health and behavior tips, pet-related services and products. Free. McLean Central Park, 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean, mcleancenter.org/special-events

Columbia Pike at S. George Mason Drive - Head over to Columbia Pike for pet adoptions, live music and a chance to hobnob with local veterinarians, trainers, pet-sitters, boarders, dog walkers and groomers. Pups can enjoy homemade treats, complimentary pet portraits and a water bar. Free. 950 S. George Mason Drive, Arlington, columbia-pike.org/ pawsonthepike

Washington-Liberty High School - Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones will kick off the fall season of Arlington Reads with a discussion about The 1619 Project. Hannah-Jones writes about racial justice for The New York Times and is the inaugural Knight Chair in Race and Journalism at Howard University. Other author events in September and October will feature Marlon James, George Saunders and Andrea Elliott at Arlington Central Library. 1301 N. Stafford St., Arlington, library. arlingtonva.us.

Reinsch Library Auditorium, Marymount University - Local historian and librarian Beth DeFrancis Sun will discuss the fascinating history of Arlington County’s dependence on mills, from their ubiquity in the Colonial era to their demise in the 20th century. Free. To attend this Arlington Historical Society event virtually via Zoom, register by Aug. 12. 2807 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org

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