The Alden Theatre Winter-Spring Season Brochure

WINTER–SPRING 2016

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo

SEE SOMETHING UNEXPECTED...

TAKE THE ALDEN CHALLENGE

Welcome to the second part of The Alden’s 20152016 season. We’ve got more of what you asked for, like great comedy, theatre and children’s shows. We have big-name acts and the area favorites that you love. We’re giving you shows that you’ll want to see over and over again.

Now for our challenge to you: see something unexpected. Branch out. Try something new. It may not be what you would usually go for, but we promise it will be great. Here at The Alden we aspire to make getting out of your comfort zone as comfortable as possible with a boutique performing arts experience.

Concierge service, an intimate venue, high-caliber performers and eclectic events are what define the gem of McLean. But our best attributes are our wonderful patrons, who make world-class artists return to The Alden again and again.

We hope to see you in 2016.

- Sarah Schallern, Performing Arts Director

Alden Staff Sarah Schallern, Performing Arts Director Jennifer Garrett, Technical Director Kathy Herr, Director of Youth Programming Justin King, Assistant Technical Director Evelyn Hill, Patron Services Manager Cat Salisbury-Valerien, Theatre Tech Jeff Virchow, Performing Arts Assistant Sarah Rothman, Audience Development Associate MCC Executive Director George Sachs MCC Governing Board Paul Kohlenberger, Chair Dennis Findley, Vice Chair Lathan R. Turner, Treasurer Laurelie B. Wallace, Secretary Jay Howell Jenna Lebowitz Quentin Levin Merrily Pierce

Chad Quinn Jennifer Rossman Deborah Sanders

MLK Day C elebratio n Peggy Wallace Kennedy Daughter of George Wallace

“A Walk to Redemption”

Sunday, Jan. 17, 2 p.m.

$20/$10 MCC tax district residents

The daughter of infamous segregationist Governor George Wallace, Peggy Wallace Kennedy now stands apart from her past as one of America’s most important voices for peace and reconciliation. Kennedy’s personal journey to redemption captures the hearts of those that hear her voice and reminds us that none of us can be responsible for the circumstances of our birth, but all of us will be held accountable for who we will become.

“While many feel race is too touchy a subject, she encourages dialogue to promote understanding.”

– National Public Radio

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CE N A D COMEDY &

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo www.trockadero.org

Thursday, Apr. 7, 7:30 p.m. $50/$40 MCC tax district residents

Graceful dancers, tulle, pointe shoes and—is that chest hair!?

With their playful, entertaining view of traditional, classical ballet in parody form and en travesti, The Trocks have established themselves as a major dance phenomenon throughout the world. Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo will delight and amuse everyone in the audience, from the most knowledgeable to the novice.

“The Trocks are a guaranteed hoot for people who know nothing of ballet and an absolute must for those who think they know the originals.”

– The Sydney Star Observer

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THEATRE

American Shakespeare Center on Tour’s Shakespeare Weekend at The Alden* www.americanshakespearecenter.com

“Comic sense, quick feet, raucous musical interludes, and flawless timing bring the nearly packed house to near paralysis of laughter.” – The Washington Times

Back by popular demand, ASC on Tour brings their fastpaced, super-accessible interpretations of the Bard’s best, including live performances of contemporary music related to the play 30 minutes before each show.

“Julius Caesar” Friday, Jan. 22, 8 p.m.; Live music starts at 7:30 p.m. $35/$20 MCC tax district residents

Buy tickets to all three plays for $88/$50 MCC tax district residents.

“The Importance of Being Earnest” Saturday, Jan. 23, 2 p.m.; Live music starts at 1:30 p.m. $35/$20 MCC tax district residents

*Join us on Jan. 21 for a panel discussion on getting the most out of your ASC on Tour experience. See Speakers and Education on page 7 for more details.

“The Life of King Henry V” Saturday, Jan. 23, 8 p.m.; Live music starts at 7:30 p.m. $35/$20 MCC tax district residents

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THEATRE

New York Neo-Futurists “Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind” (T.M.L.M.T.B.G.B.) www.nyneofuturists.org

Saturday, April 16, 8 p.m.

$25/$15 MCC tax district residents

With its ever-changing “menu” of plays, “Too Much Light…” is an attempt to perform 30 plays in 60 minutes. The Neos aim to create an unreproducible, living experience of the comic and tragic, the political and personal, the visceral and experimental.

“T.M.L.M.T.B.G.B.” is theatre for people who want to be part of the action, love a rush of adrenaline, take a little of everything from the buffet and are, well… a little strange.

Do you dare to be Neo?

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“Like the glory days of “Saturday Night Live,” “Too Much Light” is not just funny but faintly surreal.”

– Backstage

SPEAKERS & E

DUCAT ION

“Gut Churn” from Radiolab’s Jad Abumrad www.jadabumrad.com

Saturday, June 11, 8 p.m.

$30/$15 MCC tax district residents

“If there’s a next Ira Glass, it might well be Jad Abumrad.”

– New York Review of Books

What does it mean to “innovate?” This was a question Radiolab host Jad Abumrad was frequently asked after being awarded a MacArthur “Genius Grant” in 2011.

This multimedia exploration is both the personal story of how Jad invented a new aesthetic and a clinic in the art of storytelling. On a third and more profound level, it is the result of a three-year investigation into the science, philosophy and art of uncertainty, which all began with the two words that are the title of this talk.

Gut Churn.

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SPEAKERS

ON I T A C & EDU

Insider Knowledge: Brush Up Your Shakespeare Thursday, Jan. 21, 7:30 p.m. $5/$3 MCC tax district residents

Experts from the Shakespeare Theatre, American Shakespeare Center and the Folger Shakespeare Library are back to give you a guided tour of the world of Shakespeare in preparation for American Shakespeare Center on Tour’s Shakespeare Weekend at The Alden. #ShakespeareHacked

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SPEAKERS & E

DUCAT ION

Jazz Masters with John Eaton: “Indiana on My Mind” www.eatonpiano.com

Jazz pianist, musicologist and humorist John Eaton brings his popular continuing education program to The Alden. “Jazz Masters with John Eaton” is an entertaining and insightful afternoon that combines Eaton’s peerless knowledge of the Great American Songbook, hilarious commentary and elegant, ultra-tasteful renditions of jazz standards, both popular and obscure. This spring Eaton will cover two great composers from Indiana.

“Best jazz pianist: John Eaton, then, now and probably forever.”

– Washingtonian Magazine

Hoagy Carmichael Cole Porter Saturday, Apr. 30, 1 p.m.

Saturday, June 25, 1 p.m. $12/$5 MCC tax district residents $12/$5 MCC tax district residents

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ES I L I M KIDS & FA

“A Wrinkle in Time” www.bartertheatre.com/barter-players.php

Saturday, Jan. 16, 2 p.m.

$15/$10 MCC tax district residents For ages 7+. On a dark and stormy night, the eccentric Mrs. Whatsit arrives at the home of Meg Murray, a tomboy who doesn’t fit in at her high school.

Aided by Mrs. Whatsit and her friends, Meg and her gifted brother Charles Wallace are transported through time and space on a mission to rescue their missing father from the frightening forces that hold him prisoner on another planet. John Glore’s delightful and wildly theatrical adaptation brings this acclaimed story magically to life.

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KIDS & FAM

ILIES

Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s

“Goodnight Moon” and “Runaway Bunny” www.mermaidtheatre.ca

Saturday, Apr. 23, 2 p.m.

$15/$10 MCC tax district residents

For ages 4+. “Goodnight Moon” is a celebration of familiar silliness.”

Publishers Weekly nighttime“sublime rituals, while “The — Runaway Bunny,” a pretend tale of leaving home, evokes reassuring responses from his loving mum. Both tales feature endearing rabbit characters, and the soothing rhythms of bunny banter and dreamlike imagery never fail to infuse young audiences with a reassuring sense of security.

“This entrancingly beautiful, masterfully designed production will touch anyone who appreciates theatrical excellence.”

– Winnipeg Free Press

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IES L I M A KIDS & F

ArtsPower’s “Chicken Dance” www.artspower.org

Saturday, May 14, 2 p.m.

$15/$10 MCC tax district residents For ages 4+. ArtsPower’s newest musical portrays the colorful story of Marge and Lola, two barnyard chickens on a mission to win the barnyard talent contest first prize of two tickets to see the great Elvis Poultry in concert! But first, they must present a performance that will score higher than a flock of very talented ducks who seem to have the contest locked up. Can Marge and Lola face their challengers, and win the talent contest?

“Sublime silliness” – Publishers Weekly

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KIDS & F

AMILIES

Morgan Taylor’s “Gustafer Yellowgold’s Show” www.gustaferyellowgold.com

Sunday, June 12, 2 p.m.

$15/$10 MCC tax district residents

“Gustafer Yellowgold has made kids’ music so cool that teenagers and ultra-hip bands such as Wilco want to get in on the act... A shiny blend of pop art and pop tunes.” – The Chicago Tribune

For ages 4+. Gustafer Yellowgold is a friendly fellow who came from the Sun and landed in the Minnesota woods.

Gustafer Yellowgold’s Show is a multimedia performance of live music, animated illustrations and storytelling.

2016 Grammy Nominee for Best Children’s Album!

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ES I L I M A KIDS & F

Puppet Festival Saturday, Feb. 20, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $15/$10 MCC tax district residents

For ages 4+. The festival consists of two 45-minute shows plus puppet-making stations.

Jim West’s Puppet Productions “Aesops Fables” at 10:30 a.m.

Crabgrass Puppet Theatre “African Adventure Tales” at 11:30 a.m.

Puppet-making booths will be open from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

The booths are self-guided so parents can create puppets with their children.

Tickets are required for all participants over the age of 2 years old.

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MAGIC

The Magic of Bill Blagg Live! www.billblagg.com

Saturday, June 18, 8 p.m.

$20/$15 MCC tax district residents The MAGIC of BILL BLAGG LIVE! comes to The Alden for one show only! Blagg’s incredible high-energy, grandscale magic and illusion that will have you rubbing your eyes in disbelief. Called “simply amazing” by The Chicago Tribune, audience volunteers will levitate in mid-air, while others will vanish in the blink of an eye. This is one show you can’t miss!

“He’s definitely the best kept secret in magic!

– Entertainment Weekly

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S M L I F SILENT

Classics of the Silent Screen

Silent Movies With Live Musical Accompaniment Hosted by Bruce Lawton, film historian, and Ben Model, composer Mary Pickford’s “Sparrows” (1926) Wednesday, Jan. 13, 7:30 p.m. $12/$8 MCC tax district residents

Produced by and starring Mary Pickford, this mature silent film has been described as “Dickensian” and “equal parts Gothic thriller and sentimental melodrama.” The former Pollyanna Pickford grows up into the savior of children in a bayou “baby farm,” complete with an escape scene through an alligatorinfested swamp. All this and Ben’s amazing, totally improvised score.

“One of Mary’s best silent pictures.”

– Leonard Maltin

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SILENT

FILMS

Buster Keaton’s “The Cameraman” (1928) Tuesday, June 7, 7:30 p.m. $12/$8 MCC tax district residents

How can you go wrong with the comedy genius of Buster Keaton? Keaton gets himself into ridiculous situations in an attempt to win over a girl, and his hijinks are so timeless that “The Cameraman” has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 100 percent. Bruce will show THE 16mm print that was used by Warner Brothers to complete the film restoration for their 35mm master.

“Filled with guffaws and grins, the sort of thing with many original and adroitly worked-out gags.”

– The New York Times

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MUSIC

U.S. Navy Commodores www.navyband.navy.mil/commodores.shtml

Saturday, Apr. 2, 8 p.m.

Free. Reservations are not required.

Jazz is America’s music, and the U.S. Navy Band Commodores, the Navy’s premier jazz ensemble, have been performing the very best of big band jazz for the Navy and the nation for more than 40 years. Celebrate National Jazz Month with this free, swinging concert by some of the nation’s best jazz musicians.

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Jammin’ Juniors

MUSIC

Bring your lunch and listen to some tunes.

Free lunchtime concerts for ages 2-5 in McLean Central Park Gazebo.

Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m.

SteveSongs

May 4 Roger Day www.rogerday.com

May 11 SteveSongs www.stevesongs.com

Chamber Music

Concerts at the Alden Free chamber music concerts cosponsored by the Music Friends of the Fairfax County Public Library and The Alden.

All concerts are free to the public.

Tickets are not required.

Sunday, Mar. 20, 3 p.m.

Henry Flory, Violin; Mairead Flory, Cello; and Christopher Schmitt, Piano

Sunday, May 22, 3 p.m.

Trio Cleonice www.triocleonice.com

Sunday, Apr. 17, 3 p.m.

Young Soloists Recital

Sunday, June 5, 3 p.m.

Young Soloists Recital

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CE BOX OFFI The Robert Ames Alden Theatre

New! Box Office Hours Thursday-Saturday: 4–8 p.m.

Sunday: Noon–4 p.m.

The Box Office is always open one hour prior to ticketed events.

703-790-9223

is a cultural resource for the citizens of McLean that presents high-quality performances, lectures and educational programs for audiences of all ages.

Payment Options We accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover, checks and cash at the Box Office window.

Resident Discounts McLean tax district residents: remember to select the resident price from the drop-down menu at checkout.

By Phone: Call Ovationtix at 1-866-811-4111, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. M-F or 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat-Sun.

Senior & Student Discounts Student and senior discounts are available. Proof of age/ID may be requested. Not available for all performances.

Online: Please visit www.aldentheatre.org.

Online ticketing fees may apply.

Group Rates Group rates are available for some performances. For groups of 8 or more, use the code “Group8” to get the discount.

By Mail: Tickets can also be secured using the order form on the back page.

By Fax: Fax mail order form to 703-790-3187.

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Seating Capacity The capacity of The Alden is limited to the number of available seats in accordance with Fairfax County fire regulations. Therefore, all patrons, even infants-in-arms, must purchase tickets, and a no-standing-room policy is strictly enforced.

BOX OFF Accomodations for Individuals with Disabilities and Other Special Needs The Alden is fully ADA-compliant and will make arrangements for accommodations.

To ensure our ability to meet your needs, requests must be made no less than 14 working days prior to the performance or activity you wish to attend. Please email requests to evelyn.hill@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Hearing Impaired Patrons The Alden is equipped with an infrared audio system for those who are hearing impaired. It can be used with or without a hearing aid. Please inquire at the Box Office.

Wheelchairs Seating is available for those who use wheelchairs. Please make arrangements when ordering tickets, as per our ADA accommodation policy.

ICE

Reminder Emails If you purchased tickets online or your email address is connected to your ticketing account, The Alden staff will send you a reminder email in the days leading up to an Alden-presented performance. The email contains directions, area information and insider tips to help make your experience spectacular. You’ll never forget that you have tickets to a show again!

Electronic devices The use of electronic devices is strictly prohibited inside The Alden. All devices must be turned off and stored prior to the start of the show and must remain off through the duration of the performance. Failure to comply may result in ejection from the theatre without refund.

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TS R A Y T I COMMUN

Community Arts at the McLean Community Center

Performing arts for you, by you. Enjoy a performance by one of McLean’s amateur community arts groups from onstage, backstage or in the audience.

McLean Community Players* An Alden Production www.mcleanplayers.org “Sideways Stories From Wayside School” “1776” Weekends, Feb. 5–Feb. 21 “Unnecessary Farce” Weekends, Apr 29–May 14 “Footloose” Weekends, Jul. 8-24 McLean Symphony* www.mclean-symphony.org “The Sound of Music: Reprises & Surprises!”

Saturday, June 4, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday, March 5-6 and 12-13, at 3 p.m. $15/$10 MCC tax district residents For ages 7+. “Sideways Stories From Wayside School” is a delightfully demented comedy about the strangest school ever built, where the students battle supernatural teachers and endure madcap lessons. The play is adapted by John Olive from the best-selling series of novels by Louis Sachar, the Newbery Award-winning author of “Holes.”

Starring MCC district resident youth.

* Community arts groups are independent organizations not overseen by the Alden Theatre or The McLean Community Center.

For questions, comments or more information, please contact the sponsoring organization.

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Inside the McLean Community Center 1234 Ingleside Ave. McLean, VA 22101 www.aldentheatre.org

Follow us on Twitter: @thealdenVA

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/thealden

Located just minutes from 495 and GW Parkway.

Music Saturday, Apr. 2, 8 p.m.

U.S. NAVY COMMODORES JAZZ ENSEMBLE

April

Macdonald Competition Wednesday, Mar. 16, 8 p.m.

MACDONALD FINALS

March

Kids and Families Saturday, Feb. 20, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

PUPPET FESTIVAL

February

Saturday, Jan. 23, 8 p.m.

“HENRY V”

Saturday, Jan. 23, 2 p.m.

“THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST”

Friday, Jan. 22, 8 p.m.

“JULIUS CAESAR”

Theatre AMERICAN SHAKESPEARE CENTER ON TOUR

Speakers and Education Thursday, Jan. 21, 7:30 p.m.

“BRUSH UP YOUR SHAKESPEARE”

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Sunday, Jan. 17, 2 p.m.

PEGGY WALLACE KENNEDY

Speakers and Education Saturday, June 25, 1 p.m.

JAZZ MASTERS WITH JOHN EATON

Magic Saturday, June 18, 8 p.m.

THE MAGIC OF BILL BLAGG

Kids and Families Sunday, June 12, 2 p.m.

GUSTAFER YELLOWGOLD

Speakers and Education Saturday, June 11, 8 p.m.

RADIOLAB’S JAD ABUMRAD

Silent Film Tuesday, June 7, 7:30 p.m.

BUSTER KEATON’S “THE CAMERAMAN”

June

Kids and Families Saturday, May 14, 2 p.m.

ARTSPOWER: “CHICKEN DANCE”

Wednesday, May 11, 12:30 p.m.

DEBBIE AND FRIENDS

Jammin’ Jrs. Wednesday, May 4, 12:30 p.m.

ROGER DAY

May

Speakers and Education Saturday, Apr. 30, 1 p.m.

JAZZ MASTERS WITH JOHN EATON

Kids and Families Saturday, Apr. 23, 2 p.m.

MERMAID THEATRE: “GOODNIGHT MOON” & “RUNAWAY BUNNY”

Theatre Saturday, Apr. 16, 8 p.m.

NY NEO-FUTURISTS: “TOO MUCH LIGHT MAKES THE BABY GO BLIND”

Dance Thursday, Apr. 7, 7:30 p.m.

LES BALLETS TROCKADERO DE MONTE CARLO

Silent Film Wednesday, Jan. 13, 7:30 p.m.

MARY PICKFORD’S “SPARROWS” Kids and Families Saturday, Jan. 16, 2 p.m.

BARTER PLAYERS: “A WRINKLE IN TIME”

April

January

SEASON AT A GLANCE

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