Covering Annandale, Bailey's Crossroads, Lincolnia, and Seven Corners in Fairfax County, Virginia

Intense play at Signature explores meaning of humanity

Felicia Curry, Yesenia Iglesias, and Holly Twyford in “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” at Signature Theatre. [C. Stanley Photography] By David Siegel Arresting and compelling are two words that come to mind to describe Signature Theatre’s fiery production about survival in a society racked by long-term natural disasters and deadly human-made … Continued

Fairfax Orchestra presents a very special concert

Alicia Curtis and Sidney Hampton of the Bowen McCauley Dance Company. [Jeff Malet] By David Siegel Something unique is in store for patrons of the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra. The FSO is presenting a a music and dance program “way off the beaten track,” says Christopher Zimmerman, the FSO’s conductor and music director. The performance, on … Continued

Middle schools get artists-in-residence

Chitra Sharma Students at three middle schools in the Annandale/Mason District area will have a chance to work with professional artists as part of ArtsFairfax’s Artist in Residency Program. Chitra Sharma, a screen printer, visual artist, and designer, will work with Glasgow Middle School art students on “The Glasgow Print Society” Feb. 11-28. Sharma will integrate social … Continued

Brave Spirits Theatre presents a riveting performance of ‘The Dutchess of Malfi’

Katie Culligan as the Duchess. [Claire Kimball] By David Siegel  Words have lethal consequences in the clear-eyed, unflinching production of The Duchess of Malfi from Brave Spirits Theatre. Under the sure-handed direction of Casey Kaleba, this is a gripping performance full of verbal wrath, physical terror, and compelling characters. First published in 1623, John Webster’s … Continued

Dark passions emerge in ‘The Changeling’

Danielle Scott and Musa Gurnis in The Changeling. [Claire Kimball] By David Siegel Sex, sin, retribution, and vengeance are only starting points for Brave Spirit Theatre’s amped-up production The Changeling at the Lab Studio Theater in Alexandria. The Changeling is a passionate, 400-year-old Jacobean drama by Thomas Middleton and William Rowley. This dark tale gains … Continued

A woman takes revenge in Providence Players’ ‘Lovers and Executioners’

The cast includes (from the left): Jaclyn Robertson, Joshua McCreary, Emily-Grace Rowson, Chuck O’Toole, Chris Persil, Kirstin K. Apker, and Scotty Stofko. [Chip Gertzog/Providence Players] By David Siegel The Providence Players is bringing “Lovers and Executioners,” a blend of classic swashbuckling entertainment with a contemporary flair, to its 212-seat theater in the James Lee Community Center. … Continued

Signature Theatre goes deep with ‘Passion’

Claybourne Elder (Giorgio) and Natascia Diaz (Fosca) in “Passion” at Signature Theatre. [Margot Schulman]  By David Siegel  Leaving Stephen Sondheim’s “Passion,” directed by Matthew Gardiner, I found one word to describe my reaction: Believable. Yes, believable. This Signature Theatre production of “Passion” took me inside its characters in ways previous productions had not. It has honesty and openness and a … Continued