Tag: arts

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

In ‘Billy Elliot,’ a boy finds his way through dance
From the left: Chris Genebach (Dad), Liam Redford (Billy Elliot), and the ensemble from Billy Elliot at Signature Theatre. [Christopher Mueller] By David Siegel Billy Elliot the Musical at Signature Theatre in Shirlington soars with expressive, youthful dance energy and a liberating message: Do what you need to do to be who you want to be. … Continued

Your guide to holiday craft fairs
Artsy items at the Audrey Moore RECenter craft fair. It’s November, and you know what that means: Holiday shopping season is upon us. Avoid the crowds at the malls and the impersonal online experience and get out and meet your neighbors at a local holiday craft bazaar. Here are some upcoming events in the Annandale/Mason … 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

Owner of Annandale teahouse presents Korean show at Kennedy Center
A traditional performance at Soricha Tea & Theater. Eunsu Kim, the owner of Soricha Tea & Theater in Annandale and also the founder and director of the Annandale-based Washington Sorichung Institute, is presenting the 1st Annual Korean Culture Show at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., Oct. 30. The show will … 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

Taste of Annandale features diverse entertainers
The Shannon Dunne Dancers The entertainment lineup for the Taste of Annandale includes music, dance, martial arts, and fashion. The schedule is still being tweaked, but preliminary plans for the portable stage at the Oct. 13 street festival call for the Blue Book Value Band to kick things off at 10 a.m. The Han Chinese … Continued

Support the Justice HS band on Tag Day
Student musicians from Justice High School will be knocking on doors Saturday, Sept. 15, to raise money for the band, orchestra, and choir programs. Tax-deductible donations from the community enable to the music department to pay for uniforms, instruments, equipment, special music, first-rate instructors, and many other expenses that are not funded by Fairfax County … Continued

Taste of Annandale will have full day of children’s entertainment
The Paw Patrol characters at the 2017 Taste of Annandale. Children should have a fun time at the Taste of Annandale, as the ACCA Child Development Center (CDC) is planning a full slate of entertainment for them. The “Paw Patrol” characters, a big hit last year, will be back, and there also will be costumed … 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

Capoeira group to perform at Taste of Annandale
Capoeira Candeias Capoeira Candeias is bringing a high-energy combination of sport and dance from Brazil known as capoeira to the Taste of Annandale, a street festival Oct. 13 on Tom Davis Drive. Although it is sometimes described as a martial art, the group’s founder, Jose Canchan, says “capoeira is based on games; we don’t call … Continued

Monumental Theatre offers a thoroughly enjoyable staging of ‘Pippin’
Tiziano D’Affuso and Kaitlin Kemp in Pippin. [R.J. Pavel]. By David Siegel Yes, there is magic done at Monumental Theatre’s nifty production of “Pippin,” appearing through the end of the month in Alexandria. It is spunky, buoyant, and engaging from the moment the first notes of “Magic to Do” are played. Pippin is a multi-Tony … Continued