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

‘Mrs. Miller Does Her Thing’ at Signature Theater

Debra Monk as Mrs. Miller. [Margot Schulman] By David Siegel With gentleness and clear affection for an unexpected heroine, Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner James Lapine has written and directed with a disarming touch an endearing new play “with music” called “Mrs. Miller Does Her Thing.” In its premiere at Signature Theatre, the production … Continued

An unusual evening of mind reading

Derek Jasper By David Siegel Local audience demand has been so robust that Evan Hoffmann, artistic director of NextStop Theatre in Herndon, said he “had to bring back Derek Jasper to the NextStop stage for a third time. It will be an evening of live entertainment like no other.” Jasper is a magician, mentalist, and … Continued

The Pipeline Playwrights host readings of new plays

From the left: Patricia Connelly, Jean Koppen, Soo-Jin Lee and Ann Timmons. [Pipeline Playwrights] By David Siegel Northern Virginia is very much alive in its support for original play development by local playwrights. The diversity of the Northern Virginia demographic provides for fresh experiences to base a play on. One example is the recent launch … Continued

In the Moment: the Jewish Plays Project at the JCC

Sarah Berry [JPP] By David Siegel We in the D.C. theater community are constantly on the prowl for new voices with diverse mindsets and new plays on emerging issues. There are many ongoing efforts to bring new playwrights and plays to the attention of theater leadership, current patrons, and a new generation of theater-goers. One … Continued

Edgy, unconventional dark comedy — ‘Trevor’ at 1st Stage theater in Tysons

Doug Wilder in “Trevor.” [Teresa Castracane] By David Siegel A rewarding tale about miscommunication in a family that generates plenty of laughs before a heart-wrenching turn of events makes “Trevor” a moving exploration of one family’s unusual bonds. The play can be seen at 1st Stage in Tysons Corner through Feb. 26. Inspired by true events, “Trevor” … Continued

Dramatic, suspenseful, colorful: ‘The Magic Marksman’ from the Virginia Opera

Corey Bix and Joseph Barron appear in “The Magic Marksman.” [Virginia Opera] By David Siegel “It’s a suspenseful thriller, with passionate romance and the struggle between good and evil.” That is how Adam Turner, principal conductor at the Virginia Opera, describes “The Magic Marksman,” the opera’s next offering at the Center for the Arts at George … Continued

Environmental Film Festival Oct. 31

Here’s something fun to do on Halloween that doesn’t involve dressing up or pumpkins – Attend the free Environmental Film Festival at the Annandale campus of Northern Virginia Community College. It’s Oct. 31, 1-4:30 p.m., in the Ernst Center. NOVA and the Fairfax County Restoration Project invite the public to “learn about a brighter environmental future … Continued

The Annandale Parade is an annual tradition

The Marching Atoms. A longtime Annandale tradition, the annual fall parade, marched along Columbia Pike Saturday morning. The Annandale High School marching band, dressed for Halloween, was a highlight, as were the elaborately costumed Bolivian dancers. Morenada Transpeco USA Other participants included Scouts, elected leaders, schools, businesses, and community organizations. The grand marshal this year … Continued

Taste of Annandale draws large crowd

People of all ages and backgrounds enjoyed great food and entertainment at the Taste of Annandale Oct. 1. The opening ceremony featured (from the left): Del. Marcus Simon, Supervisor Penny Gross, school board chair Sandy Evans (Mason), Board of Supervisors chair Sharon Bulova, Rep. Gerry Connolly, former congressman and supervisor Tom Davis, and Rev. Clarence Brown, … Continued