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Jordan Wright
January 20, 2015
Special to The Alexandria Times
 Front Row (L to R) – Aggie Wheeler (Maureen R. Goldman), Daria Chase (Melissa Dunlap), Martha Gillette (Patricia Spencer Smith), and Madge Geisel (Pam Kasenetz). Back Row (L to R) – Simon Bright (Joe Quinn), William Gillette (John Henderson), Inspector Harriet Goring (Michelle Fletcher), and Felix Geisel (Chuck Leonard) – Photo credit Matt Liptak Sherlock Holmes portrayer William Gillette (John Henderson) lives with his dowager mother Martha (Patricia Spencer Smith) in his newly acquired mansion on the Connecticut River near East Haddam, Connecticut. He is at home nursing a gunshot wound he sustained from an unknown assailant while performing at his Palace Theatre. It is Christmas Eve and he has invited the cast in his long-running, self-produced play to dine and dish. Gillette describes his portrayal of Holmes as, “A play about a man of reason who stands up for the cause of justice.” All very high-minded stuff.
Actors-as-actors in a whodunit is playwright Ken Ludwig’s premise in The Game’s Afoot at The Little Theatre of Alexandria. Now you can always expect high hat hijinks from a Ludwig play, but when the characters are actors you are effectively doubling down. Gillette’s sophisticated troupe are “Class A” emoters who swan around quoting Shakespeare, Keats, FDR and dozens of writers and notable actors throughout the course of the action. Add to that tons of snappy repartee, snide asides, glamorous gowns from Costume Designers Jean Schlicting and Kit Sibley, and murder. Oh yes, there is murder most delicious, and mayhem galore.
 Simon Bright (Joe Quinn), Aggie Wheeler (Maureen R. Goldman), William Gillette (John Henderson), Felix Geisel (Chuck Leonard), Madge Geisel (Pam Kasenetz) – Photo credit Matt Liptak Simon (Joe Quinn) and Aggie (Maureen R. Goldman) and Felix (Chuck Leonard) and Madge (Pam Kasenetz), two couples who are dinner guests, are shocked when renowned theater critic and columnist Daria Chase (Melissa Dunlap) arrives under the guise of doing a puff piece on Gillette. “Everyone wants publicity!” she declares. As Martha describes Daria to her son, “She was ruthless. She was evil. She was a theater critic, for God’s sake!” I’ll admit that was my favorite line of the play and Ludwig’s plum chance to get in a dig. In one of the most hilarious scenes Daria conducts a séance to intuit the murderer, which only convolutes the entire purpose and draws the others’ motives into question.
 William Gillette (John Henderson) and Aggie Wheeler (Maureen R. Goldman) – Photo credit Matt Liptak Frank Pasqualino directs a crack cast in this tidy comedy filled with outstanding performances by Henderson (absolutely brilliant), Kasenetz, Dunlap and Smith. Set Designer John Downing draws on the original Gillette castle (Yes, Gillette was a real actor!), using medieval armaments as décor and a clever “magic” door. How LTA’s compact stage affords the sense of being in a mansion is anathema to everything conceivable about a small theater! Yet Downing achieves the impossible. Heads up: Watch for Michelle Fletcher who enters during a snowstorm to give a scene-stealing performance as Inspector Goring, a star-struck wannabe actor.
 Inspector Harriet Goring (Michelle Fletcher) – Photo credit Matt Liptak Highly recommended for hilarity.
Through February 7th at The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe Street. For tickets and information call the box office at 703 683-0496 or visit www.thelittletheatre.com
Jordan Wright
January 14, 2015
Special to DC Metro Theater Arts
 Chef Peter Chang One of the featured chefs for the Sips & Suppers dinners coming up next week is Peter Chang – an elusive chef known for ditching restaurant kitchens like a discardable cell phone. At last he has found in another accomplished chef, Gen Lee, the perfect partner to build an empire. The duo has already opened six successful restaurants around Virginia, with Arlington scheduled to open early February and another outpost in Rockville in March.
I’ve been a lucky duck to sample his cuisine twice in my life – once at a sumptuous banquet when he was the executive chef at DC’s Chinese Embassy in the 90’s, though I wasn’t aware he was the chef that oversaw the dozens of dishes offered at that lavish banquet. Years later on a hot tip I sought out his cooking at an obscure Chinese restaurant in a strip mall at the corner of Duke and Van Dorn in Alexandria.
Chang doesn’t dumb down his food for American palates. And it’s not for the faint of heart. As I recall the dish was the hottest, saltiest and most addictive chili pepper chicken I’d ever experienced. I have never forgotten it. By the time I planned on a return visit, he had scampered off for parts unknown leaving a trail of desperate fanatics in his wake.
Chang, who speaks no English, allows Gen Lee to act as his spokesperson. The two have cooked together for many years.
Whisk and Quill – Do you see everything in a yin/yang balance?
Gen Lee – Yes. It’s always going to be like that for us. In Sichuan Province it is very hot and wet and filled with trees. People who live there have to eat a lot of spicy food that’s why they use the Sichuan peppers.
Does Peter cook in one of the VA restaurants now?
Not on a daily basis. He cooks for parties and special events, but he also checks on every restaurant on a weekly basis. He’s very strict about that. I can’t tell you which restaurant he is cooking in at any given time, but he’s always cooking and he’s always training his cooks to get it right. We’re happy if its 90% right, because our recipes are very, very difficult. We don’t use sauce. For ten years when Peter and I worked as corporate chefs on a riverboat on the Yangtze River, we did the real, real Sichuan there.
How young was Peter when he first started cooking?
He was in high school. He always knew he wanted to cook and he went to cooking school at 18. He always watched his grandma cooking and helped her make lots of vegetarian dishes. You know, we don’t use much meat, but lots of vegetables mushrooms and such.
Does Peter listen to music when he’s cooking?
No, it’s very difficult. Everything is very quick. There are 20 different spices – different ones for different dishes – and it all happens fast.
What are some of the restaurants’ signature dishes?
The cumin lamb chops and bamboo fish, and everyone orders the dry-fried eggplant cut like steak fries.
Would you say your dishes are classic Sichuan?
Yes, it’s his specialty. But, for example, they don’t use lamb chops in China and the difference is the ingredients are better quality here.
Lately American chefs are using Asian ingredients in fusion cuisine and mixing things up. Where do you see this going?
A lot of chefs try it using French techniques. They are not using the real Chinese techniques and that worries me. These chefs are not Chinese. They are Hispanic or Korean. There are only a handful of real Chinese chefs here in America.
Chinese food has been losing favor to Thai and Korean in the past decade or so. Do you hope to bring back Chinese food to its earlier popularity?
Our dream is to bring back the real Chinese food, not just to make money. In a few years we know we can retire, but it’s not about that. Right now we have six restaurants. Already in our Richmond restaurant we are doing 500-600 a day. It’s like a war zone with like 100 people in line every day.
Will you be opening in the Northern Virginia area soon?
Yes, we will have two more restaurants – – one in Arlington and soon after in Rockville.
This interview was conducted, edited and condensed by Jordan Wright.
Dozens of prestigious local, national and world-renowned chefs will prepare the Sips & Suppers dinners on Sunday, January 25th. A separate evening of chef’s treats and cocktails takes place on Saturday, January 24th. Expect appearances by Joan Nathan, Jose Andres and Alice Waters. For further information and to purchase tickets to the fundraiser for Martha’s Table and DC Central Kitchen visit www.sips2015.eventbrite.com and www.suppers2015.eventbrite.com.
Jordan Wright
December 19, 2014
Special to DC Metro Theater Arts
Photo credit – Jordan Wright
City Perch and iPic Provides a Total Entertainment Experience at Pike & Rose, Chef Switcheroo at Bibiana and Mio, Chris Pearmund’s New Wine-Opoly – Are You Smarter Than a Sommelier?, Hard Cider and Cool Notes at Iota, New Winter Menu at NGA’s Garden Café
City Perch and iPic – Roll the Credits!
Located in the Pike & Rose shopping destination in North Bethesda (Make that Rockville if you want to find it on MapQuest) iPic the latest innovation for moviegoers. The cutting edge theater concept takes it to a whole new level with features like plush leather recliners operating with the touch of a button and personal pillows and blankets. This movie theater combines the coziness of a home theater with the luxury of upscale dining. No need to stand in line for food or drink. A seat-side button beckons a server to take your order.
 Sherry Yard at City Perch with her creme puffs The theater is on the same level as City Perch restaurant and both the iPicExpress menu, called ‘dining in the dark” and the more gourmet City Perch restaurant menu, have been conceptualized by Sherry Yard, the James Beard Foundation recognized pastry chef, who has worked alongside Wolfgang Puck for many years.
 City Perch Executive Chef Matt Baker hams it up on opening night City Perch Executive Chef Matt Baker, formerly of The Occidental, helms the state-of-the-art kitchen while noted Mixologist and Master Sommelier, Adam Seger, formerly of Per Se, has designed the wine and cocktail program. Try his new “Roll in the Hay” seasonal cocktail made with Belle Isle Moonshine and Laird & Company Apple Brandy and roll the credits, please.
Mio and Bibiana Get New Chefs
Roberto Hernandez is the new Executive Chef at Mio, the place for Latin American cuisine that keeps its emphasis on the classic dishes of Puerto Rico.
 Mio Executive Chef, Roberto Hernandez makes the mofungo tableside Hernandez likes to blend modern with rustic. His mofongo, made tableside, is so authentic I thought I heard Jennifer Lopez singing “Plenarriquena”! Try the newly instituted Saturday brunch.
 Seviches at Mio And in other switcheroos Nick Stephanelli leaves Bibiana Osteria-Enoteca to open his own spot. Expect Jake Addeo to bring his sophisticated Italian cuisine to the popular New York Avenue restaurant.
Test Your Virginia Wine Savvy with Wine-opoly
Working with Vineyard Manager DeAnna D’Attilo, Chris Pearmund of Pearmund Cellars has come up with a challenging game for all you winos out there. They call it Wine-Opoly and 22 Virginia wineries have signed on to join in the fun. Using “deed cards” containing information on each of the wineries, and game cards with details on local viticulture and oenology, the board game aims to promote the Virginia wine industry. Here’s how it works. Railroads are wine trails and the “Go To Jail” card is “Go To Rehab”, which would be worse than jail, because as everybody knows, you can’t bail yourself out of rehab. Hot off the press (printing, not wine), you can snag one at Pearmund and participating VA wineries. www.PearmundCellars.com
Hard Cider and Cool Notes at Iota
Last month I dropped into Iota in Clarendon to hear a band I’d been following for awhile. Grownup Noise is a quirky, smart, tuneful group out of Cambridge, MA who write their own exquisitely melodic songs. Boston Herald’s Music Critic Jeff Gottlieb calls their latest album, The Problem with Living in the Moment, “a suite” for its sweeping orchestration. In my playbook they stand out as accomplished musicians in their own right, but they’re also nice guys, articulate and kindhearted, and a beautiful Asian kickass female drummer. Though they had originally been billed as the “B” act the headliners showed up with only two musicians giving Grownup Noise the status they deserve. Manna to their fans. Here’s the video for their single “Astronomy as Therapy” which manages to blend banjo sound with gorgeous violin strains. It puts me in mind of the soundtrack from On Cold Mountain.
 Grownup Noise at the Iota In the cozy brick-walled club I began to read over the bar menu and noticed a few hard ciders. I went with Bold Rock Hard Cider’s “Virginia Draft”, a golden-hued cider on the sweeter side from a Virginia company who now claims seven varieties, from dry to sweet to full-bodied. Instantly the crisp, clean apple taste recollected my first bottle of hard cider at the now-shuttered Les Halles. A chain of French restaurants based in New York City, it’s where Anthony Bourdain once ruled the kitchen early in his career.
 Bold Rock Hard Cider – Virginia Draft On that sunny day we were there to watch the French waiter races, a tradition that had started at Dominique’s famously posh celebrity haunt in DC and now continues with Paul bakery further down Pennsylvania Avenue. In any case, I believe I was hooked on cider that day. It’s funny how a flavor memory can bring up the people, the place and the moment in time when you had a palate epiphany. Back then hard cider wasn’t a common beverage and this was a French cider. I didn’t see it on any bar lists, and soon forgot about it.
 Scallop Crudo and Salt Roasted and Pickled Beets with House Made Goat Milk Ricotta Fast forward to a few years ago, a cosmic blip in the beverage industry, when hard cider burst upon the scene. Nowadays there are quite a few cideries, even breweries, dabbling in the production of these delicious, low-alcohol, apple-based fermented drinks and many of them are in Virginia where the apple is king. N. B. They are not “brewed” as beer is. They are “fermented”. I am not a physicist.
 Pan Seared Striped Bass with Roasted Pumpkin and Cranberry Bean-Quinoa Pilaf, Silk Road Chutney, Shagbark Hickory Syrup and Pumpkin Seed Oil and Compressed Beef Short Rib, Black Kale, Mushroom Confit and Celery Root Purée At National Geographic’s farm-to-table dinner last week, Albemarle CiderWorks “Red Hill” cider was paired with scallop crudo on Executive Chef Matthew Crudder’s 5-course dinner. The delicately dry cider is made with Winesap and Pippin apples, the perfect match for the chilled raw mollusk. Think Chardonnay as a reference point. And where’s that Christmas ham?
 Spiced Banana Cake and Salted Caramel Ice Cream, Hazelnut Praline Powder, Bananas Foster Gel and Dark Chocolate Sauce Garden Café at the National Gallery of Art
Michel Richard has done it again! The winter menu he has created for the Garden Café at the National Gallery of Art is absolutely divine!
Let’s face it. Most of us can’t afford to eat at Central Michel Richard, the chef’s pricey Pennsylvania Avenue outpost. But in the beautiful fountain-graced café, a stone’s throw from the Degas exhibit, you’ll find his latest menu has echoes of the dishes he turns out in his American-with-a-French twist restaurant.
 Pumpkin Bisque at the Garden Cafe – Roasted Fennel with Apples and Cranberries Salad – Roasted Buttermut Squash with Grains and Brussels Sprouts Designed to dovetail with the Degas exhibit, this menu is all French and keeps winter away with crusty olive fougasse; pumpkin bisque with toasted pumpkin seeds; roasted fennel with pears and cranberries; arugula salad with roasted beets, apples, pecans and champagne vinaigrette; and roasted butternut squash with Brussels sprouts. And that’s just the beginning. An entrée of braised Cornish hen with roasted lemons beckons, and crème brulee with fresh berries finishes it off nicely. Find me another menu in town as fabulous as this at $20.75 for all you can eat. I dare you!
Oh, and did I mention Richard was recently conferred with the insignia of Chevalier de la Legion d’honneur? That officially puts him in the pantheon of the Greatest French Chefs ever! Okay, Michel. You may now rest on your laurels.
Star Chefs Celebrates Our Best Chefs 
Last week I mentioned the upcoming StarChefs “Rising Stars” event was going to be stellar. And it was. Award winners were in great spirits, especially since they partied together the night before.
 Mixologist Bryan Tetorakis of Rogue 24 garnishes his cocktails – Rising Stars Gala – The team from The Rock Barn – Benjamin Thompson at center Emceeing the fabulous event was Chef/Owner of Bayou Bakery and host of Travel Channel‘s “American Grilled”, David Guas, he of the Elvis sideburns. Here are a few photos from the gala taken at Union Market’s hip warehouse event space, Dock5.
Flatbread Pizza – Fast and Fabulous at Pizza Vinoteca
These days, watching your carb intake has become more than just a diet regime. Unless you’re a long distance runner or cross trainer you might be trying to keep those flour-filled ingredients in check. But take pizza out of the equation? That dog don’t hunt, as we say down South.
 Prepping the pie This newest addition to the laidback Ballston scene, Pizza Vinoteca, has taken the guilt out of pizza by making all of their pies – not pies. That is to say they’re all made in flatbread style in a custom-designed Jade Range grill. The monster infrared grill features 16 burners that climb to a raging 900 degrees, cranking out pizzas in less than five minutes. Three woodchip smoke boxes conspire to lend a nice char and crave-able smoky flavor.
 Wild Mushroom, Goat Cheese and Leek flatbread Pizza These super-thin pizzas come in a large variety of combinations. And even though the place boasts entrees, antipasti, salads, 38 world-sourced affordable wines by the glass, plenty of local craft beers and gelati, we are here for the P-I-Z-Z-A!
 Prosciutto with Mozzarella and Arugula Divided into two categories, “Classic” and “Crafted”, our tasters fell hard for the roasted wild mushroom with goat cheese and leeks, and another made with jowlciale (tender pork cheeks), chili pesto and toasted pistachios. The tarte flambée (good, but oh so rich) was better left for athletes-in-training. With a communal table that seats 18, it’s a fun place for groups too.
Jordan Wright
December 14, 2014
Special to The Alexandria Times
Photo credit The Shakespeare Theatre Company
 Sofia Jean Gomez as Ariel Lest you forget. Ariel is the feisty sprite in The Tempest who flits around doing Prospero’s bidding. And yes, here she flies, though aided by what appears to be a ship’s thick mooring line. In a way, it’s refreshing to have it be obvious, unlike an aerialist’s metal wire that reveals itself from time to time. Once you’ve gotten accustomed to it, it seems natural. As if a floating fairy might be considered “natural”!
As you’ll recall Prospero (Geraint Wyn Davies), the former Duke of Milan, is endowed with magical powers and charges Ariel and her gang of harpies with fulfilling all of his commands – – from the murder of his brother, Antonio (Gregory Linington), who stole his dukedom while he was lost at sea, to assuring the love match of his daughter, Miranda (Rachel Mewbron), and her paramour, the smitten Ferdinand (Avery Glymph). “They are both in either’s powers,” Prospero brags upon their first encounter.
 Avery Glymph as Ferdinand and Rachel Mewbron as Miranda All this makes Ariel a very busy little spirit who must also oversee her cohort Caliban (Clifton Duncan). Once the proud owner of this island of Sycorax, he has been reduced to a firewood gatherer by Prospero. Sofia Jean Gomez plays Ariel, a hissing, clawing spitfire, with a duplicitous vulnerability. “Pardon, Master, I will do my spriting gently,” she assures Prospero, hoping to gain her freedom through obedience.
 (L to R) Dave Quay as Stephano, Clifton Duncan as Caliban and Liam Craig as Trinculo Director Ethan McSweeny presents us with a spare sand-drenched set adorned with a single shipwreck. This bold arrangement allows the playgoer to more fully absorb the characters’ relationships in this lightened up script of Shakespeare’s final play, though the stripped down interpretation yet gifts the audience with all the humor, skullduggery and romance the play affords. And although there is plenty of bloodthirsty treachery plotted by both the duke’s brother Antonio and his coterie of royal thugs, there is much lighthearted whimsy to enjoy especially when Trinculo (Liam Craig), portrayed as a hapless jester, and Stephano (Dave Quay), a hilarious drunk, pair with Duncan to create a total riot fest in a classic scene of mistaken identity – – if you can mistake three men under a gabardine cloth for a spider.
 Rachel Mewbron as Miranda and Geraint Wyn Davies as Prospero Meanwhile the lords are plotting, as embittered royalty is wont to do, to murder Prospero. But the Sorcerer’s magical powers prove too strong to overcome and Prospero drugs the lords. “What’s past is prologue,” Antonio reminds us.
Adding to McSweeny’s vision Sound Designer Nevin Steinberg conjures up some jaw-dropping audio, producing a tempest filled with such thunder claps you’d be pardoned if you thought the entire theater might succumb to a roiling sea. Lighting Designer Christopher Akerlind augments the storm’s ferocity with a few masterful tricks of his own.
When at last our two lovers are joined Designer James Ortiz imagines the joyful goddesses Juno, Ceres and Iris as giant, diaphanously draped puppet masks, bringing to mind the fantastical puppetry of Julie Taymor, known best for her imaginary creatures in The Lion King.
Highly recommended.
Through January 11th at Sidney Harmon Hall, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20003. For tickets and information contact the Box Office at 202 547-1122 or visit www.shakespearetheatre.org.
Jordan Wright
December 9, 2014
Special to DC Metro Theater Arts
 Ben Thompson of The Rock Barn with assorted charcuterie Mark your calendars now for one of DC’s best dining events. On December 16th the 2014 StarChefs Washington DC area Rising Stars Gala will be at Dock 5 at Union Market. There’s even a special VIP reception where swells can sip champagne and nibble on Petrossian caviar before the awards ceremony and tasting gala dinner. The celebration will feature local foods, chefs, bartenders, roasters, brewers, artisans and sommeliers.
The fundraiser for DC Central Kitchen will be hosted by Bryan Voltaggio former Top Chef and Top Chef Master finalist and Chef/Owner of Volt, Range, Lunchbox, Family Meal and Aggio. Co-Hosts are Jason Alley of Comfort, Bertrand Chemel of 2941, Nadine Brown of Charlie Parker Steak, Chris Ford of Range, Stefan Trummer of Trummer’s on Main, Nick Stefanelli of Bibiano and Katsuya Fukushima of Daikaya. The winning chefs will prepare all the food on this fabulous night and I will be there. Will you? For tickets and information visit www.starchefs.com/risingstars.
 Phillip Perrow and Caleb Shriver of Dutch & Co. Drum roll, please!!! Ladies and gentlemen, I give you DC’s newest culinary royalty.
DC Chefs
Kyle Bailey of The Arsenal at Bluejacket – Pork Loin, Chanterelles, Asian Pears, Red Quinoa, and Pecans
Mike Friedman of Red Hen – Cavatelli, Heirloon Squash, Mushrooms, and Sage
Matthew McGhee of RANGE – Octopus, Lentils, Wheat Berries, and Pistachio
Joe Palma of Bourbon Steak – Fluke Crudo, Furikake, Golden Beets, Herb Jus, Baby Turnips, and White Shoyu
Aaron Silverman of Rose’s Luxury – Pork Sausage and Habanero-Lychee Salad
Johnny Spero of minibar – Australian Lamb, Cucumbers, Whey, and Dill
 Beef Tartare from Lee Gregory and Thomas Leggett of The Roosevelt Virginia Chefs
Ian Boden of The Shack – Pretzel Gemelli, Virginia Ham, and Mustard Sauce
Austin Fausett of Trummer’s on Main – Duck, Foie Gras, Popcorn, Wild Rice, and Balsamic Reduction
Lee Gregory of The Roosevelt – Wagyu Tartare, Egg, Squid Ink Bread, and Pickled Watermelon
Phillip Perrow and Caleb Shriver of Dutch & Company – Rye Perfect Egg, Cured Salmon, Quinoa, and Cumin Yogurt
Joe Sparatta of Heritage – Flounder, Smoked Potatoes, Spinach, and Brown Butter
Maryland Chefs
George Marsh of Parts & Labor – Lebanon Bologna
Graeme Ritchie of Volt – Wagyu Short Rib, Malt, and Salsify
Community Chef
Mike Isabella of Kapnos – Australian Lamb with Grain Salad
Concept Chef
Nathan Anda of Red Apron – Tête de Pho
 Pastry Chef Giane Cavaliere of Rogue 24 DC Pastry Chef
Giane Cavaliere of Rogue 24 –Sour Cherries, Valrhona Chocolate, Cola and Pistachios
Maryland Pastry Chef
Sarah Malphrus of Woodberry Kitchen – Buttermilk Sorbet, Oat Granola, Sorghum and Peaches
Restaurateur
Derek Brown of Columbia Room, Eat The Rich, Mockingbird Hill, The Passenger and Southern Efficiency – Oloroso Float
DC Artisans
Dave Coleman and Mike McGarvey of 3 Stars Brewing Company – Southern Belle Imperial Brown Ale
 Austin Fausett of Trummer’s on Main – Duck, Foie Gras, Popcorn, Wild Rice, and Balsamic Reduction Virginia Artisans
Evrim Dogu of Sub Rosa Bakery – Rosemary Sea Salt Flatbread
Benjamin Thompson of The Rock Barn – Pickled Okra Dog and Assorted Charcuterie
Maryland Artisans
Jay Caragay of Spro Coffee – French Press Ethiopian Lekepipto
Bartender
Bryan Tetorakis of Rogue 24 – The Martyr
DC Sommeliers
Brent Kroll of Neighborhood Restaurant Group – Pairings with winners’ dishes
Julian Mayor of Bourbon Steak – Pairings with winners’ dishes
Maryland Sommelier
Julie Dalton of Wit and Wisdom – Pairings with winners’ dishes
Host Chef – Franck Loquet of iCi Urban Bistro – VIP reception – Petrossian Caviar
See you there!
Jordan Wright
December 8, 2014
Special to The Alexandria Times
| The Nutcracker performed by The Washington Ballet |
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One of the best ways I know of to get excited about the Christmas season is to get thyself (and thy family) to the theatre where you can watch dancers soar in Septime Webre’s The Nutcracker performed by The Washington Ballet, sing your heart out to the National Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Handel’s Messiah at the Kennedy Center, or be transported by the age-old charms of A Christmas Carol. Whether you’re a traditionalist or modernist, there’s something for every taste, and plenty of holiday spirit for the kids too and plus a whole lot of ICE! to pretend we’re at the North Pole.
| Signature Theatre |
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At Signature Theatre it’s zany adult fare with a new spin on the beloved seasonal revue, Holiday Follies. Directed by Walter Ware III with musical direction by the inimitable Howard Breitbart, it’s an audience song choice evening featuring four fabulous singers, Gannon O’Brien, Stephen Gregory Smith, Delores King Williams and Bayla Whitten in a cabaret set list that changes with each performance. For tickets and information visit www.Signature-Theatre.org or call the box office at 703 820-9771.
| Peter Boyer (Scrooge)-Tracey Stephens (Charity Collector) |
Tracey Stephens as Bob Marley (in the body of Mae West) |
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North Pole enthusiasts will enjoy thrills and chills at this year’s ICE! – now at the Gaylord National Resort. The fun starts at the door of this glamorous resort when you lay eyes on the 60-foot tall glass tree glowing with over 2 million lights and gaze at the nightly indoor snowfall and musical “dancing” fountains. There’s fun for the whole family at the “Christmas on the Potomac” celebration where Frosty the Snowman is the star attraction. For info visit www.ChristmasOnThePotomac.com.
| 60-foot tall glass tree with 2 million lights |
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Carved from more than 2 million pounds of brightly colored ice sculptures and kept at a crisp nine degrees, you’ll stroll through life-size scenes of Frosty coming to life, marching through the Town Square, taking a train to the North Pole and Santa coming to the rescue to make “melted Frosty” whole again. Kids and grownups will want a turn on the two-story ice slide before checking out the interactive “Frostbite Factory”, where the Chinese artisans show off their master ice carving skills.
| Two-story ice slide |
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Afterwards head to the Atrium where little ones can hop aboard the miniature Peeps & Company Potomac Express Train or join DreamWorks’ Gingy from Shrek to decorate a gingerbread house to take home. Along the way play The Great Reindeer Roundup scavenger hunt throughout the hotel’s indoor gardens.
| Potomac Express Train |
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To learn about the many other holiday plans at the resort and to make reservations for the Brunch with Santa at Old Hickory Steakhouse, a DreamWorks’ Madagascar Crack’ A Lackin’ Cook-in Character Breakfast or buffet Dinner, a Yule log pastry making class, or a wine and cheese pairing class with the Old Hickory’s Maitre d’Fromage visit www.GaylordNationalTickets.com or call 301 965-4000.
At MetroStage the Great White Way is celebrated in A Broadway Christmas Carol, a spoof of the classic tale featuring the usual suspects – – Marley, Scrooge, Mrs. Fezziwig, The Cratchits and Tiny Tim. Set to familiar Broadway blockbusters this madcap Christmas special is performed by three phenomenal singer actors, Peter Boyer, Michael Sharp and Tracey Stephens plus alternating pianists, Howard Breitbart and William Knowles.
| Peter Boyer (Scrooge)-Tracey Stephens (Want)-Michael Sharp (Ignorance) – Photo: Colin Hovde |
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Lyricist Kathy Feininger has concocted all the belly laughs you can handle in this riotous revue that draws its musical chops from all your fave shows like Oklahoma, Guys and Dolls, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, The Wiz and many, many more. More than five-dozen tunes and a whirlwind of wacky costume changes jam-pack this hilarious parody directed and choreographed by Michael Sharp. For tickets and information visit www.MetroStage.org or call the box office at 703 548-9044.
| The Little Theatre of Alexandria |
Scrooge (Mike Baker, Jr.)-Photos by Veronica Brunoo |
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For the traditionalist The Little Theatre of Alexandria presents its annual heartwarming classic, A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens’ classic tale of transformation and redemption. Set against the backdrop of Victorian England, the show has gorgeous costumes, ghastly ghosts and charming children. Rachael Hubbard adapts and directs this picture perfect Christmas postcard for a family friendly show that reminds us all of the true meaning of the season. If it’s a Currier & Ives Christmas you hunger for, this is the show for you. For tickets and information visit www.TheLittleTheatre.com or call the box office at 703 683-5778.
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