19 minute read
What’s on Washington
The Washington Ballet’s NEXTsteps
NEXTsteps, featuring new ballets created just for The Washington Ballet by emerging and acclaimed choreographers, re ects the voices of our time. On Oct. 12 to 16, at Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW, stretching the boundaries of modern ballet, NEXTsteps continues with fresh works created by visionaries Dana Genshaft and Silas Farley alongside The Washington Ballet’s Andile Ndlovu as he features a new commissioned work following his highly lauded B1 (‘Be One’), a celebration of human unity. $25 to $105. washingtonballet.org.
Photo: Spencer Bentley
The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci at STC
Comprised solely of text from the surviving notebooks of the 15th-century Renaissance man himself, Notebooks is a true revelation that celebrates the interplay of science, art, and the human spirit in a glorious kaleidoscope of beauty and remarkable insight. Through Oct. 23, Tony Award winner and MacArthur “Genius” Award recipient Mary Zimmerman, the creative leader behind some of Shakespeare Theatre Company’s most imaginative productions, brings the writings of Leonardo da Vinci to life in this stunning revival of one of her earliest creations. Shakespeare Theatre Company, Klein Theatre, 450 Seventh St. NW. shakespearetheatre.org.
Photo of Adeoye in Goodman Theatre’s 2022 producti on of The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci by Liz Lauren. Il Trovatore at the KC (For a family at war, the enemy is within.)
Jealousy. Sorcery. Vengeance. Forbidden love. Verdi’s melodrama set in 16th century Spain has it all for the “perfect” opera night out, with one rousing aria and chorus after another. Washington National Opera audiences last saw the sweeping tale in 2004, and it returns with grand sets, elaborate period costumes, soaring melodies, and the instantly recognizable Anvil Chorus. Few singers can master Verdi’s demanding vocal acrobatics, and a world-class cast assembles now to give justice to one of opera’s most spectacular works. Tickets are $45, up. Il trovatore is at the Kennedy Center from Oct. 22 to Nov. 7. kennedy-center.org.
Emergency Neon at Honfleur Gallery
Through Nov. 5, Hon eur Gallery, 1241 Good Hope Rd. SE, presents a solo exhibition by internationally acclaimed light sculptor Craig Kraft. Kraft, a Smithsonian instructor for the past 24 years, has used neon light to create monumental outdoor light sculptures, such as Vivace sited at the Shaw Library in DC, but now turns his attention to pressing social and political issues such as ignored and unaccounted for missing children, climate change, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Trump in American politics, and nding HOPE against all odds. Gallery hours are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. and by appointment. hou eurgallerydc.org.
Detail from Climate Change. Materials used: Neon, Animati on Controllers, found storm debris: wood, steel, 10’x10’x5’, 2022
Sanctuary City at Arena
From Oct. 21 to Nov. 27, Pulitzer Prize winner Martyna Majok brings us the powerful story of two young DREAMers who ght to establish a place for themselves in America, the only country they know as home. Poignant, timely, and highly theatrical, Sanctuary City illuminates the triumphs and challenges these lifelong friends face, and how much they are willing to risk for each other when they have everything to lose. $56 to $95. Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. arenastage.org.
Move the Way you Want at the Phillips
Move the Way you Want is a site-speci c immersive installation transforming the former Dining Room of the Phillips House into phantasmagoric dreamscapes where past and present meet, and the sacred and urbane overlap. In adhesive canvas printed with digital imagery, Gothic-like archways and lavish Baroque-like windows frame a present-day beach scene with bike shares, abandoned scooters, Pelotons, and hi-tech gadgets. Additionally, a video-projection features a mythical horse walking on a beach toward a spaceship-coffeeshop-altar, ready to embark on an unknown journey. All of this reinforces the fantastic and ritualistic aspects of the project, as well as the cynical view of our fast-paced, consumerist culture. Move the Way you Want is at the Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW, through Dec. 31. phillipscollection.org.
Beth Orton at Sixth & I After struggling with incorrectly diagnosed health issues for years, the singersongwriter turned a major corner in 2014 when she was nally able to begin managing her condition with medication after the correct diagnosis. These experiences turned into the eight-track Weather Alive, the rst album she’s ever self-produced in her nearly 30-year career. On Tuesday, Nov. 1, 8 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.) the pioneering folktronica artist showcases her signature storytelling and explores themes of acceptance and healing. $30. Sixth & I. 600 I St. NW. sixthandi.org.
Reckoning: Protest. Defiance. Resilience. at the NMAAHC
Visual art has long provided its own protest, commentary, escape and perspective for African Americans. The Black painters, sculptors, photographers and textile artists featured in Reckoning exemplify the tradition of exhibiting resilience in times of con ict, as well as the ritual of creation, and the de ant pleasure of healing. Reckoning: Protest. De ance. Resilience. looks at the ways in which visual art has long provided its own protest, commentary, escape and perspective for African Americans. National Museum of African American History and Culture, 1400 Constitution Ave. NW. nmaahc.si.edu/reckoning.
Created by: Charles Henry Alston, Walking, 1958, oil paint and gesso on canvas, H x W (framed): 48 1/2 × 64 5/8 × 1 1/4 in. (123.2 × 164.1 × 3.2 cm). Collecti on of the Smithsonian Nati onal Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Sydney Smith Gordon, © Charles Alston Estate
Arcade Fire at The Anthem
Arcade Fire, a Canadian indie rock band, has also been described as indie art rock, dance-rock, and baroque pop. They play guitar, drums, bass guitar, piano, violin, viola, cello, double bass, xylophone, glockenspiel, keyboard, synthesizer, French horn, accordion, harp, mandolin and hurdy-gurdy, and take most of these instruments on tour; the multi-instrumentalist band members switch duties throughout shows. $69.50 to $194.50. Arcade Fire performs as part of the “We” Tour with Beck, at The Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW, Oct. 27 to 29 (Oct. 28, sold out). The anthemdc.com.
Photo: Tom Wolff
US Oyster Festival in St. Mary’s County
The 56th annual US Oyster Festival at St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds is on Saturday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 16, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cook-offs are on Saturday and shucking contests are on Saturday and Sunday. The festival features good food; live music; and Professor Horn & Punch & Judy shows both days. Kids’ features include in atable slide, face painting, corn hole and scavenger hunts. Entry at gate is $15; free for ten and under. St. Mary’s County Fairground, 42455 Fairgrounds Rd, Leonardtown, MD, is about 50 miles from DC. usoysterfest.com.
Now entering its 34th season, the Washington Bach Consort’s Noontime Cantata Series continues its mission of bringing the music of Johann Sebastian Bach to Washington, DC audiences. Concerts on Mondays, Oct. 3, 31; Dec. 5; March 6; April 3; and May 1, at 12:10 p.m., are at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 301 A St. SE. Concerts on Tuesdays, Oct. 4; Nov. 1; Dec. 6; March 7; April 4; and May 2, at 12:10 p.m., are at Church of the Epiphany, 1317 G St. NW. The Consort is committed to ensuring that current and future audiences experience the music of Bach and his contemporaries by performing the music of Bach and his contemporaries to the highest artistic standards, and nurturing the appreciation of Bach’s music through education and community outreach activities, and interpreting the music for audiences of today, thereby ensuring his legacy. bachconsort.org.
“Dracula” at Synetic
Howling wolves, creeping mists, a ruined castle silhouetted against the night sky . . . Bram Stoker’s classic tale rises again in Synetic’s bold and bloody adaptation of the world’s most iconic horror story. This sensuous and terrifying thriller arrives just in time for Halloween. $20 to $60. Dracula is at Synetic Theater, 1800 S. Bell St., Crystal City from Oct. 13 to Nov. 6. synetictheater.org.
Art and Ideals: President John F. Kennedy
On its 51st birthday, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts celebrated its namesake with the opening of Art and Ideals: President John F. Kennedy—a new permanent exhibit exploring Kennedy’s presidency and his commitment to the arts. Crowning the Center’s landmark 50th anniversary season, the exhibit looks back at Kennedy’s Presidency and legacy and examines how his values continue to inform the vision of the nation’s cultural center. Bringing to life the worlds of culture and politics at a time of tremendous social change, Art and Ideals appeals to a wide range of visitors, whether familiar or unfamiliar with US history, whether grade-school level readers or far above. kennedy-center.org.
Authenti c Flamenco star Yolanda Osuna performs. Photo Courtesy hunt&gather
Authentic Flamenco by the Royal Opera of Madrid
Flamenco is an expression of passion and emotion; with it, the feelings that make us human are honored and celebrated. Originating in Spain, this special show, in partnership with the Royal Opera of Madrid and produced by SO-LA-NA, brings together award-winning professionals for an unforgettable performance with stunning vocals, instruments, and dances. Whether you’re an avid amenco lover or just seeing it for the rst time, there’s no better, more authentic way to witness rsthand the raw power of this captivating Spanish art form. General admission is $49.50. Authentic Flamenco by the Royal Opera of Madrid is on stage at The Miracle Theatre, 535 Eighth St. SE, from on select days, Oct. 14 to Nov. 6, 6:30 and 9 p.m. themiracletheatre.com.
The time is 1905, the place the Lower East Side. Sewing beautiful lingerie gives Esther, an African American seamstress, an intimate look at the love lives of her diverse clientele, but she yearns for a romance of her own. She nds herself in an epistolary courtship with a mysterious Caribbean man, though her heart secretly belongs to the Orthodox Jewish
fabric merchant with whom she can never share a touch. Written by two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner and MacArthur grant awardee Lynn Nottage, this moving portrait of love, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit has become one of the most beloved plays of our time. $64 to $89. “Intimate Apparel” is on stage at Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW, Oct. 19 to Nov. 13. theaterj.org.
RuPaul’s Night of the Living Drag at National Harbor
The dolls are back and this time it’s getting deadly as a cast of Rupaul’s Drag Race favorites steps into the heels of the seven deadly sins! Hosted by spook queen superstar Yvie Oddly, join Lady Camden (Pride), Aquaria (Sloth), Kim Chi (Gluttony), Vanje (Wrath), Asia O’Hara (Envy), Deja Skye (Greed), Bosco (Lust) and Rose (Vanity) for a spine-tingling, hellraising dragtastic spectacular. On Friday, Oct. 28, 8 p.m., lled with humor, drama and constant entertainment, the show shines a light on drag queen culture and LGBTQ+ issues, breaking into the mainstream with charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. $58 to $68. The Theater at MGM National Harbor, 7100 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill. MD. mgmnationalharbor.mgmresorts.com.
Sheila Blake’s “Memory is a Funny Thing” at Foundry Gallery
Two quotes from the artist: “I’ve begun to paint my memoir. I invited the spirits of my former life and trusted that I would have a chance of touching on what Wallace Stevens called the essential poem at the center of things.” “I’ve been a painter all my life. Creating the illusion of space and light with paint is what thrilled me from the beginning, and it is what thrills me now.” Memory is a Funny Thing is at the Foundry Gallery, 2118 Eighth St. NW, through Oct. 30. Gallery is open Friday to Sunday, 1 to 7 p.m. foundrygallery.org.
The DC Beer Festival Returns
On Saturday, Nov. 5, 3 to 5 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. (rain or shine), the DC Beer Festival returns to Nationals Park, bringing together dozens of craft breweries, featuring their fall seasonal beers. Taking place throughout the stadium’s concourse including Center eld Plaza, Budweiser Brew House, Bud Light Loft and Budweiser Terrace, the DC Beer Fest will have over a dozen food trucks throughout as well as lawn games, DJs, and more. General admission for either session is $50 which includes unlimited tastings with food sold separately. dcbeerfestival.com.
Paul Huang and Anne-Marie McDermott at the Barns at Wolf Trap
Hailed for his luscious tone and spot-on intonation, on Friday, Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.), violinist Paul Huang returns to The Barns joined by the sublime Anne-Marie McDermott at the piano. violinist Paul Huang returns to The Barns joined by the sublime Anne-Marie McDermott at the piano. The program, which spans the 18th through the 20th century and includes compositions from Mozart, The program, which spans the 18th through the 20th century and includes compositions from Mozart, John Corigliano, Proko ev and Arvo Pärt, is sure to have something for everyone. $37. The Barns at John Corigliano, Proko ev and Arvo Pärt, is sure to have something for everyone. $37. The Barns at Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA. wolftrap.org. Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA. wolftrap.org.
Craig Finn is a Minnesota-bred singer/songwriter based in New York City, best known as the singer of The Hold Steady. The Hold Steady achieved critical acclaim and a worldwide fanbase with their unique pairing of dense lyrical narratives with big rock guitars. The Hold Steady has released eight LPs, including Open
Door Policy in February 2021. Finn’s fth solo album, A Legacy of Rentals, was released in May 2022. When performing his solo material live, Craig Finn is joined by a dynamic group of musicians called The Uptown Controllers. $30.
Craig Finn & The Uptown Controllers perform at Union Stage, 740 Water St. SW, on Sunday, Oct. 16, 8 p.m. (door at 7 p.m.). unionstage.com.
We Happy Few’s
La Llaorona
The weeping woman of Latin American myth and legend is more than just a warning for misbehaving youths. This ghost story takes us on a horrifying journey back in time to meet La Llorona in the esh and to watch as the tragic young woman becomes a thing of nightmares. La Llorona’s origin story weaves us through three generations of women and their relationship with family, love, and colonization. We Happy Few’s La LLaorona is on stage at Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 Seventh St. SE, from Oct. 26 to Nov. 19. wehappyfewdc.com/lallorona.
Both Sides Now: Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen
Longtime friends and one-time lovers Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen are two of the most in uential songwriters and storytellers of the past 50 years. Celebrate their mutual in uence on the others work with some of their beloved chart-toppers including “Cactus Tree,” “Hallelujah,” “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Suzanne,” “Both Sides Now” and many other unforgettable tunes that de ned a generation. $38. This Cabaret show is at Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave. Arlington, Nov. 1 to 13. sigtheatre.org.
The Cabaret will be performed by Robbie Schaefer and Danielle Wertz, above.
The Temps and The Tops at National Harbor
The Temptations, often referred to as American Music Royalty, are world-renowned superstars of entertainment, revered for their phenomenal catalog of music and proli c career. Dr. Otis Williams, the sole surviving, original member of The Temptations, Ron Tyson, a lead vocalist with the group for 39 years, Terry Weeks, a lead vocalist for 25 years, Willie Greene, Jr., bass vocalist with the group for six years, and Anthony Grant, who recently joined the group, always look forward to serenading fans with their soulful voices, lighting up stages with their famous Temptations’ Walk, and bringing joy to audiences. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, the Tops also received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and were ranked #79 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. $55 to $75. Saturday, Dec. 3, 8 p.m. The Theater at MGM National Harbor, 7100 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill. MD. mgmnationalharbor.mgmresorts.com.
Terror in the Parlor: The Evolution of the American
Horror Story On Saturday, Oct. 22, 6 to 9 p.m., explore the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum after hours and learn the history behind our horror stories, from folk tales told ‘round the re to the black and white terrors of the silver screen. $25. Registration includes a drink ticket (good for beer or wine), light snacks. Cash bar for additional drinks at $5. This event is for age 21, up. DAR Museum, 1776 D St. NW. dar. org/museum.
Ani DiFranco with The Righteous Babes Revue
Widely considered a feminist icon, Grammy winner Ani DiFranco is the mother of the DIY movement, being one of the rst artists to create her own record label in 1990. Her music has embraced punk, funk, hip hop, jazz, soul, electronica and even more distant sounds. Her collaborators have included Utah Phillips, R&B saxophonist Maceo Parker and Prince. After recording with Ani in 1999, Prince described the effects of her independence. “We jammed for four hours and she danced the whole time. We had to quit because she wore us out. After being with her, it dawned on me why she’s like that—she’s never had a ceiling over her.” $41. Anni Di Franco is at the 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW, on Sunday, Nov. 20, 7 p.m. 930.com. Chiarina Chamber Players in Concert Founded in 2015 by pianist E Hackmey and cellist Carrie Bean Stute, Chiarina Chamber Players brings distinctive chamber music performances and innovative programming to an intimate neighborhood setting on Capitol Hill. With a roster of world-class artists, their mission is to create an engaging, inclusive listening experience that connects audience members, performers, and music by a wide spectrum of composers from the eighteenth through the twenty- rst centuries. Upcoming concerts are Oct. 1, Attacca I: Grieg, Shostakovich, Shaw; Oct. 2, Attacca II: Ravel, Schubert, Shaw; Nov. 6, Form, Shape, Groove; and Dec. 4, Winter Journey. Concerts are 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at St. Mark’s, 301 A St. SE. $25 online; free for 18 and under. chiarina.org.
Mosaic’s “The Till Trilogy” (in rotating repertory)
The Till Trilogy, Oct. 4 to Nov. 20, is a series of plays by noted playwright Ifa Bayeza that re ect on the life, death, and legacy of Emmett Till, whose murder in 1955 remains one of the most pivotal moments in American history. Under the direction of Talvin Wilks, the three plays—The Ballad of Emmett Till, Benevolence, and the world premiere That Summer in Sumner—will star 10 actors performing in rotating repertory for the rst time. Filled with music, poetry, and imagination, this rare theatrical event will honor the ongoing ght for racial justice in our country and offer audiences an opportunity for collective reckoning, re ection, and response. $50 to $64. $20 for students; $10 rush tickets available for each performance. Mosaic Theater Company at Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. mosaictheater.org.
Elegies: A Song Cycle at Keegan
Elegies is a celebration of life and music, penned by Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist William Finn, which commemorates the lives of people both real and ctional with rousing theatricality and unforgettable songs. From Finn’s friends, to his mother, to his dogs, to the victims of the World Trade Center collapse, these characters and their stories will enchant and enrich your spirit in this stunning masterwork that celebrates the human experience and life’s in nite joys. $65; $55 for students and seniors. Elegies: A song Cycle is at Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW, from Oct. 22 to Nov. 20. keegantheatre.com.
