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8 | SEPTEMEBER 5 - 11, 2024
Falls Church Arts Gallery Latest Show ‘Home’ On Display
by Patricia Leslie
“Home sweet home” means different things to different people and practically nowhere can contrasting concepts be better seen than what’s on the walls now at the Falls Church Arts gallery in a new exhibition simply called, “Home.”
Dr. Mark Dreisonstok, arts and theatre reviewer for the Falls Church News-Press was the sole juror for the show who chose an oil, “Rome Sweet Home” by Dony Mac Manus as the winning entry from 58 submissions. It’s probably the largest work in the show and depicts a life sized Swiss guard in full regalia modeled
and begin casting bronzes, four of his life sized statues now standing at the Catholic Information Center in Washington.
In the Falls Church show, artists used bright colors and pastels in their vast array of watercolors, acrylics, mosaics, oils, photographs and even metals to light up interiors, landscapes, and seascapes.
Keith Thurston, gallery manager and volunteer, gave a walk through preview of the show and noted how “people love seascapes.
“They leave a placid feeling” and who doesn’t like placid in our topsyturvy world?
Psychologists say proximity to
Celia Slater, Joyce Turk and Amy Woodhouse.
The immense talent in and around Falls Church is evident, and given the global community, it’s not surprising that many artists portrayed homes across the sea.
Scenery in Tunisia, Spain, New Zealand, Peru, India and Germany are up, including Erica Thibault’s photograph “Mid Day Nap” of two lionesses sleeping in their tree home in the Serengeti desert in Africa.
Amy Woodhouse’s father’s search for identity in his new U.S. home led her to combine a Salvador Daliesque collage and photos of Great Britain and the U.S. in “Tea
Local residents will recognize “Cherry Hill Farmhouse,” Suzanne Updike’s linocut and notable symbol of the Little City, her home for longer than anywhere else she’s lived.
Elin Whitney-Smith entered a computer painting “Brooklyn Bridge Snow” of a couple bundled up for winter crossing the bridge, anticipat-
possible which makes the exhibition more interesting, otherwise, we’d have a bunch of houses on the wall and who’s going to buy a picture of someone else’s house?”
Each work comes with an adjacent artist’s statement and a price (from $60 to, for the prize winner, $3,000).
The “People’s Choice Award” will be announced September 21, chosen by visitors who vote at the
gallery. The awards are made possible by a donation from the Foxcraft Design Group, Inc.
“Home” is on view through September 29 at the Falls Church Gallery, at 700-B West Broad St. in Falls Church Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a. m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free and the show may also be seen online at fallschurcharts.org.
Illustration by Dana Wulfekotte
“CHERRY CHERRY” by Falls Church artist, Daisy Hill. (Photo: Falls Church Arts)
DONY MAC MANUS in his studio, putting the finishing touches on his winning entry, “Rome Sweet Home.” (Photo: Courtesy)
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
KEYBOARD CONVERSATIONS WITH JEFFREY SIEGEL
Music of Joy and Peace
Sunday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m.
Featuring Beethovin, Chopin, Rachmaninoff and more
AN EVENING WITH LEA SALONGA
Saturday, Sept. 28 at 8:30 p.m.
Tony Award-winning singer and actress headlines annual ARTS by George! benefit concert
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE BALLET HISPÁNICO
Saturday, Oct. 5 at 8 p.m.
Vibrant dance from one of America’s cultural treasures
KEYBOARD CONVERSATIONS WITH JEFFREY SIEGEL
Franz Schubert: The Soulful and the Sublime
Sunday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.
Featuring Beethovin, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and more
MARK MORRIS DANCE GROUP AND MUSIC ENSEMBLE
Saturday, Oct. 19 at 2 and 8 p.m.
“A program from one of the most successful and influential choreographers alive” (New York Times)
FAMILY SERIES LAURIE BERKNER BAND
Sunday, Oct. 20 at 3 p.m.
“The undisputed queen of kindie rock” (USA Today)
MASON SCHOOL OF THEATER 110 IN THE SHADE Nov. 1-3
An award-winning, inspiring musical
ARTURO SANDOVAL
Sunday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m.
Don’t miss this 10-time GRAMMY Award-winning jazz virtuoso
VIRGINIA OPERA CARMEN
Saturday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 17 at 2 p.m.
This acclaimed company brings Bizet’s passion-filled masterpiece to life FAIRFAX SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WITH JEREMY DENK
Saturday, Nov. 23 at 8 p.m.
One of America’s foremost pianists performs Beethoven
FAMILY SERIES
Enchantment Theatre Company
MY FATHER’S DRAGON
Sunday, Nov. 24 at 1 and 4 p.m.
Celebrating the 75th anniversary of this award-winning book CANADIAN BRASS
Making Spirits Bright
Saturday, Nov. 30 at 8 p.m.
An “unbeatable blend of virtuosity, sponteneity and humor” (Washington Post)
TAKE
6
Sunday, Dec. 1 at 2 p.m.
The most awarded a cappella group in history presents a gospel-infused holiday concert
SQUIRREL NUT ZIPPERS
Christmas Caravan
Saturday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m.
Swing into the holiday season with this platinumselling jazz-rock band
AMERICAN FESTIVAL POPS ORCHESTRA
Holiday Pops:
Songs of the Season
Saturday, Dec. 14 at 4 p.m.
A festive program of holiday favorites, including an audience singalong!
CONVENIENT
BRANFORD MARSALLIS LEA SALONGA
2024 Fall Arts Round Up
STUDIOS @ 307
307 East Annandale Road, Falls Church VA 22042
A community of over 27 artists, trades and small businesses in the Little City.
Alden Theater
1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA 22101
The Remember Balloons 10/18 • 7 p.m.
James’ Grandpa treasures his balloons, each representing cherished memories — his wedding with Grandma, a fishing trip with James. When the balloons begin to drift away, James is devastated until he discovers he can share those balloons one by one. “The Remember Balloons” is a heartwarming intergenerational tale that embraces the beauty of sharing family memories while delicately addressing memory loss. Based on the book by Jessie Oliveros.
“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)” 10/15-27
Presented by the McLean Community Players. Can three folks really cover 37 Shakespeare plays in less than two hours?
This fast-firing comedy does just that as it parodies all of Shakespeare’s plays (plus the sonnets!) with only three performers in two acts.
“Sugar Skull! A Dia de Muertos Musical Adventure” 10/31 • 7 p.m.
This bilingual/bicultural musical uses traditional music and dance from Mexico to tell the story of 12-year-old Vita Flores, who thinks her family has gone loco planning a celebration for deceased loved ones. Why throw a party for the dead? But when a spirited candy skeleton suddenly springs to life, Vita finds herself on a magical, musical journey that unravels the true meaning of Día de Muertos.
The Judy Carmichael Trio 11/3 • 2 p.m.
The Judy Carmichael Trio performs
a program celebrating swing favorites of the American Songbook, from Gershwin and Cole Porter to Frank Loesser and Harold Arlen.
Adam Levin, Classical Guitar 11/17 • 2 p.m.
Billboard chart-topping recording artist, Fulbright scholar and worldwide performer, Adam Levin, brings a beautiful and thoughtful concert to our chamber music series. Levin’s repertoire and experti se span J.S. Bach to contemporary Spanish music.
GMU Center for Performing Arts
An Evening with Lea Salonga 9/28
Award-winning singer and actress Lea Salonga headlines the “2024 ARTS by George!” benefit concert performing songs she has made famous throughout her extraordinary four-decade career on Broadway and in animated movie blockbusters.
Ballet Hispánico 10/5
Recognized as one of America’s cultural treasures, Ballet Hispánico celebrates the ever growing and multifaceted Hispanic diasporas through vibrant dance in this Hispanic Heritage Month performance. As a Mason Artist-in-Residence, the company will offer educational and community programs surrounding the performance.
Mark Morris Dance Group and Music Ensemble 10/19
A radiant program of must-see dance, accompanied by live music by the MMDG Music Ensemble. This program features audience favorites and rare gems, set to the music of Lou Harrison. Appropriate for all ages.
The Laurie Berkner Band performs classic hits as well as some new songs – including some from their new album, “A Laurie Berkner Halloween”! A concert event for the whole family. LBB’s music shines a light on what it means to be a kid, and kids can’t get enough of her folk-pop melodies made especially for them. Bring an animal (for your head) and your dancing shoes! Recommended for ages 2 to 8.
Arturo Sandoval 11/10
An acknowledged virtuoso of jazz trumpet and flugelhorn — and just as dynamic and vivacious on the piano, timbales, vocals, and key board — 10-time Grammy Award winner Arturo Sandoval presents a diverse, exhilarating show featuring Afro-Cuban jazz, bebop, straight-ahead jazz, and more. Appropriate for all ages.
Continued on Page 12
Laurie Berkner Band 10/20
THE STUDIOS AT 307
Located inside Art and Frame of Falls Church 307 E. Annandale Rd, Falls Church, VA
Virginia Opera: Carmen 11/16-17
Virginia Opera presents French composer Georges Bizet’s passion-filled masterpiece Carmen, one of the most popular operas of all time, with recognizable arias including “The Habanera” and “The Toreador Song.” Set in Spain around 1830, the drama centers on the titular character. Carmen is bold, uninhibited, and independent; she lives life on her own terms. She becomes infatuated with Don José, who throws away everything to be with her, only to be rejected when Carmen moves on, falling for a bullfighter named Escamillo. Carmen confronts the dangers of jealous obsession and falling madly in love with the wrong person. Sung in French with English subtitles.
Fairfax Symphony with Jeremy Denk 11/23
Jeremy Denk, one of America’s foremost pianists, joins the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) for a special performance co-presented by Great Performances at Mason. Denk and the esteemed FSO perform Beethoven’s poetic “Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58,” in a program that also includes the regional premiere of Quinn Mason’s “She Dreams of Flying” and Rachmaninoff’s last work, “Symphonic Dances.”
Signature Theatre
ARTS ROUND UP
courtesan, a lovesick young man and others devolve into uproarious chaos in a fastpaced, witty and monumental escapade.
Soft Power
8/6-9/15
After the 2016 election, when a Chinese American playwright is attacked by an unknown assailant, he hallucinates a Golden Age musical comedy about a Chinese theater producer and Hillary Clinton falling in love. Hilarious and biting, this political satire dares to ask: Does American Democracy still work? And is it worth believing in?
Primary Trust
9/10-10/20
Wally’s Tiki Bar serves the sweetest mai tais in town, and Kenneth never misses a happy hour with his best friend. But when a job loss upends Kenneth’s static existence, he must discover the courage to open a new door and change his life – even if it means facing the past and letting go.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: 10/29-1/12
In one of the greatest musical comedies of all time, three households reside next to each other in ancient Rome. Just outside their doors, the exploits of a quick-thinking Roman slave, a braggart soldier, a beautiful
Gala Theatre
The 22+ Weddings of Hugo 9/5-9/29
In Spanish with English Subtitles. Why in the world does Hugo, a quiet postal clerk, keep getting married? A raucous tale, based on a true story, of “a beautiful crime” that delves into several hidden themes of our day, from empathy and immigration, to love in times of hatred, and the universal need to find refuge in a place, person, or a feeling.
Frida Libre 10/12-10/26
Bilingual. Alex may seem like a quiet, shy boy, but he secretly holds big ideas in his head. He wants to be a luchador (wrestler) and defeat bad guys in the ring. His life changes when he meets brave and colorful Frida, an unusual girl who dreams of being a doctor. Forced to collaborate on a science project on butterflies and metamorphosis, the pair discovers how true friendship can help overcome fear and transform dreams into reality. Inspired by the childhood of legendary Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, Frida Libre is an uplifting story featuring delightful songs that explore the meaning of friendship, bravery, and transformation.
Fuego Flamenco Festival 11/7-11/23
Gala celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Flamenco Festival, featuring U.S. and international artists in an expanded threeweek festival. Lineup includes performances by Ser.Rana, Flamenco Aparicio Dance Company, Marc Lopez and Monserrat Martinez.
Gala Film Festival 12/4-12/8
Discover a new era in Latin American cinema as emerging young directors offer their unique perspectives on critical issues. Enjoy Q&As with artists and experts, receptions, and much more.
Amadeus Concerts
Concert: Amadeus Strings St. Luke Catholic Church 7001 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 10/6 • 4 p.m.
Concert: Opera Afternoon
St. Francis Episcopal Church 9220 VA-193, Great Falls, VA 11/10 • 4 p.m.
Virginia Chamber Orchestra Music in the Gardens, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29 • 3 p.m.
Sunday afternoons in September at the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct., Vienna, VA), enjoy the rare combination of wonderful music performed by outstanding ensembles in lovely natural surroundings. Concerts are free with admission to the park ($8 adults 18-54, $4 kids over 5 and seniors 55+).
St. Katherine’s Fall Greek Festival 10/4-6
With authentic Greek dancing, pastries, homemade Greek food, like Greek music, and more! Free and open to the public.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC
Postcards 10/19
Plans, trains, and automobiles! The GMCW’s popular cabaret returns with an all-new edition! Soloists from the Chorus will share hilarious and heart-warming stories and songs about the travel adventures they’ve had and hope to have!
Continued on Page 14
Creative Cauldron
Sondheim Tribute Revue 10/3-27
A scintillating musical revue celebrating the work of the legendary Stephen Sondheim, one of the most influential and innovative composers and lyricists in Broadway history. Eight standout performers provide an incomparable journey through over 20 titles from the Sondheim songbook.
Alice in Wonderland 11/8-24
“Curiouser and curiouser” Down the Rabbit Hole we go! Come join Alice on her fantastical journey through Wonderland. The White Rabbit, The Cheshire Cat, The Caterpillar, The Mad Hatter, The Queen of Hearts, all your favorite characters are here in this musical adaptation of the classic Lewis Carroll tale. Alice gives the entire family a chance to spend an utterly “Mad, mad day” at the Cauldron, enjoying one of the most famous and enduring children’s classics of all time in a new bi-lingual format.
Ford’s Theatre
Mister Lincoln 9/20-10/13
A witty and revelatory one-man show starring Scott Bakula as President Abraham Lincoln, who shares sto -
ARTS ROUND UP
ries of himself during some of our country’s most important historical events. From his own personal perspective, first as a prairie lawyer and anti-slavery advocate in Illinois, to later in Washington as president of the United States, when he signs the Emancipation Proclamation and becomes the liberator, this insightful play leans on Lincoln’s own brilliant language to reveal surprising aspects of the life of one of our nation’s greatest presidents.
Providence Players
Love Letters 10/11-26
Through decades of heartfelt and candid letters, this play reveals a deep connection that navigates the complexities of love, ambition, and personal growth. Melissa, a free-spirited artist, and Andrew, a successful lawyer and politician, share their innermost thoughts, dreams, and regrets, painting a vivid picture of lives intertwined by the power of the written word.
Falls Church Arts
Home 8/24-9/29
Artists submitted work that reflects the theme, “Home,” chosen by FCA followers on social media.
Based on a true story, a raucous tale of “a beautiful crime.”
SEPT 5 - 29
In Spanish with English surtitles
The Beauty of Diversity 10/5-11/17
Entry Deadline September 8. Artists explore the beauty and strength that diversity brings to our lives with works that reference elements that make our society diverse, such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, experiences, abilities, or opinions.
Keegan Theatre
The Woman in Black 10/12-11/17
A lawyer obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over him and his family by the spectre of a Woman in Black engages a skeptical young actor to help him tell his terrifying story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul. It all begins innocently enough, but then, as they reach further into his darkest memories, they find themselves caught up in a world of eerie marshes and moaning winds.
Theater J
Prayer for the French Republic 10/30-11/24
The Benhamou family has lived in Paris for five generations. A visit from their American cousin, Molly, is quickly overshadowed by an antisemitic attack on the family’s son, Daniel. The turmoil of the event awakens even the most dormant fears as each family
member advocates for ways to move forward – or away. Just outside their window, the mounting pressure of Marine Le Pen’s extreme views winning over the populace shows no signs of waning. As the family references the choices of generations before, time bends to bring the characters forward, echoing the same questions. Past and present play out simultaneously, revealing our questions have been here before, but the answers have yet to arrive. An epic family drama that breaks open the global question, “where are we safe?”
Smithsonian -National Museum of the American Indian
Sublime Light: Tapestry Art of DY Begay Opening 9/20
Celebrate more than three decades of innovation by fiber artist DY Begay (Diné [Navajo], b. 1953). Don’t miss the first major retrospective of Begay’s career, showcasing 48 of her most remarkable tapestries.
Hecho en México (Made in Mexico) 9/14, and 9/15, 10 AM–4 p.m.
Hecho en México (Made in Mexico) refers to the official classification that identifies products that are uniquely made in Mexico. Mexican artisans, including Pedro Ortega
Lozano, known for his work in papel picado; Óscar Becerra-Mora, who creates alebrije sculptures; and Cilau Valadez, who specializes in the Huichol art of yarn painting all join us to demonstrate their creative practices.
In Conversation: DY Begay with Fiber Artists Velma Kee Craig and Helena Hernmarck 9/21 • 1 PM
imagiNATIONS Activity Centers Washington, D.C.
Bring the whole family to enjoy the imagiNATIONS Activity Centers at our New York and Washington, D.C., museums. These interactive spaces provide visitors of all ages, including those with young children, a wide variety of experiences to learn about Indigenous cultures and innovations. Both centers are open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Welcome to a Native Place Every Tuesday & Wednesday, 1-1:30 p.m.
Enjoy tribal songs from Alaska to Florida with Dennis Zotigh (Kiowa, Isanti Dakota, and Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo) in the Potomac Atrium. At the end of his 30-minute presentation, visitors are encouraged to ask questions pertaining to the museum and Indigenous culture, past and present.
Guided Gallery Tours Fridays & Saturdays, 1:30-2:15 p.m.
Inspired by the childhood of legendary Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, this lively musical explores friendship, bravery & transformation.
OCT 12 - 26 Bilingual show for families. Saturdays 3 pm
Spain Flamenco Arts & FECACE (Spain) SER.RANA
Choreographed & performed by Sonia Franco NOV 7 - 10
Flamenco Aparicio Dance Co. (USA) LO MEJOR DE EDWIN
Choreographed & directed by Edwin Aparicio NOV 15 - 17
Marc López & Monserrat Martínez (Spain) INTIMATE FRIENDS OF FLAMENCO NOV 22 - 23
5 - 11, 2024
by Patricia Leslie
Phyllida Spotte-Hume (Rachel Hubbard) wants to join “The Explorers Club” despite its uppity attitudes about women, for she, too, is an explorer and has the goods (a “savage”) she’s brought back from a “Lost City” to prove it!
It’s 1879 when the good ole boys, members of the exclusive club in London, sit and chitchat in the club’s bar and lounge about their latest feats and discoveries, all the while sipping brandy and smoking (tobacco-less) cigars.
Tom O’Reilly’s set design and Myke Taister’s set dressing reveal a splendid stage a la Queen Victoria (1819-1901) with dark wooden walls, leather chairs, a globe, a suit of armor, a stuffed fox, a rifle and other “manly” accoutrements and souvenirs from various trips.
Commanding attention high on
ing throughout the show investigating all the trinkets on the set. It doesn’t take long for the group to appoint Luigi as bartender for the constantly absent barkeep, Roger (and to protect Luigi from “authorities”).
Luigi quickly learns how to pour brandy and throw glasses of it back and forth on the bar in table choreography worthy of Baryshnikov. They splish, they splash, they do not crash except in the hands of the intended.
Meanwhile, the president of the club, Lucius Fretway (Michael Townsend) wants to admit Phyllida (to whom he’s taken a “liking”) to the club, but surprise! Some of the members take exception to his suggestion. My word! Who’s ever heard such a thing? Save the queen!
Enter, please, a perfect Sir Harry Percy (John Henderson) to rule the day, er, the club, and announce his discovery of a “pole” and to bring
be there.)
The club is somewhat reminiscent of the Royal Geographic Society which Percy nails a time or two.
Phyllida struggles with these menfolk, particularly the hated and narrow minded “Biblical scientist,” Professor Sloane (Richard Fiske) but this is not an “in-your-face” feminine military battle to get her admitted; it’s a comedy which grows, fostered by the talents of director Adam Konowe who skilfully weaves a web to wrap the audience in this story of “science.”
Throw in more “souvenirs” like a snake which Professor Cope (Ricardo Padilla) wears around his neck and a much-loved guinea pig belonging to Professor Walling (Steve Rosenthal) and you get the picture or you will if you see it or them.
Meghan Mohon is the Queen’s private secretary and Michael J. Fisher is “Beebe,” another explorer
feminine fashion.
For a good time, you can’t do better than to spend it with members of “The Explorers Club” at the Little Theatre of Alexandria.
Producer Carol Strachan has done an excellent job coaching the players in their British accents which don’t seem so affected, after all. What American does not swoon at a British accent?
Other members of the creative crew are William Chrapcynski, sound; Ian Claar, choreogra-
pher; Franklin Coleman, lighting; Amanda Hobbs, assistant director; Brook Angel Markley, properties; Isabella Sursi and Jennifer Rhorer, stage managers; Robbie Snow, hair and makeup; Alan Wray, producer, Russell M. Wyland, rigging.
Nell Benjamin of “Legally Blonde” fame wrote the play.
The show runs through September 21, 2024, Thursday through Saturday nights at 8 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m., at 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria 22314.
THE PROFESSORS (from left, Steve Rosenthal, Ricardo Padilla and Richard Fiske) speak no evil, hear no evil and see no evil in “The Explorers Club” at Little Theatre of Alexandria (Photo: Matt Liptak)
Amadeus Strings
Sunday, October 6, 2024 at 4 pm
St. Luke Catholic Church, McLean, VA
Opera Afternoon
In Collaboration with Partners for the Arts
Sunday, November 10, 2024 at 4 pm
St. Francis Episcopal Church, Great Falls, VA
Messiah Sing (free admission)
Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 4 PM Fairlington United Methodist Church, Alexandria, VA
Washington Saxophone Quartet
Sunday, January 12, 2025 at 4 PM
St. Francis Episcopal Church, Great Falls, VA
Victorian Lyric Opera Company Keeps Operetta Alive in Suburbs
by Mark Dreisonstok
The Victorian Lyric Opera Company (VLOC) in Rockville keeps alive the tradition of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas by its regular staging of such works as “The Pirates of Penzance” and “H.M.S. Pinafore.” The company also stages famous Viennese operettas such as Johann Strauss’ “Die Fledermaus.” An interesting aspect of VLOC is that it produces lesser-known European operettas in “concert versions,” which are staged operettas in nearly every aspect except sets.
“Although Jacques Offenbach’s ‘The Grand Duchess of Gerolstein’ was an immense hit in Paris in 1867, during Offenbach’s prolific period of operetta production,” notes VLOC’s Artistic Director emeritus and conductor Joseph Sorge, this lesser-known work today “requires chorus participation for nearly 80 percent of the music and would require a long period of preparation if fully-staged.” By means of a concert presentation, however, the company needed only the month of August to rehearse a concert version of the show.
VLOC presented “The Grand Duchess of Gerolstein” this past weekend from August 30 through September 1, with audiences enjoying a highly entertaining comic plot, soaring operatic music with orchestra, and even some thoughtful ruminations on life, love, and war.
The plot revolves around the central character of Grand Duchess Christine of Gerolstein. Stage Director Brandon Shaw McKnight notes that the Grand Duchess was inspired by Catherine the Great of Russia, but here Christine is presented as a spoiled and immature sovereign of twenty-years old who loves war, or as her VLOC interpreter Elizabeth Barnes sang in her magnificent soprano voice: “Ah, How I Go for the Military!” She made a grand entrance in this production in a resplendent regal costume, even promenading through the audience and waving at audience members with grace, poise, and elegance.
Christine’s passion for war and her love for the undeserving Private Fritz, who has little in the way of military experience, puts the Grand Duchy in an awkward
but comical situation: purely out of favoritism, Christine promotes Fritz unjustly to the post of military commander. Through a certain degree of luck and unexpected cunning, Fritz emerges victorious and, as a reward, asks for his love interest Wanda’s hand in marriage. The enraged Grand Duchess turns against him and seeks his destruction!
In addition to the problematic nature of unrestrained royal absolutism presented in the plot, the Offenbach operetta’s libretto has many thoughtful comments to impart: “This horrid cruel war should have been concluded long ago,” states a chorus of women; “The less sense people make, the more they get promoted,” opines Fritz; and “If you cannot manage to have the one you love, you must manage to love one you can have as well as you can,” Grand Duchess Christine enjoins in a wiser moment. VLOC also inserts engaging local references into its productions of classic operettas, in this case stating in mid-performance that, after the show, audience members might be going back to their homes in Northern Virginia!
Lance Fisher was an excellent Private Fritz, conveying the character’s charm and comical unmilitary bearing. His voice was a powerful component to the shows’s success, as in his performance with the chorus of “Return of the Soldiers and Rondo” as well as “Return and Complaint of Fritz.”
General Boum, though supposedly a by-the-book authoritarian military commander, proved very likable. In his memorable piece “Piff, Paff, Pouf,” Michael Beder as the general engaged in onomatopoeia galore, as “Piff, Paff, Pouf” and his very name of Boum, backed by orchestral drums, suggested the firing of cannons. Now marginalized by the ascension of Private Fritz to military commander, audiences were left to wonder if “General Boum would resume his plume.”
Sarah Robinson as Wanda, the love interest of Fritz, sang melodically and lyrically in pieces such as “Galop,” performed along with the Chorus and Mr. Fisher’s Fritz.
The program notes on cast members informed audience members that offstage Dr. Robinson
“holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering and leads technical teams by day.” Onstage, her acting and gestures assisted greatly in giving the impression that this production of “The Grand Duchess of Gerolstein” was much more than a concert version of an operetta, but an operetta staging itself.
Finally, the orchestra was conducted splendidly by Joseph Sorge, and the production benefited greatly from the stage direction of Brandon Shaw McKnight.
In 2025, VLOC will be presenting the Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera “The Mikado.” This new “semi-staged concert performance” will, according to promotional materials, be an “updated version [which] promises to honor the original spirit while bringing new insights and contemporary relevance” to the classic work. With this new “Mikado” and before that in February a full-staged version of Joseph Bologne’s “The Anonymous Lover,” VLOC will continue its tradition of performing fresh, vibrant performances of operetta for suburban Washington, D.C., audiences.
