T H E AT R E · M U S I C · CO M E D Y · S P E A K E R S · W O R K S H O P S & C L A S S E S · M I D DAY M O V I E S · CO M M U N I T Y A R T S
Alden The
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A whole new season of shows for you, your family and friends.
Winter / Spring 2019
Welcome back! We’ve had a lot of fun in the last year and a half taking our show on the road, but now we are so happy to be back home in our beautiful theater at the newly renovated McLean Community Center for this upcoming Winter/Spring season. And boy, do we have a lot going on! From Shakespeare to hip-hop to Gilbert and Sullivan to The Okee Dokee Brothers, we think there’s something for everyone. Even if you are unfamiliar with a show or two, why not take a chance? We carefully vet each artist, and only the ones that excite us make it into our season. Look for our quotes throughout this brochure to see why we think you’ll love them, too. You were on our minds as we put this season together, and you gave us a lot to go on. While we were “on the road,” we surveyed the public and held several focus groups to find out what we can do to better serve you. You spoke, and we listened! You will find this season that many of our shows are great for the entire family, we have added two, new daytime film series—foreign and children’s, and we are taking greater strides to make sure information about our programming reaches you. If you weren’t able to take part in our survey or focus groups but have some ideas to share, we’re all ears. You can find us at every show or email us directly at sarah.schallern@fairfaxcounty.gov or danielle.vanhook@fairfaxcounty.gov. ICYMI, tickets have been on sale since August, and lots of great seats are already sold. We don’t want you to suffer from FOMO, so buy today! If you need any assistance, please contact the Box Office at 703-790-9223. We look forward to seeing you this season!
Sarah Schallern Treff Performing Arts Director Danielle Van Hook Director of Youth Theatre Programs
SARAH
DANIELLE
What do we think about this season’s selection? Look for our icons and quotes throughout this program guide.
Schedule DATES & TIMES
CATEGORY
PERFORMANCE
ALL RATING AGES
Sat.
Jan. 5
8 p.m.
Comedy
The Capitol Steps
Wed.
Jan. 9
12:30 p.m.
Movies for Kids & Families
Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” (G)
ALL AGES
Wed.
Jan. 23
1 p.m.
Foreign Films
“Cinema Paradiso” (R)
ALL AGES
Sun.
Jan. 20
2 p.m.
Music
ALL AGES
Sat.
Feb. 2
1 p.m.
Theatre
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration: “Liner Notes” Vital Theatre: “The Wizard of Oz”
Sat.
Feb. 9
2 p.m.
Music
John Eaton in Concert
ALL ALL AGES AGES
Wed.
Feb. 13
12:30 p.m.
Movies for Kids & Families
Disney’s “Aladdin” (G)
Sat.
Feb. 23
1 & 4 p.m.
Music
The Okee Dokee Brothers
ALL AGES AGES
Sun.
Feb. 24
2 p.m.
Speakers & Education
Author Walter Mosley
ALL AGES AGES
Wed.
Feb. 27
1 p.m.
Foreign Films
“A Separation” (PG-13)
Sat. & Sun.
Mar. 9, 10, 16 & 17
2 p.m.
Alden Youth Production
“Winnie the Pooh”
Wed.
Mar. 13
12:30 p.m.
Movies for Kids & Families
Disney’s “Monsters, Inc.” (G)
ALL AGES
Wed.
Mar. 13
7 p.m.
Speakers & Education
“Brush Up Your Shakespeare”
ALL ALL ALL AGES AGES AGES
Wed.
Mar. 20
7 p.m.
Speakers & Education
TEDxTysons Open Mic
Sat.
Mar. 23
1 p.m.
Theatre
The Joshua Show
ALL AGES
Wed.
Mar. 27
1 p.m.
Foreign Films
“The Lives of Others” (R)
ALL AGES
Wed.
Mar. 27
8 p.m.
Scholarship Competition
Macdonald Performing Arts Scholarship Competition
ALL ALL AGES AGES
Sat.
Mar. 30
2 p.m.
Theatre
Sat.
Mar. 30
7:30 p.m.
Theatre
Sun.
Mar. 31
2 p.m.
Theatre
Wed.
Apr. 10
12:30 p.m.
Movies for Kids & Families
American Shakespeare Center on Tour: Sophocles’ “Antigone” American Shakespeare Center on Tour: Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors” American Shakespeare Center on Tour: Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale” Disney’s “The Lion King” (G)
Wed.
Apr. 24
1 p.m.
Foreign Films
“Memories of Murder” (NR)
Fri.
May 3
7 p.m.
Workshops & Classes
Intro to Djembe Drumming and Drum Circle
Sat.
May 4
7 p.m.
Music
Wed.
May 8
12:30 p.m.
Movies for Kids & Families
New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players: “I’ve Got a Little Twist” Disney’s “Pocahontas” (G)
Sat.
May 11
1 p.m.
Theatre
“All the Way Live!”
ALL AGES AGES
Wed.
May 22
1 p.m.
Foreign Films
“Volver” (R)
ALL AGES
Sat.
June 8
2 p.m.
Music
John Eaton in Concert
ALL AGES
Wed.
June 12
12:30 p.m.
Movies for Kids & Families
Disney’s “Tarzan” (G)
ALL ALL
ALL AGES ALL AGES
ALL AGES ALL AGES
ALL ALL AGES AGES
ALL
ALL AGES
ALL AGES
New ratings this year!
The Alden has three simplified categories to help patrons determine if a show is a good fit for them. These categories are just a guide and every child is different. If you have any questions about the themes or content of a show, please contact The Alden’s Box Office at 703-790-9223.
ALL AGES Shows that are designed with children in mind, but willALL also delight siblings, AGES Length is parents and grandparents. about one hour and language and content is G or PG.
Shows that are appropriate for children, but aren’t necessarily designed with them in mind. Length may be up to two hours and language and content is G or PG.
Shows that have content or themes appropriate for those 13 years old and older. Length may be up to three hours and language and content could be PG-13 or higher.
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We’re home!
Theatre Vital Theatre Company presents
“The Wizard of Oz” ALL AGES
SATURDAY, FEB. 2, 1 P.M. $15/$10 MCC tax district residents Rediscover the joy of following the yellow brick road with Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tinman and the Cowardly Lion as they travel through the eclectic world of Oz. RUNNING TIME: 60 MINUTES “Traditional “Wizard of Oz” story with fast-paced, age-appropriate storytelling... great singing... classic tunes.” – Show Score
DANIELLE SAYS:
When I saw this show I could not stop smiling. Joshua reminded me of an ultra-hip Steve from Blue’s Clues who tap dances to a Lumineers-esque sound. It’s uplifting and refreshing!
ALL AGES
with Paige Hernandez and Baye Harrell
SATURDAY, MAY 11, 1 P.M. $15/$10 MCC tax district residents In this interactive show, world-renowned hip-hop artists collaborate on the spot to “remix” everything from the alphabet to folktales. The remix unfolds with dance, rhyme, music… and you! RUNNING TIME: 60 MINUTES “Paige Hernandez is the complete performer package personified. She has a lot of energy, and possesses a million dollar smile… Her rapping and rhyming skills match Harrell’s, making them a winning team.” – Broadway World
SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 1 P.M. $15/$10 MCC tax district residents This award-winning family production features a modern-day Mr. Rogers with hipster appeal, live music, tap dancing, physical comedy and multiple styles of puppetry to take the audiences on a journey to find the joy in being yourself. RUNNING TIME: 60 MINUTES “An unabashed “ambassador of joy,” Mr. Holden has dedicated his shows to lightening the mood of all in the theater, puppets and humans alike. Accompanied by the musician Jeb Colwell, he does this through physical comedy, oddball props, wry commentary and tap-dancing.” – The New York Times
DANIELLE SAYS:
I didn’t know what to expect from this show—Will it be theatre? Music? Will the story be compelling? The answers are: yes, Yes, and YES! I don’t know who will love it more; kids or parents.
“All the Way Live!” ALL AGES
There’s no place like home! This show is the perfect opportunity to bring your kids back to The Alden or start your family’s tradition of seeing shows together at our beautiful theatre.
The Joshua Show
DANIELLE SAYS:
Theatre
American Shakespeare Center (ASC) on Tour
ASC on Tour returns with their signature fast-paced, fourth-wall-breaking style. Packages of all three plays and “Brush Up Your Shakespeare” are available for $110/$80 MCC tax district residents. ALL AGES
Sophocles’ “Antigone”
SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 2 P.M. Doors open and live music starts at 1:30 p.m. $40/$30 MCC tax district residents Sophocles’s drama from 441 BC holds startling relevance today, examining divinity, obedience and law—and how love overcomes them all. RUNNING TIME: 150 MINUTES “All this would be of purely historical interest were it not for the high-quality of the ASC’s fast-moving productions, which are authentic (no sets, no scene breaks) but not antiquarian.” – The Wall Street Journal
SARAH SAYS:
There’s a reason ASC has a huge following: They use authentic performance practices that make seeing Shakespeare fun, accessible and visceral... and did I mention fun? Whether you’re besties with the Bard or (like me) have a little trouble “getting” Shakespeare, you will love ASC on Tour.
ALL AGES
Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors”
SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 7:30 P.M. Doors open and live music starts at 7 p.m. $40/$30 MCC tax district residents Two long-separated twins, their two tricky servants (also twins), a jealous wife and her lovelorn sister romp through this fast-paced comedy. RUNNING TIME: 150 MINUTES “Shamelessly entertaining.” – The Washington Post
ALL AGES
Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale”
SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2 P.M. Doors open and live music starts at 1:30 p.m. $40/$30 MCC tax district residents Shakespeare’s magnificent late play is a roller-coaster ride from romance to tragedy to comedy and, finally, to a place of transcendent beauty that few other works of art have ever gone. RUNNING TIME: 150 MINUTES “This Shakespeare moves… we feel the inexorable sweep of the action, but the poetry has a chance to breathe, too. And how wonderful to hear actors speak Shakespeare naturally. It is poetry come alive.” – The Boston Globe
Music Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
ALL AGES
“Liner Notes”
SUNDAY, JAN. 20, 2 P.M. $25/$15 MCC tax district residents You will collide with music’s past and present through jazz standards, hip-hop samples and actual liner notes from musicians of the civil rights movement in this multimedia concert experience. RUNNING TIME: 90 MINUTES “Liner Notes brings to life the formative experience—dying out in the digital age—of falling in love with music through the engrossing text on the backs of records, in tape sleeves and in CD booklets”. – The Washington Post
John Eaton in Concert
SATURDAY, FEB. 9, 2 P.M. SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2 P.M. $30/$20 MCC tax district residents Two chances to catch jazz pianist extraordinaire and local legend John Eaton. John’s specialty is elegant interpretations of the Great American Songbook sprinkled with healthy doses of musical insight and his signature humor. RUNNING TIME: 90 MINUTES “Best jazz pianist: John Eaton, then, now and probably forever.” – Washingtonian magazine
ALL AGES
The Okee Dokee Brothers
DANIELLE SAYS:
SATURDAY, FEB. 23, 1 P.M. AND 4 P.M. $20/$15 MCC tax district residents The GRAMMY® Award-winning Okee Dokee Brothers mix their passion for the outdoors with Americana Folk music to create songs that they hope will inspire children and their parents to get outside and get creative. RUNNING TIME: 60 MINUTES “Like the great Woody Guthrie, they’ve tapped into that magic quality of folk music to bridge the age gap and connect listeners young and old with their universal message.” – UTNE Reader
You’ve said you want musicals (me, too), so we’re delivering NYGASP’s mashup of G&S and musical theatre. Gilbert and Sullivan’s silly, catchy tunes always delight, and knowing how McLean likes to laugh, this is the perfect fit.
New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players
ALL AGES
“I’ve Got a Little Twist”
SATURDAY, MAY 4, 7 P.M. $40/$30 MCC tax district residents A cabaret evening that reveals the timelessness of Gilbert and Sullivan (G&S), featuring ingeniously rewritten lyrics for G&S tunes, G&S numbers that are juxtaposed with more modern musical theatre, and sometimes classic Gilbert and Sullivan songs that are left intact and allowed to speak for themselves. RUNNING TIME: 120 MINUTES “The leading custodian of the G&S classics.” – New York Magazine
An Okee Dokee Brothers concert is always an incredible show, but this time, we are lucky enough to be celebrating the release of their new CD “Winterland”!
I adore both the American Songbook and John Eaton. The Washington Post called him “as reliably entertaining as The Simpsons,” and I have to agree. Based on how many requests we get to bring John back, you do too! SARAH SAYS:
ALL AGES
These days we could all use more ways to connect and bond. “Liner Notes” is a joyful celebration of Dr. King that brings together music of the civil rights movement with great musicians and a multimedia experience while bringing people together.
SARAH SAYS:
SARAH SAYS:
Comedy ALL AGES
The Capitol Steps
SATURDAY, JAN. 5, 8 P.M. $50/$35 MCC tax district residents No one is safe from these political satirists, their up-to-the-minute musical spoofs and (in)famous “Lirty Dies.” RUNNING TIME: 120 MINUTES “The Capitol Steps make it easier to leave public life.” – Former President George H. W. Bush
SARAH SAYS:
The Capitol Steps are masters of satire, and their act is truly real-time… just watch the news on January 5 for a preview of the evening’s show!
Speakers
Perspectives Speaker Series Presented in partnership with Fairfax County Public Library
ALL AGES
Author Walter Mosley
SUNDAY, FEB. 24, 2 P.M. Free. Preregistration required. Registration begins on Jan. 27 at flibrarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov NAACP Image Award-winning writer of mysteries and crime fiction, in 2016 Mr. Mosley was named Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America (Edgar Award). RUNNING TIME: 60 MINUTES, FOLLOWED BY A BOOK SIGNING. “His popular Easy Rawlins mysteries… extended the genre’s affinity for social realism and added a dimension of historical recovery in portraying African Americans’ vital but bittersweet life in postwar.” – Los Angeles Times
SARAH SAYS:
“Brush Up Your Shakespeare”
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 7 P.M. $7/$5 MCC tax district residents Packages are available that include “Brush Up Your Shakespeare” and all three ASC on Tour shows. Crack that Shakespeare code with our expert hackers! Our authorities from the Shakespeare Theatre Company and Potomac School return to prepare you for ASC on Tour’s productions of “The Comedy of Errors” and “The Winter’s Tale,” and to lead a spirited discussion about the Bard. RUNNING TIME: 90 MINUTES
ALL AGES
SARAH SAYS:
TEDxTysons Open Mic:
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 7 P.M. $16/$12 MCC tax district residents – No charge for speakers Have you ever thought about giving your own TEDx talk? Now is your chance to make it happen! TEDxTysons comes to The Alden for an evening of two-minute pitches, at the end of which one speaker will be chosen to talk at a TEDxTysons event! Register at tedxtysons.com/speaker to present your own mini-talk, or come to hear all the nascent “ideas worth spreading.”
Our fabulous team of Shakespeare scholars aren’t just experts, but are also total Shakespeare fangirls. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and their wisdom helps me get more out of any Shakespeare play I see.
I could not put down “Devil in a Blue Dress.” It was gritty, suspenseful and gave me a glimpse into a totally different world—all while being incredibly entertaining. Mr. Mosely is a master, and McLean expects nothing less!
ALL AGES
Workshops & Classes Intro to Djembe Drumming and Drum Circle Improv for Kids & Teens
MONDAYS, JAN. 14–MARCH 18 (NO CLASS JAN. 21 OR FEB. 18) 8-11 year olds: 6:30-7:30 p.m., 12-16 years olds: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Register at mcleancenter.org Improv comedy is a great way for kids and teens to express themselves and gain confidence. Focusing on creativity and teamwork, The Alden’s improv comedy classes for youth teach improv fundamentals such as “yes and” in a supportive environment. Class participants will perform during (the) Unruly Theatre Project’s show on Friday, March 22, at The Old Firehouse Center. This class is suitable for both beginners and those who have taken improv classes in the past.
FRIDAY, MAY 3, 7–8:30 P.M. The Alden $12/$8 for MCC tax district residents. Fee includes admission and drum rental for the event. Join The Alden for a creative (and de-stressing) Friday evening master class for families. Participants will learn the elements of Djembe Drumming from artist Kofi Dennis and then use those skills in a group drum circle. This class is designed for children age 8 and older, and it is recommended that families participate together. Children under 14 must have a parent register with them.
Midday Movies Movies for Kids & Families
ALL AT 12:30 P.M. EVERY SECOND WEDNESDAY OF AGES THE MONTH THROUGH JUNE Free (in the Community Hall) We’re kicking off this series with “new Disney Classics” —those that were loved during the ’90s. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and an indoor picnic and introduce your kids to the classic animated movies that you love.
Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” (G) DIRECTED BY GARY TROUSDALE AND KIRK WISE – 1991 WEDNESDAY, JAN. 9, 12:30 P.M. RUNNING TIME: 1 HOUR, 24 MINUTES
Disney’s “Aladdin” (G)
DIRECTED BY RON CLEMENTS AND JOHN MUSKER – 1992 WEDNESDAY, FEB. 13, 12:30 P.M. RUNNING TIME: 1 HOUR, 30 MINUTES
Disney’s “Monsters, Inc.” (G)
DIRECTED BY PETE DOCTER, DAVID SILVERMAN AND LEE UNKRICH – 2001 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 12:30 P.M. RUNNING TIME: 1 HOUR, 32 MINUTES
ALL AGES
Foreign Films
AT 1 P.M. EVERY FOURTH WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH THROUGH MAY Free (in The Alden) These movies are chosen for adult audiences and may contain mature content, language and themes. Come enjoy foreign films selected by our staff, then stay after for a discussion backstage in The Alden’s green room. All movies are shown in the original language with English subtitles.
“Cinema Paradiso” (1988, Italy) (R) DIRECTED BY GIUSEPPE TORNATORE WEDNESDAY, JAN. 23, 1 P.M. RUNNING TIME: 2 HOURS, 35 MINUTES
“A Separation” (2011, Iran) (PG-13) DIRECTED BY ASGHAR FARHADI WEDNESDAY, FEB. 27, 1 P.M. RUNNING TIME: 2 HOURS, 3 MINUTES
“The Lives of Others” (2006, Germany) (R) DIRECTED BY FLORIAN HENCKEL VON DONNERSMARCK WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 1 P.M. RUNNING TIME: 2 HOURS, 17 MINUTES
Disney’s “The Lion King” (G)
“Memories of Murder” (2005, S. Korea) (NR)
Disney’s “Pocahontas” (G)
“Volver” (2006, Spain) (R)
DIRECTED BY ROGER ALLERS AND ROB MINKOFF – 1994 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 12:30 P.M. RUNNING TIME: 1 HOUR, 28 MINUTES
DIRECTED BY MIKE GABRIEL AND ERIC GOLDBERG – 1995 WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 12:30 P.M. RUNNING TIME: 1 HOUR, 21 MINUTES
Disney’s “Tarzan” (G)
DIRECTED BY CHRIS BUCK AND KEVIN LIMA – 1999 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 12:30 P.M. RUNNING TIME: 1 HOUR, 28 MINUTES
DIRECTED BY BONG JOON-HO WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 1 P.M. RUNNING TIME: 2 HOURS
DIRECTED BY PEDRO ALMODÓVAR WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 1 P.M. RUNNING TIME: 2 HOURS, 1 MINUTE
Community Arts Alden Spring Production
“Winnie-the-Pooh”
ALL SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS, AGES MARCH 9, 10, 16 AND 17, 2 P.M. The Alden $15/$10 MCC tax district residents Dramatized by Kristin Sergel, from the Stories of A.A. Milne. Produced with special arrangements with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY It’s story time for Christopher Robin and Winnie-the-Pooh, but Pooh won’t hear just any story, he wants to hear a story about himself, because “he’s that sort of bear.” Pooh’s love of honey and his friendship with Piglet take him and the rest of the forest creatures, Owl, Eeyore and Rabbit, on a journey as they try to understand their new neighbors, Kanga and Roo. There is a reason this beloved story has become a classic for all ages—the themes are universal and the characters are silly, yet charming. This production stars McLean youth ages 10-16.
Box Office & Policies
Visit aldentheatre.org and click the “Buy Tickets” button next to the event you wish to attend.
time tickets are purchased so that we may verify residency. For online purchases, please select the resident price from the drop down menu when selecting your seat. Accessibility Information The Alden strives for all patrons to enjoy their visit. The Alden is fully ADA compliant and will make arrangements for reasonable accommodations. We ask that you contact us at evelyn.hill@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-790-9223 at least 14 working days prior to the event you wish to attend to coordinate.
Order by Mail Mail ticket orders to Alden Box Office: 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, Virginia, 22101 Best available seats will be selected, and tickets will be held at the Box Office. Payment by check only.
Listening Assistance Patrons may take advantage of the Alden’s infrared audio system, which can be used with or without a hearing aid. To request a device, please inquire at the Box Office when you arrive at the theatre.
Resident Discounts All patrons residing within the MCC tax district (Small District 1A-Dranesville) are eligible for a discount of at least 25% on all Alden-sponsored events. Identification may be requested at the
Accessible Seating The Alden has a limited seating area for those who use a wheelchair and their companions. Please call the Box Office or email evelyn.hill@fairfaxcounty.gov to order tickets and make arrangements.
@TheAldenVA
Refunds & Additional Information All sales are final. Refunds issued only if performance is cancelled. For additional discounts and policies, please visit aldentheatre.org.
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Order by Phone or Online To order by phone call 1-866-811-4111 9 a.m.–9 p.m. (M–F), 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (Sat–Sun) Additional $2 fee applies to phone orders
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Box Office Phone & Hours Phone: 703-790-9223 Wednesday–Friday: 4 p.m.–8 p.m. Saturday: Noon–8 p.m. The Box office is always open one hour before any ticketed event.
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