Upcoming Events

Now that monsoon season has apparently ended, SWBID and SWNA will be hosting Southwest Duck Drop this Sunday at the SW Duck Pond, located at 6th and I streets from 1 – 4pm, which was rescheduled from May due to rain. The event is the celebration of the refilling of the SW Duck Pond and is the second year the BID has hosted. There will be ice cream, BBQ, a local Blues band, games, dance demonstrations, and it is free! 

During the weekend of June 16 and June 17, Events DC will host DC JazzFest at the Wharf, with free performances at District Pier, Transit Pier and Hyatt House, along with a ticketed concert at The Anthem. The schedule of events can be found here. 

The 13th Annual Capital Fringe Festival will be held at venues across Southwest from July 7 through July 29, including Arena Stage, St. Augustine’s Church, Christ United Church, Westminster Church, and Blind Whino. Tickets go on sale on June 18. More details will be posted here when available. 

The DC State Fair will make its return to Southwest this fall when the annual event will be held on Sunday, September 23 at Waterfront Station, located at 4th and M streets. Last year, the fair was also held in Southwest – the DC State Fair has been held in previous years in Columbia Heights, Adams Morgan, Capitol Hill, Shaw, and NoMa. The Southwest BID was instrumental in bringing the fair back to Southwest. According to a press release, contest entries so far include Best Bud, Honey, Wine, and Fiber Arts categories. New categories include Best Salsa, Best Biscuit, and Best Cookie. Other events include the Pet Parade, live music, food and craft vendors, and demonstrations.

Designs for Final Phase of District Wharf Filed with City

As expected, Hoffman Madison Waterfront submitted a stage two Planned Unit Development (PUD) application in May for the third phase of development at District Wharf and details are now available. Back in March, representatives from the development team indicated that they would be submitting an application for Parcels 6 – 10, as well as three water buildings, parks and piers. One major change from what was approved during the stage one PUD process for the entire project is the addition of hotel use to Parcel 8. Originally, only residential and office uses were approved for the parcel, either with ground floor retail. Below is a description of each of the parcels and public spaces in the final phase of development. 

Parcel 6 & 7 

These parcels are located to the east of 7th Street Park and will contain an approximately 539,000 SF office building, including about 34,000 SF of ground floor retail. The building was designed by SHoP Architects and will rise 10 stories to a height of 130 feet. As designed, the building will be contemporary in style with two glass towers connected by a “belt-level” on the second floor. The second level will contain office space as well as a large oval opening called the Oculus. On the ground level, there will be a north-south pedestrian connection between Maine Avenue and Wharf Street. In addition, an east-west service corridor will provide loading access for the building and allow for ground floor retail on all four sides of each office tower and along the service and pedestrian corridors. Two winter gardens will be incorporated into the design – one on the northwest corner facing 7th Street Park and the other on the south side facing Wharf Street. 

Parcel 8

ODA has designed the Parcel 8 building, which will include about 26,000 SF of ground floor retail, 79,000 SF dedicated for a 116-key hotel, and 266,000 SF for a residential building with 235 units (115 will be market-rate units). The remaining 120 units will be reserved at different levels of affordability, including 30% of Area Median Income (AMI), 60% of AMI, and workforce housing. Parcel 8 is designed in a U shape with the open portion of the building facing the Washington Channel. On the north and east “bars” of the building, residential uses will be built, while the hotel will occupy the west “bar.” The east “bar” will be set back at each floor to provide terraces for residents while the west “bar” will do the opposite so each successive floor will cantilever over the lower floor. A covered alley will run in the middle of the building on the first floor, allowing pedestrian and vehicular access, as well as providing for retail entrances on four sides of the building. The design of the building will allow for a large landscaped courtyard facing Wharf Street and the Washington Channel, containing a pool and other amenities for the residential building. The hotel and residential lobbies will be accessed from Wharf Street and will be located on the ground level. 

Parcel 9 

Designed by Rafael Vinoly Architects, Parcel 9 will contain an 82-unit condominium building with about 16,000 SF of ground floor retail. All of the units in the condo building will be market-rate. Its positioning gives the building great visibility for travelers coming west on M Street and due to its proposed height of 130 feet, it will be the tallest building on the east side of District Wharf so boat passengers will see it as they travel north on the Washington Channel. The building is also next to M Street Landing, one of the larger planned open spaces in the Southwest Waterfront redevelopment. There is a curve to the building, which complements the design of Arena Stage located just to the north. 

Parcel 10

Parcel 10 steps down in height from the other parcels in this phase to 60 feet. Designed by Morris Adjmi Architects, the building is planned as an office building with about 60,100 SF of space and 16,200 SF of ground floor retail. Seat steps will be built onto the podium of the building to allow for views down Wharf Street. 

Water Buildings

In addition to the five parcels, there are three water buildings planned for a variety of uses. Water Building 1 will be located adjacent to Parcels 6/7 with a maximum height of 34 feet containing 11,900 SF of space dedicated to retail and maritime uses. 

Water Building 2 will be located on the Wharf promenade next to Parcel 9. It too will be two stories tall with a maximum height of 34 feet. Retail/service uses will be located on both floors of the building, but terraces will be incorporated on the second floor to afford views of the Washington Channel and District Wharf. 

Meanwhile, Water Building 3 is located to the east of Parcel 10. This building will be slightly taller than the others at 38 feet and will contain about 5,000 SF for use by the live-aboards at Gangplank Marina. 

Interspersed throughout the promenade in the final phase of development are kiosks. From the PUD application: 

These outdoor kiosk structures are intended to serve as incubator spaces for small local businesses to try out their retail concepts on a low-risk basis. If successful, the kiosk operators will have an opportunity to move indoors, into one of the spaces reserved throughout of the redevelopment project for unique and local business enterprises. 

New marina docks will be constructed for the live-aboards at the Gangplank Marina. Other open spaces planned include M Street Landing, The Grove, The Terrace, and The Mews. If approved by the Zoning Commission, construction on the last phase of development at District Wharf could start in 2018. Meanwhile, the first phase of development is scheduled to open starting in October and the smaller second phase (including improvements to the Municipal Fish Market and Parcel 1 will be completed by next spring.

SWBID to Move to New Digs

SWBID will soon be moving from their temporary quarters at Arena Stage to the ground floor of Patriots Plaza on 4th Street, across the street from the CFL. The BID has begun ramping up operations since it was formed last year. One of the most visible signs has been the "Clean Team", which can be seen sprucing up the area. Also, new outdoor furniture was installed in the SW lot of Waterfront Station at 4th and M streets, where AYA Markets will return later this spring for their weekly Saturday morning farmers market. The monthly Market SW night market will also be back on the fourth Friday of each month starting on May 27 through October 28. Vendors who are interested in participating can find an application here. Another activation space within the BID will be located at Maryland Avenue and 7th Street, where food trucks gather during lunchtime to feed the thousands of Federal employees who work in the area.

Review of 'The Originalist'

The Originalist, written by John Strand and directed by Arena Stage’s Artistic Director Molly Smith, tells the story of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, a polarizing figure that has been on the court since President Ronald Reagan nominated him during the 1980s. The play takes place during the 2012-13 timeframe and is considered to be historical fiction. Starring Edward Gero as Justice Scalia, the show begins with Scalia giving a talk at Georgetown University, where he is interrupted by Cat (played by Kerry Warren), an aspiring liberal grad that would like to become a clerk – for Justice Scalia. As the show progresses, it’s clear that the two are unevenly matched during their sparring matches – in more ways than one. While Gero’s performance as Justice Scalia is stellar, bringing gravitas to the role, Warren falls flat. Despite the uneven performances, The Originalist is a success due to Gero’s convincing portrayal of the conservative lion of the Court. 

The Originalist has been extended for an unprecedented second time. The show will now run through May 3 at the Kogod Cradle and will return on May 19, running through May 31. Tickets can be purchased here. 

Photo by C. Stanley Photography, courtesy of Arena Stage

Extra Southwest Nights for Arena's 'King Hedley II'

Arena Stage will have extra Southwest Nights for the performance of King Hedley II, starring Bowman Wright and E. Faye Butler. In addition to the original Southwest Night date of February 24 at 7:30pm, the following performances have been added at the discounted rate of $25: 2/6 at 8pm, 2/8 at 7:30 pm, 2/10 at 7:30pm, and 2/11 at 7:30pm. From the media release:

Set in the 1980's Hill District of Pittsburgh, the ninth installment of Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson's acclaimed play cycle examining Black America follows a scarred ex-convict who struggles to turn his life around and lock away his past.

King Hedley II will be at the Fichlander from February 6 - March 8.

About Southwest Nights: 

People who reside or work in Southwest can buy discounted tickets for specially designated Southwest Nights performances of each production. Tickets are $35 for musicals and $25 for non-musicals, plus fees, and patrons may purchase tickets by phone (202-488-3300) or in person (1101 Sixth Street). Proof of Southwest residency or employment for each member of the party must be presented at the time of pick-up. Tickets are based on availability.

Illustration by Douglas Fraser

A Few Quick NYE Items: DC United, SoCap, Fiddler Breaks Record, Topping Off

In one of his final acts before leaving office on January 2, Mayor Gray signed soccer stadium legislation into law yesterday, paving the way for a new stadium for DC United on Buzzard Point. The 20,000-seat stadium will be located at 2nd and R streets, next door to Fort McNair and about three blocks southwest of Nationals Park.

The Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS) for the South Capitol Street Project is now available and public comments can be submitted until February 2. A copy of the SDEIS is also available at the SW Branch Library. Check out JDLand for more details on the recent revisions proposed for the South Capitol Street corridor upgrade, including the reduction in size of the traffic oval planned on the west side of the Anacostia, changing the location of the replacement Frederick Douglass Bridge, and more. There will be a public hearing on January 22 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at Mathews Memorial Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall located at 2616 Martin Luther King Jr, Avenue, SE.

Arena Stage announced this week that Fiddler on the Roof has broken box office records for the SW-based theater. Previously, the record was held by the production of Oklahoma!, which was originally run in 2010 during Arena’s inaugural season back in Southwest and returned for a summer run in 2011. Fiddler’s run has been extended and will now end on January 11, 2015. 

Before the Christmas holiday, a topping off celebration was held at the Hyatt Place/Engine 13 firehouse under construction at 400 E Street. Construction began on the long-awaited project last December and was the subject of my very first post on this blog back in 2008. Delivery of the hotel/firehouse is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2015. In attendance was Mayor-elect Muriel Bowser, who also announced that she has appointed outgoing Ward 6 Council member Tommy Wells as Director of the District Department of the Environment.

A 2014 Year in Review will soon be posted. Happy New Year!

Renderings courtesy of DC United and DDOT; Photo taken by Margot Schulman, courtesy of Arena Stage; webcam image courtesy of Oxblue 

'Fiddler on the Roof' Extends Run

“I think Arena has a hit on their hands!” exclaimed the person sitting next to me at the conclusion of the Opening Night performance of Fiddler on the Roof last month. I think she was right. The popular musical is celebrating its 50th anniversary and Arena’s production was directed by Artistic Director Molly Smith. Fiddler on the Roof takes place in a small Russian village called Anatevka back in 1905 on the eve of the Russian Revolution. It tells the story of a Jewish father struggling to maintain tradition in his family while his daughters are embracing modernity; the story is told in the backdrop of racial and cultural hatred in Russian society against Jews. 

Fiddler stars Jonathan Hadary as patriarch Teyve, who does a superb job of portraying the character’s complexity. The musical numbers are memorable, from ‘Tradition’ to ‘Sunrise, Sunset’, but the one that sticks out in my mind the most is the ‘Wedding Dance’, which is performed near the end of the first act. Spending an evening (or afternoon) to see Fiddler on the Roof is definitely worth your time and its run at Arena Stage has been extended to January 11 at the Fichlander Stage. Tickets start at $50 for select performances and more information is available here. 

Photo taken by Margot Schulman, courtesy of Arena Stage

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Guest Appearance at "Our War" Opening Night

Our War, directed by Anita Maynard-Losh, is a series of monologues written by 25 award-winning American playwrights themed on the U.S. Civil War at Arena Stage. The show is part of the multi-year, multi-city National Civil War project. The monologues are broken into two series: “Stars” and “Stripes” with 18 monologues included in each series. There are a total of 25 monologues, so there is some overlap between the two series. An ensemble of actors read the monologues – Kelly Renee Armstrong, Ricardo Frederick Evans, John Lescault, Tuyet Pham, Lynette Rathnam, and Sara Waisanen. Guest performers include over 30 notable leaders from the District community. 

On Opening Night last Friday, Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the special guest performer and read “That Boy”, which was one of my favorite monologues. Of the 18 monologues performed on Opening Night, I enjoyed “That Boy”, “Context”, “Fourteen Freight Trains”, and “The Grey Rooster” the most. Although some monologues were better than others, overall I thought the idea was well executed. I saw the “Stars” series, but would be interested in seeing “Stripes” as well. 

Our War runs from October 21 until November 9 at the Arlene and Robert Kogod Cradle. Tickets are available here.

'The Shoplifters' Begin Arena's 65th Anniversary Season

The 2014-15 season at Arena Stage is underway with a new comedy from Canadian playwright Morris Panych called The Shoplifters. The four-person cast is led by Tony Award-nominee Jayne Houdyshell as Alma, Delaney Williams who portrays Otto, Jenna Sokolowski as Phyllis and Adi Stein as Dom. As the title of the play implies, it is about a seasoned shoplifter, who along with an accomplice are caught by a rookie security guard. The ensuing dialogue between the four characters reveals societal differences (and similarities) between the haves and have-nots through humor. At about 90 minutes (including intermission), the show goes by very quickly. Although at times it felt like some of the jokes seemed a bit forced, overall I enjoyed The Shoplifters – all four cast members delivered strong performances. My main question is: how many days do those steaks used in the show last before they need to be replaced?  (they are actually fake)

A day after seeing the show, I saw Houdyshell at the Waterfront Station Safeway and was tempted to tell her not to use the five-finger discount, but I resisted the urge to do so. If you’re looking for a good laugh and have 90 minutes to spare, I’d recommend seeing The Shoplifters. Tickets for The Shoplifters are from $45 to $90 and the show will run at the Kreeger Theater until October 19. Unfortunately, Southwest Night already passed for this production since it was on September 9. 

Photo taken by Teresa Wood, courtesy of Arena Stage

'Nonuments Park' Will Soon Take Shape

On Saturday, August 23 from 12pm – 10pm, Washington Project for the Arts (WPA) will host Mud Dance, a free event which will allow the community to help make seating for the Lance Fung-designed Nonuments temporary park, to be built at Waterfront Station on the District-owned NE parcel on 4th Street (and possible location of a new SW branch library) as a part of the 5 x 5 public art project. Nonuments is described as “a temporary sculpture park featuring ‘monuments’ devoted not to the great but to ordinary people, to the ideals of democracy, and to the common struggles of humanity.” The benches will be constructed out of cob (a mixture of mud, straw, and recycled materials) and involves stomping on the mixture, hence the name Mud Dance. WPA asks that Mud Dance participants wear comfortable shoes and clothes that can get muddy. All ages are welcome to attend and there will be music. Food will be served at 12pm and 6pm between cob-making sessions. 

On the same day as the Mud Dance, the name of a DC resident who was chosen by lottery to have their portrait made into a garden at Nonuments Park will be unveiled. Artist Jennifer Wen Ma will create the garden and volunteers are needed to help build it on the following days and times:

• August 23-24: 12pm – 6pm 
• August 25-29: 9am – 1pm and 4pm – 8pm 

The rain date for both events will be on Sunday, August 24. 

Nonuments will be on display this fall and the opening reception will take place at Nonuments Park on September 6 from 11am to 1pm. Check out 5 x 5 for more information on events surrounding Nonuments, Ceremonies of Dark Men at Arena Stage, and other 5 x 5 projects throughout the city. 5 x 5 is a project of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.

Review of "Smokey Joe's Café - The Songs of Lieber and Stoller"

Smokey Joe's Café - The Songs of Lieber and Stoller, directed by Randy Johnson, is a rock, rhythm and blues revue at Arena Stage that has the distinction of being the longest-running revue in Broadway history. The production features Levi Kreis, E. Faye Butler, and Nova Y. Payton, who are joined by Jay Adriel, Austin Colby, Ashley Blair Fitzgerald, Michael J. Mainwaring, Stephawn P. Stephens, and Kara-Tameika Watkins. 

Nearly 40 songs are performed during the two hour show, with old time favorites including "Hound Dog", "Jailhouse Rock", and "Love Potion #9." The performers were energetic throughout the show and engaged with the audience. Three of my favorite performances were "Keep on Rollin'" for its choreography, "Pearl's a Singer," and "Jailhouse Rock", which received a rousing ovation. I thought that the songs featuring Butler were done better when she was able to fully use her strong singing voice, such as the reprisal of "Fools Fall in Love" in the second act. Smokey Joe's Café runs until June 8 at the Fichlander Stage. Tickets are available here. 

Photo by Teresa Wood, courtesy of Arena Stage

Former SEU Campus to Become Actors' Housing

An article in Broadway World offers some details on the plan to develop the former Southeastern University campus at 6th and I streets into actor and apprentice housing for the Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC). The campus was under contract back in October from The Graduate School USA. STC will be partnering with real estate developer Erkiletian Real Estate on the project. From the article:

The Company plans to transform the property into a residence for actor and apprentice housing, rehearsal and performance space, storage for costume and set equipment, education classrooms, and the STC administrative headquarters...In addition to a full public benefits and amenities package to be delivered in conjunction with the redevelopment, [Managing Director Chris] Jennings hopes the new location will foster partnerships with local community organizations and the STC Education department's programming. With the addition of more rehearsal studios and performance spaces, Southwest community members will be able to take advantage of the new location's resources at a reduced rate.

The campus has been vacant since The Graduate School USA absorbed SEU and the university lost its accreditation in 2009. The development will be located two blocks north of Arena Stage and adds another arts component to the 6th and I street corridors, which already has Arena Stage, weekly jazz and blues performances at Westminster, arts programming at Randall Recreation Center, and a planned modern art museum at the former Randall Junior High School.

Update: A Housing Complex article states that the planned residential units will include both market-rate and artists' housing.

Reivew of "Camp David"

Currently making its world premiere at Arena Stage is Camp David, directed by Artistic Director Molly Smith and written by Lawrence Wright. Camp David tells the story of the peace talks that took place during the 13-day meeting in 1978 that President Jimmy Carter (portrayed by Richard Thomas) hosted between Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin (Ron Rifkin) and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat (Khaled Nabawy) at the presidential retreat, nestled in the Cacoctin Mountain Park in Maryland. Hallie Foote (who portrays Rosalynn Carter) rounds out the cast, along with U.S. Marines that make a cameo. 

Humor helps lighten the mood of a production that deals with a very serious topic – peace talks between Israel and Egypt, with Rosalynn Carter’s character providing the most comic relief. The turning point in the tense negotiations between Begin and Sadat is when Carter takes the pair to Gettysburg and each recite portions of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. History buffs will especially enjoy Camp David, since TV and movie producer Gerald Rafshoon, who was White House communications director during the summit, was the producer.  I thoroughly enjoyed Camp David, and recommend you see it soon. Camp David runs through May 4 in the Kreeger Theater. Tickets are available here. 

Photo by Teresa Wood, courtesy of Arena Stage

A Few Thursday Morning Quick Items: Channel Inn Closing, Job Fair, Tiber Island

The Channel Inn, along with Pier 7 restaurant will be closing for good on March 31 to become the temporary headquarters of the construction team of The Wharf and the temporary home of the Capital Yacht Club.  Ahead of the closing date, Ward 6 Council member Tommy Wells will host a Legacy Celebration this Saturday from 7-9pm.  After the Channel Inn and Pier 7 closes, everything will be sold at auction on April 21. 

The DC Job Fair will be held tomorrow at Arena Stage, in partnership with Ward 6 Council member Tommy Wells' office. This will be the third job fair held at Arena since the first was held in conjunction with its production of Good People in early 2013. Recruiting companies onsite March 28 will include Athena Consulting, Big Bus Tours, Clark Construction, CLP Resources, Forest City Washington, Keany Produce, Safeway, Specialty Hospital of Washington, Trusted Solutions, United States Secret Service, U.S. Army and U.S. Postal Service. Non-profit employment organization Jobs Have Priority (JHP) will also be onsite to assist attendees with the employment search and application process.A full list of recruiting companies can be found here.

A power struggle is underway at Tiber Island, as chronicled in The Washington Post. It stems from the renovations that have occurred in the property and disagreements with how the community should be run, which is located adjacent to The Wharf.

"Mother Courage and Her Children" Ends on Sunday!

This weekend is your last chance to see Kathleen Turner as Mother Courage in Bertolt Brecht's Mother Courage and Her Children at Arena Stage, directed by Artistic Director Molly Smith. Turner gives a powerful performance as the "tough as nails" matriarch who struggles to keep her children and business alive during the 30 Years War.  Nicholas Rodriguez (from The Light at the Piazza, Oklahoma! and My Fair Lady) plays the eldest son Eilif, Nehal Josef (from Señor Discretion Himself, Oklahoma! and The Music Man) plays Swiss Cheese, and Erin Weaver (in her Arena Stage debut) portrays Kattrin.

At two hours and 30 minutes, the performance seems a bit long, but still worth the time to go see if you can. There are two performances today and two tomorrow in the Fichlander Stage. Tickets are available here.

Photo by Teresa Wood, courtesy of Arena Stage

Review of "The Tallest Tree in the Forest"

The world premiere of Daniel Beatty’s The Tallest Tree in the Forest at Arena Stage tells the story of Paul Robeson, who in his time was the most famous African American entertainer in the United States. Robeson was an All-American football player at Rutgers and attended Columbia Law School. Made famous by his performance in the musical Showboat in London and in Othello, Robeson quickly rose to stardom. He was referred to as "The Tallest Tree in the Forest" at the height of his career. Controversy swirled around him though, when he was suspected of being a communist during the early days of the Cold War. Robeson's fame, fortune, and influence dwindled once he was blacklisted. Beatty’s one man performance was energetic and riveting - his storytelling is a mix of song and prose. I’d recommend seeing this show before this show ends on February 16. 

The Tallest Tree in the Forest runs until February 16 in the Kreeger Theater and is directed by Moisés Kaufman. Tickets are available here.

Photo by Don Ipock, courtesy of Arena Stage

Arena Stage Receives 10 Helen Hayes Nominations

Nominations for the 30th Annual Helen Hayes Awards were announced on Monday and Arena Stage productions received 10 nominations. Leading the pack with five nominations is The Mountaintop, followed by Good People and Maurice Hines is Tappin' Thru Life, each receiving two nominations. Mary T. & Lizzy K. received one nomination. Below is a list of categories for which these productions received nominations:

Outstanding Director, Resident Play

- Robert O'Hara, The Mountaintop

Outstanding Choreography, Resident Musical

- Maurice Hines, Maurice Hines is Tappin' Thru Life

Outstanding Music Direction, Resident Production

- Dr. Sherrie Maricle, Maurice Hines is Tappin' Thru Life

Outstanding Set Design, Resident Production

 - Clint Ramos, The Mountaintop

Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production

- Merrily Murray-Walsh, Mary T. & Lizzy K.

Outstanding Sound Design, Resident Production

- Lindsay Jones, The Mountaintop 

Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Play

- Johanna Day, Good People

- Joaquina Kalukango, The Mountaintop

Outstanding Resident Play

- Good People

- The Mountaintop

This year's Helen Hayes Awards will take place on April 21 at the National Building Museum.

Photo taken by Scott Suchman, courtesy of Arena Stage

Review of "Maurice Hines is Tappin' Thru Life"

Maurice Hines is Tappin' Thru Life, directed by Jeff Calhoun, tells the story of Maurice and Gregory Hines, who began performing together when they were children. Joining Maurice Hines on stage is the DIVA Jazz Orchestra, as well as two sets of tap-dancing brothers - John and Leo Manzari and Max and Sam Heimowitz. Hines does not hold back in telling the story of his rise to stardom, for instance, he describes through song, dance, and prose how black entertainers were treated in Las Vegas during the 1950s. The Hines brothers and other black entertainers were not allowed to perform in hotels along the Strip, but were relegated to other hotels in the city. Hines tells a story of a famous black entertainer who went in a swimming pool and when she was finished with her swim, hotel management drained and cleaned the pool. While the music in the show was popular with my parents' generation (Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Lena Horne, Judy Garland, etc.), my feet did tap from time to time with some of the songs. Hines engages the audience and it shows that he truly enjoys every moment of the performance. At 70+ years old, Hines still has some moves!

Maurice Hines is Tappin' Thru Life at Arena Stage is being performed at the Kreeger Theater and ends on December 29. Tickets are still available and range from $50 to $99.

Photo by Teresa Wood, courtesy of Arena Stage

A Couple Upcoming Events

The DC Job Fair will be held tomorrow at Arena Stage (1101 6th Street).  This is the second time that Ward 6 Council Member Tommy Wells has hosted a job fair with Arena Stage.  According to Wells' website, companies onsite will include Bank of America, City Year, Comcast, Community Services Foundation, DC Department of Human Resources (DCHR), DC Water, Dress for Success, Forest City, Giant, Safeway, Specialty Hospital of Washington, Strive DC, UnitedHealthcare, United Planning Organization (UPO), Unity Health Care, U.S. Army, U.S. Office of Personnel Management and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. The DC Job Fair will be held from 10am to 2pm.

Over at the Southwest Duck Pond at 6th and I streets, the PAWS of Southwest have partnered with the Neighbors of Southwest Duck Pond to host an event to celebrate Veteran's Day on Saturday. There will be a Patriotic Pet Parade, judged by local veterans, along with music and light refreshments. Pet owners should arrive at noon and the parade will begin at 1pm. Patriotic costumes are encouraged for dogs and their owners.

Review of "Love in Afghanistan"

 

The world premiere of Charles Randolph-Wright’s Love in Afghanistan, directed by Lucie Tiberghien, has made its debut at Arena Stage. Love in Afghanistan takes place on a military base in Kabul where an American rapper who comes to the country to perform for the troops falls in love with an Afghan interpreter. Melis Aker plays Roya the interpreter; Khris Davis portrays the rapper named Duke; Joseph Kamal is Roya’s father Sayeed and Dawn Ursula plays Duke’s British-Jamaican mother Desiree. 

The love story seemed forced and the lack of chemistry between the two main characters was evident. If anything, the tryst between Sayeed and Desiree seemed more authentic. The best part of the show was toward the end of the first act and the beginning of the second act, but the rest of the performance was forgettable. Desiree’s character provided some comic relief and for the most part this task was accomplished, but again, the lines seemed forced and not natural. This love story in a faraway land was not properly executed in my opinion.  

Love in Afghanistan runs until November 17 in the Arlene and Robert Kogod Cradle and tickets are between $40 - $90.

Photo by Teresa Wood, courtesy of Arena Stage