McLean: Joy, Tears and Laughter
“Broadway Bound” from Neil Simon at 1st Stage.
A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, “Broadway Bound” is a treasure from the fertile mind of Tony Award winning playwright Neil Simon. Under the fine, perceptive direction of Shirley Serotsky, “Broadway Bound” is a remarkable production full of family love and pain with plenty of humor.
McLean: Androids Arrive at Alden Theatre
McLean Community Players present ‘Comic Potential.’
How timely in this day-and-age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that the McLean Community Players present the area premiere of the romantic comedy “Comic Potential.” The comedy centers on an android that seems to have human potential. Written by Alan Ayckbourne, the play was first produced in 1998 long before artificial intelligence was anywhere near what it is today.
McLean: Tough Ethical Choices
1st Stage brings “Lobby Hero” to full life.
Convincing performances including a torrent of words award audiences with a shifting tale of humor, subtlety and rough edges in 1st Stage’s top-notch take on “Lobby Hero,” a rarely performed play by Kenneth Lonergan. It is a complicated, brash world that Longeran created; a world of people living on quicksand, where false moves are easy to make, especially when not well thought through.
McLean: Alden’s New Season Opens With Martha Graham Dance Company
True to its moniker, “small stage, big talent,” McLean’s Alden Theatre new 2016-2017 professional performances season takes off with the world renowned Martha Graham Dance Company.
Fairfax Symphony Celebrating 60th Season
Orchestra deepens community ties.
Sixty years and counting. Since 1956, the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra has been a leading orchestra, while remaining committed to community involvement.
Cirque du Soleil magical ‘Kurios’ Under the Big Top at Tysons II
The dazzling, fantastic world of Cirque du Soleil’s “Kurios – Cabinet of Curiosities” will be under the famous blue-and-yellow Cirque du Soleil Big Top at Tysons II.
McLean: ‘Footloose’ coming to Alden Stage
McLean Community Players present musical July 8-24.
School is out for the summer with vacations coming, but the McLean Community Players (MCP) take on the musical “Footloose” will give local audiences a reason to have a “staycation.”
Theater with Punch
1st Stage’s “Floyd Collins”; Original, stunning musical.
A daring musical awaits patrons at 1st Stage Theater. It is the award-winning, rarely produced, “Floyd Collins.”
Tysons’ 1st Stage Wins Major Theater Honor
Lolita Marie received the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Play.
McLean: A Family Musical Starring Poultry
‘Chicken Dance’ comes to the Alden Theater, McLean Community Center.
Light-hearted musical silliness from colorful family fare will soon arrive at the McLean Community Center.
McLean: Zingers and Slammed Doors Galore
McLean Community Players present “Unnecessary Farce.”
A happily buoyant McLean Community Players (MCP) cast and crew described what audiences can expect at the uproarious production of the award-winning “Unnecessary Farce.”
1st Stage’s Presents “Proof
A disarming production
In a satisfying character driven play about the fragility of the mind, rich with intriguing dialogue about genius and fears of mental illness, 1st Stage has created a disarming production of “Proof.”
McLean: Carnival Ride of Entertainment
New York Neo Futurists at the Alden
Headlined by Mike Puckett, a 2008 Centreville High School graduate, the New York Neo Futurists return to the Alden by audience demand.
1st Stage Receives Six Helen Hayes Nominations
The Helen Hayes Awards, now in its 32nd year, recognizes outstanding achievement in more than 90 professional theatres across the Washington metropolitan area, including Northern Virginia.
Haunting Wounded Souls, Interconnected Lives
For those seeking out a singular achievement into unapologetic mature themed theater, 1st Stage’s production of “When the Rain Stops Falling” will etch itself into audience thrall.
‘1776’ the musical arriving at the Alden
"I have come to the conclusion that one useless man is called a disgrace, that two are called a law firm, and that three or more become a congress.
Shakespeare at Alden
Alden Theatre welcomes American Shakespeare Center and ‘Brush Up Your Shakespeare.’
Back by popular demand the American Shakespeare Center (ASC) on Tour brings its unique hallmark to William Shakespeare performances at the Alden Theatre.
Timeless Yuletide Classic
Alden Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol,” a musical from Virginia’s Theater IV.
“We wanted to present a quality holiday program with fun music for families with younger children to enjoy”, said Kathleen Herr, director of youth programs, McLean Community Center.
Charming “Harvey” from 1st Stage
Screwball comedy with terrific performances.
With impeccable comic mastery, 1st Stage has produced a priceless, crisp “Harvey,” the 1945 Pulitzer Prize winning play written by Mary Chase.
Provocative, Edgy Humor Comes to McLean
‘Big and Tall’ come to the Alden Theatre.
Late night, cheeky stand-up comedy, with plenty of sharp pointed takes on contemporary times will be front-and-center at the Alden Theatre.
1st Stage Presents 'Now Comes the Night'
Crackling dialogue, powerful ideas and well-crafted artistry describe “Now Comes the Night” written by award-winning E.M. Lewis now playing at 1st Stage.
Providence Players Open the Season with 'Calendar Girls'
Opening its 18th season, the Providence Players are in a heartfelt, uplifting comic mood presenting “Calendar Girls.”
McLean: ‘Calendar Girls’ on Alden Stage
“We are a show about a sisterhood of women in a bonded group; thinking and doing what others didn’t expect,” said Diane Sams, co-producer and a featured actor in the upcoming McLean Community Players production of Tim Firth’s “Calendar Girls.”
Contemporary Rock Musical Retelling
McLean Community Players to present “Jesus Christ Superstar.”
“A provocative musical story about issues surrounding who can we trust and believe,” said Anne Norland describing “Jesus Christ Superstar,” the McLean Community Players (MCP) summer production.
Absorbing Examination of Human Nature
“The Good Counselor” presented at 1st Stage.
If you are seeking out magnetic theater that deals with unsettling, yet real-life, family issues and a search for the truth, make your way to 1st Stage. Under the confident, wise direction of Alex Levy, Kathryn Grant’s award winning “The Good Counselor” is an evening of riveting performances.
McLean Community Players to Present 'Barefoot in the Park'
Sweet innocence is arriving as “Barefoot in the Park” makes a rare appearance, courtesy of the McLean Community Players (MCP). Written by Neil Simon, one of America’s premiere comic writers, the play centers on an unlikely newlywed couple moving into a tiny fifth-floor walk-up apartment in New York City.
‘Old Wicked Songs’ at Tysons 1st Stage
Masterful production to run through May 3 at Tysons.
High accolades are due for the 1st Stage production of “Old Wicked Songs,” a play powered by a heart-tugging premise, precise high-caliber acting, with an evocative set and piano music from composer Robert Schumann that opens anyone’s heart to tenderness.
‘A Legendary Celebration’ in McLean
Dancer, actress and singer Chita Rivera to perform at the Alden Theatre on Feb. 24.
A legendary talent will soon arrive at the Alden Theatre to entertain and enthrall; the incomparable dancer, actress and singer Chita Rivera. In her six decade career, Rivera has been honored with two Tony Awards as Best Leading Actress in a Musical and six additional Tony nominations, received a Kennedy Center Honor for her lifetime contributions to American culture and a Presidential Medal of Freedom among many honors.
Exploring the Truth, Doubt and Consequences
1st Stage presents “Doubt.”
1st Stage has given audiences a beautifully accomplished, soaring production of “Doubt, a Parable.” Directed by Michael Dove, “Doubt” is a courageous act of intellectual and emotional honesty that is rare in its presentation of power, gender and ambiguity. It is rich in passionate dialogue to hold your attention.
Cheery and Cheeky Humor Coming to the Alden
“A Kodachrome Christmas” at the Alden Theatre, Dec. 19-21.
Take a sleigh ride of speeding fun with the “Queen of Rural Media” this holiday season as "A Kodachrome Christmas" barrels into the Alden Theatre at McLean Community Center. "Kodachrome" is written by Pat Hazell who wooed audiences last year with his "The Wonder Bread Years."
Bye Bye Cares and Woes
‘One Man, Two Guvnors’ in area premiere at 1st Stage.
In a world that can be way too stressful and sober, 1st Stage brings a carnival of rowdy fun and silly jabber. This is the area premiere of the recent Tony Award winning, "One Man, Two Guvnors." It is most definitely a guilty pleasure of escapism.
Beyond Limitations
Connecting with contemporary dance at the Alden with Christopher K. Morgan.
No need to travel far to see a performance of the best in the professional contemporary dance. It is right here at McLean's Alden Theater, as Alden's resident Contemporary Dance Company Christopher K. Morgan & Artists (CKM&A) returns.
McLean's Unruly Theatre Opens for Business
Teen troupe to present anti-bullying play.
The Unruly Theatre Project (UTP), a new professional teen theater troupe, has been established in McLean.
Area Premiere of Whodunit Farce
McLean Community Players present ‘The Game's Afoot.’
Be the first in Northern Virginia to see the prolific D.C. area playwright and Helen Hayes Award recipient Ken Ludwig's farcical whodunit, "The Game's Afoot, or Holmes for the Holidays." It is receiving its area premiere from the McLean Community Players.
'Guys and Dolls’ Hitting the Alden Stage
McLean Community Players to present the musical theater classic.
"Guys and Dolls" producer Terry Yates added: "You will be humming when you leave the theater after the show, the songs are so great." So, get ready to have "Guys and Dolls" ring your bell.
A Delight With a Message
‘Bat Boy: The Musical’ at 1st Stage.
There is a charming, big-hearted, rock musical with a message of tolerance and acceptance having a highly appealing production at Tysons' 1st Stage.
Comic Satire With a Big Heart
‘The Cripple of Inishmaan’ at the 1st Stage.
Tysons' 1st Stage is giving audiences a terrific evening's entertainment with a talented, engaging cast. The 1st Stage "The Cripple of Inishmaan" is a gem of a production.
‘Carmen’ Comes to Area
Virginia Opera brings "Carmen" to Center for the Arts.
Virginia Opera, the Official Opera Company of the Commonwealth of Virginia, will present Georges Bizet’s sultry tragedy about opera’s most famous femme fatale, "Carmen." The opera has enthralled audiences for more than a century and is one of the most popular. "Carmen" follows Don José and his ill-fated obsession with the alluring Carmen who tosses him aside for another man leading to jealous rage.
‘Must-see’ Absurd Nonsense
1st Stage presents ‘Noises Off.’
Good news. The cure for doldrums or just a plain-old bad mood is here. It is playing at 1st Stage, where a merry, talented band of actors take the audience on a frenetic, joyful, ride into the farce "Noises Off." The actors literally throw themselves into the production. They are unselfconsciously fearless in their pratfalls, spot-on with their comic timing and bring on a happy, silly bliss.
Childhood Happiness Remembered
Pat Hazell in "The Wonder Bread Years" at the Alden.
Finding your childhood sense of wonder again is what the "The Wonder Bread Years" is all about. It is a one-man performance combining stand-up comedy and theater. It was written by and stars one of the original writers of the “Seinfeld” show, Pat Hazell.
Artistic Talents Unlocked
Stimulating “The Pitmen Painters” at 1st stage.
"When and Where" 1st Stage presents "The Pitmen Painters" at 1524 Spring Hill Road, Tysons Corner. Performances: Now thru Oct. 13: Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets: General admission: $27. Seniors $22. Students and Military $15. Visit: www.1ststagetysons.org or 703-854-1856. Note: Appropriate for ages 12 and up. Note: Want to know: http://www.ashingtongroup.co.uk/home.html.
Celebrating Diversity Through Music
The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) will be presenting bilingual master classes and outreach presentations at various Fairfax County venues.
With grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Arts Council of Fairfax County, the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) will be presenting bi-lingual master classes and outreach presentations at various Fairfax County venues in the coming weeks.
Love Story Set Against a Wartime Backdrop
McLean Community Players present “Time Stands Still.”
"When I look through that little rectangle... time stops... all the noise around me... everything cuts out. And all I see... is the picture." But what happens when a wounded wartime photographer comes home? What's next in a life and a relationship based upon the passion and excitement that wartime can bring? Can a normal family life be enough? According to veteran director Jessie Roberts, "the playwright, Donald Margulies, explores love and friendship against a backdrop of the moral dilemma of journalists and photo-journalists who record wars, famines and genocide without intervening to affect the outcome of what they are reporting.
McLean High Student Wins Idol Competition
Alexander Stone of McLean received top honors in the 2013 Signature Theatre Idol competition on Aug. 3 at the Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre's annual Open House held in Arlington. Stone is a rising junior at McLean High School. The annual Signature Idol competition searches for talented, undiscovered singers in the DC metropolitan area. It is held in conjunction with the Signature Theatre Open House. For his first competition entry, Stone presented “In These Skies,” from the musical "Ace." Judges selected Stone to participate in the competition’s final round where he presented “Prayer” from "The Scarlet Pimpernel." The competition judges were Signature Theatre Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer, Broadway’s Tony Award nominee Carolee Carmello and WETA’s Robert Aubry Davis. Sarah Ann Sillers of Potomac, Md. was the runner-up.
A Shear Madness of an Evening
1st Stage presents "Blithe Spirit" by Noel Coward.
Light-hearted fare has arrived at Tysons 1st Stage in the guise of Noel Coward's 1941 hit, "Blithe Spirit." It is a lovely dessert-like confection of escapist froth and meringue. But its age—it was written during the "keep calm and carry on" times of the London Blitz of World War II—is beginning to show even under the assured direction of Lee Mikeska Gardner.
‘Rumors’ Arriving at the Alden
McLean Community Players are bringing “Rumors,” a Neil Simon farce.
The word farce conjures up frenetic energy, slamming doors, any number of wacky situations and characters to match. To rid audiences of any remaining winter blues or general funk, the McLean Community Players are bringing "Rumors," a Neil Simon farce about the upwardly mobile, professional classes to the Alden stage.
Some Crimes Never Fade Away
‘Never the Sinner’ at 1st Stage.
It was the "trial of the century" that mesmerized the nation in 1924. Two teenage college students, Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, went on trial for the murder of a 14-year-old boy. They were defended by the most famous defense lawyer of the day, Clarence Darrow. These facts and the ultimate outcomes are easily found on Wikipedia.
A Pleasing Romantic Comedy
1st Stage presents ‘Italian American Reconciliation.’
The pedigree of playwright John Patrick Shanley is top notch; he was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for his play "Doubt" and won an Oscar for the screen play for "Moonstruck." His "Italian American Reconciliation," now playing at 1st Stage in Tysons, will not disappoint.
McLean Community Players Receive Seven WATCH Nominations
The McLean Community Players have been nominated for seven Washington Area Community Honors (WATCH) for artistic and technical excellence in Community Theater.
Provocative Lyrics, Rock Score
McLean Community Players present award-winning musical “next to normal
Where and When McLean Community Players present "next to normal" at the Alden Theatre, McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean. Performances: Feb. 1-16, 2013, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets: $18-$20. Call 703-790-0123 or visit www.mcleanplayers.org. Note: Mature themes and language, most suitable for ages 15 and up.