Holiday lights still gleam in Centreville at NOVA Park

There's more than just lights at the 2023 Bull Run Festival of Lights/By Patricia Leslie

 At the 2023 Bull Run Festival of Lights/By Patricia Leslie

 At the 2023 Bull Run Festival of Lights/By Patricia Leslie

You've still got time to pile up a carful and drive through NovaPark's Festival of Lights in Centreville with a discount of $10 to get you in cheap ($20) this last weekend, if you order online.

The show starts at 5:30 p.m. with the last admittance at 10 p.m.

At the 2023 Bull Run Festival of Lights/By Patricia Leslie

At the 2023 Bull Run Festival of Lights/By Patricia Leslie

Toy soldiers welcome visitors to Toyland at the 2023 Bull Run Festival of Lights/By Patricia Leslie

Take a look at these beautiful colors and designs to make a festive tradition for you and yours along this 2.5 mile stretch.

If you've ever been to the East Building at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, this will remind you of the gateway to the cafeteria. At the 2023 Bull Run Festival of Lights/By Patricia Leslie

At the 2023 Bull Run Festival of Lights/By Patricia Leslie

At the Holiday Market when the lights display ends, a mother and son pack food treats for holiday-goers to buy and feed the animals, one of whom is "Mac," a baby kangaroo which lies comfortably in the pouch held by the man who sleeps with it!!! My, what big ears you have! (For the person who has everything, a kangaroo pouch.) At the Holiday Market at the 2023 Bull Run Festival of Lights/By Patricia Leslie

"Hey, what in the world is this?" seems to be on the mind of the toddler at the Holiday Market at the 2023 Bull Run Festival of Lights/By Patricia Leslie

"Baaaaa...baaaa," says the wee one.  "I'll take some of that!"  At the Holiday Market at the 2023 Bull Run Festival of Lights/By Patricia Leslie

"Wait just a minute!" says the black and white horned goat: "I don't mind stepping over my pal here to get some of the grub which must be for me!!" At the Holiday Market, the 2023 Bull Run Festival of Lights/By Patricia Leslie

"Gulp, gulp," says the camel:  "I'll have some of that, please." At the Holiday Market, the 2023 Bull Run Festival of Lights/By Patricia Leslie

The Holiday Market is found at the end of the drive, complete with animals to feed, like a camel, sheep, llamas, and more.

If you've missed the dates, there's always next year to insert this tradition in your new 2024 calendar beginning in November.

Enjoy, whether this weekend or next Christmas! 

What: Bull Run Festival of Lights

When:  Ending Jan. 7, 2024 at 10 p.m.

Where: 7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville, VA 20121

How much:  Online, $30/carload (use promo code extra 23 to get $10 off online), $40/carload at the gate; $75/bus or those with 15 or more. (Transaction fee and tax, not included.)

For more information:  703-631-0550 or email  bull_run@nvrpa.org

patricialesli@gmail.com

A play for all seasons: Folger's 'Winter's Tale'

Hermione (Antoinette Crowe-Legacy) and Polixenes (Drew Kopas) talk stayovers in Folger Theatre's The Winter Tale; Brittany Diliberto, photo

Shakespeare is alive and well at the newly renovated Folger Theatre, inaugurated by one of the master's so-called "problem plays," simply defined as a mixture of drama and comedy, a "tragicomedy," the latter scattered throughout The Winter's Tale.

Sex, murder, and (surprise!) a love triangle  take center stage as the jealous King Leontes (Hadi Tabbal) falsely accuses his wife, the pregnant Hermione (Antoinette Crowe-Legacy) of infidelity with his best friend, Polixenes (Drew Kopas), king of Bohemia.

King Leontes sends his wife to prison for her supposed infidelity where she dies after giving birth to Perdita. 

Grief stricken over the death of his mother causes Leontes and Hermione's beloved son, Mamillius (Richard Bradford and/or Clarence Michael Payne) to fall ill and die, one of the play's tragedies.

But back to the baby whom King Leontes proceeds to exile in what turns out to be, yep, Bohemia, where she is raised by shepherds for sixteen years and falls in love with the son of Leontes's friend, who is - surprise!- Polixenes.  

When Perdita (Kayleandra White) returns home, a statue of Hermione miraculously "comes to life," and everyone is reconciled for another of the master's happy endings. (Shakespeare has a way of tying all the loose ends together for what is a story with a happy ending in the middle? Not a good one!)

When Hermione's friend, Paulina (Kate Eastwood Norris) tries to persuade the king of his irrationality, one wishes that Pauline's words prevailed in today's political discourse: 

The silence often of pure innocence

Persuades when speaking fails.

his stay in Sicilia.
King Leontes (Hadi Tabbel) talks evil with Camillo (Cody Nickell) in Folger Theatre's The Winter Tale; Brittany Diliberto, photohis st

The powerful performance of Hadi Tabbal as King Leontes is dramatic with delivery and actions which easily command every scene he's in, as it should be. 

At the end when all the living players are united, and Hermione comes alive from her statuesque position to enchant her husband all over again, there is much rejoicing and good cheer. 

Shakespeare even tries to assuage Paulina's sorrow over the death of her husband, Antigonus (Stephen Patrick Martin), who has been killed by a bear while sleeping on the Bohemian beach to protect the infant, by marrying Camillo (Cody Nickell). (You have to be there.)

(One of the marvels of the show was Crowe-Legacy's ability to stand silently without movement for several minutes like the statue she was, and my proximity to the stage allowed me to view her closely.) 

The Winter's Tale is one for all seasons for it kept me going all night without my breaking into slumber which usually is my condition around the second act.

Raul Abrego, Jr.'s minimalist scenic design detracts none from the action and dialogue, often seized by the whimsy of Autolycus (Reza Salazar) who periodically shows off his shiny new bicycle with a radio to streak across the stage and into the background (with sound).

Costume designer Sarah Cubbage mixes up the old with the new which fits Autolycus's antics just fine.

All's well that ends well which it does here for we like happy endings, especially at this time of year! Thank you, Folger and Shakespeare.

Other cast members are Nicholas Gerwitz, Jonathan Del Palmer, and Sabrina Lynne Sawyer.

 

The creative team included Tamilla Woodard, director;  Chelsea Dean, properties; Max Doolittle, lighting; Matthew M. Nielson, sound and composer.

Also, Kaja Dunn, intimacy; Joya Powell, choreographer; LaShawn Melton, hair and wigs; Michele Osherow, dramaturg; Lisa Nathans, vocal coach; Leigh Robinette and Taylor Kiechlin, production stage managers; Kacie Pimentel, assistant stage manager; Shana Laski, assistant director; and Tara-Whitney Rison, assistant to the director.

Folger's Winter's Tale is one of 12 different Shakespeare productions in the District's  Shakespeare Everywhere Festival, some performed through the end of the year.

(It always benefits me to read a summary of the play before I see it, rather like reading up on a country's history and culture before I visit it.)  

What: The Winter's Tale by William Shakespeare

When: Now through Dec.17, 2023

Where: Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol Street, SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

Tickets: Buy online, by phone (202-544-7077), or at the box office.

Metro station: Capitol South or Union Station

For more information: 202-544-4600 or info@folger.edu

Duration:  2.5 hours with one 15-minute intermission

patricialesli@gmail.com

Alexandria's 'Young Frankenstein,' the hit of the season!

 

Dr. "Fronkensteen" (Noah Mutterperl) and Inga (Claire Jeffrey) take a buggy ride in Young Frankenstein at Little Theatre of Alexandria/Photo by Matt Liptak

Attention, theater lovers and others: rush, do not tarry, but go straight to the Little Theatre of Alexandria‘s website for tickets for Young Frankenstein, if there are any tickets left. You can send me thanks later.

It's a hoot!

A delight!

Lots of fun throughout the night! 

Love makes the hair of Elizabeth (Liz Colandene) stand on end when she mixes it up with the Monster (Joshua Nettinga) in Young Frankenstein at Little Theatre of Alexandria/Photo by Matt Liptak

Although billed as an adult comedy, the matters at hand go by so swiftly, youngsters of all ages will enjoy the music, the action, the costumes without getting too caught up in the fast-paced adult themes.

It's the work, music and lyrics of Mel Brooks (still kickin') just so you know you're in for a good time.

The story centers on the inheritance of a spooky castle in Transylvania by Frederick Frankenstein (Noah Mutterperl), the grandson of the celebrated monster scientist of the same last name (Joshua Nettinga).

Frederick (who insists on being called Dr. "Fronkensteen" to separate himself as much as possible from his famous ancestor), needs to sell his new castle quickly so he can return home to the arms of his fiancee, the gifted (in real life) singer, Elizabeth (Liz Colandene).

Off he ventures to see his grandfather's castle and find out just what his grandfather did.

Along the way he meets a humpback, Igor (Joshua Redford) and a lab assistant, Inga (Claire Jeffrey), no relation (we don't think) a young lass who yodels and whose presence, alas, takes Dr. Fronkensteen's mind from Elizabeth as much as he tries to keep the faithful.

Together they all recreate his grandfather's monster who comes alive, escapes into the town and later meets up with Elizabeth who has suddenly arrived in town to find her fiance mixing it up with Inga. 

Alass!

Meanwhile, the townspeople are going  mad.

That Redford was able to maintain his stooped back and moving hump through the show is a marvel. Inga's playful innocence and gestures are perfect for the role and hear! hear! to those ninnying horses who don't care too much for she "vas his girlfriend," the grandfather's totally serious amour (Judy Lewis) who was able to make the good doctor rise from the dead.

Nettinga's stalk and enormous height with his makeup (by Natalie Turkevich) match all the visuals you may have mentally stored for decades.

The rich sounds of music from the hidden 10-member orchestra under the direction of Francine Krasowska and Christopher A. Tomasino make the show all the more enjoyable.

There's lots more to make the evening one of solid entertainment.

Give me laughs!

Make me smile and let's talk about the show to all who'll lend me an ear!

Other cast members are: James Maxted (the Hermit), Brian Ash (the Inspector), and ensemble members,
Daria Butler, Emily Carbone, Andrew Edwards, Louis, Eggleston, Odette Gutierrez del Arroyo, Patrick Kearney, Evie Korovesis (also dance captain), Luke Martin, James Nugent, and Lourdes Turnblom.

Congratulations to director Frank D. Shutts II who has outdone himself!

Additional crew members are Sherry Clark and Rob Cork, stage managers; Robert S. Barr, Jr., set design; Mike Taister, set decoration; Donna Reynolds, properties; Ken and Patti Crowley, lighting and special effects; Allan Wray, sound; Jean Schlichting and Kit Sibley, costumes; Robert Worthington, wardrobe coordinator; Kadira, Coley, hair and wigs; and Kathy Murphy, set painting and design. 

Music and lyrics by Mel Brooks who co-wrote the book with Thomas Meehan.
Rachel Alberts and Russell M. Wyland, producers. Stefan Sittig, choreographer

When: Now through Nov. 11, 2023, Wednesday - Saturday nights, 8 p.m.

Where: Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Tickets: $29 (Wed.- Fri.), $37 (Sat.). Prices includes fees.

Audience: General

Duration: About 2 hours with one 15 minute intermission

Public transportation: Check the Metro and Dash bus websites. Dash is free to ride and has routes which are close to LTA.

Parking: is free on streets and at Capital One Bank at Wilkes and Washington streets, a block away. Paid parking is available at nearby garages.


For more information: 

 Box Office: 703-683-0496; Main Office, 703-683-5778 or boxoffice@thelittletheatre.com.

patricialesli@gmail.com

Vienna's charming 'Golden Pond'

 

Carolyn Corsano Wong is Ethel, Michael Mehaffey is Norman, and Matteo Hope (on floor) is Billy in Vienna Theatre Company's On Golden Pond/Shayne Gardner, photo

Norman is a grumpy old man. He’s nearing the end of his life, almost 80, and what’s it worth anyway? Life is no fun.

He’s fortunate to have a cheering, enthusiastic wife, Ethel, who’s always helping and encouraging him to look on the bright side of things, why doncha for a change?

After all, here they are again at their lovely summer home in Maine with outdoor scenery to match what surely must be heaven with tall, sweeping pines to reach the clouds, trees which edge the shoreline of the lake whose water movements do seem to wave every now and then (in a set design by Vincent Worthington).

The scene offers beauty and serenity as peaceful as anyone can imagine (to contrast with friction between dad and child soon to screen).

This environment is all part of On Golden Pond presented by the Vienna Theatre Company at the Vienna Community Center, the play certain to remind those of a certain age of the 1981 movie by the same name which followed the play and starred Jane Fonda with her father, Henry Fonda, and Katherine Hepburn, the daughter and father experiencing their own interpersonal struggles in real life.

At the show, nothing seems to be working right now for Norman (Michael Mehaffey), not even that confounded screened door, constantly falling off its hinges, much like Norman himself.

"We're not getting any younger, Ethel!"

Hold it!

Well here comes their daughter, Chelsea (Deena Walter) stopping by to wish her old man a happy birthday, accompanied by her fiancé, Bill (Will Jarred) who's towing his teenaged son, Billy (Matteo Hope).

"Oh, say! Mom and Dad, would you mind watching Billy for a few days while we take off for Europe?"

Gulp, sure daughter, not exactly what we had in mind for our stay here, but whatever makes you happy! Don't mind us.

Turns out, Billy is the gift that keeps on giving, who turns Norman's key to more spring in his step. While the lovebirds are off galavanting across the pond, Billy and Norman are developing their own repartee which becomes the subject of envy when Chelsea returns to Maine and tries to improve her relationship with her dad who's a tad lost.

Director Terri Ritchey has no trouble convincing the audience that Mehaffey's droll and gait make him certifiably "old," while his mate, the energetic and sunny Carolyn Corsano Wong, shines as the opposite.

Zell Murphy is the longtime friend and postman, Charlie, who drops in every so often to reminisce about old times and lighten the mood which, like life, has its ups and downs.
Shayne Gardner is the dynamic telephone operator.

Whatever your age and your spirits, they will be brightened by the message found at this summer home: To count your blessings, hug your loved ones, and celebrate each day as if it were the last which Norman realizes before it is.

Other production team members are Reece Smyth and Pete Storck, producers; Erika Horton and Bob Jordan, co-directors; Sprite Briner, make up and hair; Linda Comer,
properties; Jason Crosby,master carpenter;
Peter Ponzini, lighting; David Ritchey, stage manager; Sue Ellen Smoot, set dressing; Lelah Sullivan, costumes; Wil Taft, sound; Steven Wong, back stage manager; and the playwright, Ernest Thompson.


On Golden Pond  is presented Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. through November 5, 2023 at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St., Vienna, VA 22180 (703) 255-6360. Tickets, $15. For more information: vtcshows@yahoo.com


patricialesli@gmail.com

Olney's ghoulish gal terrified us all

From left, Lolita Marie, Tommy Bo, and Eymard Cabling in The Brothers Paranormal at Olney Theatre Center/Christopler Mueller, photo

At the Olney Theatre Center during the second act, I was so taken by the story I never lifted my pen to take a note.

The Brothers Paranormal is a Halloween story for the thinker, with a thickening plot, twists and turns that I dare say there is nobody who can accurately predict the outcome. (I deplore predictability. Surprise me every time, please.) 

It begins sweetly enough as Max (Tommy Bo) describes his and his brother's new business of ghost busting to a first customer, Delia (Lolita Marie). To help with family finances, Max and Visarut (Eymard Cabling) have a few tricks to get rid of the weird.

Delia explains why her house needs "cleansing"; crazy things are going on. 

Really?

Is she, or isn’t she, off her rocker?  Maybe, some dementia?  

But, who's to turn down a customer and perhaps reject mental health issues when income is the goal? 

In humorous dialogue, the brothers accept the assignment and away they fly to Delia's house, to scout it out, and meet her husband, Felix (DeJeanette Horne), a loving man who, with Delia, come to steal the show with their acting, palpable chemistry, and dances of mayhem (?).

Every so often the brothers' mother, Tasanee (Cindy Chang) makes an appearance to scold her youngest (Max) for not taking better care of his brother.  Only in the second act does Mom become a little too preachy in a monologue (and for me, in the center of the audience, difficult to hear since she was not directly turned center).

Make up artist (?) weaves an incredible design of hair, makeup and gown for the supernatural Jai (Justine "Icy" Moral) that (or whom) you won't soon forget. 

Olney first time directors, Hallie Gordon and Aria Velz, polish performances with emotion and strength to make audience members writh and feel (temporary) pain. But, hope?  

This is not a happy Halloween show filled with funny characters and whimsy but it carries themes (some, ever so slightly) of love, loss, suicide, addiction, grief, but not enough to create confusion and wonder of "what's going on?"

  

The set includes two parlors, a kitchen and a hospital room, all effectively laid out and designed by Misha Kachman with sudden sounds (expertly crafted by Sarah O'Halloran) to leave you a little jumpy. 

Jim Steinmeyer is illusions consultant; Robert Ramirez, illusions instructor; Minjoo Kim, lighting designer; Jeanette Christensen, costumes; and Ben Walsh, production stage manager. 

Jason Loewith, Olney's artistic director, writes in program notes that the theatre is proud to present its first by a Thai-American playwright, Prince Gomolvilas, with the regional debut of Brothers, close to a masterpiece and, no doubt, to be found on other nearby stages in the future.  

Special events:

Brothers and Sisters Paranormal Trivia Night, Thursday, October 19, 6:30-7:30 PM, Actors Hall, $5.

Ghost Stories with Weldon

Sunday, October 29, 430 to 5:30 PM, 1938 Original Theater, free with RSVP. Weldon Brown is the director of sales who’s been at Olney for 30 years and has scary stories to tell. Come dressed for Halloween! 

What: The Brothers Paranormal

When:  Now through Oct. 29, 2023, Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinees at 1:30 p.m. 

Where: Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab at Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney, MD 20832.

Tickets: Start at $50 with discounts for seniors, students, military, and groups. 

Ages: PG-13 and above for intensity and some adult language  

Masks: None required.

Refreshments available which may not be taken to seats.

Parking: Free, lighted and plentiful on-site

Duration:  About two hours with one intermission

Printed programs? You may print your own or buy one for $2 at the theatre.

For more information: 301-924-3400 for the box office or 301-924-4485  

patricialesli@gmail.com

Anderson House remembers the Sullivans

 

The Sullivan brothers on board USS Juneau: From left, Joseph, Francis, Albert, Madison, and George Sullivan, U.S. Naval Historical Center, created Feb. 14, 1942  on the day of the ship's commissioning/Wikipedia

The 1944 movie, The Sullivans, was renamed, The Fighting Sullivans/From a poster at Anderson House's exhibition, Affairs of State: 118 Years of Diplomacy at Anderson House

Although it's been more than 80 years since the grandfather she never knew died with his four brothers in World War II on the same ship, Kelly Sullivan was unable to stop her tears during her presentation this summer about her famed family at the Anderson House, the home of the American Revolution Institute at the Society of the Cincinnati.

At the event, Ms. Sullivan's tears weren't the only ones which flowed, men's or women's. 

Two of the five Purple Hearts presented at Anderson House in 1944 to Thomas and Alleta Sullivan for their sons' valor in World War II, on display at  Affairs of State: 118 Years of Diplomacy at Anderson House/photo by Patricia Leslie

Kelly Sullivan speaks about her grandfather, Albert Sullivan and his brothers, at an Anderson House lecture/photo by Patricia Leslie

During the Battle of Guadalcanal, the Japanese torpedoed and sunk the USS Juneau on Nov. 13, 1942, eventually killing her grandfather and four uncles, all onboard.

Contrary to widespread belief, there is no legislation prohibiting family members from serving on the same ship, Ms. Sullivan said.

She is the granddaughter of Albert Sullivan, the only brother who was married and had a son, Jimmy, who, with his wife, had Kelly and her brother and sister.

Kelly Sullivan speaks about her grandfather, Albert Sullivan and his brothers, at an Anderson House lecture/photo by Patricia Leslie

The Sullivan Brothers were a close knit band who requested to be on the same ship, which rests still today in the Pacific Ocean, only discovered on St. Patrick's Day, Mar. 17, 2018, by shipwreck explorer, Microsoft's Paul Allen and his crew, Kelly said.

During the war, rumors of the brothers' deaths floated through their hometown of Waterloo, Iowa, until their mother, Alleta Sullivan, finally wrote a moving letter of inquiry to the U. S. Navy. 

While she read her great-grandmother's letter out loud to the audience, Kelly Sullivan stopped every few seconds to catch her breath.

Shortly after Mrs. Sullivan's letter was delivered to the Navy, President Franklin D. Roosevelt answered Mrs. Sullivan on January 13, 1943, confirming the deaths of her sons. 

Now, a museum in Waterloo honors the five men and other veterans, one of several places where the Sullivans are remembered. The U.S. Navy named two destroyers after them; a New York pier is named in their honor, and they were the subject of a 1944 movie, The Sullivans (renamed The Fighting  Sullivans).

Kelly Sullivan asked members of the audience attending the free lecture, to remember the sacrifices which  servicemen and women make daily for the United States and to thank them.

Anderson House, headquarters of the American Revolution Institute of the Society of the Cincinnati/photo by Patricia Leslie

Anderson House, headquarters of the American Revolution Institute of the Society of the Cincinnati/photo by Patricia Leslie

Ms. Sullivan's presentation was part of the exhibition,  Affairs of State: 118 Years of Diplomacy at Anderson House, open to all during regular open hours. (Please see below.)

Although 100 survived the original torpedo and Juneau sinking, when the Navy finally got its paperwork together days later and undertook recovery operations, only 10 crew members were found still alive floating in the water amid hazardous conditions and sharks, according to Wikipedia.

What:  Affairs of State:  118 Years of Diplomacy and Entertaining at Anderson House

When: Now through Dec. 31, 2023, Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday, 12 - 4 p.m. Closed on major holidays and meetings of the Society of the Cincinnati. Check here.

Where:  Anderson House, 2118 Massachusetts Ave., Washington, D.C. NW 20008

How much:  No charge.

Metro station:  Dupont Circle.  Exit at Q Street/North exit. At the top of the escalator, turn left on Q Street.

For more information: (202) 785-2040 

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Gottlieb's 'Avid Reader' highly recommended for the wordy

Like so many other memoirs, I was led to Avid Reader: A Life (2016) by the obituary of the author, Robert Gottlieb (1931-2023), the exalted editor, writer, and publisher of many modern classical titles and periodicals, including, but not limited to, the renowned LBJ series by Robert Caro, the fifth and last volume already ten plus years in the making. Research takes time, Caro is often quoted as saying.

I did try Cato's The Power Broker (Gottlieb, editor) a while back but knowing little about New York, except a bit about Manhattan, I just couldn't get into it, you know how it is with some books you just can't get into, and thus, laid it aside never to pick it up again. 

In cre a ble!  

But Gottlieb's memoir is another story although filled with many unrecognizable names to me, like reading one of those chapters in the Bible where the names go on and on and on.  Anyway, Avid Reader is a must if there's anyone in the publishing world who has yet to read it. 

Earlier this year at the National Press Club, I saw Gottlieb's daughter, Lizzie (who is frequently referenced in Avid) and her film Turn Every Page  about the writing and working relationship her dad shared with Mr. Caro, a delightful film and relationship which I probably liked better than the book since Mr. Gottlieb comes across in the book as a boorish know-it-all, a conceited and uppity man about town, although he insists he did not like dinners out with friends, partying, did not do sports, but ballet?  Oh, yes.  (For the ballet uninitiated, that part went on too long.) 

He's much more likable in the film. 

In Avid, he spares no gloss when it comes to offering negative commentary about writers like Salman Rushdie, Lillian Ross, Pauline Kael and many more. He often mentions the breakup of friendships.  Quelle surprise!

It must be that if you are anybody in the New York's publishing world, your inclusion in the book is important, good or bad!  (Some press is good press, and bad press is press, and no press is bad! Bad! Bad!) 

It sounds like he was estranged from his first child, Roger, from his first marriage to Muriel Higgins, since Gottlieb seldom mentions him nor does he include Roger in the credits or dedicate his book to his great offsprings like he does Lizzie's sons but what do I know about good family relationships?

Avid Reader is a highly recommended title, but is that a typo with the omission of a closing parenthetical mark midway down on page 78?  

Alas!  He is gone!

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