Five upcoming plays with Jewish themes
In August, September and October, five theaters in Montgomery County will produce plays with Jewish themes. It’s entirely a “happy coincidence,” says David Fialkoff of the newly formed Jewish Community Theater of Montgomery County (JCTMC), as the plays were not planned to coincide. As its name suggests, the group is dedicated to presenting plays and musicals in the county about... READ MORE
Area pageant winners from D.C. and Va.
Everything that could go wrong indeed went wrong as Phyllis Jordan was preparing for June’s Ms. Senior D.C. pageant. She brought a complicated pattern for her evening gown to a dressmaker that ended up a “hot mess.” She hired a second seamstress to start again, but her results were “deplorable.” “I told her I would absolutely lose if I wore this,” said Jordan, 62. So she ... READ MORE
Former politico sculpts a new passion
Most days you’ll find Karen Montgomery in a makeshift carport that she and her husband adapted into an art studio. There she wields hammer and chisel to bring forth sculptures from her ideas. She’s currently coaxing a large angel to emerge from a hunk of marble. Montgomery, 83, has recently returned to her first love, art, following a 16-year stint in Maryland politics. From 2000... READ MORE
‘Mamma Mia!’ returns with gusto to Toby’s
Abba fans rejoice. The popular musical Mamma Mia! is back in town, this time at Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Columbia, and it’s a smash. If you’re unfamiliar, this jukebox musical was created by Catherine Johnson, stitched together entirely through songs by Swedish pop duo Abba. There was a film adaptation in 2008, which now has a sequel in theaters. The show is loosely based on the... READ MORE
Christopher Plummer’s new first
Regal and commanding even in his youth, Christopher Plummer has turned into an even mightier force in old age. The 88-year-old Plummer earlier this year became the oldest actor ever nominated for an Oscar (for his J. Paul Getty in All the Money in the World), six years after setting the mark for eldest acting winner (for his coming-out 75-year-old in Beginners). The King Lear phase of ... READ MORE
Fun facts to know and tell about Baltimore
Whether you’re a lifelong Baltimorean or a recent transplant, chances are you don’t know everything about your hometown. How many of these fun facts did you already know? Fort McHenry is the birthplace of the American national anthem, written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812, when the Fort was defending the Baltimore harbor. Baltimore is home to the USS... READ MORE
Mid-summer care of blooming ornamentals
Let’s face it: July in metro Richmond is hot and humid. If you’re like me, you prefer the A/C to the sweltering heat. However, you can’t just let your garden go to seed — literally. There are a few tasks, um, “opportunities,” that take just a few minutes in the cooler hours of the morning or early evening to keep your containers and color flower beds healthy and... READ MORE
Exploring Napoleon’s power and splendor
A revolutionary republican who crowns himself Emperor of France — what kind of revolutionary is that? Whatever our opinions of Napoleon, we can no doubt agree he was an epic figure deserving epic treatment. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ special exhibition, “Napoleon: Power and Splendor,” on view until Sept. 3, accomplishes a treatment befitting an emperor. Apart from... READ MORE
Learning what counts from ex-teachers
It’s a snazzy retirement party that a very good friend is tossing for herself. She has ordered grape leaves, hummus and lots of very good French wine. She deserves all of it. She has been dragging out of bed at 5 a.m. for nearly 20 years as a public school teacher in the Washington suburbs. She says her head hurts, her feet hurt, call her tomorrow and probably something... READ MORE
Try these delightful novels this summer
The Bibliophile Escape into fantasy, revel in the past, follow a detective on his rounds around the Louisiana bayous, join a tour to Cuba with a suspenseful side trip, and enjoy the company of characters created by talented writers. What a great way to spend a relaxing day! Whether soaking up the rays at the water’s edge, enjoying the shade under a favorite tree with a cool drink in... READ MORE
