Singers welcome at new Columbia chorus
Encore Chorale, the Maryland-based nationwide choral program for men and women 55 and older, is opening a new chorale in the Columbia area. Rehearsals begin Aug. 31 and culminate with a concert of combined local chorales at Silver Spring’s Cultural Arts Center in December. “I am absolutely thrilled to be bringing our nationally recognized program to the older adult singers... READ MORE
Variety of shows on tap on area stages
Maryland is particularly rich when it comes to community theatre, and this summer’s range of offerings — from comedy to drama to musicals — once again proves the point.Spotlighters TheatreThrough Aug. 2, Spotlighters Theatre puts on Altar Boyz, a “foot-stomping, rafter-raising, musical comedy” about a fictitious Christian boy-band on the last night of... READ MORE
Head west for food festivals, free concerts
As far back as weather records go, the month of July tops the chart with the hottest temperatures. It’s time to get out of town. For anyone who needs a quick escape, we’ve rounded up a calendar of one-tank (or less) activities west of the Coachella Valley.First, who doesn’t love food? Or, wine and beer? Check out our list of food and wine festivals that will take you from... READ MORE
What if Romeo and Juliet were seniors?
“First of all, they look at you like you’ve lost your mind. And then, when you explain the concept, every single person I’ve talked to says, ‘That is such a fantastic idea. I can’t wait to see it.’” That’s local actor Elliott Bales, discussing his role as Romeo in Unexpected Stage Company’s production of Romeo and Juliet: Love Knows No Age, onstage July 16 to Aug. 9 at... READ MORE
Variety of shows on tap on local stages
It’s summer theater time in Howard County, which means that audiences may be led Into the Woods, glide along to The Baltimore Waltz and get caught up in The Comedy of Errors.Into the Woods, the now-classic musical by Stephen Sondheim, will relate its not-so-happily-ever-after fairy tales at Toby’s Dinner Theater July 9 through Sept. 6.The Rep Stage opens its 2015-2016... READ MORE
Play pictures ‘Peanuts’ characters as teens
Unless you’ve been living under the pile of rocks Charlie Brown accumulates every Halloween, you’re probably familiar with (and a fan of) Charles M. Schulz’s “Peanuts” comic strip. Not just because it was funny, but because it was the first cartoon to explore adult themes — human relationships, unrequited love, friendship and ennui — featuring... READ MORE
Libraries offer prizes for summer reading
Readers read, no matter what the weather. But when sweltering summer heat keeps us year-round desert dwellers indoors, books help us cope. As if we weren’t motivated on our own, Coachella Valley libraries offer prize incentives. And not just for the kiddies, some have adult reading programs.At Palm Springs Public Library, they’re playing bingo — with the prospect of the... READ MORE
Finding humor, pathos among oldest pros
It’s evening on Memorial Day 2015, gently warm at sunset on the first night of what we think of as summer. It’s been a day of ceremonies, both solemn and joyous, and families. It’s time now to settle in at home and get ready for the shortened week ahead.But on this evening, in a multi-purpose room at Christ Lutheran Church on 16th Street in D.C., a family of another sort... READ MORE
Musical presents our nation’s founding
Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Columbia may be rushing the July 4th holiday a bit with its presentation of a history lesson put to (not enough) song — the classic musical 1776. But it will be performed right through the 5th of July, so you’ll have the chance to see this slightly fanciful look at the cobbling together of the Declaration of Independence as the holiday itself... READ MORE
40 years for the Dance Theatre of Harlem
An exhibit about the Dance Theatre of Harlem is currently drawing attention at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. It highlights the many accomplishments of African Americans and other minorities who have defied stereotypes to pursue their passion for dance and pave the way for future generations of artists. When black dancers were told that African American bodies were not built for classical ... READ MORE