Arts Fest more than its name implies
The Southwest Arts Festival (SWAF) celebrates its 26th anniversary this month with more than 250 acclaimed artists in an abundance of creative disciplines and a solid reputation as a promising venue for art collectors — in spite of a name that organizers say often presents a marketing challenge. “The Southwest Arts Festival is so much more than Southwest style,” said festival... READ MORE
Ann Richards portrayal aims for Broadway
The Kennedy Center is gambling with its production of Ann, the one-woman show about the late Texas governor, Ann Richards.Gambling, first, that fading memories of the outspoken Richards will attract enough folks to make an anticipated spring opening on Broadway feasible. And gambling, second, that a one-woman show will have the drawing power to sustain a run.If memory of the late Ann... READ MORE
Lifelong learning classes from A to Z
If the winter doldrums are setting in, it may be time to stretch both your legs and your mind at any of a number of continuing education programs offered around town. From aerobics to zoology, there is sure to be something to pique your interest. Here are just a few to consider. Call those of interest for more details, including topics, dates, times and fees. Osher Lifelong... READ MORE
The Lion King roars back into Baltimore
Disney’s dazzling musical The Lion King is in residence at the Hippodrome Theatre until Jan. 8. I can understand how the many youngsters in the audience opening night might never have seen the stage production before, but I’m not sure how I have managed to miss it all these years.All I can say is, better late than never. And whether you have seen it before or not, it is well... READ MORE
Linda Lavin on her busy career, new CD
Linda Lavin was in two well-received productions last season that are on Broadway this fall: Follies at the Kennedy Center and Other Desert Cities at Lincoln Center.So which one is she doing in New York? Neither.Lavin instead took a strong part in Nick Silver’s new play The Lyons, which opened off-Broadway in October at the Vineyard Theater.“There’re absolutely no regrets. ... READ MORE
Actors excel in adaptation of Austen novel
How do you adapt a venerated, 400-page novel for the stage, especially in this era of fragmented, Blackberry-addled attention spans?Fairly well, if you’re Joseph Hanreddy and J.R. Sullivan, whose version of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is now onstage at Round House Theatre Bethesda.It’s a longish show, running (with intermission) at almost two hours and 45 minutes on... READ MORE
Baltimore lights up for the holiday season
Charm City is never as charming as it is this time of year, when it puts on its party clothes to celebrate the holidays. Why don’t you do the same and enjoy some of Baltimore’s favorite traditions — and maybe find a few new ones of your own?Bromo Seltzer projectionsSummertime has open-air movies in Little Italy, and wintertime now has the colorful illuminations of artist... READ MORE
Private Lives sparkles at Everyman Theatre
Noel Coward’s 1930’s comedy of manners, Private Lives, is a lighter-than-meringue confection. For a thoroughly enjoyable bit of escapism, this production currently playing at Everyman Theatre is right on the mark.The plot is simple: Amanda and Elyot divorced five years ago but find themselves suite-by-suite on the French Riviera, each honeymooning with a new spouse, Victor and... READ MORE
When a consumer is taken advantage of
My friend is 88 years old. He has all his marbles and a lifetime of experience in the consumer world.But that doesn’t mean he can’t be a victim. He just was.One day in late summer, he marched into a local car dealership to “just have a look” at the new 2012 models. Salespeople dream of such customers, especially those who can pay cash. And this salesman didn’t... READ MORE
New approach enlivens Othello at Folger
It is always a joy to find something new and unexpected about an old favorite, especially something that’s been around as long as Shakespeare’s Othello. And so there’s great fun at Folger Theatre on Capitol Hill, where director Robert Richmond is giving us a fresh take on Othello.With this tragedy, Shakespeare focuses not on great events, the clash of kingdoms or... READ MORE
Arts 2023
