Mary Bird • March 10, 2016

Rebecca and Hugo Medrano, basking in their recent 14 Helen Hayes Awards nominations, simply had a good time Feb. 6 as Noche de GALA presented “Señorita y Madame” by Venezuelan playwright Gustavo Ott. It reveals the inside scoop on the secret war of cosmetic industry leaders Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubenstein, who make current politics look civilized. There is humor, history, pathos and fine acting by stars Ana Verónica Muñoz and Luz Nicolás, bolstered by the supporting cast. An after party at the theater was an opportunity to savor the biting humor — along with a buffet. [gallery ids="102246,129320,129337,129313,129328,129331" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird • January 15, 2016

The Washington Winter Show set 2016 off to an elegant start as top antique dealers brought their finest wares to the Katzen Arts Center at American University. This year’s theme, “Through the Eyes of a Child,” highlighted a loan exhibit from Gunston Hall. Supporters at the Jan. 7 preview night not only got a first glimpse but enjoyed temptations provided by Susan Gage Caterers. James Farmer headlined Friday’s lecture and lunch, regaling guests with his tales of entertaining in the Deep South. He also signed his newest work, “A Time to Celebrate.” The Levine School of Music Jazz Band entertained Saturday evening and children enjoyed “Sundaes on Sunday.” The event benefits the Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys, THEARC (Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus) and the Founders Board of St. John’s Community Services.
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Mary Bird • January 11, 2016

The Washington International Piano Arts Council celebrated the culture and music of the Americas at its annual gala held on Nov. 13 at the Organization of American States. WIPAC’s board chair and founder Chateau Gardecki expressed her appreciation to the co-chairs: OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro and Ambassador of the Philippines Jose L. Cusia, Jr. Proceeds from the annual gala benefit the Festival of Music and the Washington International Piano Competition for talented amateur pianists from around the world. [gallery ids="102178,132229,132240,132236" nav="thumbs"]

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The American-Russian Cultural Cooperation Foundation (ARCCF) saluted its outgoing longtime chairman, James W. Symington, at the Russian Ambassador’s residence on Nov. 17. U.S. Ambassadors to Russia John Beyrle and Thomas Pickering were among the speakers on a program that also featured renowned Russian bass from the Mariinsky Theater Askar Abdrazakov. Recalling his student days singing folk songs in Russian parks, the honoree said, “I was hooked on Russia before I went and ever since.” He capped the evening by performing “Moscow Nights” before guests departed with a signed copy of his book, “Heard and Overheard: Words Wise (and Otherwise) with Politicians, Statesmen¸ and Real People.”
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Mary Bird •

A studio at the Washington Ballet was turned into a shopper’s delight Nov. 20-22 as the Women’s Committee hosted the Sugar Plum Bazaar, with myriad temptations befitting Artistic Director Septime Webre’s “Nutcracker” to support the ballet’s community engagement programs. Luxury vendors included Anna Weatherly porcelain china and jewelry, Dalton Brody gifts and accessories, Sissy Yates Designs and Ibhana Creations ladies’ fashions. Silent auction items offered a one-hour salsa/meringue dance lesson with two company members. Andrea Rinaldi spearheaded Saturday’s cookies and cocoa for aspiring ballerinas. The Women’s Committee hosted their annual holiday party at the ballet on Friday evening with great success. [gallery ids="102177,132262,132251,132237,132257,132245" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird • December 22, 2015

This year’s featured film was a special screening of Ron Howard’s “In the Heart of the Sea,” relating the true story of the whaler Essex which inspired Herman Melville to write “Moby Dick.” The evening began with an Asian buffet at Spices Dec. 9 before guests strolled across Connecticut Avenue to the Uptown Theater, where PBS Newshour’s Judy Woodruff emceed a program honoring Vicky Marchand, former president of Woodley House, and Kana Enomoto, Acting Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Since 1958, Woodley House has been a leader in innovative mental health care, helping more than 15,000 men and women on a pathway to recovery from crisis care to eventual supported independence in shared apartments.
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Mary Bird • November 6, 2015

“Imagine: Shakespeare” was the theme of the Harman Center for the Arts Annual Gala Nov. 1. Chairman of the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s board of trustees Mike Klein presented the Sidney Harman for Philanthropy in the Arts Award to JM Zell Partners, Ltd. for its continuing support of STC’s programs. Actress Helen Mirren came specifically to honor Julie Taymor, who received the William Shakespeare Award for Classic Theatre from Michael Kahn, artistic director of the Shakespeare Theatre Company.

The performance began with selections from the company’s upcoming production of “Kiss Me, Kate” and was capped by original “The Lion King” cast member Tsidii Le Loka’s show-stopping rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagination.” Guests then continued on to the National Building Museum for dinner, dancing and other performances. The annual gala benefits the artistic and community engagement programs of the theater company. [gallery ids="102351,125510,125498,125515,125477,125520,125492,125469,125505,125485" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird • November 5, 2015

“Creating New Horizons” was the theme of AFTA’s Oct. 27 event, hosted at the Society of the Cincinnati’s Anderson House. The late Lolo Sarnoff, a Swiss-German artist, scientist, entrepreneur and philanthropist, founded AFTA to bring the arts and provide life-enhancing and innovative experiences to impaired, vulnerable and isolated older adults. Olga and Bob Ryan co-chaired the evening. The Phillips Collection Director Dorothy Kosinski presented the seventh Annual Sarnoff Award to Trish and George Vradenburg for their dedication to addressing the impact of Alzheimer’s disease and their lifelong engagement in the arts. AFTA teaching artists provided entertainment. [gallery ids="102343,125569,125558,125564" nav="thumbs"]

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The 30th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards were held Oct. 29 at the Historic Lincoln Theatre. D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities chair Kay Kendall and interim director Lisa Richards Toney presented the first award for Impact on Culture and Humanities to Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith, who said, “This city is the juice that carries me forward.” Georgetowners and doctors Sachiko Kuno and Ryuji Ueno were awarded for Visionary Leadership. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bower presented the Award for Lifetime Achievement to the tireless Peggy Cooper Cafritz, who enthused, “The mayor has had the vision and has executed my dreams.” Young tap dancer Luke Spring received a standing ovation. [gallery ids="102342,125571,125565" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird • October 15, 2015

It was a happy, rainless occasion as pets and their families gathered on the lawn at St. John’s Church Georgetown Parish on Oct. 4, the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, for the annual Blessing of the Animals. Adoptables came from Capitol Canines and the Washington Humane Society. Following a brief service, Rector Gini Gerbasi and Associate Rector Sarah Duggan blessed each animal and remembered the departed. Courtney Stamm of Cheeky Puppy furnished pet treats and G’town Bites on O Street made certain that the two-legged were well fed.
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