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Gary Tischler • August 17, 2011

Some time ago, when Woolly Mammoth Theatre first staged a production of “Clybourne Park” by Bruce Norris, it was doing something very much in the Woolly tradition. That is, a Washington premiere, a topical, ice-pick witty and emotionally pulling play by a gifted young writer which seemed to echo especially in D.C., as real as a stopped Metro escalator, even though it was set in Chicago.

Now “Clybourne Park” is back, complete with its original D.C. cast under the direction of Woolly artistic honcho Howard Shalwitz, after a successful stint in New York, and more than that, after winning a Pulitzer Prize for Norris

If you didn’t see “Clybourne” the first time around, please, please go see it—you’re in for a terrific play that encompasses ideas about how we lived yesterday, and today, in race-haunted America. Here in Washington, once known as “Chocolate City” for its long-standing African American majority population now drifting ever more towards vanilla, the themes of “Clybourne Park” resonate loudly.

Norris took his jumping point from Lorraine Hansberry’s classic 1959 play “A Raisin in the Sun” and it’s set in the same house occupied by the African American family of that play.

In “Clybourne Park” we see a white couple packing up—knick knacks, boxes, dishes and the like while the black cleaning lady looks on in the early 1950s. Soon, there’s another couple in the house, headed by a weasely, high-energy and bursting with rationalizations Rotarian named Carl and his deaf and pregnant wife. Turns out that Russ and Bev, the soon-to-be-moving couple, have sold their house to a black family and that’s got the Rotarian and the local minister fit to be tied.

This is the 1950s and Russ and Bev aren’t trying to be enlightened liberals—their real estate agent is more to blame here, and besides, the couple are more focused on their own sorrows than what might happen if black people move in, and move in, it appears, they will. Carl, the minister and Russ start to bicker, to argue, and all of the latent fears of the white neighborhood start to come to the surface like muck after a rainstorm. Carl—played with sharp and sly energy by Cody Nickell—is like a sharp-edged mouser on the hunt. He keeps coming back, talking about cultural differences, real estate values, all the racial clichés of the 1950s couched in euphemisms—“Do you ski?” he asks the housekeeper’s husband, as if that made all the difference in the world.

The second part of the play skips to the present time, same place, same house, and a reverse situation which sees a prosperous, adamantly liberal white couple about to buy the house which is part of a predominantly black neighborhood now. If that’s not a Washington story, it sure could be. The white couple are played with a kind of eager hipness, full of PC values held dearly but with a back-breaking fuzziness, by Nickell and Kimberly Gilbert, who were the couple opposing the sale in the first half.

Kevin and Lena, a black couple played Jefferson A. Russell and Dawn Ursula with great depth and edge are flying the flag of neighborhood history and tradition, which is to say black history and tradition. The issues—actually one issue—are the same: race in America and why can’t we just get along and live together or at least side by side. Because, Norris suggests, we don’t know how to talk about race, not only in our own homes, but in our day to day dealings with each other

Everyone, no matter how they dress or how cool and tolerant they are in the 21st century, walks with open wounds. If euphemism and personal tragedy carry the day in the first act, not-so-well-hidden cultural historic values and resentment emerges like grenades, in the form of jokes that are more than jokes, they’re weapons of choice.

Norris – who also wrote the Woolly Mammoth staged “The Unmentionables,” a play about how Westerners are still the elephant in the china shop in modern Africa – uses comedy to open up in slashing style old wounds and lets them bleed out.

Everyone in the play doubles up on parts, but in the first act, Jennifer Mendenhall and Mitch Hebert own not only the house but the audience, both dealing with loss and change. Mendenhall especially reminds us that she is one of Washington’s finest actresses as Bev, exasperated, bleeding inside, barely holding together with habits masquerading as normal. Hebert is like a lean, tense, electric cord of a man unable to shake off the past, thoughtless about the future.

Best to watch yourself and your fellow audience members during the course of the play, you might be thinking though and looking around—which joke should you laugh out and how loudly?

What’s so good about the actors, about Norris, about the production, is that you’re never seeing anybody as less than an authentic human being. And that’s why you look around, and that’s why “Clybourne Park” stays with you. (“Clybourne Park” will run through August 14)

Georgetowner •

Park after Dark, a benefit promoting the C&O Canal National Historical Park, will be held Sept. 24 on the grounds of the Great Falls Tavern. Tickets will be $150, although $115 of that price is tax deductable, and can be purchased online at ParkAfterDark.org.

Guests who come out in “Towpath Chic” attire will be treated to an awards ceremony, when the William O. Douglas Award will be given honoring the Friends of the Historic Great Falls Tavern, music performed by the 19th Street Band, chili, cornbread and Firehook Bakery, and an auction of “unique park experience packages.”

Honorary co-chairs of the event include Governor Martin O’Malley, Senator Ben Cardin and Congressman Chris Van Hollen. Hosts include: Frieda and Pierre Abushacra, Lee and David Altobello, Liz Barratt-Brown and Bos Dewy, Jody Bolz and Brad Northrup, Peter Bross, Heidi and Bill Bumpers, Denise and Michael Cetta, Andrew Chod, Laura and Bobby Foose, Hailey and Chris Hanessian, Liz and Don Harrison, Sydney and Peter McKelvy, Susan and Dan Pereles, Kirsten and Brett Quigley, Margo Reid and Greg Simon, Roy Sewell, Jeanne and Bobby Srour, Cindy and Guy Steuart, Mac Thornton and Mary Jo Veverka.
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Georgetowner • August 15, 2011

Art & Live Jazz Saturday

August 13th, 2011 at 01:00 PM | Free | liveanartfullife@verizon.net | Tel: 540-253-9797

“The Painted Pot” by Phyllis Handal. Phyllis is known for her painted pottery in butterfly, dragonfly and vegetable motifs. She will be featured with a demonstration of how she paints her pottery at our Art & Live Jazz Saturday from 1 – 5 PM. Her work is very likable, functional and sure to bring a smile. Live Jazz will start at 5PM that evening with the Samba do Jazz Quartet and wine tasting by Vintage Ridge Winery. Make a day of it in The Plains!

Address

Live An Artful Life

6474 Main Street

The Plains, VA 20198

Aidah Collection Trunk Sale at Flash Market
August 13th, 2011 at 12:00 PM | info@aidah.com | Tel: (202) 338-0680

Flash Market: A Pop-up Extravaganza

hosted by Hillyer Art Space

Join Aidah Collection and other local fashion and jewelry designers for a fabulous Summer Trunk Sale with mimosas, cupcakes and a mini-runway show!

View and shop the new Accessories Collection of handmade eco-chic flower brooches, rings and tote bags.

RSVP ON FACEBOOK:

Address

Hillyer Art Space

9 Hillyer Court NW DC

(Dupont Circle Metro)

Live Jazz With Vocalist Nancy Scimone

August 13th, 2011 at 07:30 PM | No Cover Charge | livejazzconcerts@verizon.net

Vocalist Nancy Scimone delivers spirited performances of lively and lush American jazz standards, French and Latin-influenced tunes. The Henley’s extensive wine list, classic cocktails savory treats (crispy shrimp) and desserts (pear bread pudding!) are perfect accompaniments to these sublime songs. Cozy tapestry seats, intimate lighting. No Cover. Saturdays 7:30 – 11:15 Perfect for conversation or just listening.

Near Metros, on-street parking

Address

The Henley Park Hotel

926 Massachusetts Ave. NW

Washington DC 20001

Bourbon Steak: Annual “Pig Out” Patio Party

August 14th, 2011 at 03:00 PM | $35 per person | Tel: 202.944.2026

It’s time once again to “Pig Out” at Bourbon Steak (2800 Pennsylvania, NW). The modern American restaurant will host its second annual pig roast event on their spacious patio Sunday, August 14 from 12 to 3 p.m. Priced at $35 per person for food, and $50 inclusive of food and drink, guests at this year’s pork-centric party will once again enjoy a 300-lb spit-roasted pig from Eco-Friendly Foods, among other show-stopping offerings from Executive Chef Adam Sobel and his team. Bourbon Steak is partnering with DC Brau, the DC-based brewing company, to provide the perfect pork-pairing beers for the event. The restaurant will also make available special non-alcoholic punches available throughout the day for all guests. In case of rain, “Pig Out” will be held on Sunday, August 28. To purchase tickets to “Pig Out”, call 202.944.2026 or visit www.bourbonsteakdc.com for reservations.

Address

Bourbon Steak

2800 Pennsylvania, NW

Parish Gallery: Leslee Stradford “The Night Tulsa Died”

August 16th, 2011 at 12:41 PM | Tel: 202.944.2310

Showing through Tuesday, August 16, Parish Gallery (1054 31st Street, NW) proudly presents Leslee Stradford’s “The Night Tulsa Died: Black Wall Street Massacre 1921”. A descendant of the victims in “The Tulsa Race Riot 1921,” Leslee Stradford vividly conveys the social, cultural and historical story of the massacre confined to the racially segregated Greenwood neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma on May 31, 1921. Stradford’s style, sometimes figurative, sometimes abstract and sometimes both, uses new technology and research to create digital images, painted canvases and silks. Primarily representing, but not exclusively, contemporary visual artists of significance from Africa and the African Diaspora, you can view this artistic display of history and the spirit of social preservation and regeneration in the Parrish Gallery showroom. 202.944.2310

Address

Parish Gallery

1054 31st Street, NW

Join Us for Networking with a View… And a Salute to Furin’s

Wednesday, August 17, 2011 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

House of Sweden| On the Waterfront | 2900 K Street NW | Georgetown

Hors d’oeuvres by Ridgewells Caterers

Desserts by Chris Furin

Beverages compliments of the Georgetown Business Improvement District

Event Free for GBA Members | $20 for Non-Members

RSVP by Monday, August 15, 2011 to Sue Hamilton 202-333-8076 or sueinnovent@aol.com

Georgetowner • August 11, 2011

Anyone hoping to cross the Key Bridge into Rosslyn today should be ready to add a considerable amount of time to their commute today.

According to the Georgetown Patch, last night, a retaining wall at a construction site on 1530 Claredon Boulevard collapsed, closing both lanes on Claredon between Pierce and Oak streets. The Rosslyn exit on route 110 has also been closed, and Lee Highway and Arlington Boulevard are suggested as the best alternate routes. Metro bus 38B and ART bus 45 are still in operation, but have been detoured.

The cause of the collapse is currently unknown.

Gary Tischler • August 10, 2011

“Pop”, a bold and very new musical about Andy Warhol and his factory boys and girls now at the Studio Theatre has a lot going for it: it’s smart and sharp, its witty and biting, it has something to say and sing about art, it’s designed with a pop,, if you will, creating and re-creating an atmosphere of what it might have been like to move around the pale and distant sun of Warhol’s world.

And yet, something doesn’t push it over the top, and after a while, you realize that what this show, for all of its intelligence and seriousness needs is the kind of pop that made Andy Warhol pop, a fizz of vulgar fun.

Somewhere in there, after climbing three or four flights of stairs, after watching Warhol pop images fly on the walls or stick like a fly, after seeing Warhol define the essence of a paper bag, of seeing a crew of attractive (none more than Matthew DeLorenzo as superstar Candy Darling) needy famous wannabes, artists, actors and models cavorting on a striking factory set, you feel like you should be invited to up there and frug, or that you have to restrain yourself from jumping on the stage.

In the intimate upstairs space of the Studio’s 2nd Stage, which has seen Jack Kerouac in his natural surroundings, the cast of “Hair” splayed against windows, and “Reefer Madness” goes crazy mad, you’d think this over-the-top urge would be on tap. It’s not quite there. Maybe because Maggie-Kate Coleman and Anna K Jacobs’ show is just a tad too smart, too serious about art. That’s not a necessarily a bad thing, and if you’re Stephen Sondheim it’s a very good thing.

The smart stuff—the song about the paper bag for instance, which contains nothing, which contains the world and the essence if Warhol-speak, and the dance and song by the trio of expressionist super-stars, for instance—are very smart indeed.

And Tom Story—pale of face, dark of leather jacket—gets Warhol’s utter weirdness, his stand-offish presence, the guy so very prescient (about fame, vulgarity, stardom, the commerce of art) but not quite present. He’s surrounded by people who want his light to shine on them, to make them right here and now famous and not just for fifteen minutes.

That includes the likes of the already noted Candy Darling, Viva the Superstar who went to the Sorbonne before doing porn, the little rich girl Edie Sedgewick, an odd and sad turn of little girl blonde flightiness that’s also wingless.

The sets are just real and riff and raff enough to make you bathe in the ambiance of a kind of art that’s art because somebody, usually Andy, says it is.

The focus of the show is the near-assassination of Warhol in 1968, a shooting that certainly shocked Warhol, if not the world. But that’s the 2nd problem: we already know who did it, historically speaking, but that doesn’t stop you from really appreciating the performance of Rachel Zampelli as Valerie Solanas, the head of the super aggressive SCUM (Society for Cutting up Men), who thinks Warhol will stage her play. (He dumps it probably where it belongs, a toilet which doubles as an art work).

Warhol showed us that anything can be art, anyone can write, and anyone can be a star or be famous for the usual amount of time, thus anticipating reality shows, the breach and reach of the internet, the eventual meaninglessness of too many words, and the worship of celebrity.
Lacking the fun factor that ought to be all over the stage, what’s left is still entertaining, fascinating and junk food for thought. But don’t dance, they won’t ask you. (Through August 7)

Georgetowner •

30th Anniversary at the National Aquarium

August 5,2011 at 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

The aquarium celebrates its birthday with a three-day festival, complete with music, dancing, face painting, art projects, and zumba instruction.

Address

National Aquarium – Baltimore

Pier 3, 501 E. Pratt St.

Baltimore, MD

Dog Days of August Sidewalk Sale

August 6th, 2011 at 6PM

The neighborhood’s 12th annual event includes sales at local shops, plus arts and cultural events. Free offerings include candy samples at Artfully Chocolate & Kingsbury Confection, free fans at Junction and free workouts at VIDA fitness.

Address

14th and U streets NW

Washington, DC

Live Jazz With Vocalist Nancy Scimone

August 6th, 2011 at 07:30 PM | No Cover Charge | livejazzconcerts@verizon.net | Tel: 571-232-1873

Vocalist Nancy Scimone delivers spirited performances of lively and lush American jazz standards, French and Latin-influenced tunes. The Henley’s extensive wine list, classic cocktails savory treats (crispy shrimp) and desserts (pear bread pudding!) are perfect accompaniments to these sublime songs. Cozy tapestry seats, intimate lighting. No Cover. Saturdays 7:30 – 11:15 Perfect for conversation or just listening.
Near Metros, on-street parking

Address

Henley Park Hotel

926 Massachusetts Ave. NW

Washington DC 20001

Food Network Star Open Call

August 8, 2001 at 10-2PM

The Food Network is looking for people who are full of life, passionate about cooking, and knowledgeable about food to meet them in person at their open casting call.

Design Star Open Call

August 9,2011 at 10-2PM

They want people who are passionate about their work, knowledgeable and hold a clear & unique design perspective.

They are casting everyone from beginner’s level to experts!

Address

The Westin City Center

1400 M St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Parish Gallery: Leslee Stradford “The Night Tulsa Died”

August 16th, 2011 at 12:41 PM | Tel: 202.944.2310

Showing through Tuesday, August 16, Parish Gallery (1054 31st Street, NW) proudly presents Leslee Stradford’s “The Night Tulsa Died: Black Wall Street Massacre 1921”. A descendant of the victims in “The Tulsa Race Riot 1921,” Leslee Stradford vividly conveys the social, cultural and historical story of the massacre confined to the racially segregated Greenwood neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma on May 31, 1921. Stradford’s style, sometimes figurative, sometimes abstract and sometimes both, uses new technology and research to create digital images, painted canvases and silks. Primarily representing, but not exclusively, contemporary visual artists of significance from Africa and the African Diaspora, you can view this artistic display of history and the spirit of social preservation and regeneration in the Parrish Gallery showroom. 202.944.2310

Address

Parish Gallery

1054 31st Street, NW

Samantha Hungerford •

In this economy, breaks are a tough thing to catch. But starting Aug. 1, the DMV will be offering just that: amnesty on all overdue parking and moving violation tickets issued before Jan. 1, 2010, meaning that late fees on outstanding tickets will be waived.

The Amnesty Program, which will be in effect through Jan. 27, is applicable only to District residents and does not waive the whole fee, only late charges. The DMV also won’t assess points on moving violations and hearings will not be granted for amnesty tickets. Tickets must be paid within the six-month grace period to receive the waiver.

The program is a method of inciting District residents to pay long overdue tickets. According to The Washington Post, Mayor Gray (D) said that the city expects to collect $6.3 million over the course of the program.

Do you have overdue parking tickets?

visit the DMV’s Website and enter your license plate number to find out.

Robert Devaney •

Setting aside the debate on the national debt as well as summer humidity, or maybe because of it, Washington influencers and personalities attended the launch party for Gilt City (D.C. edition) at Halcyon House on Prospect Street, July 26, co-hosted by Juleanna Glover, Winston Lord and soon-to-be-married Lindsay Czarniak and Craig Melvin. With BrandLink D.C. and Design Cuisine at work, the party was complete with mint juleps and iced lime rum as well as croquet and bocce ball. Not quite like Groupon or LivingSocial, the high-end discounter offers such experiences as a special dinner at Cafe Milano or private party at W Hotel to its members, not daily coupons. It goes fully online, Aug. 1.
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Courtney Overcash •

D.C. Water and the District Department of Transportation begin an overhaul on a two-part repair project today on the eastbound side of Canal Road, near Georgetown University.

DDOT anticipates traffic delays, as the first phase of the project confine traffic to one lane of Canal Road during construction. DDOT will to close the lane from the hours of 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Drivers may want to use George Washington Parkway as an alternative. Crews may also need to work 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.

The project will revive a 48 inch water main that helps deliver drinking water around the city. The main has been leaking persistently creating poor conditions along the surrounding roadway.

In the second phase of the project, crews will be working to seal a pipe along M Street between 26th Street and New Hampshire Avenue.

The project should be completed by September 1.

Shannon McGovern •

If a dog is a man’s best friend, then he’s going to want to spend his outings and vacations in the company of his favorite companion. These restaurants, hotels, attractions and shops cater to DC dog lovers and offer pet-friendly events and services.

HAPPY HOURS:

The Helix
1430 Rhode Island Avenue, NW
Every Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. the Helix Lounge hosts “Doggy Happy Hour” on its outdoor patio. The happy hour menu features a selection of filtered ice water, fortified vitamin water and assorted treats for dogs, and $3 and $5 drinks for their owners. The restaurant is located in the Hotel Helix at 1430 Rhode Island Ave., which also welcomes pets and provides amenities for its furry guests such as treats, feeding bowls, bottled water, beds and pick-up bags.

Cantina Marina
600 Water St., SW
This outdoor patio located at the Gangplank on the Potomac offers a menu full of great finger-food and famous fish tacos any day of the week, but during happy hour on Monday evenings from 5-9 p.m., dog owners can enjoy $2 beers on the waterfront in the company of their pets.

Union Pub
201 Massachusetts Ave. NE
Dogs are always welcome on the patio at Union Pub at 201 Massachusetts Ave., and upon request will be served water while their owners enjoy the pub’s famous burgers and beer.

Pat Troy’s Ireland’s Own
111 N. Pitt St.,?Alexandria, Virginia 22314
From the patio at Pat Troy’s Irish restaurant and pub, owners can treats their dogs to a hearty Irish supper from a menu that includes chicken, chopped burger, lamb stew and beef stew, all of which comes with a bone on the side.

The Argonaut
1433 H St., NE
Argo-Mutts Happy Hour takes place on the restaurant’s patio every Saturday from 12-5 p.m. The Argonaut has formed a partnership with Metro Mutts, which will bring treats and other giveaways for dogs attending happy hour.

Art and Soul
415 New Jersey Ave., NW
Art and Soul serves dog meals and treats every day of the week from its “Pooch Patio Menu.” Beverages include water, nonalcoholic “Bowser Beer” and “Vitapaw” – a vitamin enhanced water, and frozen raw bones, three ounce or six ounce grilled steak and beef tips with sauce and rice are among the entrée selections. The restaurant also serves homemade dog biscuits and granola treats.

Jay’s Saloon and Grille
3114 10th St. N, Arlington, VA 22201
Dogs are always welcome on the Arlington restaurant’s patio, but in addition, the Jay’s Saloon and Grille hosts “Yappy Hour” from 1-4 p.m. one Sunday each month. Pets can enjoy water, treats and games while their owners chill with a two-dollar bottle of beer, a $1.50 draft or $2.95 glass of wine.

Hotel Monaco
480 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
The hotel’s locations in DC and Alexandria are both pet-friendly, and deliver bottled water, food bowls, a treat and a map of popular dog walks to the rooms of guests accompanied by a four-legged companion. The Alexandria location advertises Doggy Happy Hour in the courtyard every Tuesday and Thursday from 5-8 p.m. between the months of April and October, where dogs receive complimentary treats and water and guests can order from the Jackson 20’s Bar Menu.

JUST FOR FUN:

Potomac Riverboat Co. Canine Cruise
3 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Canine Cruises depart from the Alexandria City Marina every Thursday at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. between June 16 and September 15. For $15, dog owners can take their pets on a 40-minute tour of Alexandria’s waterfront.

Doggie Style Bakery
1825 18th St NW
This bakery caters exclusively to any dog’s sweet tooth, with custom-designed dog cakes for any occasion, “Mutt Licks” – the bakery’s ice cream for dogs, fresh baked treats and cookies and a variety of all-natural dog snacks. Owners can treat their dogs to a day of pampering in the shop’s boutique and spa for professional grooming and shampooing.

GROOMING:

Chateau Animaux
524 8th St., SE
This pet store on the Hill sells pet supplies and professional grooming services, but also strives to make pet care easy for owners. For $15 dollars pet owners are given access to a tub and the supplies they need to bathe their pets themselves, or the busy pet owner can arrange for food and other supplies to be delivered straight to his or her home on a regular or occasional basis.

Metro Mutts
508 H St., NE
In addition to selling pet supplies, Metro Mutts provides dog walking and dog sitting services in the Capitol Hill area. Pet owners can select from a variety of packages to meet their pet’s walking and feeding schedules, and will receive records of their pet’s daily activities. Metro Mutts offers to take care of small household tasks during visits, including bringing in the mail, watering plants and the like.

Fur-Get Me Not
1722 Florida Ave, NW
This shop has everything a dog could need, from treats and toys to training, boarding and walking. The doggie daycare strives to meet the individual needs of each dog, and customers can take advantage of daily scheduled or overnight dog sitting services.

The Big Bad Woof
117 Carroll St NW
The Big Bad Woof carries pet gear and supplies for “the socially conscious pet,” selling Fair Trade and eco-friendly products. Their food selections are based on a holistic approach to pet health and wellness, and many products are made from organic materials.

While there are a lot of great things to do with your best buddy in the city, everyone needs a break from the bustle sometimes. Now is a great time of year to head off on a road trip with your pooch by your side. Check out this dog-friendly getaway:

Keswick Club
701 Club Drive, Keswick, Va. 22947
This stately retreat offers not only a challenging golf course, tennis courts, fine dining and well-appointed rooms, but it also extends its hospitality to its guests’ canine companions. Dogs are welcome all over the grounds and in the rooms. Beloved pooches are even incorporated into the lavish weddings that the Club often hosts with the rolling hills of the Virginia countryside as their backdrop.