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Gary Tischler • December 19, 2011

For a play that’s called “Much Ado About Nothing,” it’s sure done mucho times leading me to wish that just once they’d call it “Much Ado About a Whole Lotta Stuff.”

Director Ethan McSweeney’s production, which swings to the mambo and samba rhythm of 1930s Cuba, is the latest in a long line of “Much Ados” at the Shakespeare Theatre Company alone, where I’ve seen at least three versions as well as two at the Folger, plus an impeccable Royal Shakespeare production with Derek Jacoby in the 1980s and the Kenneth-Branagh-Emma Thompson and a whole bunch of movie stars cinematic version. And that’s just me.

Tell you what. I don’t mind. McSweeney’s spiced-up production at Harman Hall may take you to Cuba and even roll out a droll version of “Guantanamera” when you never expect it, but it does something much richer than that. Dense, sprawling, entertaining as all get out, it reminds you of why we return to Shakespeare as if he were the mother load of our own experience.

McSweeney may be taking liberties in concepts and setting, but what the hey nonny nonny, that’s what Shakespeare’s for, because every play of Shakespeare’s comes with a glazed invitation to directors that reads: “Hey, take your best shot. Please.”

McSweeney has a track record when working with classics from the Greeks, to Shaw to Shakespeare, to be bold but also taking care to get to the heart and core of the material. With “Much Ado About Nothing,” the centerpieces are the bright, bickering, bitching, brawling Benedick and Beatrice, the sworn enemies of love, romance and marriage, who are of course so well matched that it takes three hours for them to realize it.

That’s because Shakespeare doesn’t make things easy for his characters, couples and heroes, including a girl named Hero in this one. His comedies, romantic or just plain silly, are exercises in the art of the well-made play—they’re full of sub-plots, side-trips and sidekicks, and digressions, some dark doings and low humor, which may exist only to elicit a belly laugh for the groundlings

So we are in 1930s Cuba, which has soldiers and dukes dressed up in the uniforms of Batista’s armies but still heading towards Messina, not Havana. Although the music is hot, hot, hot at times and the dancing is furious, it’s still the same old story. The victorious Count Pedro, along with his brother the dark prince Don John, his cynical, brave and witty captain Benedick, and the heroic young bravo Claudio comes to the house of old friend Leonardo to celebrate. Here reside Leonardo’s sweet and prized daughter, Hero, and the acid tongued and beautiful Beatrice. Benedick and Beatrice commence to do battle, Claudio is smitten madly with Hero to the point where they will be married shortly, there’s a gala party, there’s Don John planning to undo the happiness of anybody that’s happy by slandering Hero, and the friends of Benedick and Beatrice launch a campaign which will have them believing that each loves the other.

And then there’s the constable, Dogberry, but have patience, prithee.

Any production of this play rides on its Beatrice and Benedick. With Derek Smith – caustic, prone to panic within a yard of romantic sentiment, quick and nimble verbally and on and off his feet – and the brazen, sharp, fetching Kathryn Meisle, the race is swift, smart and funny. The two bounce pungent aphorisms, biting retorts and tart bullets at each other. Double kudos for the red-headed Meisle who came late to the production.

And they’re really funny. Because at least two—there are others—of the great comic moments in the production have nothing to do with verbal acrobatics. They require Benedick and then Beatrice to remain hidden while they overhear their friends describe them as in love with each other, their friends being fully aware of their presence. Smith crawls like a crab, runs like a burglar and shrinks to the size of a penny while Beatrice, working her way like a clumsy eel around the garden and the fountain in the end, with no other resource, nearly drowns herself.

This is sheer, silent movie slapstick, physical humor done with great inelegance, exposing the actors as the best sorts of comic thespians, the kind that could stand naked in a crowd while pretending to be splendidly dressed.

No matter where you set “Much Ado”—in a Mafia restaurant, in Cuba, on an ocean liner—the false slander of Hero—appealingly played by Kate Hurster—has always been a dark bone in a light play, it exposes the quick-to-believe Claudio as a callow, unworthy youth, Don Pedro as a powerful aristocrat too prone to meddle in the lives of others, and so forth. But you would be a fool to think that things don’t sort themselves out to a happy ending. This is not “Hamlet,” after all.

Enter Dogberry. Enter Verges. Enter Ted van Griethuysen. Enter Floyd King. Enter two Washington stage treasures.

In Shakespeare’s time, the two would no doubt have played Romeo and Juliet, Claudio and Hero, Benedick and Beatrice. As it is the two have had their way with kings and Falstaff and Malvolio and others for several decades. They look for all the world like Oliver Hardy and Stan Laurel, if they did Shakespeare.

Here they are the town constable Dogberry, a walking and malapropism, and his assistant Verges. Doddering, slow, hidebound and authentic as ballast on a ship of state, the two are practically tied at the hip, lest they break it.

Dogberry is one of those ridiculous officials whose sole authority is the passion with which he believes every wrong thing he says. He insists on it, as a point of fact. And what van Griethuysen does with this part—often overplayed—is make Dogberry human. He is a close cousin to Falstaff, and his charge to his militia to keep the peace by pretending not to hear the noise of chaos, sound in a ridiculous but believable way like Falstaff’s protestations about honor on a battlefield.

McSweeney has put together a production of “Much Ado” that is surely for people who might not care for Shakespeare but are eager to be entertained. But maybe even better, he’s staged a production, helped by dazzling sets and marvelous actors, a Shakespeare play that’s for those who really love a Shakespeare play.

“Much Ado About Nothing” runs through Jan. 3rd

Robert Devaney •

Mayor Asks for Town-Gown Peace

Georgetown University held its annual “Holiday Open House” Dec. 7 in Healy Hall’s Riggs Library, where neighbors, business and community leader and university officials gathered for conversation, refreshments and music. Among them was Mayor Vincent Gray, who had visions of streetcars, a GU-GWU basketball game and town-gown peace in his head.

University president John DeGioia introduced Mayor Gray to the crowd in the grand, multi-storied room which one guest described as something out of “Harry Potter.” Gray commended associate vice president Linda Greenan and Brenda Atkinson-Willoughby of Georgetown’s external relations office and mentioned Georgetown’s hot town-gown issue, the 10-year campus plan under consideration by the District’s zoning commission. “Can you imagine working on one every year?” asked Gray. As for working on disagreements about it, he added: “I would not say it’s delightful. You will get to a conclusion.”

Gray envisions the District becoming a leader in high technology, he said, as well as using the collective minds of the universities in D.C. As if needing to clarify, he said: “I have no intention in taxing universities.”After touting new rail routes in the city, Gray said, “We ought to bring streetcars back to Georgetown. We already have the tracks.” One more item on Gray’s wish list: a basketball game between Georgetown University and his alma mater George Washington University (the college teams do not play each other).

Pie Sisters on M Street Plans to Open Dec. 20

Hold on to your pie pans; the gas line has been connected at last.

Pie Sisters is ready to open its first store at 3423 M St., N.W., on Dec. 20, just in time for Hanukkah and Christmas and Kwanzaa, too. With ovens, coolers and counter ready for action, Allison, Cat and Erin Blakely will feed the town’s new taste for pies, sweet, creamy and fruity — and a few savory ones, too.
“The word is spreadiang,” Allison said. “People are excited. They have been so nice.”

Bakers and businesswomen, the Blakely sisters hail from Great Falls, Va., two having gone to Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington and also played college basketball. Allison worked at the State Department and finance section of NBC in New York; Erin at BCBG Max Azria. Cat still works at the State Department. They are parishioners of St. John’s Church on O Street.

Already known around town for their pies for weddings and social and charitable events, the Blakely trio said they chose the site because of its closeness to Georgetown University and its visibility – you can’t miss it turning off Key Bridge from Virginia – and that “the location is not too small and not too big.”
Erin added: “We’ve had Georgetown students contact us for part-time jobs.”

The shop will sell pies in three sizes, the hand-held “cuppie,” seven-inch and nine-inch, and flavors include apple caramel crunch, pecan, key lime and banana, coconut or chocolate cream.

They will also be offering gluten-free pies for the first time. The big pie can cost up to $35, but return the glass plate for $5 off next purchase – which appears irresistible. The sisters are also checking out chicken pot pie and BBQ pie recipes. There will also be chairs and tables in front for about 20 with a coffee counter as well.

Bank St.’s First Electric Car Charging Station

Get free energy for your electric or plug-in hybrid car for three months, while you shop or visit friends.
Sponsored by Eastbanc and Jamestown developers, the electric station is within a Bank Street PMI garage – at 3307 M Street, N.W. After three months, a charge for your car will cost less than $2.00.

(This is the town’s first public spot for electric car chargers; Georgetown University has had two for a few months.)

The car’s specific connection is to a SemaConnect’s ChargePro with Level 2 (240 VAC/30 amps); it can charge electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles with a J1772 inlet.

Boathouse plans to Get Fresh Look by Park Service

Now that the Georgetown Waterfront Park is completed, the National Park Service has turned its attention to another old riverside dream: a new boathouse on the Potomac River.

Specifically, according to the NPS, it is “examining the feasibility of implementing a non-motorized boathouse zone within the District of Columbia along the Potomac River waterfront upstream of the Georgetown Waterfront Park.

“The project area includes the waterfront land from immediately upstream of the Georgetown Waterfront Park at 34th Street, to approximately 1,200 feet upstream of Key Bridge, including federal properties north of Water Street / K Street. The purpose of this study is to identify specific ways NPS can enhance access to the river for user groups, and complement the riverside experiences provided by the Georgetown Waterfront Park, part of Rock Creek Park, and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Through this feasibility study, NPS will be studying what structures and facilities can potentially be accommodated within this non-motorized boathouse zone (project area). The study will look at potential scenarios related to the waterfront that are consistent with the necessary and appropriate uses for this zone. This study will lay the groundwork for future decision-making regarding

“(1) further planning and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)/National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) compliance as necessary to implement the non-motorized boathouse zone; and

“(2) potential development/improvement of NPS facilities.”

The feasibility study will be completed next summer after discussions with key stakeholders. Then, the study will go before the public in autumn 2012. Among the key stakeholders along the shoreline: Georgetown University, which has lobbied for a boathouse for years.

Currently, according to the NPS, “there are existing facilities within the non-motorized boathouse zone, including the Washington Canoe Club, Jack’s Boathouse, and the Potomac Boat Club. There is also riverfront green space and a site historically occupied by Dempsey’s Boathouse, which washed away in a flood in the 1930s.”

The Park Service held an informational meeting and open house Dec. 13 to talk about the study and answer questions at Washington Harbour.

Iraq’s Maliki Stops by G.U.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki visited Georgetown University Dec. 13 to meet with its president John DeGioia along with school deans and faculty members.

As the U.S. withdraws its last troops from Iraq by Dec. 31, Al-Maliki flew to Washington to confer with President Barack Obama Dec. 12. Al-Maliki’s drive-by held up traffic near the university’s Canal Road entrance.

No press was allowed at the meeting, according to the campus media, and much of Healy and Copley Lawns was cordoned off for security reasons.

Ari Post • December 7, 2011

Starting today, Monday Dec. 5 and continuing through Feb. 5, 2012, D.C. Public Library cardholders are being granted a pardon for all offenses regarding overdue, lost and damaged library material.

The Library’s “Check It In” campaign is an effort to get back as many overdue books as possible to benefit more District residents. The Library also wants to also ensure that all cardholder information is up-to-date, allowing an opportunity for updating your customer records with new email addresses, phone numbers or mailing addresses.

The 60-day campaign is a no-holds-barred clemency—no matter how beat up the book’s spine, no matter how many scratches on the CD, no matter how many cups of coffee have twisted and warped the pages, you can return them to D.C. Public Library no questions asked, with no fines of fees charged. Even if the item has been lost, all you have to do is report it and forgiveness will be granted.

When returning your books, see a library staff person in order to clear your record of fines and fees.

So “Check It In” and rediscover the joys of your local library. For more information visit DCLibrary.org

Gary Tischler • December 1, 2011

Everything that’s been written lately about the legendary New York Times former bureau chief and columnist Tom Wicker leads with his once-in-a-lifetime on-the-spot coverage of the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963.

For Wicker, who died Friday at the age of 85 of an apparent heart attack, everything flowed into that moment, and everything that happened after flowed from it.

Probably for good reasons. Wicker happened to be the only Times reporter in Dallas that day, but, scrambling to make sense out of one of the most dramatically chaotic events in American history, dictated from notes he scribbled on programs. Wicker, undaunted and calm, did more than report, he provided stirring and moving descriptions of what he saw, including a remarkable portrait of the First Lady.

It was a life and game changer for Wicker. A year later, the rising young star from North Carolina was named Washington Bureau Chief of the New York Times, succeeding NYT icon James Reston, who had hired him. The move precipitated one of those in-house Times battles that happen periodically at that paper, but in the end, Wicker remained, became an associate editor of the Times and wrote his own column “In the Nation,” a proudly opinionated political column which he continued until 1991, when he retired to Vermont.

He was considered a classic liberal, which he wasn’t, but he antagonized Richard Nixon so much that he was one of many media types (and celebrities) who made the president’s infamous enemies list. During Watergate days, he strongly called for Nixon’s impeachment. But he also wrote a much more sympathetic—and probably more balanced – book called “One of Us: Richard Nixon and the American Dream,” the book noted the president’s accomplishments, which were significant, and his flawed humanity.

Wicker gained more fame when he decided as a journalist present there to act as something of a negotiator at the Attica Prison Revolt of 1961 which ended tragically in violence and many deaths. He wrote a prize-winning book on the subject, “A Time to Die: The Attica Prison Revolt,” which became a powerful made for television movie.

Wicker was something new — the journalist-reporter with a view that leaked like blood into much of his writing, purposefully — involved, personal, which he not only practiced but advocated. His writing on politics had pungent flavors to it.

But he was also something old—he was a member of that generation of southern creative types who grew to maturity during the civil rights struggles and were deeply concerned about the issue of race in America, a subject they wrote about, painted, or made music of, from Welty to Styron to earlier Faulkner. He grew up poor, in a place called—can’t be more telling—Hamlet, N.C. He once edited a small-town paper called the Sandhill Citizen in Aberdeen, N.C.

But this small-town southern boy rose to the top of the heap at one of the greatest newspapers in America, graduated from the University of North Carolina, had a Nieman Fellowship at Harvard and was a fellow at the Kennedy School of Government.

He wrote 20 books, including two notable works of fiction, “Facing the Lions,” a big, detailed, and stirring book about a presidential campaign and “Unto This Hour,” a terrific, very can’t-put-down yarn about the Battle of Bull Run.

Georgetowner •

ANC 2E will hold their monthly meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Georgetown Visitation in the Heritage Room. The meeting will review the District Department of Transportation’s proposal to modify the roads on Wisconsin Avenue from S Street to Calvert Street among other issues.

Georgetowner • November 29, 2011

The small shop on M Street was filled with fans, cameras and anticipation Saturday, Oct. 29, as actress Kerry Washington paid a visit to Sprinkles Cupcakes to speak with her fans and to raise money for the non-profit organization Americans for the Arts.

“We’re selling the Red Velvet cupcakes, hence the red dress!” said Kerry Washington with a big smile. Fans were standing in line to buy a Red Velvet cupcake and get the little brown bag autographed by Washington. She paused to be photographed and speak with each person who showed up at Sprinkles Cupcakes, and spoke passionately about Americans for the Arts.

“I believe in equal access to the arts,” said Washington. “Art is important to understand history, so that we don’t repeat mistakes made by people before us.” Washington explained that Sprinkles Cupcakes entrepreneur Candice Nelson approached her and offered to help her with any event, and Washington chose to mingle with people at Sprinkles Cupcakes. “I am very is supportive of women entrepreneurs,” said Washington, referring to Nelson.

“Kerry Washington is a member of our Artist Committee,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of AFTA. “The committee consists of 100 artists who come to events, testify before Congress and advocate for us,” he said, adding that Washington is one of their greatest contributors. Other prominent artists such as John Legend, Meryl Streep and Yoko Ono are also members of this committee, according to AmericansForTheArts.Org

Lynch has been working for the organization for 26 years. “We have many events and conferences, but we have never done anything like this before,” said Lynch. “Kerry Washington came to us with this idea.”

Catherine Brandt, spokesperson for AFTA, praises Sprinkles Cupcakes and Kerry Washington for their work with the event. “Washington and Sprinkles Cupcakes have organized this, and Sprinkles Cupcakes has been wonderful, agreeing to sell Red Velvet cupcakes to profit Americans for the Arts for a week,” said Brandt.

Tara Anderson was one of those who came out to Sprinkles Cupcakes despite Saturday’s snow and wind. “Americans for the Arts is awesome, and Kerry does a lot of good charity work!” said Anderson, who came both to meet Washington and to report for her PR firm, Fire Public Relations Group. Michelle Dhansinghani and Monica Arroyo also escaped the weather outside and enjoyed the charity event at Sprinkles Cupcakes. “It is cupcakes and beautiful women,” said Dhansinghani and laughed.

After more than an hour, the shop was still crowded. Washington, Lynch and Brandt were happy about the event and the turnout on Saturday. Washington showed her appreciation more than once, saying “Thank you all for coming out, and for the support!”
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Ari Post • November 28, 2011

Join the Georgetown Business Association at City Tavern Club this today, Nov. 9 for “Economic Development in Georgetown,” a presentation by D.C. community leaders and Georgetown business owners exploring the current state of economic development in Georgetown and its impact on business.

The list of speakers includes D.C. Councilmembers Jack Evans and Vincent Orange; ANC 2e Commissioner Bill Starrels; Michael Fitzgerald, President & CEO of Bank of Georgetown; as well as a handful of prominent small business owners, such as John Hays of The Phoenix and Karen Ohri of Georgetown Floorcoverings.

Wenesday, Nov. 9, 2011, from 6 – 9 p.m.
City Tavern Club
3206 M St., NW

6:00 Registration
6:15 Presentation
7:00 Q&A
7:30 Reception

For more information visit GTownBusiness.com

Georgetowner •

With James Madison’s historic home Montpelier as a backdrop, the annual Montpelier Hunt Races took off Saturday, Nov. 5 with all the pomp and circumstance to be expected of an event that dates back to 1934. The event presented seven races over its natural tracks, including a hurdle race featuring live brush jumps, the only course of its kind in Virginia. Attendees were treated to another unique aspect of Montpelier’s course: the proximity of its viewing areas to the race track. Unlike other horse races where guests have to watch the spectacle through binoculars to get a good view, guests at Montpelier can sit trackside, practically in the middle of the action. [gallery ids="100373,110777,110789,110782,110786" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

In celebration of its “20 Something Anniversary,” all Pizza Paradiso locations – including the one here in Georgetown – will host a week full of discounts and deals for its patrons, all of which are centered around the number 20. From $20 take-out to 20 cent toppings, Paradiso is getting creative with their birthday bash.

Drop in Monday for take-out and get one large and one small pizza for $20.

On Tuesday, Pizza Paradiso is giving away 20th Anniversary Beer Glasses with a purchase of a beer.

For $20 on Wednesday, you can get All You Can Eat Pizza & Beer with a two-drink maximum.

On Thursday, $20 gets you a small special pizza paired with an Anniversary Beer.

Your first beer purchase on Friday will only cost you 20 cents.

On Saturday, your first three toppings on any pizza will also cost you only 20 cents. Dine in only.

Sunday is “20 Free Pizzas” Family/Kids Day. From 1 to 4 p.m., kids can make their own pizzas with Chef Ruth Gresser. The first 20 pizzas sold will be free. This offer is only available at Pizza Paradiso’s Old Town location.

Georgetowner •

Alliance Francaise Celebration of Beaujolais

November 18th, 2011 at 6:00 to 9:00PM | $ 40.00 members, $ 50.00 admission VIP: $120 | Tel: 202-234-7911 | Event Website

Kick off the beginning of the French wine harvest with a formal celebration at The Washington Club hosted by Alliance Francaise. This event will offer the greatest variety of entertainment, in a building that was used as a temporary White House during the Coolidge administration. During this evening, guests will enjoy the beautiful building, a live jazz band, fashion show, silent auction, DJ and dinner buffet from a local Franco-inspired restaurant. An open bar will be set with their traditional red and white beverages.

Address

The Washington Club

15 Dupont Circle

Washington DC

The Washington Harbour Food Drive

November 17-22nd, 2011 All Day | Tel: 202-944-4230 |

The Washington Harbour is now collecting non-perishable food items for donation to the Food Drive for SOME (So Others Might Eat). From now until November 22, donation boxes will be located in the East and West office lobbies at 3000 and 3050 K Street NW, Washington, DC at The Washington Harbour. The lobbies are open from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The collection will be donated to help stock the food pantry at SOME, which provides meals to those in need in the Washington, D.C. area. Suggested food items include: nutrition bars; cereal; pasta & sauce; rice; beans; macaroni; canned meat/soup/vegetables; peanut butter/jelly; evaporated milk; instant potatoes; instant oatmeal; ground coffee.

Address

Washington Harbour Condominium

3030 K St NW

Washington DC 20007

“Masters of Illusion: Impossible Magic”

November 19th, 2011 at 8:00 PM | Event Website

The illusionists from TV’s “Masters of Illusion: Impossible Magic” come to Strathmore for two nights for a live magic show. Saturday, Nov. 19, 8 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 20, 2 p.m. Masters of Illusion Live!, which NBC Radio declares is the “best non-stop family entertainment anywhere!” features a cadre of talented showstoppers –Mark Kalin, Jinger Leigh, Farrell Dillon, Darren Romeo, Kevin James and Aaron Radatz.

Address

Music Center at Strathmore

5301 Tuckerman Lane

North Bethesda, MD 20852

Sculpture Garden Ice Rink Opening

November 19th, 2011 at 10:00 AM | $8.00 for adults and $7.00 for children, students, and seniors | ngaicerink@guestservices.com | Tel: (202) 216-9397 | Event Website

The National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden Ice Rink is scheduled to open this Saturday at 10 a.m. despite warm-ish weather. Check it out for a chance to enjoy this winter activity while wearing only a light jacket. Call 202-216-9397 for more information and for conditions.

Address

7th St NW & Constitution Avenue

Washington D.C.

15th Annual Holiday Brunches with Santa

November 27th, 2011 at 10:00 AM | $39.95 for adults and $20.00 for children ages 4-11 | lisa@lindarothpr.com | Tel: 202- 416-8555 | Event Website

Santa Claus is flying into town early again this season, parking his reindeer and sled atop the world-famous Kennedy Center, as Roof Terrace Restaurant prepares for its 15th Annual Holiday Brunches with Santa. Families and friends are invited to gather amidst live jazz music and incomparable skyline views, while visiting with Old St. Nick to share their holiday wish lists.

When: Sunday, November 27; Saturday, December 10; Sunday, December 11; Saturday, December 17; Sunday, December 18.

Address

Roof Terrace Restaurant

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

2700 F Street

Washington, DC