Arts & Society

Mary Bird • May 18, 2011

Georgetowners treasure their “village” and nowhere is the spirit more prevalent than the greenery that abounds under the watchful eyes of dedicated volunteers of Trees for Georgetown. They plant empty tree boxes and water unstintingly. On May 11, Jill and Rock Tonkel opened their exquisitely landscaped grounds for a tribute as their son frolicked and guests enjoyed fabulous hors d’oeuvres from Susan Gage. To his astonishment, staunch supporter and famed designer Frank Randolph held the winning ticket for a stunning tree box. Betsy Emes thanked the major the major donors, chief among them Casey Trees. [gallery ids="99685,99686,99687,99688,99689,99690,99691,99692" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

The sun shone down on May 12 as guests joined Eivind Bjerke and his son-in-law Hans Kalset to inaugurate their stunningly redecorated hair salon in upper Georgetown in support of Children’s National Medical Center. In acknowledgement, Eivind quipped “I’m happy to see many big wigs tonight.” He gave special thanks to underwriter Amb. Julie Finley and Diana Goldberg, whom he dubbed “the Queen of Children’s Hospital.” Ambassador Strommen of Norway was clearly pleased to honor a Norwegian business east of North Dakota or Minnesota. All proceeds will go to the hospital’s Cancer Medical Care Fund supporting medications that families might otherwise not be able to afford. A former patient, Kate Kiernam, now a junior at Stoneridge, spoke of the wonderful care she had received. It was an elegant evening. [gallery ids="102516,102517,102518,102519,102520,102521,102522,102523" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner • May 17, 2011

Arena Stage
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Arena Stage will be producing John Grisham’s first novel adapted for the stage, “A Time To Kill,” the first theatrical adaptation of any Grisham work. After Carl Lee Hailey’s daughter falls victim to a horrific crime, her father takes the law into his own hands and ends up on trial for murder. An idealistic lawyer takes the case, but he’s up against a district attorney and faces a racially divided city. Tony Award-winning Rupert Holmes (The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Curtains) is the playwright in this play at Arena Stage through June 19. (ArenaStage.org)

Folger Theatre
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Folger Theatre premieres Michael Hollinger’s new translation of Rostand’s classic play, “Cyrano,” through June 5. The now-familiar tale of the large-nosed Cyrano, famed for his panache, and the handsome but tongue-tied Christian, who conspire to win the heart of the beautiful Roxane, is given new life in this sensuous, precise adaptation. (Folger.edu/theatre)

Ford’s Theatre
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Ford’s Theatre presents the world premiere of Liberty Smith through May 21, a madcap musical romp through Revolutionary America. The elusive Mr. Liberty Smith, childhood friend of George Washington, apprentice to Benjamin Franklin and link to Paul Revere’s remarkable ride, weaves his way through familiar tales of a young nation. Rife with melody and blazing with adventure, Liberty Smith recalls the lush heyday of the American musical. Experience the nation’s birth through the eyes of forgotten Founding Father, Liberty Smith. (FordsTheatre.org)

Washington National Opera
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Washington National Opera brings us Iphigénie en Tauride, the story of Iphigénie, high priestess of Taurus, tormented by dreams of her family’s bloody past and intimations of violence in the future. Gluck’s masterpiece, with its sweeping score and dramatic story, is enjoying a renaissance at major opera houses around the world. This company premiere features a cast led by soprano Patricia Racette, “the consummate singing actress” (Chicago Tribune). Hailed as the “greatest operatic artist of modern time” (The Guardian), world-renowned tenor Plácido Domingo, in his last show at the company, sings Oreste, Iphigénie’s long-lost brother who is condemned to death. The opera runs through May 28. (DC-Opera.org)

Robert Devaney • May 16, 2011

After a few preview parties, Sax, the new haughty, naughty restaurant in the old Posh space at 730 11th Street, NW, opens officially on Friday, May 13th. Sax owners Errol Lawrence and Nancy Koida (of Oya and Sei fame) offer a Moulin Rouge fantasy with a glass-enclosed, 20-foot burlesque and cabaret stage atop the main bar with velvet curtains and gold and red colors throughout, as well as a second floor. Oya chef Jonathan Seningen oversees the menu. (Steak tartare on crackers and other finger food were presented by corseted waitresses at the parties.)

But the scandalous murals on politics and religion prompt the most buzz in this nation’s capital. Pictures of what looks like President Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky as well as Anita Hill and Justice Clarence Thomas gives one pause, not to mention other phallic-laden images of priests and God himself. Oh, Lord, forgive us our satire if not blasphemy. Publisher Larry Flynt was not at our party. [gallery ids="99674,99675,99676,99677,99678,99679,99680,99681,99682" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird • May 12, 2011

On Apr. 26, Keith Lipert invited special pals to his eponymous boutique on M Street for a Spring Clearance Party. Guests imbibed champagne as they browsed for fabulous deals on treasures up to 50 percent off. [gallery ids="99664,106014,106018" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

Colombian Ambassador and Mrs. Gabriel Silva threw open the doors of their stunning Dupont Circle residence on Apr. 29 to join with Secretary General of the Organization of American States and Mrs. Jose Miguel Insulza and The Friends of the Art Museum of the Americas (AMA) in a tribute to Barbara Gordon honoring her lifetime dedication to the arts and philanthropy. The evening included a chef’s tasting table prepared by Chef Michel Richard, a silent auction featuring Latin American artists living in our area, a piano recital by Edvinas Minkstimas and dancing to Latin music by DJ Panama. Ambassador Luigi Einaudi, expressing his belief that “politics are shaped by culture,” said “Barbara gets it.” Funds from the evening will support the work of the AMA. The honoree serves as First Chairman Emeritus of the museum. [gallery ids="99665,106019,106035,106031,106024,106028" nav="thumbs"]

Robert Devaney • May 4, 2011

The Georgetown Business Association celebrated its new media outlet — “Out & About” — a venture with the website, Georgetown Dish, in Cady’s Alley, April 20. Georgetown business leaders, politicians, residents, other media and influencers made the scene in the hypercool L2 nightclub, as Dish publisher Beth Solomon greeted the guests and said, “This is the first social media channel in D.C.” The purpose of the GBA’s “Out & About” is to post the profile, increase promotion and widen online presence of Georgetown businesses. GBA members can send out news, special offers and business advice from their unique town to the world wide web. [gallery ids="99667,106055,106039,106051,106047,106044" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

Despite the rather chilly temperature, there was joy in the air on Book Hill behind the gloriously restored Georgetown Library late in the afternoon on May 1 as families gathered to support the Georgetown Library and Book Hill Park. Local merchants were generous in their donations including the special team at Bacchus. Highlights were the canapés supplied by the recently opened Book Hill Café with Chef/GM Matthew Mohler and Cordon Bleu pastry chef Deborah Stewart in attendance. These privately raised funds constantly enhance Georgetown’s unique quality of life. [gallery ids="102557,119959,119949,119955,119941" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

Puro Cafe celebrated the opening of their patio with a wine tasting on Apr, 27. Owner Rashid Hassouni invited members of the Georgetown BID, the Citizens Association of Georgetown and Georgetown Business Association to join him. Despite warnings of severe weather, the skies remained calm as guests enjoyed great wines and hors d’oeuvres on the spacious patio. [gallery ids="102556,119977,119972,119957,119982,119965" nav="thumbs"]

Robert Devaney • April 21, 2011

The D.C. Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative gathered in La Maison Française at the French Embassy, April 8, to honor the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation — and to show off its students and raise funds for programs which give public school students a chance to experience the D.C. arts scene. The lively crowd of arts and business leaders at “Taking Flight: The Transformative Power of Arts Education” applauded Calvin Cafritz who accepted the first-ever Annual Spirited Leadership Award. NBC4 news anchor Wendy Rieger, who will jet off to cover the royal wedding in London, remarked, “My mother was a teacher. God bless you. God love you.” Bob Levey, former Washington Post columnist, quipped: “Wendy said I have been here since the Johnson Administration, but it was the administration of Lyndon Baines Johnson.” [gallery ids="99651,105316,105314" nav="thumbs"]