Latest News

Marie Loiseau • November 7, 2013

Georgetown welcomes the capital’s very first sweetFrog Premium Frozen Yogurt. The pay-by-the-ounce, fully customized desserts can be found at 1737 Wisconsin Ave., NW, at the corner of S Street. SweetFrog offers more than 20 froyo flavors and a considerable variety of topping selections. The Georgetown location opened for business on Oct. 20.

“SweetFrog is frozen yogurt your way. You determine what goes in your cup, so every creation is perfect,” said James Denison, public relations associate for the company. At sweetFrog, customers are invited to be creative, mix and match their favorite flavors and top them with exactly what they want.

SweetFrog has expanded to more than 300 stores in the U.S., England and the Caribbean since its original opening in Richmond, Va., in 2009. The Daily Meal recently named sweetFrog “America’s Best Frozen Yogurt.”

Storeowners David and Elliot Staley are happy to bring the taste to Georgetown and say, “Our goal is for the store to serve as a fun and uplifting environment for the whole family to enjoy.”

Robert Devaney •

Georgetown architect Robert Bell will buy the Georgetown Theater property with its iconic neon “Georgetown” sign on Wisconsin Avenue.

“I never thought I would see this day come,” Bell said. “It’s a miracle.” The major sale represents an architectural and retail renaissance that likely will come for the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and O Street. A contract was signed a week ago. Bell is the single purchaser, he said.

Bell, whose office at 3218 O St., NW, is steps from the closed theater, which he will purchase from the Heon family. The theater is located at 1351 Wisconsin Ave., NW. While Bell would not disclose the final, negotiated price, the property — not a theater for decades — was put on the market three years ago for about $4.5 million.

Bell said the rejuvenated property will include “retail, office and luxury residences.” With the ability to enhance or add windows, the space will have lots of light. The architect said the property will have “twice the amount of useable space,” while it will need only one-third of the energy previously used. The idea of a book store and coffee shop for the main floor remains, but Bell did not say which business that might be. The Georgetown Business Improvement District is also involved in improving the block around the theater.

One real estate posting had described the property as consisting of “6,086 square feet — 3,300 square feet on the main level and 2,700 square feet on the mezzanine level. The lot is 6,569 square feet with parking and a carriage house in the rear. … It is currently the largest lot in Georgetown for sale. This unique property hasn’t been available to purchase in 65 years. Great opportunity to own this important piece of historic Georgetown. … The property sits at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and O Streets in the heart of Georgetown. The zoning is C-2-A allowing significant added value.”

For Bell, the sale also represents years of negotiation with the Heon family and years of design work and dreaming of what the property could become.

“The Georgetown Theater is the missing link to restoring Wisconsin Avenue from Book Hill to M Street as one of America’s best streets,” Bell said. “Restoring the façade and vitality of this property will be a major improvement on the quality of Wisconsin Avenue and Georgetown.”

Bell said he is “committed to keeping the historic and contextual character of Georgetown as well as generating luxury retail, office and residential spaces.” He added: “The design will be presented to the Advisory Neighborhood Commission and the Old Georgetown Board for approval at their November meetings and emphasizes five design principles.”

The following are some of the details planned for the property by the firm of Robert Bell Architects:

1. Historic preservation and restoration

2. Mixed use development

3. Sustainable “Passive house” design

4. Transforming the alley into a “street for people”

5. Widening the sidewalk for café seating as a demonstration of the benefits to community and retail.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION: The design preserves and restores the theater façade to its 1940s character. This would include duplicating and replacing the exiting neon sign by Jack Stone Signs who built the original neon sign. It will reproduce the existing sign with the same templates used on the original. The design will stripping away the 1950s “Dura Stone” layer and restoring the stucco below, the kiosk and replacing the windows.

“GENERATIVE” MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT: The development will increase the existing retail space, provide “boutique” office space, luxury residences with two story spaces and roof gardens, and a private alley dwelling with an artist studio by extending to the existing rear garage. The commercial space is designed for a major commercial tenant such as a restaurant or book store back to Georgetown — or both.

SUSTAINABLE PASSIVE HOUSE DESIGN, APPLIED TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION: The design is based on approaching a new zero energy consumption through the use of Passive house design principles with details developed by Robert Bell Architects. geothermal energy, photovoltaic (not visible), and a unique foundation system using 8” Helios piles inserted between roots of existing tree to preserve the root structure undamaged. This structural design allows the house to float above the tree root structure to preserve the tree.

ALLEY TRANSFORMATION INTO A “GARDEN STREET” FOR PEOPLE: Robert Bell Architects is coordinating neighbors with the intent to partner with the D.C. government to transform the present derelict alley into a mixed use Muse, “the Georgetown Muse,” similar to the quality of Cadys Alley.

SIDEWALK: The firm will propose widening the sidewalk in front of the theater block to accommodate sidewalk cafes as a destination for the “Georgetown Theater” — to transform the location to a destination “park on the sidewalk,” where people can sit and enjoy the unique historic character of this site, cobblestone street, historic buildings, and the theater icon from the past.
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Robert Devaney •

During the overnight hours of Oct. 17, an automobile jumped the sidewalk at Wisconsin Avenue and P Street, NW, striking the facade of the corner store, L’Enfant Gallery, known for its furniture and sculptures as well as artwork and maps. The gallery is packed with items for home decor — and, apparently, for a new, unexpected use: traffic barrier. While the store’s glass was shattered by the impact of the wandering car, the large stone lion in front of the store stopped the car from going through the window front and seriously damaging the store.
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Robert Devaney •

Georgetown is famous for its Halloween scene, going back to the 1970s, as visitors flood into town to walk around and show off their costumes and attitudes. These days, things are a little more under control (although there was a shooting two years ago) with pedestrian barricades to be set up around the go-to intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and M Street. For safety, expect those barricades to extend at least to 31st Street and Potomac Street and then toward the C&O Canal and Prospect Street. Earlier in the evening, children will walk around the residential streets with their parents or guardians to knock on doors to get candy and treats before the adults come out to play.

Another big issue for Halloween is the flow of vehicular traffic. Streets are open with restrictions.

See the “2013 Georgetown Halloween Detail Community Briefing,” immediately below.

From the Metropolitan Police Department:

Purpose

On the night of Thursday, October 31, 2013, the annual Georgetown Halloween celebration will take place. It is anticipated that thousands of celebrants from the entire Metropolitan Area will converge upon Georgetown.

This plan will provide the residents and businesses of the Georgetown community with an update on the operational plan that will be utilized by the members of the Metropolitan Police Department, when responding to any incidents that may occur during the Halloween festivities.

The goal of this plan is the same as the mission of the Metropolitan Police Department: to safeguard the District of Columbia and protect its residents and visitors by providing the highest quality of police service with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to innovation that integrates people, technology and progressive business systems.

Situation

The enhanced detail of police personnel will provide additional police presence in the Georgetown community and surrounding Patrol Service Areas (PSAs) to address the expected increases in vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Additionally, the detail will assist in the abatement of order maintenance issues.

A large contingency of officers will be deployed on Thursday, October 31, 2013, to supplement patrols in Georgetown (PSA 206) and the immediate surrounding Patrol Service Areas.

The Metropolitan Police Department will be the primary agency responsible for maintaining order, preserving the peace and the protection of property. The key to the successful and professional culmination of this event is dependent on the police department and community working in a collaborative effort to ensure that the mission of this detail is accomplished. Disciplined response and de-escalation will be the key to quell any problems or potential disruption.

Detail Perimeters

The main area of the police detail covers 28th Street, NW (eastern boundary) to Key Bridge, NW (western boundary), K Street, NW (southern boundary), to P Street, NW (northern boundary).

Emergency No-Parking Restrictions

Emergency No-Parking restrictions will be posted at least 72-hours in advance and will be in effect for the following dates/times, and along the following routes.

Parking Restrictions

On Halloween, Thursday, October 31, 2013, beginning at 4 p.m., until 6 a.m., Friday, November 1, 2013, parking will be restricted on the following roadways.

Routes [with no parking allowed]

K St, NW, from 30th Street to Wisconsin Avenue, NW;

Water Street, NW, from 33rd Street to the mouth of the Capital Crescent Trail;

1000 to 1300 blocks of Wisconsin Ave., NW;

M Street, NW, from 25th Street to Key Bridge;

1100 block of 26th Street, NW;

Thomas Jefferson Street – 1000 block (From the canal north to M Street)

The following streets will be closed to through traffic. Only residents, visitors and employees of businesses within these areas will be granted access. Additional streets may be closed and/or opened at the direction of the Second District Commander or his designee. Citizens must present proof of work or residence to gain access to these streets. The restrictions will be in effect on Thursday, October 31, 2013, at 6:30 p.m., until Friday, November 1, 2013 at 4 a.m.

? 1000 block of Grace Street NW

? 1000 block of Thomas Jefferson Street NW

? 1000-1500 blocks of 29th Street NW

? 1000 -1500 blocks of 30th Street NW

? 1200-1300 blocks of Potomac Street NW

? 1200-1500 blocks of 27th Street NW

? 1200-1500 blocks of 28th Street NW

? 1200-1600 blocks of 33rd Street NW

? 1200-1700 blocks of 34th Street NW

? 1500 32nd Street NW

? 1600-1700 blocks of 35th Street NW

? 2600-3100 blocks of Dumbarton Street NW

? 2600-3100 blocks of P Street NW

? 2600-3600 blocks of O Street NW

? 2700-3600 blocks of N Street NW

? 2700 block of Poplar Lane NW

? 2700-2900 blocks of Olive Street NW

? 3100 Block of Blues Alley

? 3100 Block of Oak Alley NW

? 3100 Block of South Street NW

? 3200-3400 Q Street NW

? 3200 Block of Cecil Place NW

? 3200-3600 blocks of Prospect Street NW

? 3300-3400 blocks of Dent Place NW

? 3300 blocks of Cady’s Alley NW

? 900 Block 30th Street NW

Relocated/Impounded Vehicles

DPW Tow cranes will remove all illegally parked vehicles in the detail area. Particular attention will be given to the streets that have been posted with temporary “NO PARKING SIGNS.” All vehicles will be towed to the 3200 to 3600 blocks of Water Street, NW, where they can be retrieved by owners and operators. No Impoundment fees will be imposed on any vehicle towed.

TRAFFIC CONTROL

Traffic conditions associated with the upcoming Halloween Celebration on Thursday, October 31, 2013, will require an intensive enforcement effort on the part of the Metropolitan Police Department and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT).

Traffic posts will be established on October 31, 2013, primarily to support traffic flow in and around the established MPD Halloween Detail Perimeters. Members will perform traffic control functions with a goal of preventing intersections from becoming grid locked, and most importantly, the protection of pedestrians. Additionally, DDOT Traffic Control Officers (TCOs) will assist with the main pedestrian crossings and traffic congestion points.

You have been warned.

Georgetowner •

Esprit de Noel Christmas Bazaar

Nov. 1, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Nov. 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visitation Prep’s Esprit de Noel Christmas Bazaar is Nov. 1 and 2. This year’s event promises more than 60 specialty boutiques, treats, beautiful decorations and music, silent auction, a car raffle, and great opportunities to mingle with the school and local community.

Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, 1524 34th St., NW — 202-337-3350

5th Annual fallFringe Festival

November 1st, 2013 at 06:30 PM | $20 or $15 with your 2013 Fringe Button | boxoffice@capitalfringe.org | Tel: 866.811.4111 | Event Website

FallFringe is a live performing arts festival that gathers the best talent from past summer Capital Fringe Festivals. This year, fallFringe welcomes back seven returning sell-out shows from the 2013 summer festival; and six production companies that participated in previous Capital Fringe Festivals are creating brand-new, contemporary performances. And, Fort Fringe will be lit up with two indoor bars and three indoor theatres.

Address

Fort Fringe, Festival Box Office, 607 New York Ave., NW

Giselle

November 1st, 2013 at 07:30 PM | Tel: 202.467.4600 | Event Website

Love, betrayal and forgiveness reign as The Washington Ballet takes on one of the world’s most beautiful and technically difficult ballets. From the time of its 1841 premiere in Paris, this dramatic and gorgeous ballet has inspired generations of dancers with its tale of a young peasant girl who has a passion for dancing and dies of a broken heart. One of Septime Webre’s all-time favorite classical ballets, Giselle has it all—romance, spirited peasant dances and ghostly spirits.

Address

The Kennedy Center, Eisenhower Theater; 2700 F St. NW

The Summoning of Everyman

November 1st, 2013 at 08:00 PM | $15.00 | UniversePlayers2@aol.com | Tel: 202-355-6330 | Event Website

During the month of November, the Edge of the Universe Players 2 will bring the medieval play The Summoning of Everyman to Washington, DC theatergoers. The play, directed by Steven Jarrett of Washington, DC, features the characters Death, God, Everyman, and many others. Joe Brack of Washington is cast in the lead role of “Everyman” in this 15th century work that has roots as early as the 2nd to 4th centuries.

Address

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company; 641 D Street NW,

St. Mark Orthodox Church Ethnic Food Festival & Bazaar

November 1st, 2013 at 11:00 AM | Free admission | admin@stmarkoca.org | Tel: 301-229-6300 | Event Website

The annual Food Festival is known for homemade Russian and Eastern European food specialties, such as piroghi, piroshki, halupki, blini, borscht, Chicken Kiev, kielbasa,and spanakopita. Assorted side dishes, drinks and desserts are available. Dine in or carry-out. Shop for baked goods, cupcakes, candies, religious gifts, pottery, & Christmas items. Watch an egg decorating demo. 10% off on hot foods for seniors.
Open Fri, Nov 1 (11-8); Sat, Nov 2 (11-8); and Sun, Nov 3 (12-4).

Address

St. Mark Orthodox Church; 7124 River Road; Bethesda, MD 20817

24th Annual Fiber Art Show & Sale

November 2nd, 2013 at 09:30 AM | free admission | Tel: 703.548.0935 | Event Website

Annual sale of wearable art and fiber art supplies by members of the Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery. Scarves, hats, garments, jewelry, yarn, fabrics, notions and gift items will be sold. Bargain tables include gallery-quality items and artists’ overstock of equipment, materials and supplies, books, and more.

Free admission, plenty of parking.

Address

St. Mark Presbyterian Church; 10701 Old Georgetown Road; Rockville, MD 20852

Pride and Prejudice Afternoon Tea

November 2nd, 2013 at 01:00 PM | $25-$30 | info@tudorplace.org | Tel: (202) 965-0400 | Event Website](http://www.tudorplace.org/calendar.html)

Enjoy a celebration of the 200th anniversary of Jane Austin’s best known novel, Pride and Prejudice. Join costumed interpreters for a spirited discussion of the author’s works during a lively period appropriate tea, complete with tea sandwiches, scones, and assorted desserts. Following the tea, tour the entertaining spaces of the historic mansion to learn about Federal period entertaining in America.

Address

1670 31st St

Opera at the Plaza – WNO performs at Shops at Wisconsin Place

November 2nd, 2013 at 03:00 PM | $10, suggested donation | info@shopwisconsinplace.com | Tel: 703-785-5634 | Event Website](http://www.shopwisconsinplace.com/)

Washington National Opera’s Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists will perform Opera’s Best-Loved Arias and previews of the opera’s upcoming productions. Enjoy food, beverages, and shopping specials to benefit WNO. Opera at the Plaza will be held rain or shine, and all are welcome to attend – 3 pm until 5 pm on November 2 at the Shops at Wisconsin Place.

Address

5310 Western Avenue, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815

Choral Evensong for the Sunday After All Saints

November 3rd, 2013 at 05:00 PM | FREE | music.redeemer@verizon.net | Tel: 3012293770 | Event Website](http://www.redeemerbethesda.org/music/documents/MARBrochure2013-14-Interior.pdf)

Dr. Martin Neary, former Organist & Master of the Choristers at Westminster Abbey, leads Redeemer’s Adult and Youth Choirs in singing the evening office. Music includes works by Edgar Bainton, Herbert Howells, Martin Neary, and Tomas Luis de Victoria. A brief organ recital precedes the liturgy. Reception to follow.

Address

6201 Dunrobbin Drive; Bethesda, MD 20816

Christie’s One Day: Preview: George Washington’s Original Thanksgiving Proclamation

November 4th, 2013 at 10:00 AM | Free and open to the public | [Event Website](http://www.christies.com/)

Christie’s presents to the public a rare public viewing of George Washington’s Thanksgiving Day Proclamation. Signed on October 3, 1789 by George Washington to establish the first federal Thanksgiving Day, this foundational document will be on view in Boston for one-day only, as part of a national tour prior to its November 14 sale (estimate: $8-12 million).

Address

The Jefferson Hotel, 1200 16th St., NW

Waterfowl Festival of Easton MD

November 8th, 2013 at 09:00 AM | $12 per person. Children under 10 are free. | facts@waterfowlfestival.org | Tel: 410-822-4567 | [Event Website](http://www.waterfowlfestival.org/)

Observe the natural beauty of the Eastern Shore. Running November 8 through 10, this event offers a gaggle of exhibits including wildlife paintings and sculptures, World Championship Calling contests, as well as fly-fishing and dock dogs demonstrations. And what’s more, the event helps to raise money for the conservation of wildlife on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Take wing to Harrison Street for a celebration the whole family can enjoy.

Address

Waterfowl Festival; Easton, MD 21601

Robert Devaney •

Below are but a few of the events happening around town on Halloween.

— 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Oct. 31, Trick-or-Treat With Students, Healy Lawn: the Georgetown University Student Association invites neighborhood families to a family-friendly night of trick-or-treating on the front lawn. There will be candy, giveaways, performances, cookie decorating, a pumpkin patch and more. All are welcome.

— 7:30 p.m., Oct. 31, “The Exorcist,” Georgetown AMC Loews, 3111 K Street, NW. After viewing the movie, audience members may ask author William Peter Blatty questions about the epic 1973 horror film, set in Georgetown and at Georgetown University.

— 4 p.m. until close, Oct. 31, Chipotle Mexican Grill is pleased to bring back the Boorito fundraiser this Halloween. Kids (and adults) of all ages are encouraged to take a break from the candy and stop by any Chipotle restaurant nationwide on Halloween, dressed in costume to receive any burrito, bowl, salad, or order of tacos for only $3. All proceeds will benefit the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to creating a more sustainable food supply.

— 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., Oct. 31, the Georgetown Graham — 1075 Thomas Jefferson St., NW — turns its rooftop Observatory bar into “The Laboratory for Halloween,” the scene of its Halloween party with specialty cocktails and costume prizes. Open bar will be available from 8 to 10 p.m., featuring syringe shots, bourbon cider and a hot pumpkin coffee cocktail. Costumes are required, and the guest with the most creative costume will win a prize from hotel. Tickets for the “Laboratory” are $30; contact erika@epgPR.com.

— 9 p.m., Oct. 31, join Nick’s Riverside Grill — 3050 K St., NW, at Washington Harbour — for a Halloween Night Celebration, including “D.C. Throwback” at 10 p.m. and a costume contest to follow. You can win brunch for two at Tony and Joe’s, a bar tab at Nick’s Riverside, merchandise and more. You must be 21 or older to attend; no cover charge included.

— 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Oct. 31, “Howl-O-Ween”: Trick Or Treating For Dogs, Courtyard Garden of the Fairmont in the West End, 2401 M St., NW. Prizes for “Best Dog Costume” and “Most Adorable Dog in Costume”; house-made doggie snacks for all dogs. Adults will enjoy a special “Witches’ Brew Cocktail” at $5.

— 8 p.m., Oct. 31, P.O.V. Lounge at the W Hotel — 515 15th St. NW — hosts its third annual Halloween social with proceeds benefiting the Washington Humane Society. The social will feature live performances by DJ Ghost and DJ Phillipz, craft cocktails and a costume contest, with the winner to be awarded a W Washington, D.C. sleepover package which includes an overnight stay in one of the W WOW Suites and breakfast in bed.

— 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Oct. 31: For a frightening experience in a very D.C. setting, check out the National Museum of Crime & Punishment’s version of a haunted house. “Fright at the Museum: Dead Men Walking” centers on an electric chair from Tennessee and is intended only for those who truly enjoy scary experiences. Visit crimemuseum.org for information and tickets ($20). 575 7th St. NW, 202-393-1099.

— 6:30 p.m. (doors open), 7:30 p.m., Oct. 31, Blue Öyster Cult, the Hamilton, 600 14th St., NW. Visit www.TheHamiltonDC.com.

Ina Bjorbekk •

Enjoy that ”extra” hour of sleep. Early on Sunday morning — Nov. 3 — it’s time to turn the clock back to standard time as daylight saving time ends. DST was first suggested in the U.S. by Benjamin Franklin in 1784, but it wasn’t until 1918 that a plan establishing standard time zones and summer time was formally enacted. The act didn’t prove very popular and had to be repealed only a year later. However, people continued to turn their clocks based on their local laws until 1966, when Congress established the beginning and the end of DST throughout the country. Until 2006, DST ended a few days before Halloween, but to prevent traffic accidents involving trick-or-treaters it was changed to the first Sunday in November. Change-over time set for 2 a.m.

Gary Tischler • October 31, 2013

New plays, are nothing new on the Washington theater scene, but what is just a little new is that this year, there’s an abundance of new plays from which theatergoers can choose. And what’s more, in some very companies, they’re the jump starters for their season.

That’s to be expected from, say, Woolly Mammoth, whose whole history and existence, and reason for being for decades now has been centered around new work. Many theaters encourage new plays, promote them and provide a home and possible production site for new playwrights. That’s been the case for Arena Stage, whose first two productions are plays that are either made from scratch or have never been seen in Washington.

We had occasion to chat with three playwrights, whose work were part of the early Washington Theater Scene.

Charles Randolph-Wright’s new play “Love in Afghanistan” is currently running at Arena Stage in the Arlene and Robert Kogod Cradle through Nov. 17. Eric Coble’s two-character play “The Velocity of Autumn”, starring Estelle Parsons, is finishing its run in the Kreeger at Arena Stage Oct. 20. And Lisa D’Amour’s remarkable (and remarkably staged by Director John Vreeke) play about the dying of suburbia finished a successful run at Woolly Mammoth October 6

Charles Randolph-Wright and “Love in Afghanistan”

Charles Randolph Wright is hardly a new playwright, or a new presence in Washington, or a new guy at Arena Stage. This is the man who is directing “Motown: The Musical,” the smash hit musical, on Broadway, who has helmed a number of productions at Arena Stage, including, notably, “Sophisticated Ladies” at the Lincoln Theater, a production of “Guys and Dolls” at Arena, and “Senor Discretion Himself,” the last musical written by Frank Loesser before his death in 1969. Recently, he directed Arena’s production of Lynn Nottage’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “Ruined.” At ACT in San Francisco, he directed a musical version of Athol Fugard’s “Blood Knot” with music by Tracy Chapman. As a playwright, he wrote the acclaimed “Blue,” which was produced at Arena Stage, and starred Phylicia Rashad.

Not only that, but just for another interesting credit, he was an original cast member of “Dream Girls” on Broadway. Yet, even for the wide-ranging Randolph-Wright, “Love in Afghanistan” is a departure, something brand new.

For him, it’s almost an exclamation point to the projects he’s worked on at Arena: “Molly Smith has always encouraged me, provided an arena for exploration, for searching in her own desire to focus on American plays. But even so, this play is different, for me, because it was about a collision of cultures, and I had never been to Afghanistan, so in many ways, I had to imagine the setting.”

“Basically, Molly said I want to do your next play, which is huge. There have been no limits on what I can try or do, as director, and now as resident playwright.”

Randolph-Wright said the play was sparked by as story he had read about Afghanistan, the family practice of bacha posh in which girls are forced to dress and be like boys in order for them to work. “You have to wonder what that does to a girl, to people,” he said. “That’s where it started for me, and I talked to a lot of people from Afghanistan who had been there, and in a way the country came to me, in a kind of total inspiration.

The result is “Love in Afghanistan,” a play in which a young America hip hop star encounters a young interpreter named Roya on a visit to Afghanistan. Melis Aker plays Roya and Khris Davis plays Duke. “It’s a kind of Romeo and Juliet, sure, but it’s also about a clash of cultures and the effects of the American presence in that country and the impact of what happens when we leave.”

Eric Coble and “The Velocity of Autumn”

Coble has written—and is writing—a lot, although “The Velocity of Autumn” marks his Arena debut. He has been in numerous festivals, and produced a volume of work that’s interesting for its variety, diversity. He writes plays for young people including an adaptation of the popular novel “The Giver,” a standard in many middle school curriculums.

“I’ve had a pretty unusual background,” Coble said. Somehow, this native of Scotland who was raised on the Navajo and Ute reservations in New Mexico and Colorado, ended up in Cleveland, where he’s happily ensconced as a part of the Playwrights Unit of the Cleveland Play House. “The Velocity of Autumn” was originally scheduled to open on Broadway, but instead opened the Arena season, starring Estelle Parsons and Stephen Spinella in remarkable performances.

Coble is obviously one of those people who pays attention to his surroundings. “I was walking past a neighbor’s house , it was a woman named Lottie, she was living alone and it was obvious she was having a hard time taking care of herself . . . and that’s where it started.”

The result was “Autumn” and the tale of a widow who is trying to avoid living in a retirement or assisted living home by staying in her house and who has barricaded herself inside in rooms filled with Molotov cocktails. A wayward son tries to talk her out of it, as they re-unite after years of not seeing each other.

With Parsons and Spinella, this material has been turned into a witty, funny, moving and powerful play about how we live, age, and prepare for the dying of the light in America.

Lisa D’Amour and “Detroit”

“Detroit”—a Pulitzer Prize finalist—had a remarkable run and a remarkable production at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre, Sept. 9 to Oct. 6. It was a play that dealt with a lot of issues, the least of which was probably the city of Detroit proper. It focused, rather on the decaying fringes of suburbia and two sets of couples living under one extreme or another—emotional and economical—in an America full of stressful squeezes and disconnections.

The play itself had two productions before coming to Woolly—at the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago with a cast that included Laurie Metcalf and off-Broadway last year with a cast that included David Schwimmer and Amy Ryan. The Washington production had riveting performances by Gabriela Fernandez-Coffey, Danny Gavigan, Tim Getman and Emily K. Towley

“It’s not about Detroit, the city per se,” said Lisa D’Amour, who with her brother Chris, hails from New Orleans. “It’s about a state of mind. It’s about anxiety, fears, isolation, disconnection, and that’s what’s happened in the suburbs. Although it’s funny, when I wrote it that was kind of a malaise among many groups of Americans, and now, Detroit was actually nearing bankruptcy so it’s in the news all over again.”

D’Amour is part of PearlDamourm an Obie-award winning team—with Katie Pearl—that does collaborative theater in traditional and non-traditional venues that creates installation theatre as in “How to Build as Forest,” an eight-hour effort in which a forest is assembled, disassembled and put together again.

“Detroit” is a play about what happens when strangers—neighbors but strangers—reach out to each other, with an explosive results. But D’Amour believes that’s exactly what people need to do: talk to strangers. “We need to reach out to and connect with strangers more,” she said. “We’re all too comfortable in our little groups of families, peers, people we socialize with, but we don’t talk to strangers.”

Georgetowner •

Opening Reception: Found Meditations

October 25th, 2013 at 06:00 PM | FREE | gallery@callowayart.com | Tel: 202-965-4601 | Event Website

Please join us for the opening of Found Meditations, on view October 25 through November 16, featuring the recent abstract canvas and paper works by K Silve. Built out of structures of colors interacting with one another, Silve’s work, which may at first appear to be spontaneous combustion of color and aggressive brushwork, is rather a contemplative method of building a new language about an experience; how we respond to and interact with nature.

Address

Susan Calloway Fine Arts; 1643 Wisconsin Ave NW

Shaw Halloween Bar Crawl

October 26th, 2013 at 12:00 PM | advance tickets $20 | [Event Website](http://shawmainstreetsbarcrawl.eventbrite.com/

Join Shaw Main Streets for our 2nd annual Halloween Bar Crawl benefiting the work of Shaw Main Streets in our community.

[Get your tickets today:](http://shawmainstreetsbarcrawl.eventbrite.com/)

$20 online early bird special/$25 day of at the first venue (Duffy’s)

Participants will get food and drink specials at a number of favorite Shaw spots, including: The Brixton, Shaw’s Tavern, Duffy’s, Nellie’s, Bistro Bohem, American Ice Company and Etete.

There will be prizes and giveaways throughout the afternoon, you don’t want to miss this!

Costumes welcomed.

Schedule

12-1pm-Duffy’s

1-2pm- American Ice Company

2-3pm- The Brixton

3-4pm- Shaw’s Tavern

Bistro Bohem

4-5pm- Etete

5-6pm- Nellie’s

Address

Crawl begins at:

Duffy’s; 2106 Vermont Ave NW,

Smithsonian Craft2Wear Show

October 26th, 2013 at 10:00 AM | 5.00 | austrpr@si.edu | Tel: 888-832-9554 | [Event Website](http://www.craft2wear.smithsonian.org/)

Representing the finest of American wearable-craft artists, all 50 exhibitors have been juried into previous Smithsonian Craft Shows. The exhibitors will offer items for women and men in all price ranges, from one-of-a kind jewelry and custom shoes to many items under $100.

Address

National Building Museum; 401 F Street NW

Washington Concert Opera’s Verdi Birthday Brunch

October 27th, 2013 at 11:00 AM | $60-200 | [Event Website]((http://concertopera.org/index.php/current_season/about_opera/verdis_brunch_october_27_at_11am))

Washington Concert Opera presents a brunch in celebration of the 200th anniversary of renowned Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi’s birth. This event will take place in an elegant manor setting and features Italian food and drink, a small silent auction and a live performance of some of Verdi’s most beloved arias under the direction of Maestro Antony Walker. Tickets range from $60-$200 and can be purchased at: www.concertopera.org

Address

Josephine Butler Parks Center

Thomas Circle Singers – I’ll Sing, I’ll Be

October 27th, 2013 at 05:00 PM | $20 in advance or $25 at the door, with a $5 discount for students and seniors. | info@thomascirclesingers.org | [Event Website](http://thomascirclesingers.org/)

On October 27, 2013, the Thomas Circle Singers will perform its first concert of the 2013-14 season, I’ll Sing, I’ll Be. TCS will explore the varied ways in which music speaks to us and allows us to express our thoughts and emotions. Featured works include Ola Gjeilo’s Luminous Night of the Soul and Across the Vast, Eternal Sky, Blake Henson’s August Moonrise, Robert Convery’s To the One of Fictive Music, and other selections from composers Morten Lauridsen, Gerald Finzi, and Frank Ticheli.

Address

First United Church of Christ, 945 G Street, NW

(Metro Center, parking available)

America Abroad Media Washington Awards Dinner

October 28th, 2013 at 06:00 AM | $350 | jcrain@skdknick.com | Tel: 202-464-6608 | [Event Website](http://www.americaabroadmedia.org/awardsdinner)

Washington Post film critic Ann Hornaday will moderate the event honoring three outstanding leaders in television and film whose work exemplifies the power of media to inform, educate and empower citizens. The honorees are Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow, India’s acclaimed actor/director and one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2013 Aamir Khan, and 2013 Nobel Prize nominee the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict.

Address

Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium; 1301 Constitution, NW

Marie Loiseau •

The 38th annual Marine Corps Marathon is scheduled for Sunday morning, Oct. 27. Runners will be covering 26.2 miles, with Georgetown on the route. This race is the third largest marathon in the United States and the eighth largest in the world. With so many participants filling the streets, some roads will be closed to vehicular traffic.

ROAD CLOSURES:

The following streets along the race route will be closed beginning at 6:50 a.m. and are expected to reopen by 1:30 p.m.:

• Francis Scott Key Bridge

• Canal Road, NW – from M St., NW to Reservoir Road, NW

• Reservoir Road, NW –from MacArthur Boulevard, NW to Canal Road, NW

• MacArthur Boulevard, NW –from Foxhall Road, NW to Reservoir Road, NW

• Foxhall Road, NW – from Canal Road, NW to MacArthur Boulevard, NW

• M St., NW – from Canal Road, NW to Wisconsin Ave., NW

• Wisconsin Ave., NW – from M St., NW to K St., NW

• K St., NW – from Wisconsin Ave., NW to Rock Creek and Potomac Pkwy

• Rock Creek and Potomac Pkwy, NW – from K St., NW to Independence Ave. SW

• Memorial Bridge

• West Potomac Park

• East Potomac Park (access to Golf Course and Tennis Courts available)

• Maine Ave., SW – from East Basin Drive, SW to Independence Ave., SW

• Independence Ave., SW – from Maine Ave., SW to Ohio Drive, SW

• Ohio Drive, SW –between independence Ave., SW and Lincoln Circle, SW

• Lincoln Circle, SW – from Ohio Drive, SW to Henry Bacon Drive, NW

• Constitution Ave., NW – from Bacon Drive, NW to 15th St., NW

• 23rd St. NW –from Lincoln Circle, NW to Constitution Ave., NW

• 15th St. – from Constitution Ave., NW to Independence Ave., SW

• 17th St. – from Constitution Ave., NW to Independence Ave., SW

• Madison Drive, NW – from 15th St., NW to 3rd St., NW 3rd St., NW – from Pennsylvania Ave., NW to Independence, SW

• Pennsylvania Ave., NW – from 3rd St., NW to East Capitol Circle, NW

• 1st St. – Pennsylvania Ave., NW to Maryland Ave., SW

• Maryland Ave., SW – from South Capitol Circle, SW to 3rd St., SW

• Jefferson Drive, SW – from 3rd St., SW to 15th St., SW

• 14th St., SW – from Jefferson Drive, SW to Northbound HOV lanes

• HOV lanes – from 14th St., SW to HOV ramp at South Eads St., NW
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