News & Politics

Georgetowner • December 22, 2011

The Georgetowner’s Annual Photo Competition

BECOME The Georgetowner’s next photography contest WINNER!

Submit up to five photographs taken anywhere in Georgetown. The coolest, most incredible, eye-catching, blow-us-away photograph will WIN THE FRONT COVER of our publication.

Deadline for photograph submissions is: January 4th, 2012

Please send submissions to photography@georgetowner.com

Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington: Red & Greene holiday show featuring Ellen Greene

December 16th, 2011 at 08:00 AM | $50 – $25 prices subject to change | tgrant@gmcw.org | Tel: 202-293-1548 | Event Website

DC’s perennial favorite holiday show is back with a very special guest, Broadway and television star, Ellen Greene (Little Shop of Horrors, Pushing Daisies). Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, there’s no place like homo for the holidays. Bold production numbers and glittering holiday songs from a Chorus of more than 250 men will make your days merry and bright.

Address

Lisner Auditorium at the George Washington University,

730 21st Street, NW, Washington, DC.

The Dog Shop: Pet Photos with Santa

December 17th, 2011 at 011:00 AM-3:00PM | Tel: 202-337-DOGS |

On Saturday, December 17th, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., take your pet for a photo with Santa at The Dog Shop (1625 Wisconsin Avenue, NW). Benefiting Washington Humane Society, your pet photo with Santa is the perfect addition to the family holiday photo album and a great gift for loved ones abroad. 202.337.DOGS

Address

1625 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

Washington DC. 20007

National Philharmonic Singers Holiday Concert

December 17th, 2011 at 08:00 PM | free | h@nationalphilharmonic.org | Tel: 301-493-9283

The National Philharmonic Singers and Washington Symphonic Brass Quartet will present a free holiday concert, featuring music from the great cathedrals of Europe along with new arrangements of holiday favorites.

Address

Christ Episcopal Church

107 South Washington Street Rockville, MD

Community Open House and Toy Drive

December 18th, 2011 at 01:00 AM | jordace16@aol.com | Tel: 202-944-8400 | Event Website

Long & Foster, Exclusive Affiliate of Christie’s International, would like to thank the Georgetown Community for your support.

We’re opening our doors to you on Sunday, December 18th from 1-3pm.
Stop by for holiday treats and warm drinks and drop-off a toy or book for Toys for Tots.

Address

1680 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20007

Christmas Music: Holiday Treasures from Russia

December 19th, 2011 at 07:00 PM | $15-$65 | choralarts@choralarts.org | Tel: 202.785.9727 | Event Website

The Choral Arts Society of Washington presents its long-time holiday crowd-pleasing Christmas Music concert Monday, Dec. 19, and Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 24, at 1 p.m. at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. “Holiday Treasures from Russia” features a magical mix of Russian carols, popular sing-alongs, and Christmas standards that are sure to warm up the holiday season. The concert also features special guest artists from the Russian Federation.

Address

Kennedy Center Concert Hall

2700 F Street, NW.

Jeff Malet • December 19, 2011

Wreaths Across America volunteers laid over 90,000 wreaths on Saturday, December 10, 2011 to honor veterans buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Founded in 1992 by wreath-maker Morrill Worcester of Harrington, Maine, the event helps communities recognize and remember the sacrifices of those who have served in America’s armed forces. Organizers said 15,000 people joined the effort at Arlington.
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Jeff Malet •

The 47th Capitol Christmas tree was lit up in a ceremony on the West Lawn of the US Capitol on Tuesday, December 6, 2011. The 63 foot Sierra white fir from California’s Stanislaus National Forest was decorated with more than 10,000 LED lights and some 2,000 handmade ornaments from the State of California.
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Robert Devaney •

Georgetown University held its annual “Holiday Open House” Dec. 7 in historic Riggs Library at the south tower of landmark Healy Hall. Each Christmas season, neighbors, business and community leaders and university officials gather for conversation, food, drink and music. And, despite heavy rain, it looked like everyone showed up, including the Mayor of Washington, D.C., who had visions of streetcars, a GU-GWU basketball game and town-gown peace in his head.

Georgetown’s president John DeGioia and his wife Theresa welcomed everyone — from little girls with their moms to Mayor Vincent Gray — during the popular party put on by the university’s Office of External Relations and Office of Student Affairs. Young students from the Holy Trinity School Choir and Georgetown students from the Gospel Choir entertained the well-wishers.

DeGioia introduced Mayor Gray to the crowd in the grand, multi-storied room which one guest described as something out of “Harry Potter.” Gray thanked DeGioia, 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 now 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 light 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).

Among the guests: Councilman-at-Large Vincent Orange, the Metropolitan Police Department’s Deputy Chief Patrick Burke and Second District Commander Michael Reese; advisory neighborhood commissioners Ron Lewis, Ed Solomon and Bill Starrels, the Citizens Association of Georgetown’s Barbara Downs and Ray Kukulski; the Georgetown Business Association’s Rokas Beresniovas, Sue Hamiton, Janine Schoonover and Beth Webster.
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Georgetowner •

Woodley House Movie Benefit

DECEMBER 8TH, 2011 AT 05:30 AM | $50-$300+ | DANIELLE@LANDSDALEASSOC.COM | TEL: 202.467.6500 | EVENT WEBSITE

An advance screening of Warner Bros Pictures’ New Year’s Eve. All proceeds go to DC-based nonprofit Woodley House, which helps people with mental illness reclaim their lives and reach their goals and aspirations. The Honorable Jane Harman will be honored.

Address

5:30 pm reception at Spices, 3333 Connecticut Avenue, NW

7:30 pm screening at Uptown, 3426 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Duke Ellington School of the Arts Holiday Gift Bazaar & Art Show

DECEMBER 10TH, 2011 AT 10:00 AM | FREE – OPEN TO PUBLIC | SHADE4DESA@GMAIL.COM | TEL: 202.282.0123 | EVENT WEBSITE

Shop ’til you drop at the 2011 Holiday Gift Bazaar & Art Show at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, 10am – 7pm. The Bazaar will feature: Fine Art & Artist; Gold & Silver Jewelry; Holiday Cards; Unique Home Décor; Authors & Calendars; Natural Bath & Beauty Products; Silent Auction; Food Vendors; Performances by duke Ellington School of the Arts departments, and much, much more!
ADMISSION IS FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!?Vendor space is available email shade4desa@gmail.com for details.

Address

Duke Ellington School of the Arts?

3500 R Street, NW?Washington, DC 20007

Aidah Collection Holiday Trunk Sale Series – Part 1

DECEMBER 10TH, 2011 AT 01:00 PM | $25 – $200 | FASHION@AIDAH.COM | EVENT WEBSITE

A celebration & sale of unique handmade clothing & gifts by Aidah Collection.
Complimentary cocktails, Goodie Bags and Raffle Prizes. 10% donated to charity
RSVP at Facebook.com/AidahCollection

Address

CARBON Boutique?

2643 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington DC, 20008?(Across the street from Woodley Park Metro)

National Philharmonic Chorale to Perform Handel’s Messiah

DECEMBER 10TH, 2011 AT 08:00 PM | $32-$79 KIDS UNDER 17 ARE FREE | TEL: (301) 581-5100 | EVENT WEBSITE

The National Philharmonic Chorale Artistic Director Stan Engebretson will conduct the National Philharmonic in Handel’s Messiah on Dec 10 at 8 pm and Dec 11 at 3 pm.
The concert will feature the National Philharmonic’s nearly 200 voice all-volunteer Chorale, as well as soloists.

Address

National Philharmonic?The Music Center at Strathmore?

5301 Tuckerman Lane?North Bethesda, MD 20852

American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras presents “Winter Magic”

DECEMBER 11TH, 2011 AT 03:00 PM | $7 ADULT, $5 SENIOR/STUDENT, FREE FOR AGES 5 AND UNDER | EVENTS@AYPO.ORG | TEL: 703-642-8051 | EVENT WEBSITE

American Youth String Ensemble?Cheri Collins, Conductor
Program:?Beethoven arr. Robert Longfield: Allegretto (from Symphony No. 7)?Vivaldi: Concerto Grosso in D Minor, Op. 3, No. 11?Tchaikovsky arr. Jamin Hoffman: Scenes from Swan Lake?Holst: Jig from St. Paul’s Suite

Address

Langley High School

6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22101

HOLIDAY IN VENICE: Cantate Chamber Singers

DECEMBER 11TH, 2011 AT 03:00 PM | $30, STUDENTS $15 | EXEC@CANTATE.ORG | TEL: 301-986-1799 | EVENT WEBSITE

This holiday season tour the dazzling musical history of Venice with Cantate Chamber Singers. The program includes stunning seasonal works by Claudio Monteverdi, Giovanni Gabrieli and more. With the festive sounds of the Continuum Brass Quintet.Cantate’s director, Gisèle Becker, has been called a “music master” by Washingtonian, and the group is known for its Baroque style, innovative programming, and sharing great choral music with D.C.-area audiences in the most intimate concert settings.

Address

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

?3rd and A Streets, S.E.?Washington, D.C.

Samantha Hungerford •

Washington, D.C. was ranked 22 among the top 25 most dangerous cities in the U.S., according to 2010 data released by the FBI, an improvement since 2009 when it ranked 16.

In first place was St. Louis, Mo., while Camden, N.J. was second and Detroit, Mich. was third.

D.C.’s ranking demonstrates a significant improvement since 2009, and reaches a slightly better figure than in 2008, when it was placed at 21.

Top 25 Most Dangerous Cities

1. St. Louis, Mo.
2. Camden, N.J.
3. Detroit, Mich.
4. Flint, Mich.
5. Oakland, Calif.
6. Richmond, Calif.
7. Cleveland, Ohio
8. Compton, Calif.
9. Gary, Ind.
10. Birmingham, Ala.
11. Baltimore, Md.
12. Memphis, Tenn.
13. New Orleans, La.
14. Jackson, Miss.
15. Little Rock, Ariz.
16. Baton Rouge, La.
17. Buffalo, N.Y.
18. New Haven, Conn.
19. Hartford, Conn.
20. Dayton, Ohio
21. Kansas City, Mo.
22. Washington, D.C.
23. Newark, N.J.
24. Cincinnati, Ohio
25. Atlanta, Ga.

Click here to view a PDF of the complete 2010 rankings, or click here to view 2009’s rankings.

Samantha Hungerford •

Joseph E. Robert Jr., one of D.C.’s most well-known financiers and creator of “Fight Night,” died yesterday of glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer, which he battled for three years. He was 59.
The man who started his life with a troubled childhood, getting kicked out of Mount St. Mary’s University and working odd jobs, finally made his name in his asset management company, J.E. Robert Cos. Inc., since renamed JER Partners.

Robert led a lifestyle befitting his income, yet he also never lost his charitable spirit, giving away millions of dollars. Fight Night, an annual event that benefits underprivileged District children, is one of Washington’s favorite and most rowdy charity events.

Look for an appreciation essay and other stories about Joe Robert in the Dec. 14th issue of The Georgetowner.

Gary Tischler •

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

Gary Tischler •

When you live in Washington, you’re never more than a few minutes away from some entertaining surprises.

We live in Adams Morgan and one evening, getting a little exercise on a trek along Connecticut Avenue in Woodley Park, we decided to head up to the National Zoo by way of the front gate.

We stumbled upon the zoo’s popular holiday ZooLights extravaganza, a delightful evening and night time event that rolls up as a classic Christmas occasion, combining a spectacular visual feast with sparkling electric light sculptures—lions and tigers and pandas, ohmygod – music and caroling, a train minus tracks, an artificial skating rink and opportunities to embrace the season’s spirit of giving.

Except for the train rides and the rink, everything is free and the occasion becomes an opportunity to visit the zoo in an entirely new way, in a very different nighttime setting, like wandering through a perpetual light show—see the flying, leaping leopards, electronic birds flying overhead

The big outdoors animals won’t be out, but their electronic, lit-up versions are everywhere. Indoor venues, on the other hand, are open, so there’s a chance to visit animals of night at the Small Mammal House, the Great Ape House, Reptile Discovery Center, the Think Tank and the Kid’s Farm.

The event resumes after a brief hiatus to run again nightly, Dec. 16 through Jan. 1, except Dec. 24, 25 and 31, from 5 to 9 p.m.

ZooLights may be the best, most enjoyable, family-friendly event going in Washington during the holidays. There’s an electricity in the air beyond the lights themselves – it’s a magical time for children and adults alike, and the combination of children running and playing, staring up at the sky and all around them alongside siblings and parents creates a playful energy and warmth that’s contagious.

Music provided by local school groups, including jazz bands and choral groups, add to the spirit of the night.

It’s also a great night for charity and giving. This year, the Friends of the National Zoo are partnering with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington to donate gently worn winter outer wear, including hats, scarves, gloves and coats. Guests can make donations during the zoo’s regular hours as well as during ZooLights. Additionally, all proceeds from concessions and parking sales will benefit numerous Zoo conservation efforts.