Best Galleries 1. P(art)ners – Gifts from the Heather and Tony Podesta Collection: Collectors Heather and Tony Podesta have donated more than 300 pieces to NMWA. This showcase of approximately 30 photos and sculptures present a variety of intriguing notions of feminine identity.
When: Through Mar. 6
Where: National Museum for Women in the Art, 1250 New York Ave. NW
Info: $10; $8 students and seniors (65+); free for members and 18 and younger; nmwa.org, 202-783-5000
2. The Art of Gaman: Arts and Crafts from the Japanese American Internment Camps, 1942-6:
Roughly ranslated from the Japanese, “Gaman” means to bear suffering with grace. These 120-plus objects by Japanese Americans interned during World War II give beautiful form to this beautiful notion.
When: Through Jan. 30
Where: Renwick Gallery, 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Info: Free; 202-633-7970, americanart.si.edu
3. Selin Balci & Katherine Mann – Bound: This exhibit brings together two abstractionists: Katherine Mann works in the comparatively traditional medium of painting, while Selin Balci makes biological material his canvas, finding a metaphor for human social exchanges in the microorganism communities he cultivates.
When: Through March 5
Where: Hamiltonian Gallery, 1353 U St. NW
Info: Free; 202-332-1116; hamiltoniangallery.com/
4. Lamar Briggs: Lafayeette, La.-native Briggs brings the symbol-rich acrylic paintings and prints that have distinguished his half-century career to Washington.
When: Through March 2011
Where: Thos. Moser’s Georgetown Showroom, 3300 M St. NW
Info: Free; 202-338-4292
5. Object Poems and Toy Boxes: Brooklyn artist James Prochnik returns to his native Virginia to present this wonder-cabinet of more than 30 sculptural assemblages.
When: Through Feb. 11
Where: The Soundry, 316 Dominion Road NE, Vienna, 22180
Info: Free; 703-698-0088; soundry.net
The Best of Wolf Trap
1. Cypress String Quartet: The Discovery Series presents the musicians in a multimedia collaboration with author Jacob Needleman, Emmy Award producer Michael Schwarz featuring works inspired by America from Barber, Ives, Higdon, Griffes, Dvorak and other composers, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, 8 p.m., Feb. 28, $35.
2. Cuarteto Latinoamericano: The Discovery Series presents the award-winning ensemble from Mexico performing works by Villa-Lobos, Piazzolla, Ginastera and other Latin composers, 8 p.m., March 18, $35.
3. Imani Winds: The Discovery Series presents the Grammy-nominated quintet performing works incorporating romantic, klezmer and other styles. 8 p.m., March 4, $35.
4. Al di Meola: Voted the Best Jazz Guitarist 11 times by Guitar Player magazine readers, the virtuoso plays works that set him apart. 8 p.m., March 15 and 16, $35.
5. Rebel Baroque: The Discovery Series presents the sophisticated ensemble performing works by Telemann, Corelli and Handel, 8 p.m., Feb. 11, $35.
6. John Eaton: Washington’s own jazz master and raconteur performs music from “The Swinging ’30s” Jan. 29, and “The Fabulous 40s” March 6, both at 7:30 p.m., $25.
7. Chad and Jeremy: 7:30 p.m., Feb. 12, $25.
8. Kathy Mattea: 8 p.m., March 22 and 23, $35.
9. California Guitar Trio: 8 p.m., March 9, $22.
10. Tom Paxton: 8 p.m., March 10, $22.
The best of GMU
1. Deutsche Staatsphilharmonic: The German State Philharmonic conducted by Philippe Entremont plays works by Strauss and Brahms. Entremont and Sebastian Knauer perform Mozart’s Concerto for Two Pianos, No. 10, 8 p.m., Jan. 29; $30 to $60.
2. Opole, Philharmonic of Poland: Boguslaw Dawidow conducts the orchestra in works by Mozart and Beethoven. Pianist Evgeni Mikhailov performs Paderewski’s Piano Concerto in A minor, 8 p.m., Feb. 12; $32 to $48.
3. Virginia Opera: Lillian Groag directs Wagner’s “The Valkyrie,” the second in the Ring Cycle, featuring tenor Erik Nelson Werner, soprano Melissa Citro as Sieglinde, soprano Kelly Cae Hogan as Bruennhilde and bass-baritone Bryan Glenn Davis as Wotan. 8 p.m., Feb. 18, 2 p.m., Feb. 20; $44 to $98.
4. Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: The personable pianist presents Northern Stars, a musical journey to Northern Europe and sounds of Norwegian Edvard Grieg, the Finnish Jean Sibelius, the Danish Carl Nielsen and the German Johannes Brahms, 7 p.m., March 13; $19 to $38.
5. Dane: The spirited ensemble from Ireland’s County Waterford performs ancient Irish music on traditional flute, tin whistle, button accordion, and bouzouki with vocals to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. 8 p.m., March 18; $22 to $44.
The best of the Kennedy Center
1.The National Symphony Orchestra: Maestro Christoph Eschenbach conducts Peter Lieberson’s “Remembering JFK” (An American Elegy) narrated by actor Richard Dreyfus, a NSO commission that had its world premiere Jan. 20. Pianist Tzimon Barto performs Gershwin’s Piano Concerto, other works by Bernstein, 8 p.m., Saturday, 1:30 p.m., Sunday, 7 p.m., Monday. Part of the John F. Kennedy: A 50th Anniversary Celebration. AfterWords: Sun. performance followed by a free discussion; $20 to $85.
2. Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis: 7 p.m., Jan. 30; $35 to $85.
3. Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly”: Kennedy Center Opera House, Feb. 26 to March 19; $25 to $300.
4. National Symphony Orchestra: Christoph Eschenbach conducts tabla player/composer Zakir Hussain in the world premiere of an NSO-commissioned work. Part of maximum INDIA festival. Mezzo-soprano Kelley O’Connor sings excerpts from Roussel’s “Padmavati,” 7 p.m., March 5, 8 p.m., March 6 and 7, $20 to $85.
5. National Symphony Orchestra: Christoph Eschenbach conducts Messiaen’s “Tyrangalila-Symphonie,” part of the maximum INDIA festival. Pianist Cedric Tiberghien and ondes martenot player Tristan Murail are featured, 7 p.m., March 10; 8 p.m., March 11 and 12; $20 to $85.
6. National Symphony Orchestra: Christoph Eschenbach conducts Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, Berg’s Three Pieces for Orchestra and Beethoven’s Triple Concerto performed by violinist Nurit Bar-Josef, cellist David Hardy and pianist Lambert Orkis, 7 p.m., Jan. 27; 8 p.m., Jan. 28 and 29; $20 to $85.
7. Boston Symphony Orchestra, James Levine, music director. Washington Performing Arts Society, presents the BSO playing works by Wagner, Mozart and Schumann, 4 p.m., March 19; $45 to $125.
8. National Symphony Orchestra: Christoph Eschenbach conducts works by Beethoven and Zemlinsky, 7 p.m., March 17; 8 p.m., March 19 at; 1:30 p.m., March 20; $20 to $85.
9. National Symphony Orchestra: Gianandrea Noseda conducts works by Smetana, Tchaikovsky and Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 performed by Radu Lupu, 7 p.m., Feb. 10, 8 p.m., Feb. 11 and 12; $20 to $85.
10. Chris Botti: WPAS presents the Grammy Award-winning jazz trumpeter who has performed on PBS, at the World Series and at a Nobel Peace Prize ceremony performing Valentines Day music from his many albums along with surprises, 8 p.m., Feb. 14; $20 to $85.
Jazz at the Strathmore
1. The John Scofield and Joe Lovano Quartet: 8 p.m., Jan. 28., Tickets: $18 to $38
2. Dianne Reeves: 8 p.m.. Feb. 14, Tickets: $35 to $65
3. Blues at the Crossroads: The Robert Johnson Centennial Concert: 8 p.m., Feb. 17, Tickets: $25 to $45
4. Juan de Marcos and the Afro-Cuban All Stars: 8 p.m., March 23, Tickets: $25 to $5
Best of theater
January
1. “The Arabian Nights”: In ancient Baghdad, a courageous young girl postpones her execution by creating magical tales for a troubled king. Genies and jesters and thieves spring to life from Scheherazade’s imagination as she invents, over and over, a way to win her freedom. Written and directed by Mary Zimmerman.
Where: Fichandler Theater, Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW
When: See Web site for dates and times. Through Feb. 20
Info: Ticket prices start at $55; 202-488-3300; arenastage.org
2. “Tynan”: This play is based on the diaries of Kenneth Tynan, one of the most influential theater critics of the 20th century. As the best diaries do, it reveals all — from scandalous love affairs to celebrity dirt. Philip Goodwin appears as Tynan, in this display of the incisive wit and bold imagination that for decades made Tynan one of the most controversial men of letters in England and America.
Where: Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW
When: 7:30 p.m. Wed. to Sun.; 2:30 p.m. Sat. and Sun.; 8 p.m. Feb. 1. to Feb. 6
Info: $44 to $65; 202-332-3300; studiotheatre.org
3. “Sunset Boulevard”: Legendary silent film star Norma Desmond sings the lush, romantic songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber. All the glamour of old-time Hollywood and Paramount Pictures comes alive in this tale of love, lust and revenge.
Where: Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington
When: See Web site for dates and times. Through Feb. 13
Info: $66.30 to $93.55; 703-820-9771; signature-theatre.org
4. “Stomp”: The international sensation of sound, in which rhythm is created with instantly recognizable objects, from trash cans, plastic bags, plungers and boots to hubcaps.
Where: The Warner Theater, 513 13th St. NW
When: 8 p.m. Jan. 25 to Jan. 28; 5 and 9 p.m. Jan. 29; 3 and 7 p.m. Jan. 30
Info: $37 to $57; 800-551-7328; stomponline.com
5. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”: Synetic Theater brings back its award-winning production of Shakespeare’s comedy for a limited run.
Where: 1800 S. Bell St., Arlington
When: Jan. 25 to 30; 8 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; 2 p.m. Sun.
Info: $35-$50; 800-494-8497; synetictheatre.org
FEBRUARY
1. “Fuddy Meers”: Everything seems fuzzy in this comedy by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, David Lindsay Abaire. Claire’s rare form of amnesia causes her to awaken each morning as a blank slate. Chaos arises as everyone tries to fill in the holes of her lost memory, while an ex-criminal and a fake cop add to this play’s zany amusement and dark comedic charm.
Where: 1st Stage, 1524 Springhill Road, McLean
When: Feb. 4 to Feb. 27
Info: $15 to $25; 703-854-1856; [email protected]
2. “The Cripple of Inishmaan”: The renowned Irsh theater company Druid presents “The Cripple of Inishmaan.” Written by Academy Award winner Martin McDonagh and directed by Tony Award winner Garry Hynes, the play chronicles a Hollywood film crew’s presence in a rural Irish town.
Where: The Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: Feb. 8 to 12
Info: $25 to $69; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
3. “Oedipus El Rey”: MacArthur Genius Grant winner Luis Alfaro adapts the ancient tragedy and the ultimate story of forbidden love. Amid the sizzling rhythms of the LA barrio, a juvenile delinquent rises to be a king, but his passion for one woman violates our most sacred law.
Where: Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D St. NW
When: Feb. 7 to March 6
Info: $ 30 to $65; 202-393-3939; woollymammoth.net
4. “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”: Broadway legends Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice tell the story of Joseph set to a modern pop beat. The favorite of Jacob’s 12 sons, Joseph is sold by his brothers into slavery in Egypt and rises to become the Pharaoh’s right-hand man.
Where: Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney
When: Feb. 23 to March 20
Info: $49 to $54; 301-924-3400; olneytheatre.org
5. “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”: A Steppenwolf Theatre production of Edward Albee’s classic. As incisive today as it was in 1962, when it first shocked audiences with its bold verbal sparring and battle of wills, “Virginia Woolf” is still one of Albee’s most enduring works.
Where: Arena Stage Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW
When: Feb. 25 to April 10
Info: $55 to $85; 202-488-3300; arenastage.org
MARCH
1. “The Edward Albee Festival”: Albee enthusiasts can experience a never-before-attempted feat: a festival featuring staged readings of all 30 works by the master playwright. During the festival, the entire canon of Albee’s work will be featured.
Where: Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW
When: March 5 to April 24
Info: Free; reservations recommended; 202-488-3300; arenastage.org
2. “The Chosen”: Adapted and directed by Aaron Posner. Based on the novel by Chaim Potok, it is a story of two boys, two fathers, and two very different Jewish communities in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Aaron Posner’s award-winning adaptation introduces us to two passionate, intelligent boys on opposite sides of a baseball game.
Where: A Theater J production, presented by Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW
When: March 8-27
Info: $35-$60; 202-488-3300; theaterj.org
3. “An Ideal Husband”: Oscar Wilde’s wickedly witty comedy revolves around blackmail, political corruption and public and private honor in late 19th-century England, where “an ideal husband” must be above reproach in both spheres. Sir Robert Chiltern is a well-regarded politician happily married to a loving wife. His status as an ideal husband is threatened when evidence of a past indiscretion appears.
Where: Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW
When: March 8-April 10
Info: $20-$98; 202-547-1122; shakespearetheatre.org
4. “King Lear”: Synetic Theater presents this vision of a father who goes mad after realizing that he has favored two of his daughters based on their flattery and ignored the one daughter who truly loved him. Considered one of Shakespeare’s finest plays, it is famous for its observations on the nature of human suffering.
Where: Lansburgh Theatre, 450 Seventh St. NW
When: March 24-April 24
Info: $30-$55; 202-547-1122; shakespearetheatre.org
5. Wheatley’s Folly”: Ever wonder how the first musical was created? “Wheatley’s Folly” is a classic backstage comedy about the creation of the first American musical. In 1866, producer William Wheatley finds his play a disaster, the actors in revolt, the costumes and scenery destroyed, and his production in shambles. When a fire at a theater next door leaves a French ballet troupe stranded without funds in New York City, Wheatley adds a touch of music and dance and thus the American musical is born.
Where: Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell St., Arlington
When: March 15-April 10
Info: $54-$89; 703-820-9771; signature-theatre.org
