Best Galleries 1. Edgar Degas: Sculpture: The National Gallery of Art rededicates its collection of the French polymath’s sculptures, the finest in the world, with 52 pieces including the iconic “Little Dancer Aged Fourteen.”
Where: National Gallery of Art, Fourth Street and Constitution Avenue NW
When: Permanent exhibition
Info: Free; 202-737-4215; nga.gov
2. Jenny Freestone: New Prints: Lithography, photogravure, etching and other forms of printmaking explore the synthesis of the man-made and natural worlds in this new series from Maryland’s Jenny Freestone.
Where: 3230 Georgia Ave., second floor, Silver Spring
Through May 29
Info: Free; 301-273-3660; washingtonprintmakers.com
3. New Paintings and Drawings by Eunhee Park Dickerson: Dickerson abstract oils on canvas use a restricted palette and autonomic brush strokes to explore the ideas of pattern and repetition.
Where: Waverly Street Gallery, 4600 East-West Highway, Bethesda
When: Through June 4
Info: Free, 301-951-9441; waverlystreetgallery.com
4. Mapping: Six artists explore cartography and representation, with eye-opening results. Featuring Carol Barton, Dahilia Elsayed, Joyce Kozloff, Siobhan Rigg, Juan Tejedor and Renee van der Steit.
Where: Carroll Square Gallery, 975 F St. NW
When: Through June 3
Info: Free, 202-624-8643; carrollsquare.com/gallery
5. The Coronation: This three-panel video of now-divorced artists Nicholas and Sheila Pye slowly traversing their respective, outside frames, references Lucas Cranach the Elder’s 1533 painting of Adam and Eve.
Info: The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW
When: Through May 7
Info: $12, $10 seniors & students, free for 18 and younger; 202-387-2151; phillipscollection.org
Best Music
1. “The Inspector”: Wolf Trap Opera company presents a new comic opera from the Grammy-nominated team of John Musto and Mark Campbell. The commissioned opera transplants Nikolai Gogol’s satire set in Russia to Mussolini’s Sicily of the 1930s and re-imagines it populated by zany characters, guffaws aplenty and melodies inspired by sunny Italy.
Where: The Barns at Wolf Trap
When: 8 p.m. Thursday, 3 p.m. Sunday
Info: $32 to $72; 877-WOLFTRAP (965-3872); wolftrap.org
2. National Symphony Orchestra: Kurt Masur conducts and guest violinist Sarah Chang performs Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1. Mendelssohn’s “Ruy Blas” Overture and Brahms Symphony No. 1 complete the program.
Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Info: $20 to $85; 202-467-4600, 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org
3. The Manhattan Transfer: The note-perfect pop quartet of Cheryl Bentyne, Tim Hauser, Alan Paul and Janis Siegel come to Blues Alley for a week-long stay. The ensemble has set the standard for pristine four-part harmony since its founding in 1972. Members of the Vocal Group Hall of Fame since 1998, they were the first group in history to win Grammy Awards for both pop and jazz in the same year and they continue to create new listening delights with their latest recording, The Chick Corea Songbook.
Where: Blues Alley
When: 8 and 10 p.m. Thursday to Sunday
Info: 202-337-4141; bluesalley.com.
4. The Washington Chorus: Julian Wachner conducts Mostly Mahler, a 50th Anniversary Gala Celebration with a concert of works by the composer who was born 150 years ago and died 100 years ago. His Symphony No. 3 will feature eight guest soloists and choristers from the Washington National Cathedral.
Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
When: 5 p.m. Sunday
Info: $15 to $65; 202-467-4600, 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org
5. Stephanie Mills: The Grammy Award-winning vocalist and Broadway star welcomes adult contemporary Kenny Wesley to open her show.
Where: The Birchmere
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: $69.50; 703-549-7500; birchmere.com
Best Brainfood
1. “A Young Man’s Guide To Late Capitalism”: Peter Mountford’s debut novel relives the financial bubble of 2005 through Gabriel de Boya, a smart but inexperienced financial journalist. Landing a job with a hedge fund, Gabriel is sent to Bolivia to scam profits out of an upcoming presidential election. Instead, he falls in love, has second thoughts about his mission, and needs to find a way out of his predicament.
Where: Politics and Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave., NW
When: 6 p.m. Saturday
Info: Free; 202-364-1919; politics-prose.org
2. “Caterpillar Soup”: Master Storyteller Lyena Strelkoff captivates in this intimate, one-woman play about her true-life odyssey following a spinal cord injury. Fierce, funny, candid, smart and deliciously romantic,”Caterpillar Soup”offers irresistible stories revealing the transformational power of loss and celebrating life in all its messiness.
Where: Dance Place, 3225 Eighth St. NE
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday
Info: $8 to $22; 202-269-1600; danceplace.org
3. “Blues for an Alabama Sky”: In the summer of 1930 in Harlem, the creative euphoria of the Harlem Renaissance has given way to the harsher realities of the Great Depression, invoking the image of African-American expatriate extraordinaire, Josephine Baker, as muse and myth. Five characters struggle to look beyond 125th Street for the fulfillment of their dreams.
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE
When: 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday; through May 8
Info: $25 to $35; 202-399-7993; africancontinuumtheatre.com
4. A reading of “Doldrum Bay,” by Hilary Fannin: Set on shifting sands of the Irish Sea, and the romantic entanglements of two fortysomething couples, “Doldrum Bay” is a hilarious examination of sex, religion, ambition, death and advertising.
Where: Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW
When: 7:30 p.m. May 2
Info: Free; 202-332-3300; studiotheatre.org
5. “The Race”: A multimedia autobiographical solo play exploring a white man’s awareness of race and racism. Portraying himself and a host of characters, John confronts his own racism, challenging the apathy and prejudice that characterized his upbringing.
Where: Doorway Arts Ensemble, Studio Theatre, Cultural Arts Center, Montgomery College, Silver Spring Campus, 7995 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring
When: 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday; through May 22
Info: $5 to $10; 240-5675775; doorwayarts.org
Best Family
1. “The Day John Henry Came to School”: Johnny loves video games and hates to go to school. Imagine his surprise when his ancestor, John Henry, comes banging on the door, bringing his 12 pound hammer and promising to bring it to “Show and Tell.” For children 7 and older.
Where: Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda
When: Through May 29
Info: $10 to $22; 301-280-1660; imaginationstage.org
2. Egg-cellent Adventures: Families, ages 5 and older: Spring is in full swing. The birds are singing and laying eggs, but they aren’t the only ones. Find out who else lays eggs in spring.
Where: Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington
When: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday
Info: $3; Registration required: 703-228-4747; program No. 632851-M
3. “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves”: When Snow White meets seven vertically challenged bachelors, she discovers that everyone has his or her own strengths and weaknesses and that friendship and teamwork make any challenge smaller. Based on the Grimm fairytale, this production takes the Puppet Co.’s usual sideways view of the popular story, giving it timeliness and humor for adults, as well as kids. Kindergarten through grade 6.
Where: The Puppet Co., 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo
When: See website for dates and times
Info: $10; 301-634-5380; puppetco.org
4. Ahoy Mateys! Come meet the junkyard pirates, puppets made of recyclables. Discover that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. For ages 3 to 10.
Where: Ripley Center, Smithsonian, 1100 Jefferson Drive SW
When: 10:15 and 11:30 a.m. Thursday and Friday
Info: $3; 202-633-8700; discoverytheater.org
5. “George and Martha … Tons of Fun!”: Inspired by the stories by James Marshall, the musical shares the whimsy and camaraderie of George and Martha, who are the best of friends. Well, most of the time. For ages 3 and older
Where: Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda
When: To May 28; see website for dates and times
Info: $10 to $22; 301-280-1660; imaginationstage.org
Best Gatherings
1. “The Stephen Schwartz Project”: No Rules Theatre Company presents a celebration of one of America’s most brilliant and legendary composers. The winner of countess accolades, including 3 Oscars and 4 Grammys, Stephen Schwartz’s music has been enchanting audiences for over 40 years.
Where: Edmund Burke School, 4101 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
Info: $10; norulestheatre.org
2.”Milton’s Paradise”: Music Scholars Lecture Series. Professor Andrew Mead (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor). InParadise Lost, John Milton describes the Creation as a series of partitions of Chaos into ever-more specific and structured entities in ways that resonate with Milton Babbitt’s practices for organizing the various musical dimensions in his compositions. Today’s talk uses Babbitt’s earliest published work, the Three Compositions for Piano, to illustrate how the composer established some of those practices at the very beginning of his career.
Where: Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, University of Maryland, Route 193 and Stadium Drive, College Park
When: 3:30 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; no ticket required; 301-405-2787; [email protected]
3. Sportacuture 3: A festival of new short plays about local sports. Performed as part of the Riverdale Park ArtFest. Suitable for all ages.
Where: 4650 Queensbury Road, Riverdale Park
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
Info: Free; 301-526-9921; activecultures.org
4. Drawing with Thread: Learn to hand-sew images and text in the Drawing With Thread workshop. You might just find the back of your weaving is more interesting than the front. Open to all ages,
Where: Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 Seventh St. SE
When: 10 and 11 a.m. Saturday
Info: Free; registration required: 202-547-6839; chaw.org
5. Joe Palca and Flora Lichtman: Annoying: The Science Of What Bugs Us: Slow traffic. One persistent mosquito. Someone humming that awful song. These things get on our nerves, but why? Palca and Lichtman, NPR science correspondent and voice of Science Friday, respectively, explore the psychology, evolutionary biology, and anthropology behind things that annoy us, and offer tips for managing irritation.
Where: Politics and Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 1 p.m. Sunday
Info: Free; 202-364-1919; politics-prose.org.
Best Outdoors
1. Arbor Day Tour of the National Garden: The first celebration of Arbor Day took place on April 10, 1872. This year, the USBG will celebrate Arbor Day with a stroll through the National Garden to see trees and shrubs of the Mid-Atlantic region. Hear related folktales and stories. Please Note: This tour is held outdoors. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing and bring water. The tour is canceled if it rains.
Where: National Garden Lawn Terrace, National Botanic Gardens, 100 Maryland Ave. SW
When: Noon to 1 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; 202-225-8333; usbg.gov; preregistration required: TH042910
2. Cinco de Mayo: This annual celebration features live music and dance, children’s arts and crafts workshops, food, games and activities for the entire family. Although originally Mexican in origin, the Cinco de Mayo Festival has become a larger “Latin American Family Reunion” on the National Mall. The Festival is open to all. It will be held rain or shine.
Where: Sylvan Stage, National Mall near Washington Monument, 15th Street and Independence Avenue NW
When: Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday
Info: Free; mauromontero.com
3. Midcity at the Crossroads: Shaw Heritage Trail’s 17 poster-sized, illustrated signs combine story-telling with historic images. The Shaw neighborhood you will discover is one of the city’s oldest, where traces can be found of nearly every group that has called Washington home.
Walkers are encouraged to follow the trail at their own pace, sampling neighborhood character, businesses, and restaurants along the way.
Where: First sign is at Seventh Street and Mount Vernon Place NW in front of Washington Convention Center
When: Any day
Info: Free; 202-661-7581; [email protected]
4. Frederick Municipal Forest: Three Pond Circuit: Nice forest trails and several natural ponds in protected watershed area. 4.26-mile round trip, easy loop trail. Good for hikers, bikers, dogs
Where: Thurmont
When: Year-round
Info: Contact: city of Frederick; localhikes.com
5. Difficult Run: Variety is the word to describe this 4.8-mile round-trip hike. Descend to Difficult Run and follow it as it winds to the Potomac River. Enjoy the cool water in summer or view the unusual ice formations in winter. After a short, steep climb to the ridge, follow the rim of Mather Gorge towards Great Falls, a channel believed to be 180 million years old. Pass by remains of Matildaville, named by Lighthorse Harry Lee in honor of his wife, and the Potowmack Canal, planned by George Washington and operated for 26 years before being bought out by the Chesapeake and Ohio Co. Follow the trail as it winds along to Great Falls. For hikers, dogs, bikes, horses.
Where: McLean
When: Year-round
Info: Contact: Great Falls Visitors Center: 703-285-2965; localhikes.com
Best Theater
1. “Ruined”: Lynn Nottage’s potent, Pulitzer Prize-winning drama about a bar in the outback of strife-torn Congo, where Mama Nadi caters to customers on both sides of the war.
Where: Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW
When: Through June 5
Info: $55 to $85 based on availability; 202-488-33000; arenastage.org
2. “The Real Inspector Hound”: Two theatre critics, Moon and Birdboot, watch a ludicrous setup of a country housemurder mystery. By chance, they become involved in the action causing a seriesof events that parallel the play they are watching.
Where: MetroStage, 1201 N. Royal St., Alexandria
When: Through May 29
Info: $25 to $50; 703-548-9044; metrostage.org
3. “Farragut North”: This off-Broadway hit drama follows a brash and ambitious young press secretary as he learns that everything in politics is personal. Set against the backdrop of the primary season in Iowa, presidential politicking as never been this sharp, witty and entertaining.
Where: Olney Theater Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney
When: Through May 22
Info: $26 to $39; 301-924-3400; olneytheatre.org
4. “The Clockmaker”: When Frieda brings Heinrich her husband’s beloved cuckoo clock to be repaired, they embark on a race against time to solve a mysterious puzzle. Part comic love story, part murder mystery,”The Clockmaker”is an entrancing look at how relationships can change how we see the world, that the time we spend with people can be hell or heaven on Earth.
Where: The Hub Theatre, John Swazye Theatre, 9431 Silver King Court
When: Through May 22
Info: $15 to $25; 703-674-3177; thehubtheatre.org
5. “The Apple Cart”: Government in gridlock! Parties refusing to compromise! A charismatic leader ruling as much by personal appeal as by principles! Sound like this morning’s news? No, it’s George Bernard Shaw’s “political extravaganza,” written in the past and set in the future.
Where: Washington Stage Guild, Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church, 900 Massachusetts Ave. NW
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sundays; through May 22
Info: $40 to $50; 240-582-0050; stageguild.org
