Best Family 1.”Long Branch’s 36th Birthday Bash”: Celebrate to the nature center’s birthday party. Meet the animals, participate in a scavenger hunt, make a craft and view a slide show of the center’s past and present. The cake will be cut at 3 p.m.. Be there to blow out the candles! Submit photos to HYPERLINK “mailto:[email protected]” [email protected] for slide show. Children ages 3 and older.
Where: Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington
When: 2-4 p.m. Nov. 13
Info: Free but $5 donation appreciated; Registration required: 703-228-4747; Program #612950-M.
2. “Chew the Fat!” What can you do with fat? Come help an eighteenth-century farm family make soap, candles and dubbin, all of which use lard (pig fat) or tallow (beef fat). Weather permitting. Farm opens at 10 a.m.
Where: Gate House Shop, George Moore Colonial Farm, 6310 Georgetown Pike,
McLean
When: 1-4 p.m. Nov. 13
Info: $2.50-$5; 703-442-7557; HYPERLINK “http://www.1771.org” www.1771.org
3. “Public Observatory Project (POP)”: Look through the 16-inch telescope to discover craters on the moon, spots on the sun (using safe solar filters), the phases of Venus, and other wonders of the universe. Participate in hands-on activities related to astronomy.
Where: Air and Space Museum, Independence and 6th St., S.W., outside on east terrace.
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, weather permitting. Schedules subject to change and will be posted at Observatory entrance.
Info: Free; 202-633-2214; HYPERLINK “http://www.nasm.si.edu” www.nasm.si.edu
4. “Fly Tying/Fly Fishing Workshop”: Get ready for next season’s trout fishing, learn about some really cool bugs and how fishermen make fake ‘flies’ that mimic them. Can you fool a fish?
Where: Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington
When: 1-3 p.m. Nov. 13
Info: $7; registration necessary: 703-228-4747; Program: #612850-H.
5. “Tour of the Asia Trail”: This fall on Saturday mornings, an expert guide will lead a small group around Asia Trail’s seven exhibits, teaching guests all about the fascinating species that can be seen there: giant pandas, red pandas, Asian small-clawed otters, clouded leopards, Japanese giant salamanders, sloths, bears and more.
Where: Asia Trail, National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave., N.W.
When: 10:15 a.m. Saturdays through Nov. 20
Info: $5/children under 12; $10 other guests; registration necessary: 202-633-4456; HYPERLINK “http://www.nationalzoo.si.edu/Education” www.nationalzoo.si.edu/Education
Best Theater
1.”Superior Donuts”: Tracy Letts, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “August: Osage County,” has created this comedy between a cantankerous white shop owner and an ambitious black teenager with a secret to hide.
Where: Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St., N.W.
When: 8 p.m. Wed.-Sat.; 7 p.m. Sun. through Dec. 19
Info: $44-$65; 202-232-7267; www.studiotheatre.org
2. “every tongue confess”: Marcus Gardley’s drama opens at the new Arlene and Robert Kogod Cradle in the Mead Center. In the backwater town of Boligee, Alabama, the summer heat rises and intergenerational stories of loss and redemption collide. Kenny Leon directs a cast including Tony Award-winning Phylicia Rashad.
Where: Arena Stage, 1101 6th St., S.W.
When: 7:30 p.m. Tues., Wed., and Sun.; 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat.; 2 p.m. Sat. and Sun.; weekday matinees 11/26, 12/1, 12/7, 12/8, 12/23, 12/24.
Info: Tickets start at $40; discounts available; 202-488-3300; www.arenastage.org
3. “Endgame”: Samuel Beckett’s classic play, considered one of his most famous works, is written in one act with four characters. It is a poetic work, rich with allusions to circularity and routine and full of the sadness and humor associated with Beckett’s greatest plays.
Where: Cultural Arts Center, Montgomery College, 7995 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring
When: 8 p.m. Sat., Sun.; 2 p.m. Sun. through Nov. 21
Info: $20; 240-567-5775; www.tickets.com
4. “One Night with Fanny Brice”: American Century Theater’s musical tribute to Fanny Brice, a unique American performer. She conquered burlesque, vaudeville, the Ziegfeld Follies, radio and films, introduced hit songs that are still cabaret classics today, and excelled at sketch comedy and dancing. Chip Deffaa’s script includes some of Brice’s most famous numbers: “I’m Always chasing Rainbows,” “You Made Me Love You,” “A Pretty Girl.”
Where: American Century Theater, Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre, 1611 N. Kent St., Arlington
When: Through Nov. 27
Info: $27-$30; 703-998-4555; www.americancentury.org
5. “XIII Festival Internacional Teatro Hispano: Every autumn,Teatro de la Luna sponsors this Internal Festival of Hispanic Theatre. This year’s festival includes theatre works from Venezuela, Spain, Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Paraguay and the United States.
Where: Theatre Two, Gunston Art Center, 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington
When: Next production: Argentina’s “Romeo Y Julieta”: 8 p.m. Nov. 11, 12; 3 and 8 p.m. Nov. 13; festival runs through Nov. 27
Info: $25-$30; 703-548-3092; www.teatrodelaluna.org
Best Gatherings
1.”The Seafarer”: Quotidian Theatre presents Conan McPherson’s play, which considers the impenetrable mystery of life through the eyes of five heavy-drinking buddies who gather the night before Christmas to play poker and deal with their shared fears and insights.
Where: Writer’s Center, 4508 Walsh St., Bethesda
When: Nov. 12-Dec. 12
Info: $20-$25; 301-816-1023; www.quotidiantheatre.org
2. “Gianni Schicchi”: What’s a poor family to do when the family patriarch leaves his estate to the church? In this thirteenth century Florentine farce, the solution is to hire Gianni Schicchi, a poor farmer, to find a way around the will.
Where: Georgetown Theatre, Randolph Rd. Theatre, 4010 Randolph Rd., Silver Spring
When: 8 p.m. Fri., Sat.; 2 p.m. Sat., Sun. through Nov. 28
Info: $25; 800-838-3006; www.georgetowntheatre.org
3. “Project Brand New”: A Dublin based festival supporting nontraditional theatre. Three mini-festivals: THEATRE club, 565+ and the ballet ruse.
Where: Solas Nua, Flashpoint , 916 G St., N.W.
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 11-13
Info: $16; 202-315-1317; www.solasnua.org
4. “The Congressional Chorus — From Silly to Sublime”: Accompanied by strings, woodwinds, percussion and piano, seventy voices will open the 24th season with a mix of classic and contemporary American choral works.
Where: Church of the Epiphany, 1317 G St., N.W.
When: 8 p.m. Nov. 13
Info: $25; 202-399-7993; www.congressionalchorus.org
5. “The Mojo and the Sayso”: The premiere of Aishah Rahman’s play about a once-close family that has been damaged by a senseless tragedy.
Where: Busboys and Poets, 5th and K Streets, N.W.
When: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12; 4 p.m. Nov. 13 and 14
Info: $20; 202-529-5763; www.boxofficetickets.com
Best Outdoors
1. Black Hill Regional Park: Enjoy the vivid colors of autumn in the 1,800 acres of Black Hill Regional Park, located just north of Germantown, Maryland. You’ll find a variety of outdoor activities including hiking along paved and natural trails, volleyball courts, a fitness course. Spectacular views of Little Seneca Lake. Visitor’s Center open weekends only through fall and winter months. Water Trail tours available through Dec. 15.
Where: 20930 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, Md.
When: Sunrise to sunset, year round
Info: 301-972-9396; HYPERLINK “http://www.montgomeryparks.org/facilities/regional_parks/blackhill” www.montgomeryparks.org/facilities/regional_parks/blackhill
2. “Sugarloaf Mountain Van Trip”: Enjoy a crisp fall hike of about five miles on the many trails that wind around the Piedmont’s only mountain. Learn some of its natural history while keeping an eye open for late season hawks and resident ravens. Dress for the weather and bring a bag lunch and water.
Information: 703-228-6535.
Where: Meet at Lubber Run Recreational Center 300 N. Park Drive, Arlington
When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 14
Info: $25; Registration necessary: 703-3228-4747; Program #612950-R.
3. “Defending Chain Bridge Hike”: Explore the remnants of Forts Marcy and Ethan Allen built by the Union Army to defend the Chain Bridge. Learn about the design of the forts and the men who were stationed at them. This three-mile loop covers occasionally rocky and steep terrain. For families with children aged 10 and older.
Information: 703-243-4342.
Where: Meet at Fort Ethan Allen Park, 3829 N. Stafford St., Arlington
When: 12-3 p.m. Nov. 14
Info: $10; Registration necessary: 703-228-4747; Program #613650-A.
4. “Connecticut Avenue Corridor”: This self-guided tour includes the National Cathedral and National Zoo. But there’s much more to discover in the several neighborhoods located west of Rock Creek Park. Connecticut Avenue and its side streets are bursting with a wonderful variety of architectural styles, displayed in apartment buildings, single-family houses, row-houses, embassies and commercial buildings. When you need a break, both Connecticut Avenue and Wisconsin Avenue offer plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the eclectic mix of small restaurants, coffee houses, and one-of-a-kind shops.
Where: See website for details
When: Any day
Info: www.culturaltourismdc.org (click on Historic Neighborhoods)
5. Block House Point River View: Hike to a point high above the Potomac River. 2.1 miles round-trip. Moderate difficulty, well-maintained trail. The main attraction at Blockhouse Point Park are two viewpoints looking down on the Potomac River and C&O canal from about 80 ft above. Even with full foliage the views are excellent. There are rapids on the river here, and you are likely to see geese and the occasional cormorant. Binoculars are recommended. Along the trail you pass a horse farm that can be beautiful at dusk. This is a great hike for families or couples, who want to take a picnic basket to enjoy with the view. The trail is well-maintained but not well marked. Please note that this trail is for hikers only but there are trails for bikes and horses in the park.
Where: Potomac; see website for details
When: All seasons
Info: Montgomery County Park Planning; www.localhikes.com
Best Brainfood
1.”House of Gold”: Woolly Mammoth Theatre presents Gregory Moss’ dark examination of the fate of a six-year-old beauty queen. This funhouse ride into the American psyche conjures up the picture-perfect child…but can she ever be safe from the adults who created her?
Where: Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D St., N.W.
When: 8 p.m. Wed.-Sat.; 3 p.m. Sat. and Sun. through Nov. 28
Info: $40-$65; 202-393-3939; www.woollymammoth.net
2. Madhur Jaffrey: In her latest collection of recipes from India and southern Asia (At Home with Madhur Jaffrey), the chef and prolific cookbook-writer simplifies traditions for today’s time-pressed cooks, focusing on streamlined processes and accessible ingredients, but also explaining the roles of the different seasonings and sauces, chutneys and dals, making these exotic dishes as familiar as many other comfort foods.
Where: Politics and Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave., N.W.
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 12
Info: Free; 202-364-1919; www.politics-prose.com
3. “Radiolab Live”: Presented by NPR and WNYC. Radiolab hosts Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich, who explore the notion of symmetry. Philosophers in Ancient Greece and modern-day particle physicists alike have pondered the notion of symmetry, wondering whether we live in a world that’s fundamentally symmetric or deeply asymmetric? In this live edition of Radiolab you’ll learn how symmetry guides our lives, from sub-atomic molecular behaviors, to how your hair-part might affect the way people respond to you.
Where: Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St., N.W.
When: 8 p.m. Nov. 13
Info: $40-$50; 202-547-1122; www.ShakespeareTheatre.org
4. “The Master and Margarita”: Synetic Theater’s presentation of Mikhail Bulgakov’s masterpiece about the devil’s visit to Stalin’s Moscow, a powerful tale about the juxtaposition of good and evil, sacrificing for love and artistic struggles in a repressive society. A supernatural, exotic fusion of text with startling visuals, physicality and humor, this metaphorical play is re-imagined and redesigned by Synetic’s award-winning artistic team.
Where: Lansburgh Theatre, 450 7th St., N.W.
When: Nov. 11-Dec. 12; see website for dates and times.
Info: $40-$55; discounts available; 202-547-1122; www.ShakespeareTheatre.org
5. “On the Fringe: Eye on Edinburgh”: The world’s largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a crucible for the creation of new and experimental work, a place where talent is often unveiled. The Kennedy Center’s “On the Fringe: Eye on Edinburgh” celebrates the spirit of artistic entrepreneurship that exists in Edinburgh each summer in a showcase of some imaginative new work from that fertile environment.
Where: various venues, The Kennedy Center, 2700 F St., N.W.
When: Through Nov.13; see website for times and dates
Info: Free to $25; 202-467-4600; www.kennedy-center.org
Best Music
1. Ramsey Lewis: the NEA Jazz Master and three-time Grammy Award winner, composer and pianist presents “Proclamation of Hope,” his commemoration of Abraham Lincoln’s 200th anniversary, a merger of jazz and classical idioms.
Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
When: November 14 at 7 p.m.
Info: Tickets: $20-$65 at (202) 467-4600, (800) 444-1324 or www.kennedy-center.org.
2. Anne Sophie Mutter: WPAS presents the acclaimed violinist accompanied by pianist Lambert Orkis performing Brahms’ violin sonatas 1, 2 and 3.
Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
When: Nov. 13 at 4 p.m.
Info: Tickets: $52-$107 at (202) 785-9727 or www.wpas.org.
3. The Seasons Project: Violinist Robert McDuffie and the Venice Baroque Orchestra present the U.S. premiere of Steve Reich’s “2×5” and the D.C. premiere of Philip Glass’s “The American Four Seasons.”
Where: Music Center at Strathmore
When: Nov. 14 at 7 p.m.
Info: Tickets: $25-$55 at (301) 581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.
4. Dailey and Vincent: Sensational bluegrass artists and winners of multiple awards perform in concert.
Where: George Mason University Center for the Arts
When: November 12 at 8 p.m.
Info: Tickets: $20-$48 at (888) 945-2468. Family Friendly tickets half price to youth through grade 12 accompanied by an adult. Pre-performance discussion free to ticket holders 45 minutes before concert on Grand Tier III.
5. Trio Cavatina: The Discovery Series presents the winner of the 2009 Naumburg Chamber Music Competition. The sophisticated ensemble is comprised of violinist Herumi Rhodes, cellist Priscilla Lee and pianist Ieva Jokubaviciute, all recipients of individual honors. They perform works by Schumann, Torres and Thomas.
Where: The Barns at Wolf Trap
When: November 12 at 8 p.m.
Info: Tickets: $35 at 1 (877) WOLFTRAP (965-3872) or www.wolftrap.org.
Also worth noting:
6. An Evening with Kris Kristofferson: The troubadour in a solo concert of the songs that have marked his career.
Where: Music Center at Strathmore
When: November 13 at 8 p.m.
Info: Tickets: $32-$72 at (301) 581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.
7. From Silly to Sublime: The Congressional Chorus, David Simmons, artistic director, taps the humor of P.D.Q. Bach, the ethereal heights of Randall Thompson’s “Alleluia” and sensibilities in between.
Where: Church of the Epiphany, 1317 G St., NW
When: November 13 at 8 p.m.
Info: Tickets: $25 at the door or call (202) 399-7993, x. 182, or visit www.chorusmarket.org/tickets.
Best Galleries
1.”Hide/Seek: Difference and Desire in American Portraiture” at the National Portrait Gallery: More than 100 riveting samples of 19th and 20th century portraiture by Romaine Brooks, Robert Rauschenberg, Keith Haring and David Wojnarowicz explore questions of gender and sexual identity that couldn’t always be discussed openly.
Where: National Portrait Gallery, Eighth and G Sts. NW
When: Through Feb. 13, 2011
Info: Admission: Free, (202) 633-8293 or www.si.edu
2. “Julie Wolfe” at Hemphill Fine Arts: Painters Julie Wolf’s work reflects a preoccupation with dichotomies: quietude and fury, erosion and rebirth, light and dark, and the big one, life and death.
Where: Hemphill, 1515 14th St. NW
When: Through Dec. 23, 2010
Info: Admission: Free, (202) 234-5601; www.hemphillfinearts.com
3. “A Revolution in Wood: The Bresler Collection” at the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum: These 60-odd specimens of carved and turned wood from collectors Fleur and Charles Bresler includes pieces by Rude Osolnik, Ron Fleming, and David Ellsworth that demonstrate wood’s unexplored potential as an expressive medium.
Where: Renwick Gallery, 17th Street and Pennsylvania Ave. NW
When: Through Jan. 30, 2011
Info: Admission: Free, (202) 633-7970, www.americanart.si.edu/renwick
4. “Scott Brooks: We the People” at Long View Gallery: Scott Brooks’s vivid oils fairly quake with anger at the complacency of our reality-TV distracted, PDA-addled times.
Where: Long View Gallery, 1302 9th St. NW
When: Through Nov. 28, 2010
Info: Admission: Free, (202) 232-4788; www.longviewgallery.com
5. “Street/Studio 2.0” at Irvine Contemporary: This dual-locale exhibition at both Irvine’s flagship gallery on 14th St. and the Montserrat House on 9th St. brings together vivid provocations from the likes of Shepard Fairey and Chris Mendoza.
Where: Irvine Contemporary, 1412 14th St. NW / 2016 9th St. NW
When: Through Dec. 18, 2010
Info: Admission: Free, (202) 332-8767; www.irvinecontemporary.com
