Alden in McLean Announces Full 2013-14 Season: Brian Stokes Mitchell, OTHELLO & More!
By: Tyler Peterson Jul. 25, 2013
The Alden in McLean, Virginia, announces its 2013-2014 season of international touring artists. Season highlights will include the return of the Alden's silent film with live music series, performances by the American Shakespeare Center on Tour, Theatre Unspeakable's "Superman 2050," and a rare chance to hear Broadway baritone Brian Stokes Mitchell in the intimate, 383-seat performing arts venue.
Stokes is not only a Tony Award winner, but he has also appeared on screens big and small, including recent appearances on "Glee." He is a favorite in the DC area, regularly performing to capacity crowds in the region's 1,000 and 2,000-seat venues. With his latest venture, "Simply Broadway," Stokes invites audiences to get cozy with him, and the Alden is an ideal hall to snuggle up with Broadway's "Last Leading Man" (The New York Times).Brian Stokes Mitchell will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2014. Tickets go on sale at www.aldentheatre.org on Thursday, Aug. 1.
Returning for a third season is Classics of the Silent Screen, the Alden's series of silent movies with live accompaniment. Curated especially for The Alden by composer Ben Model and film historian and preservationist Bruce Lawton, the series aims to both entertain and educate. Ben and Bruce introduce the films, giving a bit of history and trivia about each one, and encourage questions after the screenings. In between, Bruce runs the 16mm projector- oftentimes showing prints that he himself has restored-and Ben improvises a soundtrack on the Steinway. Each score is composed extemporaneously as the films play-talk about original music! Whether one is a film buff, a music fan or just likes to try something a little different, audiences always come away raving about the experience.
On Saturday, Jan. 25, the American Shakespeare Center (ASC) on Tour will return to the Alden with their brisk and accessible productions of"The Merry Wives of Windsor" and "Othello." To celebrate, January will be Shakespeare Month at the Alden. The month will kick off with afree screening of the movie musical "Kiss Me, Kate" at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8, a perfect time for retirees or anyone wanting to play hooky from work. On Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 7:30 p.m., The Alden's silent film series will feature a selection of Shakespeare and Shakespeare-inspired silent shorts in "The Rest is Silence: Silent Shakespeare." Then on Wednesday, Jan. 22, at 7:30 p.m. Shakespeare experts from the Folger and the Shakespeare Theatre will demystify the Bard in a free workshop, "Brush Up Your Shakespeare." The experts will not only give you tips for getting the most out of any of Shakespeare's works, but they will also discuss ASC's performance style and what to expect from their productions.
Christopher K. Morgan & Artists (CKM&A) will once again be the Alden's Artist-in-Residence. This will be the third season of the residency, which doubled in audience attendance last season. In addition to world-premiere performances at the Alden in the spring, CKM&A will have events throughout the year to connect audiences with contemporary dance. "Dance and Dessert" is an informal opportunity for regional choreographers toshare works-in-progress. Refreshments are served while dancers perform the pieces, and then Morgan leads the group through Liz Lerman's Critical Response Process. The artists have the opportunity to receive feedback while their work is still in process, and audiences get a unique first look at the development of new contemporary dance pieces.
Other season offerings include:
Kids and Family
ArtsPower's production of
"The Little Engine That Could Earns Her Whistle"
Saturday, Sept. 28 at 2 p.m.
Recommended for ages 4+. Little Blue Engine dreams of someday leaving the train yard to pull the big cars on the main-line track. But can she convince Big Silver that she is worthy of being a main-line engine? This dynamic, song-filled adventure portrays the timeless tale about hard work, determination, and the meaning of true friendship. Based on the book "The Little Engine That Could" (Original Classic Edition) by Watty Piper.
Music
Ustad Shafaat Khan
Saturday, Oct. 19 at 8 p.m.
In the world of Indian classical music, Ustad Shafaat Khan has distinguished himself around the world for his virtuosity in the sitar, surbahar and tabla. Khan's musical heritage can be traced back to the 16th century to the court of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. He is the son of the legendary sitar and surbahar Maestro Ustad Imrat Khan and nephew of the legendary Ustad Vilayat Khan. He has crossed into Western popular music, having played with Stevie Wonder at Bonnaroo. Discover the world of Indian classical music and learn why The Washington Post said of Maestro Khan, "Virtuoso... classical purity... astonishing individuality."
Kids and Family
Theatre IV presents
"Johnny Appleseed"
Sunday, Oct. 20 at 2 p.m.
Recommended for ages 5+. John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, was as kind as he was generous and was a folk hero when the "Wild West" was Ohio. Be inspired by Johnny Appleseed as he takes his lifelong trek by acquiring his first apple seeds, planting apple trees and living life in the nature he loved so much. His story is part legend, part fact, completely American.
Comedy
"The Wonder Bread Years"
Saturday, Oct. 26 at 8 p.m.
A salute to the Baby Boomer Generation written by and starring "Seinfeld" writer Pat Hazell, this is a fast-paced, hilarious production that gracefully walks the line between standup and theater. Audiences across the country are enjoying a show that not only restores a much-needed sense of wonder, but leaves audiences laughing and savoring the past.
Silent Film with Live Music
"The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" (1920)
Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m.
This chilling German expressionist masterpiece will definitely get you in the mood for Halloween! The nefarious Dr. Caligari manipulates a sleepwalker to do his bidding and commit a series of shocking crimes. This rare edition of the film features the original, beautifully illustrated German titles. Don't worry, a special guest actor will be on hand to provide the English translation, and as always Ben Model will improvise a score on the piano while Bruce Lawton takes your questions and runs the 16mm projector. Shown with an equally spooky silent short.
Kids and Family
Doug Berky in
"No Show"
Saturday, Nov. 2 at 2 p.m.
Recommended for ages 5+. Doug combines the classic performance arts of mime, mask theater and physical comedy into his performance of "No Show." A performance has been scheduled, but the actor fails to show. Or does he? What will happen when a lone spectator finds himself unwittingly on stage? Doug is transformed into several characters ranging from a gorilla to a ballerina as he explores the props and masks on stage. A hilarious performance for the whole family!
Music
Christopher O'Riley: "Out of My Hands"
Saturday, Nov. 16 at 8 p.m.
You know Christopher O'Riley's as host of NPR's "From the Top," but now Christopher O'Riley the pianist reimagines R.E.M., Portishead, Cocteau Twins, Pink Floyd, Nirvana, The Bad Plus, The Smiths, Tears for Fears and Radiohead. You'll never hear your favorite music the same way again.
Kids and Family
Theatre IV presents
"The Shoemaker and the Christmas Elves"
Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m.
A heartwarming, holiday musical! Join us as Theatre IV takes a yuletide spin on the classic Brothers' Grimm fairy tale. Delight in the magical story of a poor shoemaker and the magical elves who show him the true meaning of Christmas!
Comedy
The Capitol Steps
Saturday, Jan. 4 at 8 p.m.
McLean can't get enough of the Steps and their signature brand of political satire, and who can blame you? Find out who has put his foot in it this time and what scandal is song-worthy.
Silent Film with Live Music
"The Rest is Silence: Silent Shakespeare"
Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Is it any wonder that in the early days of Moving Pictures filmmakers turned to the world's greatest author for stories? Ben and Bruce will show a collection of short films based on Shakespeare's work, plus a Buster Keaton/Fatty Arbuckle short or two inspired by the Bard. Composer Ben Model will improvise a score on the piano and film historIan Bruce Lawton will provide background information about the movies.
MLK Celebration
In observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday, the Alden is proud to present
Ambassador Andrew Young
"A Continuing Legacy"
Friday, Jan. 17 at 8 p.m.
Before Andrew Young was a congressman, a United Nations Ambassador and the Mayor of Atlanta, he was a trailblazer. With DR. Martin Luther King, Jr., he confronted segregation and galvanized a movement that transformed a nation through non-violence. Young was a key strategist and negotiator during the Civil Rights Campaigns in Birmingham and Selma that resulted in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Reflecting on his experiences during the civil rights movement, Young will inspire and challenge you to continue to push toward peace and justice throughout the world.
Theatre
American Shakespeare Center on Tour
www.americanshakespearecenter.com
"The Merry Wives of Windsor"
Saturday, Jan. 25 at 2 p.m.
Live music starts at 1:30 p.m.
"Othello"
Saturday, Jan. 25 at 8 p.m.
Live music starts at 7:30 p.m.
Back by popular demand, ASC on Tour brings their fast-paced, super-accessible interpretations of the Bard's best. Before each performance, actors from ASC will shout to audiences, "We do it with the lights on." Why? Because, ASC recreates the theatre experience the way Shakespeare's audiences would have enjoyed it, with the lights on. And it doesn't stop there. Audience members are encouraged to sit on stage and, at times, even interact with the performers. If you think you need to step out during intermission, you'd better hurry back. The performers sing and play contemporary music throughout the intermission.
Music
Brian Stokes Mitchell: "Simply Broadway"
Tuesday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Dubbed "The Last Leading Man" by The New York Times, Tony Award-winner Brian Stokes Mitchell has enjoyed a rich and varied career on Broadway and in television and film. You might have seen him on "Glee" or headlining "South Pacific" at Carnegie Hall in its PBS broadcast. Maybe you were lucky enough to see him on Broadway in "Man of La Mancha," "Ragtime" (original cast) or "Kiss Me, Kate" or catch one of the many times he's appeared at the Kennedy Center. But you've never seen him like this. Just a piano, Stokes' magnificent baritone and 380 of your friends and neighbors.
Theatre
New York Neo-Futurists
"Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind"
Friday, April 10 at 8 p.m.
This underground performance-art revue showcases the talent of a small ensemble of writers-poets-comics via an arsenal of 30 mini-plays, monologues and skits. Each act is performed in a random order guided in part by the loudly shouting audience members. With a menu of vignettes ranging from zany to risqué to profound, it's the perfect interactive evening.
Other events:
Kids and Family
Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014 Elska
Music
Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014 Grand Derangement
Music
Saturday, March 1, 2014 Caladh Nua
Kids and Family
Sunday, March 2, 2014 Leland Faulkner: "World of Wonder"
Dance
Friday, March 14, 2014
Saturday, March 15, 2014 Christopher K. Morgan & Artists
Theatre
Saturday, March 22, 2014 "Superman 2050"
Kids and Family
Saturday, April 12, 2014 Bear Hunt Productions: "We're Going on a Bear Hunt"
Silent Film
Wednesday, April 16, 2014 Charlie Chaplin's 125th Birthday Celebration
Kids and Family
Saturday, April 26, 2014 Catskill Puppet Theater: "The Lion's Whisker"
Kids and Family
Saturday, May 3, 2014 The Crabgrass Puppet Theatre: "The Pirate and the Pea"
Kids and Family
Saturday, June 7, 2014 Applause Unlimited:
"The Magic of Hans Christian Andersen"
Tickets go on sale Thursday, Aug. 1. Discounts are available to seniors, students, groups of eight or more and those purchasing tickets more than a month in advance. Tickets can be purchased online with no fees at www.aldentheatre.org. For more information, call 703-790-0123, TTY: 711, or visit: www.aldentheatre.org.
Photos by Walter McBride
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