Alden’s Fall Season Brings Int'l Artists in Music, Theatre, Dance and Comedy

The Alden Theatre's Fall 2011 offerings include a rich array of performances by International Artists in music, theatre, dance and comedy. The beautiful, intimate, 383-seat theatre in central McLean provides a "not a bad seat in the house" experience for audience members. From the roar of the drums of Portland Taiko to the "delicate" ballerinas of the Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo (aka The Trocks), Alden audiences will enjoy the eclectic performances from the comfort of brand new seats. The theatre is located at 1234 Ingleside Avenue.

Over the last year, the Alden staff has worked on a number of additions designed to enhance patron experiences, including free Insider Knowledge forums, which provide an opportunity for audience members to discuss topics relevant to upcoming performances, and workshops with artists. In addition, earlier this year the theatre acquired OvationTix, a new ticketing system that allows patrons to purchase tickets online at lower costs.

Performance Schedule (Subject to Change):

Scott Ainslie Guitar Workshop
www.cattailmusic.com
Saturday, Oct. 29, 5:30 p.m.
Tickets: $10
A master teacher, Ainslie will lead guitarists through a portion of blues-related guitar technique. Sections on the ins and outs of slide playing, finger-picking technique, major open tunings and special open bass will be covered. Bring your own guitar.

Scott Ainslie in Concert
www.cattailmusic.com
Saturday, Oct. 29, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $20
Bluesman Scott Ainslie brings the African and American roots, history and bare soul of blues music alive in a beguiling mix of stories and songs with abandon, care and intimacy.

Julie Fowlis: Music of the Scottish Isles
www.juliefowlis.com
Sunday, Oct. 30, 4 p.m.
Tickets: $25
This is not your typical Celtic music concert. Not only do Julie Fowlis and her band present an emotive, expressive and high-energy live show, but they also perform in the rarely heard language of Scottish Gaelic.

Portland Taiko
www.portlandtaiko.org
Saturday, Nov. 5, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $20
Way more than dynamic drumming in the ancient Japanese tradition, Portland Taiko weaves rhythm, melody, humor and movement together into an exhilarating musical experience.Portland Taiko
Portland Taiko, the only professional taiko company in the Pacific Northwest, weaves rhythm, melody, humor, and movement together into an exhilarating musical experience.
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Comedy Tonight!
A Studio Rep Production
Friday and Saturday, Nov. 18 and 19, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $12
Rated PG-13. An evening of comedic one-acts sure to tickle the funny bone!

Insider Knowledge Forum
The Roots of Roots Music
Wednesday, Dec. 7, 8 p.m.
Free
Mary Cliff, host of WAMU's "Traditions," leads a panel exploration of American traditional music and its echoes in new roots music.

Rani Arbo and daisy mayhem
www.raniarbo.com
Saturday, Dec. 10, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $25
"New roots music served in a martini glass," Rani Arbo and daisy mayhem add a cosmopolitan splash of jazz and pop to traditional music. This four-piece string band exudes joy; the "Drumship Enterprise" alone - a recycled drum kit comprised of a cardboard box, cat food tins, a Danish butter cookie tin and a suitcase - will bring a smile to your lips.

The Most Amazing Christmas Play Series in the Entire History of the World!
By Don Zoldis
A Studio Rep Production
Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16 and 17, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $12
Rated PG-13. Take a break from the holiday shopping for an evening of one-act holiday comedies that will have you rolling in the aisles. Featured pieces are Santa vs. The Garden Gnomes, Revenge of the Gingerbread Boy and It's a Wonderful Magical Miracle on Christmas Street.

The Airborne Comedians
www.airbornecomedians.com
Saturday, Jan. 7, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $20
Adding 21st century flash to vaudeville tradition, Dan Foley and Joel Harris juggle a cornucopia of objects including baseball bats, lawn chairs, children, hats, clubs, electric guitars, machetes and random objects from the audience.

Insider Knowledge Forum
Ballerinas with Brawn
Wednesday, Jan. 11, 8 p.m.
Free
George Mason University Professor of Dance, Daniel Joyce, and CityDance Ensemble's Artist in Residence and internationally recognized choreographer, Christopher K. Morgan, take you behind the tulle and false eyelashes to explore the reverential yet hilarious world of "The Trocks."

The Capitol Steps
www.capsteps.com
Friday and Saturday, Jan. 13 and 14, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $45
Washington favorites... as long as you're not running for office.

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
www.trockadero.org
Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 18 and 19, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $45
The world's foremost all-male comic ballet company returns for a two-night-only run.

Alden Theatre Box Office Opens in September.
Tickets go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, Sept. 7. Discounts are available to seniors, students, MCC tax district residents and groups of 8 or more. Tickets can be purchased online at www.aldentheatre.org. For more information, call 703-790-0123, TTY: 711, or visit: www.aldentheatre.org.

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