As spring turns to summer, some of the area's most popular - and hard-working - musical theatre celebrities join the sing-along crowd at the Beacon Bar and Grill for theatreWashington's showTunes & Cocktails. May 11 sees special guest Pamela Bierly Jusino - currently in Kafka's Metamorphosis at the Alliance for New Music-Theatre - partner with Maestro Glenn Pearson to share her favorite standards and encourage the piano-bar attitude that makes these gatherings a must-do for music theatre lovers. On June 8, guest Evan Casey takes a break from rehearsing the title role in Adventure Stage MTC's production of Garfield, the Musical with Catitude; and on July 13, Stephen Schmidt shares a precious Monday night off from performing in The Producers at the Olney Theatre Center. Each event, from 7 - 10 p.m., features happy hour prices, signature cocktails, and a chance to win free tickets to the Washington area's top shows.
Pearson - equal parts raconteur and master pianist - is a renowned orchestra leader and a mainstay of Washington's social scene. Working with his co-host theatreWashington Vice President Brad Watkins, he inspires the best - and beltiest - from a growing crowd of showTunes regulars and newbies. Just one element in theatreWashington's year-round efforts in audience-building and theatre advocacy, showTunes & Cocktails is funded through the Beacon Bar & Grill's generous donation of 10% on all purchases, and a Pay What You Can admission policy. Scheduled on Monday nights when theatre professionals are free to mix and mingle with their theatre-loving public, future showTunes & Cocktails events are slated for August 10, September 14, October 5, November 9, and December 14, with guest artists to be announced. For further information, visit theatreWashington.org.Videos