Arts & Entertainment:
Family Events in Metro DC
including Theatre, Dance, Music & More
March 2015
Always call or check the event website before heading out;
Event information is subject to change.
***Washington D.C.***
Outside the Bachx
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Through Sunday, March 1 ∙ schedule varies ∙ $20
NYC-based hip-hop company Full Circle Productions returns with more thrilling dance and spoken word for family audiences–this time set to classical music and awesome remixes–in this world premiere Kennedy Center co-commission. Age 8+
Youth Dance Project Performance
Joy of Motion Dance Center – Friendship Heights
Saturday, February 28 ∙ 8:00 pm & Sunday, March 1 ∙ 7:00 pm ∙ $13-$25
Joy of Motion Dance Centers annual Youth Dance Project engages young artists throughout the DC area, providing a platform to present new dance works of all styles.
Free Community Day
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Sunday, March 1 ∙ 12:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Visit us on Community Day for FREE admission to the museum—take this opportunity to explore our collection and current exhibitions.
Iberian Suite: Global Arts Remix
March 3 – 24, 2015
IBERIAN SUITE: global arts remix highlights cultures that comprise the Portuguese and Spanish speaking peoples with performances by some of the region’s best contemporary music, dance, and theater artists—many of whom are making their U.S. or D.C. debuts—as well as companies from around the world. Visual arts are highlighted in exhibitions and installations around the building, and additional events focus on literature, design, cuisine, and more. Includes: Ron Lalá Theater Company (Spain): Somewhere in Quixote & More!
Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival
Through Saturday, March 7, 2015
Three weekends of over 100 Performances featuring artists from DC & beyond, spotlighting Sound, Movement, Story, Family & Café Concerts. All at the Atlas Performing Arts Center!
Includes: Happenstance Theater, AirBorne DC! / Zip Zap Circus USA, Metropolitan Youth Tap Ensemble, Vision Contemporary Dance Ensemble, Arts on the Horizon, and more!
Fabulas Mayas (Mayan Fables)
GALA Hispanic Theatre
Monday, March 9 thru Saturday, March 21 ∙ schedule varies ∙ $10-$12
In this entertaining bilingual children’s play, the Creator and Shaper provide lessons about life through the creatures they create to populate the earth. An adaptation of traditional Mayan fables that features puppets, music, and song.
Bari Koral Family Rock Band: Tot Rock: Jammin at the Smithsonian
Presented by: The Smithsonian Associates
Venue: Smithsonian Discovery Theater
Friday, March 13 ∙ 10:15 am & 11:30 am ∙ $5
Bari’s show features a creative blend of music and movement that get kids on their feet for plenty of fun! Jam to pop-friendly tunes about disappearing cupcakes, a runaway gingerbread man, and a soaring rocket ship from a performer the New York Post calls “the Sheryl Crow for kids.” Ages 2-6.
The Washington DC 44th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th Streets
Sunday, March 15 ∙ 12:00 pm ∙ $0-$15
The 2015 theme, “Irish Heart in the Nation’s Capital”, is embodied by our 2015 Horoees:
Grand Marshal: John McInerney (posthumously, represented by Louise Verret) and Jack O’Brien, Past Co-0Chairmen, Commodore John Barry Memorial Project.
The grandstands are located between 15th and 16th streets next to the judges reviewing stand. They are a great way to watch the parade (for a fee) – each group is introduced as they approach and you get to see them at their best, performing for the judges. The grandstands provide a comfortable, elevated, vantage point with nearby restroom facilities. St. Patrick’s Day in Metro DC – Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Metro DC with this guide from CultureCapital.com. Find schedules for parades, concerts, events and more – leading up to and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.
Flying Feet and Fiddle Bows: An Irish Celebration
Presented by: The Smithsonian Associates
Venue: Smithsonian Discovery Theater
Tuesday, March 17 ∙ 10:15 am, 11:30 am, & 1:00 pm ∙ $5
Get in the St. Paddy’s Day spirit as acclaimed dancer Shannon Dunne and Pete Moss and the Bog Band throw an authentic Irish ceili party. Learn about Irish musical traditions and experience the floor-pounding beat of sean-nós and set dancing. Join in the high-stepping, rollicking fun! Ages 5-12.
Story Time for Preschoolers and Adults
National Archives
Wednesday, March 18 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ FREE!
Join the National Archives Education team for a story time designed for three- to five-year-olds and accompanying adults. Children will practice their listening skills, participate in group activities, and create a craft. March’s theme is women in history.
Johansen International Strings Competition
Presented by: Friday Morning Music Club
Venue: Calvary Baptist Church
Thursday, March 19 thru Saturday, March 21 ∙ 9:00 am ∙ FREE!
Come and listen to live performances by some of the most gifted young string players in the world! Thirty semi-finalists representing nine countries (11 violinists, 8 violists and 11 cellists ages 13-17) are coming to Washington, DC to compete for $67,000 in prize money ($10,000 first prize for each instrument).
Judging will be world-renowned musicians Glenn Dicterow, Victoria Chiang, and Marcy Rosen.
Picturing Mary Workshop: Egg Tempera
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Saturday, March 21 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ $13-$15
Guest artist Roberta Marovelli will introduce egg tempera, the time-honored paint medium created by combining color pigment with yolk, to a multigenerational audience. Participants will have ample time to learn from this skilled artist, practice the technique using specialized materials and tools, and explore tempera paintings in the exhibition. This workshop is designed for audiences 13 and older. Materials and instruction provided.
Who Poisoned Rocky Rockfish?
Presented by: The Smithsonian Associates
Venue: Smithsonian Discovery Theater
Tuesday, March 24 thru Friday, March 27 ∙ 10:15 am & 11:30 am ∙ $5-$8
Order in the court! When poor Rocky washes up on the shore of Chesapeake Bay, the judge casts audience members as suspects, lawyers, and jury in this interactive comic detective caper. Will Solvent Sally, Hot Water Harry, or star witness Oscar Osprey get nailed as the culprit? Learn about marine ecology and waterways conservation as you unravel the clues—and have plenty of fun.Ages 6-10.
Friendship Between Nations Family Day: National Cherry Blossom Festival Event
National Archives
Saturday, March 28 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ FREE!
Enjoy hands-on activities and celebrate the Cherry Blossoms! Learn more about this gift from Japan to the United States and about other fun ways nations express their friendship, cooperation, and goodwill toward each other.
NSO Family Concert: The Magic Horn
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Sunday, March 29 ∙ 2:00 pm & 4:00 pm ∙ $15-$18
Join “Sahara Bob,” his crate full of exotic musical instruments, and a mystical genie for Broughton’s The Magic Horn, selections from Grieg’s Peer Gynt suites, and “Bacchanale” from Saint-Saëns’s Samson and Delilah. Age 5+
Mozart – Symphony No. 40
Presented by: Washington Performing Arts
Venue: Baird Auditorium, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Sunday, March 29 ∙ 6:00 pm ∙ $20
In his acclaimed What Makes It Great? series, former NPR music commentator Rob Kapilow “gets audiences in tune with classical music at a deeper level than they ever thought possible” (Los Angeles Times). In a three-part format, Kapilow unravels and explores a great musical masterpiece with the audience. Next, the Peabody Chamber Orchestra performs the piece in its entirety, followed by a Q&A with the audience and performers.
***Maryland***
Café Groove
Publick Playhouse
Friday, March 6 ∙ 7:00 pm ∙ $3
Heavy on hip hop, hot teen dance teams compete before a panel of celebrity judges for trophies, cash prizes, and the title of Prince George’s “Best Area Dance Crew.” It’s scorching, fast, and fly, so come out and cheer for your favorite dance team.
Bob Brown Puppets
Tiny Tots – Dragon Babies
The Puppet Co. Playhouse
Saturday, March 7 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ $5
Come see a rousing musical performance of fun-loving, little dragons showing off their special abilities in a magical talent show! Reminder: Everyone needs a ticket, including infants.
Running Time: 30 minutes ∙ Recommended: 0-4
Petite Rouge A Cajun Red Riding Hood
Adventure Theatre MTC
Thru Sunday, March 8 ∙ schedule varies ∙ $19 [Discount]
Take a toe-tapping trip to the bayou in this family-friendly, Zydeco-driven musical soaked in N’awlins hot sauce! Based on the classic fairy tale and adapted from the book by Mike Artell and Jim Harris, a red-hooded duckling named Petite Rouge and her sidekick cat lead the Big Bad Gator on a wild “duck” chase through New Orleans and Mardi Gras. Will they make it to Grandmere’s house with a basket full of Cajun goodies?
Adapted from the book by Mike Artell
Book, music & lyrics by Joan Cushing
Directed and Choreographed by Michael J. Bobbitt
Assistant Director Danny Tippett
Featuring Kurt Boehm
Recommended for Ages 4 and up
Love 2 Dance Teen Showcase
Publick Playhouse
Sunday, March 8 ∙ 4:00 pm ∙ $5-$10
Outstanding young dancers from Prince George’s County high schools and dance studios perform jazz, hip-hop, ballet, modern and world dance. Bring the whole family to see these teens twirl, spin and leap across the stage in a terrific and uplifting program showing the depth of young talent in our community.
Godspell
Olney Theatre Center
Through Sunday, March 8 ∙ schedule varies ∙ $38-$75 [Discount]
Told through an exciting array of music and dance, the parables of Jesus Christ come to life in this modern take on a timeless tale of friendship, loyalty, and love. Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin).
Christopher Piper
Aladdin! (and his wonderful lamp)
The Puppet Co. Playhouse
Through Sunday, March 15 ∙ schedule varies ∙ $10 [Discount]
From ancient Persia comes this lavish and entrancing tale, true to the original “one thousand and one Arabian nights,” full of genies, wizards, magic caves, exotic princesses, and an elephant! Half life-size rod puppets and exciting special effects make this production exciting theater.
Running Time: 50 minutes ∙ Recommended: K- Grade 6
Kid’s Day Out- The Little “Bread” Hen
Arts Harmony Hall Regional Center
Wednesday, March 18 ∙ 10:30 am ∙ $5
Inspired by the classic tale of The Little Red Hen, this version reveals the truth about what really happened that fateful day when a chicken decided to bake a loaf of bread. Were the other farm animals just lazy or was there something else stewing in the barnyard? Journey to a small European bakery as we cook up the answers to these questions and more in this hilariously tasty retelling.
Berenstain Bears LIVE!
Publick Playhouse
Friday, March 20 ∙ 10:15 am & 12:00 pm∙ $6-$8
Following their hit off-Broadway run in New York and based on the award-winning book series, everyone’s favorite bear family arrives at the Playhouse to sing and dance through a life full of complications. Brother Bear’s grades are slipping, Sister Bear still has a few things to learn about making new friends, and Papa Bear just can’t stop eating junk food. But we can always depend on Mama Bear and her loving patience to help set things right.
Curriculum Connections: literature based, theatre arts, language arts, social studies, health and physical education, relationships. Recommended for grades Pre-K-2.
The Not-Its!
AMP by Strathmore
Saturday, March 21 ∙ 9:00 am & 11:00 am ∙ $10
Pink-and-black tutus and skinny ties forever! That’s the motto of these fun and family-friendly rockers, known for their high energy, upbeat sound. The Not-Its are a quintet of straight-outta-Seattle musicians who have embraced the genre of “Kindie Rock” so that moms, dads, and kids can have an awesome alt-rock experience – together.
World Dance Showcase
Publick Playhouse
Saturday, March 28 ∙ 8:00 pm ∙ $10-$15
One of the enriching benefits of living in greater Washington, DC is the fabulous diversity of our community. The world beats a path to our doorstep, bringing historic and colorful customs, traditions, and folk arts. This popular annual event showcases wide-ranging dance traditions performed with a swirl of vivid costumes.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
BlackRock Center for the Arts
Saturday, March 28 ∙ 11:00 am & Sunday, March 29 ∙ 3:00 pm ∙ $15
The Very Hungry Caterpillar follows the wonderful adventures of a very tiny and very hungry caterpillar as he eats his way through an amazing variety of foods on his path to becoming a beautiful butterfly. This hour-long production features the imaginative approach to storytelling through theatre that has earned international recognition for Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia.
Jeff Majors
Publick Playhouse
Sunday, March 29 ∙ 4:00 pm ∙ $20-$25
Former DC radio and TV gospel host Jeff Majors is a musician of national renown. A dream at age 15 inspired him to start playing the harp and launched a musical career that has been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show and named him Outstanding Gospel Instrumentalist at the Gospel Truth Magazine Music Awards. He brings his groundbreaking and unique harp sound to the Playhouse for a special Palm Sunday concert. Majors’ mellow style mixes gospel, soul and jazz traditions for an inspirational performance.
Slim Bodyology: FANTASTIC YOU
Publick Playhouse
Tuesday, March 31 ∙ 10:15 am & 12:00 pm ∙ $6-$8
Nationally renowned Slim Goodbody performs an amazing health and body musical that introduces children to the Heart-the greatest pump in the world; Brain-body control center; Lungs-the breath of life; Bones & Muscles-the team that hustles; Senses-the sensational five; and Digestive System- the energy factor. Song, dance and lots of audience participation highlight the importance of nutrition, fitness, hygiene, and a positive self-image.
Curriculum Connections: science, health, nutrition, fundamentals of anatomy, fitness, hygiene.
Recommended for grades K-8.
***Virginia***
Photo by Larry McClemons
The Three Musketeers
Presented by: Encore Stage & Studio
Venue: Thomas Jefferson Community Center
Friday, February 27 thru Sunday, March 8 ∙ schedule varies ∙ $10-$12
As D’Artagnan and the three musketeers roam the countryside, they encounter a dastardly plot to kidnap the King’s favorite dog…and realize they’ll need the help of three swashbuckling ladies to save the day. This new Encore twist on the classic Alexandre Dumas adventure is recommended for children ages 6 and older.
Children’s Theatre: ”All Tangled Up”
Workhouse Arts Center
Saturdays, February 28 & March 7, 14, 21 ∙ 1:00 pm ∙ $9-$13
Rapunzel has let herself down from her tower without waiting for Prince Charming! She has changed her own fairy tale! As soon as she arrives at the cottage of a good and powerful wizard named Magical, she learns that the Fairy Tale Community is going to be upset for changing the story! Can Magical and his famous talking cat, Whiskers, set things right before it is too late? Join us to find out! Running time 75 minutes with one intermission, appropriate for all ages.
Smudge! Comic Arts Expo
Artisphere
Saturday, March 14 ∙ 12:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Smudge! is a new comics arts expo meant to showcase independent comics and inspire attendees to become storytellers themselves. Smudge! will feature exhibitors in the Artisphere Ballroom, presenters in the Black Box Theatre and hands-on workshops in the Education Lab. Smudge! is the brainchild of local comic booker Matt Dembicki and event manager Tina Henry.
Totally Red – an Alden production
The Alden
Saturdays, March 14 & 21 ∙ Sundays, March 15 & 22∙ 3:00 pm ∙ $10-$12
Meet Red (who is nobody’s fool) and the wolf (who tries to be cool). The story is told in classic storybook theatre style (Little Red Riding Hood), melodrama (The Perils of Being Miss RED), Elizabethan (Much Ado about RED), 80’s hip-hop (REDz in the Hood), avant-garde (Call the Moment RED) and musical-comedy style (RED! The Musical!). Performed by MCC district youth.
2nd Saturday Art Walk
Workhouse Arts Center
Saturday, March 14 ∙ 6:00 pm ∙ FREE!
The 2nd Saturday Art Walk at the Workhouse showcases the diverse work of more than 100 visual artists in a unique historic venue, creating an atmosphere that encourages visitors to immerse themselves in the richness of this creative community.
Photo by David Moss
The Sixth Annual Move Me Festival
Presented by: Bowen McCauley Dance
Venue: Kenmore Middle School
Saturday, March 21 ∙ 1:00 pm ∙ FREE!
The Move Me Festival, hosted by Bowen McCauley Dance, is a FREE, family-friendly celebration of the arts and culture, promoting healthy lifestyles through movement and the arts. The event features twenty performances on two stages and fifteen interactive activity sessions by local arts partners, including offerings in dance fitness, acapella, physical theater, storytelling, arts and crafts, theatre games, and world dance styles. Two food trucks will serve the festival throughout the afternoon, which culminates in a performance by Arlington’s own contemporary dance company, Bowen McCauley Dance.
Spring Pops Concert by the String Orchestra
Prelude: The Arlington Youth Orchestral Program
Venue: Gunston Theatre One
Saturday, March 21 ∙ 4:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Prelude is excited to present a joint concert with members of the Arlington Philharmonic featuring popular tunes, old and new. The young musicians from Prelude’s String Orchestra will charm the audience with selections ranging from the beloved Blue Danube Waltz to the recent popular hit “Happy” from the film Despicable Me 2, among other pieces. Arlington Philharmonic members will share the stage with these talented young musicians under the joint direction of Maestros Shy-Luen Chen and Scott Wood. No tickets are required, but donations are appreciated. Chamber Music Program Spring Concert on Sunday, March 22 at Artisphere, 4 p.m.
Date Night: Chef’s Table
Workhouse Arts Center
Saturday, March 21 ∙ 7:00 pm ∙ $85
Anyone can go out for dinner and a movie so why not make your night something special to be remembered? Date Night cooking classes are designed to be fun, relaxing and an escape from the daily grind. They are great way to learn some basic cooking techniques while enjoying your company and making new friends. The menu items will be prepared by participants working together at each of the cooking islands. Participants will be served a tasting portion of all the entrees and a pre-chef-selected drink of choice. No one will leave hungry! Every month you will prepare a new dish ranging from ethnic cuisines like Japanese, Thai and Spanish High Cuisine to Vegetarian and much more!
Russian National Ballet Theatre: Cinderella
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Friday, March 27 ∙ 8:00 pm ∙ $34-$56
In the grand tradition of Russian ballet, these graceful dancers from Moscow perform one of the most exquisite fairy tale ballets of all time. Cinderella is the iconic tale of the virtuous servant girl who, with the help of her fairy godmother, is magically transformed, attends the royal ball, and captures the heart of the prince. This ballet masterpiece is filled with sumptuous costumes, lush scenery, comical stepsisters and a malevolent stepmother. Featuring an exuberant score by Prokofiev, it is easy to see why ballet enthusiasts have loved this ballet for generations. Russian National Ballet Theatre was founded in the late 1980s, and is committed to preserving and rejuvenating the timeless tradition of classical Russian ballet. “A cut above many of its rivals.” (The Washington Post)
Karen Brutsche
Mr. Vaudeville & Friends with Mark Brutsché
Presented by: Reston Community Center
Venue: CenterStage
Sunday, March 29 ∙ 3:00 pm ∙ $5-$10
Buddy Silver, the self-proclaimed Mr. Vaudeville and alterego of local funny man Mark Brutsché returns to the CenterStage Motion Picture & Vaudeville House to prove, once again, that nothing can take the place of live entertainment. It’s an afternoon of fun for the whole family that’s sure to leave you in stitches.
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