Events/Things To Do

The rooftop at the Kimpton Mason & Rook Hotel welcomes Washingtonians back for sun-filled afternoons and moonlit nightcaps this summer! Next month, the Radiator food and beverage team will reclaim the sky-high bar for another season of gorgeous vistas, fun programming, delicious bites from Executive Chef Jonathan Dearden, and refreshing sips from Lead Bartender Sarah Rosner. 

Rooftop Opening Fiesta – 5/5

On Saturday, May 5, guests are invited to officially kick off rooftop season with Cinco de Mayo festivities on the roof. Sarah and the bar team will keep the tequila flowing with house-made margaritas and a special selection of Mexican beers while Chef Jonathan and the culinary team will keep partygoers satiated with taco specials all night long. Salud, amigos!

The Rooftop Opening Fiesta will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., weather permitting. No reservations or cover charge required.

As part of its ReDiscovery Reading Series, the Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC) will stage a free reading of David Ives new play, The Panties, The Partner and The Profit: Scenes from the Heroic Life of the Middle Class, on Monday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lansburgh Theatre. A discussion with David Ives will take place after the reading, providing the audience with the opportunity to learn more about the play before the full production arrives onstage at STC in the 2018–2019 Season.

Following the success of The Liar, The Heir Apparent, The Metromaniacs (currently playing at Red Bull Theater) and last season’s The School for Lies, David Ives gives his “translaptation” treatment to Carl Sternheim’s epic trilogy, Scenes from the Heroic Life of the Middle Class—transforming three full-length plays into a single brisk evening filled with panties falling, parents visiting, vast fortunes being made, and other signs of the looming near-apocalypse.

The reading features an impressive cast including: Greg Hildreth, who is currently playing Olaf in Frozenon Broadway; Kelly Hutchinson, recently seen Off-Broadway in The Government Inspector; Helen Cespedes currently in The Age of Innocence at Hartford Stage and, D.C. favorites Michael Glenn, Dorea Schmidt and Gregory Wooddell, who all appeared in David Ives’s The School for Lies at STC last season.

Now in its 25^th season, the ReDiscovery Series aims to introduce audiences to new adaptations of great but lesser-known classic plays under consideration for STC’s mainstage seasons, and the readings are often the first step in bringing a new adaptation or an under-produced classic back into the spotlight.

“I’ve taken three full-length plays and condensed them into a single evening, moving early 20^th-century German family life into America today, with what I hope is comparable comic and satiric effect,” says David Ives. “My aim is to bring to life on a modern stage the message, if not the warning that Sternheim was shouting from his era, right into our collective ear. We are looking at Sternheim’s comedy anew, through contemporary eyes, so it seems fitting that it should premiere as part of STC’s ReDiscovery Reading Series.”

Sternheim (1878-1942), a successful social satirist, is best known for a series of plays that he titled “From The Heroic Life of the Middle Class.” They tell the story of the Mask family, which moves from lower middle class to middle class to filthy rich over three generations of German society. In Ives new version, the series now begins in Boston in 1950 (“The Panties”), goes on to New York and Wall Street in 1986 (“The Partner”) and brings the Mask family up to date in our own day with the Mask grandchildren now rich in Malibu (“The Profit”).

The reading will be directed by STC Associate Artistic Director Alan Paul. The main stage production next season will be directed by Artistic Director Michael Kahn, in his final season leading STC.

Audiences wishing to hear Ives’ work can reserve their spot at http://www.shakespearetheatre.org/events/panties-partner-profit-scenes-heroic-life-middle-class/ or call the Box Office at 202.547.1122.

For more information about the ReDiscovery series, visit ShakespeareTheatre.org/Rediscovery.

Team Fox Young Professionals of Washington, DC is pleased to announce the second annual Tips for Parkinson’s event on May 9, 2018 at Provision 14 to raise money for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF). Last year, the District’s inaugural Tips for Parkinson’s event welcomed 200 guests and raised nearly $40,000 for Parkinson’s research. This year, the group hopes to eclipse that number, having already raised over $30,000 in advance donations. Supporting that effort are this year’s honorary co-chairs, Representatives Carolyn Maloney from New York, Hank Johnson, Jr. from Georgia, and Gus Bilirakis from Florida, who are members of the Congressional Caucus on Parkinson’s Disease and will be in attendance.

The event will include a silent auction, featuring vacation packages, signed sports memorabilia, concert tickets, and a breakfast and live podcast taping with sports commentator, Tony Kornheiser. Also up for auction are numerous gift certificates redeemable at many of the District’s favorite bars, gyms, and restaurants. Finally, there will be raffles throughout the night that will include prizes like tickets to see Hamilton at the Kennedy Center.

Tips for Parkinson’s is a unique social and networking experience that combines great food and drinks and a guest bartending competition to raise funds and awareness for MJFF. The $40 event entry cost includes drinks poured by competing bartending teams and unlimited, delicious food from the Provision 14 kitchen. 100% of funds raised from this event will go straight to research.

MJFF is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s Disease through an aggressively funded research agenda and to ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson’s today. MJFF has funded more than $750 million in research around the world and has no endowment. Every dollar raised is immediately deployed to advance research with the best chance of leading to new Parkinson’s Disease therapies and, ultimately, a cure.

Tips for Parkinson’s 2018 will be on May 9, 2018, from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale via the following link:https://tips.michaeljfox.org/washington-dc/Donate/Tickets

Please join us to celebrate some of the District’s most extraordinary young people.

Meet the students and hear their stories in their own words. It will be a fun and inspirational evening with amazing food and cocktails and live entertainment. Dress in your favorite business outfit or casual cocktail attire!

Ajax Gallery

1011 4th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

May 9, 2018 · 6:30 PM

Can’t make it? Please donate to support the students with whom we work!

Host Committee:

Norman Armstrong, Jim Barratt, Nancy Rodriguez Brown, Brandy Butler,
Rick Clark & Robert McVearry, David Dodero, Amira El-Gawly, Caitlin Ellsworth,
Brad Fried, Nisha Hall, Fred & Christine Hill, Julia Pidgeon Hooks,
Perry Pidgeon Hooks & Dennis Hooks, Tony Lewis, Jr., Joseph Malone,
Camelia Mazard, Kim Meehan, Mary Mellor, Ashley Moore, Jodi Ovca,
Camille Padilla, Jennifer Rackow, Charlotte Reid, Andrew Reynolds, Anthony Rodell,
Ben Rose, Crystal Rucker, Kris Woodruff Salis, Joelle Simpson, Peter Stuart,Scott & Rebecca Thompson, Elizabeth Whalen

Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith and Executive Director Edgar Dobie are pleased to announce that Broadway legend Maurice Hines will serve as the Master of Ceremonies and international touring artist and global humanitarian Mary McBride will headline the 2018 Arena Stage Gala honoring Mayor Muriel Bowser on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at the Mead Center for American Theater (1101 Sixth St., SW). As previously announced, the Gala features the presentation of the third annual Beth Newburger Schwartz Award to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, and will recognize Jessica Stafford Davis as an Emerging Leader. The Gala is helmed by event chairs and Arena Stage Trustees Lavern Chatman and Maggie FitzPatrick.

Maurice Hines, an actor, director, singer and choreographer, returns to Arena Stage to emcee the 2018, and will perform a couple of numbers. At Arena, he has performed in Maurice Hines is Tappin’ Thru Life, Sophisticated Ladies and Guys and Dolls. Launching his career at the age of five, his Broadway credits include Eubie!, Bring Back Birdie with Chita Rivera and Donald O’Connor, Sophisticated Ladies, conceived/directed/choreographed/starred in Uptown…It’s Hot (1986 Tony Award Best Actor nomination) and collaborated with Maurice White to choreograph/direct the hip-hop musical Hot Feet featuring the music of Earth, Wind, and Fire.

Singer Mary McBride and her band have performed in more than 30 countries, taking audiences on a roller coaster ride with their fiery blend of blues, gospel, country and old school rock ’n roll. The Washington Post described her voice as a “rugged, force-of-nature voice [that] unpacks the old spiritual like some distant relative of gospel legend Marion Williams.” McBride is also the Founder of The Home Tour, which brings high energy, high impact, live shows to audiences where they least expect it, including orphanages in Pakistan, disability centers in Vietnam, senior centers on the Estonian-Russian border and women’s prisons in Albania. CNN acknowledged McBride’s contribution to the global community: “McBride is on a mission. She is performing and touching hearts, reaching out and connecting people through music.” A native Washingtonian, she recently sang the National Anthem at Nationals Park. She appeared on both the soundtrack and in the film, Brokeback Mountain; released four albums; and has been profiled by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and MSNBC’s Morning Joe.

“I launched the Home Tour as a way to reinforce the fact that people, no matter who they are or where they are living, have a right to live music, and to be surrounded by art,” McBride says. “I am honored to be performing in my hometown in Washington at Arena Stage, which, through its tremendous performances and generous spirit, makes every single person who walks through its doors feel instantly at home.”

“I am thrilled to honor Mayor Bowser at the Gala,” says Newburger Schwartz. “She exemplifies the best qualities of leadership in the ways she has brought disparate groups of citizens together to move our city forward. From her groundbreaking work that has given new life to the Southwest Waterfront, to her thoughtful policies that produce better schools and housing for our children and their families, she has created the vibrant community that is Washington today and it is my pleasure to present her with this award.”

The evening kicks off with a cocktail reception, followed by a performance and a three-course seated dinner. The performance will feature the presentation of the Beth Newburger Schwartz Award to Mayor Muriel Bowser, in recognition of her unparalleled commitment to and support of the arts throughout Washington, D.C. The award was first presented to Arena Stage board chair Newburger Schwartz in 2016, and Arlene Kogod in 2017, and celebrates a female leader who strives to better the community in which she lives through her own unique strengths and talents. In addition, Jessica Stafford Davis will be honored as an Emerging Leader in recognition of her passion and entrepreneurial support of the arts. Davis is the founder and CEO of The Agora Culture, a multi-cultural arts platform that connects emerging and well-known artists with collectors.

All proceeds from the evening support Arena Stage’s award-winning artistic and community engagement programs.

Space is limited.

Event Schedule
Thursday, May 10, 2018
5:30 p.m. Cocktail reception
6:30 p.m. Award presentation and performance
8:00 p.m. Seated dinner

Individual Tickets
Dinner Ticket – $1,000
Young Professional Ticket (35 or under) – $300

For additional event details visit arenastage.org/donate/special-events/1718benefit/index.shtml.

Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith and Executive Director Edgar Dobie are pleased to announce the presentation of the third annual Beth Newburger Schwartz Award to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, as well as recognize Jessica Stafford Davis as an Emerging Leader at the 2018 Arena Stage Annual Gala. The Gala is helmed by event chairs and Arena Stage Trustees Lavern Chatman and Maggie FitzPatrick, and will be held on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at the Mead Center for American Theater (1101 Sixth St., SW).

The evening kicks off with a cocktail reception, followed by a performance and a three-course seated dinner. The performance will feature presentation of the Beth Newburger Schwartz Award to Mayor Muriel Bowser, in recognition of her unparalleled commitment to and support of the arts throughout Washington, D.C. The award was first presented to Arena Stage board chair Newburger Schwartz in 2016, and Arlene Kogod in 2017, and celebrates a female leader who strives to better the community in which she lives through her own unique strengths and talents. In addition, Jessica Stafford Davis will be honored as an Emerging Leader in recognition of her passion and entrepreneurial support of the arts. Davis is the founder and CEO of The Agora Culture, a multi-cultural arts platform that connects emerging and well-known artists with collectors.

All proceeds from the evening support Arena Stage’s award-winning artistic and community engagement programs.

Space is limited. Performers to be announced at a later date.

Event Schedule
Thursday, May 10, 2018
5:30 p.m. Cocktail reception
6:30 p.m. Award presentation and one night only performance
8:00 p.m. Seated dinner

Individual Tickets
Dinner Ticket – $1,000
Young Professional Ticket (35 or under) – $300

For additional event details visit arenastage.org/donate/special-events/1718benefit/index.shtml.

Crystal City’s summertime happy hour is back, opening a month early and announcing a new partnership with The Stand  bringing food and beverage from local restaurants and an exciting live music lineup. Starting on May 4, each Friday from 5-9 pm, attendees can listen to live music from a variety of bands while enjoying local bites and drink.

The British Embassy will open its gates to the public for our 11th annual Open House Day on Saturday 12 May. Media are invited to cover the event, which offers visitors a rare look inside the Embassy as well as other unique activities celebrating British culture.

The Open House Day is special this year, as it is exactly one week before the Royal Wedding. During the event, visitors will be able to congratulate Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle on their upcoming wedding by creating a card and placing it in the mailbox to be sent to Kensington Palace.

During Open House Day, visitors will get a rare look inside the embassy and access to the Ambassador’s Residence and Gardens, home to several trees planted by members of the Royal Family. The Residence ballroom will be set up as it would be prepared for a State Dinner with Her Majesty the Queen.

Other highlights of the day include:

• Special appearances by the Superbowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders, Eagles Drumline and Eagles mascot, SWOOP, ahead of their NFL game in London
• A fleet of British luxury vehicles from Aston Martin, Bentley, Jaguar Land Rover, Lotus and Rolls-Royce
• British food and drink, including whiskey and wine
• Performances from Shakespearian players and the British International School of Washington
• A tennis serve cage to see how fast you can serve at the Residence tennis court
• Displays of the most iconic British scenery for selfies

On Saturday, May 12, the award-winning Hay-Adams, located steps from the White House at 800 16th Street, NW, 20006, will launch its Stylish Entertaining Series, at the legendary Top of The Hay, a historic setting directly overlooking the White House. Participants will enjoy a seasonal selection of pastries from Pastry Chef Elizabeth Weinberg and indulge in Domaine La Rocalière Tavel Rosé and Scharffenberger Brut while learning about emerging trends in floral design and composing a spring arrangement to take home. Tickets are priced at $65 per person (all inclusive), which includes flowers, vase and afternoon tea. Reservations may be made here: https://www.hayadams.com/meetings-events/stylish-entertaining-series

This quarterly series of events will feature industry experts sharing ever-evolving insights about entertaining with ease, in a way that reflects each host’s personal style and creativity, in order to make guests feel treasured whatever the occasion. Next up is a Champagne tasting class in September, details may be found at www.hayadams.com in the coming months.

WHO:            Sidra Foreman (www.sidraforman.com) is a florist, chef and gardener who plans, sources and arranges flowers for weddings and other events large and small. Her work has been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings and Foreman was named one of the top floral designers in the United States by this national publication as well. As a former restaurant chef, she approaches arrangements the same way she cooks: by seeking out the best sources, gathering ingredients and pairing seasonal and organic items, that she either grows or has supplied by local producers, most of whom she has known for decades.

WHEN:          The afternoon tea will be held on Top of The Hay on Saturday, May 12, 2018, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.(doors open at 12:45)

WHERE:       The Hay-Adams is located at 800 16th Street, NW, Washington DC, 20006, across Lafayette Square from the White House. The historic Hay-Adams offers guests Washington’s most prestigious address with views overlooking the White House, Lafayette Square and St. John’s Church, the “Church of the Presidents.”  Ranked the No. 1 Top Hotel in Washington, DC and the No. 5 Best Hotel in the United States by Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards in 2017, the hotel is just minutes from the Smithsonian, the Museums, the Washington Monument, the National Mall, as well as convenient to Metro stations and the convention center.  For reservations or more information call (202) 638-6600 or visit their website at www.hayadams.com.