Built by Fairfax County in 1977, the McLean Community Center underwent renovations in 1988. It now features a lovely 424-seat theater (386 when seats are removed for an orchestra pit), which has been named for Robert Ames Alden, McLean community leader and former Washington Post editor.

Equipped with infrared listening assistance for the hearing impaired, the theater accommodates wheelchair seating as well. Several community theater companies use the facility: C.A.S.T. in McLean puts on a musical each year; the McLean Theatre Alliance does a musical and a play; and the Great Falls Players split their offerings between the Great Falls Grange and the Alden. The McLean Symphony also uses the facility, and a wide range of visiting acts is booked as part of the Adult's Performance Series and the Children's Performance Series.

The Alden box office is part of the Ticketmaster system, and tickets for a wide variety of events throughout the Washington metropolitan area can also be purchased here.

-- Brad Hathaway