Next Up
A Look at the Next Few Weeks

Friday, December 5, 2008

The Week of Dec. 12

This season, find plenty of ways to see Charles Dickens's tales come to life in the area. (There are at least six productions of "A Christmas Carol.") For a truly Dickensian experience, consider Dickens of a Tour: Charles Dickens in Washington. The tour, Dec. 13, 20 and 27 at noon, highlights places the writer visited in Washington. Meet at the Cosi at 10th and E streets NW. Call 301-588-9255 or visit http://www.historicstrolls.com. $10, younger than 16 $5.

The Week of Dec. 19

Celebrate the holiday of lights with the lighting of the National Menorah on the Ellipse. The event, which takes place Dec. 21 at 4 p.m., includes performances by the Three Cantors and the U.S. Navy Band, food and kids' activities. Get free tickets in advance at http://www.nationalmenorah.org or call 202-332-5600.

The Week of Dec. 26

If all the model trains on exhibit this time of year make your favorite conductor drool, visit Greenberg's Train and Toy Expo. The show and sale pulls into the Dulles Expo Center on Dec. 27 and 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with more than 400 tables with various models and things for children to play with. 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly. Call 630-279-4087 or visit http://www.greenbergshows.com for more information. $7, younger than 12 free.

On Exhibit

On Dec. 13, a pair of related exhibitions open at two Baltimore museums: At the Walters Art Museum, "Portraits Re/Examined: A Dawoud Bey Project" showcases historical artwork from the museum's collection hanging alongside contemporary photographic portraits by Bey. Call 410-547-9000. . . . At the Contemporary Museum, "Dawoud Bey: Class Pictures" highlights 40 of the artist's portraits of high school students from across the country. Call 410-783-5720.

On Stage

On sale now, on stage soon: Woolly Mammoth Theatre brings back the Chicago-based Neo-Futurists for "Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind," 30 plays done in 60 minutes, Dec. 15 through Jan. 4. Tickets cost $30. Call 202-393-3939. . . . The Broadway-bound revival of "West Side Story" stops at the National Theatre Dec. 15 through Jan. 17. Tickets cost $46.50-$96.50. Call 800-447-7400. . . . The Kennedy Center presents "Legally Blonde the Musical" Dec. 16 through Jan. 11. Tickets cost $25-$95. Call 202-467-4600.

Hot Tickets

Tickets go on sale today at noon through Ticketmaster for Lucky Daredevil Thrillshow Jan. 2 at the Birchmere ($20); Umphrey's McGee April 4 at Baltimore's Rams Head Live ($21 in advance, $24 at the door); Boney James April 14 at the Birchmere ($55); Mother's Finest May 10 at the Birchmere ($35). Tickets go on sale Saturday at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster for Slipknot, Coheed and Cambria, and Trivium Feb. 13 at Baltimore's 1st Mariner Arena ($35-$43); Dropkick Murphys March 5 at Baltimore's Rams Head Live ($24); Less Than Jake March 13 at Baltimore's Rams Head Live ($18 in advance, $20 at the door). Tickets go on sale Saturday at noon through Ticketmaster for Black Label Society April 15 at Baltimore's Rams Head Live ($32 in advance, $35 at the door). Call 202-397-7328 or visit http://www.ticketmaster.com. . . . Tickets are on sale at http://www.tickets.com for this 9:30 club show: Adele Jan. 17 ($20). Call 800-955-5566.

On Screen

Opening Dec. 12: "Azur & Asmar" are two foster brothers who go looking for a fairy. . . . "The Day the Earth Stood Still" is a reinvention of the 1951 classic starring Keanu Reeves. . . . Meryl Streep stars as Sister Aloysius in the big-screen adaptation of the play "Doubt," about a nun who believes a popular priest has been molesting a student. . . . "Frost/Nixon" is the battle between Richard Nixon and David Frost, a jet-setting television personality with a name to make. . . . "Nothing Like the Holidays" is a heartwarming tale of one unforgettable family holiday. . . . When Timothy is cast as Puck in "A Midsummer Night's Dream," he discovers a love potion in "Were the World Mine." Opening dates may change.

Last Chance

Saturday is your last chance to see "The Trumpet of the Swan: A Novel Symphony" at the Kennedy Center (202-467-4600). Sunday is your last chance to see "All's Well That Ends Well" at the Clark Street Playhouse (703-418-4808); "Boom" at Woolly Mammoth Theatre (202-393-3939); "The Wizard of Oz" at the Warner Theatre (202-783-4000); "The Sisters Rosensweig" at Baltimore's Fell's Point Corner Theatre (410-276-7837).

Next Friday in Weekend

In this season of giving, Weekend offers ideas for giving of yourself with volunteer opportunities for everyone -- regardless of the talent, time or treasure you have to offer.