Fairfax Acting Troupe to Stage LGBT Drama
Fairfax County’s resident theatre company, The Providence Players, announced upcoming auditions for its winter production of the docu-drama “The Laramie Project.” The play follows 10 New Yorkers in 1998 as they travel to the city of Laramie, Wyo., where a young gay man, Matthew Shepard, was murdered on Oct. 12, 1998 in one of the nation’s pivotal hate crimes. 
Fairfax Acting Troupe to Stage LGBT Drama
Fairfax County’s resident theatre company, The Providence Players, announced upcoming auditions for its winter production of the docu-drama “The Laramie Project.” The play follows 10 New Yorkers in 1998 as they travel to the city of Laramie, Wyo., where a young gay man, Matthew Shepard, was murdered on Oct. 12, 1998 in one of the nation’s pivotal hate crimes.
The New Yorkers’ journey provided the basis for the play, which explores the bigotry and courage of a nation defining a new era of civil liberties for members of the LGBT community.
The auditions are slated for Monday, Jan. 4 – Tuesday, Jan. 5, from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the James Lee Community Theatre (2855 Annandale Rd., Falls Church). Call backs will be Friday, Jan. 11 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. For more details, contact director Tina Thronson at 703-470-9975 or tinathron@cox.net.
Pillar of F.C. Community Welcomes Grandchild
City of Falls Church business leader, benefactor and developer Bob Young officially became a grandfather for the first time yesterday when his daugter-in-law Leah gave birth to an 8 lb. 8 oz. daugher, Gillian, with husband, Young’s son, Peter, present.
‘Ha Ha at RiRa’ Attracts Local Budding Comics
On Wednesday, Jan. 6, RiRa Irish Pub (2915 Wilson Blvd., Arlington) will host a free night of live comedy, its weekly “Ha Ha at RiRa.” Local stand-up comics hit up the pub’s event in Clarendon every Wednesday night, with a chance for an audience member to win a $25 cash prize joke contest.
It all starts Wednesday at 8 p.m. For more information, call 703-248-9888 or visit www.standupcomedytogo.com.
Pre-Countdown ‘Stroll & Campfire’ Scheduled
On Thursday, Dec. 31, the Gulf Branch Nature Center (3608 Military Rd., Arlington) will throw a New Year’s Eve Stroll & Campfire, allowing families to explore the 37-acre park. Those interested are invited to finish a short hike by casting resolutions into a “wishing” bonfire.
The event runs from 6 – 7:30 p.m and warm clothing and flashlights are recommended. A $5 registration is required and all children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call 703-228-3403.
Former F.C. Resident Earns Fellowship Status
Stephen A. Mabry, DDS has earned fellowship status in The International Congress of Implantologists (ICOI). Mabry practices in Arlington. A Falls Church resident during his school years, he is graduate of Gonzaga College High School, Boston College and the New York University College of Dentistry.
Dentists achieve ICOI Fellowship status through their efforts in education, research and actual clinical experience. Dr. Mabry, his wife Megan, a school psychologist, and daughter, Emma, live in Alexandria.
WSC Hosts ‘Dream Scenes’ For NYE Party
The Washington Shakespeare Company (WSC) will host “Dream Scenes on New Year’s Eve” on Thursday, Dec. 31 at Clark Street Playhouse (601 S. Clark St., Arlington) at 9:30 p.m. The run time is five hours with two intermissions. Join Fox 5’s Sue Palka and D.C. area actors as they present favorite scenes from Shakespeare and other renowned playwrights.
This event will include a reception with champagne, music, dancing, prizes and surprises. The evening will showcase performances by Ian Armstrong, Sara Barker, Frank Britton, Christopher Buchanan, Zoe Cowan, Leigh Anna Fry, Heather Haney, Cam Magee, Adrienne Nelson, Joe Palka, Barbara Papendorp, Bruce Alan Rauscher and Amy Thompson, with a special performance from Shawn Northrip’s Titus X. Tickets start at $51.50. For more information, call 703-418-4808.
GCM Lady Lacrosse Clinic Offers Options
Most county schools will have teacher work days on Friday, January 29 – Monday, Feb. 1. The George C. Marshall (GCM) High School Girls Lacrosse Program is offering a healthy alternative to staying home. Girls ages 8-18 can sign up for GCM’s Lady Statesmen Winter Lacrosse Clinic.
Unlike any area clinic the clinic runs all day from 8 – 5 p.m. (8 – 2:30pm in the event of inclement weather) for $65 if those interested register before Jan. 10.
The clinic supplies all equipment participants will need to use at the camp for free. This includes a stick and goggles, though each child is asked to bring their own mouth guard.
The clinic offers sessions for beginners to advanced players and offers a staff of high school and division-one, college-experienced players.
For more information, e-mail Coach Depaz at ncdepaz@gmail.com or visit the camps and clinics section under Girls Lacrosse at www.gcmstatesmensports.org to download the camp registration form.
Arlington Rotary Asks for Blood Donations
On Saturday, Jan. 2, the Arlington Rotary Club will sponsor a blood drive run by INOVA Hospital. Those interested in donating blood are advised to eat a meal and drink extra fluids within six hours before participating.
Walk-ins are welcome, but those with appointments will be given preference. The free event will be held at the Arlington Central Library Auditorium (1015 N Quincy St., Arlington) from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. For more information, call 703-698-3885.
McLean Bible Church Invites Singles to Mingle
Singles can scout out their soul mates this New Year’s Eve at the Singles’ New Year’s Eve Party being hosted by the Singles’ Ministry of McLean Bible Church on Thursday, Dec. 31 from 8:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. at Marriott Fairview Park (3111 Fairview Park Dr., Falls Church).
The evening will celebrate the future with people who shares like values, interests and goals. For more information, call 703-770-8677 or visit www.mbctysons.org.
F.C. Book Discussion to Talk ‘Devil’ in ‘White City’
On Thursday, Jan. 7, Mary Riley Styles Public Library will host its usual free Thursday evening book discussion about Erik Larson’s “The Devil in the White City,” winner of the 2004 Edgar Award for Best Fact Crime. The event will take place inside the library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church) at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 703-248-5031.
F.C. City Teens Available to Shovel Snow
While there was no shortage of snow during the Blizzard of ‘09, there may have been a shortage of snow shovelers. The Falls Church Recreation Department may have a solution. The Recreation Department maintains a Teen Work List of high school-aged youth who are interested in occasional jobs, including snow shoveling, dog walking, yard work and babysitting.
City of Falls Church residents who are looking for teen workers may call 703-248-5077 to request assistance. Teens who would like to register to be on the list (parental approval required) may call 703-248-5077 for a registration form. Recreation staff coordinates the teens and the jobs to keep the youths’ contact information private. The rate of pay for the jobs is between the youth and the person looking for assistance.
Students Graduate from Excelsior College
Jonathan B. Sims of Annandale and Kali Arrale of Alexandria recently earned Bachelor of Science degrees from Excelsior College. Also from Excelsior, Casey L. Crawford of Alexandria has earned an Associate in Science in Nursing, while John D. Clanton, also of Alexandria, has earned an Associate in Applied Science in Technical Studies.
Signature Theatre Rings in 2010 with ‘Show Boat’
Signature Theatre (4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington) will host a New Year’s Eve Performance & Party event on Thursday, Dec. 31. There will be a performance of the highly-acclaimed musical “Show Boat.” Afterwards, join members of the cast and the Signature family to count down to 2010. The evening will include a performance of Showboat beginning at 8 pm., two drink tickets, the New Year’s Eve countdown and champagne toast, sweet and savory treats by Ali’s Bar and a DJ and dancing till 2 am. Tickets cost $175 for singles and $300 per couple. For more information, call 703-573-SEAT.
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