photos by author

At Monday night’s Black Cat show Thurston Moore  dished out jokes about Dischord house, stories about Black Flag, Jello Biafra, conspiracy theories about Jimmy Carter, credited Reagan for the birth of Hardcore, and had a gin & tonic chugging contest with his guitarist. Oh yeah, and played some amazing music too.

Moore, frontman of the iconic experimental/noise/post-punk band Sonic Youth is on tour in support of his latest solo album Demolished Thoughts, released in 2011 on Matador. He brought with him fellow Matador recording artist Kurt Vile, as well as a band on his own label, Ecstatic Peace Records – Hush Arbors, which features his touring guitarist, Keith Wood.

Kurt Vile took the stage by himself, sitting on a chair in the middle of the stage, acoustic guitar in one hand, bottle of wine in the other. His set was quiet, understated, but really beautiful. Beginning with “Laughing Stock,”  from his 2011 EP So Outta Reach, he drew the listeners in and set the mood with hypnotic guitar and delay-drenched vocals.

His set was filled mostly with songs from his 2011 album Smoke Ring For My Halo, and  from his 2009 album Childish Prodigy. Some highlights included “Peeping Tomboy”, and “Heart Attack.” He was joined onstage a few times by guitarist Jesse Turbo, who added depth and echoing layers with electric guitar, on “Hunchback” and “He’s Alright.” He was also joined by harpist Mary Lattimore for a couple songs, whose beautiful plucking added texture and soft beauty to the songs, including “Ghost Town.”

When Thurston Moore came onstage wearing a suit and carrying an acoustic guitar, I wasn’t sure what was in store. I listened to some of his most recent album, Demolished Thoughts in the week leading up to the show, and found what I heard beautiful and mellow, reminiscent at times of the quieter moments of the Velvet Underground. A far cry from the Sonic Youth that I’ve loved for most of my life, but awesome in it’s own right. (I’m a big Sonic Youth fan, and have seen them live probably more than any other band over the years. I’ve lost count…) Anyway, from the beginning Moore seemed at home onstage, talking to the crowd and joking about the band being called the Jimmy Carter Youth Patrol. (He went on tirade later about Jimmy Carter, but it’s funny because as he gets older he looks more and more like the former peanut-farmer President.)

Moore was joined by guitarist Keith Wood, harpist Mary Lattimore, violinist Samara Lubelski, and drummer John Maloney.  He introduced the first song, ”Orchard Street,” saying “This song was written after an all-night weed smoking session at Dischord House.” (Here it seems he was poking fun at his long-time friend Ian MacKaye, frontman of Fugazi, co-founder of Dischord, and well-known as straight-edge.) The song started out pretty mellow, but ended up building into an amazing acoustic wall-of-sound; everyone on stage madly strumming/bowing/beating on their respective instruments for a jammed out ending that lasted several minutes, assuring us Sonic Youth fans that yes, there would be noise.

Pretty soon into the set, clearly warmed up, he shed his suit-coat and tie, and shared about a time early on in his performing career when he made the mistake of wearing long-underwear onstage. A mistake he did not repeat.  A musically lighthearted, upbeat moment came with “Fri/End”, from Moore’s 2007 album trees outside the academy. Here Moore played a lush-sounding 12 -string guitar deftly, and after proclaimed that “soft rock is the new hardcore.” I’ll leave that one alone, but he certainly was able to translate a very mellow album into an exciting and vibrant live show. 

Two high points came from his 1995 album Psychic Hearts- the discordant, almost grating ”Queen Bee and Her Pals,” and  ”Ono Soul.” In between some songs Moore read some poetry, and told stories. I could have listened to his stories for the whole night. One recounted a time when he was at a Black Flag show in New York. He was taping the show (mock shock!) and there was this great expansive droning/feedback going on, which he was really digging, and then Lee Ranaldo (long-time friend and one of the co-founding members of Sonic Youth) ran up to him, super-excited and shouted how they needed to make a whole album that was just this droning noise. All he could think at the time was how Lee had just screwed up his tape of the show, but in retrospect he thought it was pretty cool to have that moment captured on tape, excited blurt and everything.

Moore and his pals ended up playing a pretty long set that didn’t feel long at all.  And he managed to do what he does every time I’ve seen him play live- renew and reinvigorate my faith in and love of music.

Tom: I’ve got a wild weekend of work this weekend, but I’ll be continuing my quest for a new breakfast place. My trip to Boundary Stone last weekend, though, was very promising. This week, it’s over to Rustik for some biscuits. I’m also looking forward to putting together my new garden frames and getting my new seeds in from Burpee’s. The garden season is coming!

Marissa: In addition to the copious amounts of sleep I’ll be catching up on, this weekend I’m headed to the International Wine and Food Festival. Rows of food vendors and wine tastings–it’s pretty much the stuff of dreams. Saturday or Sunday morning I’ll head back to Taylor Gourmet to snag one of those breakfast sandwiches, since last weekend they had run out. Then Sunday afternoon I might head out to Old Town, since it’s been a while, and stroll in and out of some shops.

Fedward: This weekend is pretty much a replay of one last September, so I’ll just self-quote and annotate: The Social Chair and I will be visiting friends near Front Royal, which usually means a winery tour. Past favorites have included Linden Vineyards (a Virginia wine pioneer and consistent producer of high quality wine – last time we didn’t manage to get by), Glen Manor Vineyards (check the updated where to buy list for restaurants and retailers in the area – I personally recommend the Hodder Hill, an excellent Bordeaux-style blended red), and Chester Gap Cellars (a place I’d go just for the view from the tasting room, even without Bernd’s excellent wines – last time we were torn between three Viognier bottlings, one from the nearby Boisseau Vineyard and two from Bernd’s grapes, of which one was oaked, and ended up buying some of each). If we’re organized we might even squeeze in a visit to a distiller or two (but Addison has now beaten me to Catoctin Creek). I should try to remember to bring along some WLDC business cards, huh. And then on our way back we’ll stop at the Apple House in Linden for some donuts (the Social Chair swore I had never taken her there, but admitted after we sat down that it looked familiar after all).

98/365-2 the Strathmore hall from the stage
courtesy of eschweik

Rachel: This should prove to be a fun-filled weekend, for sure. I’ll be starting off at Strathmore on Friday night to see The Grey Area live followed by an in-store performance by yours truly at Nana’s in Mt. Pleasant on Saturday from 1-3 p.m. as part of their handmade Valentine’s Day bazaar event. Saturday night some friends of mine from college and I will be celebrating a birthday in Adams Morgan with likely stops at Millie and Al’s and jumbo slice. Sunday will be time to sit back, relax, and finally finish book three of The Hunger Games (my latest obsession) over some coffee. Ideally, I’d like to head to BeanGood in Arlington but it’s kind of far from my place in NW DC. Who knows, maybe I’ll be feeling adventuress.

Patrick: My weekend is just another example of the wide range of things I cover here at We Love DC. Friday night the Miami Heat come into town and unlike other games of the season- this one appears to be doing well on the ticket front, so it should be a good crowd. Haven’t thought about my Saturday night yet but there are some good options, among which my friend Meredith over at The FFJD is throwing a birthday party at The Dunes and everybody is invited. Open bar anyone? Sunday night I’ll be seeing Really, Really over at Signature Theatre- a preview piece on that should be up Friday or Saturday. Nothing like basketball and theatre to make it a good weekend.

Huzzard: Guess what? I actually have stuff to do this weekend. It has been a long time I have been able to say that, but with Opening Day less than two months out and business beginning to heat up this won’t be the last time I get for the next few months. Or at least that is the hope. The first exciting and wonderful thing I will be doing is on Saturday I will be sitting an Open House at 3904 Plum Run Court in Fairfax, Va. from 2-4 pm. It will also be held open on Sunday at those times but I will be far away in my wife’s hometown eating lunch at Buttersburg Inn because it is Grandma Green’s birthday. I know it doesn’t sound like a lot but add three baseball game and now we are talking about a good weekend.

Big and Small
courtesy of Michael T. Ruhl

Moses: a chilly weekend means indoor activities for me.  Maybe Friday night includes making chili from my recent share of locally-raised organic beef.  Saturday and Sunday are the International Wine & Food Festival, so I’ll be making a visit to chat with the many wine makers and importers.  Sunday afternoon I’ll catch my Georgetown Hoyas (tough luck last night) beat up on St. Johns at the Phone Booth @ 1:00.  Post-game celebration with fellow alumni at Matchbox! Bundle up and enjoy everyone!

Mosley: I have a friend’s birthday party to go to Friday night at Rocket Bar in Chinatown.  Saturday is up in the air, though I might try to go to a few museums on the Mall; haven’t done that in quite some time.  And February is the best month to do it; next to no tourists and very few locals too.  And Sunday, I’m going with some friends to see Singing In the Rain at the AFI in Silver Spring.  Not my typical B-movie movie, but I’ll be seeing it with friends, so that’ll make it f

Rebecca: Friday I’m checking out a preview for Gilt City D.C.’s featuring top Gilt merchandise at insider prices; tickets to sale are available at www.giltcity.com/dc at $10 for the first time slot and $5 for all others (FYI you have to sign up to see the event). After the preview, I’ll be celebrating Valentine’s Day early, which in my opinion is the best way to it because you avoid the crowds, at Proof. As the winter weather has been so mild, Saturday I’ll be planting my tomato, pepper, eggplant, etc. seedlings for some indoor gestation and getting the garden fencing all in order so I can kick off the growing season early. Fingers-crossed! Sunday, I will continue basking in the glory of my Giant’s victory and prepping for the comeback of AMC’s Walking Dead.

Fojol Bros
courtesy of yostinator

Addison: This is one of those weekends that somehow filled up really quickly without me realizing it. Friday, I get an excuse to bust out the tux for the second time this year when I attend the Washington Capitals’ Casino Night charity event at the Alexandria Hilton. Unfortunately, they don’t have Baccarat tables, so I think my James Bond impression will be limited. Saturday, I need to run some errands in the morning, then I’m helping my buddy start to remodel his kitchen. Saturday afternoon is Woo at the Zoo, the National Zoo’s annual talk about their breeding programs and baby animals. Last year it was lions and cheetahs, so I’m hoping for pandas this year, but we know pandas aren’t Spices, so some sushi and Suicide Curry is in order. Sunday is adventure day. First, a stop at Bob Evans will fortify me with enough calories for a busy day. Then, its off to the Nation’s Gun Show at the Dulles Expo Center to peruse two football fields worth of guns, knives, and accessories. Afterwards, I’m going to be heading over to Blue Ridge Arsenal to test out any of my new purchases (God bless Virginia – cash and carry!). Hunting paper targets gets a little boring sometimes, so then its on to the most dangerous game… with some lazer tag at Shadowland in Chantilly. Sunday evening is time to relax and watch the Caps-Rangers game on the DVR.

Jenn: I’m starting the weekend tonight! Well, perhaps I started it last night, when I sampled three lovely white whiskey infusions over at Art and Soul – fig and rosemary, yuzu and lime, kumquat and star anise – each one mixed and served in jelly jars. I definitely recommend heading over to try Ronald Flores’ newest creations. Chef Wes Morton is experimenting on a delicious new dish with milk-braised lamb shoulder too. Back to tonight – I’m hitting the 9:30 Club for Rebirth Brass Band and intend to enjoy myself thoroughly. There’s lots of theater to be had right now. I’m off to see Synetic’s latest, Genesis Reboot, on Saturday, and if you find yourself out in Tysons, 1st Stage is performing Almost, Maine which should be a sweet pre-Valentine’s outing about young love. If you’re in the mood for drooling over sexy furniture, Room & Board is debuting the 2012 Collection Saturday and Sunday – follow that with a drink at the re-opened Bar Pilar (just drinks for now). Plenty of eclectic options for your weekend fun.

Brittany: Weekend theme: Femme-tastic. Admitedly, it starts by drinking whiskey with my male bestie in a menswear showroom at a little party at the Hugh & Crye space. Those guys are the best and I cannot wait to hear about their extended sourcing trip/holiday to Thailand and India. After that, though, there is a Tarts by Tarts party at Treasury Vintage. Friday night, I am delighted to be stopping by the “Cupid’s Not Stupid: Cocktails to Fall For” event kicking off the International Wine & Food Festival (not-so-secretly rooting for the lady participants) and then a birthday house party which will migrate to She.Rex. Lots of shopping on Saturday, between the Butler + Claypool pop-up shop and the Gilt Groupe warehouse sale at Long View Gallery. The majority of American vegans and vegetarians are women – and you can find us wrapping up DC Meat-Free Week at a get-together at Boundary Stone, after the Trash Cat Vintage fashion show and brunch at Mama Chuy.

Farmer’s Market – Mushrooms
courtesy of .lissa.

Natalia: This is a weekend for taking it easy and enjoying some arts. On Saturday I will go to the Smithsonian American Art Museum to check out Annie Leibowitz’s The Pilgrimage exhibit. Then continue to escape the chill and head to Poste for some french fare. On Sunday, I’ll start the day at the Dupont Farmer’s Market for weekly grub getting. To be the inevitable Sunday night blues, I am heading to L’Enfant Cafe for their incredible comedy cabaret performance nights and supper club.

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The French get it. At least when it comes to food and romance. Mix Paris with a little New York and you have yourself a seriously original duo. Enter L’Enfant Cafe, a tiny bistro in Adams Morgan, and you see that America à la France at its greatest. It boasts only 16 tables, but dishes out some serious french fare that transport you to a cafe in the center of Le Marais. On a weekend, it is a great spot to find a croque madame and espresso, and on a weeknight, a perfect date spot for intimate conversation and glasses of rouge. This place is just as one imagines a Parisian bistro to be: effortlessly fabulous.

But that’s just the half of it. L’Enfant is so much more than just a restaurant. Co-owned by Christopher Lynch and Jim Ball, two New Yorkers who wanted to bring the art-y to Party, L’Enfant has turned into an institution of fun fare. Known for their yearly Bastille Day French Maid Relay Race, as well as their infamous Saturday Le Boum brunches, these guys keep it coming. Now, they are making Sunday the new Funday with a one of a kind dining experience. What does that entail? One word: Cabaret.

croque madame courtesy of snackfight

On Sunday nights, L’Enfant Cafe turns into a full blown Cabaret Speakeasy.You walk in through a back door and go into a Woody Allen-esque Midnight in Paris. The menu, priced at $50 per person, is ever-changing and not given in advance, rather you are surprised by the ambiance and accompanying high quality food. The night we went we were enjoyed a truffled white bean and escarole provencal soup, almond crusted pork tenderloin with braised pears and apples, honey buttered baby carrots and wild rice with cranberries. For dessert, we had a chocolate pate with raspberry cream and blackberry port sauce.

Photo courtesy Christopher Lynch

But the real show happens when the music is lowered  and the cabaret begins. Chris and Jim, other than being pretty great restaurateurs, are quite hilarious and together create an instant welcome and break the ice for all you “speak easy virgins.”

“We wanted to evoke a social dining experience,” says Chris, and that is exactly what it is. The close quarters mean your neighboring tables will become your best friends, and the show on stage is interactive. At any moment, you good sir, may become the source or butt of a joke. You are essentially locked in these close quarters to mingle and make new friends. What happens at L’Enfant stays at L’Enfant,  just keep the champagne flowing and the personality rolling.

On February 12, Flotilla DeBarge, who has been featured in Sex and the City and on Broadways alongside Cyndi Lauper and Alan Cummings, will be hosting a solo show.  Titled “Flotilla DeBarge’s Love Boat”  this one-”woman” comedy show it perfect for singles and couples alike. And while I am usually a cynic with all things cupid and cute, I couldn’t think of a better place to take a date. It is all about having a sense of humor, an ability to enjoy new things and a chance to be transported out of D.C. for the night without leaving NW.

Photo courtesy Christopher Lynch

Joey Arias, the Gaga of Cabaret, is the feature showman on other nights. A New York City based performer, cabaret singer, and drag artist, Arias is also known for hosting Cirque du Soleil’s Zumanity show in Las Vegas for six years. He also just finished his off-Broadway show “Arias with a Twist” which will have a five-week run at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre in D.C. Upcoming shows will be hosted on February 19th (Joey Arias will be performing Patty Boom- former Scissors Sister), March 11 and March 25th.

Reservations can only be made via the website www.lenfantcafe.com

You can thank me later for letting you in on one of the best kept secrets in the District.

Photo Courtesy of The Grey Area

Happenstance is what brought The Grey Area together. It was March 2010 when Jason Steinhauer (vocals/guitar) stopped by Zoo Bar for an open blues jam. Drummer Timothy Jones (TJ) was playing with a few other guys on stage at the time, so Steinhauer sat at the bar and waited for his turn to join.

It didn’t take long for Steinhauer to get in on the action though. Instead of waiting for his name to be called, Steinhauer jumped on stage as soon as the song being played was finished. From there, he grabbed the mic, looked at TJ, and said, “‘You Shook Me,’ the Zeppelin version.”  TJ smiled, kicked the beat, and started the song. That’s all it took — an indie-rock band with the ability to write pop hooks and catchy choruses was born.

Steinhauer and TJ exchanged numbers that night, forged a friendship, and started writing music with each other. After toying around with the idea of adding a bass player, the duo made their official band debut eight months later at the Canal Room in New York City. Now they’re nominated for three 2012 Washington Area Music Association awards (including Best New Artist) and are playing an album release show at Strathmore this Friday.

Steinhauer took a few minutes to share The Grey Area’s story with We Love DC in anticipation of Friday night. Here’s what he had to say.

Photo Courtesy of The Grey Area

Rachel: The Grey Area’s had quite a memorable year. From being asked to perform live at Strathmore to filming music videos to being nominated for Best New Artist at the Wammies? Needless to say, the list goes on. What sticks out in your mind as one of your proudest moments?

Jason: It’s been a really great year, even better than we could’ve expected. It’s been surreal. Being recognized by our peers with three Wammie nominations is a great honor. Illegally shooting a music video on the New York City subway, as well as our new video shot inside a creepy greenhouse, has given us memories to last a lifetime. The bands we’ve collaborated with on shows have been awesome.

What stands out most are the people. Friends and family that push us. Musicians we’ve met that inspire us and keep us laughing. Talented photographers and filmmakers that make us look good. I guess we’re most proud of the community we’ve built around this project that’s enabled all the memorable stuff to happen. Sounds cheesy, but it’s true!

R: If fans read up on The Grey Area, they’ll find one consistent comment about the band no matter who’s writing the piece — the two of you sound more like a full band of five than a duo. What are your thoughts on that?

J: We love it. TJ and I both came from larger projects with a lot of instruments, a lot of parts, and invariably a lot of personalities. When I met TJ, I was looking to strip my songwriting and arrangements and get back to the basics of rock and roll. I think TJ was looking for the same.

R: So tell me then. How do you make two guys sound like five?

J: When we began to play together, we kinda looked at each and realized we didn’t need anything else. Our playing styles and personalities complemented each other perfectly. Someone wrote that it’s like we’re in mind-meld mode on stage, and it’s true: we shift rhythms a lot, have multiple tempos and parts within a song, songs alternate from heavy and blues to light and poppy. When you’re really in synch with someone creatively, anything is possible. What’s really fun is how we surprise each person that first sees us live. We hear, “I had no idea you guys would sound so raw,” a lot.

Photo Courtesy of The Grey Area

R: How would you characterize the DC music scene? Many have called it collaborative and supportive. Do you agree?

J: I would characterize the DC music scene as emerging. The scene is growing with the city. There’s a renaissance of sorts happening here now, with cultural events, concerts, poetry readings, talks, and exciting events seemingly every week. There’s a lot happening, and it’s only getting better. I think musicians and artists should continue to support each other.

If we’re all in it together, pretty soon people around the country are gonna know that DC’s music scene is united and a force to be reckoned with. And of course sites like We Love DC and others are crucial to supporting the scene and getting the word out about events like our Strathmore Friday Night Eclectic show. So we’re incredibly appreciative and grateful.

R: What do you think people in DC need to know about the local music scene that they don’t already know?

J: It exists and there are really good bands to see. Get out to Velvet Lounge, Rock n Roll Hotel, Iota or Wonderland Ballroom on a Wednesday and check out a local line up. You’ll be surprised by the quality of music, and how much fun you’ll have.

R: What’s your goal with The Grey Area and what sort of ultimate success do you hope to achieve while making music alongside TJ for as long as he’ll keep you around?

J: Who’s keeping who around! Ha ha. Seriously, I think TJ and I do a good job of challenging and motivating each other. We piss each other off sometimes —well, a fair amount actually—but he and I are like brothers. I love him in a way that’s hard to articulate. He’ll be a part of my life forever. That said, with The Grey Area our goal is to bring people together around a love of music, and to bring some fun and excitement to people’s lives. Our music is high-energy, enthusiastic, catchy, even “jaunty” as OnTap called us.

We want people to dance, move, and let loose. We want our music to be an experience. Even if an audience member doesn’t remember a single lyric we sang or riff we played, if they wake up the next morning saying, “Man, I really had fun last night, that was a great show,” then we’ve succeeded. We’ll keep doing that until someone tells us to stop. Actually, the cops did tell us to stop when we played at Eastern Market—they almost cited us for a noise violation. We still kept playing. I guess that tells you we’re committed to seeing this through.

You can see The Grey Area live this Friday during Strathmore’s Friday Night Eclectic show. Tickets are still available for $10.

The Caps scored early and often and rode a hot goaltender to a 4-0 win over the Florida Panthers last night at Verizon Center. With the win, the Caps vaulted past the Panthers into first place in the Southeast Division and a spot in the playoffs. Alex Ovechkin scored twice and Tomas Vokoun stopped 42 shots for his fourth shutout of the season.

The fans were barely in their seats when the Caps lit the red light for an early lead. Jason Chimera dug the puck out of the corner and fed a pass to Matthieu Perreault who slid the puck under Panthers’ goalie Scott Clemmensen just 13 seconds into the game.

The Caps thoroughly dominated the early going with aggressive play in the offensive zone. There were several miscues in the D-zone, but netminder Tomas Vokoun was a brick wall when they needed him. Four minutes into the game, Panthers’ ace Stephen Weiss took a one-timer in the low slot; Vokoun stoned him.

Ovechkin Carrying the Puck Over Blue Line
courtesy of clydeorama

The Caps capitalized on a power play opportunity nine minutes into the game. Dennis Wideman carried the puck into the offensive zone, froze Panthers defenseman Mike Weaver with a deke, then slipped a pass to Alex Ovechkin sliding down the left board. Ovechkin skated in unobstructed and beat Clemmensen between the pads to make it 2-0. “It was a pretty play by Wides,” said Ovie. “I saw Brouwer on the other side, but took the shot and I got kind of lucky.”

Late in the first period the Panthers pressed hard to try to get back in the game. Mikael Samuelsson slipped through the Caps defensive pair only to be stopped cold by Vokoun again. The Panthers outshot the Capitals 32-14 over the course of the second and third periods. But Vokoun stood tall to blank Florida for the second time this season. “We made some mistakes and gave up a few breakaways,” said coach Dale Hunter. “Tomas came up huge for us in this game.”

Jason Chimera had 8 of Washington’s 24 shots
courtesy of clydeorama

The Caps started the second period short-handed. Even with a 2-goal lead, they played aggressively and caught the Panthers’ defense sleepwalking through a line change. Matt Hendricks dropped a pass to John Carlson who found Chimera crashing the net. Chimera scooped in his own rebound for a shorty to make it 3-0. The rout was on.

In the middle of the second period, Ovechkin reminded the rest of the league why he can never be left alone in the offensive zone. Moving left to right above the circles, he beat Clemmensen with an seemingly effortless wrist shot to the upper left corner of the net to make it 4-0. The Panther defensemen will be studying the film on that one for a couple of days.

The Caps have the toughest remaining schedule in the division based on the current average winning percentage of remaining opponents. The Panthers, by contrast, have the easiest remaining schedule in the division. The two teams will face each other two more times this season, including the Caps final regular season home game on April 5.

The Caps face the Winnepeg Jets at home tomorrow in another must-win divisional game. Check out the rest of the Caps schedule here, or look here for tickets to upcoming games.

Metro shots are always fun. The bright, colorful lights, combined with the blacks of the shadows, go together so well. Cruffo’s shot is unique because of the lens flare, a refraction of light in the lens of the camera which shows up in the image as multiple blue circles. Sometimes these flares can ruin a picture; other times they add a bit of wonder to an ordinary photo. This one is definitely a benefit, with the added bonus of adding color to the image. Quite the shot!

Photo ©Carol Pratt/Folger Theatre

It’s a woman’s world out there. Now a days more women than men are attending college and these more educated females are putting off families and earning more money than men. As a late-20’s lost boy, I’m ok with saying that.  Folger Theatre’s production of The Gaming Table represents this new role of women well. In the show the women are empowered, smart, and clever while the males range from bumbling to sissy.

Amazing that the play the show was adapted from, The Basset Table, originally written in 18th century by playwright Susanna Centlivre. While additional material was added to modernize the piece, the play is still truly ahead of its time. Lady Reveller (Julie Jesneck) and her cousin Valeria (Emily Trask) are two different women who suffer from the same problem. Reveller would rather play cards at the Basset table she runs in her uncle’s (Michael Willis) house than put up with the affections of Lord Worthy (Marcus Kyd). Valeria isn’t much for cards, she is a woman of science. However her father would rather see her married to a Sea Captain (Michael Glenn) then dissecting frogs. Valeria doesn’t fancy Captain Hearty but does have an eye for his Ensign (Robbie Gay).

An 18th century play with a modern RomCom set-up. Doesn’t matter when the play was written though- you’ll be a laughing in the aisles all night.

The ladies in this show are sharp as tacks and punchlines are delivered quick and often. The audience will be chuckling all throughout the night, culminating to a dick joke that was clearly added in the adaption yet wins the night. Lady Rev and Valeria are supported by an equally charming group of ladies. Lady Lucy (Katie duBuys), Mrs. Sago (Tonya Beckman Ross), and the house maid Alpiew (Emily Townley) all fit in with the theme of fun-loving ladies who don’t let their men be the boss of them. Townley as Alpiew is a real scene stealer with her timely facial expressions that just adds the right amount of ham to this dish.

The men in this show are no Prince Charmings by any means. Lord Worthy (Marcus Kyd) pines away at his unrequited love for Lady Reveller in true diva fashion. Throw a pair of skinny jeans on him and he’d fit in as today’s emo hipster. His sidekick James (Michael Milligan) is after the hand of Lady Lucy, but his flamboyant suit and puffed up hair makes him look more like Liberace than Darcy.

However because the piece is a Restoration Comedy, the men in the end get their act together and outwit the ladies to get what they want. An ending that goes against most of the strong female themes of the show, but is corrected by an epilogue added at the end of the show.

Out of the all the pieces I’ve seen at Folger over the past year, The Gaming Table currently stands out as the most enjoyable to date. A classic piece that does not bore, a comedy that keeps things light, and an adaptation that does not try to change too much of a play that’s already solid in its original form.

Folger Theatre’s production of The Gaming Table performs through March 4 at the Folger Shakespeare Library, located at 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003. Closest Metro stop: Capitol South (Blue/Orange lines). For more information call 202-544-7077.

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It was a bad weekend for Washington sports. However while some are bummed over the Caps loss to the Bruins yesterday, at least they are hovering above .500 with a 27-21 record. It would take a miracle for the Washington Wizards to achieve such a feat.

This past weekend the Wizards lost to the Clippers in a 87-107 blowout. At 4-20, you would think that the funk of defeat couldn’t penetrate any deeper. This game however struck me as a moment where everything that happened just felt apropos. Much like how the entire season can be viewed while listening to the Benny Hill theme song.

The game started on a high note. Blake Griffin put up a dunk to which Nick Young rebutted with a dunk of his own. DeAndre Jordan then caught a rebound for a dunk and John Wall took the ball to the other end and throw up a lob for JaVale McGee to slam home.

Perhaps the game would at least be entertaining if not competitive? It turned out the game would be neither. The rest of the night just went down hill from there.

By halftime the Clippers led 34-58, the boos were coming in not for Andray Blatche (still out with a calf injury) but for the poor play of the Washington Professional Basketball Team. Any time Chris Paul and Griffin raced down the court on a fast break, you could hear the “oh no’s” in the crowd. It was an odd mixture of excitement for another Lob City highlight dunk and a realization of futility that the Wizards would never really be in this game.

Little things off the court started to feel right in line with the play on the court. A Wizards fan who played the shuffle game on the jumbo-tron failed to pick the shell that had G-Wiz was hiding under. During a time-out there was a trike race sponsored by the Washington Post that failed to end on-time, causing a hasty retreat from the court as the players walked on.

When play resumed things weren’t looking good for the Wizards, who only added to the long list of video lowlights. Like this one:

Capital City isn’t Lob City.

With 8:00 left in the game the Clippers had the follower players out on the court:

• Ryan Gomes
• Randy Foye
• Trey Thompkins
• Brian Cook
• Travis Leslie

Blake Griffin was already in sweats sitting back and relaxing after putting up 21 points and a billion gazillion dunks. Late in the forth quarter the crowd cameras were put up on the screen to find the “Fan of the Game”.

At that moment the crowd was already getting up and heading for the exits with about five minutes left to play.

After the game a tired and perhaps shell-shocked Randy Wittman sat down and just stared at the box score of the game, trying to make sense of it all.

“We got dominated again in every category,” Coach Wittman managed to say after a moment of silence reading the box score and admitted that he didn’t know how to fix what just happened.

“I don’t know I’m still searching too.”

Tonight the Wizards play the Raptors in a game that should be less David and Goliath than Saturday, however the two played each other this past Friday and Toronto blew them out 89-106.

Well, exciting weekend. And after all the activity at McPherson Square and Freedom Plaza, no mere game seemed able to compete. And from the sound of it, the commercials were much, much worse than the game. I decided to read a book instead last night and can tell you that Wall still stands. I’m not sure the same can be said of the New England half of my family…

Anyways, I’m sure many of you are shaking off either too much food, or too many adult beverages from last night. To that I say, take a load off and enjoy a slice from the weekend, in photo form. I can promise you there will be no barking dogs hoking cars; or sexist ads from crappy web hosting companies; or poorly made, jingoistic commercials from Belgian owned beer conglomerates. So enjoy!

Sunday’s main event – Puppy Bowl
courtesy of yostinator

Pecheur de lune
courtesy of LaTur

Police Raid Occupy DC Encampment
courtesy of TDLphoto

Standoff
courtesy of urbandispute

Attention Grabber
courtesy of ep_jhu

Inside the Capitol Dome
courtesy of ARealSidler

Just a normal Saturday night on 14th St
courtesy of señor sideburns

0086990-R1-013-5
courtesy of Matt Gerson

IMG_9720
courtesy of Collin David Anderson

The question most often asked when people talk about Edwin Jackson is why has he been on so many teams. The Nats will be Jackson’s eighth team in his nine year career, and the reason is simple. Jackson has never cost much and always had top of the rotation stuff with back of the rotation results. Every new team that gets him believes they can be the ones that can finally unlock all that potential and the team getting rid of him was just tired of waiting.

The interesting thing about the one year $10 million contract that Jackson signed with the Nationals is that it is in line more with Jackson’s results than his potential, and Jackson was more than willing to take a one year deal in order to have a career year and cash in next off-season. The late Hall of Fame manager Sparky Anderson once said, “Just give me 25 guys on the last year of their contracts; I’ll win a pennant every year.”

With Edwin Jackson the Nats get one highly motivated pitcher that can’t wait to prove his value to the world. The Nats rotation has a lot of ifs but those ifs have evolved a lot in the last few years. No longer are the Nats hoping for the health of John Patterson or Shawn Hill or that a surprise can be found among a bunch of minor league free agents. The Nats have a legitimate major league rotation, and perhaps something even better.

In 2011 eleven Nats starters combined for 928 2/3 IP and 10.7 WAR. The projected starting five of Strasburg, Zimmermann, Gonzalez, Jackson, and Wang project to pitch 889 innings with 16.4 WAR. That does leave a few innings to be picked up by Gorzelanny, Detwiler, Stammen, Maya, or Lannan if he isn’t traded, but the WAR value improvement even with just those five is almost six wins better than 2011. This would give the Nats a mid-80’s win total and put them in arms reach of a wild card if they can find any offense.

The Nats have yet to add that ever elusive center fielder, but there are a few simple ways in which the Nats offense could be better in 2012 than it was in 2011. The first and most important is for the Nats to get at least 140 games out of Ryan Zimmerman. In 2009 and 2010 Zimmerman was an over 7.0 WAR player and won the silver slugger for third basemen both seasons. In 2011 Zimmerman played 101 games and was worth 2.5 WAR if Zimmerman can return to being Zimmerman then that alone gives the Nats an increase of four to five wins.

Then there is the big free agent signing of December of 2010, Jayson Werth. Werth had a bad year in 2011, but improved in the second half under Davey Johnson. Johnson put Werth back in his customary five spot in the line-up and made an effort to work with Jayson on his swing. There were rumors out there that Riggleman had lost the clubhouse before he quit and one of the main players behind that was Jayson Werth. If Werth can improve even by one win it would help the Nats greatly.

The last major thing to go wrong for the Nats in 2011 was the Spring Training injury to the shoulder of Adam LaRoche. LaRoche has never been a great player but he has never been a bad one either. He is essentially a league average first baseman. He will hit 25 homers and get on base at a steady clip, but he isn’t going to blow anyone away with his power or on base skills. His biggest attribute is his defense at first base. Think of LaRoche in this way as to how he will improve the 2012 Nats; he is a better hitter than Nix and a better fielder than Morse, and all of that is worth roughly one win in the standings.

If even one of those three things happen in 2012 then the Nats offense will improve. If more than one of them happen then the Nats could surprise a lot of people. The addition of Edwin Jackson on his own doesn’t make the Nats contenders, but it adds to what they have already done this off-season. One of the biggest issues the Nats had with starting pitching in 2011 was innings pitched by starters. Too often the bullpen was being asked to get 10 to 12 outs. Edwin Jackson for his career has averaged 195 innings pitched a season and 5.99 innings pitched a start. Add this to the 200 innings that Gio Gonzalez is projected to give the Nats and it is easy to see the value Jackson brings to the Nationals rotation.

Honestly, I’m not sure I understand why you’re reading this instead of being outside enjoying this beautifully abnormal day. But perhaps you just can’t wait to make your weekend plans. Well we couldn’t (because it’s an assignment and I’m a whiney editor who prods people about it) so you may as well read about it. And then go outside. Seriously.

Brittany: This weekend I make a rare excursion west to check out the Tamal Festival at Richard Sandoval’s Tysons property, La Sandia. Looking forward to some tasty tamales and margaritas with a Virginia friend to celebrate the unseasonably warm weather. It is a big weekend for DJ nights too: I will be stopping by St. Ex for Color Wheel – a DJ night offering “the rainbow of grooves.” Who could say no to that? There is also ZOo00OOM! at the 9:30 Back Bar and We Fought the Big One at Marx Cafe to consider. Sunday afternoon may find me at Smoke & Barrel for some of their tasty and super crowd-pleasing brunch – they are the rare brunch spot that can please vegan, gluten-free, and omnivore friends with ease.

christmas eve
courtesy of volcanojw

Joanna: It’s my birthday weekend! I plan to spend Friday with friends drinking Guinness, eating fried stuff, and then drinking more Guinness. On Saturday my husband Michael is taking a day off from studying, and we decided to hit up the museums we’ve been missing. I’ve yet to see the Hope Diamond or Declaration of Independence, which makes me – lover of galleries – a pathetic, backwards wannabe. So we’re going to remedy that and catch a few obscure galleries, too. We may turn so touristy that we go ice skating afterward. Saturday night what I’d like to be doing is seeing Genesis Reboot at Synetic but dang it that hasn’t opened yet, so I’m still deciding – but it will probably involve tapas. And on Sunday we’re watching the Super Bowl with friends over my favorite mac and cheese. This year Michael might experiment by adding bacon. Suck it, resolutions!

moviebillboard
courtesy of RTLibrary

Mosley: Quiet weekend for me; I’m still recovering from my birthday last weekend.  I’m hoping that the weather stays good for Friday night, because I’m thinking of going on a nice photo walk through town.  I might even lug my tripod around for some long exposure, night shots!  Saturday I’d like to go and see the Maltese Falcon playing at the American History Museum.  The museum is doing a Humphrey Bogart film festival this weekend to celebrate the opening of their new theater.  I’d prefer to see Casablanca on Friday, but it’s sold out.  That night I’m having dinner with my family at Toscana Cafe near Union Station.  Sunday…I’ll probably watch the game somewhere but I really could care about the outcome, or the commercials.

Flowered Cross
courtesy of Kevin H.

Rachel: The first weekend of February should prove to be a good one! I’m gonna kick things off by catching up with an old friend around the Tenleytown area. Maybe we’ll hit up Public Tenley … not sure where we’ll end up yet though. Saturday will be my first live performance of 2012. It’ll be at my alma mater American University in the Tavern. Doors open at 1, show starts at 1:15, and I’ll be playing until around 2 p.m. The best part is that it’s f-r-e-e! Then, Sunday is the Super Bowl, so I’ll be hulled up at Ragtime in Arlington watching my friends from New York root for their beloved Giants.

Come to the Theatre
courtesy of M.V. Jantzen

Fedward: Saturday night the Social Chair and I will be hobnobbing at the Zinoplex during the Studio Theatre’s annual gala. Last year I had a ring in my pocket I never got the chance to produce (and oh, the awkward conversation with a particular flirty/pushy board member – some of you will know who I mean); this year that ring is on her finger and we’ve got a date set, so I can already predict how our conversations will go (the aforementioned board member should approve). Sunday we’ll stop by the Passenger for our usual brunch, and maybe swing by the new Odd Bar at Eventide.

Rothko II
courtesy of Edward Hoover

Jenn: Like Joanna, it’s my birthday weekend, and I’m in search of some Zen. Perhaps I’ll wander over to the Phillips to continue my Rothko research after having seen Red last week, also catching the new photography and painting exhibit opening Saturday which features photos snapped by artists like Bonnard. More passionate art could include Federico Garcia Lorca’s hauntingly poetic play Blood Wedding, as Constellation Theatre Company’s production opens tonight. But who am I kidding, I’m sure there will be drinks as well as art. If our winterless weather continues, Poste has a lovely thing going with its new winter cocktail menu out on the patio. Snuggle under a cosy blanket with your lover and sip some bacon-infused bourbon hot chocolate or mulled wine while fondue bubbles seductively. Yeah, that kind of artsy weekend.

This past weekend I saw magic. No I’m not talking about a win from the hapless Wizards or miracles of that sort- I’m talking about a real magic show with magicians, tricks, and illusions. However this show did not have the showmanship of Houdini, the polish of Copperfield, or the rock and roll of Criss Angel. No the trio of Dennis Diamond, Daryl Hannah, and Louis Magic that star in Arena Stage’s Elephant Room look like a cheesy act that’s more Reno than Vegas.

Not only is there magic, but mustaches and mullets as well.

The look and feel of Elephant Room ties into a line said during the show: “We have nothing new to show you.”

With magic’s biggest secrets since revealed, showmanship is now as important as the illusions themselves. The Diamond/Hannah/Magic wolfpack provides a refreshing new take on the magic show. It is essentially the anti-David Blaine. These men aren’t sporting hard bodies or designer jeans, they look more like extras off the set of Napoleon Dynamite than someone that would lock himself in a ball full of water.

And that’s what makes the show so much fun to watch.

The banter is campy, the slapstick is goofy (think The Lonely Island doing The Creep), the tone is almost satiric. It all comes together to create a highly entertaining performance.

As for the illusions, they are of the small slight of hand variety. Some moments are truly impressive, like the good ol’ sawing a women in half trick or reading the minds of audience members, and some need further refinement. I spotted a metal rod in a levitation bit early in the show. The magicians admitted after the press performance that some of the tricks still need some polishing.

Regardless Elephant Room is a good bet for a fun night out. At an hour and 15 minutes it’s shorter than watching Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close and is the perfect start to any night out on the town.

This merry band of magicians have come a long way since first meeting at a magic conference in Buffalo. With an act like theirs, it looks as if they should have plenty of travels ahead.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Elephant Room performs at Arena Stage’s Kogod Cradle through February 26th. Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater is located at 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024. Closest Metro stop: Waterfront (Green line). For more information call 202-488-3300.

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Edward Gero as Mark Rothko and Patrick Andrews as Ken in the 2011 Goodman Theatre production of Red. Directed by Robert Falls. Photo by Liz Lauren.

De Kooning. Pollock. Rothko. Giants of the Abstract Expressionist movement. Killers of Surrealism, only to be swept aside themselves by Pop Art. At least, that’s how the legend goes (even Rothko would disagree with the precise classifications). But is a revolutionary’s story compelling if it doesn’t end in a young, glorious death? In Red, playwright John Logan sets up his genius protagonist to play defense against the onslaught of age and change. His Mark Rothko is engaged in a constant struggle against accusations of hypocrisy and potential irrelevance, while his paintings stand silent, their internal monologues quietly stealing the scene.

A joint production between Chicago’s Goodman Theatre and Arena Stage, Red is an exploration of an important moment in the life of artist Mark Rothko (played by Ed Gero). He took on a commission in the late 1950’s to produce murals for the Four Seasons restaurant in the Seagram Building, itself a gorgeous modernist tower designed by Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson. We’re supposed to feel somewhat shocked that Rothko would paint for this much money, would consent to house his paintings in a consumerist palace (as if Michelangelo never did anything similar for the Medici, but conveniently forgetting our art history, let’s say it is shocking). Rothko claimed to want his murals to disquiet the diners. The commission was certainly one of the most lucrative of its day. Red encapsulates that struggle between art and consumerism (on the verge of Pop Art’s embrace of it) in the relationship between Rothko and his young assistant, and if it did nothing else, the battle between the two would still make for a fascinating and unnerving evening.

Edward Gero as Mark Rothko in the 2011 Goodman Theatre production of Red. Directed by Robert Falls. Photo by Liz Lauren.

Into Rothko’s ordered (perhaps obsessively so) studio enters his new assistant Ken (Patrick Andrews), an aspiring artist himself with a horrific past event that makes him especially vulnerable. He’s to help Rothko prepare the canvases for the Seagram murals, but of course he has an underlying motive. The two engage in an increasingly uneasy working relationship while Rothko struggles with the realization that his paintings will eventually hang in a room filled with people who will never truly look at them. For a man who believes his colors are performers, that his work lives and dies by companionship, this is a fate he cannot stomach.

From the first few moments, you know this is going to be a play about ideas – important ideas, to be sure, but not much action – and if there is a flaw in the beauty of the production, it’s simply that ponderous and elegiac tone. Part of this may be Rothko himself – Logan uses many direct quotes from the painter and his words do contain a philosophical weight. Ed Gero’s performance as Rothko is as wonderfully nuanced as you’d expect from this fine actor, especially when he unleashes the old lion’s fury and sorrow, but the character’s a bit on the portentous side, and that can make for difficult viewing in the beginning.

Director Robert Falls sets a deliberate pace, as if modeling the tone on Rothko’s “banker’s hours” – that may be a reaction to Rothko’s method itself, but I longed for more naturalism, and the moments that did hit that more improvisational note were clearly the most powerful. The rising intensity of Andrews and Gero’s interactions eventually breaks through the mere philosophy of art to something more visceral – the necessity of the artist to create something meaningful, or wither in the attempt. Logan’s words and Gero’s performance are at their most poignant when at the service of that desire, as when Rothko describes his visit to the restaurant, or his relationship to the color black in Matisse’s The Red Studio.

It’s all set in a soaring rendition of Rothko’s Bowery studio by designer Todd Rosenthal, with one of the best lighting designs I’ve seen so far this season – Keith Parham gives the canvases an incandescence that’s extraordinary, especially in the final scene, where one fairly pulsates, a haunting silent character itself. Just as Rothko intended.

You don’t need to know anything about Rothko to enjoy the play. In fact, it may encourage you to learn more. I still remember my first reaction to Rothko as a young girl standing in front of a painting at the MOMA – somehow I was angry, so angry, livid almost, turning my back on modern art for a long time afterwards. After seeing this play, I devoured Rothko research and planned a visit to the Rothko Room at the Phillips and the Seagram mural exhibit at the National Gallery of Art. I realized my childhood reaction was an emotional reaction to color and shape that unnerved me, and that was a reaction Rothko would have understood. If the best response to a play is to challenge you, to send you on another voyage of discovery, then Red has done its work.

The Goodman Theatre production of Red performs at Arena Stage’s Kreeger Theater through March 4. Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater is located at 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024. Closest Metro stop: Waterfront (Green line). For more information call 202-488-3300.

I decided to do something completely different for the Featured Photo segment today. What you see above is called a sterographic projection, or polar panorama. By using a photo editing program, like Photoshop, a photographer can take a regular, 360 degree panoramic photo and turn it into a little planet. If you have the skill to do it, you can make some fascinating photographs.

Pablo creates a unique world here of a statue in the National Gallery of Art. It’s as if the goddess Gaia has been born from Khaos and looks on the blank slate of a world that she is about to give form.

Reigning MVP Derrick Rose was in a mood.

Sunday night he blamed himself for a loss against the Miami Heat that left him angry, emotional, and determined to make it up in the next game he’d play.

Unfortunately for the Washington Wizards they were that next game. Rose looked like a madman on the court in a 35 point performance as the Chicago Bulls defeated the Wizards 98-88.

The Wizards tried everything they could to stop Rose and the Bulls but it was to no avail. The loss left Wizards coach Randy Wittman a little testy, transferring his frustration to the press after the game. When asked about the team’s Pick and Roll strategy against Rose he answered to the reporter asking the question , “Did you of that question all day? If you have a new strategy, call my office tomorrow. We tried four different things. The way he played tonight, I don’t know if there’s anything we would have thrown out there that could have of. So did he dice it up? Yea, is that what you want me to say?”

I hope Wittman doesn’t read the column I wrote about him.

Rose’s play on the floor opened up opportunities for the rest of the Bulls. Kyle Korver went 5-12 outside the arc and ended the night with 17 points. Carlos Boozer (18 pts) and Joakim Noah (14 pts) also filled up the stat sheet. The Wizards ran up and down the floor in an attempt to stop Chicago, who led the game all four quarters. Iced knees were spotted in the Wizards locker room after the game.

“They’re one exhausted bunch of guys right now- that left it on the floor,” Wittman said.

The young Wizards squad tried everything they could to stop Rose but were left staring at a talent that is among the NBA’s best.

“Some of the shots he hit- they were unbelievable,” Trevor Booker said after the game, ”I watch him on TV but in person, it’s different. It’s way different. To see some of the things he did- it’s crazy.”

John Wall led the Wizards with 20 points and Nick Young racked up 17, but in the end they were left stung by Rose’s thorn.

“When you are making floaters over seven foot and tough shots like that- nothing you can do but credit a great talent like that,” Wall said.

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“Why’s Randy coaching, Dad?”

“Because we had to fire Flip.”

“He didn’t do anything wrong.”

Flip Saunders may have not done anything wrong, but he certainly didn’t do anything right. In one way Flip will be the fall guy for another failed Wizards season, but in another way Flip was never the answer at coach, leaving with a 51-130 coaching record in Washington.

Time after time I’ve seen that sleepy-eyed look at press conferences. Time after time I’ve heard him expound on how players are holding on to the ball too much or how they throw the game plan out the window after they fall behind. Perhaps the problems were easier said than done for him.

You can say Flip took on a job he didn’t sign up for. He was suppose to help squeeze one more season from the old guard of Arenas, Butler, and Jamison. He wasn’t originally brought in to coach a team full of first and second year players.

In reality Flip never had control of the locker room. It got out of hand to the point Gilbert was offering firearms to his teammates. Flip was them left with a class of kids who tuned him out.

Regardless of the reason, Flip is out and Randy Wittman is in- but will that be a difference?

The former guard who was first drafted by the Washington Bullets and played with the likes of Doc Rivers and Spud Webb doesn’t have the most impressive coaching record. In fact if there’s anything we are sure about it’s that Wittman doesn’t really want to be a head coach again.

“I didn’t come here to Washington to be the coach. I came here to help [Flip],” Wittman said in his first press conference as coach. A familiar line because it was the same one I heard when I covered a game last season where Wittman was filling in while Saunders was attending to a family matter.

However this time around he added, “I would’ve walked with him if I didn’t believe that this team can be better than what we are.”

Well that’s reassuring- I think.

In the press conference he certainly said the right things: finding a style that fits our players, making them take more accountability, playing a more up-tempo game.

He also started the Wittman-era with a win at home over the Charlotte Bobcats- and an analogy that the team was a pack of chain-smokers. Nothing like crazy coach-speak to get the team buzzing in the media.

He followed up his win with an absolute beating to the Houston Rockets and a visit to Charlotte to end the weekend with the team’s first road win.

Thank goodness that there’s a team worse than the Wizards, who knows what we’d be saying if Wittman started his reign 0-3.

In his first three games the team has averaged 98.3 possessions per game compared to 95.2 in the 17 before that. It’s a bit early but it looks like the Wizards are on their way to playing more up-tempo ball.

Wittman has also shaken up the starting line-up, giving rookie Jan Vesely a start against Houston at the expense of Andray Blatche. Thanks to a calf injury, Wittman may have an excuse to keep Blatche on the bench.

Despite the 2-1 start to the Wittman era, you have to take the success with a grain a salt when the two wins were over a team that looks more lost than the Wizards. The Bobcats are second to last in the league in offensive efficiency.

Only the Wizards are worse.

The real test will be how Wittman can play the team against the Chicago Bulls tonight at the Verizon Center. I’m not very positive about the outcome.

There are two things that need to happen if the Wizards are to successfully rebuild.

The first is to get rid of the knuckleheads on the team- and no, it wasn’t fixed when Arenas was traded to Orlando.

Andray Blatche has gone from a head case to a player who can’t get the crowd’s boos out of his head.

JaVale McGee only cares about blocks, dunks, and whatever else gets him highlights on SportsCenter. It’s funny that he works so hard to get attention but doesn’t like it when he does. He sulked after the media got on top of him over his off the backboard dunk and according to Twitter he wishes to avoid a “media friendzy.”

I don’t care what his mom says, McGee is a talented player- but lacks the attitude to be a true winner.

The old guard of locker room cancers maybe gone but more steps need to be taken before we experience a relapse. That’s why so many people are calling for the team to be blown up- again.

The second thing the team needs to do is find a coach that can lead. A coach that can teach, grow, and inspire a young crop of talent.

Randy Wittman is not that coach.

He’s a silent guardian of what will remain of the Flip Saunders era before that house is cleaned as well, a watchful protector of yet another NBA lottery pick. A dark knight that has held the title of Head Coach before, but doesn’t want it again.

Randy Wittman is not the coach we need. He’s simply a stop-gap, the coach DC deserves.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Euan Morton as Launce, Oliver the dog as Crab and Adam Green as Speed in the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona, directed by PJ Paparelli. Photo by Scott Suchman.

Ah, love. The kind that makes you stalk your lover, lie to your best friend, steal someone else’s girl. We’re talking young, hormone-addled, angst-ridden love. Add in some fervent karaoke singing, late night fast food binges and way beyond last call drinking, and it’s love in Shakespeare Theatre Company’s The Two Gentlemen of Verona.

Rarely performed (STC’s artistic fellow Laura Henry notes in Asides that it’s only been staged twenty-four times in London and five times in New York City), Two Gentlemen is commonly thought of as difficult to produce. It’s an early play in the canon, containing many characters and plot devices that seem half-baked next to their later manifestations. There’s also the question of that pesky final scene – which moves from the threat of violence and rape to forgiveness all too quickly – often tinkered with to make it more palatable. It’s always been a prime candidate for conceptual settings and modernization.

Director PJ Paparelli goes for a pastiche of teen movie metaphor in the current production. It’s a risky choice to add in neon corporate logos and U2 cover songs. That kind of concept can, and often does, fall flat. But here, a kind of pure earnest beauty marries text and concept. Kick your cynicism to the curb, and remember that time when love meant losing everything, including even your self-respect, and yet you just didn’t care that it wasn’t cool.

Nick Dillenburg as Proteus and Andrew Veenstra as Valentine in the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona, directed by PJ Paparelli. Photo by Scott Suchman.

For best friends Valentine and Proteus (Andrew Veenstra and Nick Dillenburg), the raucous bromance of youth is about to be disrupted by love – Proteus for Julia (Miriam Silverman), Valentine for Sylvia (Natalie Mitchell), then Proteus for Sylvia and back again. Leaving behind the parking lots of suburbia for the glamorous clubs of the big city, they’ll find alliances challenged and changed by the heightened risk of falling in love and growing up. When the plot’s laid out this simply it does scan like a teenage romance movie, though the reverberations of greater works to come – a bit of Romeo in Valentine, a shade of Iago in Proteus – suggest more depth than you might initially think. But above all, Two Gentlemen is a comedy, and the boys’ servants provide a lot of it. Valentine’s skateboarding messenger Speed (Adam Green) and Proteus’ woeful courier Launce (Euan Morton, bravely playing off a scene-stealing dog) keep the mayhem in balance with brilliant comedic timing that proves Elizabethean humor can still get laughs.

Paparelli’s concept is ably aided by Walt Spangler’s glitzy design, all gleaming metal and thrusting catwalks, like a disco dystopia. Paul Spadone’s risky Elizabethean hybrid costumes add a touch of 1980’s music video kitsch. And a special nod to Fabian Obispo’s sound design for taking risks (how do we know Proteus is the one who’ll turn bad? He listens to Rage Against the Machine!) that caught the audience off guard.

Though at times the modernization rings painfully earnest (anguished arm cutting during a U2 cover borders on the excruciatingly earnest, though it does serve to alert the viewer we’re about to go somewhere much darker), its pay off at other times is rich. The vigor of the actors’ commitment to making the text immediate and vibrant makes this a powerfully funny and poignant production. Their conviction to bringing the forceful danger of fickle youth to life make for moments of truth you wouldn’t expect from a “lesser” Shakespeare play. It comes through with a punch to the gut when the comedy turns. It’s both hilarious and hopeful, just like those coming-of-age movies you made light of but secretly loved.

The Two Gentlemen of Verona performs at Shakespeare Theatre Company at the Lansburgh Theatre now through March 4. The Lansburgh is located at 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004. Closest Metro stop: Archives/Navy Memorial (Yellow/Green lines) and Gallery Place/Chinatown (Red/Yellow/Green lines). For more information call 202-637-7000.

Happy Lunar New Year! Welcome to the Year of the Dragon. Granted the Chinese New Year started last Monday, but the parade in Chinatown was held yesterday, so I feel it is official, official. Hope this second new year brings you all good fortune and cheer. In honor of the New Year, we have a double helping of photos from the Flickr pool. Not even counting the parade, it was a happening weekend, and it was just too hard to narrow the photos down. Enjoy!

iPad ceremony
courtesy of philliefan99

strike a pose
courtesy of ekelly80

MSP Polar Bear Plunge
courtesy of a digital cure

That time of year…
courtesy of Phaesia2012

chinese new year 081
courtesy of Columbia Heights Climber

Pentax 6×7, Contact Sheet #2
courtesy of Tony DeFilippo

Hallway
courtesy of Michael T. Ruhl

National Portrait Gallery Through Glasses
courtesy of Mr. T in DC

Say Cheese….
courtesy of Glyn Lowe Photos

Washington Auto Show
courtesy of vpickering

You Never Walk Alone
courtesy of rpmaxwell

Year of the Dragon III
courtesy of pablo.raw

silly kids
courtesy of philliefan99

MSP Polar Bear Plunge
courtesy of a digital cure

chinese new year 024
courtesy of Columbia Heights Climber

Year of the Dragon
courtesy of vpickering

Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner; Photo courtesy National Geographic

As spring looms on the horizon, so does National Geographic Live’s new season. For the third year in a row, the National Geographic Museum is offering WeLoveDC readers a monthly chance to enjoy one of their premier events. We’re giving away two pairs of tickets to readers and entering is simple. Look through the great programs coming up in February and pick two you’d like to attend. Then in the comment field, simply enter your choices. (Make sure you use your first name and a valid email address!) Winners for February will be chosen at random in the afternoon on Tuesday, January 31.

All programs (unless otherwise noted) will take place in Grosvenor Auditorium at 1600 M Street, NW.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.nglive.org, via telephone at (202) 857-7700, or in person at the National Geographic ticket office between 9 am and 5 pm. Free parking is available in the National Geographic underground garage for all programs that begin after 6 pm.

Uncovering Hidden World ($20)
Tuesday, Feb. 7; 7:30 pm

As a staff photographer with National Geographic, Jodi Cobb has worked in more than 60 countries—celebrating the best of the human spirit and spotlighting some of its worst abuses.

She is best known for lifting the curtain on worlds closed to outsiders, such as Japan’s geisha, Saudi Arabian women, the grim underworld of human trafficking. Experience a retrospective of her most important work as she also shares images and stories from her most recent assignment, a story on twins for the January 2012 issue of National Geographic.

Dennis Luxion-Michael Raynor Quartet; Photo courtesy National Geographic

The Rhythm Road – American Music Abroad (Free; No Tickets Required)
Thursday, Feb. 9; 6:00 pm & 7:15 pm

The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad, produced by Jazz at Lincoln Center and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is designed to foster cultural exchange worldwide. Between March 2011 and February 2012, ten talented American jazz, urban, gospel, blues, and roots music artists will visit Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America. International tour activities include concerts, workshops, demonstrations, and collaborations with local musicians. The program also incorporates free performances by each group at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, and for National Geographic Live.

6 pm: Ari Roland Jazz Quartet This New York-based group takes inspiration from the Golden Age of Jazz. The ensemble’s repertoire includes pieces by jazz legends Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Billie Holiday, as well as their own original compositions.

7:15 pm: Mountain Quickstep Combining the bluegrass, and early country music of the Adirondack,Appalachia, and Smoky Mountain regions, this group showcases the diversity of American rural music, through lively fiddle tunes, lonesome folksongs, and fancy footwork.

A Portable Life ($20)
Friday, Feb. 10; 7:30 pm

Travel writer Pico Iyer brings a unique perspective to the issues of cultural globalization. His essays appear in National Geographic Traveler, Time, and Harper’s, and he has authored a dozen books, including The Open Road: The Global Journey of the 14th Dalai Lama. Join Iyer and Traveler magazine’s Don George, former Global Travel Editor of Lonely Planet Publications, for a conversation about the challenges and rewards of letting yourself be vulnerable in foreign places.

Conquering the 14 ($20)
Monday, Feb. 13; 7:30 pm

A decade ago, Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner worked as a nurse saving money for cherished climbing trips. In August 2011, she became the first woman to summit the world’s fourteen 8,000-meter peaks without supplemental oxygen with her daring climb of K2, to be featured in the April 2012 issue of National Geographic. Meet this intrepid mountaineer and share her odysseys to the world’s highest places.

Jim Davidson; Photo courtesy National Geographic

Global Glimpses: Foreign Language Film Nominees ($8 per Film)
Feb. 17 – 19; times vary; check www.nationalgeographic.org/allroads for titles and schedule

Join us for elite screenings of the five films nominated as Oscar® winners for the 2012 Best Foreign Language Film Award, one week before the 84rd Academy Awards ceremony. All screenings include receptions before or after the films.

The Rhythm Road – American Music Abroad (Free; No Tickets Required)
Thursday, Feb. 23; 6:00 pm & 7:15 pm

The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad, produced by Jazz at Lincoln Center and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is designed to foster cultural exchange worldwide. Between March 2011 and February 2012, ten talented American jazz, urban, gospel, blues, and roots music artists will visit Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America. International tour activities include concerts, workshops, demonstrations, and collaborations with local musicians. The program also incorporates free performances by each group at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, and for National Geographic Live.

6 pm: Dennis Luxion / Michael Raynor Quartet This Chicago group plays original, hard-swinging jazz inspired by saxophone improvisation, from introspective solo explorations to powerful group performances.

7:15 pm: Legacy From East Orange, NJ, this group creates music about faith, love, struggle, and the pursuit of beauty in life. Legacy’s alternative hip hop sound is influenced by various genres of music including West African, house, jazz, and breakbeat.

The Ledge ($20)
Wednesday, Feb. 29; 7:30 pm

Descending from the summit of Mount Rainier one day in June 1992, Jim Davidson fell through a snow bridge, dragging his climbing partner with him into a hidden 80-foot deep crevasse. Davidson’s new book The Ledge, named one of Amazon.com’s Best Outdoor & Nature Books for 2011, tells the dramatic story of how he witnessed his partner’s death and survived the fall, making an impossible climb up a sheer ice wall.