Godspell revival at Toby’s now a tradition
The musical Godspell opened off Broadway half a century ago, in May 1971. It became a motion picture in 1973, and there were a few revivals along the way, including Broadway. Godspell also happened to be the first musical ever performed at Toby’s Dinner Theatre when it opened in Columbia in 1979. Later, Toby’s revived the show for its 25th anniversary. This year, to celebrate the... READ MORE
Not everyone is sweet on Sweetgum trees
Gumballs! How many of you have cursed those little spiky spheres that fall from trees and cause you to twist your ankle — almost? Well, those trees are natives here in central Virginia, and they have some really good qualities. I just read a book by Doug Tallamy extolling the virtues of oaks, and I admit sweetgums may fall a little short of oak trees in value. Nonetheless, while... READ MORE
Visit two historic architectural treasures
Two houses in Fairfax County’s Woodlawn Historic District, just a five-minute walk apart, juxtapose the landed gentry’s 19th-century, genteel lifestyle with 20th-century, middle-class practicality. Take some time this fall to visit both Woodlawn and the Pope-Leighey House, two National Trust for Historic Preservation Historic Sites. The Woodlawn mansion is perched on a hill within ... READ MORE
Journals to aid creative self-expression
The Bibliophile For many, self-expression takes the form of keeping a journal. Since time immemorial, people have committed their inner feelings to diaries and journals. These experts can help guide you in this worthwhile endeavor. What’s Your Story? A Journal for Everyday Evolution, by Rebecca Walker and Lily Diamond, 232 pages, Sounds True softcover, 2020 Contemplating the... READ MORE
Oscar-nominated designer sets the stage
Richmonder David Crank was nominated by his peers for an Oscar and attended the Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles last April. Although he didn’t win, just being nominated was a thrill, he said. “It’s a huge honor to realize it was whittled down to five people. It’s exciting,” said Crank, 61. Crank was nominated for best production design for the movie “News of the... READ MORE
The special stories of those born in 1945
I’m waiting to meet a friend one Sunday evening when a security guard ambles up. He asks if I need help. I say “No, thanks, I’m just an old guy who’s glad to be upright.” The guard glares at me and says I look pretty good for a Boomer. “Thanks, but I’m not a Boomer,” I say. “I was born in 1945. The Boomers began showing up in 1946.” Like every other living... READ MORE
Podcasts preserve elder contributions
Howard University professor Ruby Gourdine’s first job, in the 1960s, was as a probation officer in Richmond. Then 21, she juggled more than 100 clients at a time, while her white coworkers had fewer cases and plenty of free time. “The courts at that time were still segregated,” recalled Gourdine, senior professor at the university’s School of Social Work. “We just thought it... READ MORE
George Clooney on being an older lead
How did George Clooney handle our recent period of isolation? Aside from spending time with his wife, Amal Clooney, a human rights lawyer, and their 3-year-old twins, and editing his new film “The Midnight Sky,” he’s relied on, like many others, a text chain with pals and Zoom. He just got off one with Matt Damon and John Krasinski. “In some ways, we keep more in touch now than... READ MORE
Ellicott City band releases new album
The pandemic has been a struggle for millions since it began in March 2020. And that goes for Ellicott City musician Richard Walton as well. A singer, songwriter and performer, Walton wasn’t able to play in his normal venues, like Little Market Café in Ellicott City or Main Stage Grill in Woodstock. He couldn’t tour around Maryland or sell records in person. But he has been... READ MORE
Prolific children’s author now a novelist
Author Dawne Allette — born 70 years ago on the island of Grenada and a Baltimore resident for the past 33 years — became a writer to contribute stories she felt were missing. “I started writing because, when I was a little girl in the Caribbean, all the books were about little white girls like Cinderella and Goldilocks. One was nutty enough to wear shoes made of glass, and the... READ MORE
Arts 2024
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