The DC Traveler

West Side Story is the classic American love story musical, about forbidden love between the member of one rival New York street gangs  and the sister of another.  The two rival gangs, the Sharks and the Jets, each coming from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, fight for their turf during the 1950s, in the rough streets of Hells Kitchen.
With the familiar musical score by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim and songs such as "America," "Maria," and "I Feel Pretty", adds to the story on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
The production coming to the National Theater in Washington, DC starting December 15th …read more

4 Comments

The 2008 National Christmas Tree in Washington, DC will be lit this evening, Thursday, December 4, 2008, at 5:00 p.m.  It is the last time the tree will be lit by President and First Lady Bush.  Next Christmas, President Obama will have the honors.
Tickets went fast for the event, but the grounds will be open to public 24-hours through January 1, 2009.
Besides the National Christmas Tree, visit the Pathway of Peace, with decorated Christmas trees from each of the states and U.S. territories, along with the National Yuletide Log.
The grounds are illuminated each evening from dusk until 11:00 p.m.  …read more

1 Comment

In 1950, the singing cowboy, Gene Autry recorded the tune, “Frosty the Snowman” and it was an instant hit.  He had also had previous success with the now classic “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”. (see below to read the words of the classic Christmas song – Frosty.)
Four years later, WGN-TV in Chicago, broadcast a 3-minute holiday short, that brought Frosty the Snowman to life.
In 1969, a 30-minute television cartoon was broadcast and is today, an annual holiday classic.
Adventure Theater in suburban Glen Echo, Maryland bring to live the story of how the mischievous Frosty comes to life, thanks to a …read more

Comments Off

The Christmas Concert for Charity   at the Bacilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception has entertained residents of Washington DC for 20 years.
With classical vocal and symphonic holiday music performed by a full symphony orchestra, over 125 singers and the delightful Bacilica Choir, the concert is a great way to help the poor and start your holiday cheer.
Drawing standing-room-only crowds, besides wonderful music, enjoy the view of one of the nation’s most ornate and stunning shrines. 
Christmas Concert for Charity   National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception 400 Michigan Ave., …read more

Comments Off

The famous Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the world-famous Rockettes, is coming to Baltimore in early December.

As part of a 23 city national tour, the Rockettes, dressed in their famous Babes in Toyland outfits, will delight audiences with their precision chorus line dancing and signature high kicks.
I saw the Rockettes’ show in New York City a few years ago and it is a fun performance.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular 1st Mariner Arena 201 W Baltimore Street Baltimore, Maryland  (map it)
Dates and Times – December 2 – 7, …read more

1 Comment

When you mention a Parade of Lights to a pleasure boater, they know what exactly you mean.  You decorate your boat with lights and holiday decorations and take a slow harbor cruise so people can watch the brightly decorated crafts sail by.
This year, more than 50 power and sail boats should participate in annual Parade of Lights in suburban Alexandria, Virginia. Watch the floating parade along the Potomac River at the city’s historic waterfront.
Festivities also include pictures with Santa for small children. 
Holiday Boat Parade of Lights Alexandria’s Historic Waterfront at the foot of …read more

1 Comment

Visiting Mount Vernon at Christmas time is an annual holiday tradition. George and Martha know how to deck the halls, decorate Christmas trees and welcome people into the first President’s home.
This year kids will enjoy the 12 themed Christmas trees, one for each day of Christmas. Each professionally decorated with themes relating to George Washington, life at Mount Vernon, and the time when the Washington’s lived there.
And look for the live Christmas camel, just like George Washington had at Mt. Vernon during the Christmas season of 1787, two years before he became America’s first President.
Besides a gingerbread recreation of …read more

2 Comments

Holiday shoppers dreaming of snow can find snow falling inside, yes…inside, Tysons Galleria shopping mall in Tysons Corner, Virginia, every day through Christmas Eve. 
In one of the areas “coolest” promotions to attract shoppers, from November 22 until Christmas Eve, “snow” will actually fall from the ceiling, inside the upscale shopping and dining mall.
The first “snow show” will begin daily at 11:00 a.m., falling from the top level and descend through all three levels of the mall. 
Santa is also on hand for kids to tell him what they want to see under the Christmas tree on Christmas morning.
And …read more

Comments Off

We all know the Lewis Carroll novel, “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”, and the young girl who follows the White Rabbit down his rabbit hole and discovers another world.
Enjoy as Alice partakes in a race where everyone wins, a mad tea party, stolen tarts and her dream-filled escape to a strange land of amazing creatures, including the Madd Hatter, King and Queen of Hearts and the grinning Cheshire Cat.
The World Premiere of Alice, at Round House Theatre in suburban Bethesda, blends the childlike fantasy with a wildly imaginative theatrical experience that should delight both children and adults alike. 
Alice
Round House …read more

1 Comment

The children’s musical, Miss Nelson is Missing, is based on the children’s book by Harry Allard and James Marshall (The Stupids, George and Martha series). 
In a play perfect for children ages 4 and up, Imagination Stage brings back this musical comedy about the “worst behaved class in whole school” – the fifth graders of Room 207 at Horace B. Smedley Elementary School.
The unruly and spitball shooting students are so bad, even during story time, that their behavior drives their beloved and sweet Miss Nelson away. The next day, the appearance of the dreaded and not-so-sweet substitute, Miss Viola Swamp, …read more

Comments Off