Steve Hibbard started working for The Connection Newspapers in 1987 when he was hired as news editor for the Springfield Connection. Through the years, he has been entertainment editor, features editor, copy editor, web master, county editor and writer. He is most known as the editor of Centre View newspaper, a position he held for 21 years. He is now entertainment editor for six of the Connection newspapers. Steve attended the University of Maryland at College Park where he majored in journalism.
Recent Stories
Synetic Theater Offers Street Theater Camp
Synetic Theater and dog & pony dc are teaming up to offer a week-long intensive course in street theater for high school and college students at Synetic's new studio space in Crystal City. It runs March 10-15 and costs $350. Classes will culminate on Saturday, March 15 with public performances that take students from Crystal City to Freedom Plaza in the District. “This year, we are very excited to be working with dog & pony theater,” said Camp Director Elena Velasco. “They use social media and are very focused on audience reaction and audience relationships.” She added, “With dog & pony, it will be how we can invite the audience into the action ... How do we incorporate that into social media — Twitter, texting — how can we expand that performance circle.” Under the guidance of senior Synetic teachers and artists from dog & pony dc, students will study the disciplines of collaborative creation. Street theater offers a means of honing one's skills as an actor, and performers use their craft to empower their community and transform public spaces into arenas of artistic exchange.
”Next Fall” Opens This Weekend
The Port City Playhouse is staging “Next Fall” from Feb. 28 to March 15. The contemporary love story written by Geoffrey Nauffts is about two gay men in an up-and-down relationship in New York. The character of Luke is devoutly religious and his lover Adam is an atheist. The action revolves around their five-year relationship and how they make it work despite their differences. However, when an accident changes everything, Adam must turn to Luke's family for support. “I want to tell a realistic story about two people who love each other very much,” said Director Rob Batarla. “And that at the end of the day, the differences that you think really matter just don't really matter.” He added, “Although the story centers around a same-sex couple, the central theme is universal.” “Next Fall” opened off-Broadway in 2009 and was nominated for the 2010 Tony Award for Best Play. It also received a 2010 Outer Critics Circle Award as Best New American Play. According to Richard Isaacs, 50, of Old Town, who plays the role of Adam, one of the two leads, “All of the characters are in search of where they are in life. They seem to be looking for something, but they aren’t sure what they’re looking for. I think it’s about life’s journey and finding who you are in life.” Added Isaacs, “In this five-year relationship, they are trying to find a common connection and make the relationship work despite different theological attitudes … Some of the questions Adam asks Luke, I have asked these same questions in my own life.”
Synetic Theater Stages ‘Twelfth Night’
Synetic Theater in Arlington is staging a no-dialogue, high-energy and acrobatic production of “Twelfth Night.” Shakespeare’s comedy, set in the silent film era, will run through Feb. 16. With a backdrop of the Roaring ’20s, “Twelfth Night” tells the tale of fraternal twins, Viola and Sebastian, separated in a strange new land.
‘The Wizard of Oz’ at Congregation Har Shalom
A cast of 51 performs classic on Jan. 25-26 in Potomac.
Coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the movie, The Har Shalom Players of Potomac is skipping down the yellow brick road with its theater-in-the-round production of L. Frank Baum’s classic “The Wizard of Oz” on Jan. 25-26.
In Harmony With Celebration Singers
Springfield show choir has been going strong 40 years.
The all-volunteer Celebration Singers performed their final holiday concert of the year on Sunday, Dec. 15 at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Springfield. The group started at Springfield Methodist Church in the 1960s by the name of the Wesleyan Singers. Some of the ladies have been singing together for 40-plus years. And through the years, membership has reached 66 people, but has since dwindled to 18.
A Taste of Braddock Holiday Party
Hundreds attend party hosted by Braddock District Supervisor John C. Cook.
Hundreds of people came out for the Annual Taste of Braddock Holiday Party on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at Braddock Hall in the Kings Park Library. Supervisor John C. Cook and his staff greeted guests who dined on food donated by Braddock-area businesses. Free food was provided by Café Rio, Milano’s, Hunan West, Wegmans, Smith & Clarkson’s, Aladdin's Eatery, among others.
Church Street Holiday Stroll in Vienna
Hundreds come out to music, marshmallows and winter magic.
Hundreds of people strolled along Church Street on Monday evening, Dec. 2, during the annual Church Street Holiday Stroll between Lawyers Road and Mill Street. Highlights included local singing groups performing holiday carols, a petting zoo, marshmallow-roasting on open fires, hot chocolate and a visit with Santa.
Firehouse Subs Gives Gift
City of Fairfax Fire Station 403 receives forcible entry equipment.
Firehouse Subs on Main Street in Fair City Mall donated fire equipment to the City of Fairfax Fire Station 403 on Thursday, Nov. 7.
Finding Childcare Providers
Fairfax-based Infant Toddler Family Day Care turns 30.
The Infant Toddler Family Day Care Program of Fairfax helps parents find the best possible childcare provider in the area. It currently serves 360 children, and celebrated its 30th Anniversary on Oct. 13, with a dinner at the Fairfax Marriott.
Holiday Bazaar Returns to Vienna
80 vendors display their wares at Vienna Community Center.
The Vienna Woman’s Club held its 53rd annual Holiday and Harvest Bazaar Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Vienna Community Center.