Entertainment

Vital Theatre’s ‘Pinkalicious’ at The Alden Feb. 14

Vital Theatre’s “Pinkalicious,” a musical adaptation of the book by Victoria and Elizabeth Kann, will come to The Alden in McLean for a single performance at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14. Tickets are $20 for the general public and $15 for McLean tax district residents.

Polar Dip at Lake Anne on Feb. 7

Hundreds of men, women, and children dress up in crazy costumes and converge at Lake Anne every February for the Annual Freezin’ for a Reason Virginia Polar Dip. The event, in its eighth year, will take place on Saturday, Feb. 7 in the heart of Reston in the bone-chilling waters at Lake Anne Plaza. This mid-winter tradition event will kick off at noon with family friendly activities and warm-up - with the Dip scheduled to take place starting at 2 p.m. Each year the event draws record crowds of both spectators and jumpers raising over $85,000.

1st Stage Receives Helen Hayes Nominations

Tysons' 1st Stage was nominated for nine Helen Hayes Awards for outstanding achievement in professional theatre in the Washington metropolitan area. The awards are named after Helen Hayes, the legendary first lady of the American Theatre. Nominated artists and companies exemplify the excellence found on Washington area stages.

Lopez Studios Students Shine at the Junior Theater Festival

Students from Lopez Studios, Inc. Performing Arts School in Reston earned high praise at the 2015 Junior Theater Festival, held Jan. 16, 17 and 18 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Ga. The 17 students, ages 8-16, presented selections from “Once On This Island JR.” for Karen Sharp, education director at Seattle Children’s Theatre; and director, composer, music director, and performer Rob Rokicki (:Hairspray;” “Love, NY”).

McLean Theatre Company Presents ‘Big Fish’

The McLean High School Theatre Company (MTC) premieres the musical “Big Fish” to the Metro DC area this February. Led by Artistic Director, Amy Poe, and Music Director, Bobby McCoy (1st Stage, Keegan, McLean Community Players), the award-winning company brings this big-hearted musical of a father's story, a son's journey and life's epic adventure.

A Chat with the Event Chairman

Leslie Herman is this year’s Chocolate Festival committee chairman, and she and her committee of more than a dozen people have been hard at work on the event since the fall. They represent several of the organizations involved in the festival events, including the Fairfax Bar Association, Fairfax City Regional Library, Friends of Fairfax, GMU Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, Independence Day Celebration Committee, Kiwanis Club of Fairfax, Fairfax County Retired Educators, Patriot Harley Owners Group, Woman’s Club of Fairfax and the City of Fairfax.

All That Glitters Caters To the Fashion-Conscious

In addition to jewelry, Clifton store sells designer handbags, home décor, scarves, bath products.

All That Glitters, located in the Town of Clifton, is an accessories and jewelry boutique that specializes in fashion-forward pieces and vintage designs. Located in the historic Weaver House, at 7144 Main Street across from the Trattoria Villagio Restaurant, the store is owned by Alexandra Soper, who took over three years ago from Martha Mikeska.

Sweet History Tour of Historic Fairfax

New this year is a Sweet History Walking Tour of Old Town Fairfax’s Historic District. It’s slated for Friday, Jan. 31, from 4:30-6 p.m., and allows participants to step back in time for a peek at Fairfax’s past. The tour begins at the Ratcliffe-Allison House, 10209 Main St. The City’s oldest standing house, it was built in 1812. Furnished with period pieces, this home depicts the lives of everyday residents in 19th-century Fairfax.

Fairfax’s Annual Chocolate Lovers Festival Feb. 7-8

Heaven for chocolate aficionados – that’s the City of Fairfax Chocolate Lovers Festival. And this year’s 23rd annual extravaganza is set for Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 7-8. The scrumptious and fun-filled weekend features everything from a competition to see who can make the most beautiful and creative chocolate sculptures, cakes and cupcakes to a chocolate-themed movie and a luscious sampling of chocolate treats from area vendors. It’s also a chance to buy mouthwatering presents for Valentine’s Day.

Chocolate Festival Event Schedule

Saturday, Feb. 7

Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast and Bake Sale 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Fire Station 3, 4081 University Drive Join the Kiwanis Club of Fairfax for its Chocolate Lovers Pancake Breakfast. The menu features pancakes (regular and chocolate chip) and sausage. Coffee, juice and milk also will be served.

A Children’s Classic Comes to Life

Fairfax Academy student has lead role in “Beauty and the Beast.”

A beloved children’s story comes to life when Centreville High presents the Disney musical, “Beauty and the Beast.” And playing one of the lead roles is senior Nick Ingargiola, who attends the Fairfax Academy for musical theater. “The actors have just blown me away,” said Director Mike Hudson. “We had a preaudition last May, and we had no idea we’d get this level of talent. About half the kids are choral students, but we’re also blessed with theater students who can sing.”

Navy Band To Visit Arlington's Yorktown High School

Concert to include students.

At the upcoming performance of the U.S. Navy Band, the uniformed professionals will be joined by members of the event host, Yorktown High School Band. The free concert will be held in Yorktown’s auditorium this coming Saturday evening.

Reston’s Beaver Gate

Reston Association seeks to address Reston’s busy beavers.

The Glade Stream Valley in Reston has been home to beavers for over 25 years. Reston Association’s environmental resource manager, Claudia Thompson-Deahl said beavers originally entered the stream system from the Twin Branches end, probably traveling up from the Potomac River via Difficult Run.

Herndon, Reston Galleries Attract Art Lovers

Exhibits at ArtSpace Herndon and Reston GRACE on display through February.

In January, both the ArtSpace Herndon and Reston GRACE community art galleries opened new art exhibits at their locations. ArtSpace Herndon located at 750 Center Street in downtown Herndon opened the soloist exhibit “In Warm Observations: People and Places” by artist Jill Banks.

McLean Theatre Company Earns 21 National, State and Local Recognitions

McLean High School Theatre Company (MTC) recently earned 21 national, state and local theater recognitions from the YoungArts Foundation, Virginia Thespians and DCMetrotheaterarts.com respectively. Nearly all recognized appear in MTC’s upcoming regional premiere of “Big Fish,” running February 16, 19–22 at McLean’s Burks Auditorium.

The Connection