Arts & Entertainment
‘Twelfth’ goes ‘20s
New Synetic adaptation takes the Bard to the flapper era
Irina Tsikurishvili as Viola in ‘Twelfth Night.’ (Photo by Koko Lanham; courtesy Synetic)
‘Twelfth Night’
Through Feb. 16
Synetic Theater
1800 South Bell Street, Crystal City, VA
$35 and up (some discounts available)
866-811-4111
Ordinarily when we meet “Twelfth Night’s” Viola she’s just been washed ashore after a terrible ship wreck. Not in Synetic Theater’s roaring ‘20s take on the Shakespeare comedy.
Here, the yacht is still very much afloat with onboard flappers and their beaus enjoying a wild Gatsby-esque party. Viola (Irina Tsikurishvili) and her twin Sebastian (Alex Mills) are the main attraction, a magnetic sibling dance team not unlike the elegant young Fred and Adele Astaire, only more double-jointed. It’s a great party, but everyone ends up under water just the same.
Once on dry land — alone and in a strange place — Viola disguises herself as a man and goes to work for Duke Orsino (Philip Fletcher). As Cesario, Viola’s newly assumed name, she carries letters between the duke and the object of his unrequited passion Olivia (Kathy Gordon). But the gender-bending plot thickens when Olivia is instantly smitten with Cesario. Viola, in turn, falls for Orsino. What’s more, there are zany subplots involving more unrequited feelings and a devastating prank. Billed as a comedy, “Twelfth Night” boasts many moments of hilarity but there’s sadness too (Viola believes her twin has died at sea). Director Paata Tsikurishvili doesn’t neglect those darker moments — he gets the balance just right.
Fittingly the movement-based company whose players almost never utter a sound has set the 10th addition to its Silent Shakespeare series on a silent movie stage — the type that would later be converted into “sound stages” with the advent of the “talkies.” The action unfolds as a silent comedy directed by Olivia’s household fool Feste (Ben Cunis) with the help of his clownish cinematographer sidekick Fabian (Vato Tsikurishvili) who both step in and out of the action, playing their parts in the story when needed. This works wonderfully particularly since Feste is an almost omniscient presence in the original text.
The production draws broadly from the voiceless genre: sepia-toned subtitles on a movie screen, frantically paced comedy, lots of physical comedy and even the old pie-in-the-face bit. But the scenes most reminiscent of the silent cinema era are those with Viola/Cesario. It’s Tsikurishvili as the resilient cross-dressing heroine who shines most brightly. With an economy of movement, brilliant attention to detail and expressive face — all reminiscent of Chaplin’s iconic bowler-wearing little tramp, she recreates the best of silent film.
An early scene in which Tsikurishvili’s Cesario gets acquainted with Orsino (played wonderfully as a schmaltzy lothario by Fletcher ,who is gay) has the feel of a true silent comedy. It’s especially well thought out and executed. Her scenes with twin Sebastian (out actor Alex Mills) are also memorable, ranging from high spirited to wistful. The talented cast nicely assays the supporting stock characters including Gordon’s vampy Oliva; the lush, Sir Toby Belch (Hector Reynoso); and an over eager college boy, Sir Andrew Aquecheek (Dallas Tolentino). Irakli Kavsadze is perfect as the solemn yet ridiculous butler, Malvolio.
In addition to playing Viola, Tsikurishvili is also the production’s choreographer. Like all Synetic productions, movement affects the mood and emotion deeply and often instantly. Here it’s during the shipwreck when partiers who seconds ago were dancing the fox trot, Charleston and athletic Lindy Hop (all new to Synetic), are suddenly deep underwater, moving slowly but beautifully in a quest for survival.
Phil Charlwood’s set is a functional amalgam of ropes, pulleys, rolling cameras, big lights and a moveable screen. And Kendra Rai’s costumes are spot on — white dinner jackets and glittery above the knee dresses. Especially good is Olivia’s dramatic mourning weeds — her stylish black dress and long veil bring to mind the many bereft young (and not so young) women who turned up at the funeral for ‘20s heartthrob Rudolf Valentino.
Synetic’s “Twelfth Night” closes by flashing the play’s most famous line across the screen: “If music be the food of love, play on …” And with that the cast — led by Tsikurishvili — erupts into a big, exuberant dance number inspired by the infectious beats of jazz great Gene Krupa’s “Swing Swing Swing.” It’s the kind of big number you’d expect to see in a hot production of “Anything Goes” or “42nd Street.” Not your typical Synetic fare, but they nail it. And to make no mistake it’s them, the company drops some of their own high flying acrobatic moves into this treat of an upbeat curtain call.
Bars & Parties
Impulse Group DC to host fundraiser
Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour held at Thurst Lounge
Impulse Group DC, a local advocacy organization, will host “Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour” on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. at Thurst Lounge.
This event is a special happy hour fundraiser filled with good vibes, great food, and community connection. DJ Obie will be on deck keeping the energy high while you enjoy tacos, cocktails, and the kind of atmosphere only Thurst can deliver.
A portion of every signature cocktail sold goes directly toward supporting Impulse Group D.C.’s work in sexual health, mental health, harm reduction, and social justice for the D.C. community.
Admission is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Friday, November 28
“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 12 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s new location at 1827 Wiltberger St., N.W. To RSVP, visit the DC Center’s website or email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at Dupont Italian Kitchen Bar. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, November 29
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 12 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Sunday, November 30
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Coffee and Conversation” at 12 p.m. at As You Are. Guests are encouraged to come and enjoy stimulating conversation. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Monday, December 1
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
“Soulfully Queer: LGBTQ+ Emotional Health and Spirituality Drop-In” will be at 3 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This group will meet weekly for eight weeks, providing a series of drop-in sessions designed to offer a safe, welcoming space for open and respectful conversation. Each session invites participants to explore themes of spirituality, identity, and belonging at their own pace, whether they attend regularly or drop in occasionally. For more details visit the DC Center’s website.
Tuesday, December 2
Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. Email [email protected] with any questions.
Friends of Dorothy Cafe will host “Choose Our Blend” at 6 p.m. at Stardust Vintage & Gift. Guests are encouraged to come sip, sample, and vote on a lineup of custom coffee blends from Rustic Route Coffee Co., a DMV-based queer-owned roaster. Guests’ votes will help Rustic Route choose the café’s official signature roast. Event organizers will take donations, and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Wednesday, December 3
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit www.thedccenter.org/careers.
Center Aging Women’s Social Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ women can meet and socialize with one another. There will be discussion, activities, and a chance for guests to share what they want future events to include. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, December 4
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breathwork, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
API Queer Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for the Asian and Pacific Islander Queer Community. For more details, email [email protected].
Theater
D.C. theater scene has something for everyone this holiday season
‘Nutcracker,’ ‘A Christmas Carol,’ and much more
With its familiar music, yuletide imagery, and storytelling, theater can be a big part of the holidays. Add to that making memories and theater tickets wrapped as presents under the tree, and it’s a seasonal no brainer.
Folger Theatre presents “Resplendent Joy: Christmas Traditions from Spain and Portugal” (Dec. 5-14); the marvelous Folger Consort will perform early Spanish Christmas carols and traditional holiday music from early modern Spain and Portugal: folger.edu/resplendent
At Round House Theatre, playwright Sam Holcroft’s “Rules for Living” (Dec. 3-Jan. 4) makes its U.S. premiere. The darkly funny holiday comedy was a hit in London and is now hoping to repeat that success with a version tailored for the states. The seven-person cast includes versatile actors Naomi Jacobson and real-life spouse John Lescault. Ryan Rillette directs. roundhousetheatre.org
Theatre J presents “Chanukah in the Dark” (Dec. 6-21), an hour-long play ideal for ages five and up. “When the lights go out during Chanukah, Max and family begin sharing songs, stories, and traditions — only to discover the lights they needed and the miracles they searched for were in their midst all along.” edcjcc.org
The Cathedral Choral Society’s “Joy of Christmas” (Dec. 13-14) presents a wonderful program of carols and beloved holiday favorites at the festively decorated National Cathedral. The program features Seraph Brass, organist Edward Hewes, Carillonneur Edward M. Nassor, percussionist Mary La Blanc of “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band, and the Eastern Concert Choir from Eastern Senior High School. Cathedralchoralsociety.org
With “The Holiday Show,” (Dec. 13, 14, and 20), the Gay Men’s Chorus returns to entertain audiences with its annual and most popular show.
This year the holiday extravaganza is bigger than ever at historic Lincoln Theatre with new, soulful arrangements of favorite holiday carols: “The reindeer will be high-kicking and the snowflakes will sparkle. Songs include “O Holy Night,” “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” “Let It Snow,” “We Wish You the Merriest,” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain.’” gmcw.org
At Olney’s intimate Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab, out actor Michael Russotto is back for the holiday season in his solo show “Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas” (through Dec. 28). The talented Russotto portrays nearly 50 different characters from the Charles Dickens classic, that proves “funnier and far more relevant than you might imagine.” Olneytheatre.org
Also on holiday offer in the DMV are a jolly bunch of musical chestnuts as well as reliable Christmas crowd-pleasers.
Included on the roster is Olney Theatre’s production of Jerry Herman’s “Hello, Dolly!” (through Jan. 4) starring the mega-talented Nova Y. Payton. Based on the play “The Matchmaker” by famed gay playwright Thornton Wilder, the musical has proved a vehicle for many a diva including Carol Channing, Pearl Bailey, Bette Midler, and Barbra Streisand. Now Payton dons the mantle and the buzz is good.
Another beloved musical is “Fiddler on the Roof” (through Jan. 25), the story of Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman, his family and their tight-knit community who honor tradition while contending with pogroms in Czarist Russia. Currently being performed intimately in the round at Signature Theatre in Arlington and directed by Joe Calarco, the large cast features actors Douglas Sills, Chrisopher Bloch, and terrific out actor Jake Loewenthal as the poor tailor Motel Kamzoil, all singing Broadway favorites like “Sunrise, Sunset” “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Matchmaker.” sigtheatre.org
At Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Harman Hall is Frank Loesser’s “Guys and Dolls” (through Jan. 4). Based on tales from famed American journalist Damon Runyon, the show focuses on two overlapping love stories set in Depression-era Times Square. The terrific score includes songs like “Luck Be a Lady,” “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” “A Bushel and a Peck,” and more songs you’ll know. Directed by Francesca Zambello and choreographed by Joshua Bergasse.
The cast includes Julie Benko, Lamont Brown, and Holly Twyford as General Matilda B. Cartwright, which is reason enough to buy a ticket. shakespearetheatre.org
And for hardcore traditionalists there’s the Washington Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” (through Dec. 29) with its balletic magic at the charming gilded Warner Theatre. The beloved production of Tchaikovsky’s ballet, here set in 1882 Georgetown, features a retinue of agile partiers, children, soldiers, rats, and notable figures from American history. washingtonballet.org
And last but hardly least, historic Ford’s Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol” (through Dec. 31), an enduring Washington tradition since I was youngish. Conceived by Michael Baron, this charming Dickens’ moneymaker again spotlights Craig Wallace as miserly Ebenezer Scrooge who after a night of ghostly visits, rediscovers Christmas joy. Fords.org
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