Goldstar

Keegan Theatre presents the world premiere of celebrated Irish playwright Liam Heylin's Gdirl from Gdansk. This funny, bittersweet play tells the story of two troubled brothers trying to survive in a rapidly changing Ireland, complicated by family chaos and complicated by one brother's love for a Polish immigrant. Learn more...

The Atheist is part of Keegan Theatre's new island project, which showcases Irish works in minimal settings. The Atheist is a one-man show about Augustine Early, a former trailer park rat who clawed his way to notoriety as a celebrity journalist. Now he's all washed up and his last chance comes when he discovers dirt on a congressman and systematically destroys the politician's career and his life in order to gain back his own lost fame. Learn more...

Commedia dell'Arte is a traditional Italian form of theater. The characters are standard archetypes that include clowns, miserly old men, servants, and young lovers. The story details the lovers' quest to be together, as they are hindered by obstacles in the form of other characters. In this performance, Matthew R. Wilson plays every character, with a different mask for each role. The entire town teeters on the brink of tragedy (even forcing Wilson to duel himself!) before love prevails. Learn more...

The Rivalry captures the fiery rhetoric and wry humor of the Lincoln/Douglas debates about state's rights, slavery and the intent of the Constitution, while adding the insights of Douglas's wife, Adele. As Lincoln and Douglas race for the chance to be U.S. Senator, Adele reexamines her own concepts of freedom. Ford's Theatre Director of Theatre Programming Mark Ramont directs Robert Parsons as Abraham Lincoln, Helen Hayes Award winner Rick Foucheux and Sarah Zimmerman (The Matchmaker). Learn more...

The International Spy Museum is the first and only public museum in the United States solely dedicated to espionage. The experience is fully interactive and suitable for all ages. Visitors arrive and are given a secret identity which they must use to test their spy skills throughout the museum. The exhibit combines themed rooms and activities with historic tales and artifacts from the history of global intrigue. History takes on vivid life in this artfully designed exhibition space. Learn more...

Constellation Theatre Company presents a fresh, humorous translation of Chekhov's family drama. The three sisters--matriarchal Olya; witty, peppery Masha (who supplies a great deal of the play's humor); and the baby, Irina--all revolve around their brother Andrei and his sometimes questionable life decisions. As the action unfolds, characters evolve and true natures are revealed by each character's pursuit of their own happiness. Learn more...

Ben's first novel is published and he is vaulted into literary stardom. His best friend David, himself a struggling literary playwright, is thrilled for Ben's newfound success. . . or is he? This poignantly comedic play explores the nature of friendship, memory, and what happens when your dreams come true -- for your best friend. Learn more...

Founder and principal guitarist of the celebrated Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, William Kanengiser, performs well known solo guitar works by Fernando Sor, Francisco Tarrega and Isaac Albeniz, new solo works for the guitar from Croatian Dusan Bodganovic, Cuban Leo Brouwer and a local guitarist Brian Head. To close the show, the Peabody Conservatory Guitar ensemble joins Kanengiser for a new guitar concerto by Japanese composer, Shingo Fujii, written for solo guitar and a 20 guitar ensemble. Learn more...

The Trojan War is over, the parents murdered, and Orestes and Electra await judgment by both Gods and men. Grave yet giddy, fierce yet fun, Anne Washburn's razor sharp modern adaptation blows more than 2,000 years of dust off Euripides' surprisingly fresh and still wildly relevant Greek classic. Learn more...

Andy Kindler, known as a "comedian's comedian" for his vast experience and commitment to the art of comedy, appeared on Everybody Loves Raymond, and is a correspondent on The Late Show with David Letterman. Andy is a regular panelist on Comedy Central's Root of All Evil, as well as other shows. Learn more...

Shakespeare Theatre Company presents Richard II. Directed by Michael Khan, it's a thrilling and lavish production of one of Shakespeare's most poetic historical dramas. King Richard neglects his subjects and spends lavishly, leading his cousin Henry Bolingbroke to challenge him for the crown. Learn more...

King Henry V is still a young man during the events of this play. England is at war with France and Henry is leading his men in battle for the first time. This first experience of war and also his first experience with love and politics - courting the Princess of France transform Henry from a youth into a man and a king. This production of Henry V is directed by Associate Artistic Director, David Muse. Learn more...

No one knows Oscar music like Oscar- and Emmy-winning composer Bill Conti. At the Kennedy Center, Conti conducts a Pops concert performance showcasing the music from this year's Academy Award-nominated films. Conti is a film composer who has created scores for some of Hollywood's biggest films, including the Rocky series, The Right Stuff and the Karate Kid. He has also served as music director for the Academy Awards more than a dozen times. Learn more...

The eccentric Brewster family of Brooklyn is full of characters and it's more than Mortimer Brewster can take when he has to deal with their antics (and the resulting police visits) while trying to make the most important decision of his life. He's got two spinster aunts that sweetly poison elderly bachelors, one brother who thinks he's Teddy Roosevelt, and his nephew has found a body under the window seat. It's a rollicking ride straight towards a surprise ending. Learn more...

Round House Theatre presents Thomas Gibbons's critically acclaimed drama Permanent Collection. A renowned art museum finds itself the center of controversy when its new African-American director discovers eight remarkable African sculptures tucked away in storage. His plans to put them on public display are blocked by the foundation's education director, who cites the late founder's wish that absolutely nothing in the museum be changed. Learn more...

Medieval Times is an exciting, family-friendly dinner attraction inspired by an 11th century feast and tournament. Guests are served a four-course banquet and cheer for one of six knights as they compete in the joust and other tests of skill. Expect lots of jousting, swordsmanship, thrilling hand-to-hand combat, and displays of extraordinary horsemanship as part of an exciting story set in Medieval Spain. Learn more...

This workshop will teach you to create a work of art using materials such as hand-made paper, postcards, newspaper clippings, string, stickers, photographs, children's artwork, photocopies of personal writing, prints of artwork, advertisements, your own previous artwork, stamps and other flat materials. Learn more...

Starring Bernardine Mitchell, who won the 2005 Helen Hayes Award for her role as Mahalia Jackson, the "Queen of Gospel Music," Mahalia follows the life of the singer from her beginnings in the segregated South to her debut on the stage of Carnegie Hall, culminating in her triumphant performance on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. This musical tribute also features William Hubbard, who has received a Helen Hayes nomination for his performance. Learn more...

I Am My Own Wife tells the fascinating story of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, a German transvestite who managed to survive both Nazi rule and the repressive East German Communist regime. Von Mahlsdorf was an iconic figure who created a safe-space in the bowels of her antiques museum for East Berlin 's "undesirables" - homosexuals, cross-dressers, and prostitutes. In order to survive, however, she sacrificed her ideals, becoming an informer for the East German secret police, the Stasi. Learn more...

The Washington Wizards host the Chicago Bulls in NBA action at the Verizon Center. The Bulls are led by 2009 Rookie of the Year Derrick Rose and high-scoring forward Luol Deng. Learn more...

Cruise from historic old town Alexandria, Virginia, past the national monuments to Georgetown and back to Alexandria on Nina's Dandy Dinner Cruise. Take in the sights, including Washington's famous cherry blossoms, while enjoying a five-course meal by candlelight, followed by dancing on the ship's elegant marble dance floor. Learn more...

The Comedy Zone Revue features some of the East Coast's top touring comics, headlining a bill which includes live jazz from The Old Dominion Trio, plus dancers, magicians, and other variety performers. Learn more...

Landless Theatre Company presents the DC Premiere of High Fidelity, by Tom Kitt, Tony Award-winning composer of Next to Normal. High Fidelity is the story of a record store owner in his thirties who has just been dumped by his girlfriend, spurring him to take a trip down memory lane through his past lives and his record collection. It is only by going back that he can learn how to grow up and move forward. Learn more...

Founded in Lubeck in 1989 and now based in Berlin, the Artemis Quartet is one of Europe's leading string quartets, particularly renowned for their interpretations of Beethoven. They play three Beethoven quartets at St. John's Episcopal Church in Ellicott City. Learn more...

This seminar on detecting deception is broken into two parts (sold separately), each taught by Janine Driver who trained with Dr. Paul Ekman, the psychologist whose research on the seven universal emotions and micro expressions inspired the Fox TV show "Lie to Me." Part one explores speech, voice, body and face patterns to determine when someone deviates from their normal behavior in an attempt to deceive. Part two focuses on identifying the seven universal emotions through facial expressions. Learn more...

Michael Caggiano presents Tales from the Trenches: Lessons from a Seasoned CEO. In this interview-style session, the veteran entrepreneur will discuss the lessons he's learned as an executive of more than thirty companies. Caggiano's businesses have ranged from minor-league baseball and hockey teams to the Washington Accountant magazine, Sallie Mae and RAFFA. Learn more...

For its winter drama, Georgetown Gilbert & Sullivan Society presents Shakespeare's tragic romance, Romeo & Juliet. The tale of the two young lovers doomed by their families' endless feuding still resonates today. This production takes the story out of the Elizabethan era and into the future depression era. This new twist energizes the story but stays true to Shakespeare's timeless story. Learn more...

Jane Austen's works have inspired many film adaptations, as well as novels inspired by her characters. Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy have been reincarnated as detectives and vampires, and have fought off zombie invasions in the many years since they were first conceived. This moderated panel on Jane Austen, her works, and the ongoing legacy of works inspired by her writing is led by Austen scholar Tara Wallace with authors Seth Grahame-Smith, Ben H. Winters,and Regina Jeffers. Learn more...

Dandy Restaurant Cruises offers a scenic afternoon dining cruise from historic Old Town Alexandria to Georgetown and back, passing by numerous national monuments along the way. Lunch cruises feature a three-course meal served at your table, while Sunday champagne brunch cruises feature a buffet filled with a variety of breakfast and lunch delights. Learn more...

This tour looks at the gargoyles that guard and protect the National Cathedral, as well as some of the carvings that decorate the largest church in the Washington area. Tour guide Mark was good friends with Constantine Seferlis, one of the stone carvers who did more than 100 of the gargoyles, saints, dogs and other creatures. His sense of humor comes across in his work! Learn more...

Designed for both singles and couples, and suitable for everyone regardless of experience, Precipice Improv Theater's Valentine's Day workshop offers an active, one-of-a-kind alternative to the usual chocolates and flowers. Led by an improv veteran, the session will guide participants through fun and playful improvisational exercises in a gentle and supportive atmosphere. A free performance by Fling Improv follows the workshop. Learn more...

The Denver Nuggets make their only visit to Washington this season, taking on the Wizards at the Verizon Center. Led by Baltimore native Carmelo Anthony and veteran point guard Chauncey Billups, the Nuggets made it to the Western Conference finals last season. Learn more...

With a lineup that will please audiences both old and new, the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra's Valentine's Day weekend program will focus solely on one of the most gifted musicians ever, Ludwig van Beethoven, and feature special guest pianist Yuliya Gorenman. Learn more...

Planet Washington presents an evening of witty, topical and musical political and social satire, performed by former Hill staffer and Capitol Steps performer Ken Rynne. The show features musical political comedy in the tradition of Tom Lehrer, the Capitol Steps and Mark Russell. Learn more...

Catch live jazz music at Twins Jazz. Located in the heart of the U Street entertainment district, Twins Jazz regularly features the most innovative jazz artists in Washington, plus touring musicians from across the country. This intimate venue and its shows are a long-time favorite of Goldstar's members. Learn more...

Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Nilo Cruz infuses this drama with the sights and sounds of southern Spain. Beauty of the Father follows a young American woman who travels to Andalusia, Spain, to meet her estranged father. While there, she becomes romantically involved with her father's Moroccan companion. The lover's triangle provides the setting for an exploration of the conflict between love and sacrifice. Learn more...

Best-selling author John Geiger's new book, The Third Man Factor, deals with a mysterious phenomenon which has been noted by survivors of traumatic events: the sense of the close presence of a guardian when in fact there is nobody there. He'll discuss neurological and historical research, and offer compelling stories of human survival, at National Geographic's Grosvenor Auditorium. Learn more...

The Boomerang Party Bus presents a tour of Washington, D.C.'s hottest nightlife in the coolest neighborhoods. Ride the Boomerang party bus and let them take you to three of D.C.'s best bars, lounges and clubs for drinking, dancing, mingling and all night fun. Learn more...

This modern (and very loose) reimagining of Medea combines tragedy and comedy in an Irish setting. Witches, ghosts, and misfits flit through this tale of Hester Swane, a gypsy whose love is leaving her for a marriage of wealth and convenience. If you know the tale of Medea, you know this won't end well, but playwright Marina Carr injects humor throughout to lighten the mood. Learn more...

Learn how professionals get other people's money to go to school, build community centers, care for the environment or start a youth program. Learn how and where to research and evaluate funding prospects, how to develop and manage key relationships with funders, and special ways to make your proposals stand out from the rest. Learn more...

Join Best Tours - DC for a special tour through Arlington Cemetery, our nation's most sacred resting place. You'll see a member of the Honor Guard standing watch at the Tomb of the Unknowns and other sites along the way before venturing onto Fort Myer to get a special behind-the-scenes look at the U.S. Army's last horse unit. Learn more...

Professionals in the City partners with Face-2-Face Singles for a dance party, designed especially for singles ages 40 and over. The party is at the chic Tragara Ristorante. It's a perfect setting to meet, mingle and dance with other single professionals who are serious about having some fun. Enjoy Italian appetizers, a DJ and a cash bar. Learn more...

Great lives take strategy and long-term focused effort. Margarita Rozenfeld will help you create your big picture vision along with a five-year action plan for success. Through a series of visioning exercises, you'll discover your passions, clarify your priorities and values, visualize your legacy, concretize your future, and develop a strategy to help you arrive at where you want to be in five years. Learn more...

Precipice Improv creates an entire comic play from two suggestions given at the start of the show without any prearranged structure, plot or characters, using nothing but their skills, their talent and their imagination. No suggestions are taken once the play begins and the actors work in real time, without a safety net, discovering their characters and the play itself at the same time as the audience. Learn more...

The Comedy Zone presents Saturday Uncensored, a late-night stand-up show. Featuring no content restrictions of any kind, the show will see top national headliners and DC's best up-and-coming acts doing their most outrageous material. Learn more...

Set in a Kansas diner during a snowstorm, Bus Stop follows the interactions of bus passengers who must take shelter. While the diner owner has eyes for the macho bus driver, other guests have their own stories. There's a lovesick rodeo rider who has kidnapped a nightclub singer, a pretentious Ph.D. who is looking for love in all the wrong places and a Shakespeare-quoting teenage waitress who might get her first crack at romance. Learn more...

Forum Theatre presents Amazons and Their Men by Jordan Harrison. A young filmmaker, infamous for glamorizing the Third Reich in a series of propaganda films, seeks vindication though a beautiful film about the mythic Amazon women. This dark comedy draws upon the life of Leni Riefenstahl, the controversial director of Triumph of the Will. Learn more...

The Washington Wizards present a three-pack of tickets. Each offer features a pair of tickets to games against three of the NBA's top teams: Carmelo Anthony and the Denver Nuggets, Dwight Howard and the Eastern Conference Champion Orlando Magic, and Deron Williams and the Utah Jazz. Learn more...

Of Bones & Bridges combines modern dance and visual art to portray two distinct communities and their history and evolution, as well as the cultural and economic divides that define them. Four Mile Run is a stream in Northern Virginia that is now substantially paved and built over. Zenda is an former African-American community, abandoned in the 1930s, leaving only the remnants of houses and sheds. Video and visual art combine with dance to tell their stories. Learn more...