Social Scene

Adios Aaron

The Georgetowner

August 2008

Photo (L-R): Jamie Bowersox, Scott McCrary - Honoree Aaron Jackson - Carole Randolph with Debbie Sigmund

Aaron Jackson’s many fans and friends made certain that his departure from the Washington Ballet would not go without a fitting celebration as Omar Popal opened wide the doors to Napoleon’s Bistro in Adams Morgan on July 31 for a fitting farewell fête.  DC’s finest DJ 007 kept the music front and center as the honoree, departing for foreign shores, basked in a love fest with his best pals. - Mary Bird

“Carmen” Opening Night

The Georgetowner

August 2008

Photo (L-R): Immediate past Board Chairman Leilane Mehler, Stage Director David Grindle - Benjamin Warschawski (Don Jose) and Teresa Buchholz (Carmen) - Thomas Beard (Escamillo) with Lara Colby (Micaela) - Kathy Leckey with husband Bob Best

The Summer Opera Theatre Company made a quantum leap this season from Catholic University to the Harman Center for the Arts.  The July 20 opening performance of “Carmen,” the company’s debut opera 30 years ago, was followed by a reception with the artists. Stage Director David Grindle noted that there are many new faces on stage in this production, continuing Summer Opera’s commitment to young artists by providing a home for all performers to develop roles and bringing professional opera to the public at the lowest possible ticket prices.  Among the talented singers including principals Teresa Buchholz, Benjamin Warschawski and Laura Colby, Thomas Beard, Escamillo, recently completed three years as artist-in-residence with the WNO‘s Placido Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program. - Mary Bird

The Fairmont Welcomes Lonnie Giacometti

The Georgetowner

August 2008

Photo (L-R): Inga-Lena Moore and Political Attaché Karl Roessler, the Embassy of Germany with Lonnie Giacometti, The Fairmont’s Director of Banquets - Meredith Flanagan of Capital Decor and Events, The Fairmont’s Bob Mikolitch, Wendy Raab and Ashley Vignola of Rave Reviews

On July 23rd, the Fairmont Held a reception to welcome new Banquet Director Lonnie Giacometti, recently relocated from the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston.  During the event a drawing was held for two box seats at a Nationals Game, won by a thrilled Inga-Lena Moore of the German Embassy.  Culinary treats included mojitos, champagne, shrimp, lamb chops, mini cheeseburgers and Pastry Chef Aron Weber’s mini mock “cheeseburger” desserts made from kiwi and mangos.  Jim Ryan presented Giacometti with a  logoed Las Vegas VIP gift gadget complete with AM-FM radio, hydraulic reading light and custom flashlight.  Only in Vegas! - Mary Bird

Forum Theatre’s “Marat/Sade”

The Georgetowner

August 2008

Photo (L-R): Lindsay Haynes, Michael Dove, Fiona Blackshaw - Dee Thornton, Margery Berringer-Schuran, Bob Goodrich

Lest Forum contemplate resting on its laurels, consider the full title of its current undertaking “The Persecution and Assassination of Jean-Paul Marat as Performed by the Inmates of the Asylum of Charenton under the Direction of the Marquis de Sade.”  Michael Dove skillfully directs Peter Weiss play penned in the mid-1960s.  Company member Jesse Terrill has revamped the music which accompanies challenging lyrics.  The play takes on a timely resonance with such dialogue as “We invented the revolution but we don’t know how to run it.”  On July 27, the company gave a special performance followed by Q&A and reception.  As the concluding play in a successful fourth season dedicated to “God. Man. The Devil,” the production continues through Aug. 10 at the H Street Playhouse in Northeast. - Mary Bird

A Fond Farewell

The Georgetowner

August 2008

Photo (L-R): Hostess Cyd Everett with honoree Ambassador Elena Poptodorova - Happy luncheon goers with Ambassador Poptodorova

Cyd Everett got the jump on what is bound to be a calendar-filled round of farewells for popular Bulgarian Ambassador Elena Poptodorova, who will be departing at the end of summer.  There is a good chance that we will have the pleasure of seeing her from time to time as their son will be entering American University.  Cyd gathered gal pals in the beautiful Willard Room at the historic hotel on July 22 for an elegant champagne luncheon.  Conversation turned to Washington Ballet Artistic Director Septime Webre’s talent scouting mission at the International Ballet Competition held the second half of July in the Bulgarian seaside resort Varna.  The ambassador and Cyd were instrumental in arranging Septime’s trip to this event which enjoys the highest prestige and popularity.  The French press noted that “any dancer awarded in Varna has already a guaranteed prosperity in professional ballet.”   - Mary Bird

“Reincarnations” by Zenith Gallery

The Georgetowner

August 2008

Photo (L-R): Gallery Director & Owner Margery E. Goldberg - Michele Marcello, Thunderbird artist Stephen Hay - Reincarnations curators and veteran collectors Linda and Steven Krensky

On July 23, The Alternative Gallery Space at 111 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW hosted a “meet the artists” opening reception for its current exhibit Reincarnations curated by Zenith Gallery celebrating its 30th year.  The mixed-media show presents artworks made from found objects and recycled and rejuvenated parts of already-made articles.  The pieces which both amuse and amaze include working musical instruments made from salvaged wood and beer cans, a lounge chair made from soda can tabs, purses from old books and a mermaid of mosaic tiles.  The artists have shown their work in galleries and exhibits nationwide. - Mary Bird