The Alden’s 2024-2025 Season

County of Fairfax, Virginia
The Robert Ames Alden Theatre
at the McLean Community Center
1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, Va. 22101
aldentheatre.org

Media Contact: Sabrina Anwah
Director of Marketing & Communications
703-790-0123/TTY: 711
571-230-5197 (work cell)
sabrina.anwah@fairfaxcounty.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024
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The Alden’s 2024-2025 Season features a world premiere dance performance and happy memory making moments for all ages

McLean, Va.—The Alden at the McLean Community Center (MCC) announces its 2024-2025 Professional Series. The season features the world premiere of “The Remember Balloons,” a dance-theater piece based on the book of the same name by Jessie Oliveros. “We are thrilled to present this new, beautiful and moving original work by award-winning choreographer Dominic Moore-Dunson,” said The Alden’s Director of Youth Theatre Programs, Danielle Van Hook. Moore-Dunson was named to Dance Magazine’s 2023 “25 to Watch” and developed the piece at a residency at The Alden earlier this year.

Other performances include appearances by Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown; beautiful family theater ranging from a retelling of “Peter Pan” to a musical celebration of Día de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead); illusionist Bill Blagg; an unforgettable commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day featuring Collage Dance Company, students from MCC’s dance program and Dr. King’s own words; and a Mardi Gras party with New Orleans jazz courtesy of Jazz at Lincoln Center PRESENTS. The Alden is located inside the McLean Community Center at 1234 Ingleside Ave.

Music
Koo Koo
Saturday, Sept. 14, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The Old Firehouse Center, 1440 Chain Bridge Rd.
$15/$12 students and seniors /$10 MCC district residents

Often described as the Beastie Boys meets Sesame Street, Koo Koo is a dance party for the senses. Lifelong friends and collaborators Bryan and Neil tour the globe delighting fans with their high-energy music, infectious positivity and interactive live show. Their comedic dance party songs are the backbone of a highly successful YouTube channel.

Dance
The World Premiere Performance!
“The Remember Balloons”
Friday, Oct. 18, 7 p.m.
$20/$17 students and seniors/$15 MCC district residents

The Alden is hosting the world premiere of this new performance based on the book “The Remember Balloons” by Jessie Oliveros and illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte. The dance theater work is directed and choreographed by Dominic Moore-Dunson with an original score by Theron Brown. James’ Grandpa treasures his balloons, each representing cherished memories—his wedding with Grandma, a fishing trip with James. When the balloons begin to drift away, James is devastated until he discovers he can share those balloons one by one. “The Remember Balloons” is a heartwarming intergenerational tale that embraces the beauty of sharing family memories while delicately addressing memory loss.

Theater
Just in time for Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead)!
“SUGAR SKULL! A Día de Muertos Musical Adventure”
Wednesday, Oct. 30, 7 p.m.
$15/$12 students and seniors/$10 MCC district residents

This bilingual/bicultural musical uses traditional music and dance from Mexico to tell the story of 12-year-old Vita Flores, who thinks her family has gone loco planning a celebration for deceased loved ones. Why throw a party for the dead? But when a spirited candy skeleton suddenly springs to life, Vita finds herself on a magical, musical journey that unravels the true meaning of Día de Muertos.

Music
The Judy Carmichael Trio
Sunday, Nov. 3, 2 p.m.
$30/$25 students and seniors/$20 MCC district residents

A stride pianist so accomplished that Count Basie nicknamed her “Stride,” Judy Carmichael is more than just a great jazz musician in the style of Fats Waller. She’s an enchanting performer and sharp as a tack. Many will know her from public radio show “Judy Carmichael’s Jazz Inspired,” and she brings the same charm, warmth and humor to the stage. The program will celebrate swing favorites of the American Songbook, from Gershwin and Cole Porter to Frank Loesser and Harold Arlen. “Astounding, flawless and captivating.” - The New York Times

Chamber Music
Adam Levin, Classical Guitar
Sunday, Nov. 17, 2 p.m.
$10/$7 students and seniors/$5 MCC district residents

Billboard chart-topping recording artist, Fulbright scholar and worldwide performer, Adam Levin, brings a beautiful and thoughtful concert to our chamber music series. Levin’s repertoire and expertise span J.S. Bach to contemporary Spanish music. Plus, he’s a professor, so you know the commentary will be enlightening. “Visceral and imaginative performances.” - The Washington Post.

Musical Theater
“L’Chaim II: A Tribute to the Jewish Legacy of Broadway (and Christmas)”
Sunday, Dec. 15, 2 p.m.
$40/$30 students and seniors/$25 MCC district residents

Back by popular demand. “L’Chaim” for Christmas!? Who do you think wrote all the best Christmas songs? Four Broadway singers return to The Alden for the ‘sequel’ to their wildly popular “L’Chaim” performance last year. More than just stellar voices singing the best of Broadway’s Jewish composers (everyone but Cole Porter), “L’Chaim II” traces the history of musical theater with the parallel history of Jewish Americans. But mostly, it’s great music sung by great singers.

Music
“It’s a Jazzy Christmas!”
Saturday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m.
$30/$25 students and seniors/$20 MCC district residents

Back by popular demand. “Spectacular.” “Amazing.” “Even better than expected.” With comments like this about last year’s “Jazzy Christmas,” not bringing it back would be like finding a lump of coal in your stocking. Saxophonist Lil’ Maceo, gospel violinist Eric Taylor and the rest of the crew join the stellar house band for an evening that will hit your holidays out of the park.

Chamber Music
Junwen Liang, Piano
Sunday, Jan. 12, 2 p.m.
$10/$7 students and seniors/$5 MCC district residents

Originally from Nanning, China, Junwen Liang is already making his mark on the classical music scene. He has concertized at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie and the Academy of Music in Philadelphia, won more competitions that we can begin to list and all while he has been pursuing his Performance Certificate at Peabody.

Dance
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
Collage Dance Company: “RISE Project”
Saturday, Jan. 18, 7 p.m.
$25/$20 students and seniors/$15 MCC district residents

Dr. King’s powerful “Mountaintop Speech,” which was delivered the day before he died, is the backdrop for this full-length neoclassical ballet. As we commemorate nearly 60 years since his passing, the work is both a reflection of what we have overcome and envisions where we go from here. Student dancers enrolled in MCC’s dance program, led by Art in Motion, will have a guest role in this performance!

Chamber Music
Ars Gratia Populi
Sunday, Feb. 2, 2 p.m.
$10/$7 students and seniors/$5 MCC district residents

Ars Gratia Populi (Latin for “art for the people's sake”) is a vocal ensemble that explores the interplay between art music and folk music in an a cappella setting. The six unaccompanied voices of the ensemble bring purity and intricacy to everything from Renaissance madrigals to Scottish Gaelic ballads to maybe even some modern standards.

Music
The Black Opry Revue
Saturday, Feb. 8, 7 p.m.
$30/$25 students and seniors/$20 MCC district residents

Country music has been made by and loved by Black people since its conception. Country, blues, folk and Americana music overlap or are woven together by a proper revue of Black country artists. In true Opry style, this concert will feature a variety of Black country music artists from around the country.

Magic

Bill Blagg: Magic & Illusion
Friday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m.
$20/$17 students and seniors/$15 MCC district residents

Experience the impossible! This action-packed spectacular is filled with mind-blowing magic and jaw-dropping illusions that will have you rubbing your eyes in disbelief. Over 90 minutes of incredible interactive magic.

Chamber Music
Barron Ryan, Piano
Sunday, Feb. 23, 2 p.m.
$10/$7 students and seniors/$5 MCC district residents

Not only is he an award-winning pianist, Barron Ryan is also a respected composer. Filling the void of funk-, pop- and country-inspired classical music, Ryan’s work includes a commission commemorating the Tulsa Race Massacre. His concert at The Alden will be a mix of genres, all played with the prowess of the classical pianist he is.

Music
A Jazz at Lincoln Center PRESENTS Production
“New Orleans Songbook”
Featuring Luther S. Allison, Milton Suggs and Quiana Lynell
Saturday, March 1, 7 p.m.
$30/$25 seniors and students/$20 MCC district residents

Just in time for Fat Tuesday, Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) brings the soul of New Orleans and the spirit of Mardi Gras to this amazing evening, celebrating the composers and inspired songs of the Crescent City, the historic epicenter of jazz. From Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong to Ellis Marsalis and James Black, New Orleans has long been an apex of innovation and inspiration. With world-class musicians and infectious energy, “New Orleans Songbook” immerses audiences in the captivating and timeless spirit of this vibrant city. 

Musical Theater
“Forbidden Broadway”
Sunday, March 16, 2 p.m.
$40/$30 students and seniors/$25 MCC district residents

Broadway talent. Broadway tunes. Off-Broadway humor. This long-running New York institution parodies current plays and musicals and is perfect for Broadway lovers and new audiences alike. “Forbidden Broadway” the one-stop ticket to all the shows and all the nonstop laughs.

Theater
Tutti Frutti Productions: “Underneath the Magical Moon”
Sunday, April 27, 4 p.m.
$15/$12 students and seniors/$10 MCC district residents

Through her open window, Wendy Darling normally gazes out at the night sky dreaming of blue lagoons, magical moons and the imagined stories she can tell. But tonight, like no other, has magic in the air... “Underneath a Magical Moon” set in the backyard where Wendy and her brothers are camping out. There’s a full moon, and Wendy just can’t get to sleep so she begins to tell her brothers a story. Join us for this enchanting, reimagined story of “Peter Pan,” told by Wendy, as we fly into a fantastical world of adventure, where the impossible seems possible and if you close your eyes and believe, you really can make anything happen.

Chamber Music
Borisevich Duo, Piano and Violin
Sunday, May 4, 2 p.m.
$10/$7 students and seniors/$5 MCC district residents

In a recent poll, Alden audiences named the Borisevich Duo their favorite artists in our chamber music series. With their impeccable technique and artistry, illuminating commentary from Peabody Conservatory professor Nikita Borisevich (violin) and the chemistry that only a husband-wife duo can have, it’s no surprise that they’re a fan favorite!

Variety
360 Allstars
Wednesday, May 7, 7 p.m.
$30/$25 students and seniors/$20 MCC district residents

Spinning circles around the competition, 360 ALLSTARS showcases a dream team of sensational champs in a supercharged physical performance celebrating street culture—BMX, basketball, breakdancing, beatboxing, acrobatics, drumming and more. Boasting a stellar international cast of world champion and world record-holding athletes and artists, the show has had sold out runs on Broadway and at Sydney Opera House and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Theater
Terrapin Puppet Theatre: “The Paper Escaper”
Sunday, May 11, 4 p.m.
$20/$17 students and seniors/$15 MCC district residents

At first, the world of the Paper Escaper exists only in white, blacks and greys---but then, the Illustrator reveals a vividly colored pop-up book and the books newest character, Benny. The plucky puppet protagonist has aspirations that take him off of the page and he is eager to explore the world beyond the book. Unpersuaded by his resolve, the Illustrator makes a series of escalating traps to try to make Benny stay put. This nonverbal work uses striking visuals and puppetry, as well as dynamic original music and cartoon-like sound effects, to tell a story of determination, friendship and the power of following your own path.

Chamber Music
Francesca Hurst, Piano
Sunday, June 8, 2 p.m.
$10/$7 students and seniors/$5 MCC district residents

Recognized for her “tender lyricism” (The Washington Post), yet not afraid to shout, swing her foot onto the piano or don fingerless gloves if the music demands it, pianist Francesca Hurst divides her playing between classical and contemporary music. She makes sense of the music regardless of style and period and is passionate about connecting with audiences. Hurst is on the piano faculty at The Catholic University of America and the University of Virginia.

Musical Theater
Jason Robert Brown & Friends
Saturday, June 14, 7 p.m.
$50/$45 students and seniors/$35 MCC district residents

Three-time, Tony Award-winning composer and living legend of musical theater, Jason Robert Brown performs an intimate evening filled with musical brilliance. JRB & Friends offers a close-up look at the career of the composer, director, orchestrator and lyricist. Hear anecdotes and personal insights from the man who wrote “Parade,” “The Bridges of Madison County,” “The Last Five Years,” “Songs for a New World,” “13” and other favorites. He will be joined by his longtime trio and special guests. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the genius of Jason Robert Brown up close.

Tickets are on sale now! To purchase tickets or for more information, visit the website, aldentheatre.org.

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About The Alden
Built in 1975, the 383-seat Robert Ames Alden Theatre, “The Alden,” is a cultural resource for the citizens of McLean and the Washington Metropolitan area that presents a full professional season of interdisciplinary and high-quality performances, lectures and educational programs for audiences of all ages.

ADA Accommodations. The Alden is ADA-compliant and will make arrangements for accommodations. For ADA accommodations, contact Patron Services Manager Elizabeth Katz at elizabeth.katz@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-790-9223, TTY: 711. To request this information in an alternate format, call 703-790-0123, TTY: 711, or visit: aldentheatre.org.

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The Robert Ames Alden Theatre is a cultural resource for the citizens of McLean that presents high-quality performances, lectures and educational programs for audiences of all ages. The Alden Theatre is ADA-compliant and will make arrangements for accommodations. To request this information in an alternate format, call 711.