A grand new museum, a Beatles cartoon art show, Marg Helgenberger onstage and more.
The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture opens to the public Sept. 23 (Photo Courtesy @NMAAHC Facebook)
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY & CULTURE
GRAND OPENING
The time has finally come to experience the first major museum to open on the National Mall in decades, the $200 million Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Oprah Winfrey was the seed donor with $20 million and Michael Jordan recently gave $5 million. The museum will be home to more than 36,000 artifacts that document African American life, history and culture. Visit on grand opening day for “Freedom Sounds: A Community Celebration” that continues with festivities throughout opening weekend, including a dedication on Sept. 24. Opens Sept. 23, Admission is free, nmaahc.si.edu.
‘THE LITTLE FOXES’ AT ARENA STAGE
SIBLING RIVALRY
Familial fights take center stage in Lillian Hellman’s classic tale of greed and betrayal. Emmy-winning actress Marg Helgenberger (known for her role on “CSI”) stars as Regina Giddens, a woman determined to grab the family fortune away from her equally ruthless brothers. Set at the turn of the century with lavish costumes and talented cast, “The Little Foxes” is the first of two full productions in the Lillian Hellman Festival honoring the controversial playwright and political activist throughout the year. Sept. 23-Oct. 30 in the Kreeger Theater at Arena Stage. Tickets range from $40-90 and can be purchased online at arenastage.org, by phone at 202-488-3300 or at the sales office.
The studio model of the Starship Enterprise from the original Star Trek series underwent an extensive restoration and is now on view in the “Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall” at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum (Image by Eric Long, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution)
‘STAR TREK’ AT THE SMITHSONIAN
SCI-FI CELEBRATION
The National Air and Space Museum is paying homage to “Star Trek” on its 50th anniversary. “Boldly Go 50” invites fans for three nights of special programs that “explore the history of the science-fiction franchise and its role in inspiring generations of real scientists, innovators and explorers.” Artifacts on display include the 11-foot studio model of the Starship Enterprise used in all 79 episodes of the original series. Activities include special screenings of episodes and “Star Trek”-related documentary films, selfie stations with a botanic oasis inspired by the show’s set designs, sky gazing with staff from the Phoebe Waterman Haas Public Observatory, talks with special guests and museum experts and “Star Trek”-inspired treats. Sept. 8-10. Join the conversation by using #BoldlyGo50, airandspace.si.edu.
BEATLES CARTOON ART SHOW
ANIMATED EVENINGS
The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” animator and Saturday morning cartoon series director Ron Campbell is coming to Reston for a rare appearance.The legendary animator will be exhibiting his Beatles cartoons, painting new works on-site and showing other artwork from his 50-year career in children’s television that feature beloved cartoon characters Scooby Doo, Winnie the Pooh, the Flintstones and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. All works will be available to purchase. ArtInsights, Reston Town Center, Sept. 23-25, BeatlesCartoonArtShow.com.
Participate in the George Washington Patriot Run (Photo Courtesy of George Washington’s Mount Vernon)
GEORGE WASHINGTON PATRIOT RUN
SCENIC SPRINT
Those participating in a day of family fitness at the George Washington Patriot Run will get to dash up and down the scenic George Washington Memorial Parkway while enjoying views of the beautiful mansion and grounds. Photo opps with “General Washington” and a free children’s “FunRun” are also available. Sept. 11, 8 a.m., The 10k and 5k race registration is $50 and includes admission to Mount Vernon, a race t-shirt, finisher medal and post-race drink ticket. Visit mountvernon.org.
These picks appear in the September 2016 issue of Washington Life.
