capitolstreets news
HillBuzz
by Celeste McCall
A
fter a long winter, spring has finally arrived. Washington’s famous cherry trees are peaking; our Cherry Blossom Festival runs through April 12. Rather than fighting the crowds at the Tidal Basin, you can enjoy the blossoms right here on Capitol Hill. Walk to the foot of the steps at the Capitol’s West Front for a panoramic view of trees surrounding the Washington Monument and beyond. Then walk towards Union Station to the back of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. There, you will find a little landscaped space with crocuses, tulips, daffodils and a half dozen flowering cherry trees. Stanton and Lincoln parks are full of the pale pink blossoms and other cherry trees are scattered around the Hill.
Queen Victoria (transferring to the larger Queen Mary 2 at Southampton, England) for a three-andone-half-month voyage around the world. The trio has traversed the Panama Canal, crossed the International Date Line and are visiting 38 ports-of-call in 27 countries including such exotic destinations as New Guinea, Saipan, Tonga and Vietnam. Throughout their trip, Patrick, a masseur/gourmet chef and Marilyn, an archeology professor, have kept us updated. They will be home this month, with photos and adventures to share.
Folger Star Power
Coming up at the Folger Shakespeare Library: Celebrated actress Lynn Redgrave returns to Folger Theatre with an intriguing performance. In “Rachel and Juliet,” Lynn portrays her mother, Rachel Kempson, who made her Stratford debut as Juliet in 1932. She went on to portray the tragic heroine numerous times. With her husband Michael Redgrave, Kempson produced an extraordinary theatrical family including Lynn’s sister Vanessa and the late Natasha Richardson. Intertwining her mother’s own words with passages from Shakespeare, Lynn Redgrave tells the fascinating story of her mother’s continued love affair with the role of Juliet. “Rachel and Juliet” runs April 10-12 with five performances. The Shakespeare Folger Library is located at 201 East Capitol St. SE. For tickets and information, call 202-544-7077.
Barracks Row Update
On Barracks Row, Cava Mezze/Wine Bar is slated to debut around April 1 at 725 Eighth St. SE, in the slot vacated last year by Marty’s. Based in Rockville, Cava is operated by a trio of young Greek Americans: Ted Xenohristos, Ike Grigoropoulos and chef Dimitri Moschovitis. Patrons can expect an assortment of mezze (small plates). Recently, we encountered visitors from Gaithersburg who were asking about Cava. They raved about the Rockville Cava’s lollipop shrimp, grilled baby lamb chops and baklava. Nearby, Molly Malone’s Irish pub should open any day now. Located at 713 Eighth St. SE, Molly’s is the reincarnation of Finn MacCool’s, purchased last fall and renovated by Xavier Cervera. He also owns Lola’s next door. Molly’s facade is moss green and gold with Celtic motifs; a long communal table with padded benches seats a dozen or more outside. The interior is brightened up with handsome wooden floors, Oriental rugs, and a gleaming new kitchen. The well-endowed Molly Malone, as any Irish fan knows, was a 17th century fish monger who hawked cockles and mussels through the streets of Dublin by day, and – come evenings – plied a very different trade. Hence the name of Molly Malone’s upstairs saloon: Chesty’s. (Or was it named after the most decorated Marine Corps General “Chesty” Puller?)
Church Paintings
News from the Capitol Hill Village, a nonprofit organization designed to help older Hill residents remain in their homes and retain their independence: CHV member Bill Matuszeski is exhibiting nine paintings of neighborhood churches in the lower level of the Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church, 4th St. and Independence Ave., SE, rear entrance. We checked it out and it’s a lovely little show. Each painting is based on a phrase from the Shaker hymn, “Simple Gifts,” immortalized by Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring” and incorporated in a new composition played at Barack Obama’s inauguration. Churches represented include Capitol Hill Presbyterian, St. Mark’s Episcopal, St. James Episcopal, Imani Temple, Christ Church, Mt. Paran, Mount Joy Baptist Church, Christ our Shepherd Church, and Ebenezer United Methodist. Exhibit hours are 9-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., and the
World Travelers
By now, Capitol Hill Village member Georgine Reed is on her way home from a round-the-world cruise. On Jan. 10, accompanied by fellow Hill residents Patrick McClintock and Marilyn Goldberg, Georgine departed New York aboard the luxurious
Top: Stanton Park cherry blossoms. Photo by Andrew Lightman Middle: World Travelers Patrick McClintock and Marilyn Goldberg. Photo by Andrew Lightman Bottom: Artist Bill Matuzeski is exhibiting his church paintings at CHPC 34 ★ HillRag | April 2009
show runs through April 13. This is Bill’s first solo show, but he and his wife, Mary Procter, have displayed their artwork in their home, at Glen Echo and at Results Gym on the Hill.
Around the Hill
Is Mayor Adrian Fenty training for the triathlon? He’s been spotted for the past several weeks swimming vigorously–for an hour at a stretch– at the William H. Rumsey Aquatic Center (Capitol East Natatorium) on North Carolina Avenue SE. And speaking of Hizzoner: Admiring Judy Bryon’s fashion-inspired art at the Corner Store’s March 14 reception were Adrian’s parents, Jan and Phil Fenty. The Fentys, who have known Judy for years, also chatted at length with Roy Mustelier, Kris Swanson’s husband, sharing tales about running, cycling and “knees that hurt.” Ouch. Yes, the Fentys still own their shoe store Fleet Feet, in Adams Morgan. Judy Bryon’s show runs through April 6. A couple of events coming up at the Corner Store, Capitol Hill’s social/cultural center: *April 18: Cabaret singers Kathy Reilly, Mary Reilly and Barry Abel celebrate spring with an evening of joyful music. Donation is $20 (which includes libations and light victuals), and show time is 8 p.m. *April 30, 7 to 9:30 p.m. A class for fused glass and jewelry making with Kris Swanson and Laurie Siegel. The $80 fee includes all materials. The Corner Store is at 900 South Carolina Ave. SE; call 202-544-5807 or check out events at cornerstorearts.org.
More Hill Theatrics
Playwright/actor Anthony Gallo, who lives on the Hill, has been gaining international recognition. Tony’s two-act play, “Margherita,” has been published in Great Britain by New Theatre Publications in Cheshire. Set during the early days of World War II, the drama examines the relationship between Benito Mussolini and his long-time mistress, Margherita Sarfatti. The play has been performed at Washington’s Woolly Mammoth (part of the Fringe Festival) the National Press Club and at the Corner Store, where Tony Gallo himself portrayed Mussolini. ★
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