In and Around Morningside-Skyline
By Mary McHale 301-735-3451
Arena Stage celebrates 75th anniversary
This fall marks the start of the 75th anniversary season at the Arena Stage in Southwest DC. Across that three-quarters of a century, the Arena has become one of the most important regional theaters not just in Washington, but in the country.
Many actors got their starts at the Arena, including James Earl Jones, Jane Alexander, Ned Beatty, Frances Sternhagen, George Grizzard, Philip Bosco, Roy Scheider, and Dianne Wiest. Along the way, the Arena has won numerous awards, including over 600 Helen Hayes Awards celebrating the best of Washington theater, as well as Tony Awards for Outstanding Region Theater in 1976, and as a producer for 2017 Best Musical-winner “Dear Evan Hansen”, which played at the Arena prior to opening on Broadway.
The Arena also changed my life.
In 1962, Mabel Harper, who lived on Clayton Lane, convinced me to join her for a play at the Arena Stage. I had seen plays before, but Mabel and I became regular theater-goers, especially at the Arena. Mabel died in 2001, but November 7th would have been her 99th birthday.
Over the years, my theater companions have changed. As they got older, I introduced each of my children—one at a time, so I could make sure they behaved—to theater, and then did the same with my grandchildren. I also saw many shows with fellow Skyline Drive resident Dot Curcio.
I went anywhere I could find an interesting show, and in the Washington area, there is always interesting theater happening somewhere. But I always returned to the Arena.
Eventually, I started ushering there, which was much cheaper than buying tickets, and which also got me access to the wonderful pre-show lectures for ushers. After many years of ushering, I retired and became a season-ticket subscriber, which I continued until COVID hit in 2020. I always got two tickets, knowing I’d be able to find some relative, friend, or neighbor to come along with me. And I always did.
For many years, the Arena had a formal repertory company. Show after show,
you’d see the same actors, here playing the romantic lead, there playing the villain, with a comic sidekick role coming later in the season. I loved the talent and versatility of Robert Prosky, Richard Bauer and wife Halo Wines, Tana Hicken, Stanley Anderson, and so many others.
In fall of 1973, I got to enjoy productions of “Our Town” and “Inherit the Wind”, plays the Arena had performed in Moscow and Leningrad that summer. The State Department had encouraged the Arena to go as a cultural-outreach initiative, and the trip made the Arena the first regional theater to perform American plays in the Soviet Union.
In the 1980s, “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” at the Arena introduced me to the work of August Wilson. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before, and I just wanted to see more. Since then, I’ve attended Wilson plays any chance I get, many of them at the Arena, including “Jitney” in 2019, which remains one of the finest productions I’ve ever seen.
One of my favorite experiences at the Arena happened off-stage at “Coming of the Hurricane”, which included Linda Powell in the cast. I saw it the same night as her parents, Colin and Alma Powell. I wanted to respect their privacy, but after the play, I just had to turn around and tell them, “Your daughter was great,” because she was. General Powell smiled and said, “We thought so.”
I’ve read great reviews for the current Arena shows, a revival of “Damn Yankees” and a new dramatic-comedy, “Fremont Ave.”, both of which close this month. I’d love to go, but it’s hard for me to get to the theater these days. I plan to make an exception, however, when they revisit “Inherit the Wind” next February, since it’s one of my favorites. I can’t wait.
If you’re interested in seeing something (and you should be!), you can get more information at their website, www.arenastage.org
Darnall’s Chance
Darnall’s Chance House Museum’s annual Gingerbread House Contest & Show celebrates the rich history and vibrant culture of Prince George’s County, Maryland. Entries must creatively reflect local landmarks, architecture, stories, and traditions that showcase the unique heritage of Prince George’s County. Participants are encouraged to draw inspiration from the county’s historic sites, cultural icons, historical events, and community narratives to bring their gingerbread creations to life.
Contest Categories 2025 Adult Division: Individual adult, age 17 years & up
Child Division: Individual child, age 8–16 years
Family Division: Group of 3–7 individuals of any age
Prizes Awarded for Each Category 2025
1st Place—$100 Gift Card
2nd Place—$75 Gift Card
3rd Place—$50 Gift Card
Viewer’s Choice Awards 2025 All entries are eligible for the Viewers’ Choice Awards, where public votes determine one winner in each of the three categories. Each winning entry will receive $300.
For questions or more information about this contest contact the museum at 301-952-8010 or darnallschance@pgparks.com.
The gingerbread houses will be on display from November 28 through December 14. You can visit every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in those dates, from noon to 5 p.m. Entry costs $2/person; ages 4 and under are free.
Milestones
Happy Birthday to Carolyn Follin, Nov. 1; Morningside Councilman Jim Ealey, Nov. 1; Pearl McNamara, Nov. 2; Carl McKlveen, Nov. 2; Luke Seidman, Nov. 3; Flossie Keck, Nov. 3; V.F.W. Post 9619, Nov. 4 (1947); Al and Debbie Callison, Nov. 4; Brandon Wood, Nov. 5; Bob Elborne, Nov. 5; Steve Call, Nov. 6; Linda Beatty, Nov. 6; Dennis Waby, Nov. 6; Davey Capps, Jr., Nov. 9; Linda Fortner Jumalon, Nov. 10; Cindy Lewis, Nov. 12.
Happy Anniversary to Michael and Maria (Blankenship) Jinks, Nov. 1; Becky and Dave Capps, Nov. 9; Roseann and Franny Rohan, Nov. 9.
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Brandywine-Aquasco
By Audrey Johnson 301-922-5384
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
Congratulations to Brandon and Ashley Holmes, Barron and Kendra Neal who are Clinton United Methodist Church members celebrating Wedding Anniversaries in November.
THE BOLD BUZZ
Where are they now? Calling all former Bowie State University Student-Athletes. Are you a former Bulldog student-athlete? If so, the Department of Athletics wants to reconnect with you. Please complete the form online to stay in touch and to receive updated information from the Department of Athletics. Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog. STAY CONNECTED: Website: bsubulldogs.com, Facebook:@BSUBulldogs, Twitter:@BSU-Sports-Info. BSU-Sports-Info, Instagram:BowieStateBulldogs.
KRIS KRINGLE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Join us for the 2025 Kris Kringle Christmas Market on Friday, December 12th (4–8 p.m.), Saturday, December 13th (9 a.m.–8 p.m.), Fireworks Saturday at 6 p.m. Sunday, December 14th (10 a.m.–3 p.m.) The Charles County Fairgrounds will once again be transformed into Winter Wonderland, complete with festive light displays, a spectacular fireworks show, live music. Southern Maryland’s favorite food trucks, one-of-a-kind handmade crafts, photos with Santa, children’s activities, and so much more.
Admission is $5 (Children 10 and under FREE). This is a non-profit event, with all proceeds benefitting the Southern Maryland Food Bank, the Charles County Volunteer Firemen’s Association, the Charles County Association of Emergency Medical Services, Inc. and the Charles County Fair. Charles County Fairgrounds, 8440 Fairgrounds Road, La Plata, MD, 20646. For further information contact 301-932-1234.
CELEBRATING 158TH CHURCH ANNIVERSARY
Nottingham Myers United Methodist Church will be celebrating their 158th Church Anniversary November 16, 2025, at 10 a.m. “Standing on Faith Covered by Grace” (2 Corinthians 12:9 (NRSVUE). Rev. Shemaiah Strickland, Pastor. Telephone: 301-888-2171.
LOVE, PEACE, AND UNITY HOLIDAY CONCERT
Join us for an exhilarating concert celebrating love, peace, and unity filled with positivity and connection. Cultural Academy for Excellence: Love, Peace and Unity Holiday Concert will be on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 2–4 p.m. EST. By CAFEYouthOrg.
Cost $12–$25 Location: Elizabeth Seton High School, 5715 Emerson Street, Bladensburg, Maryland.
HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE
Get ready to immerse yourself in the festive spirit at Harmony Hall’s annual Holiday Marketplace on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from10 a.m.–4 p.m. Enjoy the enchanting sounds of live music while sipping on warm refreshments. Explore a variety of vendor tables offering unique, handcrafted items and perfect stocking stuffers for everyone on your list. This free event is open to all ages, so bring your family and friends for a delightful holiday experience. Do not miss this magical opportunity to celebrate the season with us at Harmony Hall Arts Center, 10701 Livingston Road, Fort Washington, Maryland. Telephone 301-203-6070. Event Category: Special Event Special Events Holidays Celebrations Arts Senior Youth Free. Event Programs & Series of Arts Special Events (Harmony Hall) Workshops & Events (Harmony Hall).
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AT WATKINS
The Watkins Park Lights is held at Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro at 301 Watkins Park Dr, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774-1950. Another year rolls on, and yet another Christmas is upon everyone. The merriest and happiest time of the year is loaded with great food, family traditions, and a whole lot of adult drinks to make the party a lot jollier. While sitting by the fire is certainly cozy, adventure junkies like you should not miss visiting the Watkins Park Festival of Lights.
If you are looking for something festive and fun for the entire family to enjoy this upcoming yuletide season, you have come to the perfect place. From illuminated trails loaded with fairytale characters to shining Christmas lights brightening up some of Watkins Park’s every winter, Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro invites visitors to see the stunning drive-through holiday show with more than two million blinking Christmas lights.
This is a family event for all ages. You can drive through this event every night from November 28 through January 1, 5 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Please donate canned goods or non-perishable food to a Prince George’s County family in need. Get tickets https://www.pgparks.com/event_list/festival-of-lights-3
And Bikes and Lights is back! Attendees can get a chance to explore the lights while riding their bicycles. This particular event will take place on Sunday, November 23, 2025. For more details, you can visit the festival’s website. https://www.pgparks.com/event_list/festival-of-lights-bikes-and-lights
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND (UMES)
Alumni Updates: Anthony Brew (Class of 2005, Criminal Justice) has been selected to lead the Montgomery County’s (MD) Human Resources Department as its new Chief Human Resource Officer. Brew joins Montgomery County with more than two decades of experience in leading employee engagement and talent management at large organizations, including in Philadelphia and Montgomery County. Brew holds a bachelor’s degree in criminology from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and an Executive MBA from the Fox School of Business at Temple University.
Crystal Berger (Class of 2000, English), the founder and CEO of Baltimore-based EBO Corp, secured a $200,000 investment from TEDCO to help take automation, inclusivity, and Al innovation to the next level. Berger’s company is one of the only Black women-owned AI start-ups in the U.S.
Alexander Ryan Wycoff (Class of 2023, Aviation Science) became a pilot with Delta Air Lines in March at age 23. Information from University of Maryland Eastern Shore (THE KEY). A newsletter for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends May 25, 2025.
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