I’m a tad late posting Friday’s column, but most of my picks begin on Monday so it’s a great week for a Hump Day theatrical performance. I’m going to press night for “West Side Story,” so stay tuned for a review, and I can’t wait see the Woolly Mammoth’s latest as well, which will surely be of interest to all the political junkies in this town. You can find all the details for these shows and more in Friday’s paper, PDF format, and below.

Get Out: The Week’s Pocket Picks for May 30, 2014

The Washington Times

By Samantha Sault

 Pick of the Pack: The Totalitarians

“Yes We Can.” “Country First.” “Believe in America.” These phrases may inspire or anger you, depending on your political inclinations. They also may cause you to ask what, exactly, the candidates mean by their bombastic campaign slogans. On Monday, the Woolly Mammoth will debut a dark comedy that exposes the absurdity of modern political discourse, and the affect it can have on society. “The Totalitarians” follows Penelope Easter, a wealthy, vain housewife in Nebraska who mounts a statewide campaign for public office, and her speechwriter, Francine Jefferson, who is young and hungry to get out of town and onto bigger and better campaigns. They come up with the perfect slogan that could help Penny win—but only if the public doesn’t realize that it’s completely meaningless. If the world of political speechwriting fascinates you, make plans to attend the June 24 benefit performance, with a reception and discussion by four former speechwriters for every president since George H. W. Bush—and be sure to visit Penny’s campaign website at vote4penny.wordpress.com before the show. Through June 29 at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D St. NW. 202/393-3939. Web: woollymammoth.net.

Jazz: The Jazz Samba Project

In 1961, American jazz guitarist Charlie Byrd toured South America on a State Department diplomatic tour. When he discovered bossa nova in Brazil, knew he had to bring the soulful sound back to the United States. He gathered saxophonist Stan Getz and four bassists and drummers to record “Jazz Samba” at the All Souls Unitarian Church in Northwest Washington, which launched the bossa nova craze of the 1960s. Featuring the Grammy-winning “Desafinado,” it remains the only jazz album to reach No. 1 on the Billboard pop chart. Beginning Friday, Strathmore will celebrate the album with a week of music and educational events. On Monday, see the premiere of a documentary about the rise of bossa nova in the United States, and next Saturday, June 7, enjoy a symposium about “Jazz Samba” and its influence on American music. Strathmore will also host performances by the Ron Kearns Quartet, Sergio Mendes, Verronneau and an original member of the Charlie Byrd Trio, as well as a multimedia exhibit about the genre. Through June 15 at the Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, N. Bethesda, Md. 301/581-5100. Web: strathmore.org.

Festival: The Brooklyn Brewery Mash

Washingtonians love their craft beer—as evidenced by the breweries and bars popping up in all four quadrants. This week, get a taste of both local brews as well as those by the Brooklyn Brewery, which will bring its traveling food and arts festival to the District. The Mash begins Sunday with brunch at Jack Rose Dining Saloon in Adams Morgan, where you can try the Brooklyn Brewery’s Mary’s Maple Porter along with hangover-curing entrees. If you feel like an excursion to the country, get tickets for Sunday’s pop-up supper club at Georges Mill Farm in Lovettsville, Va., featuring a farm-fresh dinner, family-friendly games and entertainment, and plenty of beer. Other festival events include a lecture about the craft beer movement and book signing with Brooklyn Brewery co-founder Steve Hindy, a showcase of New York-based comedians at RedRocks H Street, and of course, tastings at various locations throughout the city. Through June 7 citywide. Web: brooklynbrewerymash.com/washington-dc. 

Dance: DanceAfrica 2014

If you aren’t quite ready for bathing suit season, an event this week will help you get moving. The 27^th DanceAfrica festival, held at Brookland’s Dance Place, will celebrate the music and dance of the African Diaspora with a week of performances, master classes and cultural activities. Beginning Monday, enjoy performances by traditional and contemporary West African dance companies from the Washington area and around the country, including Illstyle & Peace Productions, a Philadelphia dance group that combines hip-hop, modern dance and positive messages. Throughout the week, groups including the KanKouran West African Dance Company, Farafina Kan and Dance Place’s own Coyaba Dance Theater will be on hand to teach you the moves. The event culminates next weekend with a two-day festival featuring live music and dance, arts and crafts, food and an African marketplace with jewelry, clothing, handicrafts and more. Through June 8 at the Dance Place, 3225 8^th St. NE. 202/269-1600. Web: danceplace.org.

Theater: West Side Story

“West Side Story” made waves when it opened on Broadway in 1957 for featuring a dark storyline about societal ills mixed with vibrant music and dance. But the dramatic musical actually debuted at Washington’s National Theatre for previews—and Tuesday, it returns to the same theater for just one week. Inspired by Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” the show follows Tony, a member of a gang of Polish-American boys called the Jets, who falls in love with Maria, the sister of the leader of the rival Puerto Rican gang, the Sharks. Can the two overcome their violent surroundings to live happily ever after? Expect to hear beloved songs by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, including “Maria, “Tonight, “I Feel Pretty,” and more that will have you dancing in the aisles—and wiping away tears over the fate of the star-crossed lovers. The current tour features the original Tony Award-winning choreography by Jerome Robbins. Through June 7 at the National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 202/628-6161. Web: thenationaldc.org. 

© Copyright 2014 The Washington Times, LLC and Samantha Sault