Tag Archives: KidFree

March 6, 2017 · 5:34 pm

Giveaway! Go KidFree with FUN HOME at The National Theatre

Who’s up for a parents’ night out? (Me!) This giveaway is for those looking for a KidFree evening — and some FUN entertainment.

Every once in a while a Broadway musical comes along that surprises, moves and excites audiences in ways only a truly landmark musical can. The groundbreaking, life-affirming, and exquisite new musical FUN HOME was the event of the Broadway season, receiving raves from critics and audiences alike, winning five 2015 Tony Awards including Best Musical and making history along the way.

Based on Alison Bechdel’s best-selling graphic memoir, FUN HOME introduces us to Alison at three different ages as she explores and unravels the many mysteries of her childhood. A refreshingly honest musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes, FUN HOME is extraordinary, a rare beauty that pumps fresh air into Broadway. (New York Times)

FUN HOME is running at the National Theatre April 18 – May 13. Tickets are $48-98.

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Giveaway: For a chance to win tickets to see FUN HOME at the National Theatre on grand opening night, Wednesday, April 19 at 7:30pm, simply leave a comment below naming your all-time favorite musical. To be eligible, you must like KidFriendly DC on Facebook, and you can get an extra entry by entering there, too! This giveaway will run through March 20, 2017, then a winner will be drawn at random and announced shortly thereafter. Good luck!

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Filed under DC, Giveaway, Live Entertainment, Music, Parents, Spring, Theatre

Tagged as DC Live Entertainment, Fun Home, KidFree, National Theatre, Parents Night Out, Spring 2017, Ticket Giveaway

October 1, 2016 · 9:55 am

KFDC Review: Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Romeo and Juliet

Photo courtesy of Shakespeare Theatre Company

If a production of the classic Shakespearean tragedy Romeo and Juliet could be deemed fun, the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s current version of the story of star-crossed lovers is it. This modern day take on the play is loaded with LOL moments and an edgy flare that gives it a playful yet still dramatic tone. And at a show where we all know what happens, it’s this unique presentation that makes it so appealing.

From the opening scene when servants of both the Capulets and Montagues have a confrontational encounter, a contemporary aesthetic and air is established. The characters are dressed in modern clothes with accents that sound more New York than Renaissance. And the set is a deep red with mod furnishings, giving it all a loungy club feel. This vibe is at its peak during the Capulet’s party, where Romeo and Juliet have their love-at-first-sight moment amidst a partying crowd dancing to DJ-spun techno, a fantastically choreographed scene that is mesmerizing to watch.

Photo courtesy of Shakespeare Theatre Company

As for the laughs, most are elicited from Juliet’s nurse, played by Inga Ballard, who injects sass and humor into the role. And Mercutio, played by Jeffrey Carolson, delivers his lines with such a dude-like cynicism, you can’t help but chuckle when he speaks.

And speaking of characters, I have to note the main ones, played by Andrew Veenstra and Ayana Workman, were perfectly cast. His Romeo was earnest and endearing (not to mention quite handsome!), and her Juliet unjaded and exuberant. They have great chemistry and convey the drama of lovestruck teens exceptionally well.

Most of the “lighter” parts of the production occur in the first act and are balanced by darker drama in the second as the familiar plot unfolds. But the turn of the mood in no way deflects from the performance on stage, which is thoroughly captivating.

So, we all know how it ends (though on the chance you don’t, beware the spoilers in the image below), but it’s the execution of the play leading up to the finale that makes this production special. It also makes it one I’d recommend for kids, mature tweens and up. (I discussed this with the friend who joined me, and she agreed.) Of course, it would make for a great KidFree outing, too.

A little fun in the lobby during intermission

Romeo and Juliet is running at Lansburgh Theatre through November 6. The show is about 2.5 hours long with a 15-minute intermission. Tickets are $44-102.

Disclosure: I received complimentary tickets from Shakespeare Theatre Company to see Romeo and Juliet, however, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

KidFree: Babysitting, Compliments of Chime & Neighborhood Restaurant Group

Who wants an evening of free babysitting? Yes, you read that right. From now through Labor Day, you have the opportunity to enjoy four hours of kid-free time compliments of Chime by Sittercity and Neighborhood Restaurant Group!

Chime is a new on-demand babysitting service that connects you with a select group of sitters who parents in your neighborhood already love. Handpicked from the top 1% of Sittercity’s national database, Chime works with sitters who are highly rated and get glowing reviews from local families. It’s perfect for parents looking for an occasional date night sitter, since the screening process is, essentially, done for you.

You can try it out for FREE now through Labor Day. All you have to do is sign up for the service, and the first time you use it, enter the code NRG to receive four hours of babysitting credits — that’s a $60 value! There’s no charge to register, and it’s subscription free. When you use the service beyond the first time, you just pay a flat hourly rate based on the average cost of babysitting in DC ($15).

And if you need ideas on what to do with that time, consider Neighborhood Restaurant Group’s collection of award-winning restaurants or bars in DC and Virginia*. Current businesses include Iron Gate, Birch & Barley, ChurchKey, EatBar, Evening Star, Vermilion, Rustico, Red Apron, Buzz Bakery, Planet Wine, Bluejacket, Columbia Firehouse, B Side, The Sovereign, and Hazel. (I highly recommend Iron Gate, where we celebrated the launch of this awesome partnership!)

*If you first read about this in my Facebook post, note that you do not have to eat at one of NRG’s restaurants to get the babysitting deal. But they’re all fantastic options for a night out!

Now, go sign up and get out for an evening of KidFree fun!