Live Entertainment Winter 2021

1. Not that you haven’t heard, but Covid is everywhere. Our family had our own bout with it, which resulted in a canceled trip to see family, a winter break quarantine, and a Christmas celebration over the basement stairwell, since two of us were negative, two were positive at the time. (There is more to it, which you can read about here.) The CDC just shortened the recommended isolation time for Covid-infected people without symptoms. It’s now only five days instead of 10, then five days of wearing a mask around others. Also, it is now being reported that rapid antigen tests are not picking up Omicron as reliably as PCR.

2. If you’re looking for family New Year’s Eve celebrations, Noon Yards Eve is returning to Yards Park on Friday. The free, outdoor annual event features a magician, live music, carnival games, glitter tattoos, crafts, 2022 giveaways, a giant blow up slide, and more! Catering to kids of all ages, it will all culminate in a countdown to noon for young ones who might not make it to midnight. UPDATE: This even has been canceled.

Metrobar in NE is also hosting a family-friendly NYE sesh. Starting at 4pm, there will be festive cocktails for adults along with kids activities and games. Countdown the New Year with a 7pm toast (bubbly for adults, sparkling cider for kids) and watch the ball drop at midnight in London on a 20-foot screen. Firepits, patio heaters, a heated tent, deck heat lamp, and hot cocktails will keep everyone cozy outdoors. Free admission, but plan to purchase food and drinks, of course.

And a couple of other annual events that are still on this year, though indoors, are Midnight Noon at Maryland Science Center and Noontime New Year at Port Discovery, both in Baltimore. (The popular First Night Alexandria event has been canceled.)

3. Washingtonian has a round-up of local restaurants offering fun and festive takeout for New Year’s Eve.

4. DC Public Library’s most checked out, streamed, and downloaded books (and more) in 2021.

5. 21 Things That Made the World a Better Place in 2021 ❤️

Bonus: Who else is going to play Powerball this week?

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast comes to life at Olney Theatre Center with a production hailed by The Washington Post as “transformative.” It’s a tale as old as time, but it gets a new look from Tony-nominated director Marcia Milgrom Dodge (one of the featured professional directors on the Disney+ show “Encore”). Olney’s biggest show of the year brings the whole family together for a magical and memorable musical about the redemptive power of love. Join Belle, Lumiere, Cogsworth, and the rest of the gang in the Beast’s cursed castle for an escape to a world where beauty is more than skin deep and happily ever after is just a rose petal away.

Show Details
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is now running at Olney Theatre Center through January 2, 2022. Tickets are $54-$99 and can be purchased online or through the Box Office (301-924-4485). You can also try winning a Family 4-Pack to the performance on Friday, December 31, at 2pm through the giveaway below.

Health and Safety
Masks and proof of COVID vaccination are required at all performances. Patrons ages 5-11 who recently became eligible for the vaccine are not required to show proof of vaccination. Children, regardless of vaccination status, must be masked and accompanied by a vaccinated adult. At this time, Olney Theatre does not accept proof of a recent negative COVID test in lieu of vaccination.

Please note that seating in the Orchestra is at full capacity. Socially distanced seating is available in the Mezzanine at all performances. For more information visit: olneytheatre.org/vax

Giveaway!
For a chance to win a Family 4-Pack of Tickets to see Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at Olney Theatre on December 31, 2021 at 2pm, simply leave a comment on this post letting me know your favorite holiday movie. Get an extra chance to win by entering on the KidFriendly DC Facebook Page, too. This giveaway will run through Sunday, December 5, 2021, then a winner will be drawn at random and notified shortly thereafter. Good luck!