Samuel Beckett’s ‘Happy Days’ at WSC Avant Bard, through Sunday What’s in a name? That which we call a rose etc., etc.
This quote from a one Bill Shakespeare is appropriate in light of the fact that the longtime Washington Shakespeare Company has recently changed its name to WSC Avant Bard.
According to WSC Avant Bard Artistic Director Christopher Henley, the Washington aspect of the company’s original name no longer needed to be stressed with added opportunities for those in the local theater scene. Also, the original name didn’t fully convey the edginess of the company’s productions, such as an all-nude “Macbeth.”
“We’ve become an edgier, envelope-pushing company,” said Henley. “Yet we had this institutional-sounding name.”
The first show under the company’s new moniker is Samuel Beckett’s “Happy Days,” which wraps up its run this weekend at Artisphere in Arlington.
Longtime WSC contributor Jose Carrasquillo directs “Happy Days.”
“When he comes to me with a project, I almost always immediately calendar it,” Henley said.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
Info: $30 Friday and Sunday, $35 Saturday night, pay what you can Saturday afternoon; wscavantbard.org
Blocktoberfest at Yards Park, Saturday
This might be the last opportunity to get out and just cut loose before fall settles into the area. The annual Blocktoberfest returns this year, at Yards Park. Enjoy a bunch of musical acts such as Dr. FU, White Ford Bronco, and a bunch of DJs. Plus plenty of food and drink. Ticket prices increase as the event gets closer.
When: 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday
Info: $20 general admission, $50 VIP (at press time, prices may increase); blocktoberfest.com
Bliss Dance Party anniversary at U Street Music Hall, Saturday
The brainchild of local DJ Will Eastman, the electronic Bliss Dance Party has become a staple of the D.C. night life scene. Groove to Eastman’s six-hour set on Saturday to celebrate the event’s 11th anniversary.
When: 10 p.m. Saturday
Info: $10; ustreetmusichall.com
Das Best Oktoberfest at National Harbor, Saturday and Sunday
With the end of September comes Oktoberfest, and with Oktoberfest comes the perfect excuse to drink lots and lots of great beer. At Das Best Oktoberfest at National Harbor, there are dozens of beers to be be enjoyed, as well as food and live entertainment such as the Kelly Bell Band and JunkFood. And don’t miss the Miss Oktoberfest contest and best beer belly competition.
When: VIP 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, regular admission noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sunday Funday noon to 4 p.m.
Info: $25 in advance and $30 on-site on Saturday, $45 in advance and $55 on-site on Sunday; dasbestoktoberfest.com
Wilco at Merriweather Post Pavilion, Sunday
Believe it or not, Wilco has been the favorite band of the cool kids for more than 15 years now. Jeff Tweedy and company release their eighth studio album on Tuesday, titled “The Whole Love.” Catch them at Merriweather on Sunday, with Nick Lowe, who is no slouch himself.
When: 5:30 p.m. doors Sunday
Info: $30 to 40; merriweathermusic.com
