‘You, Nero’ at Arena Stage, through Jan. 1 Rome is rotten with narcissism, led by that well-known character Nero. Vice and chaos reign.
Sound familiar?
Yes, there are some parallels between “You, Nero,” making its East Coast premier at Arena Stage on Friday, and modern society.
“I don’t want to make it sound too highbrow, because there’s something in it for everybody, including the kitchen sink, literally,” said “You, Nero” director Nicholas Martin.
In this comedy, the only one who can save the day is a playwright. Can the art of theater restore order?
“It can strive to do so,” said Martin, making his Arena Stage debut.
This comedy is the work of writer Amy Freed, enjoying a residency at Arena Stage. The production stars Danny Scheie in the role of Nero.
“I’ve admired her work very much,” Martin said of Freed. “I read it and I was very excited about it. She’s a great writer.”
As part of a special “You, Nero” promotion, Arena Stage is offering a deal Nero would be keen on. If you wear a toga, you pay what you can. Any performance. (Two tickets per toga wearer, and available three hours before showtime).
When: Days and show times vary; check the website for details
Info: Tickets range in price; arenastage.org
Mr. Greengenes at the Clarendon Ballroom, Saturday
So you spent all day Thursday with the family, and then Friday disappeared into the void of shopping and hand-to-hand combat at the local malls. Well, the perfect cure for what ails you just might be popular party band Mr. Greengenes on the main stage at the Clarendon Ballroom, with DJ Lil Fos spinning in the lounge.
When: Doors 8 p.m., entertainment 10 p.m. Saturday
Info: $10 cover starts at 9 p.m.; clarendonballroom.com
Candlelight Tours at Mount Vernon, weekends through Dec. 18
If you haven’t been to Mount Vernon, or if the last time you went was on some middle school trip, this is the perfect time of year to pay a visit. Washington’s home is decked out for the holidays, and one of the highlights is the annual candlelight tours.
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 25 to 27 and Dec. 3 and 4, 10 and 11, and 17 and 18
Info: Adults $20, children under 12 $14; mountvernon.org
Muppets, Music & Magic: Jim Henson’s Legacy at AFI, through Dec. 22
If you haven’t heard, there’s a new Muppets movie out. To celebrate, AFI is holding a Jim Henson retrospective. Films this weekend include “The Dark Crystal” and “Labyrinth.” In December catch “Follow That Bird,” “The Muppet Movie,” and the best of them all, “The Muppets Take Manhattan,” among others.
When: Showtimes vary, through Dec. 22
Info: Members $8.50, nonmembers $11, children 12 and under $5; afi.com/silver
‘After the Fall’ at Theater J, through Sunday
This production of Arthur Miller’s “After the Fall” at the Washington DC Jewish Community Center wraps up Sunday. Directed by accomplished local Jose Carrasquillo, “After the Fall” is one of Miller’s most personal works.
When: 2 p.m. Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday
Info: $25 to $60; washingtondcjcc.org
