After earning 15 Helen Hayes Award nominations for its 2011 production of King Lear, Synetic Theater storms into Spring with Shakespeare’s boisterous romantic comedy –The Taming of the Shrew. 

The eighth installment of Synetic’s renowned “Silent Shakespeare” series is the funniest Synetic comedy to--‐date. This eye--‐popping production, packed with larger--than--life visuals, farce, stunning dance, and acrobatics is performed at the Lansburgh Theatre in a continued special alliance with The Shakespeare Theatre Company. The set features monumental paintings created by the Scenic and Costume Designer Anastasia R. Simes.

The play centers on the contentious courtship between bohemian artist Petruchio (Ryan Sellers) and headstrong businesswoman Katherine (Irina Tsikurishvili). Director Paata Tsikurishvili places this merry battle of the sexes into modern context, as Hollywood stars, bikers, and models rule and roar to the original tunes of Konstantine Lortkipanidze. "I tried to modernize this seemingly archaic play," said Paata Tsikurishvili, adding, "I took a compassionate look into a world obsessed with fame and glamour that is full of people in need of real love struggling to see past their egos."

Synetic founder and eight--‐time Helen Hayes Award recipient Irina Tsikurishvili stars as Katherine and veteran Synetic Company Member Ryan Sellers stars as Petruchio. The production also features Synetic Company Members Scott  Brown, Philip Fletcher, Katherine Frattini, Chris Galindo, Irina Kavsadze, Renata Loman, Alex Mills, Dallas Tolentino, Vato Tsikurishvili, and Hector Reynoso. 

Dates: March 31 – April 22, 2012, Lansburgh Theatre
Regular Run: Wednesdays – Saturdays 8:00pm, Saturday --‐ Sundays 2:00pm, Sundays 7:30pm
Opening/Press Night:  Sunday, April 1 at 7:30pm;
Student Matinee: Wednesday,  April 11 at 11:00am.
Tickets: $43 – 65 regular, student tickets starting at $15. Military, senior and group discounts available.
$35  Preview Performances: March 31 at 2:00pm and 8:00pm

ABOUT SYNETIC THEATER Founded  in 2001 by the husband and wife team of Paata and Irina Tsikurishvili, Synetic  Theater is the region’s premier physical theater fusing dynamic art forms—such as text, drama, movement, acrobatics, dance, and original music. Synetic has received a total of 89 Helen Hayes Award nominations and 21 Awards including for
directing, choreography, acting, costume design, and best play.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Venue: Lansburgh Theatre, 450 7th Street, NW, Washington, DC
Metro: Archives--‐Navy  Memorial--‐Penn Quarter (Yellow/Green lines) or Gallery Pl--‐Chinatown  (Red/Green/Yellow lines)
Box Office: 202.547.1122 or www.synetictheater.org

guest blog post by my single, good looking, and financially stable neighbor: Justin Chan of Bacon, Egg & Deez.

You may be wondering how a single, 30 year old guy like me heard of the cake show.  Through the power of the Internet and an iPhone app, I was able to snag a deal onLivingSocial and all I could think about was free samples (how
utterly wrong I was).  Maybe I had to purchase the upgraded ticket for the cupcake competition that evening, but my attention span can only be held so long and I got things to do.  

In any case, I got to walk around tables and tables of cakes.  In addition to professionals, cakes were also made by amateurs of all ages, from up-and-coming six year olds, to seasoned Betty (and possibly Billy) Crockers.  

So with my trusty camera, I managed to snap several hundred pictures.  Yes, there were that many cakes (and I noticed that I missed a few while developing my pictures).  Oh well, maybe next year.  Here are some memorable shots:

1. Do. Not Touch.

2. The best part. Frosting shots. Looks like some of us aren’t beating around the bush. 

3. EXTERMI-BAKE EXTERMI-BAKE. This is from Doctor Who, for those of you who aren’t familiar with it.

 4.  This is a cake? It looks too real to be a cake.  It belongs in a terrarium.

5.  NANTS INGOYAMA

 6.  Egyptian.  

7. Toy Story.

Someone’s always chopping onions when I watch this scene:

8.  Super Mario Bros.!

9.  She deserves some award.

This six-year-old made the farm cake right behind her.  She was walking around, scoping out the  competition and I was lucky enough to get a picture of her next to her entry.  Her mom says making the cake is like playing with Play-Doh.  I say keep it up.

More information about the cake show at cakeshow.org.

Guest blog post by Tish Perkins, Multi-Award Winning Makeup Artist & Certified Lash Stylist
Is it your anniversary or wedding and you want to give that special person in your life the ultimate gift – YOU! …but not just everyday you. You want to give the sexy, sophisticated and flirty you...

You’re not really sure what a “Boudoir Session” is? Boudoir is the French word for “Bedroom” which is typically the setting for this tasteful, yet fun and sexy, photo shoot.  

Boudoir Tips from Tish:

·         Because we each have our own definition of sexy, you have the freedom to pick a theme that can be created through your outfits of choice (nurse or librarian maybe!).
·         Or, keep it classic with stunning bras, panties, thigh-high fishnet stockings, corsets, boy shorts or maybe his white button up business shirt! 
·         Don’t forget your sexy footwear and accessories; stiletto heels, pearls, lace, faux fur and lots of bling add pizzazz and will help complete your gorgeous look.
·         Remember:  A Boudoir session is for women of all sizes; so you don’t have to be model thin to look and feel beautiful. Curves are in and trust me, they photograph beautifully.
·         Imagine arriving for your session and having a professional makeup artist create your look of choice. Do you want a sexy, pinup inspired look or maybe you’re thinking “glamorous,” or you can keep it simple with a soft look?  It doesn’t matter what you choose, the session itself will be memorable and your photos stunning.

So don’t hesitate to treat yourself to an amazing boudoir and beauty session and a custom designed album filled with gorgeous photos of you that become a lifetime keepsake.

Photos by Soraya Duke and Makeup Artistry by Tish created the looks.

connect: www.muabytish.com
facebook: MakeUp Artistry by Tish
twitter: @TishHPerkins

Last week, we decided to take a break from reality and go on a little getaway as a family. We didn’t want to stay in VA, so we headed up north to Gettysburg, PA for a few days of history and R&R. We were invited to stay at the Inn at Lincoln Square – which happens to be the #1 ranked Bed & Breakfast in Gettysburg via TripAdvisor.

We packed the car and headed up 15N (which is a beautiful, quiet drive). Less than 100 miles and two hours later, we pulled around the town square and parked right next to a statue of Abe Lincoln pointing to the bedroom where he slept the night before he gave the Gettysburg Address. We knocked on the front door of the Inn and Jeanine, the housekeeper, opened the door with a huge smile and said “You must be Andrea! Welcome!” She showed us to our suite right away. There were freshly baked muffins and a fruit bowl on the table for us. (Bonus:  In a hidden full size kitchen, there was a Keurig machine with Donut House coffee – my fave!)

Greg, the Innkeeper, arrived right away to give us a tour. The room was immaculate and filled with hand stitched quilts and local art and pottery. I could feel the history around me. The pictures speak for themselves:

Greg reminded me a lot of my Uncle Philip: tall, baseball cap, jovial, history buff, and he couldn’t wait to “make a plan”. He anticipated every question that I had asked. From battlefield tours by horseback to local boutiques, his recommendations were on point. As for dinner, he already knew the best spot for us and had the number for reservations on speed dial.

Example of the shock and awe customer service: After dinner we took a long walk around town to check out the boutiques. We were heading back around 10pm and I thought that maybe I should text Greg to see if he could put up a cot for our three year old. I felt bad texting so late with such a request. Greg’s response “I’m one step ahead of you, Andrea. The cot is already set up in your room – Have a great night!” Seriously? How awesome is that?

I have to admit, I have never stayed at a B&B before – it is much different than a hotel – in the most amazing ways. From feeling completely spoiled with excellent customer service to the softest handmade quilts, it was hard not to stay an extra night.

50% off Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Fully Charged tickets for select shows at the Patriot Center! Promo Code AD12!

got a few of my neighbors to throw in... hopefully you won't hear from me again after the drawing tomorrow night :-)

Time is running out to claim your free Maggiano’s flatbread! Visit http://bit.ly/MaggianosWhosInYour20 to enter the Who’s In Your 20? Sweepstakes and get a free flatbread sent fresh to your email inbox!

Who’s In Your 20? offers one lucky winner at each of the forty-four Maggiano’s locations the opportunity to treat yourself and 19 of your friends to a private dining experience. Want to up your chances of winning? You can get an additional entry (up to 20) into the sweepstakes for each friend with whom you share Who’s In Your 20? With each restaurant hosting a winning party, a total of 880 people will enjoy the private dining experience offered by Maggiano’s!

You can register now for the chance to win the Ultimate Dinner Party for twenty and receive a free flatbread, but hurry, time runs out on April 2, 2012!

Baby Bash and Bling Expo & Show is an event celebrating expecting moms!  Monica Byrd created this event so moms-to-be can stay fabulous during their pregnancy.  The main event is the “Bump the Runway” Fashion Show where models show off the latest styles and provide future moms with creative fashion ideas.

The Moms Rock event was held at the swanky Bloomingdale’s in Friendship Heights.  Expecting mothers and guests enjoyed shopping discounts of 20% off Women’s and Children apparel and 10%  off Cosmetics.  Swag bags contained a blue or purple baby blanket and a DJ was on hand mixing some upbeat tracks.   Cherry blossom and vanilla cupcakes were provided by Enjoi Cupcakes. 

What do you think of Kate Winslet's Titanic red carpet looks - then and now? I can't believe it's the same person!

I was recently invited to join a small network of local bloggers via facebook - and they immediately made me the social coordinator. Naturally, I assumed the position and had an event planned in no time.

Last week, we got a chance to catch up with each other and enjoy a cooking class at Alice and Louise Catering and Cooking School. great tip: you can bring your own wine bottle of wine and enjoy while you cook!

The highlight of my night was making warm pear butter with rosemary and cinnamon served over some blue cheese ... spread onto ginger snaps. o. m. g!  we also made fresh pesto with spinach and almonds, sampled Mother Earth Meals' different salsas, and lathered up our plates with dark chocolate ganache before placing our Simply Desserts peanut butter chocolate chip cheesecakes on our plates!

special thanks to @Caffeine and a Prayer for organizing the group! I had such a great time!