National Cherry Blossom Festival & Petal Porch Parade
When: Through April 11
Where: Neighborhoods throughout the DMV
This year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival will be a bit different from the norm, but you can get in the spring spirit by taking a driving, walking or biking tour of seasonally decorated homes and porches (see here for a map). You’ll also find a full roster of fun events hosted by Arlington’s Aurora Highlands Civic Association at Virginia Highlands Park. Check the civic association’s website for updates.
Synetic Theater: Much Ado About Nothing
When: Beginning April 2
Where: On Synetic Streaming
The avant-garde theater revives its award-winning interpretation of the Shakespeare comedy—in this case set in 1950’s Las Vegas, where Rat Packers and glamorous ladies shake, rattle and roll. It’s an age-old tale that explores the true meaning of courtship, love and commitment.
Busboys and Poets Online Poetry Slams
When: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 8 p.m.
Where: Live on Instagram
April is National Poetry Month! Listen in or share your own words during one of Busboys and Poets’ live online open-mic and poetry slam events.
Simply Sondheim
When: Streaming through April 16
Where: Signature Theatre online
Twelve singers and a 16-piece orchestra gathered for three days to record this performance of 20 Stephen Sondheim numbers, and now, you have three more weeks to see it for yourself. The American composer and lyricist is known for musicals such as A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Sunday in the Park with George and Into the Woods. He also wrote the lyrics for West Side Story. For $35, viewers can stream the production on Marquee TV.
Stretched
When: Through June 5
Where: Arlington Arts Center, 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Nine painters stretch and transcend the traditional limits of their chosen medium with works incorporating unconventional materials and techniques. Featured artists include Amna Asghar, Rushern Baker IV, Erick Antonio Benitez, Mark Joshua Epstein, Saskia Fleishman, Jen Noone, Katherine Tzu-Lan Mann, Madeline Stratton and Rives Wiley. AAC will host virtual artist talks April 22 and 29, and May 7, from 6-7:30 p.m. Free.
Signature in the Schools: Here’s the Deal
When: Through June 30
Where: Online (Marquee TV app)
In this Signature in the Schools production, students in Mrs. Day’s Theatre III class study a nearly century-old crisis—the Great Depression—to try to make sense of the current one. Characters weigh the pros and cons of progressive legislation like FDR’s New Deal in this world-premiere play by Caleen Sinnette Jennings, performed by 32 students from 18 different schools. The show will be available for purchase ($5) through the Marquee TV app. Free streaming available to schools; email sigschools@sigtheatre.org for details.
Urban Soul
When: April 1-30, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Gallery Underground, 2100 Crystal Drive, Arlington
How does one capture the “soul” of a city? Artist Gustavo Forselledo attempts to do just that in this Gallery Underground exhibit with acrylic and ink on canvas and hardboard—and with a touch of inspiration from Uruguay’s Carols Paez Vilaró and Joaquín Torres García. Free.