Author: MoCoAdmin

Rockville Little Theatre Advances to Eastern States Theater Festival

ROCKVILLE, MDRockville Little Theatre performed a 45-minute selection from their recent production of PRIDE@PREJUDICE by Daniel Elihu Kramer at the Maryland Community Theatre Festival (mctfa.org) held in La Plata on February 11 – 12.  PRIDE@PREJUDICE was originally performed at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre in Rockville, MD  from January 28 – February 5.

RLT competed against six other productions: Kentland’s Community Players, Port Tobacco Players, Raging Hag Productions, Newtowne Players, New Direction Community Theatre and The British Players.

PRIDE@PREJUDICE was directed by Laura W. Andrusk and produced by Teresa Gillcrist.  The Assistant Director/Technical Director was Aaron Skolnik. The cast included Niranjali Amerasinghe, Lena Winter, Meghan Williams Elkins, Ian Swank and Joseph Coracle.

PRIDE@PREJUDICE garnered the following accolades:

  • Outstanding Stage Manager to Aaron Skolnik,
  • Outstanding Ensemble Performance,
  • Outstanding Achievement in Acting to John Coracle,
  • Ed-Ro-Char Award for Technical Excellence, and
  • Outstanding Production.

The win for Outstanding Production allows Rockville Little Theatre the opportunity to take their production to the Eastern States Theatre Festival (estafestival.org/) in Wilmington, DE on April 14  –  16.

Rockville Little Theater (RLT) was founded in 1948 and is the oldest continuously operating 501(c)3 nonprofit live theatre in the Rockville area. RLT provides high quality performances at reasonable prices. We strive to entertain, enlighten and educate all who attend our theatrical events. RLT offers an opportunity for community members to step out of their everyday lives and to assume new roles as playwrights, actors, directors, costume designers, set designers, and audiences. Join us at rlt-online.org.

Awards Photo L to R: David Gross, President-MCFTA; Teresa Gillcrist, P@P Producer, RLT, Laura W. Andruski, P@P Director, RLT; Scott  loom, VP-MCTFA. Photo credit by Vanessa Bisbee Markowitz

Explore Black History in Downtown Rockville

Explore Black history in Rockville with the interactive African-American Heritage walking tour map developed by the City of Rockville’s Department of Community Planning and Development Services.

As one of Maryland’s oldest towns, Rockville’s history stretches back to colonial times. With its long history, Rockville is the location of several people and places that played a significant role in Black history from the 18th century through the 20th. Downtown Rockville contains over a dozen locations (both existing and demolished) that set the stage for the fight for rights of African Americans in the area.

The walking tour touches on the historic themes common to the African American experience, such as slavery, emancipation, religion, education, commerce, and civil rights. Use the interactive map to locate and learn about specific sites like Adam Robb’s Tavern, Beall-Dawnson House, and the Red Brick Courthouse.

Find the African-American Heritage Walking Tour Map here: https://arcg.is/1XXbqi  

Information courtesy of the City of Rockville

VisArts Artist’s Work Featured on Amazon Prime Video Series As We See It

A local artist in a program for young adults with disabilities has just accomplished something few artists have ever achieved. Her work was chosen to promote a new show about young people on the autism spectrum.

7News talked to Sarah Davie about this thrilling honor, her artwork, and her message to others with learning challenges.

You may have seen the bold, brightly colored promotional material for the new show on Amazon Prime about young adults with autism, called As We See It. The rainbow of geometric shapes on the backdrop artwork was created by Rockville artist Sarah Davie.

“Honestly it feels great to show the art and to let others know who is on the spectrum it sends a message that you can do it,” Davie said.

Davie did the piece as an artist in Rockville, Md. at Visarts, an art program for young adults with disabilities. Her message is inclusivity.

The title is called “The vision of pride.”

“The artwork is based on all colors, like skin colors, gender identities, all colors for everybody just to let everybody know everybody is welcome with all colors, different colors.”

Davie said living with disabilities left her struggling to adjust and find purpose and joy. But, when she discovered art, her life changed for the better.

“It feels great it’s like therapy. It calms me down and keeps me busy. I feel so much confidence, like when I do artwork.”

And it’s allowed her to thrive in other areas of her life too. Davie is also the goalie for the Montgomery Cheetahs, a special hockey team for kids with developmental disabilities. Her artwork will show she’s also a huge fan of the Washington Capitals.

Sarah’s mom’s advice to parents out there.

“Find what makes your child shine,” said Lisa Davie. “She [Sarah] does art that helps her through tough situations, to celebrate nature, the eagles and the capitals, she does art to get her through all of that, the good and the bad and it’s really wonderful to see her blossom.”

Like the moment she saw her artwork displayed in the middle of Times Square New York.

“Honestly, at first my reaction, my mom showed me the photo and I said ‘is this real,’ she said ‘yes it’s real,’ I was in shock with happiness!”

Sarah told 7News she has now had several pieces of her art commissioned, so she is proud to report she is a working artist doing what she loves as a career.

Originally published on 7News DC

Fox 5 DC Zip Trip’s 5 Must Stops in Rockville

Whether it’s for work, for play or for life – Rockville’s vibrant residents, neighborhoods and businesses make it one of the nation’s best cities – all just outside Washington, D.C.!

There are so many fun things to do when visiting Rockville it’s hard to keep count! Here are THE 5 MUST STOPS that you just can’t miss when taking your own ZIP TRIP!

OLD RED BRICK COURTHOUSE: Come visit one of the most historic buildings in Rockville! See the iconic brickwork laid in 1891. Learn about the many cases about African-American legal rights that were tried here.

ROCK CREEK REGIONAL PARK: Explore eighteen hundred acres of preserved nature! Engage with the natural and cultural history of the park with the Meadowside Nature Center. Take out a boat and fish on Lake Needlewood.

COFFEE REPUBLIC: Taste delicious coffee made from local roasters in Rockville! Take a break to enjoy a snack and relax in the ambient atmosphere of the cafe. Refresh yourself with a variety of drinks and pastries.

TRUE RESPITE BREWING COMPANY: Come taste their phenomenal selection of beers and drinks! Schedule a private tasting or event with a group of friends. Experience true respite in their unique tap room.

F. SCOTT FITZGERALD THEATRE: Witness a variety of performing arts shows at this fun local theater! Immerse yourself in countless stories through different artistic mediums. Connect with other theater goers as you watch epic tales unfold right in front of you!

Check out all the Rockville Zip Trip videos here.

Originally published on Fox 5 DC.

Hometown Holidays: Rockville’s Community Gathering

A long-standing tradition in Rockville – Hometown Holidays is an annual Memorial Day weekend festival preceding the City’s Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade. While the parade and ceremony continued at its traditional downtown location, Hometown Holidays was hosted in a new location – Redgate Park,  in the city’s Rock East District.

With acres of park, two entertainment stages, two sand dunes, a giant selfie station, Cornhole, giant Connect Four, a kids craft tent and amusement rides there was no shortage of entertainment for both adults and children alike. The free festival at Redgate, Rockville’s newest park, welcomed hundreds of residents, families and visitors who enjoyed local and national musical acts, including performances by The Nighthawks, Capital Effect, Jah Works, Moosejaw Bluegrass, the Common Good, Daryl Davis, Hayley Fahey, and more.

Besides two entertainment stages, Hometown Holidays included “A Taste of Rockville”, a collection of Rockville’s eclectic restaurants and cuisine which included the likes of El Mercat Bar de Tapas, the Big Greek Café, Kusshi, The Crepe Shoppe, Kona Ice and Bibibop.

Rockville’s Mayor and Council welcomed patrons of Hometown Holidays on Saturday May 28, followed by a special announcement from Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI). REDI in collaboration with Visit Montgomery and the City of Rockville announced the launched of the city’s tourism website – ExploreRockville.org . The website includes an events calendar, suggested itineraries and a searchable directory of restaurants, things to do, parks and recreation facilities and more. Explore Rockville was also an exhibitor at Hometown Holidays, promoting the new website through public engagement and the distribution of branded giveaways and t-shirts.

Check out the photos of Hometown Holidays and the Explore Rockville launch video:

Enjoy the Beauty of Cherry Blossoms at Glenview Mansion

Spring is here, and that means the cherry trees are in bloom! With their peak around mid-March to late April, you can experience the beauty of these spring blossoms at the formal gardens at Glenview Mansion in Rockville Civic Center Park.

As you make your way to Glenview mansion, you’ll be greeted by a Kwanzan cherry tree lined road – a hint at the dozens of trees in bloom across the formal garden. According to the City of Rockville’s horticulturalist, Kwanzan trees bloom a week or two after their Yoshino cousins that are found in abundance in the garden.

Glenview Mansion is often booked for private events like weddings during the peak of cherry blossom season, so planning a visit during the weekday is best for capturing photos or a quiet, relaxing day at the gardens.

Learn more about Glenview Mansion and Rockville Civic Center at: https://www.rockvillemd.gov/389/Glenview-Mansion