Christmas is about to arrive at ARTFactory in Manassas, as Rooftop Productions presents “White Christmas.”
Set just after World War II, the light-hearted musical love story centers around the romantic relationship of the four main characters traveling to perform at a Vermont inn.
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ARTfactory: “The ARTfactory is to announce the renaming of their theater to the Wind River Theater. The theater, which is located on the third floor of the ARTfactory, is the home to ARTfactory’s Rooftop Productions, Pied Piper Theatre, and Primetime Players. The space is also used for local community events, corporate gatherings, and rentals.”
The ARTfactory can be found at 9419 Battle Street in Manassas.
“Talya Conroy, Executive Director of the ARTfactory is honored for the support given by Wind River Chimes. ‘For over 35 years, Wind River Chimes has been a staple in our community and is known for their generous support of numerous charities and important causes. I could not be more thrilled that this local family-owned business chose the ARTfactory to continue to solidify their commitment to our community and to the arts.'”
“Conroy also appreciates the correlation between the two organizations. ‘Wind River Chimes inspires harmony through their incredible craftsmanship. Through the practice of all art mediums, the ARTfactory also hopes to inspire our community through the stories we tell and convey. The multi-year gift donated by Wind River allows us to continue to be a cornerstone in our local arts community and expand on programming. We are heading into our 40th anniversary and are honored that Wind River is by our side helping us reach the next 40 years.'”
ARTfactory: “ARTfactory Rooftop Productions is bringing the holiday classic, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas to the newly named Wind River Theater at the ARTfactory.”
“Based on the 1954 Paramount picture film of the same name, features music and lyrics by Irving Berlin and book by David Ives and Paul Blake.
Veterans Bob Wallace (Christopher Anderson) and Phil Davis (Alan Pierce) have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a singing duo, the Haynes sisters (Jessi Shull and Rebekah Raze) en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former army commander, General Waverly (Scott Pierce).”
“Featuring well-known standards including ‘Blue Skies,’ ‘I Love A Piano,’ ‘How Deep Is the Ocean’ and the title song, White Christmas.”
“Rounding out the cast are Andrew Morin, Talya Conroy, Ruby McCollum, Pam Gordet, Stephanie Blakely, Michael Gordon, Alyse Pollock, Deb Hansen, Suzette Farnum, Ricardo Padilla, Noah Nicoletti, Jason Robinson, Michaela Tinker, Julianna Gedney, Savannah Lagana, Heather Tinker, Rachel Fortin-Brito, Christine Maxted, Hilary Pierce, Charlynn Mills, Autumn Walton, Minnie Conroy, Natalie Tinker, and Katie Pierce.”
“Directed by Vincent Worthington, with musical direction by Ahryel Tinker, and choreography by Shania Duane, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas opens on Saturday, November 25 and runs through Sunday, December 10.”
“Performances will be held in the Wind River Theater at the ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., with a special performance on Saturday, November 25 at 2 p.m.”
“Tickets may be purchased online or by calling the ARTfactory at 703-330-2787.”
ARTfactory is pleased to present “Painted Musings,a” an exhibition featuring a series of paintings by American-Kurdish artist Lukman Ahmad.
Ahmad’s exhibit dates are from April 28 to June 10, 2023.
His Live Painting Demonstration is on June 2, from 6 p.m.d-9 p.m.
The artist reception is on May 20, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and includes live music by Oud player Radd Alghalibi and refreshments.
You can RSVP for Ahmad’s reception here.
Lukman Ahmad is an American-Kurdish artist living in Manassas Park, Virginia. Ahmad first came to the United States in 2010 as a refugee. He began creating art in 1986 while still living in Syria.
Ahmad’s art expresses the history and culture of the Kurds and adds a new experience to American art and culture. Ahmad has exhibited in over 100 exhibits in various countries, such as Syria, Turkey, Iraqi Kurdistan, and Switzerland.
The paintings in this exhibit were inspired by classic Kurdish folkloric singing or Kurdish “epics”. Kurdish music is a central part of Kurdish culture, and epics are considered unique to Kurdistan. Traditionally, Kurdish folk songs are passed down orally, from generation to generation to preserve cultural history.
Kurdish songs range from historical stories to epic tales, from lyrical poems to literary works. Most epic songs are associated with action, adventure, love stories, and even heroic themes, such as the Kurdish uprisings for independence. Epic singing is a continuation of two decades of research on the process of transforming the sung story (epic) into a visual story.
Continuing this tradition of preserving history, each brush stroke within Ahmad’s work represents a piece of a Kurdish-sung story.
Ahmad’s muse for this exhibit is a Kurdish singer named Ezzeddin, or in Kurdish, “Ezzedino.” Ezzeddin was born in 1933 in the village of Harmshad in the Kurdish city of Mardin, Turkey. Ezzeddin was famous for his strong vocals and harmonious melodies. He recorded 8 tapes, most of which were recorded in the Kurdish city of Qamishlo in Syria and in the Lebanese capital, Beirut.
The tapes include the following: BavĂŞ NĂ»rĂ®, Derwêþê EvdĂ®, KalĂŞ Se’dĂ»n, Kor ElĂ® Beg, Wey Lo, MemĂŞ Alan, and BavĂŞ Lalo.
The ARTfactory Gallery Hours are Monday-Saturday, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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