CAMELOT SHOWBAR, D.C.

     Recently I revisited the Camelot Showbar in the District, at the invitation of its genial owner, Nick Triantis. Camelot is an elegant Gentlemen’s Club with beautiful dancers, waitresses and bartenders. AND, believe it or not, the food is excellent. My wife, Judy, couldn’t accompany me that day, so I took our own Arlington Weekly News cameraman, Bill Calder, who is a Gentlemen’s Club aficionado. Bill and I agree that Camelot is a classy place. It has been recently renovated, and from the moment you enter, the environment is welcoming and comfortable. The dancers are not only beautiful and talented, but charming and personable and really enjoy their  work,  which is a testimony to Nick and  an appreciative and respectful audience. Now to the food—first of all, for D.C., the food is reasonably priced, but more importantly, the menu is quite varied. Everything Bill and I had was delicious. Of course, it didn’t hurt that our waitress was the lovely Ginger who has been at Camelot for 15 years. The food, as I said, was delicious—the best lamb chops I’ve had in a long time.  Some of the other menu items are steaks, fried shrimp, mixed grilled chicken, charbroiled burgers plus soups, salads, sandwiches and an interesting choice of lighter dishes. The Camelot Showbar is a fun place to go and yes, I will take Judy the next time. Camelot is open seven days a week and located in mid-D.C. at 1823 M St. NW. For more information, call 202-887-5966 and check their great website at www.camelotshowbar.com.

THE LITTLE THEATRE of ALEXANDRIA

“Laughing Stock” 

     Lots of fun has settled in at The Little Theatre of Alexandria. Its current production of “Laughing Stock,” is set in a New England summer stock barn theatre, where a group of reluctant actors come together as a troupe to present three plays, “Hamlet,” “Charley’s Aunt” and “Dracula.” The audience is treated to all the backstage mishaps and there are plenty when the plays are working on a shoe string budget. This is  definitely an ensemble cast led by writer, actor, producer Gordon Page, played by Lars Klores. The play is a bit confusing in the first act, but comes together in the second act as the performers improve and the props appear when they’re supposed to and the various sound effects and lights occur on time, Lots of laughs in “Laughing Stock” which was directed by Sharon Byers. It runs through Sept 26. For more information and tickets, call 703-683-0496 and check the website at www.thelittletheatre.com. Coming up next at LTA is another comedy,  “The Allergist’s Wife.”

THE KEEGAN THEATRE - - “Dogfight”

          “Dogfight” is a play at the newly renovated Keegan Theatre, located at 1742 Church St. NW in D.C. It’s a musical, set in San Francisco in 1963 and 1967, where three Marines are about to deploy to Viet Nam. The night before they are to leave, they decide to play a game called, “Dogfight.” Suffice it to say, the game involves each guy seeking out the most unattractive date. The play is thought-provoking and beautifully set to music. The Marines are acted superbly by Tiziano D. Affuso, Harrison Smith and David Bernstein. The female lead, Rose, is played so effectively by Isabelle Smilkinson. The entire “Dogfight” cast is outstanding.  This is a play that is emotionally compelling and I suspect, relatable  to many in the audience. Great direction by Christina Coakley and Michael Innocenti and musical direction by Jake Null. “Dogfight” runs through Sept. 20. For more information and tickets, call 703-892-0202 and check the website at www.keegantheatre.com.

CREATIVE CAULDRON Theatre/Performing Arts

     Throughout the summer, Creative Cauldron in Falls Church, has been presenting a series of weekly concerts, cabaret style. Last weekend, I caught  a cast reunion of  singers from a past production called “Once on This Island.”  Six of the seven cast members sung songs from the play plus favorites from other shows. It was a delightful evening listening to Tiara Whaley, Avia Fields, Jade Jones, Harrison Lee, Carl Williams and Malcolm Lee. Each had their own style and could easily have a lead role in any musical. One of my favorites was Tiara Whaley’s rendition of “A Change in Me,” This was my first time to Creative Cauldron and I was pleased to learn they are continuing their cabaret series on Friday and Saturday nights through  Sept. 26.

Coming up on Sept. 12 is Nora Palka in “Girls Like Us,” about the evolution of women in music from the 60’s to today. Creative Cauldron’s regular season begins Oct. 1 with “The World Goes Round,” songs  by Kander and Ebb. For more information and tickets, call 703-436-9948 or 571-239-5288 and check the website at www.creativecauldron,org.

ZEMFIRA STAGE - - “My Fair Lady”

    Who doesn’t like “My Fair Lady?” This wonderful musical has truly stood the test of time. Last weekend I saw it performed at the James Lee Community Center Theatre in Falls Church,  produced by Zemfira Stage. It was a delightful production with three outstanding leads: Jim Mitchell as Henry Higgins, Stacy Crickmer as Eliza Doolittle and Terry Mason as Colonel Pickering. Plus a great ensemble of singers and dancers and an enthusiastic band under the direction of Annette Fakoury.  Jim Mitchell is one of those actors whose comfortable stage presence draws you into every role he plays. Unfortunately, the show  concluded last weekend. But not to worry, Zemfira will be back in January 2016 with “August: Osage County.” Zina Bleck is the founding producer and director and she always puts forth quality shows. For more information, call 703-615-6626 or email, zemfirastage@gmail.com.