Washington D.C.

A quick trip to Washington to see a couple of shows. I'd been there before to do CAMELOT at the Kennedy Centre but we were staying in the beautiful Georgetown area and only traveling back and forth from the theatre.

This time I was right near the Capitol Building and environs.

My journey to my hotel took me past the Museum of the American Indian

and the lovely Botanical Gardens

I walked past the Frances Perkins building which gave me a kick as Mum played Frances Perkins as one of her many characters in ANNIE in San Francisco and Los Angeles back in 1978. Indeed she sang "Tomorrow" as Perkins in the Cabinet scene!

My hotel was near the newly refurbished Wharf which has only been open to the public for a bit longer than a week.

Hotels and restaurants are still under construction but it has a nice vibe already.

The first show I saw was the musical version of Tina Fey's hit movie MEAN GIRLS

It's very funny with terrific performances and sensational choreography and direction by Casey Nicholaw (BOOK OF MORMON). Perhaps ten minutes too long at the moment but I'm sure it will be a streamlined smash when it arrives on Broadway next year.

After the show I passed the legendary Ford's Theatre where Lincoln was assassinated.

Of course, they have a gift shop!

The next day I took myself off on an excursion to an historic area called Shaw,

Beautiful houses!!!

I love the bathtub planter

The cafes are cute, too!

A smart little performance space

and street art

Duke Ellington also lived and worked here in his youth

I accidentally took a selfie with Lincoln

Project Shaw

My last Project Shaw until 2019! Artistic Director David Staller has been very good to me since I came to New York and he's given me many wonderful parts to play over the years. This time I was the "hanging judge" Sir Howard Hallam!!

Broadway musical stalwarts Rebecca Luker and Max von Essen took the lead roles of Lady Cicely and Captain Brassbound, the pirate who is converted!

Beloved tv entertainment reporter Frank Di Lella was our Narrator.

Mark Shanahan played the American Captain Kearney. Max von Essen and Jeffrey Omura sit in the background.

Cast and crew pointing out our leading lady in case you missed her.

Rebecca and the guys.

David Staller in white shirt with the male cast (clockwise from bottom): Thom Sesma, Mark Shanahan, Daniel Marconi, Max von Essen, Tony Sheldon, George Dvorsky Frank Di Lella, Evan Zes and Aaron Lee Battle.

Chihuly Sculptures

At the New York Botanical gardens. A special night time experience. Musicians playing, beautifully lit apparitions appearing throughout the darkened gardens. Gorgeous.

Our dear friend Adam Shonkwiler