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Theater

‘Sister Act Musical’ (Photo By Suzanne Carr-Rossi)
‘Sister Act Musical’ (Photo By Suzanne Carr-Rossi)

‘Sister Act Musical’
The “Sister Act Musical” has only been shown in a handful of theaters in the country, and it is coming to Northern Virginia for the first time. Throughout about 20 songs the story of superstar hopeful Deloris Van Cartier is told. Deloris is played by award-winning Washington, D.C., actress Felicia Curry. To run away from an ex-boyfriend, she ends up at a convent teaching nuns how to sing on key. –RD / Through Nov. 8 at Riverside Center; $20-$60; riversidedt.com

‘Cake Off’
Starring Signature veteran Sherri L. Edelen, this musical adaptation finds two master bakers battling it out in a “Chopped”-style competition, the stakes mounting with every beat of the batter and rise of the souffle. Premiering in association with the Women’s Voices Theatre Festival, “Cake Off” offers witty satire on 21st-century societal gender roles. –CM / Sept. 29-Nov. 25 at Signature Theater; ticket prices vary; signature-theatre.org

‘Uprising’
Exploring themes of sacrifice in the wake of civil revolution, “Uprising” takes place in the town of Harper’s Ferry, site of the famous John Brown abolitionist raid. Centering on the love affair between two African-American abolitionists, the musical is set to a lively rhythm and blues soundtrack. –CM / Through Oct. 25 at MetroStage; $55-$60; metrostage.org

‘Alice in Wonderland’
Synetic Theater is synonymous with both visual and physical spectacle. Pushing the boundaries between dance and storytelling, its latest colorful adaptation, “Alice in Wonderland,” is certain to live up to its name as resident actors and movement specialists bring the tale to life through aggressive dance set to a passionate, wondrous score. –CM / Sept. 30-Nov. 8 at Synetic Theater; $15-$35; synetictheater.org

‘Now Comes the Night’
An American journalist is released from an Iranian prison and is forced to face both close friends who could be enemies and haunting memories long suppressed. “Now Comes the Night,” presented by Tysons Corner’s 1st Stage Theatre, brings to life a world of betrayal and hostility. –CM / Through Oct. 11 at 1st Stage Theatre; $15-$30; 1ststagetysons.org

Film Festivals

Virginia Film Festival
Now in its 28th year, Virginia’s largest gathering of directors and cinematographers will feature it’s first-ever high school-level competition. Make the festival an excuse for a weekend getaway to Charlottesville, where the festival is showcased at downtown cinemas throughout the day and night. –CM / Nov. 5-8 in downtown Charlottesville; many screenings are free and open to public; virginiafilmfestival.org

Middleburg Film Festival
More than just cinema, Middleburg’s film festival features master classes with submitting directors, live orchestra renditions of famed soundtracks and gourmet farm-to-table dinners at the Salamander Resort and Spa, the host of this year’s festival. The line-up has included Oscar-nominated films (“The Imitation Game” and “Seymour: An Introduction”) while offering panel discussions with the talent both on and behind the silver screen. –CM / Oct. 22-25 at Salamander Resort & Spa; middleburgfilm.org

(October 2015)