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Tag: joe yasharoff

  • With ‘nothing up his sleeve,’ illusionist takes Bethesda audience on a magic carpet ride – WTOP News

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    The world premiere of “Nothing Up My Sleeve: Simple Deceptions for Curious Humans,” now playing at the Bethesda theater through March 15, features illusionist Dendy, who takes the audience on a very personal journey through his life growing up in a small Midwestern town.

    Dendy on the set of “Nothing Up My Sleeve, Simple Deceptions for Curious Humans.”(Credit Margot Schulman)

    At its core, Round House Theatre’s latest entry is a magic show; but it’s so much more.

    The world premiere of “Nothing Up My Sleeve: Simple Deceptions for Curious Humans,” now playing at the Bethesda Theater through March 15, features illusionist Dendy, who takes the audience on a very personal journey through his life growing up in a small Midwest town.

    Dendy recounts being a lonely child. But once he got his first magic set, everything changed. He was hooked for life. And once he transforms himself into that little kid — complete with a lisp — in the first act, the audience is hooked, too.

    Dendy almost glides through the sure-to-win-awards set like a dancer. The strategic lighting plays a strong part, and the music subtly sets the mood without being dominant or a distraction. And the Mister Rogers-like wardrobe changes are lovely.

    Everything feels warm, cozy and just right.

    Though it’s described as a one-man show, “Nothing Up My Sleeve” is anything but. Dendy relies heavily on audience members to be part of the act. The man knows how to work a crowd.

    He mixes in the history of magic while paying homage to some of his heroes. Dendy is clearly a master magician, but he’s really a storyteller at heart.

    The show was conceived and co-written by Dendy and Aaron Posner, who also directed. The two previously collaborated (along with Teller of Penn and Teller) on a very different take of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” which was a hit at Round House in 2022.

    If all goes well, producers are hoping “Nothing Up My Sleeve” will get a U.S. tour down the road and perhaps a U.K. tour after that.

    I was reminded of the last live magic show I saw — way back in the mid-90s — “Ricky Jay and His 52 Assistants,” which was scintillating. Jay was a master showman and manipulator.

    The biggest difference for me: this show is warmer, kinder and gentler. You want to be Dendy’s friend. Most magicians can’t pull off that trick.

    “Nothing Up My Sleeve” is intimate, it’s funny, it’s heartwarming, it’s delightful. There’s nothing objectionable or offensive. It’s for adults but very appropriate for kids ages 10 and older.

    If you’re looking for amazing sleight of hand, disappearing objects and oh-my-gosh-how-did-he-do-that moments, you won’t be disappointed.

    But if you want more details about the show, you’ve come to the wrong place. To say more would be akin to explaining a magic trick, and that’s obviously a no-no.

    One other thing: In an era when shows and movies can sometimes push three hours, it’s nice to have one that’s barely two hours. It actually feels like less and leaves you wanting more.

    And that might be the show’s greatest trick of all.

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    © 2026 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

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    Abigail Constantino

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  • Stereophonic, the most Tony-nominated play of all time, comes to National Theatre – WTOP News

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    If you were unable to get to New York to catch the most Tony-nominated play in history, there’s good news: the show is coming to you.

    If you were unable to get to New York to catch the most Tony-nominated play in history, there’s good news: the show is coming to you.

    Stereophonic, which nabbed a record 13 Tony nominations in 2025, comes to the National Theatre in D.C. on Feb. 10 for a four-week run.

    Denver Milord, who plays Peter in the show, told WTOP this week he’s excited “doing it in a city that loves theater and appreciates theater.”

    Milord was an understudy for the Broadway run and now takes a leading role in the national tour.

    The show was a word-of-mouth off-Broadway sensation in 2023 then moved to Broadway in 2024 where its run was extended multiple times. It won five Tony Awards — more than any show in 2024 — including best play, best direction of a play and best scenic design.

    Interestingly, Stereophonic, despite containing great music and being about the music industry, is considered a play, not a musical.

    Written by David Adjmi, directed by Daniel Aukin and with music by Will Butler from Arcade Fire, Stereophonic is about a fictional 70s rock band recording an album in California and all the stress and drama that takes place during that creative process.

    “Imagine 12 to 16 hour days ad nauseam for about a year with personalities that clash and relationships that end and start,” Milord, who plays the band’s guitarist, songwriter and de facto producer, said.

    The story could be about any 70s rock band but many theatergoers and critics alike feel that Fleetwood Mac and the recording of their iconic album Rumours were the main inspirations for Stereophonic.

    “It has some of those 70s band … essence in there and that inspiration but it also very much a new thing and it has its own groove and feel to it as well.”

    The show, presented in four acts over three-plus hours, features five band mates and two engineers who operate in tight quarters in two California studios as the tension mounts to complete their big album. Egos clash and feelings get hurt. It feels very real.

    It “kind of leaves you with the question what does it take to make a great piece of art? And is it always worth it?” Milord said.

    “Is it worth it to completely dissolve and combust in order to reach some kind of something or can we collaborate in a way … where we can understand and work with each other a bit more?”

    And given the divisiveness and unrest happening now in the U.S., the show is more important than ever according to Milord.

    “In a time when we really need theater … it is an essential part of our society and our culture.”

    Stereophonic runs Feb. 10 through March 8 at the National Theatre at 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington D.C. The show runs approximately three hours with an intermission. For tickets, go to their website here.

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    © 2026 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

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    Valerie Bonk

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  • Actress Jane Lynch brings ‘Swingin’ Little Christmas’ show back to Strathmore – WTOP News

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    On Nov. 29, “A Swingin’ Little Christmas” comes to the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland, a venue the actress holds in high regard.

    Actress Jane Lynch is bringing what she calls a “musical Christmas extravaganza” to the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland.
    (Courtesy Jane Lynch/Strathmore)

    Courtesy Jane Lynch/Strathmore

    Jane Lynch (middle) poses with with Tim Davis (left), Kate Flannery (right) and the band
    At Strathmore, Lynch will be accompanied by Kate Flannery, Tim Davis and The Tony Guerrero Quintet. Flannery is known for her role portraying Meredith Palmer on TV’s “The Office.”
    (Courtesy Jane Lynch/Strathmore)

    Courtesy Jane Lynch/Strathmore

    3 adults with a Christmas tree
    Actress Jane Lynch brings what she calls a “musical Christmas extravaganza” to the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland, on Nov. 29.
    (Courtesy Jane Lynch/Strathmore)

    Courtesy Jane Lynch/Strathmore

    Actress Jane Lynch will be in Montgomery County, Maryland, the last weekend of November for what she calls a “musical Christmas extravaganza.”

    Bringing Christmas cheer is just one of Lynch’s many talents. Her resume is as versatile as it gets: TV, movies, Broadway, live comedy, game show host, voice acting, author and playwright.

    On Nov. 29, “A Swingin’ Little Christmas” comes to the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland, a venue the actress holds in high regard.

    “I think it’s the most gorgeous theater we’ve ever performed in and the nicest people,” Lynch told WTOP this week.

    As for the show, Lynch said it features “Christmas songs that you know and love in a late ’50s, early ’60s style like Frank Sinatra and Andy Williams.”

    Lynch and her friends have been doing some version of this show for 10 years, after recording a Christmas album in 2016, called “Swingin’ Little Christmas.”

    It’s the second year in a row the holiday performance is coming to the Strathmore.

    “Your toes will be tapping, your heart will be full of love, we can’t wait to come back,” Lynch said.

    For more than 35 years, Lynch has been stealing scenes in movies like “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” and “Best in Show” as well as TV shows like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Only Murders in the Building.”

    She’s perhaps best known for her portrayal of cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester on the TV show “Glee” from 2009 to 2015, for which she won several awards, including a Primetime Emmy and a Golden Globe.

    At Strathmore, Lynch with be accompanied by Kate Flannery, Tim Davis and The Tony Guerrero Quintet.

    Flannery, who played Meredith Palmer in “The Office,” and Lynch go way back.

    “She’s been my friend forever and we’ve been singing together for almost forever,” Lynch said. “Kate Flannery is a live wire.”

    Davis, the vocal arranger on “Glee,” also arranged the vocals for the Christmas show.

    “We sing very tight three-part harmonies,” Lynch said. “Musically, as far as I’m concerned, it’s a delight, it’s really, really wonderful and, of course, there’s jokes and buffooneries that abound.”

    As for the music, Lynch said The Tony Guerrero Quintet “almost sounds like a ‘big band,’ that’s how good the band is.”

    Strathmore is the first of 14 stops on this tour, which culminates Dec. 17 in Santa Monica, California, close to Lynch’s home in Los Angeles.

    “It’s the greatest way to start the holidays, it’s the highlight of my year and I think I can speak for everybody, we look forward to this every year and we’re so glad to be starting at Strathmore,” Lynch told WTOP. “It’s such a great place and the audience was wonderful too.”

    Limited tickets are available on Strathmore’s website. The “Swingin’ Little Christmas” album is available on Amazon and iTunes.

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

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    Jessica Kronzer

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  • Undefeated and underrated: Navy Football quietly climbs to 7-0 – WTOP News

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    Somehow, while you were sleeping on them, Navy has gone 7-0 so far this season.

    Navy — who’s known for their signature triple option run-heavy offense, averages over 37 points a game and 318 yards rushing per game — tops in the nation.(Courtesy Navy Athletics)

    Somehow, while you were sleeping on them, Navy has gone 7-0 so far this season.

    They’re one of just six FBS schools that remain undefeated.

    Navy is ranked 23rd in the AFCA Coaches poll and unranked in the AP Top 25. They received the most amount of votes for teams not in the Top 25 which means, technically, they’re ranked 26th in the country.

    The rankings might seem a tad disrespectful given their record, but third-year Midshipmen head coach Brian Newberry seems unfazed.

    “We’ve won seven games but they haven’t been sexy wins and that’s what people want. I don’t care as long as we find ways to win and keep doing what we’re doing. The respect and those things will come. I don’t think our players care much about that either,” he told WTOP contributor Joe Yasharoff.

    Navy — who’s known for their signature triple option run-heavy offense, averages over 37 points a game and 318 yards rushing per game — tops in the nation.

    “(We’re) trying to take advantage of the fact that not a lot of people run it,” senior quarterback Blake Horvath said. “It’s hard to prepare for and when we can operate efficiently, it’s difficult to stop.”

    The first seven games were no cakewalks, including a gutty win against fellow service academy Air Force and a dramatic victory at Temple.

    Things only get more challenging down the stretch for the Mids. The next month features a gauntlet of tough games — one of the toughest final stretches of any team in the country — at #12 Notre Dame and #25 Memphis sandwiched around a home date against formerly ranked South Florida.

    And on Saturday, Navy faces a difficult road match-up against 6-1 North Texas featuring a juggernaut of an offense that leads the nation in scoring at 45 points per game.

    “They’re a really good football team,” Newberry said. “One of the best offenses I’ve seen in a long time and the quarterback is a special player, the running backs are outstanding, the scheme is really challenging to defend. We’ll have to do a great job of stopping the run and eliminating explosive plays. it’s certainly going to present a huge challenge for us defensively.”

    The last time Navy played North Texas in Denton was 2007. It was one for the books. The Mids outscored the Mean Green 74-62.

    At the time, it was the highest scoring game in FBS history.

    You can probably expect another high scoring affair this time.

    Navy is led by Horvath who was not highly recruited out of Hilliard, Ohio, but has played himself into the periphery of the Heisman Trophy conversation with five straight games with over 100 yards rushing.

    “He’s got the ‘it factor.’ He’s got some qualities you don’t coach,” Newberry said. “He’s a special young man. Great players are at their best when their best is needed and that’s Blake Horvath. He makes everyone around him better. You can’t say enough good things about him as a person and as a football player.”

    Once he finishes his football career, Horvath plans on attending flight school in Pensacola, Florida, to realize his ambition of becoming a pilot.

    “Just a ton of pride, honestly, is the biggest thing, proud of every single Midshipmen that represents this place — all the alumni and the pride that we have for our country is the biggest thing,” Horvath said. “It’s an honor to represent a storied history and tradition. There’s so much greatness that’s come before us. They set the table for what’s expected of us.”

    Newberry added, “I think I’ve got one of the best jobs in the country because of the young men I get to coach on a daily basis. Football is really, really important, but it’s about more than just football here and I appreciate that. … I skip into work every day.”

    This year will be Horvath’s final Army-Navy game, a rivalry like no other in sports. The game will be played on Dec. 3 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. After that, Navy could even qualify for the new 12-team College Football Playoff.

    “Whether that be the (Commanders-in-Chief’s Trophy), conference championship, College Football Playoffs, all those are still in front of us … those are the goals we’ve had since day one,” Horvath said.

    There’s still a long way to go, but Navy is in the midst of what could be a very special season. So stop sleeping on them.

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

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    Abigail Constantino

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  • Washington football legend Joe Jacoby moves to next round of Hall of Fame consideration – WTOP News

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    Joe Jacoby, former offensive tackle for Washington’s NFL franchise and three-time Super Bowl champion, advanced in consideration for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

    Joe Jacoby, former offensive tackle for Washington’s NFL franchise and three-time Super Bowl champion, advanced in consideration for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class on Thursday.

    Jacoby was one of 52 in the seniors category and he made the cut to one of 34. In four weeks, that number will be cut down to nine semifinalists and then to 3 who will be considered for the Class of 2026.

    Washington signed Jacoby, 66, as an undrafted free agent after his college career at the University of Louisville in 1981. He went on to play in the league for 13 years, retiring after the 1993 season. He was a four-time Pro Bowler and a three-time first-team All-Pro.

    Jacoby spoke to D.C.-area sports and entertainment producer Joe Yasharoff and shared his reaction to moving onto to the next round. 

    “I’ve been down this road once before. It’s exciting, yes. I’m honored. The thing I’m honored about … I look how old I am. I started back in 1981. And I’m still getting people who still remember the name and what I did, and stuff Iike that.” he said.

    Jacoby has been a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame three times before but did not advance further. Although he is excited to be in the running again, he doesn’t want to get his hopes up just yet.

    “You would hope sooner or later because of my resume and stuff, they would give me a little bit bigger crack in that door to get in, but we’ll see what happens this time around,” Jacoby said.

    He wished good luck to former teammate running back Brian Mitchell and linebacker London Fletcher, who were also named among the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 128 Modern-era nominees for the Class of 2026.

    Jacoby got emotional as he shared what making it into the Hall of Fame would mean to him.

    “You look at where I came from — I do, and to see that now I’m included into that shrine, or whatever you want to call it. It’s kind of neat,” he said.

    Jacoby’s final message: Thanking the fans who helped him get to where he is today.

    “Just being the fans that they are, they’re the ones that help us get to where we are in those Super Bowls and stuff. I couldn’t have done what I did without them being behind us.”

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    Zsana Hoskins

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