Weekend Roundup: Eat and Run

By Sydney Wilmer (Contact)

Thursday, August 7, 2008

This weekend several events in Loudoun County offer residents not just a great meal, but a cultural experience. See a play while you dine at West Belmont Place in Leesburg, or brunch with a local author who derives her inspiration from Loudoun wine country. And if you feel like you need to run off all that delicious dining, enter Sunday's 10K and 20K race in Leesburg.

Aurora Studio Dinner Theaatre

The second installation of the Aurora Studio Dinner Theatre series, which began in February, is looking to give new meaning to the term original cast.

The production, opening Saturday night at West Belmont Place in Leesburg, will star two actors whose paths are crossing for a second time.

Loudoun Valley High School graduates Carolyn Christensen and Nate Juraschek will play the same lead parts for a second time in "The Art of Dinning," a play by Tina Howe.

Jim Poston

Restaurateurs Cal and Ellen (played by Nate Juraschek and Carolyn Christensen) in the Aurora Dinner Theatre production of "The Art of Dining."

"They were both available to reprise those roles after playing these characters in [a high school production]," Meredith McMath, artistic director of the Aurora Theatre, said. "The show will also have the same director it did 12 years ago, Ike Stoneberger," who taught the two actors in high school.

McMath said the show, which is a sophisticated comedy about a restaurant's opening, should be a hit with audiences this weekend. There will also be another performance next Saturday, Aug. 16. Dinner both weekends begins at 6 p.m. and performances begin at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $65 and include dinner, tax, tip and the performance. For more information visit www.aurorastudiotheatre.org or call 540-668-7072.

LoCo Author Brunch

If you are looking for a little excitement this weekend but don't want to leave Loudoun County – literally or literarily – you are in luck.

Middleburg's Books and Crannies will sponsor a brunch and book signing with Loudoun County author Ellen Crosby on Saturday.

"She is from the area and all the books take place in Loudoun," said Laura Vermillion, manager of Books and Crannies. "These are great reads for the locals and for those with regional interests."

While this is Crosby's third book in her mystery series about Loudoun, "some people aren't familiar with her yet," Vermillion said. "They are fun mysteries, though."

The brunch begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Middleburg Country Inn. Reservations are required and there are limited seats available. Tickets are $35 and include a copy of her book, "The Bordeaux Betrayal," tax and tip.

Vermillion said the more intimate setting will give brunch-goers a better sense for the literature. "More people can talk to her on a one-on-one basis."

A book signing will follow immediately at 1 p.m. down the street at Books and Crannies. It is free and open to the public. For more information call 540-687-6677 or visit www.booksandcrannies.com/events.htm.

Last-Minute Run

It's not too late to register for the 20th annual YMCA 10K and 20K taking place this weekend in Leesburg.

The 10K and 20K run Sunday is sponsored by Harris Teeter and follows the W&OD trail through historic downtown Leesburg. The race begins at 7:30 a.m. and a fun run will go on simultaneously beginning at 7:35 a.m.

Registration stays open until immediately before the race at Market Station near the starting line. However, runners are asked to register on Friday from 3 to 7:30 p.m. at the Potomac River Running store in Ashburn, or on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at the YMCA Loudoun County, to avoid line congestion Sunday morning.

In addition to a free T-shirt, participants are invited to a post-race brunch with ice cream, a live band and prizes.

Spectators and participants will also have a chance to donate blood. There will be a bloodmobile available during and after the race from Invoa Blood Donor Services. To make an appointment, please call 866-Bloodsavers. Walk-ins are welcome.

For more information visit Washington Running Report.

Tagged: arts, entertainment, Roundup

Your Thoughts...

Are you happy that the school year is over?