January 21, 2024. How the Anacostia gas explosion has affected the upcoming Morning After Grace performances and how you can help.

 

How the Anacostia gas explosion has affected the upcoming Morning After Grace performances and how you can help.  On Thursday, January 18, a massive gas explosion occurred at 1223 Marion Barry Avenue, SE, in the heart of the Anacostia Arts District. Thankfully, no lives were lost due to the quick action of the daycare staff and first responders to evacuate the block. We are grateful for the heroic actions of so many that day. Immediately following the explosion and fire, the entire block was inaccessible as gas and power were out, and the investigation was underway. That included the closure of the Anacostia Arts Center, where we were undergoing rehearsals and preparations for the upcoming Morning After Grace performances.  The show is produced by Valley Place Arts Collaborative, a Ward 8 nonprofit founded by four Anacostia residents and creatives. Much work, talent, and funding have gone into presenting this hilarious and heartfelt comedic performance to the east of the river and DC arts scene.  However, the closure of the Anacostia Arts Center's Black Box Theater negatively affected our production schedule. So once again, here's a sentence we never hoped to repeat: Opening night is postponed for a week until Thursday, February 1. And while our initial plan was for ten performances, we will likely only be able to run for five until Sunday, February 4. HOW YOU CAN HELP Our budget has been dealt a severe blow with only half as many performances. But we want you to see this fantastic show! So please take a moment and buy your tickets now. And buy some for friends; you can even purchase tickets to be donated to local nonprofits and service providers, such as the Calvary Women's Shelter located next door to the explosion (and thankfully was not significantly damaged). Morning After Grace is a thrilling comedy about baby boomers. It would be an entertaining experience for adults and seniors - provided they are okay with brief rear nudity and simulated marijuana smoking!  Tickets are $20*. Click a date to purchase or go here.  Thursday, February 1 @ 7:30pm Friday, February 2 @ 7:30pm Saturday, February 3 @ 2:00pm Saturday, February 3 @ 7:30pm Sunday, February 4 @ 2:00pm *Purchase a block of five or more tickets and receive a discount! Email valleyplacearts@gmail.com for details.  You can also help us bridge our funding gap by donating to our DC nonprofit, Valley Place Arts Collaborative, at bit.ly/DonateVPAC. No donation is too small. It's been a tough few days, but we can bring much-needed joy and laughter to the community with your support.  P.S. Make a day (or night) of it! The 1200 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE, has several arts and culture venues to enjoy and with free admission!  Honfleur Gallery (1241) is open Thursday - Saturday, 12pm - 5pm. See the current exhibit, You Can't Unring The Bell by Terence Nicholson. Craig Kraft Studio (1239) is open Monday - Friday, 10am - 5pm. Anacostia Arts Center (1231) opens Tuesday - Saturday at 12pm. Home to several retailers and a cafe!  Busboys and Poets Anacostia (2204 MLK, Jr. Ave, SE) for delicious drinks and yummy eats, then head back to the Anacostia Arts Center to see the show!  On behalf of the Morning After Grace team, Valley Place Arts Collaborative, and the Anacostia & DC arts community, thank you for your support.  Note new opening date: Thursday, February 1, 2024 A retired human rights lawyer, a retired baseball player and a grief counselor walk into a funeral... What could go wrong? After hooking up at a funeral, Angus and Abigail find themselves waking up wrapped in sheet after a wine-fueled night. Enter neighbor Ollie, formerly a major league baseball player who has traded his bat for golf clubs and a yoga mat. Nothing is as it seems with this trio and every disclosure reveals a new perspective. Set in an upscale Florida retirement community, this charming and big-hearted comedy tackles love and loss and proves it’s never too late for a second chance.   “A heartbreakingly beautiful story of love, loss and acceptance… I love the depth of this hilarious show…” —Elizabeth James, Broadway World   Directed by Stevie Zimmerman with Matty Griffiths, DeJeanette Horne and Adele Robey on stage. 5 performances February 1-February 4 at the Anacostia Arts Center 1231 Marion Barry Avenue, SE (formerly Good Hope Road), Washington DC 20020 Tickets $20 on sale now. Click Tickets $20 on sale now. Click here.. Note: There is very brief rear nudity and simulated marijuana smoking. Or you can scan! As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Valley Place Arts Collaborative depends on your generosity. Please help us keep lifting up the arts and the artists East of the River. Donate here. Valley Place Arts Collaborative’s mission is to promote arts, culture and the creative economy in the Wards 7 and 8 of the District of Columbia. This includes support of local art galleries and artists, promotion of creative arts and cultural organizations and individuals, and technical assistance to arts and the creative economy. VPAC is founded by four Anacostia resident artists! www.valleyplacearts.org Valley Place Arts Collaborative is generously funded in part by ARCH Development and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email

Valley Place Arts Collaborative | a project of ARCH | 1241 Marion Barry Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20020