Drama and Comedy Stories

*Gold Diggers of 1933* gets its title from the rants of two aristocrats who consider all women in show business to be gold diggers; the pair travel to the New York theatre district to “save” a family member from his intention to marry one of them. There the snobs are taught a valuable lesson by the women they consider unworthy, so the sexism is fuel for comedy at the men’s expense. With regard to dance scenes, this movie features less of Busby Berkeley’s creativity than most in which he’s the choreographer, and too much time is devoted to the aristocrats’ shenanigans before the dancing begins in earnest. This generally humorous production, however, is particularly notable for its final scene: an elaborate series of marches and tableaus depicting the grim realities of World War I and the Great Depression. ■ Title — *Gold Diggers of 1933* ■ A.K.A. — *High Life* ■ Director — Mervyn LeRoy ■ Choreographer — Busby Berkeley ■ Cast — Warren William, Joan Blondell, Aline MacMahon ■ ©1933 ■ 1h 37m ■ Comedy, Drama, Musical ■ black & white A Busby Berkeley musical encore will follow the feature: “42nd Street” from 42nd Street (1933).

*Gold Diggers of 1935* isn’t, as the title may imply, a story about women chasing after wealthy men. No, it’s about everyone trying to squeeze some money out of everybody else, with the only exception being a pair of young lovers. As a posh summer resort prepares to open, the manager summons the staff to a meeting where he explains how he’ll be cheating all his employees. The department heads hold smaller meetings to give their workers the lowdown on how they’ll all surrender part of their earnings. When the guests arrive, they start trying to scam each other in a wacky series of misadventures. It’s entertaining chaos, and of course, as in all Busby Berkeley movies, there’s a show to be produced. This one is a charity fundraiser, and while there’s some disagreement about how the proceeds will be distributed, the show itself contains one of the choreographer’s most celebrated sequences, “Lullaby of Broadway.” ■ Title — *Gold Diggers of 1935* ■ Director — Busby Berkeley ■ Cast — Dick Powell, Adolphe Menjou, Gloria Stuart ■ Unrated, suitable for general audiences ■ ©1935 ■ 1h 35m ■ Comedy, Musical, Romance ■ black & white A Busby Berkeley musical encore will follow the feature: “Don’t Say Goodnight” from *Wonder Bar* (1934).

Join us for the second Funny Farm comedy show of the year. Catch a hilarious line-up of comedians from DC and beyond at Edgewood Community Farm, a volunteer run garden and venue in northeast DC, a few minutes off the red line metro. Tickets are $10 on [Zeffy](https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/funny-farm-pop-up-comedy-may?utm_source=luma) or at the door. The show is BYOB and picnic friendly, though regular seating is also available. Dogs are welcome, as long as they don't eat the plants. The show starts at 7:30 pm and we welcome guests from 7:00 pm onwards. This event is brought to you by Zoo Animal Productions. To learn more about our events, check out our [full events calendar](https://luma.com/zooanimalproductions?utm_source=meetup).

***This month we go see The Devil Wears Prada 2!*** Andy Sachs reunites with Miranda Priestly as they navigate their careers amid the decline of traditional magazine publishing. # "Bitchy one-liners, devious double-crossing and Lady Gaga" -sounds like fun I don't want to miss. JOIN ME? I'm in G8. For anyone interested in a meet & greet before the movie, I'll be at the bar for drinks and a snack by 630. Text me at **(571) 293-1316** to connect.

# Hopelessly Devoted to Murder Written and Directed by Terry Smith Produced by Jerri Wiseman Cast Members: Betsy Hansen, Ilan Komrad, and Russell Silber ***Greased hair, bobby socks, poodle skirts—and one shocking murder. At Rockway High, the drama is bigger than the school dance, and when a student turns up dead, the resident cool guy and his gang race to uncover the culprit before the last song plays. Dress to impress in your best ’50s style and join the party. It’s a night of dinner, dancing, and deadly fun you won’t want to miss.*** [Murder Meter™](https://www.stagecoachtc.com/murder-meter/) Saucy Suspects Performances will be held at area historic venues, restaurants, wineries, and breweries March – May 2026. ### May 17 at Saint Andrew Lutheran Church in Centreville (with dinner) Saint Andrew Lutheran Church, 14640 Soucy Pl, Centreville, VA 20120 Doors and dinner buffet start at 6:30pm. Show at 7:15pm. Please arrive at 6:30pm. Tickets: $50 per person + $4.00 ticketing fee + sales tax includes the show, buffet Italian dinner and dessert. [Menu: Chicken Picatta. Penne Arrabbiaba (Vegetarian). Eggplant Parmesan (Gluten Free). Meat Lasagna. Caesar Salad. House Salad. Garlic Bread. Dessert created by Saint Andrew Youth.] Iced Tea, Coffee and Assorted Sodas are included in the ticket price. ***Ticket sales will close on May 13th!*** ### [Click here to make reservations for Saint Andrew Lutheran Church.](https://ci.ovationtix.com/36598/production/1270251) You must buy a ticket to attend. An RSVP here will not save you a seat.

# Hopelessly Devoted to Murder Written and Directed by Terry Smith Produced by Jerri Wiseman Cast Members: Betsy Hansen, Ilan Komrad, and Russell Silber ***Greased hair, bobby socks, poodle skirts—and one shocking murder. At Rockway High, the drama is bigger than the school dance, and when a student turns up dead, the resident cool guy and his gang race to uncover the culprit before the last song plays. Dress to impress in your best ’50s style and join the party. It’s a night of dinner, dancing, and deadly fun you won’t want to miss.*** [Murder Meter™](https://www.stagecoachtc.com/murder-meter/) Saucy Suspects Performances will be held at area historic venues, restaurants, wineries, and breweries March – May 2026. ### May 9 at Casanel Winery (with dinner) Casanel Winery, 17956 Canby Road, Leesburg, VA 20175 6:30pm Doors open and dinner buffet starts. 7:15pm Show starts. There will be a 15-20-minute intermission. Tickets: $77 plus ticketing fee and sales tax / $72 for Wine Club members plus ticketing fee and sales tax (see Casanel Winery for promo code) includes the show, catered dinner and dessert by Pure Perfection Catering. Menu: Romaine Salad with Tomato, Feta, Grapes, and Croutons with Ranch and Mustard Vinaigrette Dressings. Dijon Chicken. Beef Stroganoff. Whipped Potatoes. Sauteed Summer Vegetables. Rolls with Butter. Chocolate Layer Cake. Unsweetened Iced Tea. Coffee.) Special meals can be accommodated with 48 hours’ notice. Wine will be available for separate purchase. ### [Click here to make reservations at Casanel Winery. ](https://ci.ovationtix.com/36598/production/1265216) You must buy a ticket to attend. An RSVP here will not save you a seat.