Staunton & American Shakespeare Center, 1/31-2/2/14 ( #StauntonVA #ASC )

Renee and I enjoyed another weekend in Staunton, 1/31 - 2/2/14.  George was deep in the weeds of his thesis and couldn''t join us.  We have mastered seeing three plays at the ASC per trip plus finding new and interesting places to visit every trip.

Based on tips we found on another blog with a posting on Staunton (http://www.piesandpuggles.com See the Feb. 4th entry) we started our visit with a self-tour of Trinity Episcopal Church to see the Tiffany windows.  To find other suggestions on what to see and do in Staunton, check out
http://www.visitstaunton.com/shopping/shopping_cards.htm

While in the lovely sanctuary, we had a nice visit with a  member of the altar guild and she shared a lot of information about the parish, her life in Staunton (I've never met anyone who didn't love living in Staunton) and showed us the most impressive sacristy - private closets for clergy, choir members, etc.  To my former colleagues at St. John's Lafayette Square - eat your hearts out.

All of the windows were beautiful, even those that were not by Tiffany.

My favorite - Benedicite (Garden) Window - installed in 1903
Unlike the other windows, this one is made of "confetti" glass without any paints on the glass.

The main drag in the historic district is Beverly Street (see below) but this trip we ventured to some of the side and parallel streets.  There are many things to love about Virginia and one is the small towns that have managed to remain vibrant.  Staunton has a terrific small town feel without being boring.  There is plenty to see and do.  Luray is another great example of small town life.

One of the joys is meeting and seeing so many artists at work.  I was so awed by the yarn and quilt shops near the Depot that I forgot to take photos (next time), but the glass blower was so fascinating that he just made it mandatory.  He seemed able to answer all our questions while maintaining his focus on his work.  I've spotted a set of glasses that I hope to purchase next trip.

Just walking down Beverly you can watch artists at work in store front windows.  Her concentration was so intense I didn't dare interrupt so I don't know her name.  

There are many restaurants options, so each trip we always try something new.  (See my previous post from last August - Another Fine Reunion.)  This trip we tried the Depot by the train station and Barking Dog, which really reminded us of Cheestique in Del Ray, Alexandria.  Maybe they could share grilled cheese sandwich recipes.

Of course, the real focus of the trip was seeing the plays at ASC.  This weekend we saw Timon  found out it wasn't like "Tim" but "Time") of Athens with an amazing performance by Rene Thornton, Jr.  It was our first "pay what you want" performance.  I was so impressed, I paid more than I would have if just purchasing a regular AAA/geezer discounted ticket.  (Should they rethink their pricing policies?  Probably not - I'm too much of a pushover. ) We also saw As You Like It and The Servant of Two Masters by Carlo Goldoni.  

Sitting next to me during The Masters... was a gentleman in his 50's who was born and raised in Staunton.  He had NEVER seen a live theatrical performance before.  He had a lot of questions during the intermissions!  I had to explain what the Renaissance Season meant (I should also mention that he arrived during the 1st act, missing the introduction that, if he had heard it, would have saved me a lot of time.)  By the end of the play he appeared to be really into it and laughing and joining with the audience in telling Truffaldino "don't do it!"  Truffaldino tore up the note anyway.  

I regret that I won't be able to see the last two shows of the season.  Life is interfering with fun.  Stay tuned for March postings.

As usual, we stayed at the Jackson Hotel and they treated us very well.  When Renee wasn't feeling well, they helped me provide the necessary TLC.  We also discovered that the Ox wine tasting shop will deliver to the hotel.  Beats hauling a case of wine up the hill.

We will be back.

I did make it back to DC in time for George and me to attend the Mariinsky Ballet's performance of Swan Lake at the Kennedy.  We were surrounded by very enthusiastic Russian bun heads and their moms, all stomping and yelling "Vani" which we assumed was the nickname for Vladimir Shklyarov, their current "Baryshnikov" - apparently defying gravity is just SOP.  I loved Alina Somova's dancing - beyond description.