Great Escape: One-Stop Dinner And Show In Lorton

Every so often, you and hubby need a night out together.  It's good for the relationship, and it's fun.

The only problem with a night out is the hassle:  deciding where to go and what to do, driving through traffic, looking for parking.  Life is busy and complicated enough without having to put a major effort into something that is supposed to be enjoyable.

But before you resign yourself to a dinner at the nearest TGI Fridays with the game on in the background, consider a a gem of a venue that's right down the road and has plenty of parking.

It's the Lazy Susan Dinner Theater in Lorton, at the intersection of Rt. 1 and Furnace Road, The Lazy Susan packs in spectators most nights of the week with professional-quality plays and musicals, plus "down home country cookin'," as described by waiter and thespian Jesse Forbes. 

Once you take your seat, you can immediately order all manner of drinks, including special cocktails which change weekly (virgin versions also available).

 Service is prompt and friendly, which is impressive when you consider that the waiters are involved in the theater production as well.

Waitress Jenn Pelath is also a costume designer and actor - and has plenty of  knowledge about the history of the theater, which opened 37 years ago.  Before that, Pelath says, the building was an antiques barn.  "There used to be antique cars in here."

When it's time to go to the buffet, you can pile your plate with as much chicken, roast beef, salads and sides as you want. There is also a special dessert section with bread and chocolate puddings, plus slices of pie.

A word of caution:  the food is not labeled, so if you or your sweetie have dietary restrictions, you may want to call ahead and be sure The Lazy Susan can accommodate you.

Plan for the show to last about two hours, and don't be surprised if you're sitting on the edge of your seat.  The actors at The Lazy Susan put on a quality performance that will engage your mind, make you laugh and provide you with that much-needed escape from the everyday.  

Playing through March 27th is And Then There Were None, an Agatha Christie murder mystery in which ten criminals are lured onto an island and mysteriously murdered one by one as the survivors try to figure out "whodunnit."  The theater operates throughout most of the year with a variety of plays and musicals.  You can check the schedule on the website.

After dinner and an engaging show, if you still haven't had enough, there's a bar and dance club called Skinifatz located on the other side of the parking lot.  You don't even have to move your car.  Just walk on over and dance the night away.

Now that you know your date night escape can be so easy, what are you waiting for?  Get your sitter on the phone, and have a wonderful evening.  An in case your sitter is not available ... the theater is family-friendly.

Adult ticket prices are $41.95 per person weekdays and Sunday; $44.95 Saturday, very reasonable for a complete dinner and full-length show.  Drinks and tip are extra.