Fiesta del Sol, Alden's 'Wizard Of Oz' Coming To McLean Community Center In March

Press Release: McLean Community Center

The McLean Community Center (MCC) offers a variety of activities, events, classes, and performances every single month at the MCC building, The Alden Theatre (located at the MCC building), and The Old Firehouse Center in Downtown McLean. Please check the center’s website, mcleancenter.org, for the most current information. We would love for you to join in on the fun!

Alden Theatre Can’t Miss Performances & Offerings

Presented by The Alden- Foreign Language Film

“The Umbrellas of Cherbourg”

(1964, France, France; Directed by Jacques Demy)

French with English subtitles

Wednesday, March 4, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 26, 1 p.m.

Free admission.

18+

In this musical romance, Genevi?ve (a beautiful young Frenchwoman who works at a small-town boutique selling umbrellas) falls for dashing mechanic Guy. Their brief romance is interrupted when Guy is drafted to serve in the Algerian War. Though pregnant by Guy, Genevi?ve marries an older businessman, Roland, and begins to move on with her life. 18+

Presented by The Alden- Musical about John Lewis

“HERO: The Boy from Troy, A New Musical about Young John Lewis”

Friday, March 6, 7 p.m.

$25 Standard/ $20 Seniors/ $15 MCC district residents

Jayden is stuck in detention with a book about Congressman John Lewis, but he thinks that history has nothing to teach him. Together, we go on a musical journey through the decades that shows how the heroes of the Civil Rights movement inspired young John Lewis to protest injustice and get into “good trouble.” From preaching to his family’s flock of chickens (true story!) to becoming an American hero, Lewis’ life story is inspiring. Your family will love this charming musical!

Presented by The Alden- Performing Arts Movie

“Six by Sondheim”

(2013)

Thursday, March 12, 1 p.m.

Free admission.

Not rated; 13+

Directed by Tony Award-winner and frequent Sondheim collaborator James Lapine, “Six by Sondheim” is part biography, part music-appreciation lesson and part performance piece. Told primarily in Sondheim’s own words, this feature-length documentary weaves together dozens of interviews with the composer, rarely seen archival material spanning more than half a century (including newly discovered footage of Ethel Merman performing “Gypsy”) and re-stagings of three songs produced especially for the film.

Presented by The Alden- The 2026 Youth Production

The Alden’s Youth Production of “The Wizard of Oz”

Saturday & Sunday, March 21-22, 2 p.m.

$15/$10 MCC district residents

All Ages

When Dorothy drops into the Land of Oz, only one thing is certain: she's got to find a way back to Kansas. A funny and fast-paced journey down the yellow brick road ensues, as Dorothy and her new friends travel to the fabled Emerald City to meet the Great Oz. When Oz demands a steep price for sending her home, a perilous new adventure begins. This imaginative Alden Youth Production adaptation captures the heart of L. Frank Baum's classic tale.

Presented by The Alden- Music

Solomon Eichner, Piano

Sunday, March 29, 2-3:30 p.m.

$15 Standard/ $10 Seniors/ $7 MCC district residents

All Ages

Baltimore native Solomon Eichner is a product of some of the best conservatories in the country and winner of numerous international competitions. He debuted at Carnegie Hall in 2016 after winning the “Golden Key Debut” International Competition and has performed in England, Italy, Germany, Austria, Poland and throughout the U.S. His playing is praised for its virtuosity and his ability to make music sing and come alive.

MCC Community News & Events

Relaxation Station

Sound Sessions

Sunday, Mar. 1, 3-4 p.m.

$30/$25 MCC district residents

Sound sessions (also known as sound baths) offer a gentle journey into deep relaxation and inner healing. Using specialized instruments including crystal bowls, chimes, and drums, these calming sessions create frequencies that resonate through your body and mind, helping to release tension and stress. Please bring a yoga mat to lie down or sit on. A blanket, pillow, and anything else that will help you feel comfortable in a lying down or sitting position are recommended as well. Instructor: Bohra Bae

INOVA, in partnership with McLean Community Center

Wellness for Cancer Prevention

Tuesday, March 10, 6-7 p.m.

Free admission; registration required.

There is an abundant amount of information surrounding how to prevent chronic disease, specifically cancer. There are genetic and biological factors, but what are the steps we can take in our lifestyle to help us decrease our risk? This seminar provides clarity on how to implement healthy habits with direct correlation of decreasing our risk. Instructor: INOVA

Commemorating America250- Freedom Through My Eyes

McLean Community Center Youth Ambassadors High School Visual Art & Writing Competition

Submission deadline of Friday, March 13, 5 p.m.

The McLean Community Center Youth Ambassadors invite local high school students to participate in a Visual Art & Writing Competitionexploring the theme Freedom Through My Eyes. This competition is open to students in grade 9-12 who reside in or attend school within the MCC tax district. Students are asked to reflect on what freedom, as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, means to them today. Certificates will be awarded to all participants and prizes will be awarded to the top three places in each category.

Governing Board Candidate Packets Due!

2026 Call for Governing Board Candidates

February 18, 9 a.m.-March 16, 5 p.m.

The McLean Community Center is looking for district residents to serve on its Governing Board. The volunteer board provides oversight to the McLean Community Center through policy guidance, strategic planning and financial stewardship. Board members have a unique opportunity to improve the quality of life for Small District 1A-Dranesville residents. Four adult board seats and two youth board seats are available.

SIA and Shamrocks

St. Patty’s Party- hosted by Seniors in Action

Wednesday, March 18, 6-8 p.m.

Free admission; registration required.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a little Irish flair at our St. Patty’s Party, hosted by SIA! Join us on March 18 from 6-8 p.m. in CommunityHall for music, festive fun, and a delicious mashed potato bar. Don’t miss a lively Irish dance performance by Phoenix Irish Dance Academy at 6:30 p.m. Bring your friends and family- everyone’s welcome for this shamrock-filled evening of community celebration!

The Fiesta is back!

Fiesta del Sol

Saturday, March 21, 5-10 p.m.

Free admission

Get ready because Fiesta del Sol is back! Savor sumptuous cuisine, listen to Latin American and Caribbean music with renowned live bands, see quality artisan exhibitors and enjoy alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Learn how to dance a variety of Latin dance steps from professional dance instructors throughout the evening. Drink and food tickets are sold onsite and proceeds go to Friends of MCC. Patrons must be 21 years old or older to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages.