An elderly grandmother and slacker grandson who suddenly move in together sounds like the plot of a terrible sitcom. But cross-generational relationships, when told with the right balance of humor and emotion, have a way of resonating with audiences. Amy Herzog’s 4,000 Miles, now playing at Studio Theatre, examines this connection between family members and brings it up to date for the millennial generation. Over the course of their time together, all the typical tropes appear (Grandma walks in on grandson with a girl! The elderly don’t hear well!), but Herzog pushes the play further by examining the unexpected bonds that exist between the two. Read more >>> The play runs March 20 to April 28 at Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW. (202) 332-3300. studiotheatre.org. (Caroline Jones)
EAT THIS
Hogo‘s got a new chef in the kitchen for the next two weeks: Bistro Vivant’s Ed Hardy. He’ll be cooking Scandivanian-inspired dishes like Swedish meatballs, a pickled herring sampler, and Rappahannock oysters with lemon beurre blanc and smoked trout roe. Also look out for a BLT with salmon bacon. So, why Scandinavian food from a chef who cooks French? Well, Hardy has previous experience in the cuisine working under Marcus Samuelsson at Aquavit in New York. Plus, he finds it hilarious. “Try saying ‘pickled herring’ and see if you don’t smile,” he says. “And try saying ‘smorgasbord,’ and you’re going to smile, too.” The pop-up runs until March 30. Hogo, 1017 7th St. NW. (202) 393-1313. hogodc.com. (Jessica Sidman)
OH AND ALSO
It’s the first day of spring, the sun is shining, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival begins today. The trees won’t reach peak bloom until the first week of April but activities like cherry blossom photography workshops and food tours begin this afternoon. Find more information on the festival’s official website. The festival runs to April 14th at the Tidal Basin, 1501 Maine Ave. SW. Prices vary by event.
Dublin-based rockers Little Green Cars make a stateside appearance tonight at DC9. Olivia Mancini and East Ghost also perform. 8:30 p.m. at DC9, 1940 9th St. NW. $12.
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