Jenn: If there’s one thing I’m going to urge you to do over the weekend in defiance of the shutdown, it’s to go see Ford’s Theatre‘s production of The Laramie Project. Only, it’s not at Ford’s Theatre. Ford’s Theatre Society’s director Paul R. Tetreault was notified this Tuesday that they cannot perform in the theater during the government shutdown, even though FTS is a private non-profit organization that uses no federal funding. That night was press opening, which was then moved last minute to Woolly Mammoth. It looked like the run might have to be scrapped, but in a spirited move that reminds me of other great theatrical moments, The Laramie Project will have two free performances at the nearby First Congregational United Church of Christ, on Friday, October 4 and again on Tuesday, October 8, both at 7:30pm with tickets available on site on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please consider supporting them. As Tetreault notes, “This weekend will mark 15 years since Matthew Shepard’s beating. That milestone will arrive regardless of what happens in Congress. We felt it was vital to find a way to continue telling this story now.” Bravo.

Tom: We’ve got a brand new baby (Welcome, Charlie Bridge!) we want to take out on the town and show off the majesty of the Nation’s Capital. We figured we’d start at The National Zoo, then head down to the DC World War I Memorial, then over to the Air & Space Museum, then off to the Library of Congress, and finish up at the Capitol and the Supreme Court. Sadly, because of 30 Tea Party Whackjobs, representing a tiny fraction of all Americans, the whole lot are closed. Sorry kid.

Patrick: This weekend it’ll be a double feature of reviews with my favorite editor: dog & pony dc’s Beertown and A Killing Game. Sure we’ve already seen the original productions of these shows but they are back and better than ever. I heard some of the changes includes 2345346% more Rebecca Sheir, which is something I can always get behind.

Fedward:  This weekend we’re making our own multiplex.  We start Friday night at the Union Market Drive-In for Caddyshack.  Since we’ve just had to hire a wildlife trapper to get rid of some squirrels, I’m hoping the movie isn’t a documentary of our future. Saturday some friends are hosting a Grease singalong in their back yard as a fundraiser. After that we’ll head to the State for Emmet Swimming. And Sunday we’ll watch the timely Mr. Smith Goes to Washington to see what a real filibuster looks like before drowning our sorrows at the Passenger.

Rebecca: This weekend is going to be “off the hook” cause there are SO many cool things going on. Friday I’ll be catching some happy hour drinks and food at the newly opened Roses Luxury on Barracks Row before I head off to the Two Door Cinema Club show at DAR. There are plenty of tickets available via craigslist and many seem to be going at purchase price. Saturday day drinking and camaraderie will commence early at Meridian Pint which is hosting an Oktoberfest in honor of Columbia Heights Day. Sunday I’ll be hitting up brunch at Big Bear Cafe, going to the Bloomingdale Farmers Market and then looking at some DC open houses as I’m thinking about buying a fixer upper. Sunday night, Mickey and I are headed to the 9:30 Club to catch The Naked and The Famous which is on my hit list from the October Concert Round Up.

Don: That’s my – oh, who am I kidding, my wife’s fundraiser that Fedward is talking about above. I’m afraid I can’t invite you – then it’d be selling viewings instead of a private event with some friends. And this town takes the MPAA limits seriously. But you can buy yourself a copy of the sing-along version (the Rockin Rydel Edition, you know) of Grease, watch it yourself, and go here to make a donation for Alzheimers (first two steps optional). Then it’s like you’re one of my friends and hanging out with me to raise money for a good cause without having to actually, you know, spend time with me. Win-win! We’ll pre-game a bit at Shirlington’s Oktoberfest event and Sunday will be the normal try-to-catch-up-with-life than parenthood turns every non-workday (as if there are such things) into. Something to look forward to, Tom.