Idly Bent Theatre Company, a D.C. newcomer, appears to be shooting for the moon with its first production in town. Hailing from the University of Virginia, two of the founding Idly Benters present the company’s inaugural D.C. show tonight: a take on Harold Pinter’s menacing The Birthday Party. That’s a gutsy proposition. Read more>>> The play begins at 7:30 p.m. and runs through Jan. 13 at the D.C. Arts Center, 2438 18th St. NW. $10–$12. (202) 462-7833. idlybenttheatre.com (Kriston Capps)
EAT THIS
Mari Vanna doesn’t open officially until Jan. 17, but the bar is now open. And as an incentive to stop by, the Russian restaurant is giving a free vodka shot to each guest. Eventually, the Dupont spot will have more than 70 varieties of infused vodkas (some of which are currently available). Mari Vanna also already has the Alex Ovechkin stamp of approval: Last night, the Caps star tweeted a photo of himself giving the No. 1 sign in front of the Russian restaurant with the message “Gr8 place for Russian food in DC!!!” Mari Vanna, 1141 Connecticut Ave. NW. (202) 783-7777. marivanna.ru (Jessica Sidman)
OH AND ALSO
Join drag-queen MCs Heidi Glüm and Pu$$y Noir for an exciting evening of Bing Bang Bingo at Mellow Mushroom in Adams Morgan. If the bingo gets a little boring, three drag shows should liven up the evening. More details available on Facebook. 8 p.m. at Mellow Mushroom, 2436 18th St. NW. First card free, additional cards available with a $10 donation to the Trevor Project.
The Corcoran’s first ever Mobile Movie Fest, featuring films created on mobile phones, takes place tonight. Find out more information and reserve a seat on the event’s website. 7 p.m. at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, 500 17th St. NW. Free, registration recommended.
City Paper kicks off the voting for our annual Best of D. C. issue tonight with a party at Penn Social. Come mingle, cast your ballots for your favorite D. C. things, and enjoy drinks from Bulleit Bourbon, Ciroc Vodka, and Port City Brewing Company. RSVP on Facebook. 6 p.m. at Penn Social, 801 E St. NW. Free.
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