7 things to do this week in Montgomery County, including a Tony-winning play and free fishing lessons

A Tony Award-winning play has arrived in Montgomery County.

Olney Theatre this weekend welcomes “Appropriate,” a comedy about a dysfunctional family fighting over their deceased father’s inheritance as they are confronted by their predecessors’ racist past.

“I hate to talk about a show being important, because that makes you feel like you have to eat your spinach instead of getting your dessert,” said artistic director Jason Loewith. “I do think you get your spinach without realizing until well after the play is over.”

While sorting through their late father’s belongings on the family’s Arkansas plantation, a group of siblings discover a photo album full of photos depicting lynchings and struggle to come to terms with what that means about their family history — and themselves.

Loewith describes the show, written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, as a story about a white family who ”recognize their responsibility in an inequitable world." He sees that message not as one to make white viewers feel guilty, but to spark conversations about individual responsibilities in relationships and communities.

“This family refuses to recognize the weight of American history, especially as it relates to Black people,” Loewith said, noting efforts from the Trump administration to erase Black history. “This is Olney Theatre saying, ‘No, this history needs to be reckoned with.’”

The cast stars veteran DMV actors Kimberly Gilbert (Toni), Cody Nickell (Bo), Jamie Smithson (Franz) and Dina Thomas (Rachael). It also features locals including Bethesda-Chevy Chase alum Cole Alex Edelstein, who made his Broadway debut at age 12 in “Matilda,” and David Snyder, a fourth grader at Norwood School in Bethesda.

Olney Theatre notes that the play would be rated R if it were a film, citing strong language, racist imagery and sexual content. Loewith says parents can likely bring their teenagers but urges them to discuss the major social issues portrayed onstage afterward.

“Parents need to make their own informed choices,” he said. But “in the play, these characters refuse to have these conversations, and that’s why this family falls apart. So think of this as an opportunity for your family.”

“Appropriate” is onstage at the Olney Theatre now through April 19, with tickets ranging from $52 to $116.

Here are more things to do this weekend and beyond in Montgomery County.

A major new Glenstone exhibit

Open now, Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Los Angeles artist and activist Andrea Bowers, whose work blends fine art and political activism, gets a major new exhibit with more than 40 pieces of art across various mediums at Potomac’s Glenstone Museum. “She has this incredible storytelling ability that really centers the work of activists,” Nora Cafritz, senior director of collections at Glenstone, told The Banner.

Admission is free. Guests can register online. Walk-ins are welcome through the end of March.

A Local Comic Con

Friday through Saturday, times vary

Montgomery County Public Libraries is hosting its 10th year of MoComCon, a celebration of comics, graphic novels and fandoms. Events on Friday take place at BlackRock Center for the Arts; Saturday is split between BlackRock and the Germantown Library. Activities include a board game mixer, comic sale, tote bag decorating, video game development panel, cosplay contest, crafting, costume parade for kids, and more.

Admission is free.

An international film festival

Friday through Sunday, times vary

Spend the weekend checking out films from Poland — many of them making their U.S. debut — at the Polish Film Festival at Landmark’s Bethesda Row Cinema. Panel discussions and Q&As with the filmmakers join the lineup alongside a wide variety of films, all with English subtitles.

Tickets are $25 (including fees) per film or $162 for an all-inclusive festival pass.

Cheers to the new season

Friday through March 31

Celebrate the beginning of spring at select restaurants around the county during the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington’s Spring Wine Fling event, which offers deals on prix fixe dinner and glasses of wine. Montgomery County participants include The Daily Dish, District Bistro and J. Hollingers Waterman’s Chophouse in Silver Spring, plus The Dish & Dram in Kensington.

A two-course dinner with two glasses of wine is $55 per person.

A beginner-friendly fishing lesson

Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon

What’s that saying about teaching a man to fish? Take your kids to Pine Lake at Wheaton Regional Park for a hands-on fishing lesson, courtesy of Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources. Families get free access to loaner fishing equipment and, if they’re lucky, an actual catch or two.

Admission is free.

Sunday Serenades are back

Sunday, 10-11:30 a.m.

The Montgomery County parks department’s free Sunday morning concert series has returned, kicking off the spring season with a show courtesy of the jazz ensemble Eric Byrd Trio. Set up a blanket or lawn chairs at the Cabin John Regional Park Amphitheater in Bethesda, bring a picnic brunch or grab some refreshments from their food vendor, and enjoy the end of the weekend with some tunes.

Admission is free.