Columns

Meet the Playwrights of Arena Stage’s ‘Playwrights’ Arena’: Part 2: Shawn Northrip

The Playwrights’ Arena a new play initiative developed by the American Voices New Play Institute. Centering on a small collaborative group of local playwrights dedicated to the support and development...

Filichia on Friday: ‘February’s Leftovers and March’s Brainteaser’ by Peter Filichia

Here is a new article from Peter Filichia’s column on Kritzerland called ‘Filichia on Friday.’ It’s an honor to bring Peter’s column every week to our readers on DCMetroTheaterArts. This week:...

Matt’s Movie Rank Tank – ‘Special Oscar Edition-Part 4: Best Actress’ by Matt Baughman

And in honor of this joyous time of year, leading up to the telecast on March 2nd, I will be positing a series of rankings of the nominees for Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress, Lead Actor, Lead...

Meet the Playwrights of Arena Stage’s ‘Playwrights’ Arena’: Part 1: Jacqueline E. Lawton

The Playwrights’ Arena a new play initiative developed by the American Voices New Play Institute. Centering on a small collaborative group of local playwrights dedicated to the support and development...

Stage Dad: ‘Young Adult Author – Tim Federle – Teaches Lessons About Broadway Life’ by Glenn Cook

Of all the people we have met during our family’s “reality show,” Tim Federle is one of my favorites. Tim was one of the choreographers on staff for the Broadway production of Billy Elliot when our...

Matt’s Movie Rank Tank – ‘Special Oscar Edition-Part 2: Best Supporting Actress’ by Matt Baughman

It’s OSCAR season!!! And in honor of this joyous time of year, leading up to the telecast on March 2nd, I will be positing a series of rankings of the nominees for Supporting Actor, Supporting...

‘American Idiot’ at The National Theatre by John Stoltenberg

Among the exhilarating pleasures of seeing American Idiot now on tour at the National Theatre is experiencing this angsty, amped-up ode to antiestablishment disaffection performed full force in DC’s...

New Whisperings: Meet KAT’s Director and Cast of ‘Spring Awakening’: Part 5: Director Emily Zickler by Joel Markowitz

In Part 5 of our series of interviews with the director and cast of Kensington Arts Theatre’s Spring Awakening, meet Director Emily Zickler. Joel: Why did you want to direct Kensington Arts Theatre’s...

New Whisperings: Meet KAT’s Director and Cast of ‘Spring Awakening’: Part 4: Harrison Smith (Moritz) by Joel Markowitz

In Part 4 of our series of interviews with the director and cast of Kensington Arts Theatre’s Spring Awakening, meet Harrison Smith (Moritz). Joel: Why did you want to appear in Spring Awakening at...

Attend the Tale of Landless’ Prog-Metal ‘Sweeney Todd’: An Interview With Landless’ Andrew and Melissa Baughman by Joel Markowitz

Life has been hectic and exciting for Landless Theatre Company‘s Producing Artistic Director of Landless Theatre Andrew L. Baughman and Associate Producing Director and Resident Director Melissa...

New Whisperings: Meet KAT’s Director and Cast of ‘Spring Awakening’: Part 3: Ryan Alan Jones (Melchior) by Joel Markowitz

In Part 3 of our series of interviews with the director and cast of Kensington Arts Theatre’s Spring Awakening, meet Ryan Alan Jones (Melchior). Joel: Why did you want to appear in Spring Awakening at...

New Whisperings: Meet KAT’s Director and Cast of ‘Spring Awakening’: Part 2: Catherine Callahan (Martha) by Joel Markowitz

In Part 2 of our series of interviews with the director and cast of Kensington Arts Theatre’s Spring Awakening, meet Catherine Callahan (Martha). Joel: Why did you want to appear in Spring Awakening...

New Whisperings: Meet KAT’s Director and Cast of ‘Spring Awakening’: Part 1: Joanna Frezzo (Ilse) by Joel Markowitz

In Part 1 of our series of interviews with the director and cast of Kensington Arts Theatre’s Spring Awakening, meet Joanna Frezzo (Ilse). Joel: Why did you want to appear in Spring Awakening at...

Meet The Cast and Director of Spooky Action Theater’s ‘The Wedding Dress’: Part 3: Meet Dane Edidi by Joel Markowitz

In Part 3 of our series with the director and cast of Spooky Action Theater’s The Wedding Dress, meet Dane Edidi. Why did you want to become a member of the cast of The Wedding Dress? How could I not?...

Stage Dad: “Life in the ‘Dead Zone’ by Glenn Cook

My son and I seem to be in a “dead zone” career wise, and neither of us is too happy about it. The difference, of course, is that Ben turned 16 in December and, as of mid-January, I’m one year shy of...

Magic Time! ‘Mother Courage and Her Children’ at Arena Stage at The Mead Center for American Theater by John Stoltenberg

It takes a wagonload of courage to take on Brecht these days. His “alienation effect” esthetic challenges every theatrical convention that makes a show a contemporary commercial success. He explicitly...

Meet The Cast and Director of Spooky Action Theater’s ‘The Wedding Dress’: Part 2: Meet Director Rebecca Holderness by Joel Markowitz

Spooky Action Theater is presenting The Wedding Dress by Nelson Rodrigues. The show is directed by Rebecca Holderness and stars Frank Britton, Michael Kevin Darnall, Dane Edidi, Stefanie Garcia,...

‘Yellow Face’ at Theater J by John Stoltenberg

If there was an open casting call for the role of you, who should get the part and who shouldn’t? Must the actor be descended from a gene pool that arose in the same area on the globe that yours did?...

Playing (with) Gender in WSC Avant Bard’s ‘Orlando’: Acting Insights from Sara Barker and Jay Hardee by John Stoltenberg

Orlando, WSC Avant Bard’s upcoming production, is based on Virginia Woolf’s classic 1928 novel in which Woolf based the character Orlando on the woman she was madly in love with. In both the book and...

‘From Broadway With Love: A Benefit Concert for Sandy Hook’ Released on DVD and Double-CD Set Tomorrow, iTunes on 2/7, & on Blu-ray on 2/18 by Joel Markowitz

From Broadway With Love: A Benefit Concert For Sandy Hook DVD And Double-CD set Released Tomorrow, February 4th, as two volumes digitally via iTunes on February 7th, and on Blu-ray on February 18th....

Synesthesia: Audio-Described Performances in February 2014 by Yvonne French

Synesthesia: Audio-Described Performances in February 2014 ______ Tuesday, February 4, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, February 15, at 2 p.m. Audio Describer: Richard Collins; Program Notes: Sylvia Rosenthal...

The WATCH AWARDS Nominees React!-Part 1 by Joel Markowitz

How did thy feel when their names were announced as a WATCH AWARD nominee? A Father and a Son Are Nominated Outstanding Special Effects Chip Gertzog and Jimmy Gertzog Chip Gertzog & Jimmy Gertzog–...

The Playwright’s Playground: Part II: ‘Creative Consciousness: An Interview with – Anu Yadav’ by Sydney-Chanele Dawkins

Female theatre artists make up more than 50 percent of those involved in the theatre, yet the number of female playwrights being produced is dramatically lower. Welcome back to the conversation, and...

Magic Time! ‘Miss Nelson is Missing’ by John Stoltenberg

I had not been to kid’s theater since I was a kid. As an inveterate theater buff, I was dimly aware there was much highly praised professional children’s theater in the DC Metro area—but I was certain...

The Playwright’s Playground: Part 1: ‘Meena’s Dream – Process and Performance: An Interview with Anu Yadav’ by Sydney-Chanele Dawkins

Female theatre artists make up more than 50 percent of those involved in the theatre, yet the number of female playwrights being produced is dramatically lower. Welcome back to the conversation, and...

‘So, You Want to Talk for TED’ – A Personal Report by Ellouise Schoettler

TED and TEDx talks are a kind of popular mini-theater that has a world-wide audience. Although it wasn’t spelled out on my ‘bucket list,” having a chance to tape a TEDx Talk for the internet has been...

The Lunch and Judy Show’: ‘It Feels Good to Feel Good’ by Judy Stadt

I am the host and creator and writer and editor of The Lunch and Judy Show. I am so honored to bring you The Lunch and Judy Show on DC Theater Arts. DCMTA’s editor Joel Markowitz has been a regular...

‘Musicians of Mercy’ Holds a Benefit Concert for The American Heart Association This Friday 1/10@7:30 PM by Teresa McCormick Ertel

This Friday, January 10th at 7:30 PM, The Musicians of Mercy, will present an evening of live music – Celebrating a Life of Love – in Baltimore City to benefit the American Heart Association. The...

Synesthesia: More Sign-Interpreted and Captioned Performances in January and February 2014 by Yvonne French

The Angelica Film Center & Cafe at the Mosaic in Virginia’s mod new Merrifield development has audio captioning devices that fit into the drink holders. 2911 District Ave @ Lee Hwy & Gallows Rd...

Making Some Noise: Behind the Scenes of 1st Stage’s ‘Noises Off’: Part 7: Zachary Fernebok (Freddy) by Joel Markowitz

This is Part 7 and our final interview in a series of interviews with the cast and director of 1st Stage’s production of Noises Off. Meet Zachary Fernebok. Joel: Why did you want to become a member of...

Magic Time! ‘The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess’ at The National Theatre by John Stoltenberg

History hit an astounding “rewind” and “refresh” button last night at The National Theatre. An abundantly assorted audience of Washingtonians rose as one to applaud an iconic work of musical theater...

Synesthesia: Deaf Actor James “Joey” Caverly Portrays Deaf Character in ‘Tribes’ at The Studio Theatre” by Yvonne French

Tribes features a deaf protagonist, Billy, whose hearing family forces him to read lips. Billy has been deaf since birth. His sister, brother and parents are smart, cultured and love to argue, but...

Nibbles and Sips: ‘Cookbooks From the Heart’ by Jordan Wright

Cookbooks From The Heart Dozens of fascinating and inspiring cookbooks have landed on our desks this year. Some from new writers, others from established authors, all eager to bring you into their...

Meet the Director and Cast of Annapolis Shakespeare Company’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’: Part 6: Ben Lauer (Demetrius) by Joel Markowitz

This is the Part 6 in a series of interviews with the director and cast members of Annapolis Shakespeare Company’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Meet Ben Lauer. Joel: How did you become involved with...

‘Seasonal Disorder’ at Washington Improv Theater by John Stoltenberg

Washington Improv Theater has been tickling DC audiences for 15 years. When I discovered the madcap company a while ago, I got hooked on the spot. Hooked as in addicted. Feeling the need for a...

Meet the Director and Cast of Annapolis Shakespeare Company’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’: Part 5: Ashlyn Thompson (Helena) by Joel Markowitz

This is the Part 5 in a series of interviews with the director and cast members of Annapolis Shakespeare Company‘s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Meet Ashlyn Thompson. How did you become involved with...

Catch The Holiday Spirit(S) At The Theatre by Jordan Wright

A DASH OF SHAKESPEARE FOR THE TEEN IN YOUR LIFE Family holiday shows are everywhere. But where can you find one that’s tailor made for teens…and non-denominational too? This year the Synetic Theatre...

An Interview with Bruce Dow on Playing Pseudolus in ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum’ at Shakespeare Theatre Company by Joel Markowitz

Bruce Dow is wowing DC audiences with his high-energy and funny performance of the slave Pseudolus in Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Joel:...

Making Some Noise: Behind the Scenes of 1st Stage’s ‘Noises Off’: Part 5: Blair Bowers (Brooke) by Joel Markowitz

This is Part 5 in a series of interviews with the cast and director of 1st Stage’s production of Noises Off. Meet Blair Bowers. Joel: Why did you want to become a member of the cast of Noises Off?...

Meet the Director and Cast of Annapolis Shakespeare Company’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’: Part 4: Joel DeCandio (Lysander) by Joel Markowitz

This is the Part 4 in a series of interviews with the director and cast members of Annapolis Shakespeare Company‘s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Meet Joel DeCandio. How did you become involved with this...

dog & pony dc’s ‘Toast’ (a Workshop Production) by John Stoltenberg

“Audience integration” is a buzzword that has been flying around awhile but only recently landed in my brain. In live theater, it means going beyond removing the fourth wall; it means erasing the line...

‘Man in a Case’ at Shakespeare Theatre Company by John Stoltenberg

It is one thing to amble through a modern art gallery and appreciate an innovative multimedia installation—some videos and audio here, some projections and lighting effects there, perhaps some human...

‘Shall We Schmooze?’ Paolo Montalban on Playing The King in ‘The King and I’ at Olney Theatre Center by Joel Markowitz

I love Olney Theatre Center’s production of The King and I and I am thrilled to have a royal schmooze with the King . Here is my interview with Paolo Montalban. Joel: How did you get cast in Olney’s...

Making Some Noise: Behind the Scenes of 1st Stage’s ‘Noises Off’: Part 4: Kate Karczewski (Poppy) by Joel Markowitz

This is Part 4 in a series of interviews with the cast and director of 1st Stage’s production of Noises Off. Meet Kate Karczewski. Why did you want to become a member of the cast of Noises Off? Mostly...

Magic Time! Reflections on ‘Woody Sez: The Life & Music of Woody Guthrie’ by John Stoltenberg

Hootenanny is a word one hardly hears anymore. Whole generations have come along for whom it elicits blank stares and a big ”Huh?” The press release for Woody Sez: The Life & Music of Woody Guthrie...

‘If/Then’ (Revisited) by John Stoltenberg

The first time I saw If/Then, I knew I would be seeing it again. The show’s beauty, originality, and heart won me over, and that experience increased all the way through. I wrote a review for...

Nibbles and Sips Around Town: Cedar Restaurant, Fogo de Chao, FLO Wines, Puro Café, and Iron Gate by Jordan Wright

Cedar’s Aaron McCloud Creates Amazing Dishes with Olives from Spain As one of eight U.S. chefs selected to highlight the use of Spanish olives in their cuisine by Olives From Spain, Cedar’s Executive...

Meet the Director and Cast of Annapolis Shakespeare Company’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’: Part 2: Nick DePinto (Puck) by Joel Markowitz

This is the Part 2 in a series of interviews with the director and cast members of Annapolis Shakespeare Company‘s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Meet Nick DePinto. How did you become involved with this...

Meet the Director and Cast of Annapolis Shakespeare Company’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’: Part 1: Director Kristin Clippard by Joel Markowitz

This is the first interview in a series of interviews with the director and cast members of Annapolis Shakespeare Company‘s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Meet Director Kristin Clippard. Joel: How did you...

Synesthesia: Accessible Shows Galore This Winter-November 2013 Through February 2014 by Yvonne French

NOVEMBER 2013 ASL Interpreted: Friday, November 29, 2013 at 8:00 pm; Saturday December 7 at 8:00 pm; Sunday December 8 at 2:00 pm; and Saturday December 21 at 2:00 pm Open Captioning available all...