Columns

Making Some Noise: Behind the Scenes of 1st Stage’s ‘Noises Off’: Part 1: Director Doug Wilder by Joel Markowitz

This is the first in a series of interviews with the cast and director of 1st Stage’s production of Noises Off. Meet Director Doug Wilder. Why did you want to direct this show at 1st Stage? Sometimes...

Landless Theatre Company Presents ‘Richard Campbell’s Frankenstein: A Prog-Metal Rock Opera’ on Monday, November 25th at 8 PM at The Black Cat

Landless Theatre Company gives you a Franksgiving to remember! Come see the musical that DCMetroTheaterArts’ Amanda Gunther called: “A mind-blowing, face-melting, phenomenal experience! A must-see;...

Who is Drama Queen Graphics? A Conversation With James Gallagher

Need Theatre Posters, Programs, & Logos Designed for Your Show? Meet Jim Gallagher of Drama Queen Graphics I have had many of our readers ask me who designed our classy and colorful new logo, and the...

Who is Drama Queen? A Conversation With the Area’s Newest Queen

Need Theatre Posters, Programs, & Logos Designed for Your Show? Meet Jim Gallagher of Drama Queen Graphics I have had many of our readers ask me who designed our classy and colorful new logo, and the...

‘Tappin’ Thru Time with a Legend: An Interview with Maurice Hines’ by Joel Markowitz

When you sit down with Maurice Hines you are schmoozing with the ‘Master of Tap.’ I have interviewed Maurice several times and every time I meet him I feel like I am reminiscing with my best friend....

Nibbles And Sips Around Town: ‘Frenchifying Fairfax, The Gin Game Redux, J&G Steakhouse Adds a Secret Room, the Day of the Dead Comes Back to Life, and Olive You Too, Espana!’ by Jordan Wright

Frenchifying Fairfax If you blink you’ll pass the modest storefront of Le Mediterranean Bistro, a mere slip of a place in historic Fairfax City, Virginia that quiets down towards nightfall. Once...

Who is Drama Queen? A Conversation With the Area’s Newest Queen

Need Theatre Posters, Programs, & Logos Designed for Your Show? Meet Jim Gallagher of Drama Queen Graphics I have had many of our readers ask me who designed our classy and colorful new logo, and the...

Introducing the Cast of ‘If/Then’ at The National Theatre-Part 4: Jerry Dixon by Joel Markowitz

In Part 4 of a series of interviews with the cast of the new Tom Kitt/Brian Yorkey musical If/Then, which is about to open at The National Theatre on November 5th, Jerry Dixon introduces us to the...

Introducing the Cast of ‘If/Then’ at The National Theatre-Part 3: James Snyder by Joel Markowitz

In Part 3 of a series of interviews with the cast of the new Tom Kitt/Brian Yorkey musical If/Then, which is about to open at The National Theatre on November 5th, James Snyder introduces us to the...

Introducing the Cast of ‘If/Then’ at The National Theatre-Part 2: Jenn Colella by Joel Markowitz

In the second of a series of interviews with the cast of the new Tom Kitt/Brian Yorkey musical If/Then, which is about to open at The National Theatre on November 5th, Jenn Colella introduces us to...

Introducing the Cast of ‘If/Then’ at The National Theatre-Part 1: Jason Tam by Joel Markowitz

In the first of a series of interviews with the cast of the new Tom Kitt/Brian Yorkey musical If/Then, which is about to open at The National Theatre on November 5th, Jason Tam introduces us to the...

Synesthesia: Accessible Theater and Art in DC in November 2013 by Yvonne French

DC is now considered the second biggest theater town in the United States, after New York. It also has one of the biggest deaf communities, which means there is a lot of culture: deaf culture! What...

Interviews With Indie Filmmakers: Zach Clark by Teresa McCormick Ertel

With his third feature film, writer and director Zach Clark delivers an unconventional dark comedy of a wife’s search for Christmas spirit in the wake of an unbearable tragedy in White Reindeer. Tell...

‘The Lunch and Judy Show’: ‘Auditions’ 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. THIS WEEK: ‘Auditions’ (Click here to listen): THE...

Alex Bryce on Playing Ty in Dominion Stage’s ‘Sordid Lives’ by Joel Markowitz

Alex Bryce is giving a powerful performance as Ty Williamson in Dominion Stage’s production of Del Shores’ popular play Sordid Lives. Alex explains how he works ‘side-by-side’ with Shawn g. Byers, who...

‘Magic Time!’ ‘The Laramie Project’ at Ford’s Theatre by John Stoltenberg

If you’re a theater buff who’s worried that the shutdown’s shuttering of Ford’s Theatre and the shunting of The Laramie Project to a nearby church means audiences there must be getting something...

A Mother and a Son Look at ‘The Velocity of Autumn’ by Ellouise Schoettler

Last week my son and I were part of yet another audience captivated by Estelle Parsons and Stephen Spinella playing mother and son in Eric Coble’s marvelous play The Velocity of Autumn, now playing at...

Matt Williams on Playing Seymour in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ at Providence Players of Fairfax by Joel Markowitz

Matt Williams is having bloody-good time playing the nebbishy Seymour in Providence Players of Fairfax’s production of Little Shop of Horrors. I fed him these questions. Joel: Tell our readers about...

‘The Lunch and Judy Show’: ‘California…Here I Went!’ 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. THIS WEEK: ‘California…Here I Went!’ (Click here to...

Filichia on Friday: ‘So What Are You Looking Forward To?’ 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: So What...

Paata Tsikurishvili on Directing ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ at Synetic Theater by Joel Markowitz

Synetic Theater’s Artistic Director Paata Tsikurishvili talks about his new production of The Picture of Dorian Gray. What makes this production so new and exciting? Why is The Picture of Dorian Gray...

‘Cavalia’s Odysseo’ Gallops Into National Harbor From October 9-27th

The internationally acclaimed Cavalia pushes the limits of live entertainment once again with its second production: a 30-million dollar extravaganza that is wowing critics and audiences alike across...

Magic Time!: ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ by John Stoltenberg

The notorious aesthete Oscar Wilde believed that beauty is be-all and end-all. After The Painting of Dorian Gray met with moral outrage upon its publication in 1890, he appended a Preface to the novel...

It’s Opening Night for NextStop Theatre Company’s ‘The 39 Steps’

The official Opening Night of NextStop Theatre Company’s production of Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps is tonight at 8 PM in Herndon, VA. It’s the first opening night for NextStop Theatre Company...

‘The Lunch and Judy Show’: ‘Just Pretend’ 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. THIS WEEK: Just Pretend (Click here to listen): TRY...

Filichia on Friday: ‘September’s Leftovers and October’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:...

Meet The Cast of 1st Stage’s ‘The Pitmen Painters’ Part 3: Alden Michels by Joel Markowitz

In Part 3 of a series of interviews with the cast of The Pitmen Painters, we meet Alden Michels. Why did you want to become a member of the cast of this production at 1st Stage? I’ve been looking for...

Meet Director Stevie Zimmerman of 1st Stage’s ‘The Pitmen Painters’ by Joel Markowitz

In Part 3 of a series of interviews with the cast of The Pitmen Painters, we meet Director Stevie Zimmerman. Joel: Why did you want to direct this show and do it at First Stage? Stevie: I had been...

Nibbles and Sips Around Town: ‘The Art of the Fruit Tart’ by Cary Pollak

Those of you who have enjoyed summertime performances at the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts here in the Washington, DC area know that enjoying a picnic on the lawn before the show is...

‘The Velocity of Autumn’ at Arena Stage at The Mead Center for American Theater by John Stoltenberg

For $64,000, the funny thing about aging is…? Funny like strange or funny like—? Like LOL. Oh, okay, lemme think. [Thinks a long time; lame music plays.] Haven’t got all day. Please, I need more time!...

Meet The Cast of 1st Stage’s ‘The Pitmen Painters’ Part 1: James Miller

In Part 1 of a series of interviews with the cast of The Pitmen Painters, we meet James Miller. Joel: Why did you want to become a member of the cast of this production at 1st Stage? James: The script...

Dallas Tolentino on Playing Dorian Gray at Synetic Theater by Joel Markowitz

As he is preparing to star as Dorian Gray at Synetic Theater, Dallas Tolentino takes us behind the scenes of preparing for his role. Joel: Why did you want to play the role of Dorian Gray? Dallas: The...

Magic Time: ‘Molière’s Don Juan’ at Faction of Fools by John Stoltenberg

On top of the antic hilarity in Faction of Fools’ new production of Molière’s Don Juan, I had the funny feeling while watching this company’s work for the first time that I’d been a fool for having...

‘The Lunch and Judy Show’: ‘I Enjoy Being Judy Stadt’ by Judy Stadt

I am the host and creator and writer and editor of The Lunch and Judy Show. For six years DCMTA’s Joel Markowitz and I have been schmoozing about theatre in DC, Philly, and NYC and other things…like...

‘After the Revolution’ at Theater J by John Stoltenberg

Who would have guessed that a family drama about everyday ethics and far-left ideology could be so engrossing and engaging, the characters so real and riveting, that what happens on stage enters one’s...

‘Torch Song Trilogy’ at The Studio Theatre by John Stoltenberg

Some plays don’t age well; they get dated but dusted off anyway. Some time-travel okay, and get mounted in modern dress. But rare is the work that—while still set in the period years ago when it was...

‘Inventing “Bell” at National Geographic: A Q&A with Rick Foucheux and MJ Jacobsen’ by John Stoltenberg

National Geographic has been thinking outside its trademark yellow box a lot lately. The Society’s mission is “Inspiring people to care about the planet.” Adventure and exploration are its DNA. Still,...

Margo Moorer on Playing Nella in ‘Gee’s Bend’ at MetroStage by Joel Markowitz

She’s been involved with Gee’s Bend since its first reading and now Margo Moorer will be reprising the role of Nella in MetroStage’s new production of Gee’s Bend, which opens on September 12th. Margo...

Reporting from The Page-to-Stage Festival: ‘The Good Devil, In Spite of Himself’ and ‘Aural Sex’ by John Stoltenberg

If you’ve never made your way to The Kennedy Center’s Page-to-Stage fest, let me let you in on a few pleasures that await you even before the pleasures packed into this annual Labor Day weekend of...

CUA’s Benjamin T. Rome School of Music Presents The Jane Pesci-Townsend Excellence in Music Theatre Gala on Monday, 9/9@7:30 pm

The Benjamin T. Rome School of Music presents The Jane Pesci-Townsend Excellence in Music Theatre Gala Monday, September 9, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. Archbishop Carroll High School 4300 Harewood Road...

Donna McKechnie Performs ‘Same Place, Another Time’ at Olney Theatre Center This Sunday at 7 PM

While A Chorus Line is being performed at Olney Theatre Center Donna McKechnie, the Tony Award-winning Cassie from the original Broadway cast, is bringing her one-woman cabaret Same Place, Another...

Nibbles And Sips Around Town: ‘Uber Restaurateur Ashok Bajaj Has a New Baby – nopa Kitchen+Bar’ by Jordan Wright

Uber Restaurateur Ashok Bajaj Has a New Baby When it comes to cooking up success, Ashok Bajaj has a formula that could well be called the ‘ultimate dish’. It’s simple, really. Hire a talented chef,...

‘The Resurrection of Alice’ at The Essential Theatre by John Stoltenberg

If you like theatrical storytelling—the kind that catches you by the heartstrings, gets you all wrapped up, then doesn’t let loose until the very end—you’re going to love The Resurrection of Alice....

Magic Time! ‘Now That ‘Bradass87’ Is Chelsea: A Q&A With Playwright Claire Lebowitz’ by John Stoltenberg

Claire Lebowitz conceived a documentary theater piece called Bradass87 and crafted the script from primary sources—including Bradley Manning’s own online chats and instant messages, in which he used...

Mladinsko Theatre’s Production of ‘Nijinsky’s Last Dance’ by John Stoltenberg

“I am Nijinsky,” says the actor/dancer Primož Bezjak, in a tone almost primal. “The great Nijinsky.” He speaks in Slovenian as his words appear on overhead screens in English. He has been sitting...

An Interview with Playwright Eric Coble on His Play ‘The Velocity of Autumn’ at Arena Stage by Joel Markowitz

The Velocity of Autumn is about to open at Arena Stage on September 6th, starring Estelle Parsons and Stephen Spinella. Playwright Eric Coble talked to me about the journey of the play from its...

‘Meet The Plaids’ at Olney Theatre Center Part 1: Austin Colby and Brandon Duncan

Here’s Part One of a series of interviews with the cast of Olney Theatre Center’s production of Forever Plaid, which opens Friday night on the Historic Stage. Meet cast members Austin Colby and...

Nibbles And Sips Around Town: ‘The Sushi Bar in Del Ray, Gin, and Clyde’s Turns 50’ by Jordan Wright

The Sushi Bar in Del Ray There’s been a fine kettle of fish brewing in Del Ray. Raw fish, that is. Jilted by the adults-only restrictions at a new sushi bar, horrified moms lit up Twitter and the Del...

‘Bradass87’ at Universalist National Memorial Church by John Stoltenberg

Who is the real Bradley Manning? Does anyone know? Can anyone know? These pressing and compelling questions ricochet today even in mainstream news media, which—more beholden to elites than to...

Magic Time! Keegan Theatre’s ‘A Few Good Men’ by John Stoltenberg

Exploding onstage like a fusillade of biting wit and badinage, A Few Good Men is getting a crackling-good production that makes this power-packed 1991 play feel like it was ripped from today’s...