News

Red Branch Theatre Company Opens ‘Avenue Q’ Tonight by Keith Tittermary

What is better than full puppet nudity? Nothing, except of course for a barrel of monkeys. Red Branch Theatre Company is excited to present its original production of Avenue Q, winner of the Tony...

2012-2013 Season Preview for McLean Community Players by Chris Hardy and Joel Markowitz

McLean Community Players (MCP) just concluded their 2011-2012 season with a highly successful production of Legally Blonde. To find out what they have in store for next season, I interviewed Chris...

Part Six: Letters From the Living Dead: “We’ll Be Alright…” by Stephen Gregory Smith

“In the living room of the farmhouse, the television flickers on as an emergency broadcast message begins transmission. Everyone stops what they are doing and lean forward, hungry for what information...

Theater of the Spirit’s ‘Encounter at Heavenly Gultch’ This Weekend at Unity of Gaithersburg by Suzanne Yuskiw

The Theater of the Spirit presents Encounter at Heavenly Gulch, a gentle comedy in two acts By Martin A. Follose, and directed by Suzanne Yuskiw. Friday and Saturday, October 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m.;...

Fringe Hit ‘The Circle’ Continues on Saturday and Sunday 10/5 and 10/6 by Carmen Wong

It’s theater in the form of an mp3:…In the wacky universe of Banished? Productions that sounds like business as usual.” – Washington Post banished? productions takes theatre to the streets, this time...

Memorial Service for Dr. Jaylee Mead to be Held on Monday, October 8th at 6:30 PM at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater

From Arena Stage at the Mead Center Center for American Theater. MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR BELOVED PHILANTHROPIST, SCIENTIST & THEATER LOVER DR. JAYLEE MONTAGUE MEAD TO BE HELD MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2012 AT...

‘Hemispheric Dysfunctionalism and the Cortical Titanic’ to Sail From October 4-28, 2012 at Fort Fringe by Shawn Nelson

The 100th anniversary sinking of the RMS Titanic is being commemorated all year with museum exhibits, movies and documentaries, but an original production by local playwright and Fringe Festival...

Young Artists of America Holds Auditions for ‘Martyrs’ on October 9th & 13th by Rolando Sanz

SINGER AUDITIONS for Young Artists of America’s upcoming Fall Concert, MARTYRS are coming up NEXT WEEK on October 9 & 13! Auditions slots are filling up fast, so be sure to REGISTER for an audition by...

The 2012 Barrymore Awards Announced by Joel Markowitz

With the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia dissolving this year, this year’s Barrymore Awards may be the final year for Philadelphia’s awards that honor excellence in theatre. I am hoping that...

Reading of ‘8’ Sponsored by Bay Theatre Company & Dignity Players on Monday, October 8, 2012

BAY THEATRE COMPANY & DIGNITY PLAYERS ANNOUNCES READING OF DUSTIN LANCE BLACK’S NEW PLAY 8 Directed by Steven Carpenter Monday, October 8, 2012 @ 8:00pm Steven Carpenter at Anne Arundel Community...

‘La-Ti-Do’ Announces Special Guests for Tomorrow – Monday, October 1st at 8 PM at The Black Fox Lounge

TOMORROW – MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012 AT 8 PM La-Ti-Do At The Black Fox Lounge 1723 Connecticut Avenue Northwest Washington, DC 20009 $10 cover charge at the door. Doors open at 7:50 pm for an 8 pm...

Part Two: The ‘Merman’s Apprentice Log’ by Stephen Cole

When last we left Muriel Plakenstein, she was about to enter a new world. The world of Ethel Merman and the St. James Theatre and Hello, Dolly! and David Merrick. Funny thing, I am about to enter that...

‘Big Apple Circus’ Legendarium’ at Dulles Town Center by Mike Spain

Big Apple Circus is not a huge arena hopping spectacular and not a multiple ring show. It is a simple, one-ring circus with a focused program. They create an intimate circus experiencing claiming no...

Free Concert TONIGHT at 6 PM at Lincoln Center To Honor Composer Paul Scott Goodman

If you are in NYC, TONIGHT at 6 PM you are invited to attend a FREE concert honoring the work of Paul Scott Goodman (ROOMS: A Rock Romance; Bright Lights, Big City; Metropolitan Music; and Him & Her)...

‘Doing the Time Warp’- Part One: Director Jay Brock on His Vision for The Washington Savoyards’ ‘The Rocky Horror Show’

Rocky Horror initial problem: How do you put up this show? It is the question for a The Rocky Horror Show creative team. How do we effectively strike a balance between what is ingrained in Rocky...

Part One: ‘The Merman’s Apprentice Log’ by Stephen Cole

Here we are, casting our first public New York City reading of a new musical fable, Merman’s Apprentice, a new musical fable…Book and Lyrics by Stephen Cole, Music by David Evans. For the umpteenth...

The National Theatre Has New Management by Joel Markowitz

It’s my favorite place to see a musical. And my favorite seat is in the middle of the first row of the Mezzanine. There’s so much history flashing by me every time I sit in The National Theatre. I see...

Nibbles And Sips Around Town: ‘Kraut Rocks Competition and Brings Cool Cabbage Vibe To DC’ by Jordan Wright

Kraut Rocks is the hipster appellation promoters have conferred upon a sauerkraut competition involving five of DC area leading chefs. Steered by Bravo’s Top Chef alumni Spike Mendelsohn, the contest...

‘Taking SHAPE’ Part 2: Frank Britton and Dane Figueroa Edidi on Billy and Cordelia McClain by Dane Edidi

In Part Two of Taking SHAPE actors Frank Britton and Dane Figueroa Edidi introduce us to their characters Billy and Cordelia McClain. From Frank Britton (Billy McClain): When my journey with SHAPE...

Special Discount for Cirque du Soleil’s ‘TOTEM’ at National Harbor

Cirque du Soleil has returned to Washington with TOTEM and is playing now through October 7, 2012 under the blue and yellow Big Top at the Plateau at National Harbor. Cirque du Soleil is offering...

Part Five: Letters from the Living Dead: ‘My Sweet Baby’ by Stephen Gregory Smith

Welcome back to the Farmhouse. If you listen close, you will hear the pitter patter of little feet running and skipping around. All at once you see her…a small child with no malice in her heart. She...

A Happy and Joyous New Year to our Jewish Readers, Colleagues, and Friends!

DC Theater Arts wishes our Jewish friends, colleagues, readers, and members of the theatre community a Happy Jewish New Year! May this year bring all of you great joy, wonderful health, much success,...

‘Taking Shape’ Part 1: John Moletress Introduces Us to force/collision’s ‘SHAPE’

It was in January of this year when I was directing Craig Wright’s Mistakes Were Made in Houston that Erik Ehn contacted me through email and asked me to read his play SHAPE. I was looped in as an...

A Tribute to Theatre Benefactor and Supporter Dr. Jaylee Mead

It’s a sad day for DC area theatre with the tragic news that Dr. Jaylee Mead died today of heart failure. Known for her big heart and love for the arts – Jaylee was everywhere. At most shows I...

HCC’s Arts Collective Announces Improv Group “What Improv Group?!?!” 2012-2013 Season by Sue Kramer

HCC’s only improv troupe returns for a 6-show season – with Special Guests Howard Community College’s Arts Collective (AC) kicks off its 18th Season with performances by “What Improv Group?!?!”...

35th Annual Kennedy Center Honorees Announced Today by Joel Markowitz

Buddy Guy, Dustin Hoffman, David Letterman, Ntalia Makarova, and Led Zeppelin to receive the 35th annual Kennedy Center Honors. What a wonderful group they selected this year! The John F. Kennedy...

A Chat With Sutton Foster on Her George Mason University Concert on September 29th by Joel Markowitz

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Today from 5-8 PM: Taking Flight Theatre Company Holds Auditions for ‘Equus’

Today from 5-8 PM. Taking Flight Theatre Company holds auditions for its next production: Equus by Peter Shaffer. The production will be directed by Haley Murphy. Auditionees should come prepared with...

‘Campaign Caper’ comes to Way Off Broadway by Justin M. Kiska

In addition to Way Off Broadway’s regularly scheduled Mainstage and Children’s Theatre seasons, the theatre also hosts a number of special events each year. Some of the most popular events at the...

‘Don’t Bury The Story in a Musical’ by David Rohde

Every musical has a story for the audience to enjoy, so don’t bury it on stage. In the musical Li’l Abner, a rousing chorus number declares the praises of “Jubilation T. Cornpone,” a legendary general...

There’s a New Look at Olney Theatre Center by Heather Latiri

Last night, to honor its 75th Anniversary Season, Olney Theatre Center unveiled it’s new logo and branding. The new identity and branding of the Olney Theatre Center coincides with the institution’s...

Interview with ‘TRIPTYCH’ Composer Robert Sirota and Collaborating Artist Deborah Patterson by Jane Coyne

Composer Robert Sirota will be in Baltimore next Sunday, September 9, 2012, to attend a concert featuring a performance of his work, TRIPTYCH, a hauntingly beautiful piece commemorating the victims of...

An Appreciation of Post Dance Critic Alan M. Kriegsman by Carolyn Kelemen

Each ballet season at the Kennedy Center Opera House, dancers flock to see the company chosen for the opening program. This year, the Mariinsky (a.k.a. The Kirov) will oblige. However, the man usually...

‘Page-to-Stage’ Festival Reflections by Jennifer Perry

For the 11th year, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has opened its doors to local theatres to showcase works still in development to the general public at its ‘Page-to-Stage’...

2012-2013 Season Preview of Encore Stage & Studio by Aileen Pangan

Encore 2012-2013 Season Showcases Adventure and Search for Justice Our heroes and heroines are ready to travel, spread their wings and make a difference. They won’t let evil, bullies or low...

‘Stones in The Secret Garden’ by Brent Stone

Whenever I see a Stone perform on the stage I always see a performer who gives 200% and whose joy of performing glows on his face. The Secret Garden has a lot of meaning for Brent Stone and his sons...

Part Four: Letters from the Living Dead: ‘Meet Our Cast’ by Stephen Gregory Smith

It was only a drive… Welcome back to the Farmhouse. Night has arrived at long last. Tom, Judy, Helen, Harry, Barbra, and Ben have finally arrived. The house is boarded up tight and safe from the...

Married to the Stage: ‘Human Chess Match’ by Natalie McCabe

My husband lives in an imaginary village. A shire, to be exact. He works in another century, too, and has for the past three years. Currently, he is living in the year 1590 in the 35-acre Shire of...

The Kennedy Center’s 11th Annual ‘Page-to-Stage New Play Festival’ Schedule For September 1-3, 2012

The Kennedy Center hosts its 11th annual Page-to-Stage new play festival this Saturday, September 1, 2012 to Monday, September 3, 2012, featuring more than 40 theaters from the D.C. metropolitan area,...

Ed Dixon performs TONIGHT at 8 PM at Signature Theatre’s Ark

TONIGHT at 8 PM, Helen Hayes Award recipient Ed Dixon will be performing at Signature Theatre’s ARK Theatre. Accompanied by Gabe Mangiante, Ed will present a compilation of stories from his...

Tonight at 8 PM: ‘La-Ti-Do’ With Joshua Morgan and Friends at The Black Lounge

TONIGHT AUGUST 27TH AT 8 PM At The Black Fox Lounge 1723 Connecticut Avenue Northwest Washington, DC 20009 $10 cover charge at the door. Doors open at 7:50pm for an 8pm start. Come check out Joshua...

Iron Crow Theatre Company Announces Its 2012-2013 Season by Joseph W. Ritsch

Iron Crow Theatre Company is pleased and excited to announce our 3rd season. We will again be at residence at Baltimore Theatre Project, for all 3 productions. This season includes a world premiere...

The New Musical ‘The First Gentleman’ by David Raimo

From the writer of the hit science fiction parody Galaxy Quest comes an original musical comedy starring Sally Struthers and Robert Torti set for Broadway in 2013. The show takes place in the...

Season Preview: Theater Alliance’s 2012-2013 Season by Lee Daugherty

Theater Alliance’s Tenth Anniversary Season is the company’s most ambitious to date. Here are the theater shows we’ve selected and why we love them: World Premiere Reals by Gwydion Suilebhan Directed...

Young Artists of America (YAA) Announces its 2012-2013 Season

Today, Young Artists of America (YAA) announced its 2012-2013 season. After an impressive season that included sold out performances of their VILLAINS! concert, a world-class premiere of THE PHANTOM...

2012-2013 Season Preview: Maryland Ensemble Theatre’s 15th Anniversary Season by Dan Brick

Maryland Ensemble Theatre (MET) is proud to announce its 2012-13, 15th anniversary mainstage season. This coming season will feature classic, contemporary and original productions including a recent...

A Lovefest for a Mensch – A Celebration of the Life of Marvin Hamlisch at Temple Emanu-El by Joel Markowitz

Yesterday, Marvin Hamlisch went out in a most deserved way – with a ‘sold out’ house – as a most appreciative and heartbroken group of family, fans, including myself – and colleagues, packed the same...

Hoop Dancer Eric Hernandez From Cirque du Soleil’s ‘TOTEM’ by Joel Markowitz

Please introduce yourself and tell me when you were first approached by Cirque du Soleil to appear in TOTEM. Cirque du Soleil was looking for a traditional hoop dancer to join the cast of TOTEM and...

A Tribute to My Mentor and Our Friend Marvin Hamlisch by Joshua and Jane Coyne

Joshua Coyne’s Tribute to Marvin Marvin Hamlisch was an extremely influential figure in the world of television, movies, Broadway, and the concert hall. He is very well known for his beautiful music...

Director Homero Bayarena on Glyndon Area Players’ ‘Hairspray’ by Teresa McCormick Ertel

Glyndon Area Players is a community theater group known for going big, and this year it offers a stellar production of Hairspray, which is opening this Friday, August 10th. I am also the Assistant...