Reviews

DCMTA 2021 Staff Favorites: Outstanding Professional Theater Productions

17 productions that wowed us as live theater returned.

In miniature, two children seek safety, in ‘Flight’ at Studio Theatre

The immersive journey of two young Afghan refugees, an unforgettable tour de force.

In lipstick and hip schtick, the Kinsey Sicks tickle at Theater J

‘Oy Vey in a Manger,’ their adults-only holiday special, is not for the pious or prudish—let alone right-wing fanatics—but it’s hilarious for everyone else.

‘Corduroy’ at Imagination Stage is laugh-out-loud adorable

A lighthearted, fun adventure for families with young children.

DCMTA 2021 Staff Favorites: Outstanding Digital Theater

30 online productions that wowed us and got us through theater shutdown.

What’s ‘Once Upon a One More Time’ doing at the Shakespeare?

There’s got to be more to it than a cool chance to groove on the oeuvre of Britney Spears. | Column by JOHN STOLTENBERG

‘Once Upon a One More Time’ is wacky but it works

The show at STC inspired by the music of Britney Spears is as thought-provoking as it is toe-tapping, as clever as it is hilarious, and a bona fide success. | Review by NICOLE HERTVIK

Come for the songs in ‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’ at KenCen

And what songs they are! — classics on a par with anything in the American Songbook.

Two fantastic detective tales unfold as audio plays from We Happy Few

Sherlock Holmes and Loveday Brooks in a new genre of interactive theater: a mystery experience mailed right to your door.

Poignant musical ‘The Christmas Angel’ premieres at Creative Cauldron

From Matt Conner and Stephen Gregory Smith, a beautiful family experience with a powerful message of love, acceptance, and forgiveness.

‘The Christmas Revels’ return with spirituals, carols, and family fun

Set in post–Civil War DC, this year’s show is a heartwarming and meaningful way to kick off the holidays.

Nostalgic ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’ charms at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts

The show is wholesome, sentimental, and highlights the warmth and comfort of family.

‘The Nutcracker’ comes to vivid life at Ballet Theatre of Maryland

Capturing the spirit of the season, the production is a joy to watch in person or online.

‘A Snowy Nite at the Dew Drop Inn’ sparks joy at Anacostia Playhouse

The show consists of popular R&B songs that featured Aframerican performers and is all about having a good time in a world full of dark, cold nights.

‘…(Iphigenia)’ opera at Kennedy Center pushes musical boundaries

The creators have thrown away the rulebook. It’s not jazz exactly and certainly not classical contemporary.

An electric ‘Skin of Our Teeth’ at Baltimore’s Everyman Theatre

A 5,000-year hurricane of familial, environmental, and societal destruction is unleashed on a typical American family in this classic by Thornton Wilder.

Improvised Shakespeare Company at KenCen is absolutely stunning

Their combination of improvisational comedy, poetry, sketch comedy, and theater is bafflingly impressive.

August Wilson’s personal passion takes center stage at Avant Bard

A laudable performance of the renowned playwright’s autobiographical ‘How I Learned What I Learned.’

‘Tootsie’ on tour at the National Theatre is a triumph

The comedy musical based on the famous movie shines with romantic insanity.

‘Fires in the Mirror’ still burns at Baltimore Center Stage

Even though 30 years have passed, the tragic stories told in Anna Deavere Smith’s powerful play could be headlines today.

A richly immersive ghost story in ‘A Christmas Carol’ at Olney

Performed solo by Paul Morella the way Dickens intended.

Beautifully simple ‘Man Covets Bird’ shines at Spooky Action Theater

A short and sweet escape into a parallel world with an invisible bird.

‘A Strange Loop’ at Woolly Mammoth is a knockout smash

Michael R. Jackson’s Pulitzer Prize–winning musical sings of a singular poet’s journey from self-loathing to self-respect.

IN Series reimagines ‘A Fairy Queen’ as an old-time radio program

In Artistic Director Timothy Nelson’s knowledgeable hands, the device comes off not like a gimmick but as a doorway into discovery.

The blues in ‘Seven Guitars’ at Arena Stage are exhilarating

The play sings to us about the African American genius for finding a way to make a way out of no way.

NextStop Theatre packs ‘Every Christmas Story’ into hysterical remix

Get a load of these fruitcakes — three wise-guy gals bearing timeless gifts of mirth

‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ thrills like fireworks at Olney

An evening full of stunning vocals and powerhouse performances.

In Synetic’s ‘Cinderella,’ a fantasy romance with Afro-Latin roots

Any child will love it. But so will any adult.

‘Tis the season to be screwball at Best Medicine Rep’s ‘On the Farce Day of Christmas’

Ken Levine’s comedy has the virtue of not being a holiday warhorse.

A funtastic ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’ is in town at the National

The wonderful visual experience mimics the original so well it’s like being immersed in the cartoon.

Kennedy Center’s ‘Accoustic Rooster / Indigo Blume’ is a joyous smash hit

An amazing production filled with energy, courage, and hope.

A touching tribute to love and faith in ‘Secret Things’ at 1st Stage

Heartfelt, ironic, and mystical writing, a beautiful production, and a historical backstory of religious persecution.

in ‘Xenos’ at Kennedy Center, Akram Khan dances to the end of the world

A rumination on identity, memory, death, life, and regeneration — a portrait of humanity captive to demons.

Fun’s in store at ‘Enchanted Bookshop Christmas’ from Encore Stage & Studio

Highly enjoyable and full of spirit, a great way for your family to kick off the holiday season.

CUA’s ‘Orlofsky’s Gala’ showcases operetta faves and top-tier talent

The Catholic University of America greets audiences with gusto in this charming operetta revue.

‘Tuesdays with Morrie’ at Theater J touches us with joy and sadness

Based on the wildly popular memoir, a tender exploration of mortality and friendship.

‘The Great Leap’ scores a solid win at Round House Theatre

Regional premiere of Lauren Yee’s play gives AAPI artists a shot.

Enjoying supernatural thrills with Baltimore Concert Opera’s ‘The Medium’

This local gem of an opera company continues to attract top-tier talent.

Fugard’s ‘My Children! My Africa!’ at WSG still speaks urgently

Washington Stage Guild revives the extraordinary play written just before the end of apartheid in South Africa.

Sterling Playmakers gets away with an entertaining ‘Catch Me If You Can’

Buckle up for a musical about one of the greatest con men of all time.

Without reservation, ‘Fully Committed’ at NextStop is a delight

The script gives an actor the opportunity for a sparkling display of comic virtuosity, and Jaclyn Young takes full advantage.

Welcome to the sound and sheer energy of ‘Rent’ at Signature Theatre

In these still difficult times, ‘Rent’ is a much-needed tonic for the soul.

GALA’s flamenco festival wraps with cathartic ‘De paso’

Sara Pérez and company stripped GALA’s theater back to bare walls and floor, to give us the authentic experience of pure flamenco.

An enjoyable ‘Enchanting Elgar’ by the National Chamber Ensemble

This beloved string ensemble returns to the stage (and screen) with ‘pomp and circumstance.’

‘White Christmas’ at Toby’s is a flurry of seasonal magic

A Maryland institution brings a little bit of spice to a beloved Irving Berlin musical, creating a perfect holiday evening out with friends and family.

A captivating, explosive ‘Disgraced’ from Peace Mountain Theatre

The play’s challenging realities come front and center into our hearts and minds.

Plenty of laughs in pinkalicious ‘Five Women Wearing the Same Dress’

From Dominion Stage, a splendid peek into interior lives.

Enjoyable ‘Aesop’s Fables’ from Creative Cauldron’s Learning Theater

With the support of a couple of professional actors, the cast treats the audience to an evening of great family entertainment.

A fanciful and delightful ‘Cymbeline’ from Rude Mechanicals

Emphasizing the play’s fairy tale elements, Director Erin Nealer steered actors toward a wry, broadly comic style that regularly drew well-earned laughs.

At Kennedy Center, the WNO has fun being back home

In a concert called ‘Come Home: A Celebration of Return,’ the variety of styles and greatest hits was almost too much for the ear and heart to bear.