Virginia

‘Why A Same-Sex I Do! I Do! Is Important, and Why It Works’ by Director Jack Marshall

How did a theater company that specializes in reviving older, often dated plays and musicals become the first to produce an inclusive I Do! I Do! for a post-DOMA America? I originally told the...

‘I Do! I Do!’ at The American Century Theater by David Friscic

The phrase “I Do! I Do!” takes on new meanings in the newly-interpreted version of the classic musicalI Do! I Do! now playing at the The American Century Theater. Sharply directed by Jack Marshall and...

‘Legally Blonde The Musical’ at Encore Stage & Studio by Erica Laxson

Encore Stage & Studio’s production of Legally Blonde The Musical is a wonderful example of a community of theater lovers of all ages coming together to put on an amazing show. Director Susan A. Keady...

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons at Wolf Trap by Eric Denver

With 100 million records sold by Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons (worldwide since its inception), this is the first time I was able to appreciate their music in-person. In 2009, I was in Chicago...

‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at Synetic Theater by David Friscic

Synetic Theater weaves a fusion of theatrical elements to bravura and mesmerizing effect in their current production of their acclaimed past Helen Hayes Award-winning hit, A Midsummer Night’s Dream....

‘The No Rules Show’ at No Rules Theatre Company at Signature Theatre by Kim Moeller

The No Rules Show feels more intimate like a Saturday night in Joshua Morgan’s living room than late night talk show…and that’s a good thing. He gathers together a group of interesting people, mostly...

‘Act A Lady’ at The Hub Theatre by Jenna Miller

Watching people put themselves in awkward situations can sometimes provide hours of enjoyment. In The Hub Theatre’s production of Jordan Harrison’s Act A Lady townsmen from a small God-fearing,...

‘Damn Yankees’ at McLean Community Players by Terry Byrne

Damn Yankees is the ultimate date musical, mixing equal parts sports and romance. Men in tight pants, a loose woman hell-bent on seduction, showtune hit after hit … what’s not to like? Blessed little...

‘Spin’ at Signature Theatre by Keith Tittermary

Signature Theatre somehow finds a way to keep outdoing itself. This year, they launched their brand new “Siglab” – a program “to provide writers of new musicals a chance to see their work in a...

The No Rules Show Hosted by Joshua Morgan With Special Guests Opens Tonight at Signature

Half Revue. Half Talk Show. All No Rules. Different entertaining guests will join host Joshua Morgan every single night in this wild and crazy madcap variety show. Grab a drink and strap in (Joshua...

‘Becoming Human’ by The Flying Muskrat Theatre Company by Yvonne French

A group of young adults in Flying Muskrat Theatre Company in Falls Church has produced three thought-provoking one-act plays: a sad futuristic tale, an absurdist love story, and a collage of pieces...

Harry Connick, Jr. at Wolf Trap by Teal Ruland

Grammy Award winner, Emmy Award winner, Tony Award nominee, Hollywood heartthrob, and all around dreamboat Harry Connick, Jr. took over Wolf Trap’s Filene Center last night. The talented musician,...

‘Pink Martini’ at Wolf Trap by Teal Ruland

When I listen to Pink Martini, I often feel that I should either be sipping a martini in a dark and cool lounge, or else drinking delicious, hot cAdd Mediaoffee outside a café in Paris on a summer...

Straight No Chaser at Wolf Trap by Jessica Vaughan

Straight No Chaser, the 10-man a cappella phenomenon, put on a great show of top forty hits, enduring classics and crowd favorites on a steamy night at the Filene Center at Wolf Trap. They rose to...

‘Frozen Planet In Concert’ at Wolf Trap by Erica Laxson

Frozen Planet in Concert is a High Definition Arctic adventure brought to new life with live orchestration performed by Washington’s own talented NSO. Explore a vivid and unbelievably close up look at...

DC Area’s T. Scott Ross, Greg Bosworth, and Carrie A. Johnson on Appearing in ‘Buddy-The Buddy Holly Story’ at Wolf Trap on July 2nd & 3rd

Three local actors are in the cast of Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story which stops at Wolf Trap’s Filene Center tomorrow and Wednesday night. I asked T. Scott Ross, Greg Bosworth, and Carrie A. Johnson...

‘Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration Featuring Warren Haynes’ at Wolf Trap by Mike Spain

Warren Haynes made his first visit to Wolf Trap a memorable one as the featured artist in the National Symphony Orchestra’s Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration. His blazing guitar and soulful voice cut...

‘Counting Crows and The Wallflowers’ at Wolf Trap by Anne Tsang

It was a scorcher last night at the Filene Center at Wolf Trap…and I’m not just referring to the heat. Counting Crows and The Wallflowers put on a hot, hot, hot show! The night started off with a...

Cirque Du Soleil’s ‘Quidam’ Comes To The Patriot Center and Interview with Diaboloist William Wei-Liang Lin by Jordan Wright

The critically acclaimed Cirque du Soleil is bringing Quidam to our area next month. The captivating extravaganza which has toured five continents and been seen by millions over its 17-year history,...

Composer George Fenton on ‘Frozen Planet’ at The NSO at Wolf Trap This Friday at 8:30 PM

This Friday, June 28th at 8:30 PM. Frozen Planet in Concert will turn The Filene Center at Wolf Trap into a wonderland of gorgeous images and sounds of The Arctic Circle. Composer George Fenton will...

‘An Evening with Bill Payne’ at The Birchmere by Mike Spain

Bill Payne started out his show Sunday night stating he was going to play the show like he was in his “living room.” It fit the crowd perfectly that consisted of long-time fans, friends, and even an...

‘Caesar and Dada’ at WSC Avant Bard by Terry Byrne

“Shakespeare does not need your help,” barks Franz, the jaded, tyrannical director character in WSC Avant Bard’s world premiere of Caesar and Dada. The irony is that repackaging the bard’s trunkful of...

‘Man of La Mancha’ at Aldersgate Church Community Theater by Julia L. Exline

Aldersgate Church Community Theater presents Man of La Mancha, a Tony Award-winning musical version of Miguel de Cervantes’ beloved classic Don Quixote. With Book by Dale Wasserman, Lyrics by Joe...

Synesthesia: ‘Happy Imagining with Audio Description’ by Yvonne French

Sitting in the wings of many plays, operas, and musicals is a mysterious person known as the audio describer. Before the show begins, they start describing the scenery through a small transmitter....

Bill Payne on Performing at The Birchmere on Sunday, June 23rd

Bill Payne is a founder and piano/keyboard player for the legendary band Little Feat. In his breaks from the band – he has played sessions for musicians like Jimmy Buffett, James Taylor, and The...

Melissa Etheridge at Wolf Trap by Anne Tsang

The amazing Melissa Etheridge kicked off her 2013 Summer Tour last night at The Filene Center at Wolf Trap in Vienna, VA with a rousing performance of the free-spirited, rocking and rolling “Shout...

Matthew Scott on Playing Bobby in Signature Theatre’s ‘Company’ by Joel Markowitz

Matthew Scott is wowing audiences and critics with his performance as Bobby in Signature Theatre’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s Company. I am a big fan of Matthew’s and I was so delighted when I...

‘Snow White and Rose Red’ at Elden Street Players by Julia L. Exline

Elden Street Players for Young Audiences presents Carter Bunch’s Snow White and Rose Red, a stage adaptation of the classic story’s roots – before a bold and daring sister was traded out for seven...

Guitarist Tommy Emmanuel Adds Second Show This Monday at 7:30 pm at The Birchmere by Mike Spain

Guitar legend Tommy Emmanuel visits The Birchmere – 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue, in Alexandria, VA at 7:30 PM on Sunday (sold out) and Monday night. Joining him will be fellow guitarist Anthony Snape. If...

‘The Psychedelic Furs and The Go-Go’s’ at Wolf Trap by Mike Spain

The storms hit the area in the morning and afternoon but were finished way before The Psychedelic Furs hit the stage at Wolf Trap’s Filene Center. The crowd on the lawn was spared from the storm and...

‘Sleeping Beauty’ at Encore Stage & Studio by Julia L. Exline

Encore Stage & Studio presents Sleeping Beauty, a popular fairy tale re-told by Vera Morris and brought to the stage by kids, for kids! Executive Director Sara Strehle Duke and Director Meghan Smith...

‘Twentieth Century’ at The Little Theatre of Alexandria by Francine Schwartz

The Little Theatre of Alexandria presents a fast-moving production of Twentieth Century by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur, and adapted by DC’s own Ken Ludwig (Lend Me a Tenor). It’s a screwball...

‘Biography’ at The American Century Theater by Max Johnson

The American Century Theater (TACT) touts a mission statement dedicated to the production of “great, important, and worthy American plays of the twentieth century.” In their production of SN Behrman’s...

‘Red’ at Elden Street Players by Maddie Gaw

“Artists should starve,” Mark Rothko insists in John Logan’s 2010 Tony Award-winning play Red. “Except me,” he concludes wryly. That one line encapsulates the play’s exploration of contrasts –...

DCMTA’s ‘Nibble and Sips’ Columnist Jordan Wright to Judge ‘Taste of Del Ray’ on Sunday

As the sole celebrity judge for this weekend’s Taste of Del Ray, I’m pondering how I’ll be able to select a winner from a slate of twelve very qualified competitors vying for just one trophy. A nicely...

Earth, Wind & Fire at Wolf Trap by Audrey Thornton

The musical high priests of ‘Cosmic Consciousness’ Earth, Wind & Fire played June 4, 2013 to a sold-out audience in The Filene Center at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia. Spanning the musical genres of...

‘Company’ at Signature Theatre by David Friscic

Signature Theatre has outdone itself with its current production of Stephen Sondheim’s breakthrough musical Company. This musical of a modern man searching for commitment with the condition of having...

National Chamber Ensemble presents ‘The Three B’s: Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms’ by Jane Coyne

I really like the National Chamber Ensemble, the adventuresome and enjoyable programs they present, and the talented and friendly musicians who make up this wonderful group. I go to a lot of concerts,...

‘The Mikado’ by The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players at Wolf Trap by Erica Laxson

Wolf Trap’s summer season is in full swing and tonight is the last hilarious performance of The Mikado by the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players. Artistic director Albert Bergeret brought this...

‘Is He Dead?’ at Providence Players of Fairfax by Kim Moeller

Farce: Highly exaggerated situations, improbable plot twists, physical humor, deliberate absurdity or nonsense, and broadly stylized performances. Is He Dead?, the latest production from Providence...

‘Fido’s Friends Unleashed’ for Beltway Barks! on 6/8: Part 2: Evan Casey, Sherri L. Edelen, and Bobby Smith

DC Actors for Animals presents: BELTWAY BARKS! Where DC actors help DC animals find forever homes! Lisa Carrier Baker, Founder, Beltway Barks DC Actors for Animals: As I have grown into the DC theatre...

‘Blithe Spirit’ at 1st Stage by Yvonne French

Blithe Spirit at 1st Stage in Tysons is a guilty pleasure on two levels. First, it lets you take a peek at paranormal stereotyping and second, it lets you glimpse how different a first and second...

‘Synesthesia’: Scripts Due June 1 for VSA Playwright Discovery Competition by Yvonne French

Scripts due June 1 for Playwright Discovery Competition Middle and high school students are invited to explore the disability experience–-in their own life, the lives of others, or by creating...

Nibbles And Sips Around Town: ‘Lessons in Modern Japanese Dining’ by Jordan Wright

Following in my tried and true method of going to newly trendy restaurants at unfashionable hours, I had no problem getting into Daikaya, the wildly anticipated Japanese restaurant and bar with its...

‘Club de Caballeros (Rotas de Amor)’ at Teatro de la Luna by Andrew L. Baughman

“There is nothing more ridiculous than a man in love.” That is the basic premise of Argentine playwright Rafael Bruza’s alternately absurd and poignant Club de Caballeros (Rotas de Amor) at Teatro de...

Stage Dad: ‘So Long Billy! It’s Been Good to Know You!’ by Glenn Cook

No question, it’s time. I knew those words would come at some point, so it’s not a shock to the system, but I’m somewhat surprised by how much emotion accompanies them. Our son, Ben, is leaving Billy...

‘Inside the Music’: An Interview with National Chamber Ensemble Artistic Director Leo Sushansky by Jane Coyne

One of the things I love the most about living in the Washington, D.C. area is that the music never ends, nor does the opportunity to meet the wonderful musical artists who perform here. Among them is...

An Interview With Ramin Karimloo on ‘Broadway to Bluegrass’ at The Birchmere this Thursday 5/16 by Flora Scott

If you’re not yet familiar with Ramin Karimloo, best known for his portrayal of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables and the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera in London’s West End, his touring show, Broadway...

‘The Three Musketeers’ at Synetic Theater by Natalie McCabe

In his Director’s Notes, Paata Tsikurishvili quotes a line from Hamlet: “Suit the action to the word, the word to the action.” In its latest show, The Three Musketeers, written by brothers Ben Cunis...

TONIGHT AT 8 PM: $10 Tickets for ‘Thunder Knocking on the Door’ at Creative Cauldron

Creative Cauldron’s Thunder Knocking on the Door has critics raving! “A powerhouse fable full of mythical, magic, intense vocals,and very real emotion..make this production a real knockout!” Julia L....