2013

The Capitol Steps at The Ronald Reagan Building by Eric Denver

So, it’s a Friday night and you had it with a week of work and all you want to do is crash. Now, it’s Saturday night and you want to find a great place to go on a date. Fret no more…I have the perfect...

Favorite ‘Scene Stealers’ of the 2012-2013 DC Area Theater Season: Part 1

There were many wonderful Scene Stealers on DC Metro Area stages in our professional, community, children’s, and university theaters during the past theater season. The DCMetroTheaterArts staff will...

Spotlighters Theatre’s Young Actors Academy Production of Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’ by Amanda Gunther

Fleet the time carelessly as they did in the golden world. Or better yet, spend it checking out the Spotlighters Theatre‘s Young Actors Academy Production of Shakespeare’s As You Like It. Directed by...

‘All in the Timing’ at Fells Point Corner Theatre by Amanda Gunther

A six pack of comedy is coming your way as the summer sizzles to a close. Fells Point Corner Theatre presents All in the Timing by David Ives, a series of six one-acts that are sure to bring about a...

Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin at Wolf Trap by Bev Fleisher

Yes, Virginia, ‘The Twist and Shout,’ formerly a dance haven in the Elks Lodge in Bethesda, is still alive whenever Mary Chapin Carpenter steps on stage. “Down at the Twist and Shout” was one of the...

‘Much To Learn About’ Annapolis Shakespeare Company’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ Part 4: Alex Foley (Dogberry) by Amanda Gunther

Oh that someone were here to write him down an ass! Annapolis Shakespeare Company’s Alex Foley is far from being an ass, but getting to embody one of the most backwardly hilarious characters in the...

‘Peter Frampton’s Guitar Circus’ Featuring B.B. King at Wolf Trap by Jessica Vaughan

Three guitar greats, Peter Frampton, B.B. King, and Roger McGuinn of The Byrds wowed the Wolf Trap crowds in a light-hearted, fun concert with some of the most serious guitar playing around. Frampton...

Bob McDonald’s ‘Bob’s Broadway Blowout’ at Signature Theatre’s ‘Sizzlin’ Summer Cabarets’ by Derek Mong

As part of the Signature Theater’s Sizzlin’ Summer Cabarets series on Friday, August 9, 2013, Baritone Bob McDonald brought audiences to their feet as he performed a bonafide medley of classic...

Carrie Manolakos at ‘Sizzlin’ Summer Cabarets’ at Signature Theatre by Yvonne French

If a pop singer was ever gutsy and gusty at the same time it is Carrie Manolakos. She can belt out long notes and switch in a nanosecond to a tone that ends with a breathy whisper—or vice versa. The...

Don McLean and Judy Collins at Wolf Trap by Mike Spain

On paper Don McLean was the headliner and Judy Collins was the opening act last night at Wolf Trap’s Filene Center. In reality the two legends split the time equally and Judy Collins just performed...

‘Les Misèrables’ at Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia by Amanda Gunther

Do you hear the people sing? The beating of their hearts echoes the beating of the drum, as the show is about to start at Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia. Presenting the regional premier of the Tony...

Magic Time! Film Review: ‘Lovelace’ by John Stoltenberg

In 1972 some men made a film that did her wrong. Unspeakably and indelibly wrong. The film was named Deep Throat. Now some men—with two women producers—have made a film that does right by her. It’s...

‘The Lunch and Judy Show’: ‘Talk Happy, Be Happy’ 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...

Filichia on Friday: ‘Betty Blue Eyes’ U.S. Premiere in At Music Theatre of Wichita 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: BETTY...

The Gipsy Kings at Wolf Trap by Yvonne French

The crowd sat back and exhaled a soft “ahhh” at the opening notes of “Un Amor,” or “One Love” at the Gipsy Kings concert Thursday night at Wolf Trap. To see the lead vocalist Nicolas Reyes is to love...

‘Behind the Barricades at Toby’s’-Part Two: An Interview with Les Misèrables’ Music Director Christopher Youstra by Amanda Gunther

If you hear the people sing -singing the song of angry men, and hearts full of love, and one day more — then you’re hearing the musical genius of Music Director Christopher Youstra as Toby’s Dinner...

Derek Tatum on Playing Don Kerr in Olney Theatre Center’s ‘A Chorus Line’ by Eric Denver and Joel Markowitz

The very talented Derek Tatum is a member of ‘the line’ in Olney Theatre Center’s production of the Tony Award-winning A Chorus Line. Derek takes us behind-the-scenes of his audition, rehearsals, and...

The Glyndon Area Players’ Production of ‘The King and I’ Features Actress From the 1984 Broadway Production by Teresa McCormick Ertel

The Glyndon Area Players has been a summer tradition for my family for many years, whether we are in the audience, onstage, or helping behind the scenes. G.A.P. has been entertaining Baltimore County...

‘Much To Learn About’ Annapolis Shakespeare Company’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ Part 3: Michael Ryan Neely (Claudio) by Amanda Gunther

Silence is the perfectest herald of joy, so might I say how joyful I am that in this case breaking the silence is going to herald all the answers to the questions asked of Michael Ryan Neely as he...

“I Love Being Here With You” – The Music and Unbelievable Life of Miss Peggy Lee! Performed by Delores King Williams at Signature Theatre by Julia L. Exline

As part of its popular Sizzlin’ Summer Cabarets, Signature Theatre presented “I Love Being Here With You” – The Music and Unbelievable Life of Miss Peggy Lee!” performed by Delores King Williams....

‘Ballroom with a Twist’ at Wolf Trap by Eric Denver

“Dance: Ten; Looks: Three” is one of the songs from A Chorus Line, but doesn’t quite fit the Wolf Trap production Ballroom with a Twist at all. The best way to describe what was happening at the...

Synesthesia: One-time-only ASL-Interpreted Performance of ‘The Resurrection of Alice’ by Yvonne French

South Carolina, 1949. Fifteen-year-old Alice is about to graduate from high school. When she was 7, her parents had promised her to a man who was old enough to be her grandfather, a little-known...

‘Much To Learn About’ Annapolis Shakespeare Company’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ Part 2: Alyssa Bouma (Hero) by Amanda Gunther

Speak low if you speak love, unless thy name be Shakespeare! Never one to leave love in the lurch, the comedies are ripe with them and Much Ado About Nothing is no exception. Annapolis Shakespeare...

‘Circus’ at The Puppet Co. by Julia L. Exline

Juggling bears, flying trapezes, and tightropes! The Puppet Co. presents Circus, a spectacle of tricks and feats led by a band of marionettes, beautifully crafted by the talented Len and Pat Piper,...

‘Under the Sun 2013 Tour’ at Wolf Trap by Christina Frank

Wolf Trap understands it’s audiences. The Under the Sun 2013 Tour was a fun, well structured, family-friendly concert that suited the venue perfectly. As Gin Blossoms front man Robin Wilson put it...

‘One Republic’ with Serena Ryder and Mayer Hawthorne at Wolf Trap by Erica Laxson

Wolf Trap’s stunning architecture and wooded location set the perfect stage the popular group One Republic from Colorado Springs who felt right at home on the main stage and in front of their adoring...

Auditions for ‘PARADE’ Held at Kensington Arts Theatre on Tues & Wed 8/13 &14 at 7:30 PM

AUDITIONS AT KENSINGTON ARTS THEATRE FOR PARADE Music/Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown Book by Alfred Uhry Directed by Craig Pettinati Music Direction by David Rohde Produced by Malca Giblin Performances...

‘Cast Chats-Part 2:’ With Members of the Cast of ‘Tartuffe’ at Annapolis Shakespeare Company by Amanda Gunther

Continuing on with the other half of the Annapolis Shakespeare Company’s cast of Tartuffe we hear from the title character and the other two actors that made the show such a smashing success. There...

Nibbles And Sips Around Town: Maketto at Hanoi House, Doukénie Winery, and Osteria Marzano by Jordan Wright

Maketto at Hanoi House Serves Its Street Food Indoors Erik Bruner-Yang decided to do a pop-up test kitchen in advance of Maketto, his open air market and retail store slated for Lord knows when, it...

‘Cast Chats-Part 1:’ With Members of the Cast of ‘Tartuffe’ at Annapolis Shakespeare Company by Amanda Gunther

Six actors. In search of 11 characters? No, that’s a different story. This is the story of the six actors who are playing 11 roles in the adaptation of Tartuffe currently being presented by the...

Chesapeake Shakespeare Company’s High School Core Company Presented Three Shakespearean Productions by Amanda Gunther

Three shows. One outstanding group of talented youths. Three nights. Shakespeare at its finest among the performing high school actors in the area. The Chesapeake Shakespeare Company presented in all...

‘Les Misérables’ at Riverside Center Dinner Theater by Julia L. Exline

I’ve been fortunate enough to review many of Riverside Center Dinner Theater’s productions over the past few years, and can tell you that for a long time now, something magnificent has been brewing....

‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ at Dignity Players by Amanda Gunther

Quirky. Adj.— having or full of quirks. The show I saw this afternoon sure was quirky. Q-U-I-R-K-Y. That is correct! The three things you can ask for, as clearly stated in the rules: pronunciation of...

‘Rodrigo y Gabriela’ at Strathmore by Keith Tittermary

In the early 1990s, Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero met playing in a metal band in their native Mexico City. After a record deal fell through, the platonic couple found themselves busking on the...

New Theatre Company ‘The Fat and Greasy Citizens Brigade’ Performs FREE ‘As You Like It’ August 14-18th by Alexis Truitt

The Fat and Greasy Citizens Brigade: A New Washington, DC Based Theatre Company The Fat and Greasy Citizens Brigade is a new Washington, DC based theatre company. The Fat and Greasy Citizens Brigade...

‘A Chorus Line’ at Olney Theatre Center by Amanda Gunther

One! Singular sensation is dancing its way into your heart as Olney Theatre Center presents the sensational Tony Award-Winning Best Musical A Chorus Line, with music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by...

‘Puppetry in Contemporary American Theater’ Panel at Strathmore by Yvonne French

The Muppets are making fun of us according to a panel of experts at Strathmore. “People don’t really know what to expect with a puppet,” said Molly Ross, founder of Nana Projects, a multidisciplinary...

‘Much To Learn About’ Annapolis Shakespeare Company’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ Part 1: Choreographer Ken Skrzesz

In Part One of a series of interviews with the cast, director, and designers of Annapolis Shakespeare Company’s Much Ado About Nothing, Choreographer Ken Skrzesz talks about working with Director...

‘Much Ado About Nothing’ at Annapolis Shakespeare Company by Amanda Gunther

Grab your beach towels and get ready for a sassy summer sizzler the likes you thought you could never experience with Shakespeare! Much Ado About Nothing slides into town for a limited three week...

‘Caroline, or Change’ at The Elden Street Players by John Stoltenberg

Caroline, or Change—the gorgeously resonant musical about race relations and resilience—has just opened in a gloriously heart-rending production by The Elden Street Players. Here in Herndon, Virginia,...

‘The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged’ at Flying Muskrat Theatre Company by Lauren Katz

Personally, I have always been a huge fan of Shakespeare. My teenage brother on the other hand was a bit hesitant as I drove him to the James Lee Community Center for The Complete Works of William...

‘Nova Y. Payton: An Evening with Nova’ at Sizzlin’ Summer Cabaret at Signature Theatre by Nicole Cusick

When a show opens with a Beyonce number and closes with some Chaka Khan there are two things you can be certain of. First is that you must be at Signature’s Sizzlin’ Summer Cabaret and second is that...

Here is the Schedule for Today’s Open House at Signature Theatre

Signature Theatre is holding its Annual Open House TODAY from Noon to 9:30 PM Starting at noon, come enjoy performances every 15 minutes, master classes, Signature Idol and special single ticket...

Filichia on Friday: ‘July’s Leftovers and August’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: July’s...

‘Bugs Bunny at the Symphony II’ at Wolf Trap by Erica Laxson

The child in all of us and actual children were delighted by Bugs Bunny at the Symphony II at Wolf Trap last night. The unique evening of classic cartoons and classical music was created and conducted...

‘Into the Woods’ at Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre by Amanda Gunther

“I wish— I wish to go to the festival! I wish to lift the magic spell that’s cursed upon my house!” I wish — I wish— so many wishes, but they’ll only come true if you venture Into The Woods at the...

Magic Time: ‘The Third Breast’ by John Stoltenberg

The Third Breast is a gritty play, produced by a gutsy company. The three actors are arresting; the music and visuals, appealing. But for some interesting reasons, the challenging script by Polish...

‘P.O. Box Unabomber’ at Single Carrot Theatre by Amanda Gunther

Summer stirs up a controversial new work over at Single Carrot Theatre in Baltimore as they present P.O. Box Unabomber, a new work by Zdrava Kamenova and Gergana Dimitrova. Presented in conjunction...

Summer Hummer 2013 Takes Off at 7 and 9 PM on Monday, August 19th at Signature Theatre by Jennifer Clements

Summer Hummer 2013 Over 40 of Washington’s hottest theatre performers. Singing. Dancing. AND… Taking off their clothes. Monday, August 19, 2013 at 7 pm and 9 pm At Signature Theatre $35 General...

‘Roaring: The Musical’ has a Reading on Monday, August 5th at Takoma Station Tavern

Roaring: The Musical, a new musical by Dane Figueroa Edidi and Andrew Morrissey has its first reading this upcoming Monday, August 5th at 8 PM at Takoma Station Tavern – 6914 4th Street, NW, in...