1. ‘Titus Andronicus’ at Synetic Theater.
“…a beautifully crafted, darkly fantastical opera.” – Norah Dick.
READ review.
Synopsis: The production you’ve all been waiting for, Titus Andronicus from Synetic’s visionary Founding Artistic Director, Paata Tsikurishvili. Lucky number 13 in the “Wordless Shakespeare” series, Paata will sink his teeth into this revenge-driven tragedy and tell the bloody tale of Titus and Tamora with all of the fiery passion, energy, and vengeance only Synetic Theater can deliver. This production is recommended for ages 16+ for violence.
Alex Mills (Chiron), Irina Tsikurishvili (Tamora, Queen of the Goths) Irina Kavsadze (Lavinia), Dallas Tolentino (Demetrius). Photo: Brittany Diliberto.
2. ‘South Pacific’ at St. Mark’s Players.
“This cast is amazing, the harmonies unforgettable, and the choreography complex.” – Amy Juras.
READ review.
Synopsis: Set in an island paradise during World War II, two parallel love stories are threatened by the dangers of prejudice and war. Nellie, a spunky nurse from Arkansas, falls in love with a mature French planter, Emile. Nellie learns that the mother of his children was an island native and, unable to turn her back on the prejudices with which she was raised, refuses Emile’s proposal of marriage. Meanwhile, the strapping Lt. Joe Cable denies himself the fulfillment of a future with an innocent Tonkinese girl with whom he’s fallen in love out of the same fears that haunt Nellie. When Emile is recruited to accompany Joe on a dangerous mission that claims Joe’s life, Nellie realizes that life is too short not to seize her own chance for happiness, thus confronting and conquering her prejudices.
John Cattaneo and Leslie Lewis. Photo by SunArcher Photography.
3. ‘Girlfriend’ at Signature Theatre.
“It’s a sweet, nostalgic good time.” – Norah Dick.
READ review.
Synopsis: Girlfriend is a vibrant and tender coming of age musical duet from when flannel was the height of fashion and mix tapes were the language of love. It’s 1993 in small-town Nebraska during the summer between high school and whatever comes next. College-bound jock Mike and self-assured but aimless Will find themselves drawn to each other. Their rush of first-time love, full of excitement, confusion and passion, is captured by the power-pop precision and frayed guitar emotion of Matthew Sweet’s alternative rock album “Girlfriend.”
Jimmy Mavrikes (Will) and Lukas James Miller (Mike) in Girlfriend at Signature Theatre. Photo by Christopher Mueller.
4. ‘Kiss Me Kate’ at Annapolis Shakespeare Company.
“…’Kiss Me Kate’ fabulously showcases just how talented the actors and creatives of the Annapolis Shakespeare Company are.” – Kristen Price.
READ review.
Synopsis: Passions run high as leading lady Lilli Vanessi and her ex-husband, actor/director Fred Graham, battle onstage and off in a production of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. With romance, comedy, sophistication, and behind-the-scenes high jinks, KISS ME, KATE combines the irreverent humor of two brilliant writers: Cole Porter and William Shakespeare. Musical numbers include “So In Love,” “Wunderbar,” “Tom, Dick or Harry,” “Too Darn Hot,” “Brush Up Your Shakespeare,” “I Hate Men,” “Always True to You (In My Fashion)” and “Another Op’nin, Another Show.” KISS ME, KATE was originally produced in 1948, and is considered one of Broadway’s great treasures. It was revived on Broadway in 1999, taking advantage of new technology in music and reflecting evolving social values. The Revised Version features a brand-new orchestration and a refined script. All seventeen of the original songs remain in the revised score, with the addition of “From This Moment On,” from Porter’s OUT OF THIS WORLD and the 1953 film adaptation of KISS ME, KATE. Among the script changes, the character of Harrison Howell is now a general with political ambitions, adding some topical humor from the show’s time period.
(L-R) Benjamin Russell and Robin Weiner in “Kiss Me Kate.” Photo by Joshua McKerrow.
5. ‘Vietgone’ at Studio Theatre.
“… highly recommended…” – Peter Orvetti.
READ review.
Synopsis: In this high-octane comedy, Nguyen recreates (and kinda makes up) his parents’ reluctant courtship: Fresh from Saigon, they meet in an Arkansas refugee relocation camp in 1975. With pop culture, a live band, and plenty of funk-rock-punk-n-roll, Vietgone follows these new Americans through a bewildering land. A story full of lust and heartache, cowboys and motorcycles from a screenwriter for Marvel Studios.
Regina Aquino and Marc Delacruz in “Vietgone” at Studio Theatre. Photo by Teresa Wood.
