Week of February 19, 2023
1. “Into the Woods” at Kennedy Center
“The casting was absolutely perfect, and the small ensemble helped keep the action tight and brisk…strongly recommend that you take a journey ‘Into the Woods’ with this cast—it is not to be missed.” – Kristin Franco
READ review.
Synopsis: Here’s a reason to be happy ever after… Following a sold-out engagement at New York City Center and a hugely acclaimed transfer to Broadway, Into the Woods is coming to the Kennedy Center. Directed by Lear deBessonet (Hercules), this theatrical event honors Stephen Sondheim’s legendary memory and his Broadway masterpiece like never before.
(L to r) Gavin Creel and Stephanie J. Block. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.
2. “The High Ground” at Arena Stage
“…a turbulent and sobering night of theatre that speaks to many of the issues we face today in light of the devastating history that we simply cannot afford to turn our backs on.” – Anne Valentino
READ review.
Synopsis: More than a century after the Tulsa race massacre killed hundreds and destroyed the prosperous Greenwood District, a Black man in army garb still stands his ground on present-day Tulsa’s Standpipe Hill. Traversing space and time, The High Ground is a lyrical story of the mysteries of love and loss, reminding us of what it takes to re-emerge from the devastation of a century, long after the embers have turned to ash.
Nehassaiu deGannes (Victoria/Vicky/Vee/The Woman in Black) and Phillip James Brannon (Soldier) in “The High Ground.” Photo by Margot Schulman.
3. “Balanchine!” by The Washington Ballet
“…a glorious and excellently crafted tribute to a giant of the ballet world of a quality that we all expect from an institution as illustrious as The Washington Ballet…a true triumph.“ – Kristin Franco
READ review.
Synopsis: The Washington Ballet honors “the father of American Ballet!” George Balanchine (co-founder of the New York City Ballet and longtime artistic director) was one of the most influential 20th-century choreographers.
Ending pose of the ballet “Apollo,” part of “Balanchine!” presented by The Washington Ballet at the Kennedy Center’s Eisenhower Auditorium. Photo courtesy of XMB Photography.
4. “Book of Will” at The Colonial Players in Annapolis
“The Book of Will” is a hearty, well-played tribute to friendship, faith, love, and doing the right thing. ” – Sue Tilberry
READ review.
Synopsis: You may or may not know that William Shakespeare wrote his plays in pieces, never putting all the parts together until the actors were on stage, for fear of someone stealing his work. But who’s to stop people from stealing it after his death? When a sub-par Hamlet rip-off hits a stage near the Globe Theatre, members of Shakespeare’s acting troupe, the King’s Men, are incensed. To try to put an end to the plagiarism and preserve the words that shaped their lives, they hatch a plan to put it all down on paper, setting them off on a mad chase across Elizabethan London to find all the bits and pieces to create the First Folio. An evocative love letter to one of theatre’s greats, and a heartfelt and hilarious true story of the artists and friends who undertook the herculean effort to publish the Bard’s plays in the wake of his death. The Book of Will is a rapid fire and buoyant play that tells an unforgettable true story of love, loss, and laughter, and sheds new light on a man you may think you know.
Left to right: Brian Gilbert, Brianna Goode, and Steve Tobin. Photo by Brandon Bentley.
5. “Love Like Tuesday” at Faction of Fools Theatre Company
“…a tightly choreographed and seamless world premiere…“Love Like Tuesday” makes it worth the trip to Capital Hill Arts Workshop.” – Sue Tilberry
READ review.
Synopsis: Doreen Dawkins triumphs as the best lunch lady to ever grace the kitchens of Pangolin High, despite being equipped with an oven that won’t go above 175 degrees. Between that and caring for her ailing mother, Doreen has a full plate with no extra room for dessert…and certainly no space for love. And how could she with high school students ever reliant on her support, Principal Foggybottom’s battle with the budget, or Janitor Silver sneaking into her kitchen to prepare his famous boot stew? Doreen is surrounded with the whirlwind of life, but time stands still when an old high school flame, Cameron Noodle, fills a long-term sub position at Pangolin High. In a society where hearts-falling-out-of-your-eyes is reserved for “young love”, can a middle aged lunch lady still experience love like fireworks?
Pictured L to R: Matthew Pauli, Jordan Essex, Andrew Quilpa, and Jasmine Proctor. Photo by DJ Corey Photography.
