Week of February 26, 2023
1. “Beauty and the Beast” at Synetic Theater
“…an outstanding cast, notably Zana Gankhuyag in the role of the Beast.” – Nancy Blum
READ review.
Synopsis: This is no ordinary fairy-tale. Synetic Theater’s Beauty and the Beast draws on the darkness and sensuality of Villeneuve’s original French novel, La Belle et la Bête, and the 1946 Cocteau film of the same name. This fresh adaptation is a sparkling and inspiring Gothic romance full of wonder, mystery and redemption expressed through unique stage effects, expressionistic design, shadowplay, and movement. Told through the vengeful narration of a handsome Prince’s first love, Synetic’s dark and mystical take on the fairy tale explores and challenges the dynamics of love and power as it asks the question, “Who is worthy of true love?”
Zana Gankhuyag as the Beast with Irina Kavasadze as Belle. Photo by Elman Studios.
2. “Selling Kabul” at Signature Theatre
“…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.” – Jeannette Mulherin
READ review.
Synopsis: A suspenseful drama about family and sacrifice from an exciting new voice. In 2013, a sister secretly shelters her translator brother from an increasingly powerful Taliban while he awaits the ever-delayed arrival of a promised American visa. On the eve of his son’s birth, the walls begin to close in, threatening him, her and everyone they love in a heart-racing exposé with devastating echoes to the present day.
Mazin Akar (Taroon) and Awesta Zarif (Afiya) in “Selling Kabul” at Signature Theatre. Photo by Christopher Mueller.
3. “The New Moon” by The Victorian Lyric Opera Company
“…outstanding…do not “miss the boat” on this production. It will satisfy both the opera lover and the fans of Broadway musicals. “ – Mark Dreisonstok
READ review.
Synopsis: Revolution, romance, mutiny, and betrayal are woven throughout this classic 1928 operetta set in 18th-century New Orleans. Robert, a French aristocrat and revolutionary flees France and settles in New Orleans by selling himself into servitude to a wealthy landowner. He falls in love with the owner’s beautiful daughter, Marianne, but due to his circumstances cannot tell her who he really is. Hunted by a French detective, Robert is eventually captured and put abord a ship, The New Moon, to be returned to France. Things take a turn however when a mutiny occurs onboard and the ship’s entire party, including Robert and Marianne, are made to start life anew on a remote island.
Front Row – Scott Nunn (Alexander), Laura “Missy” Curl (Julie), Zachary Bryant (Robert Mission), and Danielle Bendjy (Marianne Beaunoi). Photo by Jack Rinialdi.
4. “Do Not Go Gentle” at Spotlighters Theatre
“…the show belongs to Mazer as the powerful and strong Lillian. ” – Lynne Menefee
READ review.
Synopsis: Lillian Boedecker Barron is 84 years old, vibrant, funny, wise, and … recently deceased! During her lifetime, Lillian shared a special, long-distance bond with her granddaughter, Kelly, and suffered an estrangement from her son Windsor, a Colonel in the Air Force, as he moved his family from base to base all over the world. After her death, Lillian discovers that she cannot move on until the rifts are somehow mended. Windsor and Kelly come from overseas to settle Lillian’s affairs and are aghast to discover that the walls of her house have been painted with wild, sometimes humorous, sometimes horrific murals and drawings. As they unravel secrets of the paintings, the two make astonishing discoveries about themselves and a special relationship between Lillian and a neighborhood child.
The cast of “Do Not Go Gentle.” Photo by Spotlighters Theatre/Lili Lieberman.
5. “How I Learned To Drive” at College of Southern Maryland Theater
“In addition to powerful acting, this production boasts innovative set design.” – Susan Nolan
READ review.
Synopsis: A wildly funny, surprising, and devastating tale of survival as seen through the lens of a troubling relationship between a young girl and an older man. HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE is the story of a woman who learns the rules of the road and life from behind the wheel.
Left to right: Taylor Scott Hines (Greek Chorus), Melody Watley (Greek Chorus), Heather Wetherald (Li’l Bit), and Brian Donohue (Uncle Peck). Photo courtesy of CSM Theater.
