Week of September 7, 2025
1. “Craiglisted” at Nu Sass Productions
“Cast and crew come together with impeccable timing, a synergistic sensibility, and a big-heartedness that does this gem of a script justice…Highly recommended!” – Anne Valentino
READ the review.
Synopsis: Maggie, a college student, is struggling financially, and she needs to find a way to make money fast. She responds to a Craigslist ad, and then another, and another. As she gets paid to fulfill the fantasies and requests of strangers, Robin and Haley become concerned about their friend’s safety. How far will Maggie go to get her money?
Joseph Wilson as Jay and Jasmine Proctor as Maggie. Photo by Alan Kayanan.
2. “Legally Blonde” presented by 2nd Star Productions at the Bowie Playhouse
“…brilliant direction…tremendously talented troupe…an electrifying production…a dazzling kickoff for the company’s 2025-2026 season!” – Julia Tucker
READ the review.
Synopsis: A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde the Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances – this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal!
Sydney Forrester-Wilson as Elle Woods and the cast of “Legally Blonde.” Photo by Nate Jackson Photography.
3. “Ceilidh” at M&T Bank Exchange at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center
“…the experience is altogether magical.” – Pamela Steinik
READ the review.
Synopsis: All are welcome to join the celebration at Ceilidh, the exhilarating theatrical experience that is like nothing you’ve ever seen before! As the story of Ceilidh unfolds around you, you’ll be swept into a whirlwind of lively Scottish dances, where every step tells a tale and honors a tradition passed down through generations of “callers.” At its heart, Ceilidh is a musical about family, legacy, the enduring power of stories and having a good time! It will leave you with a lasting feeling of joy long after the last dance ends.
Scott Gilmour and the company of the North American Premiere of “Ceilidh.” Photo by Matt Murphy.
4. “The Sound of Music” at The Kennedy Center
”…delivers on every level: set, costumes, choreography, music, and cast…family-friendly production that carries both joy and gravity…” – Teniola Ayoola
READ the review.
Synopsis: Sixty-five years after its original stage debut, a critically acclaimed North American tour of The Sound of Music will transport the next generation of theatergoers to the hills of Austria. Directed by three-time Tony Award® winner Jack O’Brien, the smash-hit musical classic will once again grace stages across the country, captivating audiences with its universal themes of love, resilience, and the power of music.
(L to r) Kevin Earley as Captain Georg von Trapp, Cayleigh Capaldi as Maria Rainer, and the von Trapp children. Photo by Jeremy Daniel.
5. “Dodi & Diana” presented by Mosaic Theater Company at Atlas Performing Arts Center
“…Soltan and Loewenthal…do an incredible job of balancing the self-involved aspects of their characters with the love story that desperately wants to come out…the cast, crew, and creative team do a terrific job of keeping the audience entertained. ” – Anne Valentino
READ the review.
Synopsis: While commemorating the 25th anniversary of Princess Diana’s and Dodi Fayed’s tragic deaths, Egyptian actress Samira and her financier husband, Jason, are forced to reckon with their own complicated relationship and how their fate may already be written in the stars. A taut and thrilling new play by award-winning playwright Kareem Fahmy, Dodi & Diana blends astrology with the allure of the royals to ask thought-provoking questions about identity, sexuality, and the power of finding your own freedom.
Dina Soltan as Samira and Jake Loewenthal as Jason. Photo by Chris Banks.
Honorable Mention: “Gutenberg! The Musical“ at City of Fairfax Theatre Company
”…laughing the entire production…Marsh and Shaw (and Bradley) keep the audience fully engaged.” – Kate Mankowski
READ the review.
Synopsis: In this two-man musical parody, a pair of aspiring playwrights perform a backers’ audition for their new, hilariously ill-advised project – a big, splashy, historically-inaccurate musical about printing press inventor Johann Gutenberg. With an unending supply of enthusiasm, Bud and Doug sing all the songs and play all the parts in their crass historical epic, with the hope that one of the producers in attendance will give them that elusive Broadway contract.
Peter Marsh (Doug) and Andy Shaw (Bud). Photo by Heather Regan Photography.
