Week of January 11, 2026
1. “Antony & Cleopatra” presented by Synetic Theatre at Shakespeare Theatre Company
“The audience does not merely observe the story, it participates in its construction, and that experience lingers long after the lights come up.” – Teniola Ayoola
READ the review.
Synopsis: D.C.’s premiere physical theater ensemble returns triumphantly to the Shakespeare Theatre with its epic wordless adaptation of Antony & Cleopatra. Featuring the unparalleled skills of the Synetic ensemble, this passionate love story is a collision of empires, as the ascension and assassination of Julius Caesar gives way to the sweeping love story of the Queen of Egypt, Cleopatra, and Caesar’s mighty captain, Antony.
Irina Kavsadze as Cleopatra and Vato Tsikurishvili as Antony. Photo by Katerina Kato.
2. “A Man for All Seasons” presented by Kentlands Community Players in Partnership with Arts Barn
“Chadwick’s portrayal of Sir Thomas More is riveting…should not be missed…” – Susan Brall
READ the review.
Synopsis: This tragic historical drama offers a brilliant portrait of Sir Thomas More in his last years as Lord Chancellor of England during the reign of Henry VIII. When Henry fails to obtain papal approval for a divorce from Catherine of Aragon to marry Anne Boleyn, he mandates his subjects to sign an “Act of Supremacy” making him both spiritual and temporal leader of England. Sir Thomas cannot in good conscience comply. Cromwell, Cardinal Wolsey, his family, and the King himself are all unable to convince More otherwise, as he maintains his integrity and belief in silence. Ultimately accused of high treason, this very silence leads the man to his execution, and later his canonization in 1935.
(L to R): Nathan Chadwick, Kimmel Garner, Nancy Somers, Aetna Thompson, John Rocco, and Jennifer Robinson. Photo courtesy of Kentlands Community Players.
3. “Macbeth” presented by The Endangered Species Theatre Project at New Spire Arts/ESPloft
“…shines with a bare bones approach to Shakespeare allowing the elements of ‘Macbeth’ to come through.” – Kate Mankowski
READ the review.
Synopsis: Set against a foreboding backdrop of war and witchcraft, Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” explores the corrupting power of unchecked ambition and the psychological unraveling of a man consumed by power. Is Macbeth a pawn of fate or the author of his own downfall? This timeless classic continues to captivate with its powerful language, unforgettable characters, and eerie supernatural elements.
(L to R) Jackson Peters-Mosere (Seyton), Illey Torres (Soldier), Deanna Kinzie (Servant),
Sasha Carrera (Lady Macbeth), Dan Franko (Macbeth), Kayla Swain (Ross), Emir Pasanovic (Angus), Greta Boeringer (Old Man), and Sean Eustis (Captain). Photo by Sam White.
4. “Balloonacy” at Imagination Stage
“Matthew Pauli is sensational…Janet Stanford’s innovative direction…creative genius…an inspiring theatrical journey!” – Julia Tucker
READ the review.
Synopsis: A beautiful, movement-based show that revisits the classic film, “The Red Balloon,” and will delight audiences of all ages and speakers of all languages. Nothing can go right for the old man, whose days are gray and dreary, until he is visited by a friendly red balloon. In the playful physical style of 1930’s silent movies, the old man–an adult version of the boy in the film – regains his youthful spirit.
Matthew Pauli as the Old Man. Photo by Giovana Roskocz Reis.
5. “Other Desert Cities” at The Colonial Players of Annapolis
”…the cast delivers an emotional performance…thought-provoking production…” – Susan Nolan
READ the review.
Synopsis: Brooke Wyeth returns home to Palm Springs to visit her parents after a six-year absence. A once-promising novelist, she announces to her family the imminent publication of a memoir dredging up a pivotal and tragic event in the family’s history – a wound that her parents don’t want reopened. In effect, she draws a line in the sand and dares them all to cross it.
(L-R): Kaitlin Fish, Stephen Nickens, Rebecca Kyler Downs, James Gallagher, and Debbie Barber-Eaton. Photo by Brandon Bentley.
Honorable Mention: “Shakespeare in Harlem” presented by Chesapeake Shakespeare Company in collaboration with UMBC
”…a monumental collaborative achievement and a truly unique experience. ” – Ben Pierce
READ the review.
Synopsis: The stories and voices of 1940s Harlem intertwine in this immersive adaptation from Langston Hughes by director Gerrad Alex Taylor. Through poetry, movement, and music, these dynamic characters—including Hughes’ beloved Simple—evoke a rhythmic portrait of Black life. A university–professional collaboration between UMBC Theatre and Chesapeake Shakespeare Company performed by students, professionals, and members of CSC’s Black Classical Acting Ensemble.
Pictured (from left): Amani Abdullah, Dario Prioleau, Latrelle Jamez, Ambar Auth, and Manny Rimmer. Photo by by Kiirstn Pagan Photography.
