Week of September 13, 2026
1. “Somewhere Over the Border” at Mosaic Theater Company
“…feels distinctly authentic…worth seeing for its message alone…provides insight into the many stories that are never heard.” – Aidan O’Connor
READ the review.
Synopsis: Dorothy becomes Reina in this fresh take on The Wizard of Oz from Brian Quijada, the award-winning co-creator and star of Mexodus, which premiered at Mosaic ahead of back-to-back Off-Broadway runs. Inspired by the true story of his mother’s immigration in the 1970s, Somewhere over the Border takes audiences on a musical journey from El Salvador to America featuring cumbia, Mexican mariachi boleros, rock, hip hop, and more! As Reina travels north to the Mexican border, she gathers friends, faces down dangers, and holds tight to the memory of the little boy she left behind to build a better life for them both. With equal parts joyful whimsy and harrowing truth, Somewhere Over the Border is a timely new musical that honors the grit and resilience of the immigrant’s journey and reminds us of the humanity of all our neighbors.
The company of “Somewhere Over the Border.” Photo by Chris Banks.
2. “Venus” at at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
“…at times, a bit bonkers and, at others, a raw and gritty look at what humans are really all about…Aquino and Gilbert are terrific…so interesting…” – Anne Valentino
READ the review.
Synopsis: A cosmic dark comedy about the worst first date known to womankind.Nicole likes things orderly: clean dating profiles, curated apartments, clear exits. Beth is all instinct: showing up uninvited to book club, sending too many flowers, and whisking Nicole off to a midnight date under the stars. What begins as an intoxicating collision of opposites turns bizarre as romance descends into obsession, fear takes on a life of its own, and both women find themselves haunted by a woman in a red raincoat.
Kimberly Gilbert as Beth and Regina Aquino as Nicole. Photo by Cameron Whitman.
3. “Come From Away” at The Potomac Playmakers
“…phenomenal…a powerful musical highlighting hope and humanity…” – Kate Mankowski
READ the review.
Synopsis: COME FROM AWAY tells the compelling story of the town of Gander, Newfoundland, and how for five days in 2001 the small town played host to over 7,000 displaced airline passengers in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. What develops over that time is the fostering of unexpected friendships, compassion, and resilience amidst global fear.
The cast from “Come From Away.” Photo courtesy of The Potomac Playmakers.
4. “Come From Away” at Ford’s Theatre
“…a joyful, heartfelt celebration of compassion and human connection.” – Jeanie Casison
READ the review.
Synopsis: Ten years after making its Ford’s Theatre debut, Tony Award-winning Come From Away returns to our historic stage and tells the heart-warming true story of how a small Canadian town cared for 6,579 airline passengers stranded there on 9/11. When 38 planes were diverted to its doorstep, the town of Gander doubled in size, playing host to an international community of strangers and offering food, shelter and friendship. Featuring a rousing score of folk and rock, Come From Away honors the better angels of our nature, revealing hope and humanity in a time of darkness.
The cast of “Come From Away” at Ford’s Theatre. Photo by Scott Suchman.
5. “The Score” at Shakespeare Theatre Company
“…a beautiful, often witty production…” – Peter Orvetti
READ the review.
Synopsis: In spring 1747, Johann Sebastian Bach (Cox) reluctantly visits the court of Frederick II, Europe’s most ambitious and dangerous leader. When the king presents Bach with a musical puzzle, the composer must confront how to rise to the challenge without forsaking his own morality. Brian Cox brings a “volcanic presence” (The Times (UK)) to Bach in the play’s only American engagement.
Christopher Staines, Peter de Jersey, Toby Webster, Matthew Romain, and Brian Cox. Photo by Teresa Castracane.
