Jennifer Perry - Page 2

The future of musical theater is looking pretty bright.

When you combine Bettis' exceptionally well-written and insightful script with some of the most powerful acting you're likely to see on a DC stage this season, and some excellent direction by Jose Zayas, you have a must-see theatrical production.

This production is unique and deserves to be seen.

The non-Equity production of James Graham (Book), Gary Barlow, and Eliot Kennedy's (Music and Lyrics) 2015 Broadway musical 'Finding Neverland' is unlikely to be remembered as one of the most memorable touring productions that has graced the stages of DC this season. Yet, much like the Broadway production, the news is not all bad for the show which will play the National Theatre through March 3, 2019.

Many of the audience members clearly knew the source material better than I did going in – if the entrance applause and excitement of the people around me was any indicator. However, I think it's safe to say we were all equally charmed by the end – even me, an admittedly jaded musical theater junkie.

Overall, this show benefits from a solid thematic foundation and compelling stories, but suffers in the area of presentation.

Based on the 2017 Broadway revival (a West End transfer) this new tour offers a solid mix of splash and raw, complex human emotion.

Overall, if you are willing to overlook a few of the gimmicks, you can have a good time at the show. Even if it may not appeal to the most jaded of theater nerds, it is a feel-good kind of audience show. I can't fault any production that entices the audience to sit back and listen to some great music without the hint of autotune.

Admittedly, I am not a parent - nor have I ever had the desire to be one. As a 30-something, I've never had to navigate through the family vs. career challenges depicted in Molly Smith Metzler's play CRY IT OUT, now playing at Studio Theatre. Yet, even without the ability to personally relate to the story, there's a lot to appreciate in the play and Studio's production of it.

Directed by Darko Tresnjak, 'Anastasia' is not to be missed at Kennedy Center. A strong story with an equally strong cast to bring it to life, coupled with some great music by one of Broadway's best writing teams, makes it a sure bet.

All things considered, this presentation offers a fabulous time at the theater.

One cannot deny the uniqueness of this piece and the immeasurable talent of all involved.

And now for something completely different!

It's an explosive and thought-provoking production in more ways than one - and a natural fit for Woolly.

A great cast succeeds despite a less than ideal production concept

'Dave' is a really fun show with a strong cast. It's just the right kind of show we need in DC right now. While questions might emerge as to whether it can play elsewhere, I would suggest that no matter where you live, you may be eager to immerse yourself in a world of political optimism for a few hours.

I spent an evening and afternoon taking in a few offerings at this year's far more conveniently located Capital Fringe festival in Southwest DC. International Affairs and history nerd that I am, I took in a performance of BLACK CONFEDERATES and the exceptional THE BODY OF A WOMAN AS A BATTLEFIELD IN THE BOSNIAN WAR. I threw in a little musicalized mythology for good measure (Jo Williamson's METAMORPHOSE) as well as an avant-garde and wholly modern dance-theater piece, O MONSTERS, presented by Philadelphia's experimental performance ensemble New Paradise Laboratories.

If the rousing and prolonged applause and immediate standing ovation is any indication, this show is going to wow local audiences all throughout the summer.

A cast of Broadway and television actors with vocal, dance, and comedy chops to spare join with a much-loved featured local theater star to deliver a must-see, entertaining semi-staged performance of the Pulitzer Prize-winning (1962) musical comedy.

Featuring one of the most eclectic set lists I've encountered in recent years, Lea Michele and Darren Criss' - of 'Glee' and Broadway fame - one-night-only concert at the Kennedy Center was nothing short of entertaining and delightful.