Jennifer Perry - Page 2

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.

Featuring a compelling script, some of the best acting you're bound to see anywhere locally (most notably from Jon Hudson Odom) under the swift and inspired direction by Marti Lyons, and strong production elements (even music!), this is an unpredictable "only at Woolly" experience you won't want to miss. It's especially perfect for Pride Month.

The musical adaptation of Adrienne Shelly's screenplay WAITRESS made history on Broadway when it came in with the first all-female creative team led by Director Diane Paulus. However, it's noteworthy for another reason - Sara Bareilles' varied, character-driven music and lyrics that would, in any other year, probably have won the Tony Award. These are not the only selling points for the current national tour though. Some strong casting, a fierce band fully integrated into the diner setting (led by DC's own tremendously talented Jenny Cartney), and female characters you want to root for in Jessie Nelson's book make this one to see.

The combination of all of these voices and musicians sharing this powerful story set the concert on a good footing, initially. Unfortunately, the evening ended up being a disappointment.

While the musical itself may not be my personal cup of tea as a whole, some catchy music (performed by a killer all-female band and two endearing actors) and the sweet, throwback story make it worthy of some positive attention.

On May 3 and 4, 2018, the Music Center at Strathmore just outside of Washington, DC will play host to the world premiere of IRON & COAL. In the lead up to the concert, composer and performer Jeremy Schonfeld took time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions via email about the concert, his approach to music, and more.

While the musical is not quite perfect, it's the strongest one I've seen this season in the DC area. I hope it has a future life beyond the production in Juneau later this year. It deserves it.

A solid production worth the effort to see.

With the juggernaut that is Hamilton playing DC this summer, it was probably a good marketing strategy for the Kennedy Center to use its new Broadway Center Stage series to (re)-introduce local audiences to Lin-Manuel Miranda's first Broadway musical, the Tony Award-winning In the Heights. Avid local theatergoers have likely seen the show before and fairly recently at that. Last season, Olney Theater Center and Round House Theatre co-produced a well-received production and GALA Hispanic Theatre presented the U.S. Spanish language premiere. However, the five-night, sold out run at Kennedy Center offers another look at the show - this time with an Encores-like staging featuring some of Broadway's best talent directed by original cast member Stephanie Klemons.

The show, aptly titled 'The Story Goes On,' featured an eclectic set list, but there was one common thread - each song was exceptionally well sung.