Damian Thompson News

At its basic essence, a play tells a story. But when the audience has difficulty understanding the story and the language, the message, no matter how poignant or powerful, is lost. The Wedding Gift, a world premiere play at the Contemporary American Theater Festival, is a visual feast for audience members, but due to the storytelling method, many audience members are unable to understand the imaginative story.

We watch as Doug takes stock of his situation, recognizes the failure of vision on the part of his captors, their inability to see him as a fellow-human, and recognizes what this means in terms of his power and his lack of power. It is a humbling lesson, but one he needs to learn to survive.

'FLY' is on the Crossroads Theater Stage through April 17th. Written by Trey Ellis and Ricardo Khan, directed by Khan and choreographed by Hope Clarke, this must-see production is brilliant.

FLY, the soaring tale of the first African American Army Air Corp pilots known as the Tuskegee Airmen, returns in April to Crossroads Theatre Company where it premiered seven years ago, culminating a bicoastal tour of the critically acclaimed production.

From training to combat, experience the anguish, fears and triumphs of a brotherhood who fought for freedom abroad -- and at home. FLY, directed by Ricardo Khan, co-founder and former artistic director of Crossroads Theatre Company, and choreographed by Hope Clarke (A Free Man of Color; Jelly's Last Jam; Caroline, or Change) and Omar Edwards (Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk), tells the heroic tale of the Tuskegee Airmen through the eyes of four courageous young men.

From training to combat, experience the anguish, fears and triumphs of a brotherhood who fought for freedom abroad -- and at home. FLY, directed by Ricardo Khan, co-founder and former artistic director of Crossroads Theatre Company, and choreographed by Hope Clarke (A Free Man of Color; Jelly's Last Jam; Caroline, or Change) and Omar Edwards (Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk), tells the heroic tale of the Tuskegee Airmen through the eyes of four courageous young men.

The West Coast premiere of The Pasadena Playhouse/Crossroads Theatre Company production of FLY, by Trey Ellis and Ricardo Khan, and inspired by the American Heroism of the Tuskegee Airmen, has found its cast.

The world premiere production of MARLEY, the first original musical based on both the life and music of Bob Marley, began rehearsals March 24 at Center Stage, the State Theater of Maryland. MARLEY is now running through June 14. Check out photos from the opening night party below! 

The world premiere production of MARLEY, the first original musical based on both the life and music of Bob Marley, began rehearsals March 24 at Center Stage, the State Theater of Maryland. MARLEY is now running through June 14. Check out scenes from the Penn and North concert below!

The world premiere production of MARLEY, the first original musical based on both the life and music of Bob Marley, began rehearsals March 24 at Center Stage, the State Theater of Maryland. MARLEY is now running through June 14.  Check out a first look below!

The world premiere production of MARLEY, the first original musical based on both the life and music of Bob Marley, began rehearsals March 24 at Center Stage, the State Theater of Maryland. MARLEY begins tonight, May 8, and runs now through June 14.

Center Stage announces the full cast and creative team for the world premiere production of Marley, a new musical with music and lyrics by Bob Marley, and written and directed by Center Stage Artistic Director Kwame Kwei-Armah. The production will run May 7* to June 14, 2015 at Center Stage in Baltimore.

JJJ Productions in Association with Culture Project and Aaron Grant Theatrical, Inc have announced that the world premiere of THE ANTHEM, an original musical lovingly inspired by the classic Ayn Rand Novella, 'Anthem', with a book by Gary Morgenstein, music by Jonnie Rockwell and lyrics by Erik Ransom will begin previews tonight, May 20, 2014, Off-Broadway at Culture Project's Lynn Redgrave Theatre on 45 Bleecker Street. This musical helmed by Rachel Klein officially opens on Thursday, May 29, 2014.

The cast of THE ANTHEM, an original musical lovingly inspired by the classic Ayn Rand Novella, 'Anthem', with a book by Gary Morgenstein, music by Jonnie Rockwell and lyrics by Erik Ransom, is currently in rehearsals. Scroll down for a sneak peek at the company in rehearsal!

JJJ Productions in Association with Culture Project and Aaron Grant Theatrical, Inc have announced that the world premiere of THE ANTHEM, an original musical lovingly inspired by the classic Ayn Rand Novella, 'Anthem', with a book by Gary Morgenstein, music by Jonnie Rockwell and lyrics by Erik Ransom will begin previews on Tuesday, May 20, 2014, Off-Broadway at Culture Project's Lynn Redgrave Theatre on 45 Bleecker Street. This musical helmed by Rachel Klein officially opens on Thursday, May 29, 2014. Spiderman's JASON GOTAY, Spring Awakening's REMY ZAKEN and RANDY JONES of The Village People lead a cast of theatrical favorites in this rollicking sci-fi musical, featuring an expansive aerial and circus environment, about a revolt of the young against an evil state.

Even if you have heard the Tuskegee Airmen's story before, I urge you to take a chance on this exceptional production. It's heart-felt, challenging, and certainly well-presented. Ford's has definitely started its 2012-2013 season out with a bang.

Ford's Theatre presents the Washington premiere of "Fly," by Trey Ellis and Ricardo Khan, directed by Ricardo Khan, now through October 21, 2012. The centerpiece of this year's programming for The Lincoln Legacy Project, "Fly" is based on the experiences of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. Get a first look at the cast onstage in the photos below!

Ford's Theatre presents the Washington premiere of "Fly," by Trey Ellis and Ricardo Khan, directed by Ricardo Khan, September 21 through October 21, 2012. The centerpiece of this year's programming for The Lincoln Legacy Project, "Fly" is based on the experiences of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II.