James Konicek News

Folger Theatre's TWELFTH NIGHT is simply perfection. A complete triumph, TWELFTH NIGHT, directed by Robert Richmond, is a clear, funny and touching rendering of a Shakespeare play that can appeal to any theatre-goer. After their sell-out production of HENRY V, which received all sorts of accolades, Folger may have topped itself. TWELFTH NIGHT is one you don't want to miss.

Bethesda becomes Neverland this summer, as Imagination Stage presents Peter Pan and Wendy, a swashbuckling adventure with audience participation. Directed by Kathryn Chase Bryer, it is a story in which two young heroes must decide if growing up is really all that bad.

OUR TOWN gets a reverent 75th anniversary production at Ford's Theatre. Thornton Wilder's classic drama still shines, in spite of some forced moments. Director Stephen Rayne allows the play to remain imaginative, while not offering a definitive take on it.

Although this production is certainly one that favors style over substance, the creativity at work is undeniable.

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.

Ford's Theatre Society just opened the Tony-winning musical 1776, directed by Peter Flynn, on March 9. The production runs though May 19, 2012. With 'quick-witted dialogue and a playful score,' 1776 dramatizes the impassioned debates of Philadelphia's Second Continental Congress and the writing of the Declaration of Independence. Check out production shots below!

The Shakespeare Theatre Company announces casting for the two remaining productions of their 25th Anniversary Season. The Servant of Two Masters, running from May 15-June 24 at the Lansburgh Theatre (450 7th Street NW), and The Merry Wives of Windsor, running from June 12-July 15 at Sidney Harman Hall (610 F Street NW), both feature new and familiar faces to STC's stages.

Washington D.C.'s Ford's Theatre has just anounced the cast for their upcoming production of 1776. Featuring direction by Peter Flynn and choreography by Michael Bobbitt, the production will run March 9 through May 19. The star studded cast will include Robert Cuccioli as John Dickinson, Brooks Ashmanskas as John Adams, William Diggle as Thomas Jefferson, Gregory Maheu as Edward Rutledge, and Tom Story as Charles Thomson.

It's powerful, it's moving, it's melodious, and it's true!

Ford's Theatre is presenting the Washington premiere of the Tony-winning musical drama Parade, directed by Stephen Rayne. The production opened on September 23 and runs though October 30, 2011. The centerpiece of this year's programming for The Lincoln Legacy Project, Parade is based on the true story of Leo Frank's trial and lynching in early 20th-century Atlanta. Ostracized for his faith and Northern heritage, Jewish factory manager Leo Frank is accused of murdering a teenaged factory girl the day of the annual Confederate Memorial Day parade. Alfred Uhry's award-winning book and Jason Robert Brown's rousing, colorful and haunting score illuminate a circus of conflicting accounts, false testimony and mishandled evidence in a town reeling with social and racial tension. Isolated from the world, Leo develops a new and deeper love for his wife, who tirelessly crusades for his freedom. Tony-Award nominee Euan Morton stars as Leo Frank with Jenny Fellner as Lucille Frank in this compelling and provocative tale of justice miscarried. Production photos have been released and BroadwayWorld brings you a look below!

The new DC area theatre season begins in September. Over 50 shows are opening in our professional and community theatres. But before we move on to the new season and what's opening in September, let's look back at my personal favorite musicals, plays, and performances in both musicals and plays in the DC area - from August 2010 to August 2011.

Virginia's Signature Theatre heats up during the dog days of summer with their annual Sizzlin' Summer Cabaret, a 3-week series featuring thirteen individual acts sure to keep things red hot.

Virginia's Signature Theatre heats up during the dog days of summer with their annual Sizzlin' Summer Cabaret, a 3-week series featuring thirteen individual acts sure to keep things red hot.

Virginia's Signature Theatre heats up during the dog days of summer with their annual Sizzlin' Summer Cabaret, a 3-week series featuring thirteen individual acts sure to keep things red hot. Headlining the talented array of solo artists assembled will be Tony Award® nominee Marc Kudisch (Broadway's 9 to 5, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, andThoroughly Modern Millie) with his What Makes Me Tick cabaret coming straight from Feinstein's. Broadway star Julia Murney (Elphaba in Wicked and a Drama Desk nominee for The Wild Party) will also be performing for two nights with her own mix of renowned stage songs.

The 27th Helen Hayes Awards are being presented at the historic Warner Theatre tonight, April 25, 2011. In addition to 156 theatre artists, ensembles and productions nominated in 26 categories, three special awards will be given.

Ford's Theatre presents the world premiere of Liberty Smith, a madcap musical romp through Revolutionary America based on an original story by Marc Madnick and Eric R. Cohen, with music by Michael Weiner, lyrics by Adam Abraham and book by Madnick, Cohen and Abraham

Ford's Theatre presents the world premiere of Liberty Smith, a madcap musical romp through Revolutionary America based on an original story by Marc Madnick and Eric R. Cohen, with music by Michael Weiner, lyrics by Adam Abraham and book by Madnick, Cohen and Abraham.