Thomas Adrian Simpson News

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater announces that due to popular demand, the world premiere play Mary T. & Lizzy K., written and directed by Tazewell Thompson, will add another six performances to its nearly sold-out run, now extended through May 5, 2013. The additional performances in the Arlene and Robert Kogod Cradle are Thursday, May 2 at 8:00 p.m.; Friday, May 3 at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, May 4 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 5 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

This is a well-presented and well-acted production of a problematic play.

Mary T. & Lizzy K. stitches together an insider's look at the unique friendship between Mary Todd Lincoln and her talented dressmaker, the successful freed slave Elizabeth 'Lizzy' Keckly. Written and directed by Thompson, Mary T. & Lizzy K. runs now through April 28, 2013 in the Arlene and Robert Kogod Cradle at Arena Stage. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Mary T. & Lizzy K. stars D.C.-area actress Kathryn Kelley (Round House Theatre's Next Fall) as Mary Todd Lincoln and Sameerah Luqmaan-Harris (Urban Stage's ReEntry) as Elizabeth Keckly. They are joined by noted local actors Thomas Adrian Simpson (last seen at Arena Stage as Col. Pickering in My Fair Lady) as Abraham Lincoln and Joy Jones (Studio Theatre's Invisible Man) as Ivy.

Mary T. & Lizzy K. stars D.C.-area actress Kathryn Kelley (Round House Theatre's Next Fall) as Mary Todd Lincoln and Sameerah Luqmaan-Harris (Urban Stage's ReEntry) as Elizabeth Keckly. They are joined by noted local actors Thomas Adrian Simpson (last seen at Arena Stage as Col. Pickering in My Fair Lady) as Abraham Lincoln and Joy Jones (Studio Theatre's Invisible Man) as Ivy.

My Fair Lady, featuring Manna Nichols and Nicholas Rodriguez, is currently curring at Arena Stage through January 6, 2013. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from the curtain call below!

This fairly innocuous take on a classic tale is likely to be a hit with audiences seeking a fun night out.

My Fair Lady, featuring Manna Nichols and Nicholas Rodriguez, is currently curring at Arena Stage through January 6, 2013. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the show below.

Signature Theatre presents a revivial of 'R' rated musical.

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater announces the full company for My Fair Lady, directed by Artistic Director Molly Smith.

Signature Theatre kicks off its 2012/13 season with the Tony Award-winning musical comedy The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, now playing through October 7, 2012. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production photos below.

Yee-haw! It's time to start two-steppin' and boot-scootin' in the aisles, as Signature Theatre kicks off its 2012/13 season with the Tony Award-winning musical comedy The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, beginning performances tonight, August 14.

Yee-haw! It's time to start two-steppin' and boot-scootin' in the aisles, as Signature Theatre kicks off its 2012/13 season with the Tony Award-winning musical comedy The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, beginning performances on Tuesday, August 14.

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.

Two Word Premiere Musicals in Rotating Repertory

Thank God for air-conditioning in our DC/MD/VA area theatres! In August it will be sizzling in our local theatres. Signature Theatre has its 'Sizzlin' Summer Cabaret' series with visits from Broadway favorites Marc Kudisch and Julia Murney, and Signature favorites Erin Driscoll, Sandy Bainum, and Lauren Williams. The talk of the town is Cate Blanchett visiting The Eisenhower Theatre at The Kennedy Center, where a hundred yards away Wicked is playing to SRO audiences (what else is new?).

Signature Theatre's 22nd season kicks off by making musical theatre history with its American Musical Voices Project: Next Generation 'World Premiere Repertory Series' - the first time in the history of the American theatre that two world premiere musicals will be presented in rotating repertory, in full production. The eight-week series, beginning previews on August 23rd, will produce The Hollow (book by Hunter Foster; music and lyrics by Matt Conner), to be directed by Signature Theatre's Associate Artistic Director Matthew Gardiner; and The Boy Detective Fails (book by Joe Meno; music and lyrics by Adam Gwon), directed by Signature Theatre Artistic Associate Joe Calarco. Both musicals have been commissioned by Signature Theatre as part of its groundbreaking American Musical Voices Project: The Next Generation.

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.

With over 30 new productions opening on DC area stages, 4 large festivals, and 2 world premiere musicals, it may still be chilly outside, but DC area stages are sizzling and bursting with great theatre. So come visit the Nation's Capital and visit our vibrant theatre scene.