In Synetic Theater's Hansel and Gretel, based loosely on Grimm's fairytale version, Hansel (Justin J. Bell) and Gretel (Sharisse Taylor) go from being in the mall with their distracted babysitter (Raven Wilkes) to being in a mysterious wonderland with no mall or babysitter to be found. While Synetic's production is less dark than Grimm's, it is just as entertaining for children and adults alike.
Doctor Faustus transforms into a production about how a woman is manipulated by the world around her. With a solid cast, Brave Spirits Theatre's production turns Marlowe's vision on its head and explores it through a feminist lens.
The Rooftop Productions effort does well by the Gesner and Schulz creation. Director Ted Ballard keeps things simple, just as Schulz presented his characters in pen and ink. Coupled with identifiably perfect costumes by Mandy Ken, and cartoon inspired, primary-colored set pieces designed by Dale Walsh, Ballard's cast is able to bring to life the wit and wisdom of the Peanuts gang.
While not landmark piece of musical theatre, SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER delivers a few hours of escapist fun and a slew of 1970's disco tunes that will likely take some audience members back to their days in bell bottoms, platform shoes, and hustling the night away.
With strong leading performances, a strong emphasis on disco moves, and 20-plus songs from the Bee Gees and other tunes from the era, SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER provides some escapist fun for a few hours. Riverside Center's production opened March 15 and continues through May 7, 2017.
In keeping with Brave Spirits Theatre's commitment to producing overlooked works from Shakespeare's contemporaries, the company's staging of Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher's A KING AND NO KING marks a DC metro area professional premiere. An excellent cast and a modern approach by director Cassie Ash and the creative team make this production worthwhile.
My expectations for the premiere of MIDWESTERN GOTHIC at Signature Theatre were so high that the musical itself was bound to fall short, no matter what. Billed as a darkly funny thriller, it's got atmosphere in spades and boasts laudable performances from a cast of committed actors. But that isn't enough to keep the whole affair from feeling like an interesting concept still in search of a form.
Four towering music legends live on in a rousing, tune-filled walk down memory lane at Fredericksburg's Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. Fans of Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins need look no further than the retrospective musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, now bringing audiences to their feet through March 5.
Set during an air raid in London during World War II, Aquila Theatre's production follows radio actors from BBC who find themselves with an incomplete cast. Through quick thinking, they decide to continue despite the air raid. After all, the show must go on…with or without Poirot.
Making its regional premiere at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL is now ready to aim an Official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle at audiences through New Year's Eve.
The classic fairy tale SLEEPING BEAUTY is hundreds of years old, but Synetic Theater has improved it from an emotional standpoint by incorporating an unexpected twist: the Witch is a multidimensional person. In this version, the Prince is the Witch's son, and the incomparable Irina Tsikurishvili brings the Witch to life. The result is breathtaking and makes for timeless entertainment for younger audiences and their families.
The Hub Theatre's THE MAGI is in many ways made for the winter holidays: it is unabashedly about love and sacrifice. Kelsey Mesa directs this two-person acoustic musical featuring impressive original songs by Eli Pafumi.
In 1st Stage's production of Broadway Bound, the cast breathes life into the Jerome family, so much so, that one feels as if they are watching their own family bicker on stage.
Riverside Center for the Performing Arts presents a first class production of Alfred Uhry's prize-winning drama DRIVING MISS DAISY. Expertly directed by renowned Washingon, DC-based actor/director Rick Hammerly and starring Karen Grassle from LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE in the title role, Riverside's DRIVING MISS DAISY charms and warms the heart.
The vibe of the swinging sixties, the cat and mouse intrigue, the jazzy score, the witty lyrics - this is the winning combination NextStop Theatre Company has captured for their new and lively production of CATCH ME IF YOU CAN - The Musical. Take the red-eye flight to get your tickets for CATCH ME IF YOU CAN. Between the bountiful cheesecake, strong performers, and memorable tunes, this is a ring-a-ding-ding musical that deserves to sell out.
1st Stage Theatre's production of Lobby Hero features a solid, talented small cast who does their best with the out-dated script written by Kenneth Lonerga