WASHINGTON, DC THEATER REVIEWS

What did our critic think of GISELLE at Opera House/Kennedy Center? Giselle, like Hamlet for actors, Carmen for mezzo-sopranos, and Mrs. Lovett for musical theatre singer/actors of a certain age, brings audiences to the theatre to get to know the skills of the latest acclaimed ballerina. (Previous G...

In a world of fake news, alternate facts, social media frenzy and an increasingly opinionated and polarized public/audience, the issues raised in the intellectually challenging play The Lifespan of a Fact are more relevant than ever.  Now being presented at the Keegan Theatre, this play may be shor...

The phrase “Mandy Patinkin in Concert” should always draw audiences, but this particular 'Being Alive' tour is just a lovely and loving performance, and it’s one well worth seeing. Patinkin is pure joy on the stage, and the feeling is catching....

What did our critic think of 46 PLAYS FOR AMERICA'S FIRST LADIES AT NEXTSTOP THEATRE COMPANY at NextStop Theatre Company?...

Now through February 19, the Washington Stage Guild presents Samuel Beckett’s eerie and philosophical single-act tragicomedy, ENDGAME, directed by Alan Wade. Bill Largess, Matty Griffiths, David Bryan Jackson, and Rosemary Regan captivate audiences as their characters grapple with existence within...

Billy and George is not always easy to watch, but it's compelling, evocative, and thought provoking....

Inspired by the true story of the founder and director of the National Negro Opera Company, The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson packs untold history, outstanding vocal talent, and intensity fit for its title into a short 70 minutes....

I strongly recommend going to see this show for its last couple of performances at Capital One Hall, or try to catch a performance in another city that the tour will be visiting....

Ride the Cyclone is a simply wonderful evening of fun, escapist theatre. It's quirky and unconventional and playing at Arena Stage's Kreeger Theater through February 9th....

So, should you attend the Jellicle Ball? Absolutely. Cats is one of those musicals that will stay with you, whether you see it for the first time or twentieth time. think of CATS at National Theatre?...

Is learning a new language a hindrance to your heart’s love of your cultural heritage, is it purely functional, or is it a means of gaining enrichment and new understanding? Is precise pronunciation meant to trip lightly off the tongue in any language or is it best to take pride in your original a...

'Two Jews Walk into a War. . .' manages to only retread oft-explored grounds, and fails to even do so in a unique or particularly insightful way....

Best Medicine Rep's production of America's Sexiest Couple, directed by Kathleen Barth, explores the relationship between Susan and Craig, and how Residents impacted their lives....

Every once in awhile I go to a concert and say “Wow! He/She is very talented but is trying too hard to win over the audience”. That was my impression after watching one of the stars of the current Broadway revival of Into The Woods Joshua Henry this past Saturday night at Kennedy Center’s Terr...

A searing indictment of prejudice and racism in all its permutations wrapped in a fascinating “whodunit” mystery ----the compelling Pulitzer-Prize winning play by Charles Fuller, A Soldier’s Play, is now a knockout of a production at the Kennedy Center’s Eisenhower Theater. ...

Because seemingly everything on stage in December has a mandatory holiday theme, so should a traveling circus. Hence, 'A Magical Cirque Christmas,' holding court at the National Theatre this weekend....

What did our critic think of JANE ANGER at Shakespeare Theatre?...

This contemporary Dublin-pub take on a Dickensian tale is affecting as far as it goes. But it feels like only half a play....

'Which Way to the Stage' is a love letter – to New York, to the theater world, and to friendship. It’s entertaining and engaging, thoughtful and packed with talent. It’s an incredible experience, made for all of us theater fanatics – and for anyone who just wants to have a wonderful time....

Though musically uneven, this touring production of the Stephen Schwartz blockbuster is a treat....

After almost 40 years the first man to popularize Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) is still going strong. Michael W. Smith’s musicianship, skills as a composer, and entrancing vocal style has helped audiences of all denominations appreciate the word of God in a way that isn’t preachy. He gets ...

The holidays are upon us and that means the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington DC (GMCW) is presenting their much-anticipated annual holiday musical present---an engaging package of song and dance, The Holiday Show, for the LGBTQ+ community (and, hopefully, for the larger DMV community as well)....

This time of year, various professional and amateur theater companies present Christmas-oriented stage productions. Pardon me while I spoil 80 percent of them: Scrooge realizes he's a prick and gives Cratchit a raise. Those searching for an alternative to the usual fare could do far worse than to at...

Paul Morella's one man telling of this classic Christmas story is a theatrical tour de force....

What did our critic think of THE PIANIST OF WILLESDEN LANE at Theatre J?...