Going Out Gurus Archive by Category

On stage in November

If it's November, it must be time for...Fringe Festival? Plus, holiday favorites hit area stages and "Ol' Man River" will soon be taking up residence in your head. Show Boat sails at Signature Theatre this month. (Chris Mueller) The musical...

By Stephanie Merry | November 2, 2009; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (0)

Theater: Comings and goings

Of Mice and Men is coming to town.

By Stephanie Merry | October 22, 2009; 06:04 PM ET | Comments (0)

On Stage in October

This month brings a Broadway blockbuster, the musical remake of a cult classic and an eclectic festival of dance. October kicks off on a high note with the premiere of "Jersey Boys" at National Theatre. The Tony-winning musical follows the...

By Stephanie Merry | October 1, 2009; 02:46 PM ET | Comments (3)

Get Your Free Theater Tickets

Free Night of Theater is coming back to Washington and, if you want in on the action, you should try to snag tickets as soon as they open to the public Thursday at noon. Tickets go fast and the lineup...

By Stephanie Merry | September 30, 2009; 09:56 AM ET | Comments (1)

Free Shakespeare? Hop to It

In case you missed the Folger's well-received and extra bloody production of "Macbeth" last year, another chance is coming your way on Sunday. The theater will be screening the film version of Shakespeare's tragedy that was created and directed by...

By Stephanie Merry | September 17, 2009; 04:41 PM ET | Comments (0)

On Stage in September

Familial angst and famous faces are headed our way this month when an Oscar winner and a slate of old favorites signal that the slow days of August theater are over. Billy Crystal comes to National Theatre for "700 Sundays."...

By Stephanie Merry | September 3, 2009; 11:32 AM ET | Comments (0)

On Stage in August

If you're thinking that the month following the insanity of the Fringe Festival will give you a little breather from theater, guess again. This month, a trio of great comedians take the stage, free Shakespeare returns to Olney Theatre and...

By Stephanie Merry | July 30, 2009; 02:19 PM ET | Comments (0)

'Beyond Dark Corners' at Fringe

"Beyond Dark Corners," which had its final Fringe performance earlier this afternoon, featured two solo performers on the theme of being black gay men. Their styles contrasted: Christopher Prince was questioning and troubled, weary but proud. Terry Sidney was...

By Nelson Pressley | July 25, 2009; 03:49 PM ET | Comments (0)

'A Cappella Party' at Fringe

The harmonies are fine in "The A Cappella Party," an original musical in which the songs are indeed performed without instrumental accompaniment. The frat-house plot is a bit of a chore, though, as two a cappella singing groups dis...

By Nelson Pressley | July 24, 2009; 01:22 PM ET | Comments (0)

'Diamond Dead': Worth Repeating

Landless Theatre had quite the hit during last year's Fringe Festival with its musical about a zombie rock band. Lucky for us, the company's back with another installment: "Diamond Dead (Continued...)." The performance has all the things fans loved...

By Stephanie Merry | July 24, 2009; 01:16 PM ET | Comments (0)

'Captain Squishy': A Real Knee-Slapper

I couldn't sum up "Captain Squishy's Yee-Haw Jamboree" better than the guy sitting next to me during the show. Sometime after he started giggling but before the guffaws set in, he leaned over and whispered, "It's like 'Hee Haw'...

By Stephanie Merry | July 23, 2009; 05:20 PM ET | Comments (0)

'Comic Roach' at Fringe: Music and Movies

Don't be put off by the title of "The Comic Roach: A Roadhouse Picture Show." It's actually a nifty way to catch a flick at the Fringe -- old silent pictures from producer Hal Roach, with new musical scores...

By Nelson Pressley | July 23, 2009; 05:11 PM ET | Comments (0)

'Dizzy Miss Lizzie's Roadside Revue' at Fringe

A little bit of Woodstock at the Fringe: that's what you get with the party-ready "Dizzy Miss Lizzie's Roadside Revue -- The Saints." This is storytelling via rock and roll. The band of musicians who had a hit last...

By Nelson Pressley | July 22, 2009; 08:00 AM ET | Comments (0)

'Bull': A Wild Ride

It turns out that Sears catalogs can cause real destruction. How else can you explain a devoutly religious rodeo clown's fall from grace? In "Riding the Bull," one of the Fringe Festival's more captivating shows, the main character's love...

By Stephanie Merry | July 20, 2009; 04:20 PM ET | Comments (0)

'Girls Inside' at Fringe: Drive-By Drama

"The Girls Inside," Leayne C. Freeman's drama about life in a detention center for women, is so new and unfinished that it's only 35 minutes long. (You can get that kind of thing at Fringe.) Still, it's a good...

By Nelson Pressley | July 20, 2009; 03:35 PM ET | Comments (0)

At the Fringe: 'She Moved Through the Fair'

Ah, the lilt of Irish literature. Polly MacIntyre uses the writing of Edna O'Brien for her solo show "She Moved Through the Fair," and the result is a respectably acted but unexciting string of melodic monologues. All four sketches...

By Nelson Pressley | July 20, 2009; 11:23 AM ET | Comments (0)

At the Fringe: Billy the Kid, Then and Now

If you have a bit of surly gunslinger in you, it might be drawn out by "Billy the Kid: First Exhumation. Directed by Jackson Phippin, this moody experimental piece is based on the legend of Billy the Kid. Using...

By Nelson Pressley | July 17, 2009; 02:48 PM ET | Comments (0)

'Bare Breasted Women' (Really)

To answer the obvious questions about "Bare Breasted Women Sword Fighting," a) indeed they are, and b) yes, they do. Which is why no one under 18 is admitted to this bawdy vaudeville at Source. Not that toplessness is...

By Nelson Pressley | July 17, 2009; 02:33 PM ET | Comments (0)

'GS-14': Close Enough for Government Work

Transplant "The Office" to a government bureau and you get "GS-14," a wonky comedy from Jason Ford that drew a full house to the sweaty upstairs Bodega venue Wednesday night. (And it was even at the wonk-friendly time of...

By Nelson Pressley | July 17, 2009; 01:56 PM ET | Comments (0)

At the Fringe Festival: 'Deconstructing the Myth of the Booty'

Body, race, gender: The Saartjie Project dives deep into these fraught issues at the Fringe Festival in "Deconstructing the Myth of the Booty." It's one of those rare shows that is utterly worthwhile even though the performance is sometimes...

By Nelson Pressley | July 16, 2009; 05:58 PM ET | Comments (0)

'Pepe' the Suburban Life Musical

It's pretty amazing that a play called "Pepe! The Mail Order Monkey Musical" could be based on actual events, but such is the life of Washington Glass School founder Tim Tate. As it turns out, when he and his...

By Stephanie Merry | July 16, 2009; 05:44 PM ET | Comments (1)

'May 39th/40th': Back to the Future

According to radio reports, the last of Al Gore's clones has died and Japandia has a new prime minister. Welcome to the year 3009. This is the world where "May 39th/40th" takes place and things have changed quite a...

By Stephanie Merry | July 15, 2009; 03:42 PM ET | Comments (0)

'Bargain Basement Game Show': Come On Down!

Surely "Bargain Basement Game Show" is the most generous event in the Fringe Festival: T-shirts were liberally handed out during the pleasantly interactive 80 minutes, and I won a prize! It's just a flash drive with the show's logo...

By Nelson Pressley | July 15, 2009; 03:33 PM ET | Comments (0)

'Bad Hamlet': The Play's the Thing x 2

Admit it: You've been meaning to compare and contrast the 1623 Folio version of "Hamlet" with the 1603 "bad" quarto for years, right? Rest easy. With "Bad Hamlet," the Adequate Players have done it for you, cutting Shakespeare's long...

By Nelson Pressley | July 15, 2009; 08:30 AM ET | Comments (0)

A Tactile Dinner: Whimsicality To Go

During the Fringe Festival's lively, cerebral performance piece "A Tactile Dinner," a theatergoer's most vital accessory is a napkin. When you arrive at the Fringe venue, a Ninth Street NW storefront rowhouse, silent and grimacing waiters supply you with...

By Peter Marks | July 14, 2009; 03:23 PM ET | Comments (1)

'Skywriter': A Twist on the Familiar

"Skywriter" follows the story of an inspirational teacher in a crumbling urban school, so of course my first thought was, "haven't I seen this somewhere before?" Luckily, it becomes clear that there's more to Angry Young Theatre Company's production...

By Stephanie Merry | July 14, 2009; 02:48 PM ET | Comments (0)

Original 'Sin'

Before you continue reading, here's a tip: Open up another tab on your web browser and buy tickets to "The Sin Show" before the thing sells out, because it's only a matter of time. It's that good. Seaton Smith...

By Stephanie Merry | July 14, 2009; 02:43 PM ET | Comments (2)

'Soup!': Serving Up Some Salty Humor

Although this theater company's name may seem less than creative, Trio, made up of Gabrielle Fisher, Noah Kelly and Pardis Parsa, delivered some original fun on Saturday. The sketch comedians took on cooking shows, therapy, baby rental services (!)...

By Stephanie Merry | July 13, 2009; 04:34 PM ET | Comments (0)

On the Fringe

(Images courtesy of Capital Fringe Festival) You may have noticed that we're going all out on the blog to cover the Fringe Festival this year. Peter Marks, Nelson Pressley and I will be posting multiple reviews each day to...

By Stephanie Merry | July 13, 2009; 04:17 PM ET | Comments (2)

'The Devil's Christmas Carol': A Musical From Hell

When you're spending all day going to performances in an unjuried theater festival, you can bet that not everything is going to be a winner. Fringe is, after all, really a celebration of the theater craft -- from the...

By Stephanie Merry | July 13, 2009; 03:18 PM ET | Comments (4)

Trunk Show: The Elephant Sings!

Remember the line from "The Elephant Man" about John Merrick's deformed head being so big because it's full of dreams? Turns out they're Broadway dreams, baby! "Elephant Man -- The Musical " is a one-joke show mainly for buffs...

By Nelson Pressley | July 13, 2009; 02:12 PM ET | Comments (1)

'Cabaret CooCoo': Cigars, Cigarettes, Candy?

The stars of "Cabaret CooCoo." (Capital Fringe Festival) The leggy cigarette girls are your first clue to the throwback aura of Cabaret CooCoo, a gentle exercise in vaudeville pluck by the locally based Happenstance Theater. Before the show starts,...

By Nelson Pressley | July 11, 2009; 05:23 PM ET | Comments (0)

'4.48 Psychosis': The Bitter End

Sarah Kane's "4.48 Psychosis" comes to the Fringe Festival. (Capital Fringe Festival) "Is this the line for the suicide play?" a young man asked on Seventh Street at the Fringe last night. It was, and it was a very...

By Nelson Pressley | July 11, 2009; 12:00 PM ET | Comments (1)

'Slow News Day': Ambling Along

It was 10:30 on a Friday night and I was sitting in a pew with an impressive crowd of theater-goers hoping to worship at the altar of funny. I kicked off Fringe Festival on a risky note called improv...

By Stephanie Merry | July 11, 2009; 11:16 AM ET | Comments (0)

'Magnum Opus': Song and Dance of Death

"Magnum Opus" updates the saga of 19th century composer Robert Schumann. (Capital Fringe Festival) With Fringe you get a bit of everything -- even serious opera. Take Michael Oberhauser's Magnum Opus, which freely updates the saga of 19th-century composer...

By Nelson Pressley | July 10, 2009; 04:00 PM ET | Comments (0)

'Titus X': Completely Bloody Insane

I decided to begin my Fringe journey this year at "Titus X," a rousingly deranged piece of entertainment that answers the question: What gruesome classical play would be voted least likely to make it as a musical? Yes, this...

By Peter Marks | July 10, 2009; 02:27 PM ET | Comments (2)

The Scene at the Fringe Preview

Favorites from the festival's preview night.

By Stephanie Merry | July 4, 2009; 09:00 AM ET | Comments (3)

On Stage in July

A preview of top July 2009 theater and dance performances.

By Stephanie Merry | July 1, 2009; 10:03 AM ET | Comments (0)

Fringe Festival Tickets On Sale

Picks for the best shows to see at the 2009 Capital Fringe Festival, plus details on ticket options.

By Stephanie Merry | June 25, 2009; 09:06 AM ET | Comments (5)

On Stage in June

This month finds a famous actor returning to D.C. for a Shakespearean role, Landless Theatre giving audiences the chance to ponder the double-meaning of Scooby Snacks and a heart-breaking autobiography-turned-play at Studio Theatre. First up though is a comedic look...

By Stephanie Merry | May 27, 2009; 09:40 PM ET | Comments (0)

Free and Cheap Theater

Every year we try to help out the students who flock to D.C. to take low-paying (or no-paying) internships with ways to have fun on the cheap. This year though, considering the economy, just about everyone needs a little help....

By Stephanie Merry | May 15, 2009; 04:18 PM ET | Comments (1)

On Stage in May

This month promises a slew of wallet-friendly performances, another fascinating Stoppard play and one man who dares to steal the Louvre's most famous painting. Yet another Stoppard play comes to D.C. with "Arcadia" at Folger Theatre. (James Kegley) On the...

By Stephanie Merry | April 30, 2009; 12:57 PM ET | Comments (0)

Free Theater

We've been getting tons of requests for cheap date ideas lately, so a recent announcement by the Shakespeare Theatre Company seems especially timely. This weekend, the company will host a day of free rehearsal performances of its next play "Design...

By Stephanie Merry | April 28, 2009; 05:34 PM ET | Comments (0)

On Stage in April

Spring may be here with all its new beginnings, but the economy continues to tank and the weather is still cold. Luckily we're bringing some spring cheer in the form of cheap theater with a rundown of plays that offer...

By Stephanie Merry | March 26, 2009; 11:50 AM ET | Comments (0)

The Best of a 'Superstar'

What's the buzz on "Jesus Christ Superstar" at the Warner? The fact that it's starring Ted Neeley in the title role -- the same guy who took on the role of Jesus in the movie version more than 35 years...

By Stephanie Merry | March 19, 2009; 10:10 AM ET | Comments (1)

On Stage in March

At this point of the year, I'm desperate for ways to distract myself from the fact that it's still winter. Luckily, looking through the list of upcoming performances, it should be pretty easy to sidetrack myself from daydreaming of sandal...

By Stephanie Merry | February 25, 2009; 05:54 PM ET | Comments (0)

Cheap Dates: A Social Life Stimulus Plan

We offer more than a dozen date ideas for the bank account-challenged. Free wine tasting at Vidalia is one of our top picks. (Jay Premack) Classic Guru discussion this morning. Some of us felt really bad for all the young...

By Julia Beizer | February 25, 2009; 01:24 PM ET | Comments (1)

On Stage in February

The big news this month in the theater world is the grand reopening of Ford's Theatre. Just in time for the Lincoln Bicentennial, the theater where the 16th president was shot will hold a multi-day open house from Feb. 11...

By Stephanie Merry | February 2, 2009; 02:07 PM ET | Comments (1)

On Stage in 2008

As the year comes to a close, I'm adding in my two cents -- along with theater critic Peter Marks -- on this year's standout performances. While it would be hard to dispute Marks's choice for top spot (the absurdly...

By Stephanie Merry | December 31, 2008; 02:22 PM ET | Comments (0)

On Stage in December

As you might expect, the theater scene this month is dominated by Nutcrackers, Christmas Carols and other holiday shows. Those that prefer their theater minus the dancing rats and Scrooges are in luck though, as a number of nondenominational plays...

By Stephanie Merry | December 1, 2008; 11:19 AM ET | Comments (2)

'Punch': What to Expect

Planning on heading to dog & pony dc's show "Punch -- That's the Way We Do It" at Flashpoint over the next week? If so, I think it's fair to give you a quick rundown of what to expect from...

By Stephanie Merry | November 14, 2008; 03:19 PM ET | Comments (0)

Cheaper Theater

It turns out the economic downturn has a (small) upside. It seems like sales are going on everywhere, and Arena Stage is jumping on the bandwagon. The 24-hour sale starts at midnight on Thursday, Nov. 13 Friday, Nov. 14 --...

By Stephanie Merry | November 6, 2008; 02:39 PM ET | Comments (2)

On Stage in November

November is going to be a busy month for theater, and it appears there will be something for everyone, whether you're interested in irreverent stand-up, cult musicals or classical ballet. "underground," inspired by the Weather Underground, makes its D.C. debut...

By Stephanie Merry | November 4, 2008; 01:44 PM ET | Comments (0)

Getting Into the Spirit of Halloween

Some of the colorful monsters from "The Crossing of the Creatures." (By Marta Perez Garcia, courtesy of H&F Fine Arts) Maybe it's the persistently warm weather, but I can't seem to get myself into a Halloween frame of mind....

By Stephanie Merry | October 17, 2008; 01:49 PM ET | Comments (0)

Another Chance for a Free Show

For those who haven't been able to secure tickets for Free Night of Theater 2008 yet, get thee to their website. They have been consistently adding tickets and a new batch just went online, including some impressive selections like Synetic...

By Stephanie Merry | October 15, 2008; 02:00 PM ET | Comments (0)

Onstage in October

MacHomer mixes the Simpsons and Shakespeare this month at Woolly Mammoth. (Photo by Michael Cooper) Fall is officially here. Pumpkins are showing up at farmers markets, leaves are falling off trees, the sun is setting earlier and earlier and...

By Stephanie Merry | September 30, 2008; 09:06 AM ET | Comments (1)

On Stage in September

Would you vote for this man? You can get your chance at "POTUS Among Us" at Source. (Photo by Katie Jett, courtesy of Washington Improv Theater) After the summer dry spell, this month promises a great mix of comedy and...

By Stephanie Merry | September 4, 2008; 11:58 AM ET | Comments (2)

A Little Bit at a Time

"Dream Sailors" is a whodunit in four parts. (Keith A. Erickson - Rorschach Theatre) Anyone who has followed a season of "24" or "Lost" knows the immense power of the cliffhanger. As soon as the hour ends, a week seems...

By Stephanie Merry | July 25, 2008; 01:25 PM ET | Comments (4)

Last Call for Fringe

With only a few days left in the Fringe Festival, there are still plenty of opportunities to catch a show or two. Most of my must-see picks have already run their course, so here are some promising shows from the...

By Stephanie Merry | July 23, 2008; 12:42 PM ET | Comments (5)

Audience Disintegration

"Power House's" promise of audience participation made the show sound so appealing. (Charlie Fink and Bouncing Ball Productions) The name alone, "Power House: The Disco Energy Dance Along Show," sounded so promising. And the synopsis only intrigued me more: a...

By Stephanie Merry | July 18, 2008; 03:04 PM ET | Comments (5)

On the Fringe: Drink Discounts and Happy Hours

Rocket Bar is just one possible happy hour spot for Fringe-goers. (James M. Thresher - The Washington Post) Grabbing a drink before or after a Fringe Festival show? Don't forget to bring your little white Fringe button, because a number...

By Stephanie Merry | July 14, 2008; 06:10 PM ET | Comments (2)

Fringe Must-Sees

"Dorks on the Loose: It I Awkward" is just one possible winner at this year's Fringe Festival. (Delusions of Spandex) The Capital Fringe Festival kicked off yesterday, and I celebrated by hitting up "Dorks on the Loose: It I Awkward."...

By Stephanie Merry | July 11, 2008; 12:46 PM ET | Comments (13)

The New Face of Fringe

"Dr. Serenity Hawkfire's Beyond Being Workshop," part of the Fringe Festival lineup, pokes fun at New Age workshops. (Photo courtesy of Suzanne Falter-Barns LLC) There is a silent war being waged between the mainstream and the offbeat around Mt. Vernon...

By Stephanie Merry | July 2, 2008; 03:35 PM ET | Comments (11)

A Little Bit of Everything

I'm a big fan of movie shorts, so naturally when I heard about the theatrical equivalent--the 10-minute plays that kick off the Source Festival--I had to check it out. What I found was a variety pack of plots, tones and...

By Stephanie Merry | June 24, 2008; 11:10 AM ET | Comments (2)

Interns' Guide: Discount Theater Tickets

Thanks to the Washington National Opera's Generation O program, it's possible to see productions like "Tamerlano" -- starring Placido Domingo -- for much less than full price. (Karin Cooper) Live theater seems like one of those lofty post-college pastimes --...

By Fritz Hahn | May 23, 2008; 09:00 AM ET | Comments (1)

Something Wicked This Way Comes

I was terrified even before the lights went down. The Folger Theatre's new production of Macbeth will do that to you. The buzzed-about show is co-directed by Teller (of Penn & Teller), and while magic and cool effects were promised,...

By Anne | March 3, 2008; 11:10 AM ET | Comments (7)

On Stage in February

February may be the shortest month, but it sure isn't short on drama. The magic of Shakespeare comes to the stage in a whole new way, while an Academy Award-winning screenwriter turns his talent from screen to the stage. Also...

By Erin | February 1, 2008; 02:13 PM ET | Comments (1)

Q&A: The Residents of 'Avenue Q'

Not since I was 6 years old have I been so excited to see puppets dance and sing. When I was little, I liked to hear them sing about being nice. Now, it's all about the Internet, racism and economizing...

By Erin | November 30, 2007; 03:44 PM ET | Comments (5)

Director Q&A: 'The Studio'

As playwright, choreographer and director of "The Studio" at Signature Theatre, Christopher d'Amboise wears many hats. The son of famous dancers, d'Amboise was a principal in the New York City Ballet, a Broadway actor and artistic director of the Pennsylvania...

By Erin | November 19, 2007; 10:43 AM ET | Comments (0)

Check Out This 'View'

It doesn't matter if you hold season tickets to the opera or have never heard an aria -- "A View From the Bridge" is worth two hours of your time. The gritty show, set among immigrant dock workers in New...

By Erin | November 7, 2007; 03:48 PM ET | Comments (0)

On Stage in November

I'm still eating Halloween candy, but in local theater, the focus is onto Christmas with three different choices for "A Christmas Carol." If you're still enjoying non-Christmas revelry, take a look behind the scenes of the professional dance world or...

By Erin | November 2, 2007; 05:31 PM ET | Comments (0)

A Perfect $10

Unless you won big bucks at a Halloween costume party, chances are good that you don't have the $80 that it takes to score a top seat at one of the elite theaters around town. While I am a huge...

By Erin | November 1, 2007; 09:00 AM ET | Comments (8)

Theater on the Cheap

If your budget is limiting your theater ambitions, take heart. There are a few stellar pay-what-you-can opportunities for this month's stage productions....

By Erin | October 10, 2007; 12:36 PM ET | Comments (1)

On Stage in October

October is upon us and there is music in the air. From a pre-"Rent" Jonathan Larson musical to a world premiere, music-filled look at the women of a housing project, this is a tuneful month on local stages. If fall...

By Erin | October 4, 2007; 11:32 AM ET | Comments (1)

On Stage in September

With September comes the start of several exciting new seasons, notably Studio Theatre's 30th anniversary season. Trends in the month include two shows addressing the afterlife, a few comedic looks at family bonding (both mother/daughter and father/son) and several heart-wrenching...

By Erin | August 30, 2007; 12:24 PM ET | Comments (1)

Hot, Cheap Seats

If price prohibits you from catching up on quality theater, take advantage of a few summer deals. Washington Shakespeare Company hosts Pay-What-You-Can previews for "Private Lives" tonight through Sunday at 1409 Playbill Cafe at 8 p.m. In the show, two...

By Erin | August 17, 2007; 01:52 PM ET | Comments (2)

On Stage in August

It's a fairly quiet month on local stages, but that doesn't mean you won't find some enthralling shows. Local theaters invite audiences to travel on a good-will mission to Africa, honeymoon in a tricky situation and explore the creative quirks...

By Erin | August 1, 2007; 12:07 PM ET | Comments (0)

On Stage in July

During the sticky summer months, many local theaters go dark for a small break between seasons. This respite does not mean that July will be a slow month. Around town, the gospel takes center stage and marijuana receives a musical...

By Erin | July 6, 2007; 05:06 PM ET | Comments (1)

On the Fringe Again

Nude puppet shows, all-female Shakespeare, aerial tributes, satirical comedies, stirring dramas, sleight-of-hand and mini-cabarets. Yes, the 2nd Annual Capital Fringe Festival is revving up to run from July 19 to 29. This year, more than 120 groups will perform 500...

By Erin | June 18, 2007; 01:09 PM ET | Comments (3)

'To Be' Seeing Some Shakespeare

The area's six-month Bard marathon, the Shakespeare in Washington Festival, is nearing its end. The festival wraps up this month, but there are still plenty of chances to catch some of the theatrics....

By Erin | June 14, 2007; 04:07 PM ET | Comments (0)

Free Advice

In yesterday's Got Plans? discussion, several readers wrote in asking advice for how to catch some of the "Love's" happening during this year's Shakespeare Free For All: "Hate to be a repeat since you addressed this last week, but how...

By Erin | June 1, 2007; 02:18 PM ET | Comments (0)

On Stage in June

Answering a phone opens up a can of worms for one ordinary woman at Woolly Mammoth, but crazier characters -- including a trio of witches, an off-key diva and a "Phantom" -- also await audiences on local stages this month....

By Erin | June 1, 2007; 10:09 AM ET | Comments (0)

On Stage in May

Though theater seasons are winding down, May is alive with slamming doors, crises of conscience and a Nantucket summer. Meanwhile, Shakespeare takes the stage with a haunting aria, against a paisley background and to a rock-and-roll score....

By Erin | May 1, 2007; 10:20 AM ET | Comments (3)

On Stage in April

April brings with it a slew of new plays, and since here are too many to list here, these are some of my most anticipated debuts. The Shakespeare in Washington festival ambles on, most notably with a play by the...

By Erin | April 2, 2007; 11:01 AM ET | Comments (0)

On Stage in March

Washington-area theater has been going full throttle this year, and March threatens to kick shows into overdrive. With the worst of winter behind us, local stages offer the whimsy of "Midsummer." There is also a reason to "Doubt," along with...

By Erin | March 1, 2007; 03:45 PM ET | Comments (0)

Stage Might in 2007

This year -- particularly the first six months of it -- holds much excitement on local stages, for the Shakespeare in Washington festival all but guarantees that quality shows will abound through June. With so many productions, it's hard to...

By Erin | January 12, 2007; 12:34 PM ET | Comments (0)

Canned Good

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company offers an instant dose of holiday spirit by offering cheap tickets to a hysterical comedy in exchange for a small act of goodwill. The company has taken Pay-What-You-Can to a new level with "Pay-With-A-Can" performances of...

By Erin | December 8, 2006; 03:21 PM ET | Comments (0)

Well Played

If the holiday season has you looking ahead to goals for the new year, how about resolving to see a play for every day of the coming year? In 2002, Suzan-Lori Parks resolved to write a play a day for...

By Erin | November 17, 2006; 03:49 PM ET | Comments (0)

Hot Nights to Beat the Cold

With pre-holiday stress mounting and the ever-changing weather confusing us so we're always either three layers too bundled or miserably frozen, the theater provides a warm, inviting refuge. I've already written my preview of this month in theater, but there...

By Erin | November 15, 2006; 01:53 PM ET | Comments (0)

Funereal Joy

Save "Harold and Maude," I can't say that I have encountered many people who volunteer to spend a night at a funeral, but in true Cirque du Soleil fashion, "Corteo" should have audiences clamoring to get a seat. The show...

By Erin | October 27, 2006; 10:43 AM ET | Comments (0)

Courting 'Corteo'

"Corteo," a traveling show by Cirque du Soleil, opens tonight under the big top at the old D.C. Convention Center site. The show follows a clown as he imagines his funeral and its attendants. I know, I know. My first...

By Erin | October 26, 2006; 10:00 AM ET | Comments (3)

Hot Ticket

When I blogged about the Free Night of Theater, presented by the League of Washington Theatres (LOWT), I had no idea that tickets would be more in-demand than the 10th anniversary edition of Tickle Me Elmo. Most people could not...

By Erin | October 16, 2006; 10:47 AM ET | Comments (2)

Post-Summer Stage Events

The curtain has just lifted on October, but I'm already focused on the shows taking the stage later this month. I'm excited about dazzling funereal processions and a Halloween-time "Monster." You can peruse my new round-up for a full list...

By Erin | October 3, 2006; 02:52 PM ET | Comments (1)

Light (on the Wallet) Entertainment

We all know the plight. The rent check's been written, the bills have been paid and that leaves low funds for the fun jar. If you've already consumed Julia's list of free things to do in and around the District,...

By Erin | September 29, 2006; 03:35 PM ET | Comments (1)

Buzz About the 'Bee'

"Billy, quick, duck behind this Western Wall. I think I see a jihad coming!" That's just one of the many zingers from the traveling production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," currently competing in Baltimore. Though it wins...

By Erin | September 21, 2006; 12:12 PM ET | Comments (1)

Stage Right

September means back-to-school, but it also means back-to-the-theater for several local theater companies. When September rolls around, it seems as if all the world -- or at least the city -- really is a stage and there are lots of...

By Erin | September 6, 2006; 05:12 PM ET | Comments (0)

Drinking on the Fringe

On my way out to a doubleshot of Fringe last night -- "Lunch" and "Vaud Rats" -- I swung by Poste for the festival's daily happy hour. The weather was fine (if gloomy) and many of the tables on the...

By Fritz Hahn | July 26, 2006; 01:59 PM ET | Comments (2)

Puppets and Tales of Tails

The curtains lifted on the Capital Fringe Festival last night, meaning that action-packed days of avant-garde art are underway. I plan to see more than my fair share and I will regale this blog with reviews and and perceptions, but...

By Erin | July 21, 2006; 05:57 PM ET | Comments (0)

Fringe Benefits

For the first time ever, Washington is hosting a theater bonanza in the Capital Fringe Festival. Though the event will feature music and art, its primary focus is on theater and lots of it. The hub of the festival will...

By Erin | July 11, 2006; 05:55 PM ET | Comments (1)

Sweet Summer "Nothing"

For some, summertime means warm nights, fireflies, picnics and baseball. At Olney Theatre, it means Summer Shakespeare. This year, Olney hopes that summer revelers will find something to love about their production of "Much Ado About Nothing." Lasting two weeks,...

By Erin | June 14, 2006; 02:47 PM ET | Comments (0)

A Merry Dish of "Spamalot"

I was laughing from the moment I settled into "Monty Python's Spamalot" at National Theatre last night. Before the curtain is even lifted, attentive audience members will be amused with the Playbill and even the cell phone announcement. I will...

By Erin | June 8, 2006; 09:51 AM ET | Comments (0)

One Great "Body"

The ninety minutes of "A Body of Water," currently on stage at Round House Theatre in Silver Spring, are some of the most fascinating and enriching minutes of theater I've seen in ages. In its understated way, the show provokes...

By Erin | May 19, 2006; 12:01 PM ET | Comments (0)

All Aboard

In a sure sign that summer is coming, Shakespeare Theatre has announced the production and dates for this year's Shakespeare Free For All. The early summer tradition offers quality theater under the stars at the Carter Barron Amphitheater, and lots...

By Erin | April 21, 2006; 01:04 PM ET | Comments (0)

Support 'Marriage'

Rather than beginning your Saturday night at the U Street bars this weekend, start off on a riotous, and perhaps activist, note just down the road at "Boston Marriage," which is playing at the Source Theatre through April 2. This...

By Erin | March 15, 2006; 05:56 PM ET | Comments (0)

'Measure' Up

"Measure for Measure" is one of those plays that was always looked over in my high school and college Shakespeare classes. One of the Bard's problem plays, it touches on morality without a satisfying and happy finish. I love drama,...

By Erin | February 2, 2006; 02:20 PM ET | Comments (0)

The Tell-Tale Part

Oh! that my young life were a lasting dream! My spirit not awakening, till the beam Of an Eternity should bring the morrow. So, I have long loved Edgar Allan Poe. While other kids preferred the works of Shel Silverstein,...

By Erin | January 18, 2006; 05:56 PM ET | Comments (1)

Washington Theater, Episode IV: A New Hope

If you missed yesterday's paper, you should check out Peter Marks's Sunday Arts piece about the impressive original work that debuted on Washington area stages during the past season. While I didn't catch nearly as many plays as I wanted,...

By Jen Chaney | June 27, 2005; 04:35 PM ET | Comments (11)

Midsummer, Take Two

For those who may have missed the Free for All performance of "A Midsummer Night's Dream," don't fret. This midsummer, Olney Theatre Center brings Shakespeare's whimsical comedy back to the area for its own free summer Shakespeare festival to inaugurate...

By Erin | June 21, 2005; 11:36 AM ET | Comments (2)

A Dramatic Sale

These days, it's hard to be unique on a budget. Seemingly different retro-style clothing (think "I'm a Pepper" and "Ithaca is Gorges" T-shirts) and tiki bar stools are actually mass-produced and line the shelves of trendy stores like Urban Outfitters....

By washingtonpost.com | May 17, 2005; 01:42 PM ET | Comments (1)

A Mammoth Deal

The theater bargains just keep coming. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company is offering pay-what-you-can previews of its new production, "Big Death & Little Death" at 8 p.m. tonight and tomorrow. This is a world premiere for both the play and its...

By washingtonpost.com | May 10, 2005; 02:25 PM ET | Comments (2)

'Marriage' for 2

If you're looking for some high-class entertainment on a no-frills budget, Folger Theatre is offering 2-for-1 tickets to its hilarious production of "The Clandestine Marriage," which Post reviewer Peter Marks called "a refreshment with abundant tang." The special is available...

By washingtonpost.com | May 2, 2005; 01:47 PM ET | Comments (1)

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