Ideally, spring is a season of personal, emotional, and social renewal. Fortunately for DMV officials, there are plenty of refreshing new theaters to help make that happen.
There’s still time to catch a world premiere production at Arena Stage. “Chez Joey” (Extended until March 22nd). Set in Chicago’s 1940s jazz scene, this smart reboot of the Broadway classic “Pal Joey” is brought to life by Rodgers and Hart’s music and a talented cast including Miles Frost, Our Sal Secca, and comedic actor Kevin Cahoon.
Even in the arena, “Inherit the wind” (until April 5th), a very timely piece based on the real Scopes “Monkey” trial. This is a courtroom drama that pits two towering legal minds against each other in a small-town battle over science, religion, and the right to think. It features a talented cast including Billy Eugene Jones, Dakin Matthews, and out actors Holly Twyford and Alyssa Keegan. arenastage.org
La Pluma Theater is a queer Latin company located in the basement of DuPont. “St. John’s Ladybug” (April 6-12), a powerful story of two sisters navigating immigration, separation, and the fragile bonds of family. @laplumatheater – Instagram
Great gay playwright Tennessee Williams “A Streetcar Named Desire” (April 20-May 4) will also be coming to the DuPont Underground space. Directed by actor and director Nick Wetrait, this touring production of Williams’ classic work, set in New Orleans’ sultry Vieux Carré, will be performed without sets or props. The emphasis is on words. Lucy Owen and Brad Coed play the vulnerable Blanche Dubois and her brutal step-brother Stanley. dupontunderground.org
The Folger Theater presents one of the Bard’s best comedies. “As you like” (until April 12th). Folger’s production, directed by departed director Timothy Douglas, “offers a love note to D.C., imbuing the Forest of Arden with a familiar atmosphere, culture, and character that characterizes the neighborhood as a singular, resilient, and redemptive place of belonging.” folger.edu
As part of the nation’s 55th anniversary celebrations, Ford’s Theater will present “1776,” the Tony Award-winning musical about the Second Continental Congress’ struggle to adopt the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia (through May 16). The show, directed by Luis Salgado, features an all-star cast that includes queer talent like Tom Story, Jake Lowenthal, Jimmy Mavlix, and Wood Van Meter. ford.org
Creative Cauldron presents in Falls Church “Twelve Dancing Princesses” (until March 29th), a learning theater production for children and adults alike. This spooky tale, an adaptation of the Brothers Grimm tale, features Spanish language elements and original music by husband Matt Connor and Stephen Gregory Smith. creative cauldron.org
National Theater Present “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” (March 18th to April 5th). The musical’s “tale as old as time” is a love story between the cursed beast Belle and actor Stephen Mark Lucas, who plays the famously arrogant and sarcastic Gaston. broadwayatthenational.com
At Mosaic Theater Company, Michael Bashir-Cook plays the titular activist and congressman in Psalm 24. “Young John Lewis: The Protest Genius” (March 26th – May 3rd). Directed by Reginald L. Douglas, who retired as Mosaic’s artistic director, the film focuses on Lewis’ formative years from the ages of 18 to 28, revealing the budding humanity and heart of this great historical figure. Talented actor Vaughn Ryan Midder plays legendary civil rights activist Medgar Evers, among others. mosaictheater.org
The Olney Theater Center is the anticipated area premiere. “appropriate” (March 18th to April 19th). Written by Tony Award-winning playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, this darkly comic story tells the story of a dysfunctional white family who gathers at a plantation home to settle their late father’s estate, where they uncover a dark history of racism.
Excellent actors Kimberly Gilbert and Cody Nickell play brothers fighting over property and their father’s questionable inheritance. Presented in Olney’s black box, Muritz Gudelski Theater Lab, the company promises a unique production of this important American play. Directed by Jason Lowith.
Also at the Olney Theater, celebrity chef and longtime queer ally Carla Hall will debut her one-woman show. “Carla Hall – Please Underestimate Me” (June 3rd to July 12th). olneytheater.org
This spring, British imports are buzzing on stage at the Shakespeare Theater Company. The first one is “Hamnet” (March 17-April 12) will be the U.S. premiere of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 2023 stage adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s best-selling novel about the life of Shakespeare’s wife Agnes and the death of their son.
and that is “Eddie Izzard in the Tragedy of Hamlet” (March 27 – April 11) is a one-woman show in which the British comedian plays 23 characters in unique retellings of well-known works. shakespearetheater.org
Woolly Mammoth Theater Presents “Farce” (March 24th to April 12th). Created and performed by gender-fluid drag performer Sasha Velor, this one-person show is part performance art, part history, and part call to action.
“Woolly” also stars actor Justin Weeks in a solo film. “Wonderful madness” (June 2-21), the Helen Hayes Award-winning actor shares his personal experience as a black gay man who was diagnosed with HIV. woollymammoth.net
Spring at Studio Theater belongs to Rachel Bonds “Yona” (until April 19), explores a woman’s life through her relationships with three men. Directed by Taylor Reynolds, the film features a young cast of five, including Rohan Maretila in the title role and Ismena Mendes as Ana. Mendes is an accomplished stage and film actor, and is described in his IMBD bio as bisexual/queer. studiotheater.org
In Arlington, Matthew Gardiner, who retired as Signature Theater’s artistic director, will present “Pippin,” a musical by Stephen Schwartz about a young prince who is guided by a theater company and searches for a better life (May 12-July 26). The original 1972 production featured stars such as Ben Vereen and Eileen Ryan (better known as TV’s Grandma Clampett). The celebrities in Signature’s production have not yet been revealed. sigtheater.org
Exciting things are ahead.
Source: Washington Blade: LGBTQ News, Politics, LGBTQ Rights, Gay News – www.washingtonblade.com
