I look forward to seeing it as the fall theatre season bursts with reimagining, rewacking, timely production and fun. You can get a glimpse into what it has here.
Signature Theater Presents is already well-advanced in autumn openers.”Play! ” (Until October 5th) Sheldon Epps’s conceptual musical blends Shakespeare’s “The Twelfth Night” and Duque Ellington’s standards set in the harem jazz scene.
As Duke, the main character of the show’s Love Lawn, local actor Greg Watkins is the amalgam of Duke Ellington in Harlem via Washington, DC and Duke Orsino of Shakespeare’s Illyria.
“I’m Aries, I’m accepting the challenge,” says DC native Watkins. “I also believe that you won’t let the audience see you sweat.”
It was Watkins’ first time while familiarizing with “Twelfth Night” and “Play On!” He said, “I was invited to auditions for some Red. I brought a music book and didn’t know what I was going to sing. I like the room leading me. Even if I sing, I decided to accompany me to the piano.
He played “Impossible Dreams” from “Man of La Mancha.” After his audition, Watkins was asked to read Duke. It paid off: he was cast as Duke and in “Playon!” he sings “I let the song come out of my heart.”
“I’ve never seen it come. Duke is a tenor track and I’m a baritone. But I have some range. The show’s music director, Jermaine Hill, trusts me as both an instrumentalist and a storyteller.”
I’m very familiar with “Play On!” Watkins said, “The show is about family, community, sexuality, sensuality, love and finding your own truth. On that path, you’ll be making discoveries at your boundaries and pushing shit, but still, it’s beautiful, laughing, musically epic, and sometimes stupid. sigtheatre.org
At the arena stage there is another reworked classic in musicals “Damn Yankees” (Until November 9th). A creative team, including playwrights Doug Wright, Will Power and lyricist Lynne Arens, has signed a Faustian contract to become a baseball star in the 21st century, with a story of punchy sports fans from the 1950s. Performed in the round of the Fichandler stage in the arena, the space shows a great advantage in the ensemble’s amazing dancing skills. Arenastage.org
Playwright Matthew Lopez appears in the roundhouse. “Inheritance, Parts 1 and 2” (Until October 19th) is a spectacular work inspired by the classic “Howards End” of gay novelist Em Forster. The Broadway hit features strange characters exploring themes of love, legacy and friendship. Directed by local favourite Tom Story. roundhousetheatre.org
And then there’s a more interesting rethinking. At Forger Theatre, award-winning author, journalist and podcast host, Alletson seeks inspiration from Shakespeare’s “Julious Caesar” while telling the story. “Julious X: William Shakespeare’s Reconstruction of Julius Caesar’s Tragedy” (September 23 – Oct 26). Brandon Carter plays Julius Caesar. Nicole Brewer will direct it. folger.edu
Playwright Kareem Faimy’s two handers “Dody and Diana” (Until October 5th) he is currently performing at the Mosaic Theatre Company. Egyptian actress Samira and her investor husband Jason are forced to consider their own complicated relationships and their fate already written on stars while commemorating the 25th anniversary of Princess Diana and Dodi Fade’s tragic deaths.
Samira and Jason perform in Keffier/Maids of Dina Soltan, Vagrant Trilogy and Dahlia Taha, respectively, invisible mosaic veterans in Queer Play Lite Mona Mansour’s work, and are performed by the talented J.Crow Venhal, who created the mosaics. Mosaic’s Out Artistic Director Reginald L. Douglas. mosaictheater.org
You can find great plays with titles at Theater Alliance “Fire Protection” (However, September 21st), written by Mary Glenn Fredrick and performed by Shanara Gabriel.
“During the day, Eleanor and Bartholomew struggle at the glass factory. By night, they brighten the sky with fireworks. But when sweep reform threatens the already unstable reality, Eleanor becomes the unexpected leader of the revolutionary ragtag band. TheatreAlliance.com
The fall season begins with Lloyd Sue at Studio Theater “Heart Seller” (September 24 – Octo 26), “A funny, moving story about two immigrants who find friendship in a hostile world.” Director Danilo Gambini, studio’s associate artistic director.
Following on, the studio presents Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel “Mother Play: Five Eviction Play” (November 12th and December 21st). Vogel’s latest work “illustrates the lives of a quirky family, including an indomitable single mother and her two children dealing with the dangers of gay people growing up in the late 20th century.”
And, according to a note from Studio, the show has certain local charms. “The subtitle eviction sends central families to various DC suburbs during the play.” studiotheatre.org
September 27th, “George’s Art!” The benefits event, announced by George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) at Fairfax Campus, marks its 20th year headlined by award-winning actor, singer and songwriter Darren Chris. Criss is straightforward, but identifies him as “culturally strange.” He is best known for his work on TV’s “Glee” and for his memorable turn as Andrew Cunanan, a serial killer in “The Assassination of Gianni Versace.” cvpa.gmu.edu
Each season, the Olney Theatre Center presents major musicals ranging from late autumn to holidays to early New Year. That’s what this year “Hello, Dolly!” (November 6 – January 4) Starring local mega talent Nova Y. Payton in the title role of matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levy. Olney veteran director Kevin S. McAllister. olneytheatre.org
National Theatre DC will return on November 15th “George Michael’s Life and Music” Only one night. This concert-style show chronicles the incredible journey of the late superstar, who unexpectedly passed away on 53 on Christmas Day 2016. Based in New York City, Winbury promises more of a real pop/rock concert by National Theatre viewers than a jukebox musical. thenaldc.com
Other productions where our path will come this fall are:
“The Enemy of the People”
New adaptations by Henrik Ibsen and Amy Herzog. Director János Szász
October 29th to November. twenty three
Edravich DCJCC’s Goldman Theatre
The story follows a small town doctor who considers himself a proud and outstanding member of his close community. When he discovers a catastrophe that puts the lives of all people in town, he raises an alarm. However, he is shaken by his core when those in power, including his own brother, try to silence him, as well as destroy him. edcjcc.org
“Dr. Dracula is drunk”
People who brought “Drudge Shakespeare” from Brassger Productions
Nov from September 24th. 2
Sage Theater (1100 13th St., NW)
“Drunk Dracula” will creep up towards the stage of “Drunk Shakespeare,” the latest incarnation of the beloved underground phenomenon. A must-see event during the eerie season, bloody villains take over the country’s capital. a.drunkshakespeare.com
“Death and the Fool”
Created and executed by HappenStance Theater
Edge of the Universe Theater has announced
November 8th and 9th
641 D St., NW
“Death and the Fool” is a tarot-esque mystery play filled with slapstick comedy, medieval music, puppet shows and whimsical tarot-esque mystery play. Just as foolishness brought light to the Middle Ages, this interactive experience offers relief from impending destiny. As the fool faces death, follow his journey for his journey – consult an ancient oracle, comforted by the high priest, trust the doctor, hold your troubles. “D.C.’s Major Whimsical Pedestrian” (Washington Post) and five-time Helen Hayes Award winners, “What should we do about death?” EdgeUniversEtheater.org
Source: Washington Blade: LGBTQ News, Politics, LGBTQ Rights, Gay News – www.washingtonblade.com
