Tag Archives: Arena Stage

Seize the Day

11 Thursday Jun 2015

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On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of seeing Newsies at the National Theatre. Not only did it remind me how much I loved the show on Broadway, but the message of “seizing the day” resonated more than ever. So, while summer in the DC area is full of activities, I recommend you don’t delay and see a show (or several)! Here are a few recommendations:

  • Cabaret at Signature Theatre (running through June 28) ~ Tickets are scarce, so act fast if you want to see this stellar musical!
  • The Good Counselor, a drama, is an intriguing play running at 1st Stage through June 28 – Don’t forget that 1st Stage is now a short walk away from the Spring Hill Metro Station!
  • Capital Fringe’s Summer Fringe Festival 2015 features a variety of new work at several DC locations in July ~ Plus, if you like to fit this in with other shows, performance times vary, many allowing for multiple shows in one night!
  • The Sizzlin’ Summer Cabarets series at Signature Theatre offers a variety of shows in July that likely has something for everyone’s tastes ~ I highly recommend the Revenge of the Understudies Cabaret that features Signature’s understudies from the 2014-2015 season!
  • Dear Evan Hansen at Arena Stage (July 10 – August 23) ~ This world premiere Pasek & Paul musical boasts a fantastic cast, featuring many Broadway actors.
  • Keegan Theatre reopens on a high note with productions of Cat in a Hot Tin Roof and Dogfight this summer, and personally, I can’t wait to check out their new facility!

This list barely touches on the theatre opportunities in the DC area this summer. Visit theatreWashington.org for a more complete list!

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The Lullaby of Broadway

05 Wednesday Nov 2014

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Fun fact: I am making my producing debut in 2015. I am in the progress of co-producing 13, with music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown, with the McLean Community Players (MCP). The show runs January 30 – February 15, 2015, and in the meantime, I’m busy with rehearsals. So far, the process has been a lot of fun, and I’m learning just how much some kids love musical theatre, particularly the awesome teenagers I’m working with.

At any given time, the DC area theatre scene undoubtedly offers family-friendly musicals, and this fall and winter, there are plenty of big hits coming to town. Here are a few I’d recommend:

If you have kids, perhaps they’d like to see a musical this coming holiday season!

Gotta Find Their Corner of the Sky

01 Wednesday Oct 2014

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Until working on casting a musical featuring children last week, I didn’t realize how many parents (and children) were struggling to find ways to participate in live theatre. Personally, I do not know of a one-stop-shop that can tell you about every show children can be involved with in a given area. While in this area, I only have knowledge about the DC area, I thought I’d share what I do know.

First of all, there are many opportunities for children in the DC area to get involved by performing in a show. There are 84 professional theatre, and they are all listed on theatreWashington’s Theater Directory. By visiting each theatre’s website, you can find out what’s coming up in their season and how to visit and contact each theatre. Additionally, there is a list of 33 community theatres in the DC area listed on the Washington Area Theatre Community Honors (WATCH) website. Likewise, if you visit these groups’ websites, you can learn about upcoming performance opportunities that may be suitable for children.

Additionally, there are many educational opportunities for children interested in expanding their performing skills at local theatres, including Signature Theatre, Arena Stage, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Creative Cauldron, Round House Theatre, Studio Theatre, The Theatre Lab, Adventure Theatre, and Imagination Stage. When I was younger, I attended the Bethesda Academy of Performing Arts (BAPA), renamed as Imagination Stage in 2001. Also, there are other performing arts camps available in the DC area in the summer and organizations or individuals that offer year-round acting, singing and dance classes. You may have to do a little research, but thankfully, the DC area is full of arts education opportunities.

When I Grow Up

22 Friday Aug 2014

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Many people are unaware that Washington, DC is a theatre town. As a theatre town, there is more to its theatre scene than big performing arts centers, like The Kennedy Center and Arena Stage, or Tony Award-Winning theatres, like Shakespeare Theatre or Signature Theatre. While many people may have also heard of Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, recognized for producing contemporary new plays that sometimes go on to Broadway, or the National Theatre, known for presenting major touring musicals, most have not heard of our area’s smaller professional theatres. There are many, many options, all listed on theatreWashington’s website, but of these, two have come to mean a lot to me: Keegan Theatre and 1st Stage.

Since discovering 1st Stage and Keegan Theatre in the DC area, I have been spreading the word about these two small theatres producing ambitious plays and musicals that take advantage of their intimate spaces. 1st Stage is located in a strip mall in Tysons, Virginia, and Keegan Theatre is located off of Church Street near DuPont Circle. Although you could walk or drive by both theatres and not even realize they are there, both have been making a splash on the DC theatre scene for some time, earning many Helen Hayes Awards nominations and winning several Helen Hayes Awards over the years.

Keegan Theatre began nearly two decades ago. My first performance there was Working in 2011, and since then, I have been back for every show I could catch. In 2013, Keegan’s stunning production of Cabaret ignited my love for the musical and the careers two young actors in the DC area, Paul Scanlan and Maria Rizzo, who thankfully I had seen in previous shows and initially had attended a performance to see their takes on the famous roles of the Emcee and Sally Bowles respectively. Meanwhile, this past spring, Keegan’s daring, sold-out production of Hair may win several Helen Hayes Awards next year. Because of the theatre’s success, Keegan now owns the building that houses their theatre, which is under renovation to make the accommodations more comfortable, useful and accessible. As soon as this theatre is ready to produce its next season, I’ll be there.

1st Stage is newer to the DC theatre scene as it is less than a decade old. Nonetheless, the theatre is amidst some exciting changes, with the opening of a Silver Line metro station down the street from the theatre and the start of a new Artistic Director, Alex Levy. I first learned this theatre existed (only five minutes from where I live) in 2012 when I saw Flora the Red Menace. I was incredibly impressed by the talent I saw on stage, particularly that of the lead, Dani Stoller, backed by strong off stage support. Since then, like with Keegan, I have seen every show I could there. The past two holiday shows have garnered great success for the theatre: Altar Boyz and Noises Off. This fall, the theatre embarks on a bold season, featuring Take Me Out, One Man, Two Guvnors, Doubt, a Parable, Old Wicked Songs, and The Good Counselor. I recommend you get your tickets to their forthcoming season early, especially if you want to see the comedy coming to the theatre over the holidays, One Man, Two Guvnors.

Both of these theatres have been making an impact on the DC theatre scene since their founding. I look forward to seeing how Keegan Theatre and 1st Stage evolve as they “grow up”.

The Last Few Months

11 Monday Mar 2013

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Please forgive my absence so far this year. As I embarked on my new theatre adventures this year, it’s been a busy one. While it’s no longer my place to discuss my thoughts on a particular show, I would be happy to share what I’ve been seeing in the DC area:

Admidst my theatre-going, I have been immersing myself with trends in DC theatre and theatre marketing. My observations and research have revealed a few trends of interest:

  • The “tweet seat” debate. It’s a big issue with strong opinions. Here’s a recent article regarding the issue: http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2013/01/27/theater-tweet-seats/1868693/. Personally, I am strongly against “tweet seats.” I understand the desire to attract a younger, hipper theatre-going crowd, but at the end of the day, I think people who want to experience live theatre will be best suited watching the show sans technology.
  • Nudity in live theatre. I read this article recently: http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-02-16/entertainment/ct-ae-0217-jones-20130216_1_lena-dunham-onstage-gift-theatre. Initially, I didn’t think much of it, but then, I had four shows back-to-back that fell under this umbrella, which made me question how necessary the nudity was. While I can see where it’s part of the “art,” I also think a line has to be drawn somewhere. Less is more, and especially for those in the front row, it really can be quite distracting at times.
  • The increasing popularity of subscriptions. Chad Bauman at Arena Stage discussed this issue recently in his blog: http://arts-marketing.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-subscription-equation-and-other.html. In my DC theatre research, I confirmed that subscribers are increasing. I question if this applies to smaller theatres, but it’s nice to see some data that counteracts the common belief that subscriptions are dying.

My theatrical adventures have been largely focused on DC this year, and I am coming to love the DC theatre scene more and more. It’s a great city for theatre, and although many outsiders don’t consider DC a theatre town, my observations and experiences would disagree. If you haven’t heard, the Helen Hayes Awards are coming up, and I’m eager to celebrate the incredible work performed in 2012!

There Are Giants in the Sky

27 Tuesday Nov 2012

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Reflecting on my last month and half and what’s to come, I feel like Sondheim says it best, “There are big-tall-terrible-awesome-scary-wonderful giants in the sky!” (Into the Woods). With several opportunities and challenges ahead, this lyric comes into my mind. Sondheim’s masterful lyrics exquisitely bring to life emotions that can be difficult to adequately express. Moreover, this lyric also reminds me of the giant musicals touring and playing in regional theatres across the country right now.

Theatrically-speaking, I’ve continued to be busy and blessed. Some of the highlights of my experiences in the D.C. area include:

  • Dying City at Signature Theatre was captivating, thought-provoking, and poignant. If you like shows that make you think and question morality, I recommend you see this play if it comes your way.
  • Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris at MetroStage had an all-star cast and was full of grand, show-stopping musical numbers.
  • Wicked (National Tour) was as thrilling as the Broadway production. It’s a fun mega-musical for all ages.
  • War Horse (National Tour) continues to impress and move me. The puppetry is stunning and incredibly well orchestrated while the fantastic performances of the cast bring to life this epic tale.
  • My Fair Lady at Arena Stage reinvents the classic musical in the round. You can’t help but leave the theatre humming the familiar tunes. I was pleased to see a cast that’s largely new to Arena Stage, in particular Manna Nichols, who excellently portrays Eliza Doolittle.
  • Dreamgirls at Signature Theatre features notable cast performances, costumes, music, and choreography. Nova Y. Payton is spectacular as Effie and her performance is not to be missed this season if you’re in D.C.
  • Altar Boyz at 1st Stage has a cast of actors mostly new to the D.C. area. This 90-minute musical includes tight harmonies, exhilarating choreography, and abundant laughs.

With any luck, I’ll be back in New York City soon for the first time since August and able to catch up on some of what’s playing on and off Broadway. With the holidays in full gear, there’s thankfully lots of theatre to see!

The Song of Purple Summer

06 Friday Jul 2012

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My lack of posts should highlight that I’ve been a little busy the past couple months. Naturally, theatre is keeping me very entertained. Here’s the lowdown of what I’ve seen since my last post:

  • Rooms at the Kensington Arts Theatre (2 times). I was incredibly impressed with this community theatre group for putting on more contemporary, original, and provocative works.
  • The Music Man at Arena Stage (4 times). What a wonderful production in the round.
  • Peter and the Starcatcher on Broadway. Christian Borle gave the most inspired, hilarious performance I’ve ever seen. So happy he won the Tony!
  • Nice Work If You Can Get It on Broadway. Lovely cast.
  • Once on Broadway. This is one example of truly wonderful theatre. I’ll be seeing this award winnning show again soon!
  • Newsies on Broadway. I adore this show. It is the most uplifting and fun show on Broadway at the moment I think.
  • The Columnist on Broadway. John Lithgow gave an incredible performance, and the show taught me about a time in history I was unaware of (having not been alive).
  • Xandadu at Signature Theatre (3 times). This was the perfect show to see after a long day at work. So fun!
  • Spring Awakening at Keegan Theatre (2 times). This production reawakened my love for this amazing show. So touching.
  • A reading of “8” at Woolly Mammoth. Even a reading of this show was very moving. So well cast too.
  • Flora the Red Menace at 1st Stage. I felt like this show delivered. Very talented young cast for a low price. I was very excited to see Sam Edgerly in the show after watching his stunning performance in Bare at American University earlier this year.
  • Kristin Chenoweth in concert (2 times). What can I say ~ I adore her.
  • First You Dream at The Kennedy Center (3 times). What a beautiful compilation of Kander & Ebb’s best work. Insanely talented cast!
  • Memphis at The Kennedy Center. I was very impressed with this production having seen the show on Broadway as well. So happy the show will live on via the tour.
  • The Normal Heart at Arena Stage (3 times). Never have I ever seen a play as profound, honest, and meaningful as this. Moreover, the cast exquisitely presents Larry Kramer’s depiction of love and hope amidst a time of discrimination, heartbreak, and terror. It closes July 29, and I highly, highly recommend you see this production. It’s beautifully devastating.
  • A Little Night Music at Arena Stage (put on by The Arlington Players). For a community theatre production, this was stellar.
  • Beauty and the Beast at the National Theatre (2 times). Having grown up on Disney, I enjoyed seeing my favorite Disney film on stage again.

Whew! As I’ve said, I’ve been busy. With an upcoming trip to New York City and Signature’s Sizzlin’ Summer Cabaret series starting, July is going to go by fast. Here’s what I recommend you see in the DC area in July:

  • The Normal Heart at Arena Stage. If you’re on a budget, try for the $40 tickets, or if you can go on a week night, you might be able to rush. This is a must-see.
  • The Music Man at Arena Stage. It’s the opposite of The Normal Heart. It closes July 22, so hurry. There are discounted tickets avaialble through Goldstar and various Arena Stage promotions.
  • Check out some of the cabarets coming to Signature Theatre! There are so many options, there’s bound to be something you’ll enjoy. Only $25 per ticket!
  • Many, many organizations are putting on Legally Blonde, but if you’re near the McLean area, you should check out the McLean Community Players’ production. Kate Merryman will be fantastic as Elle Woods, and the rest of the cast will be worth seeing as well.

    • In case you were wondering, the title of my post is based on the last song of Spring Awakening, which closes at Keegan Theatre this weekend. For me, at the moment, “purple summer” is signifying the enlightening theatre I am seeing this summer. If you have any questions about theatre in and around DC, New York City, or London, let me know.

The Music Man, Coming to Arena Stage This May

11 Wednesday Apr 2012

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For my birthday this year, I wanted to do something special and unique, and Arena Stage’s First Rehearsal Presentation of The Music Man seemed like a good fit. From the moment Molly Smith, the Artistic Director of Arena Stage, started the presentation, I knew I had chosen my birthday event wisely. From the very beginning of the presentation, she highlighted the relevence of this show at a time when arts funding, in particular funding for arts education programs, is diminishing.

Molly Smith elaborated that Arena Stage’s production of The Music Man will showcase the beneficial impact the arts can have on a community. Many other creative team members spoke about their part in the production, also mentioning how the show would center around a theme of the positive effect arts programs can have on a community. Furthering this theme, the creative team decided not to set the show in a specific time period, but rather an undefined time in America’s past. Even though I performed the role of Amaryllis when I was younger and saw The Music Man on Broadway, I never thought of the show as relevant today until I attended the First Rehearsal Presentation at Arena Stage. When I saw Molly Smith’s inventive production of Oklahoma at Arena Stage, I knew she was an incredibly smart and talented artistic director, and her choices for The Music Man have confirmed this opinion. For example, she is planning to have marching bands from local schools perform at the curtain call of as many performances of The Music Man as possible.

As a student studying arts administration and learning about the significance of the arts industry, I was ecstatic to hear Molly Smith discuss the influence Arena Stage would like this show to have in the Washington, D.C. area and beyond. Given the increasing cuts in arts funding, this is an ideal time to present Meredith Willson’s beloved musical, and I hope this production can start a discussion about the need for arts funding in Washington, D.C. and the rest of the country. Arts funding, especially for arts education programs, is a cause I deeply support, and in reverence of Arena Stage’s production of The Music Man, starting next month, I already have tickets to see it five times. Since the first month of the run is sold-out, I highly recommend you get tickets to this show ASAP.