March Theatre Roundup

TNG's theatre guy Chris brings you the low-down.

Happy March! Once again, it’s time for a roundup of theatre goings-on. Here's a slew of shows I think may be interesting to TNG readers. I want to be sure to cover shows that you want to hear about. Are you in a show or part of a production team? Did you see something you loved (or hated?) Email me and let me know. This month’s shows cover a lot of ground, including US/Iraq relations, a dance audition, a creepy office receptionist, Little Edie Beale, and the “golden years” of tap dance. I’ve highlighted great deals with a $ sign and be sure to check out the bottom of the page for shows I covered last month which are still running. The shows, in no special order, are below:

--- After the Garden: Edith Beale Live at Reno Sweeney – Ganymede Arts

You're going to hear a lot about Grey Gardens in the next few months. Grey Gardens is a few things: first, it's the East Hampton mansion that was home to Jackie O's uncle, aunt and cousins. Secondly, it's the title of the 1975 cult-hit documentary by Albert and David Maysles following the bizarre and fascinating behavior of “Big Edie” and “Little Edie” Beale, the isolated residents of the mansion in decay. It's also a Broadway musical (recently at Studio Theatre) based on the documentary. Finally, it's the title of the HBO movie premiering next month starring Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore. I find the Grey Gardens story extremely haunting (and I promise a follow-up review with more information). Instead of remaking the documentary, Ganymede Arts, DC's LGBT arts company, brings us a restaging of Little Edie's 1978 cabaret act. Gerald Duval, the producer of Little Edie's original show, has recreated the evening in After the Gardens, premiering in DC before heading to NYC. Performances take place in the Backroom of Miss Pixie's, on 14th St.

Runs March 5 - 29, 2009.
$ - Tickets are $25.

--- A Chorus Line - National Theatre

“Who am I, anyway? Am I my resume?” Lord, I love this show. In 1975, A Chorus Line saved Broadway and changed the path of contemporary musical theatre (and that’s not an understatement). This Pulitzer-winning musical tells the story of Broadway dancers auditioning for a show. In turn, each dancer shares his or her story, all based on the real experiences of original cast members. This is the national tour of the 2006 Broadway revival, which I saw in New York. The choreography and musical arrangements are stellar and there is sure to be dancer eye-candy. The piece really speaks about personal passions and what part of our self we give up to follow our dreams (or just pay the bills). The tour stops in DC for two weeks only.

Runs March 10 – 22.

--- Marisol – Forum Theatre

This “modern fairy tale” by Puerto Rican playwright José Rivera is a surreal journey through some tough times. The Angels are waging war on a failing God and back down here on Earth, the apocalypse is stressful, to say the least. A young copy editor, Marisol, has been left by her guardian angel, and must navigate a chaotic New York City with the other survivors. The Forum Theatre Company just received their first Helen Hayes Award nomination for their production of The Last Days of Judas Iscariot. Performances are at the H Street Playhouse, in the arts and entertainment corridor of NE.

Runs March 14 – April 5.
$ - Tickets range from $15 – 20.

--- Cool Papa’s Party - MetroStage

This is the world premiere of this musical, with book and lyrics by Thomas W. Jones II and music by William Knowles. Covering a period from the 1920s through the Civil Rights movement and into the 1980s, Cool Papa’s Party tells the story of the “last great American hipster.” This show is a tribute to entertainers like Sammy Davis Jr. and Frank Sinatra who defined stylized entertainment at the height of their popularity. Much of the buzz around this show has focused on the choreography by tap dancer extraordinaire Maurice Hines (brother of the late Gregory). MetroStage performs just across the river in Alexandria.

Runs until March 15.

--- Ion – Shakespeare Theatre

There’s nothing like an old Greek tragedy to remind you that humans have been behaving the same way ever since we crawled out of the goop. Ion was written by Euripides around 412 BC. Shakespeare Theatre presents the American premiere of this new adaptation by David Lan. Set at the Oracle of Delphi, the orphan Ion confronts his origins in this story of family, revenge and jealousy. This production is performed in the new and gorgeous Sidney Harman Hall.

Runs March 10 – April 12.
$ - There are tickets available for $10 each week for those under age 35. Click here for details.

--- The Receptionist – Studio Theatre

This dark comedy takes stabs at our "culture of surveillance." The Receptionist runs in Studio's alternative space, 2nd Stage. The 2nd Stage series allows Studio to perform contemporary theatre that is especially gritty and daring, oftentimes featuring local playwrights and actors. This piece is bound to change how you think of Administrative Professionals' Day...

Runs until March 22.

--- Benedictus – Theatre J

Theatre J's 2008/2009 season features a collection of plays and special events organized into a Middle East Festival. Benedictus is tagged "An Iran-Israel-US collaboration" and the piece pulls plot right from the headlines. Set 72 hours before the US is to strike Iranian nuclear sites, a Jew and a Muslim reunite with an American ambassador. This sounds like a gripping evening of theatre that will hit uncomfortably close to home.

Runs March 14 - 29.
$ - Tickets are $15-30.


Still Playing...
I featured a number of shows in my February Theatre Roundup that are still running.

Dante’s Divine Comedy – Synetic Theatre
Runs until March 11th.
Check out my interview with Synetic's Ben Cunis.

A Delicate Balance - Arena Stage
Runs until March 15th.

The Dog in the Manger – The Shakespeare Theatre
Runs until March 29th.

The Heavens Are Hung in Black – Ford’s Theatre
Runs until March 8th.

The Little Dog Laughed – Signature Theatre
Extended until March 15th.

Roundheads and Peakheads – Catalyst Theatre Co. (at the Atlas)
Runs until March 15th
$ - Tickets are $10