While spring is all about growth and forward movement, April theater in the D.C. area appears to be focused on skewering and celebrating the past. But while many of these productions are set in times gone by, none of them seem dated or stale. Escape the April showers in the comfort of the theater.
Just Opening:
Annie Jump and the Library of Heaven – Rorschach Theatre brings their signature kooky, inventive style to this new world-premiere play by Reina Hardy to Atlas Performing Arts Center. It’s all about discovering that sometimes the popular girl may be even more powerful than previously expected, perhaps even computer-powered. Rorschach pairs this family-friendly production with a book club event and a stage combat course. Performances start April 19.
Oslo – In the early 1990s a group of unlikely, would-be diplomats gather together to attempt to figure out how to bring about peace in the Middle East in this hit play. Round House Theatre brings their talents to The Lansburgh Theatre (while their home in Bethesda is under renovation), under the direction of Artistic Director Ryan Rilette. Opens April 24.
Junk – Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Ayad Akhtar’s latest play lands at Arena Stage for a one month run. Junk focuses on junk bonds and corporate business in the 1980s as one man attempts a hostile takeover of a family-owned company. Performances start April 5.
Grand Hotel – Signature Theatre hits its theatrical sweet spot with this rowdy, decadent musical about a hotel in Berlin and its motley crew of guests in the 1920s. Some of Signature’s brightest regular talents like Bobby Smith and Natascia Diaz star in the show. A true crowd-pleaser. Opens April 2.
P.Y.G. or the Misedumacation of Dorian Belle – Playwright and director Tearrance Arvelle Chisholm’s latest play, a modern take on Pygmalion, opens at Studio Theatre’s Stage 4. The play focuses on a fresh-faced Canadian pop star whose team brings in two rappers to give him some “street cred” and toughen up his image. The show runs April 3-28.
columbinus –This year marks the 20th anniversary of the horrific massacre at Columbine High School, and 1st Stage brings this moving, and unfortunately always timely, production to its theater. The play looks at the tragic events of that school shooting and the aftermath. This performance runs until April 20.
The Oresteia – In a newly commissioned adaptation by Ellen McLaughlin of the epic Greek tragedy by Aeschylus, Michael Kahn directs his final production as Artistic Director of The Shakespeare Theatre. The tears shed in Sidney Harman Hall will be equally split between this play (which examines a society’s capacity for and complicity in violence) and farewell feelings for longtime theatrical visionary Kahn. Opens April 30.
Quick Runs:
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Synetic Theatre’s teen company brings the well-known and loved Shakespeare play alive with the team’s movement-based performance style. After a gloomy winter, it’s nice to have young, promising performers bring in spring with this light, lovely story of magical trickery and romance. Runs April 4-14.
The Who’s Tommy – This month’s Kennedy Center Broadway Center Stage installment is the rock concept album celebrating its 50th anniversary in a semi-staged concert event with major talent (and high priced tickets to boot). Mandy Gonzales (of In the Heights and Hamilton fame), Christian Borle (Peter and the Starcatcher, Something Rotten!, and personal favorite “Smash”), and Riverdale star Casey Cott all bring their supreme skills to this uplifting and sometimes trippy musical. Shows run April 24-29.
STOMP – This beloved and raucous percussion performance returns to The National Theatre for a brief but lively run. This tour now includes surprising updates and utilizes some quirky new tools for making some sick beats. Catch it while you can when it comes to town for 8 performances April 23-28.
