Though some theaters are winding down their seasons at the start of summer, the next month still brings a mix of energetic plays and highly anticipated, family-friendly musicals to D.C. stages. The air conditioning is just an added perk.
Last Call:
Forest Treás: A newly commissioned work by Navid Azeez about the D.C. sniper killings of 2002 and its effect on one neighborhood in D.C. comes to Dance Loft on 14th. Alongside the performances, Pointless Theatre Company will also lead several community discussions about topics ranging from Neighborhood Health & Safety to Investigating Journalistic Ethics. The production runs through June 29.
Love’s Labors Lost: The best way to embrace the end of spring fever and welcome the start of summer is with a bubbly rom-com. This infrequently performed but highly witty Shakespeare comedy follows the tale of four scholars who take a vow of celibacy, right before meeting the loves of their lives. Set in 1930s D.C., this romp at the Folger Shakespeare Theatre has been extended through June 16.
Just Opening:
Describe the Night: Pulitzer Prize finalist playwright Rajiv Joseph brings another play to Woolly Mammoth’s stage, following 2016’s Guards at the Taj and 2010’s Gruesome Playground Injuries. Describe the Night is about Russian Jewish writer Isaac Babel, whose diaries from 1920 are discovered in 2010 by a KGB agent who might just be Vladimir Putin. Grab a seat for this timely show before it ends on June 23.
A Doll’s House, Part 2: Round House Theatre rounds out its 2018-2019 season with Lucas Hnath’s smart and witty sequel to Ibsen’s famed play. Associate Artistic Director Nicole A. Watson directs her first production with the company on the briefly adopted stage of The Lansburgh Theatre. Catch this excellent finale to Round House’s season before they return to their renovated Bethesda digs, from June 5-30.
Blackbeard: It’s a pirate’s life for Signature Theatre as they present this world premiere musical about the famed pirate and his band of shipmates adventuring around the world. These singing scoundrels’ jaunt on the high sea with singing scoundrels wasn’t enough is presented in an immersive way with a huge pirate ship set. This show sets sail June 18.
Ripcord: Things get heated and hilarious when two elderly women, forced to be roommates at a senior living facility, spar with words (and potentially fists) in this regional premiere production by the Keegan Theatre. The standoff begins June 15.
Quick Runs:
Hello Dolly and Falsettos: Kennedy Center brings two touring productions of hit musical revivals that won over Broadway. Dolly is helmed by famed diva Betty Buckley while Falsettos features D.C.-area born Broadway favorite Nick Blaemire. Dolly runs June 4-7 and Falsettos runs June 11-23.
Holly Bass Presents: Pretending to be a Rock: Performance artist Holly Bass returns to the D.C. Arts Center with her interpretation of two early Sherman Fleming pieces that engage with the idea of how female bodies impact male actions. These engaging performances also coincide with a collage-based artwork done by Fleming that will be on exhibit. This free performance takes place June 20.
