August theater tends to be a bit of a lull, as many houses gear up for their new seasons (and give their hardworking staffs a bit of summer vacation). But there are still some gems to uncover—and even a couple early birds getting a jump start on their new seasons. Also of note: A couple of area theaters are hosting fun open houses to preview their upcoming seasons. If you attend, you may snag yourself some free tickets: Signature Theatre will have its open house August 18 and Round House Theatre’s is August 24.
Last Call:
Ann – Written and originally performed by Emmy-award winning actress Holland Taylor, this one-woman show chronicles the struggles and successes of Texas Governor Ann Richards. In this production at Arena Stage, Richards is played winningly by Jayne Atkinson (House of Cards, Criminal Minds), who captures this grit and inspiration of the feminist champion Richards. This show closes August 11.
Disney’s Aladdin – While audiences can catch the live-action remake of the animated Disney musical on the big screen this summer, there’s nothing more live-action than theater. The Kennedy Center hosts this family-friendly spectacle full of elaborate sets, lively dance numbers, and beloved. The show leaves town September 7.
Just Opening:
Cabaret –The Olney Theatre begins its new season with a real crowd-pleaser. Making his Olney debut, D.C. director Alan Paul commands a cast of D.C. acting favorites, such as Tom Story and Mitchell Hébert alongside Broadway talents such as Alexandra Silber. While this show is one of the Broadway classics, it’s also devastatingly timely. Performances begin August 28.
Legally Blonde – With a third Legally Blonde film in the works, it’s time to revisit the initial tale of Elle Woods and her blonde ambition with the musical version opening at The Keegan Theatre. A frothy, fun way to end your summer and get motivated to bend and snap your way into the start of the academic year. Opens Aug 3.
Assassins – Signature Theatre kicks off its 2019-2020 season with a bang (or two) in Stephen Sondheim’s darkly funny and irreverent musical about successful, would-be, and aspiring presidential assassins. Signature artistic director Eric Schaeffer directs a motley crew of the company’s regulars, including Nova Y. Payton, Tracy Lynn Olivera, and Bobby Smith. Get your tickets to the gun show starting August 11.
Fabulation or the Re-education of Undine – Mosaic Theatre Company presents two-time Pulitzer winner, MacArthur Genius, and Tony-winning playwright Lynn Nottage’s play to open its 2019-2020 season. The show follows a successful publicist who gets swindled by her husband and is forced to return to her childhood home in the projects, a place she thought she’d socially and fiscally advanced beyond. Local favorite Eric Ruffin directs. Performances start August 21.
Dear Evan Hansen – D.C.’s homegrown hit musical that premiered at Arena Stage and went on to win Tony Awards and hearts for its Broadway run returns to our fair city at The Kennedy Center. If you’re not one of the cool kids who could say they saw it when, this is your chance to join the bandwagon. The show is about Evan, a high school student who feels unseen and unheard and latches on to a lie that gets him more attention than he bargained for. The show runs August 6- September 8.
Quick Runs:
World Becomes Action Festival III: Everyday Revolutions – Theatre Alliance starts its new season with the third-annual theater festival featuring six new works that explore themes featured in the company’s 2019-2020 season. The performances all feature local artists. While tickets for each performance cost $20, there’s also a name-your-price ticket opportunity. The festival runs August 5-18.
