Week of June 4, 2023
1. Kander and Ebb’s “The World Goes ‘Round” at Everyman Theatre (A co-production of ArtsCentric, Everyman Theatre, and Olney Theatre)
“…one of the most satisfying and enjoyable musical evenings I have ever experienced.” – Herb Merrick
READ review.
Synopsis: Start Spreading the News!! This newly-updated and brilliantly constructed tribute to musical Theatre titans, John Kander and Fred Ebb, is filled with humor, romance, drama, and timeless hits. From Cabaret to Chicago, and Kiss of the Spider Woman to The Scottsboro Boys, the 20+ songs and stories from this reimagined celebration features unforgettable gems like, “Maybe This Time,” “New York, New York,” and “All That Jazz” and made household names of Chita Rivera, Liza Minnelli, and Bob Fosse!
2. “Don’t Dress for Dinner” at Providence Players of Fairfax
“The production is nearly flawless…hilarious, top-notch…” – Fosse Thornton
READ review.
Synopsis: In this raucous farce, Bernard is planning a romantic weekend with his chic mistress in his charming converted farmhouse, whilst his wife, Jacqueline, is away. He has arranged for a cordon bleu cook to prepare gourmet delights, and has invited his best friend, Robert, along too to provide the alibi. It’s foolproof; what could possibly go wrong? Well, suppose Robert turns up not realizing quite why he has been invited. Suppose Robert and Jacqueline are secret lovers, and consequently determined that Jacqueline will not leave for the weekend. Suppose the cook has to pretend to be the mistress and the mistress is unable to cook. Suppose everyone’s alibi gets confused with everyone else’s. An evening of hilarious confusion ensues as Bernard and Robert improvise at breakneck speed.
From left to right: Bruce Allan Rauscher, Gene Downing, David Wright. Photo by
3. “One in Two” at Mosaic Theater Company
“…an excellent, razor-sharp play with a powerfully beating heart at its center.” – Fosse Thornton
READ review.
Synopsis: Three Black queer men sit in an ethereal waiting room inviting audiences to join them in a whimsical theatrical experiment that is equal parts harrowing, hilarious, and hopeful. Inspired by his own HIV diagnosis and the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, award-winning playwright Donja R. Love shines an honest light on the people behind the statistics in this “defiantly life-embracing” (The New York Times) new play.
(L-R) Michael Kevin Darnall, Justin Weaks, and Ryan Jamaal Swain. Photo by Chris Banks.
4. “Blood Brothers” at The British Players
“The cast, as a unit, was tight and delivered this difficult story with respect and gravitas.” – Kristin Franco
READ review.
Synopsis: “Tell me it’s not true, say it’s just a story…” so begins one of the most popular British musicals ever, the show that thrilled audiences in the West End for 24 years – over 10,000 performances. A noirish tale of twin brothers separated at birth, raised on opposite sides of the tracks and doomed to follow their destiny… a spirited satire of working-class life… a haunting folk opera filled with love and desire… This is Blood Brothers.
Micky (Rob Milanic) and Edward (Jonathan Udlock) in”Blood Brothers.” Photo courtesy of The British Players.
5. “H.M.S. Pinafore” at Victorian Lyric Opera Company
“…outstanding in its musical performances, comic acting, and staging…VLOC delivers…in royal fashion.” – Mark Dreisonstok
READ review.
Synopsis: Now give three cheers for the crew of the H.M.S. Pinafore! VLOC presents one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular and beloved operettas. Josephine, daughter of the captain of the H.M.S. Pinafore, falls in love with a simple sailor Ralph Rackstraw. Her father, however, has already promised her hand to Sir Joseph Porter, First Lord of the Admiralty. Josephine is torn between her love for Ralph and her duty to her father. Can love truly “level all ranks”? Packed to the brim with delightful tunes like When I Was A Lad, I’m Called Little Buttercup, Fair Moon To Thee I Sing, and more!
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