Washington DC – Live Theatre In The City
It’s time to go to the theatre and enjoy all the latest new live shows out now in Washington DC and the surrounding areas! Live theatre has been around for centuries, giving audiences the chance to escape their troubles if only for a few hours. In a city filled with history, it’s only natural that it would be difficult to chose anything non-historical to visit. However, with live theatre becoming more and more accessible to more people everywhere, it’s only natural that shows with historical significance would come to the nations capitol. So let’s dive right in and see what shows are taking the great city of Washington DC by storm and what they have to offer the cities residents and visitors alike.
A Nice Indian Boy
With the world the way it is today, all we want as a society is to be happy. While not everyone may agree, we are free to love who we want, whenever we want. For Naveen, a young Indian boy, all he wants is to find his forever person. So, when he meets Keshav he can’t wait to bring him home to meet his parents. The only issue with that is that he is white. Will his parents accept him? Find out in this intergenerational and intercultural comedy Mar 8, 2023 through Apr 9, 2023.
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Angels In America Part 1: Millennium Approaches
Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning drama Angels in America: Millennium Approaches by Tony Kushner was one of the 20th century’s greatest plays to ever grace the stages of Broadway. Now, this incredible show is heading to the nation’s capital to enthrall and entertain a new audience. The show focuses on two couples, Prior, who has been diagnosed with AIDS, and Louis, who is unable to cope with Prior’s illness, or really any illness for that matter. We’ll also meet Harper and Joe, who are dealing with one’s closeted homosexuality, and the other hallucinations. You can watch Angels in America Part 1: Millennium Approaches at the Arena Stage from Mar 24, 2023 through Apr 23, 2023.
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August Cabaret
Are you looking for a great way to spend the evening with family and friends this August? If you answered yes, then head on down to the Classic Theatre of Maryland, Annapolis for what is sure to be a night to remember. The August Cabaret brings together resident singers and special Broadway guest performers, who are all accompanied by the popular Unified Jazz Ensemble. Be sure to join us on Aug 7, 2023 for the most epic night to remember. You don’t want to miss it!
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Bars and Measures
Throughout history there have been many forms of music, from classical to pop, and jazz to rock. Music can bring people together, or it can tear them apart. For Eric, a classical pianist, and Bilal, a jazz musician, despite prison bars separating them, they are drawn together by their love of music. Now, after Bilal’s trial reveals hidden secrets, the pair must decide if their love can weather this storm? Bars and Measures can be enjoyed now through Feb 26, 2023.
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Beauty and the Beast
This isn’t your Disney tale as old as time. The Synetic Theater’s Beauty and the Beast takes cues from not only the French novel by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve, but also the 1946 Cocteau film of the same name. The Synetic Theatre’s new modern take on the story is told through narration of a handsome prince’s vengeful first love. Beauty and the Beast returns to the Synetic Theatre from Mar 3, 2023 through Apr 2, 2023.
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Ben Butler
Ben Butler is based on the true story of a Union Soldier who commands a fort in not-yet-seceded Virginia. Torn between doing what is morally right, and what he knows he is required to do by the law, Ben Butler must decide what he’ll do when a slave arrives asking for sanctuary. Will he be able to find a loophole to help free the young slave, or will he be forced to return him to his southern owners? Ben Butler runs from Mar 23, 2023 through Apr 16, 2023 at the Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church.
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Clyde’s
Truck-stop sandwich shop owner Clyde isn’t one to hold grudges over people and is always willing to give people a second chance. So, when she hires convicts to work in her truck-stop sandwich shop, she makes it a point to hold on to the power she has over their futures. Worried about their futures and knowing they are stuck, they hold onto their hopes with the desire to create the perfect sandwich. Clyde’s is serving up the laughs from Mar 1, 2023 through Apr 2, 2023 at Studio Theatre: The Victor Shargai Theatre.
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Debut: Lun Li, violin
A native of Shanghi, China, Lun Li is an award winning young violinist with a promising career ahead of himself. Currently residing in New York City, Lun Li is no stranger to the stage. Li has played on some of the biggest stages in the world, including the Helsinki Music Centre, Konzerthaus Berlin, and Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center. Li will be at the Terrace Theater at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington for one night only on Apr 20, 2023.
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Debut: Risa Hokamura, violin
As a native of Japan, Risa Hokamura has been studying violin since the tender age of three. She is a multi award winning young artist who has played some of the biggest orchestras in the world from East Coast Chamber Orchestra, Muncie Symphony Orchestra, Greensboro Symphony Orchestra, Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra, New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, Tokyo Philharmonic, and the Indianapolis Symphony conducted by Leonard Slatkin. Risa Hokamura can next be seen at the Terrace Theater at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington for a one-night performance on Mar 23, 2023.
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Drunk Shakespeare
Drunk Shakespeare is a one of a kind show where one of the actors is picked to take 5 shots and then try to perform one of the major roles in one of Shakespeare’s plays. This goes without saying, but performing one of those roles is hard sober, so performing it tipsy or drunk leads to utter hilarity. For the right price you yourself could be a King (or Queen) for the night, and have a one of a kind experience. Drunk Shakespeare can be enjoyed Jun 16, 2022 through Jan 6, 2024 at The Sage Theatre.
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English
Learning a new language can oftentimes be one of the most stress-inducing things we go through in our lives. English uses comedy to take that stress and shows us that even though we may be stressed about the thought of learning a new language due to the potential for misinterpretations and miscommunications, there is nothing to be scared of. Though these may occur, being able to speak a new language is a great way to help you find your voice and expand your world. You can enjoy English now through Mar 12, 2023.
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Fela!
Fela! Tells the story of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, musician, activist, and global superstar who is putting together a farewell concert at the Afrika Shrine nightclub in Lagos, Nigeria. As one final act of defiance against the dictatorship in Nigeria, Fela decides to use his beloved music to tell his story of survival and bring about a global revolution. Fela! features traditional African drumming, jazz, and funk and will bring audiences to their feet. Be sure to catch the beat with Fela! from Jul 7, 2023 through Aug 13, 2023.
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Fun Home
The Tony Award-winning musical Fun Home tells the story of a daughter and father, of coming out and coming to terms with a life shaped by a family’s secrets. The story truly focuses on Alison, a woman trying to figure out her life by reflecting on herself at three stages of her life, at 9 and seeking her father’s love; 19 and navigating her life with her first love and 43 after coming out. Fun Home is the quintessential story of family and life. You can enjoy the heart felt story of Fun Home June 28, 2023 through July 30, 2023.
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Gloria: A Life
Gloria: A Life tells the true life story of Gloria Marie Steinem, an American journalist, political and social activist and how she became a leader during the second wave of feminism in the 60s and 70s. It’s the exploration of her incredible legacy and all of the women that inspired her along the way. You can enjoy the show and share your own story along the way from March 8, 2023 through April 2, 2023.
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Good Bones
Home renovations are one of the best parts of buying a new home. From the prospect of creating new spaces, to creating a new life in a fresh space. So, when Aisha moves back to her old neighborhood, she notices that a lot has changed. The first thing Aisha wants to do is renovate a new townhome for her and her husband. Just when she thinks that trying to convince him to get the crown molding, her general contractor is involved in a bout of violence that threatens to derail her plans. Check out Good Bones from May 10, 2023 through Jun 11, 2023 at the Milton Theatre.
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Incendiary
Eric is sitting on death row contemplating his life choices and what led him to this state, while waiting for his execution date, which coincides with his birthday. His mother, however isn’t content with just sitting around and doing nothing. What she wants more than anything is to get her son out of prison and is prepared to do whatever it takes to make it happen. She’s prepared to f*ck people up if it means he gets out before it’s too late. You can enjoy this world premiere showing at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company from May 29, 2023 through Jun 25, 2023.
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Incognito
What do you get when you mix three stories, four actors and 21 different characters into one show? You get the hit transatlantic mystery spanning the 20th century, Incendiary. The three stories range from a scientist obsessed with dissecting Albert Einstein’s brain, to a musician suffering from a seizure that causes memory loss, leading him to forget about all but his beloved fiancé. The final story is about a neuropsychologist struggling with her past. Incognito is an emotional play that will touch your very heart. You can enjoy Incognito now through Mar 12, 2023.
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Jardín Salvaje (Native Gardens)
Jardín Salvaje (Native Gardens) is an emotional tale of two Northwest DC families struggling to get along following a dispute over a garden that separates them from each other. In this time of racial, social, and generational rifts, it makes it a must see for anyone struggling themselves as it is equal parts comedy and drama. With Jardín Salvaje (Native Gardens) making its world premiere in Spanish at the GALA Hispanic Theatre, audiences are sure to leave thoroughly entertained. Be sure to catch this incredible show now through Feb 26, 2023.
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July Cabaret
Are you looking for a great way to spend the evening with family and friends this July? If you answered yes, then head on down to the Classic Theatre of Maryland, Annapolis for what is sure to be a night to remember. The July Cabaret brings together resident singers and special Broadway guest performers, who are all accompanied by the popular Unified Jazz Ensemble. Be sure to join us on Jul 10, 2023 for the most epic night to remember. You don’t want to miss it!
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June Cabaret
Are you looking for a great way to spend the evening with family and friends this June? If you answered yes, then head on down to the Classic Theatre of Maryland, Annapolis for what is sure to be a night to remember. The June Cabaret brings together resident singers and special Broadway guest performers, who are all accompanied by the popular Unified Jazz Ensemble. Be sure to join us on Jun 5, 2023 for the most epic night to remember. You don’t want to miss it!
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King Lear
King Lear, the tragedy in 5 acts that has been widely considered to be William Shakespeare’s crowning achievement is making its triumphant return to the Shakespeare Theatre Company at Michael R. Klein Theatre, with renowned thespian Patrick Page returning as the king himself. The tale of King Lear is a classic one, dysfunctional and power-hungry family members threaten to throw the family into turmoil if they don’t get what they want. Now, the aging king must deal with not only family, but also the threat of losing the empire he created. Can the king survive this and the emotional hurricane ravaging his home, head, and heart? King Lear is playing from Feb 23, 2023 through Mar 26, 2023.
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March Cabaret
Are you looking for a great way to spend the evening with family and friends this March? If you answered yes, then head on down to the Classic Theatre of Maryland, Annapolis for what is sure to be a night to remember. The March Cabaret brings together resident singers and special Broadway guest performers, who are all accompanied by the popular Unified Jazz Ensemble. Be sure to join us on Mar 13, 2023 for the most epic night to remember. You don’t want to miss it!
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May Cabaret
Are you looking for a great way to spend the evening with family and friends this May? If you answered yes, then head on down to the Classic Theatre of Maryland, Annapolis for what is sure to be a night to remember. The May Cabaret brings together resident singers and special Broadway guest performers, who are all accompanied by the popular Unified Jazz Ensemble. Be sure to join us on May 15, 2023 for the most epic night to remember. You don’t want to miss it!
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Omnium Circus
Omnium Circus is the world’s first ever all-inclusive circus, bringing together members from around the world. Each member brings with them a unique set of talents that bridge them with like-minded individuals, making it possible for people everywhere to feel like they truly have a place in this world. So, prepare to step into a world of all things possible where we discover the power, the passion, and the perseverance of the human spirit within in each of us! Omnium Circus is coming to the Capital One Hall for a special one night engagement on Feb 25, 2023.
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One Jewish Boy
Antisemisim is real and is at the heart of this incredible new British comedy making its US premiere right in the heart of Washington DC. The story follows Jesse, a young Jewish boy who has faced many hardships growing up due to his heritage. So, when he meets and falls in love with Alex, a girl of mixed race, he fears that his past will keep him from being able to be happy and move forward with new relationship. Come out and see if the power of love can truly defeat hatred once and for all. One Jewish Boy is playing at Theatre J from Jun 7, 2023 through Jul 2, 2023.
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Otello
For those who have never been to the Opera, you couldn’t find a better one to be your introduction than Verdi’s Otello. The story is a thrilling response to Shakespeare’s play, from the violent storm that opens the opera, through to Iago’s blood-chilling “Credo.” It is an incredible retelling of the great tragedy of jealousy, deception, and murder. As somewhat of an Opera snob here, Verdi’s Otello is a show not to missed. You can experience this incredible show from Mar 2, 2023 to Mar 5, 2023 at The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda.
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Our Town
One of the great plays of the 20th century by Thorton Wilder, Our Town tells the story of the small fictional American small town of Grover’s Corners set in the early 1900s. The play is trying to showcase the importance of embracing and appreciating the value of this life we live. You can head on out to the Classic Theatre of Maryland, Annapolis from Apr 7, 2023 through Apr 30, 2023 to enjoy this incredible piece of American history at its finest.
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Pacific Overtures
When you hear the name Sondheim one of the first musicals you think of is West Side Story or Gypsy. Perhaps you prefer more of a comedic show like Into the Woods or the dark comedy Assassins. The musical least likely to come to mind would be the rarely performed Pacific Overtures. Pacific Overtures is the story of East meets West when an American expedition heads to the island of Japan determined to open the “floating kingdom” to trade. You can catch this incredible show at the Signature Theatre, Arlington from Mar 7, 2023 through Apr 9, 2023.
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Passing Strange
Rock musicals are nothing new when it comes to live theatre. So when Passing Strange was announced to be coming to Signature Theatre’s The ARK, Arlington we couldn’t have been happier. When a young man decides that he wants to follow his newly found musical calling, he heads to Europe, he leaves behind his mother, comfortable suburban life and everything he has known his whole life. Passing Strange is a show bursting with energizing punk, blues, gospel, and jazz music, this rock concert spin on musical theatricality radiates with humor, passion and heart. Passing Strange can be enjoyed from Apr 25, 2023 through Jun 18, 2023.
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Ride the Cyclone
Rollercoasters are supposed to be one of the best parts of going to a theme park, but for six teenagers from Canada this couldn’t be further from reality. In Ride the Cyclone, the lives of these six unwitting teens are suddenly ended when unfortunate freak accident occurs while they take their turn on the mechanical beast. Now, through the insistence of a mechanical theme park fortune teller, each of the teens will tell their story in an attempt to come to terms with their dark fates. Ride the Cyclone will be thrilling audiences from Jan 13, 2023 through Feb 19, 2023.
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Selling Kabul
The American Dream, that ever illusive goal for many men and women in the Middle East. When an American translator is promised a Visa but is faced with endless delays, he is forced to move in with his sister secretly, while eagerly anticipating the birth of his son. Now, with all hope seeming to fall and the birth of his son, everything he holds dear is threatening to fall apart. Selling Kabul is thrilling from start to finish. You can catch Selling Kabul from Feb 21, 2023 through Apr 2, 2023 at Signature Theatre’s The ARK, Arlington.
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Seven Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner
As one of the sisters in the Kardashian/Jenner crew, Kylie Jenner has lived in the shadows of her more famous sister. So, when she took the business world by storm and became a billionaire, the world was shock to hear her claim she was self-made. Cleo however wasn’t content with letting her have her moment in the spotlight. She immediately took to Twitter in an effort to call out Jenner and other white women who co-opt and profit from Black culture. Was she right in her actions or should she kept her opinions to herself. Decide for yourself when you check out this incredible show from Feb 4, 2023 through Feb 26, 2023 at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, Washington.
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Shout, Sister, Shout!
The 1930s and 1940s were some of the most tumultuous times in American history, from the Great Depression to World War II. Shout, Sister, Shout tells the story of influential rock, R&B and gospel crossover singers and guitarists, Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Throughout these decades, racial and sexual equality were huge topics in the public eye, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe was one of their first pioneers. You can follow her story from Apr 15, 2023 through May 13, 2023 at the Ford’s Theatre, Washington.
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Sometimes the Rain, Sometimes the Sea
All great stories start with the word’s “Once upon a time,” and the tale of Sometimes the Rain, Sometimes the Sea is no different. The play follows Dolan, a young storyteller who has very uncanny resemblance to the late Hans Christian Andersen. While telling his story, many characters begin to turn into figures from his own history of turbulent relationships. Sometimes the Rain, Sometimes the Sea is an adaptation, unique reimagining, and a critique of The Little Mermaid. You can enjoy this incredible story from Mar 24, 2023 through Apr 16, 2023 at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, Washington.
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Soul Divas Reprise
Soul Divas is a record breaking cabaret show that took the world by storm in 2019. Now after three years off stage, the show is back and better than ever. Featuring all new divas/voices, the show is set to feature hits from legends such as Aretha Franklin, Beyoncé, and Whitney Houston, with a few more legends sprinkled in for good measure. You can catch this riveting act from Jun 27, 2023 through Jul 9, 2023 at Signature Theatre’s The ARK, Arlington.
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Sweeney Todd
He’s back, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street and this time he’s taking Washington DC by storm. No politician is safe from this maniacal barber and his lust for blood. Set in Victorian London, Sweeney Todd tells the story of the titular characters return to London after being wrongfully banished by a corrupt judge. Now, determined to take his revenge on the judge, and aided by the baker, Mrs. Lovett, Sweeney Todd returns to his job as a barber to exact his revenge by ending the lives of his unsuspecting customers and turning their bodies into meat pies. Protect your necks while you enjoy this tale from May 16, 2023 through Jul 9, 2023 at the Signature Theatre, Arlington.
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The Learned Ladies
One of the more popular comedies by Molière, The Learned Ladies is the the last of his great plays in verse. In a satire of academic pretension and bourgeois preciosity, can true love prevail? Find out for yourself when you watch this hit comedy from Feb 10, 2023 through Mar 5, 2023 at the Classic Theatre of Maryland, Annapolis.
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The Liar
To lie, or not to lie, seems to be a rather odd question to ask oneself. Renowned as one of the greatest comedies in the world, The Liar, adapted from Le Menteur (1644) by Pierre Corneille, tells the story of a young man who is unable to tell the truth. Set in Paris, France, The Liar runs every Tuesday at the Reynolds Tavern, Annapolis and can be seen from May 16, 2023 through Aug 29, 2023.
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The Nosebleed
Aya Ogawa’s The Nosebleed dares to ask the pointed question, “Are we doomed to repeat the mistakes of our parents?” and takes us through the journey of parenthood through the eyes of both parent and child. The Nosebleed follows parent and child as they head back to their home country of Japan when the child’s nosebleed, and the hit reality TV show The Bachelor come together in hilarious fashion. Prepare to laugh yourself silly when you head to the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, Washington from Mar 31, 2023 through Apr 23, 2023.
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The Tempest
Family, betrayal, revenge, what do these three things have in common? All three are central to one of the greatest comedies written by one William Shakespeare, The Tempest. Prepare yourself for a night of incredible theatre when you and your guests are transported to a remote island where a sorcerer, his daughter, his servants, a savage monster and an airy spirit reside. While The Tempest can be performed on any stage, the best way to enjoy this spectacle is in the cool night air of an open air theatre. So head on down to The Gresham Estate, Edgewater from Jul 6, 2023 through Jul 23, 2023 for a performance you’ll never forget.
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The World Goes ‘Round
For as long as musical theatre has been around there have been a flurry of truly amazing songs from composers like Webber, Schwartz and Sondheim. However , none could compare to songs produced by the likes of the team of John Kander & Fred Ebb. Some of the incredible songs produced by this team have appeared in shows like Chicago, Cabaret, Zorba, and the film New York, New York. Now, audiences can come together in one place to enjoy many of their greatest hits in a night of spectacular theatre when The World Goes ‘Round comes to the Olney Theatre Center – Mainstage, Olney from Apr 19, 2023 through May 21, 2023.
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