DC Theatre Scene . Washington’s liveliest theatre web site

• Rabbit Hole
• Written by David Lindsay-Abaire
• Directed by Mitchell Hébert
• Produced by Olney Theater
• Reviewed by Debbie Minter Jackson

In this metro-area premiere, a suburban couple that seems to have all the creature comforts of home shows the frayed edges of trying to cope with a tragic loss.   (more…)

• Welcome Home, Jenny Sutter
• by Julie Marie Myatt
  Directed by Jessica Thebus
• Produced by Oregon Shakespeare Festival Production at the Kennedy Center
• Reviewed by Debbie Minter Jackson

The basic story about a soldier carrying physical and emotional wounds trying to return to society, is as current and timeless as it gets. (more…)

• Slave Narratives Revisited 
• -A Celebration of Freedom
• Reviewed by Debbie Minter Jackson

Nothing quite puts today’s national political election is perspective like Slave Narratives.  This production is a fascinating montage of voices, experiences, and resilience of captured Africans (more…)

• The Fiddler Ghost 
• Reviewed by Debbie Minter Jackson

 The Fiddler Ghost is a perfect example of what the Fringe Festival is all about– a chance to showcase unusually creative theatrical expressions that don’t fit the traditional boxes, that pack a punch, (more…)

• The Skin of Our Teeth
• Written by Thornton Wilder
• Directed by Rahaleh Nassri  
• Produced by Rorschach Theatre
• Reviewed by Debbie Minter Jackson

Any full scale production of The Skin of Our Teeth nowadays is a tough sell. Thornton Wilder’s 1942 script contains a smorgasbord of messages in as many styles and formats, wraps deep philosophical questions in zany silly putty packaging, (more…)

• An Enchanted Evening in the Andes 
• Reviewed by Debbie Minter Jackson

Described as high energy, ancient with ancestral sounds, the Mystic Warriors deliver quite a musical show at the Tivoli Theater.   (more…)

• Mousetrap
• Written by Agatha Christie
• Directed by John Going
• Produced at Olney Theatre
• Reviewed by Debbie Minter Jackson

How does the longest running show in the history of London’s famed West End, one that has been performed on Broadway and throughout America for decades still have enough punch to keep ‘em guessing for yet another run?  (more…)

• The Mystery of Irma Vep
• Written by Charles Ludlam
  Directed by Rebecca Bayla Taichman
  Produced by Arena Stage
• Reviewed by Debbie Minter Jackson

The Mystery of Irma Vep is a silly spoof of legendary movie characters and literary themes, filled with madcap antics, satire, and whirlwind costume changes.  Similar to Noises Off, it’s filled with silly sight-gags, mind-twisting analogies, drop-dead funny double and triple entendres, while pushing from the sublime to the truly ridiculous.  (more…)

• In The Heart of America
• By Naomi Wallace
• Directed by Kasi Campbell
• Produced by Rep Stage
• Reviewed by Debbie Minter Jackson

This is a difficult piece-to watch, to write about, to reflect on.  Dealing with war is not easy, but it is a reality.  If you’re ready to get immersed in the heart of the psychological battles that rage long after soldiers leave combat, this is a fascinating study. 

(more…)

• Carmen
• Adapted by Nathan Weinberger and Paata Tsikurishvili from the novella by Prosper Merimee
• Directed by Paata Tsikurishvili
• Choreographed by Irina Tsikurishvili
• Produced by Synetic Theater
• Reviewed by Debbie Minter Jackson

Synetic Theater is celebrated for its high powered and no-holds barred physicality, gorgeous music, spectacular use of lighting and space, and innovative movement and choreography often dripping with passion and sensuality.  Now, imagine all of these elements portraying the story of Carmen filled with love and obsession, gut wrenching sensuality,and heartbreaking betrayal.  Synetic more than delivers the goods with this one.  It’s got razzle dazzle choreography that borders on the acrobatic, beautifully mounted scenes, and to top it off, musicians onstage incorporated as part of the story. All of this makes for a sure fire hit.  (more…)