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Debbie Minter Jackson DCTS Reviewer Debbie Minter Jackson is a writer and performer in musical theater for 30+ years. Originally from Chicago, she has performed throughout the Washington, D.C. area including the Kennedy Center in productions with the legendary Mike Malone. Her scripts have been commissioned and produced by Source Theater, throughout Washington, D.C. and New York, and she is a member of Footlights and the Black Women Playwrights’ Group which is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year. By day she happily works in a federal public health agency as a Senior Program Analyst.

Five Little Monkeys

May 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Helen Hayes nominee Valerie Leonard has likely not had to jump and pounce and cajole and herd a troupe of monkeys for a role before, but as Mama, she ratchets up the loving energy and keeps up with all five in this lively and adorable production. [Read more...]

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Wives & Wits

May 1, 2012 By 1 Comment

Two one acts by Shaw at Washington Stage Guild open with the master playwright’s own words, not about romantic coquetry or love and devotion, but  about sex.  What he’s talking about is upfront and out there, it’s scandalous sex, which he explores to the max in the first adorable of two one acts presented.  [Read more...]

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The Whipping Man at Theater J

April 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment

There’s a reason why The Whipping Man is becoming one of the most produced plays around — its premise of a Passover Seder among newly freed slaves raised as Jews is mind-blowing, and with the right casting and directing, the play spins old concepts in stunningly creative new ways.  The production at Theater J hits all the marks and then some. [Read more...]

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The 28th Helen Hayes Awards, a night of surprises

April 24, 2012 By 1 Comment

From out front – The Awards show
(filed by Debbie Jackson)

The theme that seemed to permeate the Helen Hayes Awards Ceremony this year was gentle kindness and appreciation for the arts and one’s fellow artists.  Acceptance speeches were more humble and gracious than usual, no rants, no tirades, or loud explosive bits.  “Just, wow—I didn’t expect to receive this award.  No—really.  Thank you.”  Of course, not that short, some awardees read off names from the obligatory list of people to acknowledge.  But even then, the names were read with consideration and care, not just crossed off a checklist. [Read more...]

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Our first night at the Howard to see Henson Alternative: Stuffed and Unstrung

April 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The newly renovated Howard Theater is now a sparkling gem, brimming with excitement and glamour on an otherwise drab still-undergoing-rehab corner north of the Howard U. Metro stop.  Judging from the size of the crowd that showed up for the Henson Alternative adult puppet show, the place will be the next “Have you been there, yet?” happening spot for musical entertainment befitting its legacy. [Read more...]

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Be Careful! The Sharks Will Eat You!

April 9, 2012 By 2 Comments

As reflected in the simple yet telling title of the current production at MetroStage, Be Careful! The Sharks Will Eat You!, the story depicts a family’s struggle to cross the dangerous waters to escape 1960’s Cuba.  This autobiographical tale opens with the writer/performer Jay Alvarez as a little sniffling four year-old being herded against his will into the boat that will get his family to America.  [Read more...]

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Side Man at 1st Stage

April 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Michael Dove’s direction and nearly flawless casting of Side Man makes for a terrific production at 1st Stage.   Playwright Warren Leight captures the flair and style of the jazzy big band era as seen through the experiences of the “side man,” a jazz term for a freelance musician who can just as easily solo as play back-up as needed.   [Read more...]

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Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No-Good, Very Bad Day

March 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The Alexander story with the extremely long yet fully descriptive title is as engaging as it can be, considering its over wrought premise.  The story starts off strong with jubilant promise as Alexander day dreams with his chums about what he’d do if he was in charge of the world.   [Read more...]

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The Magic Flute

February 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Mozart’s Magic Flute at The Puppet Company is as engaging and expressive as it gets for full family fun and entertainment.   The story is true to the original with the major songs and arias in tact and colorful characters who bring you into the story.  [Read more...]

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P. Nokio

February 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment

P. Nokio, written and directed by hip hop performing artist Psalmayene 24, hits a fun and groovy downbeat.  Playing the main character, Psalmayene 24 takes on the stiff mannerisms of an artificial image plucked from an electronic game and given a body by the graffiti fairy, the irresistible Paige Hernandez, who makes dreams come true.  [Read more...]

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