DC Theatre Scene . Washington’s liveliest theatre web site

A Passion for Justice:  The Clarence Darrow Story
by Jack Marshall and Paul Morella
directed by Jack Marshall 
produced by The American Century Theater & Clarence Darrow Productions
reviewed by Steven McKnight

There’s an old saying that the secret to success for a trial lawyer is sincerity - if you can fake that, the rest is easy.  A close second is passion and the aptly named A Passion for Justice: The Clarence Darrow Story has an abundance of both (more…)

The Lieutenant of Inishmore

by Martin McDonagh
directed by Jeremy Skidmore
produced by Signature Theatre 
reviewed by Steven McKnight 

Halloween has arrived early at Signature, where Martin McDonagh’s The Lieutenant of Inishmore offers an abundance of gruesome fun.  This witty mix of black comedy, farce, and satire receives a gleeful production that will delight anyone who can handle its realistic violence and shocking humor. The story revolves around the dilemma faced by the Donny (John Lescault) and Davey (Matthew McGloin), temporary caretakers of Wee Thomas, a cat that is killed on a country road. (more…)

Rounding Third
By Richard Dresser
Directed by Bob Bartlett
Produced by AccokeekCreek Theatreco
Reviewed by Steven McKnight

One of the few disadvantages about living in a region with such a bounty of theatre riches is that many people might not drive down to Indian Head, MD  to catch the DC area premiere of Rounding Third.  That’s a real shame because AccokeekCreek Theatreco has mounted a truly excellent and entertaining production of this comedy-drama about two Little League baseball coaches with decidedly different backgrounds and different approaches to youth sports. (more…)

The Road to Mecca
By Athol Fugard
Directed by Joy Zinoman
Produced by Studio Theatre
Reviewed by Steven McKnight

Athol Fugard’s The Road to Mecca is what I sometimes call a fruitcake play:  a special treat that is dense and rich with ideas and themes, but takes a while to digest.  Fortunately the fine performances at Studio Theatre help the play go down smoothly. (more…)

Story Theatre
By Paul Sills
Co-Directed by Suzanne Richard & Ian Armstrong
Produced by Open Circle Theatre
Reviewed by Steven McKnight

Watching Open Circle Theatre’s performance of Story Theatre reminded me of the importance of play selection.  This adaptation of several of Grimm’s fairy tales and Aesop’s fables accentuates the strengths of the company and delivers a satisfying evening of family entertainment. (more…)

• ROOMS
• Music and Lyrics by Paul Scott Goodman
  Book by Paul Scott Goodman and Miriam Gordon
  Directed by Scott Schwartz
  Music Direction by Jesse Vargas
• Presented and Co-Produced by MetroStage
• Reviewed by Steven McKnight

Rooms is the most emotionally real and authentic musical this reviewer has ever seen.  Imagine if Rent or Spring Awakening was condensed down to an intimate two person show and you’ll understand the appeal of this powerful rock romance. (more…)

• Stones In His Pockets
• By Marie Jones
• Directed by Kerry Waters Lucas
• Produced by Keegan Theatre’s New Island Project
• Reviewed by Steven McKnight

Can hopes and dreams be dangerous?  Stones in His Pockets starts as a witty little satire about a small Irish village used as backdrop for a Hollywood film then evolves into a darker and richer story. (more…)

• Tales of Doomed Love (or is it Ever Worth it?) 
• Reviewed by Steven McKnight

If you ever enjoyed the “fractured fairy tales” on the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show as a child, here’s an adult version (more…)

• 7 ½ Habits of Highly Effective Mistresses 
• Reviewed by Steven McKnight

The basic concept is a spoof of a self-help seminar.   The show is a hodgepodge of solo stand-up comedy, prop humor, musical parody, and audience interaction (more…)

• Dizzy Miss Lizzie’s Roadside Revue — The Orestia
• Reviewed by Steven McKnight

To see Dizzy Miss Lizzie’s Roadside Review, get there early to have a drink, find a good seat (the shows are selling out), and generally enjoy the whole DMLRR experience.  (more…)