DC Theatre Scene

Although Theatre of the Absurd is often associated with mid-twentieth century European writers, How the Money Goes is a relatively new (2008) absurd comedy from American playwright Robert Cousins.  While it receives a spirited production from a talented troupe from the University of Maryland’s Theatre Department, the work is ultimately a little too sprawling to provide a satisfying experience. [Read more...]

Angela Neff grew up in a large family with a larger than life father.  Unfortunately, his exploits which stemmed from a bi-polar disorder became increasingly destructive and eventually led to hospitalizations, divorce, and suicide.  [Note:  that’s not a spoiler, it’s in the program.]  Writer-performer Neff gives a descriptive solo presentation of scenes from her life, but leaves out too much of her own feelings and insights for the story to be as affecting as it could be. [Read more...]

Few nightmares rival those of a parent whose child has gone missing, even if that child is a young adult.  Yet this nightmare was far too common in Argentina during the 1970s following a military coup as police frequently picked up young people suspected of being anti-government subversives.  Writer-performer Jennifer S. Jones chooses this setting for Letters to Clio – Part II, Margarita, the second in her international series about the voices of suffering women. [Read more...]

If you have ever suffered through an interminably bad recital or talent show, you may be a little nervous about attending Ridgefield Middle School Talent Nite.  But go anyway. The show is a nice comic vehicle for two former Wesleyan University students (who look much younger) and one of the better comic offerings of The Capital Fringe Festival. [Read more...]

Having witnessed countless Shakespearean takeoffs that were both intentionally funny (e.g., the Reduced Shakespeare Company) and unintentionally funny (a country-western version of Romeo and Juliet comes painfully to mind), my expectations were uncertain for Romeo and Juliet: Choose Your Own Ending.  Yet the ability of theatre to surprise, astound, and amuse is again demonstrated by this charmingly hilarious production. [Read more...]

In the darkness, an agitated man tells a woman in a white coat that he’s not sure about therapy.  An interesting start, given that the man is David Freud, great-great-grandson of “the other one,” Sigmund Freud.  To learn how the characters reached this point, the story moves back in time, a journey in which the audience willingly joins for the intriguing Freud Meets Girl. [Read more...]

The Playwright Zone is reminiscent of  the Source Festival:  five short plays (all written by John Becker) lasting about an hour.  [Although the plays are framed by the theme music from The Twilight Zone, there is no special significance to this title.]  [Read more...]