Mr. Taken: Too Normal for Fringe? I didn’t conceive Mr. Taken as a Capital Fringe show. It is a more traditional show, based on real human actions and not hyperrealism or extreme satire or inscrutable metaphors or about important social causes that are the usual Fringe fare. The show I did last year, Oral Histories, […]
Archives for June 2017
My Fair Lady blooms with Olney Theatre Center’s new take (review)
My Fair Lady, now at Olney Theatre Center, is yet another classic brought to life by this versatile theatre company. As reimagined by director Alan Souza, the timeline has been moved a few years ahead, from the turn of the century to the beginning of the 1920s- all the more to make this tale of […]
Joe Charnitski’s Funeral. A Capital Fringe Peek
I’m genetically predisposed to be a storyteller. No one in my family can respond to a simple question with a simple answer. A colorful narrative, complete with flourishing hand gestures, and maybe even vocal impressions, is created instead.
Proper Care of the Peace Lily. A Capital Fringe Peek
Actor Alec Seymour responded to some our questions, and added a few of his own. What story are you telling? You know, just a good old fashioned bromance between a boy and a plant trapped in the void of deep space. You’ve seen it a thousand times.
A Capital Fringe Peek at Paper, John Feffer’s latest
A teacher and a student argue over a remark in class. Or was it a remark about class? Or was it really about race? Or gender? My new play Paper brings the explosive confrontations on campus around race, class, and gender onto the stage. Take Rashomon, add Mamet, mix in Black Lives Matter, and stand […]
A Capital Fringe Peek at The Blind
Imagine you are lost and alone in the forest. You have never been here before and you cannot see to find your way out. You don’t know if anyone knows you are missing or if they will be able to find you. It has been hours since you last ate or drank water; your resources […]
The National Theatre makes $1.5 million investment in a modern fly system
The National Theatre is giving up its hemp and sand rigging system. Rebecca Cooper, writing for Washington Business Journal, posted the fascinating backstage story today.
Toby Orenstein’s twist to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Before opening to wide acclaim on Broadway in 1982, and before Donny Osmond began a decade-long run as the title character in film and on stage, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat made a name for itself with staged concerts.
Caveat, a Capital Fringe Peek at a group housing interview
Ben Lockshin wrote Caveat, about his experiences with DC’s underground world of group housing. Here he talks about his upcoming Fringe show. Tell us about the moment where you said to yourself: “I just have to do this!” Probably around the time I was assured by a would-be roommate that the rats scurrying around us weren’t […]
Portraits of GRRRLS. A Capital Fringe Peek
Portraits of GRRRLS is a short performance piece created by participants of the program, GRRRLS with HEART. During GRRRLS with HEART we work in Vienna, VA for two weeks. The first five to six days are spent creating: choreographing dances, writing autobiographical pieces, writing a song and other theatrical pieces, and doing some visual artwork. […]
Back to the 70s. When We Were Young and Unafraid (review)
“All women should see this show,” said a male audience member in the lobby, enthusiastically. “What about the men?” his female companion asked. “Well, it’s not for men,” he offered, to which the three women standing around him immediately said, “ALL MEN SHOULD SEE THIS SHOW.” “Definitely,” he added.
Why you’re better off without him: A Capital Fringe Peek at Last Ditch Playlist
Everyone remembers their first love. And everyone remembers what it’s like to lose it. Heartbreak sucks and my first heartbreak was rough. I was in my early 20s and on the road with a children’s show in Iowa. Before I left for the four month contract, I remember holding my boyfriend tight as we reassured […]