Imagine a bird emoji tweeting. No, it’s not another bizarre White House official message. The Hodgepodge Group has adapted Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five. It would be wise to be have read the original or at least be familiar with the plot prior to this production. I read it way too long ago in high school.
Archives for July 2017
The Originalist returns to Arena Stage (review)
All rise! Not so much for an associate Supreme Court Justice, but for Edward Gero, the man currently embodying the late Antonin Scalia in the remounted and revised production of The Originalist at Arena Stage.
Review: As You Like It plays pastoral Prince George’s parks
Everyone has an idea of how Shakespeare “should” be performed: from the gorgeous flashiness of Shakespeare Theatre Company to the original practice imitations of American Shakespeare Center to edgy interpretations popular on Fringe stages. But for my money, Shakespeare performed outdoors, on a ramshackle stage and under the stars, is hard to beat. That’s especially […]
Portraits of Grrrls (Capital Fringe review)
Break out your pink pussy hats! Wonder if Gloria Steinam and Florynce Kennedy started this way? The production of Portraits of Grrrls felt like I walked into a high school guidance counselor’s activity. This should not diminish the discussions, content, importance, and impact this activity has, I’m just not sure this is the venue for […]
“Women doing Shakespeare knackered.” Titus Andronicus is lewd, bloody and free!
Jon Johnson here, managing to score an interview with the director of Shakespeare in the Pub’s “Fringe” offering – Titus Andronicus, as well as the head honcho of the company itself. I’m pleased to introduce Jill Tighe, director, and John Stange, producer. Mr. Stange has been producing Shakespeare in the Pub productions for the past […]
The Kinsey Sicks in Things You Shouldn’t Say (review)
I’ve just spent a most unexpectedly engaging evening at the theatre, seeing the “dragapella beautyshop quartet” known as The Kinsey Sicks in their return to Theater J, whereat they’ve been in residence previously, as they perform their latest show, titled Things You Shouldn’t Say.
FRINGE FRIENDS: Making Friends at Capital Fringe
Some people find the Fringe festival to be an intimidating environment. Sure there’s a ton of great art and stuff going on, but how can one truly connect with the people behind the art and form meaningful bonds of friendship that will last a lifetime? In short, the answer is ponies.
Wildhorn’s Bonnie and Clyde musical (review)
Times is hard in Bonnie and Clyde. Some would say not so different from now. Climate shifting, turning the land into a dustbowl. Whole businesses destroyed. Banks going under. People out of work. They discover they’re going but they’re not going anywhere. They’re just going. Chased by the law or their own demons.
Director Tracey Erbacher on Abortion Road Trip protests at Capital Fringe
By nature of being a Fringe festival, DC’s Capital Fringe often sees provocative or pioneering work that pushes the envelope. This year, one unsuspecting play in particular has struck a nerve with the outside world. Theatre Prometheus’ production of Abortion Road Trip by Rachel Lynett has attracted the attention of the Far Right Pro-Life community.
Roundabout Theatre’s tour of Cabaret (review)
Fifty years since Cabaret debuted on Broadway and almost as long since the 1972 film adaptation emblazoned its haunting imagery and seductive score across our collective consciousness, the jaunty tour through the seedy underbelly of Weimar-era Berlin feels somewhat timeworn—although still provocative and fun for true fans or first-timers—until the show’s later numbers reveal where […]
BON VOYAGE! A Happenstance Escapade (review)
BON VOYAGE! A Happenstance Escapade is a soupçon, a patisserie, a confection, and, in its smellier moments, a big fromage! But most of all it is Mark Jaster’s love letter to Paris. And thanks to the tight ensemble members who devised the entire work, its sweet romantic heart breaks through.
A Streetcar Named Disappointment, a Capital Fringe diary
Lorraine to John’s idea of writing a piece about getting to Fringe: “Yes! Public transportation! Very funny!” 4:15 p.m. It’s pouring rain and I need to be at Atlas by 6:30 for a Hexagon live chat. Leaving Gaithersburg now because the traffic will be a mess. Probably take me 45 mins. just to get to […]