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The Kennedy Center Presents HERstory, June 14-15

May 16, 2019 TRR News Theatre, Theatre News

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts presents a Kennedy Center co-commission, HERstory: Love Forever, Hip Hop. Long-time D.C. resident Goldie Patrick, revives the 90-minute production in a stroll down memory lane. First commissioned by the DC Hip Hop Theater Festival in 2005, HERstory is an examination of the often-erased role of women in Hip Hop. Presented as a part of the Hip Hop Culture season, HERstory: Love Forever, Hip Hop will run June 14–15, 2019 in the Family Theater.

Chae Stephen Stars as Marvin Gaye In “Pride and Joy”

May 10, 2019 Lauren Beverly Interviews, Theatre

Motown is a name everyone knows. Many of us have our favorite artists or songs produced under the Motown label, such as The Marvelettes, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Jackson 5, and of course, the late, great Marvin Gaye. No matter what generation you are, you know Marvin’s hits “Let’s Get It On,” “Sexual Healing,” “What’s Going On?” and many others. “Pride and Joy” is a stage production that tells the story of Marvin’s life and relationship with Anna Gordy Gaye, sister of Motown founder, Berry Gordy. Chae Stephen appears as Marvin and was thrilled to discuss his role and the impact Marvin’s music has had on him in more ways than one.

Ellen McLaughlin’s adaptation of The Oresteia at the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Sidney Harman Hall

The Oresteia: Michael Kahn’s Swan Song

May 10, 2019 Jaya Ghosh Theatre, Theatre Reviews

Orestes dispenses justice. Photo of the cast of The Oresteia by Scott Suchman.

The Oresteia shows us that the trials and tribulations faced by the ancient Greeks still maintain relevance to our moral and political dilemmas today, and that much can still be learned from these historic texts.

In addition to being Michael Kahn’s piece de resistance after an accomplished 33 year career with the Shakespeare Theatre Company, this performance is the world premier of Ellen McLaughlin’s adaptation of The Oresteia, three Greek tragedies by Aeschylus. Aeschylus’ Oresteia include Agamemnon, The Libation Bearers, and The Eumenides, and tell the story of the ill-fated House of Atreus following the Trojan War.

American Voice Award Presented to U.S. Representative John Lewis (D-GA)

May 8, 2019 TRR News Theatre, Theatre News

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater will present the American Voice Award to U.S. Representative John Lewis (D-GA) on Thursday, May 9, 2019. Beginning at 6:00 p.m. the evening will include a cocktail reception in the Bank of America Lower Lobby with a seated dinner in the Molly Smith Study. Tazewell Thompson, playwright and director of Jubilee, will give remarks. Jubilee is inspired by the world-renowned a cappella African American ensemble born on the campus of Fisk University. Rep. Lewis is a graduate of Fisk University. The seated dinner will feature the presentation of the American Voice Award to U.S. Representative John Lewis.

Theatre Review: Shakespeare's Love’s Labor’s Lost at the Folger Theater

Love’s Labor’s Lost: What would you do for love?

May 8, 2019 Jaya Ghosh Theatre, Theatre Reviews

The King of Navarre (Joshua David Robinson, top) proclaims his court as a place of scholarly pursuit to his companions (Zachary Fine, Jack Schmitt, Matt Dallal) in Folger Theatre’s production of Shakespeare’s comedy Love’s Labor’s Lost. On stage April 30 – June 9, 2019. Photo by Brittany Diliberto.

Love’s Labor’s Lost is is a hilarious and raucous romantic comedy of errors, deception, and wit.

It’s the tale of the King of Navarre and his fellow scholars who have taken a vow to distance themselves from women and other bodily pleasures for three years during their course of study. This vow is immediately put to the test when the Princess of France arrives at the academy with her very female entourage.

Casting Announced: Kennedy Center’s Byhalia, Mississippi

May 8, 2019 TRR News Theatre, Theatre News

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announces Jack Falahee, star of ABC’s How to Get Away With Murder, to play the role of Jim in the heartfelt comedy, Byhalia, Mississippi, playwright Evan Linder’s uncompromising exploration of race, infidelity, and family. Directed by Kimberly Senior (director of the Pulitzer Prize–winning Disgraced on Broadway), Byhalia, Mississippi will play the Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater for four weeks, June 7–July 7, 2019. Tickets for all performances are on sale through the Kennedy Center Box Office, the website, or by calling (202) 467-4600 or (800) 444-1324.

Lauren Beverly talks to "Pride and Joy" actress Krystal Drake

Krystal Drake Delivers Some “Pride and Joy” to DC

May 8, 2019 Lauren Beverly Interviews, Theatre

Actress Krystal Drake stars in the stage production “Pride and Joy,” which tells the story about Washington, DC’s own, the late, great Marvin Gaye. Krystal—whose credits include “Pippin,” “Black Nativity” and “Nubian Stories”—is set to take the stage as Anna Gordy Gaye at the National Theater. I had a chance to speak with Krystal about her upcoming performance, her role as Anna Gordy Gaye, and the music of Motown.

Additional Performances Added through Sunday June 9, 2019

Jubilee performances through May 12 Cancelled due to Actor Illness

May 7, 2019 TRR News Theatre, Theatre News

All performances between May 7-May 12 of the world-premiere a cappella production Jubilee have been cancelled due to actor illness; additional performances have been added through Sunday June 9, 2019.

Inspired by the world-renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers, Jubilee chronicles the bold African American ensemble as they travel the world, captivating kings, queens and audiences with hymns and spiritual songs supported by their rich voices. Written and directed by Tazewell Thompson with vocal arrangements and music direction by Dianne Adams McDowell, Jubilee will now run through June 9, 2019 in the Kreeger Theater.

HAMILTON Tickets on Sale Powered by TICKETMASTER Verified Fan Thursday, May 9th

May 1, 2019 TRR News Theatre, Theatre News

Producer Jeffrey Seller, Broadway Across America, and Hippodrome President, Ron Legler, announced today that tickets for HAMILTON will be available online through Ticketmaster Verified Fan®, at 10 a.m. ET on Thursday, May 9. Verified Fan is a new fan-facing technology from Ticketmaster that allows pre-registered fans to unlock access to tickets without competing against scalpers and bots.

John O'Hurley brings "A Man with Standards" to Annapolis tonight and we got your first look in this interview

Rams Head On Stage Welcomes John O’Hurley

April 25, 2019 Lauren Beverly Interviews, Theatre

Known for his role as J. Peterman on “Seinfeld” and his Broadway performances in “Chicago” and “Spamalot,” John O’Hurley is set to take the stage TONIGHT at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, MD. His one man show, “A Man With Standards,” is one that will take you on a journey of his life through a variety of songs and humor. I had a chance to speak with John a moment ago about his show, his work as a voice actor and his love of theater.