Theatre |

Liv Symone Talks About Aladdin

July 18, 2019 Lauren Beverly Interviews, Theatre

Disney’s “Aladdin” has been a fan favorite since it first appeared in movie theaters in 1992. Now, we get to see it onstage at The Kennedy Center, from now until September 7^th. I recently had a chance to speak with one of the stars of the show, Liv Symone about her role in “Aladdin,” her first national tour and her theater background.

Can you tell us how it feels to go on your first national tour?

It’s been an amazing experience. I’m not going to lie, at first I was very Read more

Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Free For All Production of Hamlet at Sidney Harman Hall

Accessible Arts: Bringing a Wily Hamlet to the People

July 17, 2019 Jaya Ghosh Theatre, Theatre Reviews

Photo of Keith Baxter as Ghost and Michael Urie as Hamlet in Hamlet by Scott Suchman.

The Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC) returns for its 29th season of Free For All, with a classic tragedy, Hamlet. Each summer, with the support of community sponsors, the STC is able to present two weeks of ABSOLUTELY FREE exemplary Shakespeare.

Ally Theatre Company opens third season with regional premiere of Naomi Wallace’s The War Boys

July 11, 2019 TRR News Theatre, Theatre News

Fresh off receiving the 2019 John Aniello Award for Outstanding Emerging Theatre Company, Ally will open its third season with the regional premiere of Naomi Wallace’s The War Boys. First produced in London in 1993, The War Boys is more relevant than ever. Set on the Texas/Mexico border, David, George, and Greg, three childhood friends turned vigilante border patrol, spend their nights antagonizing both themselves and those they catch trying to cross the border. But these youths soon learn that even the most guarded borders are permeable. When the lines between fantasy and reality become dangerously blurred, each of the boys is forced to decide what it means to be an American, and who has the right to belong.

Bryonha Marie Parham Talks About “The Falsettos”

June 11, 2019 Lauren Beverly Interviews, Theatre

Bryonha Marie Parham has been featured in Broadway performances such as “The Book of Mormon,” the stage adaptation of the 1993 film “Dave,” and “Prince of Broadway.” She has also made television appearances in the CBS drama “Madame Secretary,” “Showboat” and “Sweeney Todd LIVE at Lincoln Center for PBS. Currently, she is touring with the show “Falsettos,” where she plays Dr. Charlotte. I recently sat down with Bryonha and asked her about “Falsettos” and her role as “Dr. Charlotte.”

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.