Thursday, December 28th was opening Night of THE ILLUSIONISTS – LIVE FROM BROADWAY at the world-renowned John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, in Washington D.C. Optical illusions and the wonderful world of magic tricks were front & center in a night filled with comedy, breakdancing and of course magic.
The essence and spirit of Hip Hop music were alive on Monday, July 10th at the Millennium Stage located inside the historic Kennedy Center during a production of “Synching Ink.” As part of the annual Hip Hop Theater Festival, “Synching Ink” is a great love letter to Hip Hop and breath of fresh air for anyone tired of mumble rap. Written by Baltimore native & Howard University graduate NSangou Njikam.
The cast of “Finding Neverland” at the Hippodrome. Photo by Jeremy Daniel.
“Finding Neverland” may sound familiar…”Peter Pan”, “Hook”, “Pan”, isn’t that movie with Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet? Yeah, yeah, you’ve heard it all before and seen it! Well, not like this!! This show envelops you right from the beginning and brings you right into the amazing mind of J.M. Barrie. This is the tale of how the story weaver, found his inspiration in four boys and changed his life in many ways. I know, you’re going to say that you have seen the movie! When you see a picture of a flower, you do not get the grace and elegance of its soft, silky petals, or the intoxicating aroma of its perfume. It’s just not the same! This maybe the same idea of a story, but it’s a musical, with choreography that is You can tell that this choreographer loves dancers and showcasing their individuality. Oh, did I mention that the choreography was created by Mia Michaels, one of the greatest in the world!?!?
Euan Morton as Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Photo by Joan Marcus.
“Hedwig and the Angry Inch” takes center stage at the Eisenhower Theater at The Kennedy Center in Washington DC through July 2, 2017.
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company announces the final production of its 37th Season, Hir, by playwright Taylor Mac, directed by Shana Cooper. Hir will run May 22-June 18, 2017.
The cast of “Something Rotten!” National Tour Photo by Jeremy Daniel.
“Something Rotten” is the hysterically funny story of the Bottom brothers and their rise to meteoric fame, against none other than Shakespeare. This tale takes place in the 1590’s. With similarities in humor to “Spamalot”, this British farce set to music is so funny every minute, that I couldn’t wait to see more.
Brandy is Roxie Hart – Photo by Jeremy Daniel
Extra! Extra! Read all about it. The musical… that is Chicago celebrates 20 wonderful years as America’s longest-running musical revival & the longest-running American musical in Broadway history. This dynamic production recently made its way to the Opera House at Kennedy Center in our Nation’s Capital and we could not wait to witness a musical that deals with fun, murder and mayhem. With Grammy award winning superstar Brandy Norwood as the incredible Roxie, she has to deliver some moxie to the DC audience. Here’s my review of Chicago and all that jazz!
On Super Bowl Sunday, Shi-Queeta Lee’s Tailgate Drag Brunch at Bethesda Blues & Jazz served up grits, wings and a huge helping of YASSSS!
“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder” is a guide to a great night of theatre. It’s a testament to how well written and thought out a show is; if you delete all of the musical numbers, you would still have a fantastic play. Having said that, even the best show with the wrong cast can be awful. I was lucky enough to have seen this triumph on Broadway, so I was expecting greatness and this cast delivers.
Into the Woods presented by Fiasco Theatre is so innovative and well acted that I was immediately swept up in the action and transported to a fantasy world of witches, bakers, princesses & giants. From the moment you step into the Eisenhower Theater and see the fairy tale before your very eyes, you will know that you are in for a retelling than the original.
