Now that the monsoon has abated and "somer Is icumin in," Takomans and Silver Springers can seriously take up the work of enjoying the variety of June-September entertainments which DC offers. The drama carousel is a splendid and colorful one and, while some of its horses are already out of the gate, Drama Queen would like to invite you to hop onto the merry-go-round and, as the Wurlitzer band organ begins to play, take your pick of what look to be sure winners.
In the lead
These shows are already running, so join the chase before they close:
Crazy Face: Hurry to wallow in this phantasmagoria if you are a Clive Barker fan; the run at the Source ends June 14.
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Synetic Theatre's "silent treatment" of this woodland romp through June 14.
A Sleeping Country: In this comedy, a New York woman with chronic insomnia travels to Venice to find a likewise-afflicted relative, the "Sleepless Countess." Join the pacing at the Round House, Bethesda; the final show is June 21.
Arcadia: Playing at the Folger Theatre (also until 6/21) quaintly erudite Stoppard work, with Lord Byron and Shelley hovering in the wings, is a departure from his usual antic mode.
See What You Wanna See: Although Signature Theater's production of the aforementioned play will have ended by the time this paper hits the streets, DQ will take a cue from the title to make her personal suggestions to Voice readers.
Radio Golf: This is the final work in August Wilson's ten-play cycle about the African American experience and examines the plight of families living in Projects after the Big Developers take over. It is also the last play he wrote before his death in 2005. Ponder the title's meaning at Studio Theatre's production running through June 28.
The Glass Menagerie: What would a hot, swampy summer be without Tennessee Williams? Try it with a/c at The Olney Theater until July 5.
Shear Madness: This uproarious comedy has been playing at The Kennedy Center forever. Perhaps we should join the fun before the curtain's final thud.
Coming soon
King Lear: Although DQ finds this royal pretty distatesful (a bit too whiny and self-absorbed), the play is a perennial favorite. Not for kids, the production includes those three stalwarts: graphic violence, sexuality and nudity. Howl along at The Shakespeare Theatre from June 16 - July 19.
The Mouse Trap: Speaking of oldies and goodies, Agatha Christie's mystery, the longest running play in the history of the world, will play at Silver Spring Stage from June 26 - July 26.
Other critters
Any Merry-go-round worth its gold ring does not limit itself to horses. The grand carousel at Glen Echo Park offers rides on tigers, ostriches and even a sprinting hare. Likewise the Metro area's choices are so varied and numerous, one could revel and feast twice a week and never empty the cornucopia. Check out these apples!
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown at the Adventure Theatre at Glen Echo Park, June 26-August 8. Good Grief!
The Taming of the Shrew: In case the question, "Whatever happened to Carter Barron?" crossed your mind, the good news is that the annual free-for-all (featuring TOTS aka Petrucchio and the Woman who Hates Him) has been moved to the Sidney Harman Theater and will run from August 27 to September 12.
Wolf Trap Farm Park: From late June to early August, Wolf Trap's Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods presents adventures in music, puppetry and story telling. Show times are 10 and 11:a.m. Tuesdays through Saturday.
Thus concludes the short and very subjective list of summer possibilities. While the above are unabashedly personal choices, remember those true words of Mel Brooks in "History of the World, Part I": "It's good to be the King."
These shows are already running, so join the chase before they close:
Crazy Face: Hurry to wallow in this phantasmagoria if you are a Clive Barker fan; the run at the Source ends June 14.
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Synetic Theatre's "silent treatment" of this woodland romp through June 14.
A Sleeping Country: In this comedy, a New York woman with chronic insomnia travels to Venice to find a likewise-afflicted relative, the "Sleepless Countess." Join the pacing at the Round House, Bethesda; the final show is June 21.
Arcadia: Playing at the Folger Theatre (also until 6/21) quaintly erudite Stoppard work, with Lord Byron and Shelley hovering in the wings, is a departure from his usual antic mode.
See What You Wanna See: Although Signature Theater's production of the aforementioned play will have ended by the time this paper hits the streets, DQ will take a cue from the title to make her personal suggestions to Voice readers.
Radio Golf: This is the final work in August Wilson's ten-play cycle about the African American experience and examines the plight of families living in Projects after the Big Developers take over. It is also the last play he wrote before his death in 2005. Ponder the title's meaning at Studio Theatre's production running through June 28.
The Glass Menagerie: What would a hot, swampy summer be without Tennessee Williams? Try it with a/c at The Olney Theater until July 5.
Shear Madness: This uproarious comedy has been playing at The Kennedy Center forever. Perhaps we should join the fun before the curtain's final thud.
Coming soon
King Lear: Although DQ finds this royal pretty distatesful (a bit too whiny and self-absorbed), the play is a perennial favorite. Not for kids, the production includes those three stalwarts: graphic violence, sexuality and nudity. Howl along at The Shakespeare Theatre from June 16 - July 19.
The Mouse Trap: Speaking of oldies and goodies, Agatha Christie's mystery, the longest running play in the history of the world, will play at Silver Spring Stage from June 26 - July 26.
Other critters
Any Merry-go-round worth its gold ring does not limit itself to horses. The grand carousel at Glen Echo Park offers rides on tigers, ostriches and even a sprinting hare. Likewise the Metro area's choices are so varied and numerous, one could revel and feast twice a week and never empty the cornucopia. Check out these apples!
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown at the Adventure Theatre at Glen Echo Park, June 26-August 8. Good Grief!
The Taming of the Shrew: In case the question, "Whatever happened to Carter Barron?" crossed your mind, the good news is that the annual free-for-all (featuring TOTS aka Petrucchio and the Woman who Hates Him) has been moved to the Sidney Harman Theater and will run from August 27 to September 12.
Wolf Trap Farm Park: From late June to early August, Wolf Trap's Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods presents adventures in music, puppetry and story telling. Show times are 10 and 11:a.m. Tuesdays through Saturday.
Thus concludes the short and very subjective list of summer possibilities. While the above are unabashedly personal choices, remember those true words of Mel Brooks in "History of the World, Part I": "It's good to be the King."
Leave a comment