Category Archives: Theatre

Live Entertainment Around DC in Fall 2023

Cirque du Soleil ECHO is wowing under the Big Top in Tysons

 

 

Ready to be entertained this fall? If so, you’re in luck! There’s a great line-up of shows coming to area stages this season with something for audiences of all ages. This round-up has details, so you can start making plans and save your seats.  Happy Viewing!

Cirque du Soleil: ECHO
Where: Under the Big Top | Tysons II, VA
When: Through October 22
Tickets: Start at $33/child, 42/adult (look for a deal

This new Circque du Soleil show just made its US debut in DC and runs through October. Fueled by the power of change, the hope of the youth, and the value of empathy, ECHO follows an inquisitive young woman named FUTURE as she wanders into a fantasy world that explores humans’ sacred bond with animals and nature. When FUTURE and her best friend the DOG encounter a mysterious CUBE, they quickly learn how their actions have the power to shape this world, and if we come together, we can rebuild our planet to create the world we all want to live in.

Moulin Rouge: The Musical
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Through September 24
Tickets: $45-199 (look for a deal)
Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. Recommended for ages 12+.

Tiny Tots
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MD
When: Most Saturdays & Sundays at 10am
Tickets: $8

The series presents puppet shows designed for the youngest theater patrons (ages 0-4). They are shorter, the lights stay on, and the doors stay open. They have an arsenal of shows that they switch up every performance, so be sure to check the schedule to see what’s playing when you go.

Evita
Where: Harman Hall | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Through October 15
Tickets: $54-145

Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production tells the story of Eva Perón’s meteoric rise to First Lady of Argentina.Sammi Cannold helms this groundbreaking revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Tony Award-winning rock opera. Recommeneded for teens and older.

King of the Yees
Where: Signature Theatre | Arlington, VA
When: Through October 22
Tickets: $40-90

A vibrant, semi-autobiographical comedy about community, culture and the connection between fathers and daughters. Playwright Lauren Yee is rehearsing her newest show about her father (which she has not told him about), when he joyfully bursts through the doors and interrupts the actors. After he later goes missing, the younger Yee must embark on a quest through San Francisco’s famous Chinatown, beyond the iconic Dragon’s Gate, through a bustling maze of alleys and magical portals, to find him before it’s too late. Recommended for mature teens and older.

You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MD
When: September 21 – October 30
Tickets: $25

With charm, wit, and heart, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown explores life’s big questions through the eyes of the Peanuts gang as they play baseball, fly kites, struggle with homework, swoon over crushes, and celebrate the joys of friendship. Growing up is serious business! Recommended for all ages. Through September 19, enter for a chance to win a Family 4-Pack of  tickets!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: September 22 – October
Tickets: $25-39

Using more than 70 beautiful, larger-than-life puppets and original music, this special event follows all your favorite characters from “Brown Bear, Brown Bear,” “The Very Busy Spider,” “10 Little Rubber Ducks,” and, of course, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” Recommended for ages 3-8.

Not My Monkey
Where: Mont. College Cultural Arts Center | Silver Spring, MD
When: September 22 – October 1
Tickets: $14/adult, $11.50/child, free/3 & under

InterACT Story Theatre presents this show for kids… In Not My Monkey, the new circus leader wants to do a good job leading her zany crew of circus folk, but there’s a new problem every time she turns around, and no one wants to pitch in or even try to get along. “Not my circus, not my monkeys!” they say. To make matters worse, the monkeys have broken loose and are wreaking havoc everywhere! How can a community work together to solve its problems, when everyone thinks it’s not their problem to solve? And how can the community work together to stop the monkey madness? Everyone in the audience gets into the act right from where they’re sitting, becoming part of the community of performers and townspeople who need to tackle this hair-raising problem.

Wild Kratts Live! 2.0
Where: Warner Theatre | Downtown DC
When: September 24, 1pm & 4:30pm
Tickets: Start at $45

Wild Kratts Live 2.0 is a theatrical stage show based on the #1 animated television series Wild Kratts. Martin and Chris Kratt, stars of the Emmy-nominated Wild Kratts step out LIVE ON STAGE to engage the audience in a classic Wild Kratts story. [Note: This is almost sold out, but look for tickets from a third-party seller here.]

Witch Wartsmith’s Halloween Spooktacular
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MD
When: September 28 – October 29
Tickets: $15

Witch Wartsmith (the sister of Witch Wartsmith from our Legacy and touring show Rapunzel,) hosts the annual Halloween Spooktacular and you get to vote on the winner! Part contemporary competition show, part vintage telethon, and part punpalooza, this spooky variety show will tickle your funny bone. Some of our contestants may change year to year, so come back to see old and new friends alike!

Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume Palooza
Where: Warner Theatre | Downtown DC
When: September 29
Tickets: Start at $32

Dress up and join the party! Mickey, Minnie, and their pals are getting ready to throw a huge costume party but mysterious weather keeps interrupting the fun. Can Team Spidey help save the Costume Palooza? The all-new show features the first appearance of characters from “Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends” in addition to Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Doc McStuffins, the Puppy Dog Pals, and more friends live on stage. The immersive, interactive concert experience includes singing, dancing, acrobatics and 3D special effects.

The Tell-Tale Heart
Where: Synetic Theatre | Crystal City, VA
When: September 29 – October
Tickets: $35-65

Sanity and madness blur on stage as two unlikely companions find themselves intertwined in complete isolation, with chilling results. Synetic’s reimagined tale explores the pitch-black depths of the human psyche, spiraling into madness and torment —and we ask ourselves “Who is the crazy one?” With a mix of laughter, dread, and gleeful macabre, Synetic Theater sneaks into the world of Edgar Allan Poe’s famed, nightmarish tale, The Tell-Tale Heart. Recommended for teens and older.

Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Live in Concert
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: September 30
Tickets: $35-134 (look for a deal)

Go back to where it all began with this concert event! Featuring a soundtrack that blends symphonic orchestral music with hip-hop, Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Live in Concert pairs a screening of the Academy Award®-winning animated film with live musicians and turntables featuring a DJ scratcher live on stage. Emmy® winner Daniel Pemberton composed a sprawling score of boundary-pushing original music that is complimented with song contributions by Post Malone, Lil Wayne, Jaden Smith, and Nicki Minaj. The hip-hop based score results in a sonic universe that is woven throughout the fabric of the film, supporting its themes of resilience and universal heroism.

Mrs. Doubtfire
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: October 10-15
Tickets: $59-139 

Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny is headed to Washington, DC! Based on the beloved film, Mrs. Doubtfire tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids.

Macbeth In Stride
Where: Klein Theatre | Penn Quarter, DC
When: October 10-29
Tickets: $35-129

Something wicked this way comes by Shakespeare Theatre Company… Macbeth In Stride uses one of the Bard’s most iconic characters to examine just what it means to be an ambitious Black woman. Swathed in a mesmerizing tapestry of pop, rock, gospel, and R&B, the fatalistic arc of Lady Macbeth uplifts contemporary thoughts on Black female power, femininity, rage, and desire. This production bubbles with energy, humor, and swagger, bringing Lady M’s herstory into the 21st century. Recommended for teens and older.

POTUS
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: October 13 – November 12
Tickets: $56-105

When the Commander-in-Chief publicly calls his wife a “See You Next Tuesday,” all H-E-Double Hockey Sticks breaks loose. In this searingly funny Broadway hit, POTUS follows how seven women of dramatically different backgrounds minimize the damage done by male arrogance and political posturing, in an endearing homage to the women who keep things running behind the scenes. Recommended for teens and older.

Look Both Ways
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: October 14–29
Tickets: $20
This story was going to begin like all the best stories. With a school bus falling from the sky. But no one saw it happen—they were all too busy. Washington, DC-area native, best-selling author, and Kennedy Center Next 50 leader Jason Reynolds conjures 10 tales (1 per block) about what happens after the dismissal bell rings. Ten unique perspectives are brilliantly woven into one funny, piercingly poignant look at the detours we face on the walk home, and in life. Recommended for ages 7+.

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood LIVE: King for a Day
Where: Hylton Center for the Arts | George Mason, VA
When: October 15
Tickets: $25

Daniel and all of his friends invite you for a brand-new adventure in Neighborhood of Make-Believe where Daniel learns just what it takes to be King. The beloved characters come alive on stage to captivate you with new songs to sing along to, magical moments, and SURPRISE guests along the way! It’s an event filled with “tiger-tastic” fun, teaching the valuable lessons of kindness, helping others, and being a friend. Don’t miss Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood LIVE: King for a Day!… a royally great time!

NSO Family Concert: Halloween Spooktacular
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: October 22, 2pm & 4pm
Tickets: $18-20
An October tradition! The Concert Hall transforms into a ghostly sight when ghoulishly attired National Symphony Orchestra musicians perform new and old classics to celebrate Halloween and Dia de los Muertos. Praised for his “easygoing and engaging podium presence” (Playbill), Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser leads this festive family concert. Recommended for ages 5+. [Note:  Remaining tickets are limited, but you can look for good seats here.]

The Wiz
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: October 24-29
Tickets: $59-139

This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway—from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and finger-snapping 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world. Audiences get to enjoy the epic grooves of such beloved, timeless hits as “Ease on Down the Road,” which became the show’s break-out single, and the bona fide classic “Home” in this spectacular revival.

The ABCs of Hip Hop with Baba Bomani
Where: Discovery Theater | National Mall, DC
When: October 26-27
Tickets: $3-9

Baba Bomani uses rhythm and rhyme to illustrate basic reading and math concepts, such as recognizing syllables, and demonstrates how a rapper’s flow is simply a number bond math equation. Young audience members will pick up active-listening skills and have some fun learning how to rap the alphabet backwards. Recommended for ages 3-6.

Fiddler on the Roof
Where: Olney Theatre | Olney, MD
When: November 8 – December 31
Tickets: $35-101

Tradition! The word itself is synonymous with this most classic of American musicals, set in the tiny shtetl of Anatevka. People all over the world continue to find universal truths in the story of Tevye and his headstrong, tradition-bucking daughters. Now Olney Theatre creates a rich and re-imagined Fiddler for a new generation to embrace through unforgettable songs like “If I Were a Rich Man,” “To Life,” and “Sunrise, Sunset.” Like Tevye himself, this Fiddler knows the power of its traditional highlights, but like his daughters Tzeitel, Hodel, and Chava – it also may surprise you with new ways of carrying forward its spirit.

Mystery at Shady Acres
Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre | Arlington, VA
When: November 10-19
Tickets: $12/child, $15/adult

Encore Stage * Studio presents its “by kids for kids” theatre with this fall production… The Shady Acres hotel staff is frantically preparing for the arrival of the prestigious Fairfaxes. Right from the start – everything seems to go awry! Just when the hotel manager Mr. Clifford thinks it’s all back to normal, Mrs. Fairfax’s diamond necklace is stolen! Who could it be? And who is the mysterious man lurking about? Uncover the mystery at Encore’s show!

Air Play
Where: Strathmore | Rockville, MD
When: November 11, 2pm & 5pm
Tickets: $28=48

Umbrellas fly, fabrics soar over the audience, balloons swallow people, and snow swirls, filling the stage. With stunning images and gales of laughter, Air Play bounces on the edge of definition: part comedy, part sculpture, part circus, part theater. A circus-style adventure of two siblings journeying through a surreal land of air, Air Play transforms ordinary objects into uncommon beauty. Great for all ages, Air Play creates beauty and inspires laughter across cultures and continents.

A Year with Frog and Toad
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: November 14 – January 7
Tickets: $25-39

A musical celebration of friendship and holiday fun! In this hit Broadway musical, two best friends with opposite personalities wake up from hibernation and enjoy hilarious adventures through the seasons. Light-hearted, with a sprinkle of nostalgia, this show is inspired by the acclaimed children’s books. Recommended for ages 4+.

The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MD
When: November 17 – January 7
Tickets: $25

Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy discover a secret portal to a magical world called Narnia. With an evil White Witch ruling the kingdom, can Lucy, her new friend Mr. Tumnus, and her family band together to save this land from the eternal winter?

The Dragon King’s Daughter
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: November 18 – December 17
Tickets: $20
Twelve-year-old Kenny Li is being bullied at school. When he finds a magical tablet, he is transported to the Jade Kingdom where he meets Xing, the Dragon King’s daughter. Together, they go on a quest to save the world, finding courage and friendship along the way. Chinese dragon mythology, martial arts, and stunning voices combine in this world premiere musical following an unlikely young duo on a daring adventure. Recommended for ages 5+.

Bluey’s Big Play
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: November 21-26
Tickets: $29-99

When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! This theatrical adaptation of the Emmy Award–winning children’s television series features an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm and music by Bluey composer Joff Bush. This is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before—brought to real life! Recommended for all ages.

Leave a Comment

Filed under 2023, DC, Fall, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Theatre, Virginia

Sing, Dance, and Act this Fall at Adventure Theatre MTC Academy
(+ Two Chances to Save!)

 

Watch your child’s face light up as they take the spotlight with classes from Adventure Theatre MTC (ATMTC) Academy. From Kindergarten to adults, students will learn the basics of acting, singing, and dancing in these 12-week classes while they create characters, construct stories, and build 21st Century Skills.

Students will especially learn that their voice and their role matters, no matter how small. There is no experience needed, and kids have loved their hallmark classes — Sing Dance Act (Grades K-1), Broadway Prep (Grades 2-3), and Bridge to Broadway (Grades 4-5) — for almost 10 years.

Just for KidFriendlyDC subscribers, save $35 or more on Fall Classes (10%) with the promo code KFDCF23. Need more assistance? Scholarships are available and ask them about sibling discounts too at 301-251-5766.

 

 

Savings Alert: Tickets to You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown at Adventure Theatre MTC

Join old friends as Adventure Theater gathers the entire Peanuts gang for a nostalgic and heartwarming musical based on the comic strip by Charles Schulz. With charm, wit, and heart, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown explores life’s big questions through the eyes of Charlie Brown as his friends play baseball, fly kites, struggle with homework, swoon over crushes, and celebrate the joys of friendship. Growing up is serious business!

This show is recommended for all ages. Single tickets are on sale for You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown at Adventure Theatre MTC (with children under the age of 1 free), but for season-long savings, consider a Flexpass instead and save $7.50 per ticket!

About Adventure Theatre ATMTC
ATMTC cultivates new generations of artists and audiences by creating memorable theatrical productions and by providing young people the highest quality musical theater training.  Learn more here.

 

* * *

 

This post is sponsored by Adventure Theatre MTC, however, I only promote activities, events, and services that I sincerely enjoy and think would appeal to KFDC readers.

Leave a Comment

Filed under 2023, Class, Extracurricular, Maryland, Theatre

Reserve Your Seats for a Familiar Fairytale: Beauty and the Beast Playing Now through April 2 at Synetic Theater!

 

Synetic Theater’s newest production of Beauty and the Beast transforms the classic story into a dark and magical piece of theater art. A far cry from the Disney-fied version of the story, this show takes inspiration from the original 18th-century French fairytale, La Belle et la Bete, adding a unique, dark twist and mysterious, shadowy elements .

If you’ve experienced a Synetic performance, you’re no stranger to the theater’s acclaimed silent storytelling and expressionistic design, which blend together on stage to bring this sparkling Gothic romance to life. The season closer brings an all-star cast to the stage, featuring company members, professionally trained actors and dancers — including Dancing with the Stars contestant, Irina Kavsadze, as the lead role — along with an imaginative creative team to pique your interest and bring you into a magical world built through marvelous shadow-play and skillful stagecraft.

Synetic Theater is DC’s premiere physical theater, producing stunning and vibrant performances that take a step beyond the spoken word and emphasize movement, physicality, and emotion.

Please note: This production of Beauty and the Beast contains light fantasy violence and may be scary to very young children. This production is not the Disney musical.

Synetic Theater Presents Beauty and the Beast
Where: 1800 S. Bell Street | Arlington, VA 22202
When: March 3 – April 2
Run time is approximately 90 minutes with no intermission
All ages are welcome, but parental guidance is advised for younger children.

 

This post is sponsored by Synetic Theater, however, I only promote events, programs, and places that I truly believe in and/or think would appeal to KFDC readers.

Leave a Comment

Filed under 2023, Live Entertainment, Spring, Theatre, Virginia, Weekend, Winter

Sensory Friendly & ASL-Interpreted Performances of “The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen” at Imagination Stage!

 

 

This post is paid for by Imagination Stage, however, I only promote programs, places, and events that I genuinely believe in and think will appeal to KFDC readers.

Leave a Comment

Filed under 2023, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Theatre, Weekdays, Winter

Fall Classes for All Ages at Synetic Theater!

 

Are you looking for theatre and ballet classes for kids (or yourself) in Northern Virginia?  Synetic Theater, a center for American Physical Theatre and presenter of some of the area’s most magical plays, offers an exciting array of classes for children of all ages — as well as anyone interested in cultivating an active and creative life.  Here are programs available this fall, beginning September 24!

 

* * *

Magic of Disney
1st Grade – 5th Grade
September 24 – November 5 | Saturday, 9-10am
Tuition: $250
Instructor: Ashton Schaffer

It’s a Whole New World with this acting class for elementary aged students. Each class will be themed off of a different Disney movie with games and activities tailored to the theme each week. Students can sing, act, and dance their way to the ball in this one of a kind acting class! They will learn how to use their imaginations to create new and exciting worlds and characters. Themes include Beauty and the Beast, Peter Pan, Big Hero 6, and so many more! Grab your pixie dust and imagination and get ready to never grow up.

Spies in Disguise
6th Grade – 8th Grade
September 24 – November 5 | Saturday, 10–11am
Tuition: $250
Instructor: Ashton Schaffer

Calling all secret agents! There is an enemy that must be found and captured. In this seven-week class, students will learn the ins and outs of what it takes to be a spy…. a physical theater spy, that is. Students will learn secret tumbling tricks, create epic spy gear, and hopefully save the world. This class is open to any middle school age student looking to try their hand at acting or improve on their skills.

* * *

Ballet with Synetic Theater
Choreographer and Performer Maryam Najafzada

Beginning Ballet
Ages 4-6
September 27 – November 15 | Tuesday, 1-2pm
Tuition: $300 | Need-based scholarships available.

Young dancers learn balance, coordination, and beginning ballet steps such as plies, releves, jumps, and turns as they come together to develop a lifelong love of dance. This class culminates in a shareformance of warm-ups and a short dance piece. All classes are limited to 8 participants.

Elementary Ballet 
Ages 7-12
September 30 – November 18  | Friday, 4:30-5:30pm
Tuition: $300 | Need-based scholarships available.

This multi-age class teaches fundamentals of ballet through barre, center, and across-the-floor. Young artists learn alignment, strength, agility, and ballet technique through a wide variety of exercises, stretches, and dance combinations. The class culminates in a shareformance of a short dance piece. All classes are limited to 8 participants.

Teen/Adult Ballet
All levels
September 27 – November 15 | Tuesday, 2:30-3:30pm
Tuition: $300 | Need-based scholarships available.

Perfect for adults returning to ballet or anyone who wants to improve their core strength and posture, strengthen their back muscles to reduce injuries, improve their flexibility, and learn basic ballet terminology. No experience is necessary for this fun and creative class. All classes are limited to 8 participants.

 

All classes take place at the Synetic Theater Studio in the Crystal City area of Arlington.  Learn more and register through the links above. And for more information about Synetic Theater, visit the website.

 

This post is sponsored by Synetic Theater, however, I only promote programs, events, and services that I truly believe in and/or think would appeal to KFDC readers.

Leave a Comment

Filed under 2022, Class, Extracurricular, Fall, Theatre, Virginia