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A star (B) denotes a show recommended by our critics.
Mini Reviews
NEWLY REVIEWED MARY POPPINS At the Kennedy Center through Aug. 22
Rumor has it that it’s always a jolly holiday with Mary, but during much of Disney’s bland, unaffecting stage version, the occasion feels more like the sort you’re required to spend with relatives you don’t particularly care for. Virtually all the tinkerings to the production represent downshifts in the story’s impact. Even if the goal is something closer to P.L. Travers’s original tales, an added attempt at psychological realism becomes burdensome. The Banks children, Jane and Michael, are a lot more ornery than their cinematic forebears, owing, of course, to the fact that their father is emotionally absent and their mother a dishrag. The magical main character who comes to the rescue of this dreary family is so self-satisfied that she actually becomes hard to like. The Banks children have massive roles in the show, and the young actors playing Jane and Michael prove themselves worthy of their large assignments. The adult imagineers of “Mary Poppins” aren’t quite as successful with the homework they’ve turned in. —Peter Marks
Friday at 7:30, Saturday-Sunday at 1:30 and 7:30, and Tuesday-Thursday at 7:30. 2700 F St. NW. 202-467-4600. 800-444-1324.
www.kennedy-center.org. $25-$135.
BONE MAN LORD OF THE RINGS
At Woolly Mammoth Theatre through Aug. 1
Let me confess that I can’t tell whether I’m a fan of “The Lord of the Rings”: I’ve never read the books or seen the movies. But it must be saying something that even a Tolkien agnostic can chuckle over Charles Ross’s “One Man Lord of the Rings,” his virtuoso encapsulation of the film trilogy. The charming Ross is a fabulous technician, an astute mimic of voices, of actors’ gestures, even of movie sound effects. With those skills alone, “One Man Lord of the Rings” makes a funny impression. Although enormously popular, “The Lord of the Rings” doesn’t match “Star Wars” for touchstone pop-cultural significance, and so the audience for this show might not be quite as sizable or ready-made as was for Ross’s “One Man Star Wars.” Still, Ross is such a winning entertainment machine that anyone who partakes will remember his Herculean labors fondly.
—P edu/cas/greenberg. $20.
SPLENDID CHINA A show of Chinese music, dance and fashion, through Sunday. Sunday at 7:30. Kennedy Center, Terrace Theater, 2700 F St. NW. 202-467-4600. 800-444-1324.
www.kennedy-center.org. $50.
THE SPY MAGIC SHOWMagician Michael Gutenplan performs and explains how magicians and the CIA have worked together, through July 23. Friday at 8 and 10. Ritz Carlton, 1150 22nd St. NW. 866-811-4111. 646-241-9052. www.
spymagicshow.com. $40.
MARYLAND AOIFE MCKENNA
Chris Dinolfo, left, and Rex Daugherty in Solas Nua’s “Johnny Meister and the Stitch,” which closes Saturday at Flashpoint.
COMINGS AND GOINGS Last chance
Closing Saturday: “Johnny Meister and the Stitch” at Flashpoint (800-494-8497). . . . Closing Sunday: “In the Shadow of Lushan” at Fells Point Corner Theatre (410-276-7837).
On sale now
Keegan Theatre presents “Noises Off,” a play within a play about backstage antics, at the Church Street Theater July 24 through Aug. 22. $30. 703-892-0202.
www.keegantheatre.com. ... The stories of an Irish fortuneteller and her drug-dealing son unfold in the world premiere of “Stella Morgan,” a Keegan Theatre New Island Project at Church Street Theater July 27 through Aug. 18. $25. 703-892-0202.
www.keegantheatre.com. . . . A ’60s Motown girl group discovers all the glitz, glamour and drama that comes with stardom in “Dreamgirls,” at the National Theatre July 28 through Aug. 8. $56.50-$151.50. 202-628-6161.
www.nationaltheatre.org. . . . Two Catholic sisters take on a Pentecostal missionary in “The Savannah Disputation,” at Olney Theatre Center July 28 through Aug. 22. $26-$54. 301-924-3400.
www.olneytheatre.org.
ALOVELY SUNDAY FOR CREVE COEUR The Quotidian Theatre Company presents Tennessee Williams’s humorous show about loneliness and human connection, through Aug. 8. Friday and Saturday at 8, Sunday at 2. The Writer’s Center, 4508 Walsh St., Bethesda. 301-816-1023. www.
quotidiantheatre.org. $25, $20 for students and seniors.
APHOENIX TOO FREQUENT Unexpected Stage Company, the area’s new professional theater company, opens its inaugural season with Christopher Fry’s play featuring a Greek tragedy, humor and love, through Aug. 1. Friday at 7:30, Saturday at 2 and 7:30 and Sunday at 2. Seneca Creek State Park, 11950 Clopper Rd., Gaithersburg. 301-337-8290. www.
unexpectedstage.org. $17.95.
FAT PIGSilver Spring Stage presents Neil LaBute’s satire on love and beauty, through Aug. 8. Friday and Saturday at 8. Silver Spring Stage, 10145 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring. 301-593-6036. www.ssstage. org. $20, $18 for age 18 and younger and seniors.
FOREVER PLAIDA boy band gets a second chance at fame in the National Players’ musical, through Aug. 1. Friday and Wednesday-Thursday at 7:30, Saturday at 1:30 and 7:30, Sunday at 1:30 and 6:30. Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd., Olney. 301-924-3400.
www.olneytheatre.org. $26.
.M.
Friday at 8, Saturday at 6 and 9, Sunday at 2 and Tuesday-Thursday at 8. 641 D St. NW. 202-393-3939.
www.woollymammoth.net. $30.
CONTINUING
B HOW I BECAME A PIRATE At Imagination Stage through Aug. 14
This play is a funny, sweet-tempered musical designed for the 3-and-older set. With folk song- and sea chantey-inflected songs by Steve Goers, book and lyrics by Alyn Cardarelli and lively direction by Paul Bosco McEneaney, the production is one part cozy adventure and three parts kooky shiver-me-timbers atmospherics. Captain Braid and his crew need a new recruit for treasure-burying duties, so they enlist a boy named Jeremy after spotting him with a toy spade on a beach. Lessons in exotic pirate customs and a spell of homesickness ultimately lead to a happy ending. When Braid and his corsairs are singing in deep, growly voices, Cardarelli’s lyrics can be hard to discern. This flaw notwithstanding, “How I Became a Pirate” should amuse adult audiences while entertaining youngsters, who may go around saying “Ahoy, matey!” for days.
Sunday at 1:30 and 4, Tuesday-Wednesday at 10:30. 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda. 301-280-1660.
www.imaginationstage.org. $9.25-$21.
B JOHNNY MEISTER AND THE STITCH At Flashpoint through Saturday
Two feral Belfast ruffians. One mighty fine production. Or so the ad might justifiably read for Rosemary Jenkinson’s bruising account of the havoc wreaked by a pair of feckless young men headed for their own
violent collision. Anchored by the bracingly convincing performances of Chris Dinolfo and Rex Daugherty, the play is a graphic, oddly poetic portrait of waste. “Johnny Meister and the Stitch” recounts a typically ugly day in two empty existences whose only virtue, it seems, is the ability to sketch out the contours of their aimlessness. Each man unfolds a funny and shocking tale of a reckoning to come: Johnny is on the run from the Stitch, worried about payback for some petty slight; the Stitch, meanwhile, is awaiting his own appointment with another brand of terrifying street justice. The evening comes courtesy of Solas Nua, aWashington company that showcases contemporary Irish theater and other art forms.
—P
B NEW JERUSALEM At Theater J through July 25
—Celia Wren
Theater J’s edifying play features a gallery of intriguing characters, nonstop enlightened argument and even a socko finish. The piece is based on the 1656 tribunal in Amsterdam — a haven from the Spanish Inquisition for Portuguese Jews such as Baruch de Spinoza — convened to decide whether Spinoza should be excommunicated from Judaism. Accused of espousing atheism, Spinoza is perceived as a threat by both the Jewish elders and their Christian overseers, eager for an outwardly serene status quo to be maintained. One of the fascinating facets of dramatist David Ives’s play is the degree to which the gears of the gentle Spinoza’s probing intellect seem to his adversaries to be instruments of chaos and terror. The play is in this sense a virtual public service announcement for unregulated expression, prima facie evidence that a search for truth can set you free.
—P
Saturday at 8, Sunday at 3 and 7:30, and Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30. 1529 16th St. NW. 800-494-8497.
www.theaterj. org. $30-$55.
Friday at 8 and Saturday at 7 and 10. 916 G St. NW. 800-494-8497.
www.solasnua.org. $20.
Also Playing
Prices are for the entire run of the show; In- dividual shows may vary.
THE DISTRICT AVENUE QThe irreverent, musical puppet show returns to Washington, through Aug. 15. Friday and Thursday at 8, Saturday at 2 and 8, Sunday at 2 and 7:30, Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30. Lansburgh Theatre, 450 Seventh St. NW. 202-547-1122. 877-487-8849.
www.shakespearetheatre. org. $76-$96.
.M.
COLLATERAL DAMAGE A solo performance by Laura Zam, through Saturday. Saturday at 8. The Corner Store, 900 South Carolina Ave. SE. 202-544-5807.
www.cornerstorearts.org. $15 donation.
MERCI AND GRACESTR8-N-Up Productions presents Kathy Creek-Vann’s play, a compilation of true stories about the challenges and courage of women coping with their HIV-positive status, through Saturday. Saturday at 7. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-550-3863. $10 donation.
PASSING STRANGE Follow a young, globe-hopping musician as he pursues the life of a rock star, through Aug. 8. Saturday and Wednesday-Thursday at 8:30. Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW. 202-332-3300.
www.studiotheatre.org. $38-$43.
SHEAR MADNESSThe audience joins the fun in this performance based on a murder in a hair salon. Friday and Tuesday-Thursday at 8, Saturday at 6 and 9, Sunday at 3 and 7. Kennedy Center, Theater Lab, 2700 F St. NW. 202-467-4600. 800-444-1324. www.
kennedy-center.org. $42.
.M.
SO THE ARROW FLIES A solo performance about a North Korean spy, the Korean-American FBI agent who brings her down, a grandmother who is a Korean War survivor and the spy’s daughter, through Friday. Friday at 8. American University, Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre, 4200 Wisconsin Ave. NW. RSVP to
gcchung@gmail.com.
www.american.
HAMLETPresented by the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, through July 25. Friday and Thursday at 8, Saturday at 3 and 8, Sunday at 5. Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park, 3691 Sarah’s Lane, Ellicott City. 410-313-8874. 866-811-4111.
www.ChesapeakeShakespeare.com. $25-$30, $23 seniors, $15 students younger than 25, younger than 18 free with paying adult.
IN THE SHADOW OF LUSHAN Kathleen Barber’s play focuses on two people and their workplace, through Sunday. Friday at 8, Saturday at 8, Sunday at 7. Fells Point Corner Theatre, 251 S. Ann St., Baltimore. 410-276-7837. www.fpct. org. $15-$17.
PIRATES! A BOY AT SEA Set in 1718, the story follows Jim, who finds his life after being captured by pirates remarkably similar to life at home with mom and dad, through Aug. 15. Friday and Thursday at 10:30, Saturday at 1:30 and 4. Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda. 301-280-1660. www.
imaginationstage.org. $10-$21.
VIRGINIA
THE ADVENTURES OF UNCLE RABBIT Uncle Rabbit finds pleasure in tricking his neighbors, through Aug. 20. Saturday and Sunday at 12:30. Synetic Family Theatre, 4041 Campbell Ave., Arlington. 800-494-8497.
www.classika.org. $12 in advance, $15 at the door.
SERENADING LOUIE Lanford Wilson’s drama about regret and disappointment in the suburbs, through Aug. 21. Wednesday and Thursday at 8. Gunston Arts Center Theater II, 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington. 703-998-4555.
www.americancentury.org.
SIGNATURE’S SIZZLIN’ SUMMER CABARET “Ain’t Got No: A Rock/Pop Cabaret,” Friday at 7:30; Will Gartshore, Friday at 9:30; Stephen Gregory Smith and Karissa Swanigan, Tuesday at 8; “Sandy Bainum Sings Dorothy Parker,” Wednesday at 8; Natascia Diaz with Michael Pemberton, Thursday at 8. Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington. 703-820-9771.
www.signature-theatre.org. $20.
SUMMER NIGHTS CABARETThe cabaret, presented by the Hub Theatre, features Donna Migliaccio, Gia Mora and Erin Driscoll, through Sunday. Friday-Saturday at 8, Sunday at 2. The New School of Northern Virginia, John Swayze Theatre, 9431 Silver King Ct., Fairfax. 703-674-3177.
www.thehubtheatre.org. $25.
DINNER THEATER
ALWAYS PATSY CLINE A tribute to the legendary country singer based on a story about Cline’s friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger, through July 25. Friday and Saturday at 6, Sunday at 10:30 and 5. Toby’s Dinner Theatre, 5625 O’Donnell St., Baltimore. 800-888-6297. 301-596-6161.
www.tobysdinnertheatre. com. $48.50-$52.50.
GREATER TUNATwo men perform a comedy about 20 characters who inhabit Tuna, Texas, through Sept. 19. Friday and Tuesday-Thursday at 8, Saturday at 8:30, Sunday at 7:30. Lazy Susan Dinner Theatre, Route 1 at Furnace Road, Woodbridge. 703-550-7384. www.
lazysusan.com. $41.95-$44.95, $35 ages 11 to 15, $25 10 and younger.
HAIRSPRAYFriday-Saturday at 6, Sunday at 10:30 and 5, Tuesday-Thursday at 6, through Aug. 1. Toby’s Dinner Theatre, 5900 Symphony Woods Rd., Columbia. 800-888-6297. 301-596-6161.
www.tobysdinnertheatre. com. $46-$51.
COMMUNITY THEATER
LITTLE WOMEN THE MUSICAL Performed by the McLean Community Players, the story is based on Louisa May Alcott’s novel with music by Jason Howland and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, through July 31. Friday and Saturday at 8, Sunday at 2. McLean Community Center, Alden Theatre, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. 703-790-9223. www.
mcleanplayers.org. $19, $17 seniors and students.
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE This musical chronicles six adolescents battling in a spelling championship. The cast competes against themselves and the audience, through July 25. Friday-Sunday and Thursday at 8:30. Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, 143 Compromise St., Annapolis. 410-268-9212. www.
summergarden.com. $18.
COMEDY
KEN EVANSFriday at 7 and Saturday at 7 and 10. Comedy Zone, 300 Army Navy Dr., Arlington. 877-335-2844. www.
tasteourlaughter.com. $20 in advance, $25 at the door.
THE CAPITOL STEPS Friday at 7:30, Saturday at 7:30. Ronald Reagan Building &International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 202-397-7328.
www.capsteps.com. $33-$35.
FLIP ORLEY Friday and Saturday at 8 and 10:30, Sunday at 8, through Sunday. Improv, 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-296-7008.
www.dcimprov.com. $15-$17.
JAY PHILLIPS Friday and Saturday at 9:45. Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse, 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington. 703-486-2345.
www.arlingtondrafthouse. com. $15.
STEVE COLTRAIN AND KARA BULLER Saturday at 8. Hyatt Laugh Riot, Hyatt Regency Hotel, 7400 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda. 301-657-1234. www.
standupcomedytogo.com. $10.
JOHN WITHERSPOONThursday at 8, through July 25. Improv, 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-296-7008.
www.dcimprov.com. $22.
Dance
DCYPHER DANCESaturday at 8. The Joy of Motion Dance Center’s Resident Arts Company’s final full-length concert for the 2009/2010 season. Special guest performances by Grammy-nominated, Christylez Bacon, GnC Dance Crew, Urban Impact and others. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993.
www.joyofmotion.org. $20 in advance, $25 at the door.
SHANGE DANCE PRODUCTIONS Saturday at 8 and Sunday at 7. A performance inspired by West African dance and ballet. Dance Place, 3225 Eighth St. NE. 202-269-1600. www.
danceplace.org. $22, $17 seniors and students, $8 ages 2 to 17.
PAUL TAYLOR DANCE COMPANY Tuesday at 8:30. The company celebrates its choreographer’s 80th birthday. Wolf Trap National Park, Filene Center, 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna. 703-255-1868. 877-965-3872.
www.wolftrap.org. $10-$38.
THE WASHINGTON POST • FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2010
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