The Falstaff character of Shakespeare’s “1 Henry IV” is obese, “a huge hill of flesh,” lacking wisdom despite his age “vanity in years, and unchivalrous “a sanguine coward.” Although a knight, he hold…
Studio Theater’s ‘Doubt: A Parable’ examines the Catholic Church abuse scandal
“Doubt: A Parable” won the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize in 2005 for its questions about the nature of moral certitude, as audience members had to decide whether the priest, Father Flynn, was a serial…
Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention remembers ‘Dragnet,’ vintage pop culture
The Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention from Sept. 12-14 offered a glimpse into American popular culture of the mid-twentieth century. The event’s emphasis is primarily on television shows, radio progra…
‘Into the Woods’ enchants Harmony Hall in Fort Washington
Through Sept. 22, the Tantallon Community Players are performing “Into the Woods” at Harmony Hall in Fort Washington, here in Prince George’s County. In this Stephen Sondheim musical, characters from …
Queen of Hip Hop Soul Mary J. Blige Thrills Fans at Wolf Trap
Queen of Hip Hop Soul Mary J. Blige celebrated the 25th anniversary of her “My Life” album at Wolf Trap on Sept. 3, thrilling fans with a dramatic, high-energy, 75-minute show. At 48, the Grammy Award…
Charming ‘Finding Neverland’ appears at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
“How about a musical?” “Please! That is the lowest form of entertainment!” This ironic dialogue in “Finding Neverland,” playing at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Lancaster, Pennsylvania through Se…
‘Fabulation’ at Mosaic Theater fills with laughs, but unearths hidden racism
Lynn Nottage’s “Fabulation: or The Re-Education of Undine” is on stage at the Mosaic Theater through Sept. 22, and though this comic tale is full of laughs, its layered messages around systemic racism…
An elegant and educational ‘Cabaret’ in Olney
This reviewer once attended a lecture given by the famous author and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel. Wiesel made a salient and very troubling point about the Nazi regime. With its crimes against human…
Previewing the Victorian Lyric Opera Company during the offseason
Lovers of comic opera have a splendid opportunity to preview the Victorian Lyric Opera Company’s offerings during the offseason through its manifold compact disc releases. There is also an upcoming op…
A frenetic ‘Caesar and Cleopatra’ at Blackfriars Playhouse
Shakespeare lovers who travel to Staunton, Virginia, are now being treated to a veritable Roman Holiday! The unfailingly excellent Blackfriars Playhouse is currently performing three plays with ancien…