BREAK FREE: Tanya is a Black mother determined to break her son, Eric, out of death row — or die trying. She’ll need guns, to get her hair done, and to f*ck some people up. As time ticks towards the fateful date of Eric’s execution (and birthday), the play explodes into a collision of the hilarious and tragic. In this world premiere, playwright Dave Harris harnesses the storytelling techniques of comic books and video games to explore the complexities of generational trauma and daring heroism with his singular, satirical style.
ASL INTERPRETED PERFORMANCES
Thursday, June 8th, 8pm
Sunday, June 18th, 2pm
AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCES
Saturday, June 10th, 3pm
Saturday, June 17th, 3pm
OPEN CAPTIONED PERFORMANCES
Wednesday, June 14th, 8pm
Thursday, June 15th, 8pm
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING OFF-SALE DATES
Monday, May 29th and Tuesday, May 30th
are Pay What You Will Performances (PWYW);
PWYW will be available for purchase ONE WEEK before the performance
Saturday June 3rd is OPENING NIGHT – Currently Sold Out, invite only
Incendiary and Dave Harris are recipients of a Venturous Playwright Fellowship supported by Venturous Theater Fund. The Fellowship was created with the Lark Theatre and is now in partnership with the Playwrights’ Center.
This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts
Shannon Whren Entertainment & Stage Door Left presents “Mothers of Old”. A musical stage play starring Wiley Brown (Chuck Brown’s Son), local grammy considered artist Nikea Marie and young actress Aaliyah Butler. A riveting gospel stage play that uses lighthearted comedy and entertainment to open the doors to having the most difficult conversations. It is commonly said that BLOOD is THICKER than WATER. However, that quote depends on who you ask. Mattie Virginia, Celestine, and Louvenia have come to realize that LOVE is THICKER than WATER and BLOOD.
One of the most beloved operas in history, Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro seems at first blush the simple story of an unbreakable bond between a couple of soon-to-be newlyweds. But wait... This is Mozart, along with his sidekick Da Ponte, so you can bet the palace door that the story will unfold around characters we alternately adore and despise. With their wedding day at hand, young Figaro and his betrothed discover their master has other plans in mind. As the plot twists to reveal hidden agendas behind acts of soulless treachery and ceaseless devotion, the music follows in kind, becoming effortlessly more intricate and complex as it goes. Set-pieces, the incredible layered ensemble finales for each act, are Mozart flexing his compositional mastery at the height of his genius. It’s a comically funny romp for the audience (though maybe not so much for the characters). Come discover why this timeless classic has been converting skeptics into opera fans for 237 years!
"This is a spiderweb in which your heart is caught." In Otello, the musical imagination of Giuseppe Verdi crosses paths with the sculptural prose of William Shakespeare, and the resulting mashup is anything but predictable. At its core, this story illustrates the destructive power that true love can wield when confidence is placed in the wrong hands, and conspiracy lands in the wrong ear. Don’t be shocked if this sounds modern and familiar. Both Verdi and The Bard had an uncanny sense for themes that transcend time. Both revel in the currencies of personal vanity, human insecurity, skullduggery, and alternative fact. Another timeless touch, Verdi’s lively score is a through-composed masterpiece reminiscent of a movie soundtrack. While the arias are demanding for the artists, they’re a delight for the audience, right from the first bars of Otello’s opening Esultate to the soaring culmination of Desdemona’s Ave Maria. If you’re looking for a complex and beautifully wrought opera experience that engages on every level, you’ll find it here. Get your tickets today!
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. Welcome to Moulin Rouge! The Musical! 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. Welcome to Moulin Rouge! The Musical! Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. Directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a theatrical celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and—above all—Love. With a book by Tony Award winner John Logan; music supervision, orchestrations, and arrangements by Tony Award winner Justin Levine; and choreography by Tony Award winner Sonya Tayeh, Moulin Rouge! is more than a musical—it is a state of mind. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
Called “the funniest play Broadway has ever seen” (Huffington Post), this classic murder mystery by award-winning Mischief is chock-full of mishaps and madcap mania! Welcome to opening night of The Murder at Haversham Manor, where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous. With an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines), it’s “comic gold” (Variety) sure to bring down the house. NOTE: The July 18 and July 19 performances of The Play that Goes Wrong have been cancelled due to a change in the rehearsal schedule. Already have a ticket? See your options: Exchange Form What would happen if Sherlock Holmes and Monty Python had an illegitimate Broadway baby? You’d get New York and London’s award-winning smash comedy! Called “the funniest play Broadway has ever seen” (Huffington Post), this classic murder mystery by award-winning Mischief is chock-full of mishaps and madcap mania! Welcome to opening night of The Murder at Haversham Manor, where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous. With an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines), it’s “comic gold” (Variety) sure to bring down the house. Recommended for ages 8 and up.
They knew they would make history, but not what history would make of them. This new production of the Tony Award–winning musical reexamines a pivotal moment in American history with a cast that reflects multiple representations of race, gender, and ethnicity. What will it take to get two dozen powerfully passionate, exceedingly complicated, and all-too-human individuals to settle their differences, while they hold the very future of a nation in their hands? The Tony Award–winning Best Musical 1776 catapults to blazing new life in a thrillingly new production from directors Jeffrey L. Page (Violet) and Diane Paulus (Waitress). New York Magazine/Vulture says, “It’s an absolute blast!” Suddenly, the songs, humor, and passion of this musical masterpiece soar as never before. A glorious multiracial cast of female, transgender, and nonbinary actors portray the fiery founders of this country, putting history in the hands of the humans who were left out the first time around—and the result is an epic show of passion, debate, and roof-raising musical fireworks. Experience “a 1776 worth celebrating! It pulsates with energy and snaps with attitude” (Variety). You may never think about our country—who we are and why—the same way again. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the phenomenon of Disney’s The Lion King, and now you can, too, when Washington, D.C.’s best-loved musical returns to the Kennedy Center! Winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical, this landmark musical features some of Broadway’s most recognizable music crafted by Tony-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice. There is simply nothing else like The Lion King. Note: The front section of each performance is VIP Package seating, and is available for sale. The VIP Ticket Package includes the best seats in the theater, a Souvenir Program, and an exclusive cinch bag. More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the phenomenon of Disney’s The Lion King, and now you can, too, when Washington, D.C.’s best-loved musical returns to the Kennedy Center. Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this landmark musical event brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. The Lion King also features some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award®-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice. There is simply nothing else like The Lion King. Recommended for ages 6 and up.
Book and lyrics by Eric Idle Music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle A new musical lovingly ripped off from the motion picture Monty Python and the Holy Grail From the original screenplay by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin “Always look on the bright side of life…” Telling the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and the quest for the Holy Grail in song, Monty Python’s Spamalot features a chorus line of knights, men in tights, killer rabbits, and sexy dancing divas. The production also promises “some of the most unforgettable musical numbers you will ever see in the theater on this evening!” The score will be performed onstage by the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra. The show will be directed by Josh Rhodes, who helmed Broadway Center Stage: The Who’s Tommy. Starring Alex Brightman (Beetlejuice, School of Rock) as Sir Lancelot, James Monroe Iglehart (Aladdin, Hamilton, BCS: Guys and Dolls) as King Arthur, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer (Beetlejuice, Elf, Something Rotten!) as Lady of the Lake, Rob McClure (Mrs. Doubtfire, Beetlejuice) as The Historian/Prince Herbert, Matthew Saldivar (Honeymoon in Vegas, Broadway Center Stage: Guys and Dolls) as Patsy, Jimmy Smagula (Billy Elliot, Broadway Center Stage: Guys and Dolls, The Music Man) as Sir Bedevere, Michael Urie (Jane Anger, Broadway Center Stage: How to Succeed...) as Sir Robin, and Nik Walker (Hamilton, Ain’t Too Proud) as Sir Galahad. Other cast members include Phillip Attmore, Daniel Beeman, Maria Briggs, Michael Fatica, Ryan Kasprzak, Eloise Kropp, Daniel May, Shina Ann Morris, Kaylee Olson, and Kristin Piro. Directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodes Music direction by John Bell Scenic and projection design by Paul Tate dePoo III Costume design by Jen Caprio Lighting design by Cory Pattak Sound design by Haley Parcher Hair and wig design by Tom Watson Casting by JZ Casting
Young love soars with joy and heartbreak through bustling cafés and gritty garrets in Puccini’s tribute to bohemian Paris. May 14 & 26: Our talented Cafritz Young Artists take on the lead roles! Life is short. Join the party. Music by Giacomo Puccini / Libretto by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica In Italian with Projected English Titles Composed 1896 WNO Production Oh, to be young and in love in Paris! Sure, there are bills to be paid—but there’s also art, moonlight, and poetry! When a group of young bohemian artists gets tangled up in love’s highs and lows, growing up is its own bittersweet heartbreak. If tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, then make today a party! No other group of friends bursts with more youthful optimism than in Puccini’s tough and tender story. This striking production features grand sets evoking the city of love, from the gritty garrets of the Left Bank to the bustling Café Momus. With an acclaimed international cast, ravishing music, and relatable tale of exuberance and struggle, Puccini’s La bohème will win your heart for the first or fiftieth time. Cafritz Young Artists shine May 14 & 26: Our talented Cafritz Young Artists take on the lead roles! We’ve just announced our exciting casting—explore below. Enhance your La bohème experience! Upgrade your performance tickets to celebrate with a dazzling WNO Gala! Join us Saturday May 13th for a special pre-performance cocktail reception and a celebratory reception after the opening night performance.
The Washington Ballet presents this beloved fairy tale. In an illustrious kingdom from long ago, iconic fairy tale characters, with opulent and imaginative sets and costumes, and classical ballet, will light up the Kennedy Center.
By Anna Ziegler Directed by Alex Levy Played out under the bright lights of the U.S. Open Semifinals, The Last Match pits rising Russian star Sergei Sergeyev against American great Tim Porter in an epic showdown that follows two tennis titans through pivotal moments in their lives both on-and-off the court. This deep and intimate exploration of humanity and motivation serves as a perfect parallel to the back-and-forth play of life’s wins and losses. This production runs 90 minutes with no intermission.
Alfaro takes the chilling ancient Greek tale of Medea and re-imagines it in a Los Angeles Mexican-American immigrant community. After sacrificing nearly everything to begin this new life, Medea and her family weigh their love for each other against their drive to succeed. Mojada is an intense and passionate play, full of romantic fervor, magical realism, and a tense, gripping sense of foreboding that drives the characters ever forward towards irreversible acts of love and violence. This production runs 90 minutes with no intermission.