Politically sparked and expansive, the D.C. theater scene promises a spring of verve and life. Local theaters continue to stage vibrant and diverse productions - from the classic, to the modern monologue, to the bilingual comedy.
Woolly Mammoth Theater Company 641 D St. N.W. METRO: Gallery Place-Chinatown (red, green and yellow lines) Known for being an edgy theater in the heart of D.C., the Woolly Mammoth Theater Company will showcase a quirky and diverse spring 2009 season. History, wit and existentialism collide in a season that embraces all forms of entertaining.
"How Theater Failed America" Jan. 7-18 In this one-man show written and performed by veteran actor Mike Daisey, probing monologues explore the acting life and the woes of the modern theater scene.
"Hell Meets Henry Halfway" Feb. 2-Mar. 1 Created and performed by the Philadelphia Pig Iron Theatre Company, this promises to be classic and dark existential comedy at its best.
Washington Shakespeare Company 601 S. Clark St. Arlington, Va. METRO: Arlington Cemetery (blue line) Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard" will be the last WSC production staged at its Clark Street Playhouse in Arlington before moving to Rosslyn.
"The Cherry Orchard" Jan. 15-Feb. 15 Director Christopher Henley, the WSC Artistic Director and a Helen Hayes award nominee, will stage Anton Chekhov's famous play about a mother and daughter who return home to find their beloved family cherry orchard up for auction.
Arena Stage 1101 Sixth St. S.W. METRO: Waterfront-SEU (green line) Arena Stage's spring season draws on big names to present different perspectives - from the musical to the absurd --- on modern American life.
Irving Berlin's "I Love a Piano" Jan. 29-Feb. 15 Irving Berlin's music narrates seven generations of American history in this careening musical staged at Lincoln Theater, Arena's U Street home.
"A Delicate Balance" Feb. 6-Mar. 15 This drama by famed absurdist playwright Edward Albee follows a retired married couple as they take on new guests. Both familiar and jarring, Albee's work probes the questions of family life.
Olney Theater Center 2001 Sandy Spring Rd. Olney, MD METRO: Check wmata.com for bus routes The spring season at this Maryland theater examines the life of the artist through a haunting classic and a recently discovered farce by one of America's favorite authors.
"1984" Jan. 10-11 The National Players theater troupe makes a short stop at Olney Theater to stage George Orwell's resonant work about a future society in the grips of Big Brother.
"Is He Dead?" Feb. 11-Mar. 8 This recently discovered Mark Twain play follows a bright artist who stages his own death to drum up publicity for his artwork. The Washington-area premier of this farce promises to examine the challenges and humor of the bohemian life.
GALA Hispanic Theater 3333 14th St. N.W. METRO: Columbia Heights (green and yellow lines) The spring season of GALA carries on the theater's tradition of presenting edgy plays that tackle resonant issues in Latin America and its U.S. diaspora.
"The Best Judge, the King" Jan. 29-Feb. 22 GALA stages the U.S. premier of this lesser-known work by famed Spanish playwright Lope de Vega that explores the meaning of justice through the wrecked wedding plans of a peasant couple.
"The True History of Coca-Cola in Mexico" April 2-26 Two American filmmakers travel to Mexico to make a documentary in this comedy about exploitation with pointed political undertones.
You can reach this staff writer at agoldstein@theeagleonline.com.