D.C. is no Broadway, but that does not mean that the average theater buff is at a loss for options. Quite the opposite, in fact. D.C. has a colorful and ever-growing theater community, and it is not centered around the famed Kennedy Center. From the unorthodox to the Shakespearean, The Scene offers you a preview of the upcoming plays at some of the area’s best theaters.
“Jekyll and Hyde” at Synetic Theater
The Crystal City-based Synetic Theater is famous for being on the cutting edge of cool. Their daring performances of classic Shakespearean pieces are often completely silent or visually experimental in one way or another. Now they are putting their dark twist on the haunting classic “Jekyll and Hyde.” Directed by Paata Tsikurishvili, the production transports the setting from the Gothic setting of 19th century London to sleek, modern-day America.
“Jekyll and Hyde” is running from Sept. 20 to Oct. 21.
“The Conference of the Birds” at Folger Shakespeare Theatre
The go-to venue for Shakespeare’s classics the Folger Theatre on East Capitol Street is not limited to titles by the famous playwright. “The Conference of the Birds,” produced in association with the Folger exhibition “Very Like A Whale,” is a stage adaptation of a Persian poem by Farid ud-Din Attar. Part epic hero’s journey, part classic musical, “The Conference of The Birds” is sure to be a treat for the avid play fanatic.
“The Conference of the Birds” is running from Oct. 23 to Nov. 25. The Folger exhibition “Very Like A Whale” is on view starting Oct. 16.
“The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” at Signature Theatre
Signature Theatre in Arlington primarily deals with musicals both new and old. It is a bit far, but if you are a musical buff, Signature Theatre is your best bet for a good time. They are currently showing the Tony Award-winning musical comedy “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.” If you are in for a bit of raunch, a whole lot of hilarity and a bit of a drive, then check out this swanky little theater in Virginia.
“The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” is running from Aug. 14 to Oct. 7.
“Fly” at Ford’s Theatre
If you have read up on your American history, you would know Abraham Lincoln’s morbidly infamous connection to Ford’s Theatre. Despite its depressing past, the venue is a magnificent piece of American heritage as well as a rather extravagant theater venue. Keeping with their tradition of patriotic-themed productions, Ford’s Theatre is putting on “Fly” (not based on the B-horror movie starring Jeff Goldblum) about the real-life African-American Tuskegee airmen who surpassed race barriers in World War II.
“Fly” is running from Sept. 21 to Oct. 21.
“A Couple of Blaguards” at Keegan Theatre
Keegan Theatre is probably the most Irish theater venue to ever grace the D.C. Metropolitan area. Its players wear their pride in Irish heritage on their sleeves, which is especially conspicuous in the theatre’s upcoming production, “A Couple of Blaguards.” A two-man comedy, the play details the story of two Irish immigrant brothers as they struggle to make a living in New York set to blatantly Irish music.
“A Couple of Blaguards” is running from Sept. 21 to Oct. 14.
hbui@theeagleonline.com
