Summer picks on regional stages

Maggie Lawrence / Culpeper Star Exponent
Published: May 24, 2007

1.  "The Tempest" -Shakespeare's last play is thought to be inspired by news of perilous voyages to the New World. Aaron Posner directs this crowd pleasing flight of fancy notable for Caliban and Ariel, treachery and forgiveness, and an innocent's first view of the Brave New World.

The Folger Theatre
n201 East Capitol St. SE, Washington, D.C.
n(202) 544-7077 or visit folger.edu/theatre
nPlaying trhough June 17
 
2. "Hamlet" - Shakespeare lovers and scholars have been analyzing this pivotal tragedy for nearly 400 years and show no signs of slowing down. Michael Kahn directs this "exploration of life, love, duty, and vengeance" - all three plus hours of it - in what promises to be a true Renaissance feast.  To be reviewed.

The Shakespeare Theatre Co.

n450 7th St. NW, Washington, D.C
n(202) 547-1122 or visit ShakespeareTheatre.org.
nPlays June 5 through July 29
 
3. "Peter and Wendy" - The world-renowned experimental theatre company, Mabou Mines, imagines the story of Peter Pan and the Darling family through east Asian puppetry and a lush Celtic musical score. Expect this to be as unique and imaginative a spectacle as any lover of live theatre might hope for. To be reviewed.

Arena Stage in the Kreeger
n1101 Sixth St. SW, Washington, D.C.
nCall (202) 554-9066 or visit arenastage.org.
nPlaying April 27 through June 24
 
4. "Ennio" - How many kids, when asked what they want to be when they grow up, say "A One Man Living Cartoon Factory"- Ennio Marchetto may never have said it, but that's what he is, having wowed and wooed the New York Times with his frolic in the fields of America's pop culture. In his first D.C. appearance, he "blazes his goony trail through a blizzard of pop icons" all the while adorned in a "startling array of paper cutout costumes" and spoofing our favorite divas. My head is already spinning, but it sounds like a "don't miss."

Arena Stage in the Fitchandler
n(see information above)
nPlaying May 22 through June 10
 
5. "The Witches of Eastwick" - Based on the John Updike novel, this is the American premiere of the popular musical. Three dissatisfied housewives in Eastwick, R.I. do a little idle conjuring and find themselves suddenly confronted with a devilishly attractive stranger. Think of "Picnic" with a touch of magic. To be reviewed.

Signature Theatre (In the Max)
n2800 S. Stafford St. Arlington, Va.
nCall (703) 820-9771
nPlaying June 5 through July 8
 
6. "Macbeth" - Anyone who reads this column knows I have nearly given up on finding a production of "Macbeth" that I believe truly does it justice. Shakespeare's story of murderous ambition spiked with hair-raising supernatural images is the ultimate thriller - so why can't we see that on the stage- WSC has never been afraid to go over the top - maybe this will be the one. To be reviewed.

Washington Shakespeare Co. Clark Street Playhouse
n601 S. Clark St., Crystal City, Va.
nCall ((703) 418-4808
nPlaying June 14 through July 15
    
7. "Shenandoah" - First a movie starring Jimmy Stewart, then a Broadway musical, "Shenandoah" maintains a broad appeal with its combination of humor, struggle, and sorrow. Charlie Anderson has decided that the Civil War isn't his fight and does what he can to keep his family out of it - but the war comes anyway. This is a well cast production with crisp direction and strong technical support. Reviewed.

Riverside Dinner Theatre
n95 Riverside Pkwy, Fredericksburg, Va.
nCall (540) 370-4300
nPlaying through July
 
8. "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" -Some things just work better than others on the Lazy Susan stage. This "Joseph..." is one of the things that works better. Colorful, funny, high energy - a nicely put together show that makes good use of the long, shallow stage. And there's always the famous buffet.  Reviewed.

Lazy Susan Dinner Theatre
nWoodbridge
nCall (703) 494-6311
nPlaying through July
 
9. "A Streetcar Named Desire" - Tennessee Williams' masterpiece will never die, and is sturdy enough to carry heavy loads. This production has a well-cast Stella, Stanley, and Blanche, but becomes top-heavy when the director tries to help the script along. Nevertheless, the weaknesses are forgiveable and the strengths are memorable.

Reviewed.
Live Arts
n123 E. Water St., Charlottesville
nCall (434) 977-4177 or visit Livearts.org.
nPlaying through June 9

Margaret Lawrence is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association. She teaches drama at CCHS.