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An Imaginative and Daring Romeo and Juliet
in Circus Form at the
Shakespeare Theatre Company
Duel Reality
Shakespeare Theatre Company
Jordan Wright
July 6, 2025
 “Romeo” and “Juliet” in Duel Reality at the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Harman Hall (Photo/Zemi Photography)
Director Shana Carroll’s version of the feud between the Montagues and Capulets takes it to the next level reflecting a circus-like version with tumblers, acrobats and jugglers. The show opens with eleven acrobats and a referee who calls out, “Let the games begin!” It’s a playful boxing match with two teams – red and blue. Red or blue colored wristbands have been handed out to audience members based on which side of the theatre we’re seated. The performers encourage us to root for “our” team and the audience gets into the spirit from the get-go.
The fight consists of competitive leaps and dives and fake boxing feints as the competitors outdo each other to huge applause when their team is named the winner. Daring athletic pole work is involved while quotations from The Bard are projected over the participants. Expect to see splits, lifts, hoop diving and somersaults as Romeo and Juliet play out their romance along with the acrobats. The more complex aerial feats like the Chinese pole and the trapeze build the momentum when the rigging is revealed, and the battles and challenges escalate.
 The cast of Duel Reality (Photo/Jean Francois Savaria)
Carroll has the props. As the co-founding Artistic Director of this contemporary circus company The 7 Fingers, she directed, wrote and choreographed over a dozen of their touring and resident shows. As Co-choreographer and Circus Designer for the Broadway show Water for Elephants she earned Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle noms for “Best Choreography”. Carroll honed her skills at Cirque du Soleil, and if you are familiar with those spectacles, you’ll recognize many of this show’s acts from hula hooping to the diabolo, aerial silks, teeterboard, juggling, trapeze, complex lifts and more. I swear Juliet turned herself inside out in a trapeze act with her Romeo!
The playbill describes the company’s international cast’s tours staging original productions from intimate one-man shows scaling up to large arena performances, Broadway musicals, artistic collaborations with renowned international artists and companies, special events, Olympic ceremonies, televised performances, fashion, art and music events, immersive experiences and so much more.
Originally produced and created with Virgin Voyages. This international cast stars Nino Bartolini, Daniela Corradi, Adam Fullick, Gerardo Gutierrez, Michelle Hernandez, Miliève Modin-Brisebois, Einar Kling Odencrants, Carlos Francos Péré, Anton Persson, Méghane Poulet, Santiago Rivera, Ashleigh Roper, Vitor Martinez Silva, and Colin Vuillème.
Musical Director and Composer Colin Gagné; Lighting Design by Alexander Nichols; Costume Design by Camille Thibault-Bédard; Benoît Rouillard, Rigger.
This exciting show is perfect for families or date nights.
Through July 20th at the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Harman Hall, 610 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004. For tickets and information call the box office at 202.547.1122 or visitwww.ShakespeareTheatre.org
A Wrinkle in Time – a New Musical is a Must See Cosmic Adventure
A Wrinkle in Time – A New Musical
Arena Stage
Jordan Wright
June 28, 2025
 Taylor Iman Jones (Meg) and Jon Patrick Walker (Father) in A Wrinkle in Time at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. (Photo/T Charles Erickson Photography)
“I got blown off course on the tail end of a tesseract,” explains Mrs Whatsit, describing traveling through time and space by wrinkling the fabric of the universe. And, boom! Off we go, as prolific novelist Madeleine L’Engle’s tale of space travelers comes to life. Three teens, the awkward and gutsy Meg Murry, Calvin O’Keefe, her poetry-loving boyfriend and her mindreading brother Charles Wallace Murry, “I get these convulsions”, begin their cosmic adventure through the fifth dimension to find their scientist father, Dr. Alex Murry, who has teleported to the dark planet of Camazotz where he is being held captive by an evil ruler. These kids have their work cut out for them – logically, mathematically and emotionally.
You probably saw A Wrinkle in Time listed in my monthly “What’s Onstage in the DMV” column. Since its opening, the most frequent query I’ve received has been, “Is this for kids or adults?” Millions have seen the movie and millions more have read L’Engle’s book and that’s useful, because it’s tricky to follow if you don’t know you’ll be traveling to different universes. It was for me. To guide me through the megaverse (or should I say, multiverse, I am not well-versed in these things), I brought along a friend who is a huge fan of the book and knew both the characters and the story. But to answer who should see this? Everyone!
 The company of A Wrinkle in Time. (Photo/T Charles Erickson Photography)
Apart from some sound issues on opening night, this is a highly imaginative production in both story and score written by Heather Christian, a highly acclaimed composer, performer and librettist. It is structured as a sung-through with little spoken dialogue. The music is extraordinary – otherworldly and humanly harmonic – and the cast is fire! I promise you’ve never heard anything like it.
We do meet the children’s mother who has been anxiously awaiting her husband’s return, three muses, or shall we call them seers – Mrs Whatsit, Mrs Who and Mrs Which – there is no Mrs Whatchamacallit. The three guide the children through the cosmos with hot tips, urgings and comforting malaprops. These kids most assuredly need their help to navigate 5.3 million light years through the shifting galaxies and bizarre characters and creatures they encounter along the way.
 Amber Gray (Mrs Whatsit), Stacey Sargeant (Mrs Who), and Vicki Lewis (Mrs Which). (Photo/DJ Corey)
There are political undertones to the story and it’s fun and challenging to grok them as they pop up like ghost stars – totally unpredictable and oh, so clever. Through storms and dark matter, aliens, heroes and colorful no-nothings, Meg finds her voice and takes charge of the maelstrom threatening to consume them. The sets by dots, costumes by Sarafina Bush, and puppet design and puppetry by James Ortiz converge to create this masterfully designed universe where we can all be transported as we dance and sing our way through the cosmos. “And in the end, the love you make, is equal to the love you take.” – – Paul McCartney, composer/lyricist from “The End” on the Abbey Road album.
Highly recommended! Fresh, captivating, and extraordinary!!!
With Taylor Iman Jones as Meg; Nicholas Barrón as Calvin; Mateo Lizcano as Charles Wallace; Jon Patrick Walker as Father/Ensemble; Andrea Jones-Sojola as Mother/Aunt Beast; Amber Gray as Mrs Whatsit; Vicki Lewis as Mrs Which; Stacey Sargeant as Mrs Who; Leanne Antonio as Paper Girl/Ensemble; Kimberly Dodson as Happy Medium/Beast/Ensemble; Aidan Joyce as Camazotzian Brother/Ensemble; Gabrielle Rice as Beast/Ensemble; Jayke Workman as Affirmations Man/Ensemble; Michael Di Liberto as Man with the Red Eyes/Ensemble; Rebecca Madeira, Ensemble; Ronald Joe Williams, Ensemble.
Book by Lauren Yee; Directed by Lee Sunday Evans; Choreographed by Ani Taj; Lighting Design by Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew; Sound Design by Nick Kourtides; Wig and Hair Design by Alberto “Albee” Alvarado; Makeup Design by Kirk Cambridge-Del Pesche; Orchestrations by StarFish; Arrangements by Heather Christian; Music Direction by Ben Moss; Fight Consultant, Robb Hunter; Dance Captain, Leanne Antonio.
Through July 20th at Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024. For tickets and information call the box office at 202 488-3300 or visit www.ArenaStage.org.
Nation’s Only Artist-Designed 18-Hole Masterpiece Mini-Golf Course Opens at Workhouse Arts Center
Workhouse Arts Center – Masterpiece Mini-Golf Course
Jordan Wright
June 18, 2025
Special to The Zebra
 Grand Opening ribbon cutting ceremony of Workhouse Arts Center – Masterpiece Mini-Golf Course (Photo courtesy of Masterpiece Mini-Golf)
The 55-acre Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, VA was once a vast former prison where inmates made the bricks that built the prison and raised their own food from farm animals and vegetable gardens. Built in the early 1900’s, in 2008 the classically designed brick complex was miraculously transformed into an arts destination to include the Lucy Burns Museum named for one of the suffragists imprisoned there in 1917. The expansive campus now houses a community theater, resident artist studios, gallery exhibitions, arts education programming, live performances, and an events venue.
 Tribute to Banksy (Photo courtesy of Masterpiece Mini-Golf)
 Tribute to the art of Anime (Photo/Jordan Wright)
This month the Arts Center revealed the nation’s first artist-designed mini-golf course merging art history and creativity to a playful interactive experience. Each unique hole is cleverly designed to pay tribute to an iconic artist along with signage to teach players about the artist’s life and legacy while playing a whimsical outdoor course geared to all ages.
 Tribute to Michael Angelo (Photo courtesy of Masterpiece Mini-Golf)
 Tribute to Piet Mondrian (Photo courtesy of Masterpiece Mini-Golf)
Built by a dedicated team of local artists, designers, writers, and craftsmen who worked over several months to bring each hole to life using wood, paint, sculpture and storytelling, it’s believed to be the only art history-themed golf course in the country. Players can swing their putters through eighteen challenging holes constructed and painted on site. Cubism, Impressionism, Classicism, Guerilla Art, Anime and Pop Art are represented through recognizable artists’ paintings including Claude Monet, Salvador Dali, Keith Haring, Michelangelo, Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Banksy, Piet Mondrian to name a few. There’s even a castle to play through and you can putt through Van Gogh’s ear too!
 Tribute to Roy Lichtenstein (Photo courtesy of Masterpiece Mini-Golf)
 Tribute to Salvador Dali (Photo courtesy of Masterpiece Mini-Golf)
The art-inspired experience is designed entirely by Workhouse Resident Artist Tim Grant who is known for his public mural work across Fairfax County RECenters. His background in studio arts and art history helped shape the educational and creative foundation of this one-of-a-kind attraction. “I’ve always believed art should be both immersive and accessible,” said Grant. “This project gave us the chance to honor some of the greatest artists in history, while creating something that invites families, students, and the community to learn and play together. It’s education by way of joyful experience.” Assisting Grant in this fun-filled project were artists and carpenters from the local community – Phil Charlwood – Technical Design and Carpentry; Mia Klavon – Artist and Carpenter; Gary Spellman – Artist and Carpenter; and Tom Deevy – Carpenter.
 Tim Grant – Designer of the new Workhouse Arts Center Masterpiece Mini-Golf Course. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
“This is hands-down one of the most innovative projects we’ve ever launched at the Workhouse,” said Keith Gordon, President & CEO of the Workhouse Arts Center. “Masterpiece Mini-Golf is a perfect reflection of what the Workhouse is all about – creative exploration, community engagement, and accessible arts education for all ages. It’s smart, it’s fun, and it’s totally unique.”
While visiting be sure to visit Bunnyman Brewing. The onsite micro-brewery features an 18-tap self-pour system, breakfast items, baked goods, lunch and dinner in this popular spot which features both indoor and outdoor seating in a park-like setting.
The Masterpiece Mini-Golf Course is open Wednesday to Saturday, 11am – 6pm, and Sunday, 11am – 5pm and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information visit www.workhousearts.org/masterpiece-mini-golf
Discovering the Hip and Historic Side of Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Jordan Wright
June 14, 2025
Special to The Zebra
Founded in 1730, the city of Lancaster lies between the lush green fields of Amish farm country. Boys and bearded men sport suspenders, black trousers and straw hats in summer and black hats against cold winter days. Girls and women stroll by in long dresses with aprons – black bonnets for the single women and white for married women. It’s a striking and readily recognizable appearance. Look around and you’ll hear the sharp clip-clop of the one-horse buggys traveling country lanes.
This travelogue is about the other Lancaster, a burgeoning, hip and historic city easily accessed from Philadelphia – an hour’s train ride – or from the Washington Metro area – a 2-hour drive or 3-hour Amtrak ride into the heart of the city. The perfect weekend getaway.
My fascination with the city began with its remarkable architecture – Greek Revival, Tudor, Beaux Arts, Art Deco, Federal, Gothic, Germanic, Romanesque, Neo-Classical, Victorian, Colonial, Georgian, and Italian Renaissance. Tall multi-story structures decorated with elegant trim line the city streets. Many of these are beautifully preserved with plaques that reveal the history of the building or a notable occupant. Tucked into narrow alleyways you’ll discover log houses, carriage houses and early outhouses. A self-guided architectural walking tour can be accessed online at https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/9503b44fe06847b7b48a8865684ccec7.
Start your day at Lancaster Central Market in the heart of the city where you can stop for a bite and a coffee while checking out the many stalls featuring Amish cheeses, meats, farm fresh produce, Grasshopper’s Wicked Pickles (20 varieties!) and Mr. Bill’s Fresh Seafood for in-house smoked salmon. The market is a bonanza of locally canned fruit preserves. Pick up a scratch-made savory or sweet pie from Lancaster Pie & Coffee where you’ll find classic apple, peanut butter chocolate, bourbon pecan or a sour cherry latticed pie. Savory quiches are always on the menu.
 Local farm-made baked goods, apple butter and more from Kauffman Orchards at the Lancaster Central Market. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
Sample spirits from Lancaster Distilleries who make a variety of bourbons, whiskies, vodka and brandies. I know. It’s morning. But their booth was already busy with customers sipping and buying small batch bourbon. For nighttime fun the company runs a repertory cinema stillhouse called Zoetropolis with live music, local art and indie films.
 Customers enjoy the fresh produce at the Lancaster Central Market. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
Lancaster Central Market is the oldest indoor farmer’s market in the United States. In June the Strawberry Festival showcases piled-high strawberry pies topped with fluffy clouds of whipped cream, glistening strawberry shortcakes and cupcakes topped with strawberry and lemonade icing.
Once fueled up take a short stroll to the city’s art galleries. The Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen Store has local artists and artisans work – ceramics, carved wood objects, fine art and jewelry. Many of the galleries are close together on Prince Street. Be sure to visit the newly established Lancaster Art Vault on the corner of Orange and Queen Streets where owner Victoria Abadir presents revolving juried exhibits, workshops and live model figure drawing as well as local artists, some of whom work on site in a variety of mediums. Nearby, Redeux Vintage has stylish vintage clothing and unique accessories. Another fun stop is Space chock-a-block with mid-century furniture, clothing, vinyl records and video games.
A recent springtime visit coincided with the annual Rhubarb Festival held at Kitchen Kettle Village in Intercourse. Be sure to visit Jam & Relish Kitchen where you can watch the canning process and sample some of the jams, jellies, salsas and relishes they have stocked to the rafters. Over forty shops are dotted around this charming village. Seek out locally made heirloom quilts, homemade whoopie pies, hand-thrown pottery and artisan treasures.
 Rhubarb at the Rhubarb Festival in Kitchen Kettle Village. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
Within the Village have lunch at the Burnley family’s Kling House Restaurant. The restaurant has just reopened after shuttering for five years. You’ll dine in an historic house choosing from salads, housemade soups and entrées. We sat on the front porch overlooking the Amish Carriages for hire. Try the Shrimp & Crab “Cake”, Pork Barbecue, or Seared Pork Loin with Carolina Gold rice and black-eyed peas. Refreshing “Mocktails” are made with herbs, spices, rose blooms and/or lavender and fresh fruits. Executive Chef, Craig Longnecker helms the kitchen and designs the drinks.
 Kling House Restaurant at the Kitchen Kettle Village. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
After lunch, head off to The National Watch and Clock Museum in Columbia where you’ll gaze in wonder at a fascinating collection of hundreds of antique clocks, watches and elegant timepieces from around the world. The museum houses the Engel Clock, an extraordinary timepiece with moving characters synched up to the inner pipe organ. The massive clock sits 11 feet high and 8 feet wide. It was discovered in pieces in an old barn in Connecticut, then brought to the museum and restored by clockmakers and repair experts that came from all over the country. Be sure to take the tour when the guide brings the fantastical clock to life. Fun Fact: Founded in 1895, Lancaster was the headquarters of the Hamilton Watch Company for over seven decades.
Check in at the centrally located Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square before heading up to The Exchange, a modern rooftop lounge featuring drinks, small bites and a killer view of the city. You’ll find a lively scene packed nightly. Be sure to make reservations.
A few steps from the hotel is Josephine’s Downtown, an elegant, bespoke, white linen restaurant drenched in Hollywood glamour and located in an historic building. Chandeliers and candlelight bathe the well-spaced tables. The service is superb as are the wine list and the perfectly prepared cuisine. Deep blue walls are covered with gold-framed photos of famous stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood and the Broadway stage. We had fun putting names to the iconic images as we listened to a pianist play old standards. A destination restaurant, Josephine’s is an unforgettable lavish dining experience not to be missed.
 Elegant indoor dining at Josephine’s Downtown. (Photo courtesy of Josephine’s Downtown)
We slept in, savoring memories of our fabulous dining experience at Josephine’s, before heading out to the Hershey Farm Restaurant’s “Grand Smorgasbord” at the Hershey Farm Resort in Ronks where a twenty-foot Amish figure named Amos and holding a pitchfork, towers over the parking lot. Kitsch and cool at the same time.
 Amos the Amish farmer statue outside the Hersey Farm Restaurant. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
Suffice it to say, their buffet is epic and endless. In this newly decorated farmhouse style spot there’s something for everyone, kids and grownups alike. We checked out the lobby’s shops and found a boutique with a chic collection of affordable daywear, collectibles and accessories.
After brunch we headed over to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. I don’t claim to know a single thing about trains, so I was a bit skeptical if it would hold my interest. What we discovered was breathtaking – a vast collection of one hundred antique locomotives, cabooses and train cars, polished and restored as if brand new and housed in a massive two-level building the length of two football fields. You’ll stroll along the platforms, as if you’re about to leave the station or greet a loved one.
 The long lines of antique trains at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
On Main Street you’ll discover a re-created passenger depot from the early days of train travel, a train ticket booth and telegraph office, a roomful of model trains and railroad artifacts. We tried our prowess at a hands-on experience – shoveling coal into a train’s engine went well. Then climb aboard a train to be transported back in time. Our tour guide provided a wealth of information about the mechanics of each train and the early days of train travel.
 Recreated passenger depot at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. (Photo credit Jordan Wright)
Driving past dairy farms and rolling fields of early corn crops, we headed off to the Haines’ family’s Grandview Vineyard. The tasting room overlooks acres of vines in a scene evocative of a European winery. Their wines are legit as are the charcuterie boards featuring local cheeses.
 View from the tasting room at Grandview Vineyard. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
We enjoyed an excellent cabernet sauvignon and a merlot that was on point and brought home a chunk of the amazing local Smoked Galen’s farmstead gouda from Clover Creek Cheese Cellar. Enjoy the free concert series on Friday and Saturday nights.
 Local cheese at Grandview Vineyard. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
A quick ten-minute drive from the winery, in the tiny town of Mount Joy we found one of the most unique experiences at Bube’s Brewery – the first brewery in America to have a liquor license. Visitors come from all over the world to investigate the Old World brewing process and discover the original equipment still in use. It’s the nation’s only intact brewery from the 1800’s.
 Stepping back in time with the Victorian décor and furnishings. (Photo via Bube’s Brewery)
The extensive tour takes you through a series of underground rooms housing massive brewing vats, then up and down many narrow stairways to a ballroom overlooking the town and another room with the original pre-prohibition bar, still in use for special events. The lowest underground level features the Catacombs. A large, curved ceiling room for fine dining, it’s one of four restaurants onsite. The maximalist Victorian décor, furnishings and original art can be found throughout the 19th Century brick building. I’ve toured many breweries here and abroad and never seen any place as fascinating as this.
 Underground dining room at Bube’s Brewery. (Photo via Bube’s Brewery)
Bube’s is also an inn which, we were told, by law they must maintain to continue to operate as a brewery. Eight themed bedrooms accommodate guests – Moroccan, Southwestern, Asian and two Princess bedrooms to name a few. It would be fun to book a room on one of their murder mystery nights. Another area for dining is the expansive outdoor biergarten serving a selection of guest beers plus beers brewed on the property along with upscale pub food.
 Outdoor dining in the garden ay Bube’s Brewery. (Photo via Bube’s Brewery)
Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations
is 100% On Fire at The National Theatre
Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations
Broadway at The National
Jordan Wright
June 18, 2025
 Lowes Moore (Eddie Kendricks), Jameson Clanton (Melvin Franklin), Josiah Travis Kent Rogers (David Ruffin), Rudy Foster (Otis Williams), Bryce Valle (Paul Williams) from the National Touring Company of Ain’t Too Proud. (Photo/Joan Marcus)
With hot hits from America’s number one R&B/Soul/Funk/Pop group of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, this bio-musical from the Berkeley Repertory Theatre is a blast from the past jam-packed with 31 of their platinum hits. Told through the eyes of Otis Williams, the group’s founder, the story takes us on a top-of-the-pops journey from the original foursome’s Detroit roots through its heyday under record industry icon, Berry Gordy and songwriter Smokey Robinson. Through the years the group gained and lost members like David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Melvin Franklin and Damon Harris.
Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations takes us through the headliners’ triumphs and tragedies, telling the stories of their lives and loves through their music. Expect the greatest hits from their extensive catalogue – hits that a generation of us danced to, made out to, and sometimes got married to. Don’t think for a minute that the audience was a bunch of aging baby boomers clinging to fond memories of their teen years. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I looked around to see who was there – who was tapping their toes, mouthing the lyrics and beat-bobbing their heads, and they were all ages. Because you just can’t sit still to this musical – certainly not while watching their highly choreographed, synchronized dance movements these polished showmen were known for.
 Jameson Clanton (Melvin Franklin), Josiah Travis Kent Rogers (David Ruffin), Lowes Moore (Eddie Kendricks), Rudy Foster (Otis Williams), Bryce Valle (Paul Williams). (Photo/Joan Marcus)
These were the tunes that backgrounded family BBQs, birthday parties, impromptu dance parties and early discos. Hot hits that were played in cars and sung on street corners where impromptu harmonizers would doo-wop the latest hits. There is joyful spirit in the early music – “My Girl”, “I Can’t Get Next to You”, “If You Don’t Know Me by Now”, “Cloud Nine” and so many more. Eventually though the scene changed with the death of Martin, Jack and Bobby, the Vietnam War and the group’s songs – “I Wish It Would Rain” and “Ball of Confusion” – reflected those politicly fraught days. Just as “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” reflected the psychedelic era. Ain’t Too Proud covers 31 of their chart-topping hits throughout the perils and pitfalls, loves and losses of their massive success culminating with their reunion tour included all seven of the original Temptations. The Temptations went on to be named the “Number One Group in America” and that’s why you can’t miss this exciting show.
The musical is backdropped with terrific period-centric projections by Peter Nigrini of Sponge Bob Square Pants and Amélie fame and choreographed to a gold standard by Sergio Trujillo known for his work on Jersey Boys and On Your Feet. Orchestrations are by the show’s veteran musical director, Harold Wheeler with music directed by the legendary Kenny Seymour. Multiple Tony Award-winning director, Des McAnuff, pulls the threads and it’s as tight as the group’s pegged trousers, sharkskin jackets and the sequin-gowns worn by Diana Ross and The Supremes who make a cameo appearance with Tammi Terrell. Costume designer and multi-Tony Award winner, Paul Tazewell, veteran designer of Hamilton, Suffs, MJ, The Color Purple and other blockbuster Broadway hits.
 Reyanna Edwards (Johnnie Mae/Mary Wilson), Rudy Foster (Otis Williams), Jamal Stone (Dennis Edwards), Lowes Moore (Eddie Kendricks), Jasmine Barboa (Diana Ross/Josephine), Jameson Clanton (Melvin Franklin), Bryce Valle (Paul Williams), Kaila Symone Crowder (Paul Williams). (Photo/Joan Marcus)
The only issue I have is why, oh why, were we teased with too brief solos by Jasmine Barboa’s heart-stopping voice on “If You Don’t Know Me by Now”, and Bryce Valle’s beautiful solo tenor on the ballad, “For Once in My Life”. Just when we had goosebumps.
Book by Dominique Morisseau. Based on the book “The Temptations” by Otis Williams with Patricia Romanowski. Music and lyrics from The Legendary Motown Catalog.
With Rudy Foster as Otis Williams; Bryce Valle as Paul Williams; Jameson Clanton as Melvin Franklin; Lowes Moore as Eddie Kendricks; Josiah Travis Kent Rogers as David Ruffin (played by Corey Mekell on opening night); Cedric Jamaal Greene as Slick Talk Fella/Smokey Robinson/Damon Harris; Mikey Corey Hassel as “Gloria” soloist/Interviewer/Delivery Man/Richard Street/Lamont; Robert Crenshaw as Al Bryant; Kaila Symone Crowder as Mama Rose/Florence Ballard/Tammi Terrell; Reyanna Edwards as Johnnie Mae/Mary Wilson; Kerry D’Jovanni as Berry Gordy; Jasmine Barboa as Diana Ross/Josephine; Colin Stephen Kane as Shelly Berger; Jamal Stone as Dennis Edwards.
Scenic Design by Robert Brill; Lighting Design by Ryan O’Gara; Music Direction/Conductor, Eli Bigelow; Sound Design by Jeff Human, Original Hair and Wig Design by Charles G. Lapointe.
Highly recommended! 100% on fire!!!
Through Sunday, June 21st at The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington. DC 20004. For tickets and information call the box office at 202.621.6161 or visit www.TheNationalDC.com.
What’s Onstage in the DMV – July 2025
Jordan Wright
Special to The Zebra
 Harry Potter and the Cursed Child North American Tour (Photo/Matthew Murphy)
The National Theatre – Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – July 8th – Sept 6th – www.TheNationalDC.org
Arena Stage – A Wrinkle in Time – through July 20th – www.ArenaStage.org
Faction of Fools – How the Sausage Gets Made – Jul 17th – Aug 9th – www.FactionofFools.org
Contemporary American Theater Festival – Shepherdstown, WV – July 11th – August 3rd [email protected]
 Summer Passport Music Festival via Creative Cauldron
Creative Cauldron – Summer Passport Music Festival – June 20th – Sept 14th –
www.CreativeCauldron.org
Olney Theatre – Kim’s Convenience – June 25th – July 27th
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (a Synetic Theater production) – July 17th – Aug 10th – www.Tickets.olneytheatre.org
Theatre J – The Rise of the Superhero – July 21st – Aug 25th www.EDCJCC.org
 The cast of The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical at Signature Theatre (Photo/Christopher Mueller)
Signature Theatre – The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical – through Jul 13th
You’ve Got a Friend – Women Pop Rock: Women Songwriters – July 2nd – July 13th
Broadway in the Park at Wolf Trap – June 28th one night only
www.SigTheatre.org
Keegan Theatre – Apropos of Nothing, A Comedy – Jul 12th – Aug 3rd – www.KeeganTheatre.com
 Cast of Dungeons & Dragons The Twenty-Sided Tavern US Tour
The Kennedy Center – Les Miserables – through July 13th
Sesame Street the Musical – July 10th – Aug 31st
Dungeons & Dragons The Twenty-Sided Tavern – July 22nd – Aug 3rd
www.Kennnedy-Center.org
Toby’s Dinner Theatre – Disney’s The Little Mermaid – through Aug 17th – www.TobysDinnerTheatre.com
 Wipeout via Studio Theatre
Studio Theatre – Wipeout – through July 27th – www.StudioTheatre.org
Shakespeare Theatre Company – Duel Reality – July 1st – July 20th – www.ShakespeareTheatre.org
Imagination Stage – Dory Phantasmagory – through Aug 3rd – www.ImaginationStage.org
 Bye Bye Birdie via Port Tobacco Players
Adventure Theatre – The Lightning Thief – through Aug 17th – www.AdventureTheatre-MTC.org
Port Tobacco Players – Bye Bye Birdie – July 11 – Aug 3rd – www.PTPlayers.com
The Little Theatre of Alexandria – Kinky Boots – July 26th – Aug 16th – www.TheLittleTheatre.com
Woolly Mammoth – Dead Inside – July 9th – July 27th – www.WoollyMammoth.net
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