Are You Now or Have You Ever Been?
Arena Stage
Jordan Wright
October 30, 2026
 Greg Stuhr (Man 2), Peter Jacobson (Abe Burrows), Stephen Cefalu Jr. (Man 3), Aaron Bliden (Larry Parks), Edward L. Simon (Man 1), Jason Babinsky (Committeeman 2), John Leslie Wolfe (Chairman), and Philip Earl Johnson (Committee Man 1) in Are You Now or Have You Ever Been? at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater (Photo/Teresa Castracane).
In a foreboding parallel to our current political climate, Anna D. Shapiro directs playwright Eric Bentley’s gut-wrenching production that is guaranteed to set your teeth on edge. I’m calling these political dramas ‘merging media’. Why? Because our daily headlines are chock-a-block with relevance to the hearings that began in the late 1930’s and continued intermittently through 1975 by the men who created watchlists while unceremoniously trampling on U.S. citizens’ rights to free speech – all under the guise of chasing down communists and, in the process, discriminating against Black Americans. It proved to be a very dark moment in American history and is remembered as a campaign of intimidation, blacklisting, and outrageous government overreach. This docudrama focuses on the hearings conducted in the 1940’s assailing Hollywood and the entertainment industry, though over the years many industries and unions were targeted by these committees.
Known as the “Hollywood Ten”, we are introduced to each witness as they come before this draconian committee. This is the actual transcript of the screenwriters, actors and directors as well as the very real accusatory questioning from their interrogators. [See cast listings below for the characters who appear]. This intensely hostile questioning from the HUAC (House Un-American Activities Committee) hearings was a terrifying time for many Americans, some who worked together, others who socialized with each other, and still others who toyed with the halcyon concepts floated by Communist operatives who had created slick promotional campaigns to recruit idealists and their friends.
 Kevin Mambo (Paul Robeson) (Photo/Teresa Castracane).
Questions are posed by three prominent politicos – McCarthy, as well as the committee chairman, and one another committeeman. During these hearings cameras had recorded witness testimonies while daily newspapers screeched results in 50-point typeset headlines. (You may recall Richard Nixon made his bones as a member of the committee.) Blasted as “Commies” and “Reds”, industry leaders and well-loved Hollywood actors and screenwriters were hunted down and intimidated destroying careers and reputations as witnesses were forced to name names of anyone they thought were Communists or had met at informal meetings. Many of the witnesses eventually broke down throwing out names to placate the committee and get themselves off the hook.
The parallel here is the current purge of Federal employees by the American Accountability Foundation (funded in large part by the Heritage Foundation). AAF’s activities are responsible for the firing, purging and resulting blacklisting of tens of thousands of Federal employees – disproportionally women and people of color – in their quest to destroy DEI initiatives through their trumped up “watch list”. Sound familiar? Feel free to read more about them. I did a deep dive and was alarmed at their influence.
 Rivka Borek (Lillian Hellman) (Photo/Teresa Castracane).
Are You Now or Have You Ever Been – An American Docudrama is a fiercely important play that should be required viewing by those who remember these terrible times but need a refresher course, and those who think these kinds of attacks on personal freedoms died in the dustbin of history.
Supremely acted by a perfectly in synch cast who bring to life this shameful period in American government.
 Edward L. Simon (Man 1), Rivka Borek (Lillian Hellman), Peter Jacobson (Abe Burrows), Jeff Still (Lionel Stander), Jason Babinsky (Committeeman 2), John Leslie Wolfe (Chairman), and Philip Earl Johnson (Committee Man 1) (Photo/Teresa Castracane).
Man 1 (Sam G. Wood, Sterling Hayden, Elia Kazan, Elliot Sullivan, Arthur Miller) Edward L. Simon; Man 2 (Edward Dmytryk, Tony Kraber, Martin Berkely) Greg Stuhr; Man 3 (Ring Lardner Jr., José Ferrer, Jerome Robbins, Marc Lawrence) Stephen Cefalu Jr.; Committeeman 2 – Jason Babinsky; Chairman – John Leslie Wolfe; Committee Man 1 – Philip Earl Johnson; Larry Parks – Aaron Bliden; Abe Burrows – Peter Jacobson; Lillian Hellman – Rivka Borek; Lionel Stander – Jeff Still; Paul Robeson – Kevin Mambo.
Set Design by Andrew Boyce; Costume Design by Johanna Pan; Lighting Design by Donald Holder; Sound Designers Rob Milburn & Michael Bodeen; Projection Design by Brittany Bland; Hair and Wig Design by Brittany Hartman.
Through December 6th 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
The M.A.K.A.DO: Make America Kingly Again!
IN Series
at Arena Stage
Jordan Wright
October 15, 2026
 Greg Sliskovitch (Yankee-Poo), Andrew Adelsberger (Koch-Co.), and Teresa Ferrara (Num-Num) in IN Series production of The M.A.K.A.DO: Make America Kingly Again! at Arena Stage (Photo/IN Series).
Straight out of the gate, the title gives away its irreverent intent. The M.A.K.A.DO is a grandiose spoof and bitingly clever take off of Gilbert and Sullivan’s well-loved operetta The Mikado. IN Series describes it as “An Operatico-Politico-Buffo-Satirico” which if there were such a term, pretty much sums it up. Think off-the-wall, high octane hilarious with new lyrics provided by legendary spoof-masters, The Capitol Steps. I laughed my tail feathers off at the absurdities, shamelessly guffawing along with the rest of the audience at this collection of colorful characters who deliver songs and patter at lightening pace. Keep up as best as you can. It’s a damn good thing there are seats, otherwise you could fall down laughing and hurt yourself. Don’t hurt yourself.
Skewering a presidential administration, its cabinet, political appointees and elected officials has become an art form. We saw it earlier this year with 44 The Musical and I can only assume there will be more delightfully flippant follies in the works. Because, ladies and gentlemen, as you well know, there lies a wealth of current comic + drama material to glean from (insert daily slap to the forehead emoji here).
 Robin McGinness (Poo-Bah), Greg Sliskovitch (Yankee-Poo), and John Solomon Collins (Pish-Tush) (Photo/IN Series).
I’ll try not to give too much away, but the dramatically lit opening features the Presidential Resolute Desk, a golden toilet and a hefty blond man in a dark suit with his back facing the audience as the orchestra plays the intro. It is in the Oval Office that we are introduced to Koch-Co. (Andrew Adelsberger) and his boot-licking assistants who quickly arrive to assist POTUS in his dark plans. Golden banquet chairs hang in clusters like chandeliers, and a character named Yankee-Poo (Greg Sliskovitch) arrives on a mission to find his long-lost love, the irresistible Num-Num (Teresa Ferrara), who is currently engaged to marry Koch-Co. the wicked slum lord and red ball cap-wearing leader – aka ‘The Lord High Retributioner’ – easily recognized as our current American president. His sycophantic aides, Poo-Bah (Robin McGinness) sporting a shiny leather sash reading “The Man, The Myth, The Legend” and cohort Pish-Tush (John Solomon Collins) who deliver epic hilarity as they bow and scrape to serve their fearless leader.
 Hayley Abramowitz (Peep-Bo), Teresa Ferrara (Num-Num), and Melanie Ashkar (Pitti-Sing) (Photo/IN Series).
An “anti-flirtation law” condemns our Boy Scout hero Yankee-Poo to death by execution for canoodling with Num-Num who still loves him but is in a bit of a pickle with her untimely upcoming nuptials. A trio of MAGA babes, Peep-Bo (Hayley Abramowitz), Pitti-Sing (Melanie Ashkar) and Num-Num, arrive in matching tight red business suits and wavy blond hair cavorting and shooting an Insta reel and singing “How Cool Are We” to the tune of “Three Little Maids from School Are We”.
 Cecelia McKinley (The Maqado) and Hunter Shaner (Kitty-KatiShaw) (Photo/IN Series).
Outlandish characters soon arrive to quell the dangers the young couple faces. A drop-dead fabulous Kitty-KatiShaw (Hunter Shaner), who damn near steals the show as the femme fatale who has a few gossipy weapons up her sequined sleeve as she slinks onto the stage to put a fly in the nuptial ointment. And oh, my dear, if we don’t remain seated, we could tumble onto the stage in stitches when The Maqado (Cecelia McKinley) arrives in all her splendor and French accent – no spoilers here.
Did I mention the eight-piece orchestra who accompany lampoons of familiar ditties from the opera plus a few marches from John Phillip Sousa. I damn near collapsed from laughing so hard at the wacky lyrics written for the well-known “On a Tree by a River (Tit-Willow)” sung by Koch-Co. attempting to convince Kitty-KatiShaw of his undying love? Ohmygawd, the irony, the idiocy! Absolutely delectable!
 Cast of The M.A.K.A.DO: Make America Kingly Again! at Arena Stage (Photo/IN Series).
See it! Revel in the laughter, the gorgeous operatic voices and the delightful music. But do not fall out of your seat when you are doubled over with glee!
Stage Director, Timothy Nelson; Musical Director Dana Scott, Costume Design by William Linares; Lighting Design by Paul Callahan; Wig and Makeup Design by Andre Hopfer.
Through October 18th at Arena Mead Center’s Kogood Cradle, 1101 Sixth Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024. For tickets and information visit www.INSeries.org or www.ci.ovationtix.com
P. S. Before the curtain, Artistic Director Timothy Nelson announced InSeries’ new shared multi-disciplinary theater complex. Named the Revada Arts Center, it is set to open late October a few blocks from The Wharf and Arena Stage at 340 Maple Drive, SW. The Center will host two other production companies – Theater Alliance and 4EYE Film Center. Check it out here www.RevadaArtsCenter.org.
Arena Stage’s World Premiere of CrazySexyCool – The TLC Musical is the Hottest Show in Town!
CrazySexyCool – The TLC Musical
Arena Stage
Jordan Wright
June 29, 2026
 Jade Milan (Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes), Stoney B. Woods (Rozonda ‘Chilli’ Thomas), and Holli’ Gabrielle Conway (Tionne ‘T-Boz’ Watkins) in CrazySexyCool – The TLC Musical at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater (Photo/Julieta Cervantes).
In the early 1990’s when male stars like MC Hammer (Christopher Henry Young) ruled the airwaves, an unlikely trio blazing with talent, attitude and sisterhood launched their girl group into the stratosphere. Eponymously named after their 1994 record-breaking album, CrazySexyCool – The TLC Musical is an emotionally lit bio musical about the lives and times of TLC, three young women whom fate brought together, lights up the stage in this world premiere musical.
Led by their manager, Christina (Felicia Curry), the East Atlanta trio continued to set the nascent hip-hop world on fire with their “Hat 2 da Back”, baggy boyish streetwear, pure harmonies and cheeky attitudes. Grammys and a host of top music awards followed their platinum-selling singles and albums as their styles and music choices continued to evolve into ever steamier, ever raunchier lyrics. Promoting girl power and safe sex in the days of HIV, these super music influencers and pop pioneers hit the airwaves like a typhoon.
 Holli’ Gabrielle Conway (Tionne ‘T-Boz’ Watkins), Jade Milan (Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes), and Stoney B. Woods (Rozonda ‘Chilli’ Thomas) (Photo/Julieta Cervantes).
CrazySexyCool showcases the complicated personal lives and pioneering style successes of Tionne ‘T-Boz’ Watkins (Holli’ Gabrielle Conway), Lisa ‘Left-Eye’ Lopes (Jade Milan) and Rozonda ‘Chilli’ Thomas (Stoney B. Woods) in this blockbuster musical hoping for a Broadway debut. Promoted by MC Hammer after they crash his recording studio staging a rap battle, they begin their rocket ride to stardom. Left-Eye’s crusty attitude towards Blake Thomas (Josh A. Dawson), a major Atlanta pop music broadcaster, nearly derails their meteoric rise with trumped up slander against the girls. Happily, their avid fan base supersedes Blake’s vindictive tactics, and they get their career back on track. Through cheating boyfriends, personal struggles, drama and pathos, the intensity of touring, thieving agents and the death of Lisa Lopes while on a soul-searching mission in Guyana, the women prove that sisterhood and music can overcome all of life’s obstacles.
Twenty-six numbers include many of their biggest hits like “Creep”, “Perfect Girls”, “Waterfalls” and “Unpretty” and the powerhouse “Dance Again”, a moving spiritual sung by Chilli and the Ensemble.
 Stoney B. Woods (Rozonda ‘Chilli’ Thomas), Jade Milan (Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes), Holli’ Gabrielle Conway (Tionne ‘T-Boz’ Watkins), and the company of CrazySexyCool – The TLC Musical (Photo/Julieta Cervantes).
Speaking of the ensemble, the singers and dancers are absolutely, freakin’, jaw-dropping phenomenal!!! Tearing up the stage with eye-popping talent, hard bodies and heart-stopping endurance, the dancers and Chloe O. Davis’s choreography will take your breath away. Huge, huge, huge props to writer and director Kwame Kwei-Armah for shepherding this massive musical to the stage as well as the dozens of creatives involved in seeing it to fruition.
This show is lit! Highly recommended!!!
With Felicia Curry in dual roles as Christina and Dr. Nzinga; Ciara Alyse Harris as Rikara/Ensemble; Trenton McKenzie Beavers as Tommy/Ensemble; Darius Jordan Lee as Michael/Ensemble; Malik Shabazz Kitchen as Kavonne/Ensemble; Aaron Bliden as Danny/Ensemble; Deon’te Goodman as Rain/Ensemble; Nichole Forde, Ensemble; Bethany Hemmans, Ensemble; Kennedy Holmes, Ensemble; Lindsey Jolyn Jackson, Ensemble and Dance Captain; Madison McBride, Ensemble.
Huge props to Dramaturg Hana S. Sharif, Hair and Wig Designer, Nikiya Mathis, Costume Designer Dede Ayite, Lighting Designer Japhy Weideman and Set Designer David Zinn with a blazing orchestra led by Jaret Landon.
Through August 9th at Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth Street, NW, Washington DC 20024. For tickets and information call the box office at 202.488.3300 or visit www.ArenaStage.org.
Inherit the Wind at Arena Stage Defies Gravitas
Inherit the Wind
Arena Stage
Jordan Wright
March 20, 2026
 The company of Inherit the Wind at Arena Stage. (Photo/Daniel Rader)
In a time when political tensions couldn’t be more fraught and the country seems to be devolving into fearmongering and racist stereotypes, a new staging of Inherit the Wind opens at Arena Stage. Just when we need to remind our citizenry that the bravest of activist attorneys bucked the Old Guard while the bell was tolling, along comes a corny version of one of America’s most important legal cases – one which defined the country’s identity, forced a sea change in the laws of the land and elevated an unknown White attorney to historic legal prominence.
Unfortunately, this version seems to downplay its significance or, shall I say, highlights comedy over a transformative national event. I felt as though I was at a hoedown instead of a courtroom. Haystacks, swaths of white fabric indicating a tent revival, and light-colored wooden pallets form the spare set, serving as the only visual aids. Costumes are more in line with Minnie Pearl’s straw hat, while musical interludes serve only to denigrate the weight of the subject matter.
 Noah Plomgren (Cates) and Billy Eugene Jones (Drummond). (Photo/Daniel Rader)
Where am I? Why, Ma! Pa! it’s Hokey Land in Hee-haw County where ordinary country folk are depicted in an insulting and insensitive manner. We count on Arena to deal fairly, or humorously, in the most salient political issues and to present a thinking person’s wakeup call when necessary. And it is necessary now. The importance of the Scopes trial of Darwinism (i.e. accepted science) versus a Tennessee backwoods, church-driven, moralistic position is not a topic to make light of – – most especially today when the country’s intellectuals, artists and scientists are under siege and pitted against bible-toting Christian fundamentalists eager to return to the Dark Ages.
In its favor is a willingly flexible cast who take on numerous roles and multiple quick costume changes in earnest. Standout performances by Broadway royalty Billy Eugene Jones as Drummond in the Clarence Darrow role, Noah Plomgren as Cates the reluctant defendant, Dakin Matthews as Brady the Prosecutor, and Alyssa Keegan as the Baltimore journalist covering the trial, elevate what could have been, and should have been, one of the most important and timely plays of the season.
 Dakin Matthews (Brady), Rebecca Madeira (Rachel), and the company of Inherit the Wind. (Photo/Daniel Rader)
If only the fabulous and brilliantly choreographed Chez Joey had been done in the round in the more expansive Fichandler Stage, and this production been mounted in the smaller, more intimate Kreeger stage, switching the theater spaces, I think it might have come off better. Then again, maybe not, when the gravitas of this play is drowned out by pure unadulterated cornball.
With Rebeca Madeira as Rachel; and Jordan Friend, Natalya Lynette Rathnam, Todd Scofield, Tristan Turner and Holly Twyford fulfilling the ensemble’s multiple roles.
Written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee and directed by Ryan Guzzo Purcell. Set Design by Tanya Orellana; Costume Design by An-Lin Dauber; Lighting Design by Xavier Pierce; Composer & Sound Designer Paul James Prendergast.
Through April 5th at Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024. For tickets and information call the box office at 202.488.3300 or visit www.ArenaStage.org.
You’ll Laugh, You’ll Cry with the Families of Fremont Ave. at Arena Stage
Fremont Ave.
Arena Stage
Jordan Wright
October 21, 2025
 Bradley Gibson (George/Robert/Joseph), Stanley Andrew Jackson (Walter), Wildlin Pierrevil (Frank), and Jeffrey Rashad (Tony) in Fremont Ave. at Arena Stage. (Photo/Marc J. Franklin)
Reflect on any TV all-Black cast comedy series, then go deep, then deeper. In a richly complex and cleverly funny three-generational play, we meet George, a newly rich, music therapist with a PhD living in his mid-century modern home. It’s 1968 and George is living alone. He’s interviewing a woman in his living room, barely furnished save for an upright piano. During an overly familiar conversation (Audrey is there for a housekeeping position), he tells her his personal story and propositions her. Audrey tells him she’s married with a son, and he lets it drop… temporarily. He plays “Blue Skies” for her, and they cuddle. Things happen quickly. He hires her, she divorces her husband and marries George. There are three acts and three generations to follow, so it all kicks off with a bang.
Playwright Reggie D. White, who is also the Senior Director of Artistic Strategy and Impact at Arena Stage under Artistic Director Hana S. Sharif, wrote Fremont Ave. based on conversations with his own family. It is raw, humorous, honest and believable – a real-life reflection of one family living in a Southern California suburb and a truth-telling world premiere production affording an insightful glimpse into the impossible struggles and indelible bonding within these African American families.
When the next generation appears, we are introduced to four young Black lawyers who speak in street jive when they hang out together. George’s stepson, Robert, plus the children of George’s friends and family who have become best friends. As they convene, they reference Loving v. Virginia – the seminal civil rights case in which bans on interracial marriage were found to be unconstitutional – and news of the Rodney King beating comes on the radio. The political references hit hard, and you begin to sense both the stresses and successes in their young lives.
 Jeffrey Rashad (Tony) and Wildlin Pierrevil (Frank). (Photo/Marc J. Franklin)
As the music switches to Rap, the men drink, play cards, trash talk and dance to the latest hits. Robert is despondent. He has failed to pass the bar exam – nine times – and he feels he is letting down his father as well as his friends. Interspersed with the hilarity and the drama are musical snippets reflecting each generation. These transitions mirror the changing cultures and each generation’s tastes. From George composing on the piano or playing the hits to serenade Audrey, to the men breakdancing to the sounds from a boombox in the 1990’s, to the youngest generation busting moves in the 2020’s.
In the final act, when the third generation is introduced, we meet Damon, Walter’s son and Joseph’s significant other. They fight and love and stretch the dynamic to the nth degree. It’s explosive, raw, R-rated and wildly hilarious as the three generations assemble to show wisdom, tolerance, acceptance and faith.
There are fine performances by the entire cast who infuse their characters with distinctly engaging personalities. I wished Audrey’s character had a greater part – Jerrika Hinton was terrific. Credit to the brilliant direction of Lili-Anne Brown for this seminal piece.
 Bradley Gibson (George/Robert/Joseph), Doug Brown (Older George), Kevin Mambo (Older Robert), and Galen J. Williams (Damon). (Photo/Marc J. Franklin)
This flawless cast stars Bradley Gibson as George/Robert/Joseph; Jerrika Hinton as Audrey/Voice of Hazel; Wildlin Pierrevil as Frank; Jeffrey Rashad as Tony; Stanley Andrew Jackson as Walter; Doug Brown as Older George; Kevin Mambo as Older Robert; Galen J. Williams as Damon.
Directed by Lili-Anne Brown; Set Design by Tim Mackabee; Costume Design by Jos N. Banks; Lighting Design by Kathy A. Perkins; Original Music and Sound Design by André Pluess; Wig and Hair Design by LaShawn Melton; Assistant Director and Intimacy Consultant, Greg Geffrard. Original Song “Somewhere Someone’s Waiting Just for You” by George R. Plick, Sr.
A conversation for the ages. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll identify with these real-life personal stories.
Through November 23rd at Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth Street, NW, Washington, DC. For tickets and information call the box office at 202.488.3300 or visit www.ArenaStage.org.
Arena Stage’s Sensational Revisal of Damn Yankees Hits It Out of the Park
Damn Yankees
Arena Stage
Jordan Wright
September 21, 2025
 Ana Villafañe (Lola) and Jordan Donica (Joe Hardy) in Damn Yankees at Arena Stage. (Photo/Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)
Call it a “revisal” as Artistic Director Hana S. Sharif did on opening night or call it a revival which those familiar with the 1955 musical might say. Whatever term of art you choose, I recommend getting off the bench now, because there was a ‘producers’ performance’ last week and there is a hot chance it will go to Broadway, so you can say you saw it here first.
Remember Dear Evan Hansen? It started its B’way journey at Arena Stage. So did groundbreaking shows such as The Great White Hope, Sweat, Next to Normal, Looped and A Night with Janis Joplin. Celebrating its 75th Anniversary Season, Arena has always been a nexus for groundbreaking theatrical exploration.
So, why revive Damn Yankees? It’s simple. Do not doubt the power of a story about baseball, the devil, a sexy siren with a conscience, a loving wife and a desire to be more than your past all underpinned by a brilliant score. This fresh reimagining brings heavy hitters to the stage. Will Power and Douglas Wallop collaborated on the adaptation and Lynn Ahrens brightened original composers Richard Adler’s and Jerry Ross’ music and lyrics with modernized lyrics and slips in a few snappy zingers to reflect our fraught political times. Not only does this iteration have an exceptional cast (more on that later) but its staging dazzles in every way. From special effects and lighting to video projections, clever illusions and choreography, it absolutely slays.
One of the script tweaks here is in the original production the team was the Washington Senators. They’re now the Baltimore Orioles. Look for the “Oriole Bird” who makes a brief onstage appearance to pump up the audience. As Applegate wisecracks, “Baltimore is like Newark, but with crabs.”
There are plenty of sports franchises who regard athletes’ agents as the devil incarnate. Here the devil is Applegate, – a con artist, evil grifter and all-around hustler who convinces our hero, Joe Boyd, to sell his aging body and leave his wife to become a star slugger with the Orioles. “And that’s why it’s called the art of the deal,” Applegate tells Joe. Joe’s dad had suffered racism in professional baseball when Black players could only play in the Negro leagues until Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier to play for the NY Giants in 1955. Joe is determined to right this wrong and avenge his father’s limited career. His impulse becomes a powerful motive for his decision to sell his soul to Applegate.
 Rob McClure (Applegate). (Photo/Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)
To convince Joe, Applegate enlists his wily partner Lola, who is as convincing as a henchman with a shiv and as alluring as whipped cream on a banana split. As Lola sings in the tango number when she seduces Joe, “Whatever Lola Wants”, she gets.
Applegate is played wicked slick by Broadway veteran Rob McClure known for roles in Mrs. Doubtfire and Beetlejuice. The diverse cast includes a hunky-hot chorus of ballplayer dancers delivering extra sizzle and swing alongside the notorious siren, Lola, played by luscious Broadway star Ana Villafañe known for her award-winning roles of Gloria in B’way’s On Your Feet and Roxie in Chicago. Young Joe Hardy is played by the extraordinary Jordan Donica a baritenor with superb range and movie star looks who will steal your heart if you let him. I did. Quentin Earl Darrington shines as the elderly Joe Boyd on the crux of a life-changing decision in a perfect counterpoint casting to his adoring wife Meg, played by the superb honey-voiced actress, Bryonha Marie, whose impressive bio is as long as your arm.
Highly recommended!!! With 25 memorable numbers, a full orchestra and an historic nine Tony Awards for the original, this splashy new production hits it out of the park!
 Alysha Umphress (Gloria Thorpe) and the company of Damn Yankees. (Photo/Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)
With Alysha Umphress as Gloria Thorpe; Giuseppe Bausilio as Fuzzy/Ensemble; Raúl Contreras as Peña/Ensemble; Deanna Cudjoe, Ensemble; John Michael Fiumara as Gonzalez/Ensemble; Rayanne Gonzales as Sister/Ensemble; Danielle Marie Gonzalez, Ensemble; Michael Harmon as Smokey/Ensemble; Nehal Joshi as Ito/Ensemble; Ryo Kamibayashi as Ito/Ensemble; Georgia Monroe, Ensemble; Keenan McCarter as Welch; Kevin Munhall as Commissioner/Ensemble; J Savage as Sohovik/Ensemble; Justin Showell as Rocky/Ensemble; Sarah Anne Sillers as Doris/Ensemble; Jordyn Taylor, Ensemble.
Brilliantly directed and choreographed by world renowned creative, Sergio Trujillo; Music Supervision and Arrangements by Greg Anthony Rassen; Set Design by Robert Brill; Costume Design perfection by Linda Cho; Lighting Design by Philip S. Rosenberg; Sound Design by Walter Trarbach; Score Supervisor, David Chase; Projection Design by Peter Nigrini; Wig & Hair Design by Charles G. LaPointe; Illusion Design by Paul Kieve.
Through November 9th at Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024. For tickets and information call the box office at 202.554.9066 or visit www.ArenaStage.org.
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