|
|
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.
Holidays Sparkle in the Brandywine Valley
Chester County’s Brandywine Valley
October 12, 2025
Jordan Wright
 A Longwood Christmas in the East Conservatory. (Photo/Becca Mathias) In anticipation of an exciting holiday season and with plans to visit the new conservatory and fine dining restaurant at the spectacular Longwood Gardens, we motored north to Pennsylvania’s Brandywine Valley. Dubbed “America’s Garden Capitol”, the area’s riches boast lavish gardens on huge estates and opulent mansions filled with fine antiques, an impressive collection of Wyeth family paintings and drawings housed in a historic mill along a meandering stream, and destination dining featuring all manner of delicious mushroom dishes from the nation’s “Mushroom Capital”. Driving up from the DMV we took the scenic route past blink-and-you’ll-miss-it villages, cornfields as far as the eye can see, and horses grazing idly on lush pastures. A bucolic drive through the area’s heartland became our introduction to the valley’s hidden treasures.
Our centrally located hotel was the recently renovated Hilton Garden Inn Kennett Square. The hotel has an indoor pool, free parking, a fitness center, and a lively lobby bar. You can have a full breakfast before heading out. It’s a five-minute drive to the palatial Longwood Gardens. www.HiltonGardenInn.com
Plan Your Tours
The Brandywine Museum of Art in Chadds Ford showcases an extensive collection from the renowned Wyeth family of American artists and their contemporaries, The museum owns over 7,000 works by N. C. Wyeth, Andrew Wyeth and Jamie Wyeth and special exhibits run throughout the year. Notable local artist, Jerrell Gibbs’ “No Solace in the Shade”, exploring Black life in America, runs through March 1, 2026.
Housed in a beautifully restored mill with modern exhibit space, the galleries overlook a meandering stream – perfect for picnics and strolling. An onsite café serves casual fare in the courtyard. Opening soon is the round barn in Wilmington, DE on Jamie Wyeth’s property. It will display N. C. Wyeth’s colossal mural, “Apotheosis of the Family”. Nineteen by sixty feet long, it was created in 1932 and not seen for decades. Taking a separate tour of N. C. Wyeth’s studio and home are also worth the time invested. www.BrandywineMuseum.org
At the Devon Horse Show & Country Fair top riders go through their paces while you leisurely watch from the grandstands. Autumn marks the Devon Fall Classic and the end of the season for this tony equestrian destination while spring and summer are the height of the season. Be sure to check out the many small shops for fox hunting themed accoutrements, chic men’s and women’s apparel and accessories, and bespoke equine-related gifts. www.DevonHorseShow.net
 Going through their paces at the Devon Horse Show. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
 The “Reimagined” shop at Devon. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
I’ve always wanted to visit Chanticleer. Situated in nearby Wayne this 1913 home and gardens are not as grandiose as the Dupont homes and on a far smaller scale, nevertheless the house and gardens are beautifully curated and feature an abundance of both native and tropical plants in a naturalized setting. Small garden vignettes add to the charm of this Impressionist fantasy where artists gather to paint the scenery throughout a series of 14 “garden rooms”. Paths lead to surprises at every turn – water gardens, unique tropical plants, and trellises flush with flowering vines. Creative container gardens and a stone “ruin folly” interplay with wildly colorful gardens presenting a huge wow factor. Chanticleer is greatly admired for its large variety of flora among both American and British gardeners. www.ChanticleerGarden.org
 Late afternoon shadows on palm trees at the entrance to Chanticleer. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
 One of the 14 “Garden Rooms” at Chanticleer. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
Longwood Gardens’ grandeur is breathtaking. A former Dupont estate in Kennett Square, its horticultural splendors rival the great manor house gardens of Ireland, France and Great Britain. Fashioned after formal French gardens, they conjure up the achievements of André Le Notre, designer of the gardens of Versailles and the Tuileries in Paris. The 1,000-acre estate features lakes, two glass conservatories with exotic plants, an orchid room with waterfall, hedge-lined paths (think “Bridgerton”) and more than 10,000 species of plants. View the formal dancing fountains set to classical music from benches or chairs set out in front of the conservatory. Also onsite is the beautiful 18th century Peirce-du Pont House. Featuring a small conservatory, a bowling alley and a glass-bottomed fish pond, it will also be decorated during the Christmas season.
Considered one of the world’s finest gardens, Longwood is a highlight of the holiday season, its eye-popping Christmas light display runs from November 21, 2025 through January 11, 2026. Experience a winter wonderland of hundreds of thousands of lights, glorious theme-decorated Christmas trees, the East Conservatory with its paths of snow, poinsettias galore, a mini-train railway and so much more. Book now for timed entries. www.LongwoodGardens.org
 A Retro Christmas at Longwood Gardens. (Photo/Harold A Davis)
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library is another grand Dupont estate. The home is certain to thrill those appreciative of the American decorative arts as the home showcases the world’s most significant collection. With over a thousand acres of gardens and farmland, take the narrated tram tour to view the palatial property’s many highlights which you can return to at your leisure. A self-paced house tour affords a more intimate study of the myriads of treasures on view. Good to know: the property offers complimentary wheelchairs, walkers and strollers.
We caught the groundbreaking exhibit “Almost Unknown, The Afric-American Picture Gallery” offering a wide range of paintings, books and sculptures inspired by a 19th century essay by free Black journalist William J. Wilson. It runs through January 4, 2026 and uses text, light and sound for a super unique experience.
 Sculpture from “Almost Unknown, The Afric-American Picture Gallery” exhibit. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
Shopping kicks off with the “Holiday Market”. Chock-a-block with artisanal crafts, seasonal treats and warm beverages, this one-day event is on November 22nd dovetailing with “Yuletide at Winterthur” a cornucopia of Christmas decorations, glittering outdoor lights and a candlelit mansion with a gingerbread house and 18-room dollhouse. It runs from November 18th till January 4th 2026. Check the website for tour times and evening visits and enjoy the Visitor Café – open for dinner and offering specialty cocktails and firepits on the patio. www.Winterthur.org
 One of the decorated rooms for the holidays at Winterthur. (Photo/Anthony Sinagoga)
Nemours mansion and its French-inspired gardens in nearby Wilmington, DE can easily be added to your list of must-sees. Another notable Dupont estate, it affords an up-close-and-personal tour of life in a 77-room mansion from the antiques-filled main floor to below stairs where servants lived and lavish meals were made. The destination property has its own light-filled Christmas celebration “Noël at Nemours”. www.NemoursEstate.org
 Nemours Estate Holidays. (Photo courtesy of Chester County’s Brandywine Valley)
 A Nemours Christmas. (Photo/Will Swan) Dining
One of my favorite destinations is Terrain at Styer’s in Glen Mills. The bespoke shop and garden center features a café housed in an expansive greenhouse. Stained glass windows tint the sunlight on hanging baskets of staghorn ferns and seasonal flowers. They’re known for their creamy mushroom soup, but there are plenty of delicious seasonal dishes to satisfy all palates. www.Styers.ShopTerrain.com
 Terrain at Styer’s café. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
 Autumnal display in the gift shop at Terrain at Styer’s. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
Will’s + Bill’s Brewery and restaurant in Berwyn is a father + son collaboration serving excellent gastropub cuisine. An inspired menu reflected seasonal fare with dishes like butternut squash soup, irresistible truffle fries, burrata + beets salad topped with pistachios, fresh oysters, curried Prince Edward Island mussels, bowls and burgers and full-on entrees. Try their ‘Shakespeare’s Pie’ a short rib and lamb-based meat pie chock-a-block with vegetables and, of course, their brews. www.Wills-Bills.com
Portobello’s – the name says it all. An intimate, chef-driven spot in the heart of Kennett Square featuring an extensive wine list, Mid-Atlantic sourced seafood and creative mushroom-inspired dishes and where I discovered two unforgettable dishes – a complimentary mushroom hummus and their Mushroom en Cocotte made with portobello mushrooms, raclette cheese, leeks, garlic, herbs and caraway crostini. In pleasant weather a wall of windows opens onto the charming street scene. www.PortobellosofKennettSquare.com
 Mushroom en cocotte at Portobello’s in Kennett Square. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
 Portobello’s open windows on a balmy night. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
Housed in the historic Chadds Ford Inn, Brandywine Prime is an upscale restaurant with a popular bar scene. Think special occasion or date night at this DiRōna-awarded spot with a wide-ranging menu from seafood to burgers to Wagyu steak and offering local Murray Farm’s chicken. Locally sourced cheeses and a raw bar sampler complement a well-curated wine list. www.BrandywinePrime.com
 Charbroiled halibut with smoked olive oil poached shrimp at Brandywine Prime. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
The pièce de résistance is the newly re-imagined 1906 restaurant at Longwood Gardens. A beautiful, flower-filled restaurant bathed in sunlight and serving haute cuisine with dramatic views of the fountains, its picture- perfect dishes shimmered in the afternoon light as we feasted on lobster omelettes and caviar-topped liver mousse. Reservations far in advance are necessary to secure a table for this unique culinary experience. www.LongwoodGardens.org
 The newly re-imagined 1906 restaurant at Longwood. (Photo/Albert Vecerka/Esto)
 A seasonal dessert at 1906. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
For more information, and to plan your stay, visit www.BrandywineValley.com
What’s Onstage in the DMV – November/December 2025
Jordan Wright
October 5, 2025
 2025 North American Tour Production of Hadestown (Photo/Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade)
Broadway at the National
Hadestown Nov 18 – 23
Some Like It Hot Nov 25 – Dec 7
Water for Elephants Dec 9 – Dec 14 www.TicketMaster.com
Shakespeare Theatre Company
The Wild Duck through Nov 16
Guys and Dolls Dec 2 – Jan 4 www.ShakespeareTheatre.org
IN Series – The Delta King’s Blues Dec 6, 7, 12 & 13 www.INseries.org
Solas Nua – Lie Low Nov 6 – 23 www.SolasNua.org
Mosaic Theater – A Case for the Existence of God Nov 13-Dec 7 www.MosaicTheater.org
 Hello Dolly via Olney Theatre
Olney Theatre – Hello, Dolly! Nov 6 – Jan 4 www.OlneyTheatre.org
MetroStage – An Evening with Lisa Vromen and Joe Walsh One night only – Nov 10 www.MetroStage.org
1st Stage – Birthday Candles Dec 4 – 21 www.1stStage.org
Happenstance Theater & Edge of the Universe Theater – Death and the Fool Nov 8 & 9 www.Tix.com
Everyman Theatre – ‘Art’ through Nov 16 www.EverymanTheatre.org
 Fiddler on the Roof via Signature Theatre
Signature Theatre – Fiddler on the Roof Nov 4 – Jan 25 www.SigTheatre.org
Ford’s Theatre – A Christmas Carol Nov 20 – Dec 31 www.MyFords.org
Keegan Theatre – Lizzie the Musical through Nov 30 www.KeeganTheatre.com
Arena Stage – Freemont Ave. through Nov 19
Step Afrika’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show Dec 5 – Dec 21 www.ArenaStage.org
Silver Spring Stage – A Christmas Carol Dec 12 – Dec 21 www.SolverStage.org
 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat via Port Tobacco Players
Port Tobacco Players – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Nov 21 – Dec 14 www.PTPlayers.com
Adventure Theatre – Frosty the Snowman Nov 28 – January 11 www.AdventureTheatre-MTC.org
Studio Theatre – Mother Play: A Play in Five Evictions Nov 12 – Dec 21 www.StudioTheatre.org
Woolly Mammoth Theatre – Ho Ho Ho Ha Ha Ha Ha Nov 13 – Dec 21 www.WoollyMammoth.net
The Hippodrome Theatre – A Christmas Carol Dec 6 – Dec 21 www.TheHipp.org
Gaithersburg Arts Barn – Best Hanukkah Show Ever! Nov 28 – Dec 14 www.GaithersburgMD.gov
Colonial Players
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors through Nov 15
A Christmas Carol Dec 3 – Dec 14 www.TheColonialPlayers.org
 Elf via Toby’s Dinner Theatre
Toby’s Dinner Theatre – Elf Nov 7 – Jan 4 www.TobysDinnerTheatre.com
Theater Alliance – Furlough’s Paradise through Nov 23 www.TheatreAlliance.com
Stage Guild – Accused! The Victorian Ladies’ Detective Collective Returns Nov 20 – Dec 14 www.StageGuild.org
NextStop Theatre – The Last 5 Years through Nov 23 www.NextStopTheatre.org
Creative Cauldron – Peter Pan and Wendy Nov 7 – 23 www.CreativeCauldron.org
Imagination Stage – The Snowman and the Snowdog Nov 22 – Jan 4 www.ImaginationStage.org
GALA Hispanic Theatre – 21st Annual Fuego Flamenco Festival Nov 6 – 22 www.GALATheatre.org
 A Sherlock Carol via Providence Players of Fairfax
Providence Players of Fairfax – A Sherlock Carol Dec 12 – 21 www.ProvidencePlayers.org
Synetic Theater – Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus Nov 2 – 23 www.SyneticTheater.mysalesforce-sites.com
Theatre J – An Enemy of the People through Nov 23 www.EDCJCC.org
The Little Theatre of Alexandria
Grease through Nov 15
A Christmas Carol Dec 6 – 20 www.TheLittleTheatre.com
Round House Theatre – Rules for Living Dec 3 – Jan 4 www.RoundHouseTheatre.org
The Puppet Company – The Nutcracker Nov 18 – 23 www.ThePuppetCo.org
Voices Festival Productions
“November 4” Nov 12 – Dec 7
Imperfect Allies: Children of Opposite Sides Dec 11 – Dec 14 www.VoicesFestivalProductions.com
They Swipe Right in Strategic Love Play at Signature Theatre
Strategic Love Play
Signature Theatre
Jordan Wright
October 4, 2025
 Bligh Voth (Woman) and Danny Gavigan (Man) in Strategic Love Play at Signature Theatre. (Photo/Christopher Mueller)
Never having uploaded a dating app, you could say I was a fish out of water. However, I’ve seen enough movies – Looking for Mr. Goodbar from the ‘70’s, the recent documentary The Tinder Swindler, as well as plenty of TV dramas and romcoms on the topic – to puzzle out how it works. Looking for love online is becoming less popular with Gen Z, who feel swiping right is transactional. But, hey, it’s still a thing.
In playwright Miriam Battye’s scathingly humorous two-hander Jenny and Adam meet at a bar after finding each other online. We never learn what their common interests are for them to swipe right and that leaves us at a bit of a disadvantage. From the get-go Jenny gives Adam the third degree, psyching him out with intrusive questions about his life. Is it a test to see if he can put up with her? Is that where the title word “Strategic” applies? And does the word “Play” in the title refer to the fact that it’s a play or that they are just playing at love?
 Danny Gavigan (Man) and Bligh Voth (Woman). (Photo/Christopher Mueller)
She’s crass, profane, insulting and hyper-aggressive. He apologizes, a lot. But, for what? After one too many verbal punches from Jenny, he asks her, “Do I have to stay?” then tells her, “You’re just a narcissist, who’s not hot.” Wow, cringeworthy! Jenny is nonplussed. She continues her onslaught. He tells her he just wants a relaxing evening, but Jenny remains on the attack. “I wanna tear someone apart!” she admits. He wonders, “This isn’t for like a podcast,” he asks.
Notwithstanding the inquisition, Adam stays, and we’re left to wonder why. People are flawed. We get it. He’s submissive, she’s aggressive. Clearly, she’s crossed the line of any civilized convo. It’s no big surprise when we learn that Jenny is utterly insecure behind her feisty façade. So, what’s happening here? She’s confesses she’s angry that no man has ever “chosen” her.
 Danny Gavigan (Man) and Bligh Voth (Woman). (Photo/Christopher Mueller)
When they finally get down discussing their relationship expectations, she insists he be honest with her. You have to wonder why, during a first date, anyone would bare their souls on command to a contentious stranger. So, are they a match? Do opposites attract? I won’t reveal the ending (he’s not a serial killer) but if you took Psych 1 or follow Dr. Phil, you can probably guess.
Directed by Matthew Gardiner and starring two very fine actors, Danny Gavigan and Bligh Voth, this story is for those who have been down the rabbit hole of online dating.
Scenic Design by Paige Hathaway; Costume Design by Kathleen Geldard; Lighting Design by Andrew Cissna; Sound Design by Kenny Neal.
Through November 9th at Signature Theatre, in Shirlington Village, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA. For tickets and information call the box office at 703.820.9771 or visit www.SigTheatre.org.
Al Letson’s Play Blends Caesar’s Plight with Malcolm X in a Tour de Force at Folger
Julius X: A Re-Envisioning of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
Folger Shakespeare Theatre
Jordan Wright
October 1, 2025
 Julius X: A Re-Envisioning of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare via Folger Shakespeare Theatre
“This is not the story you know, but something in between.” So begins playwright Al Letson’s Julius X, a layering of Shakespeare’s classic superimposed on the story of American Black nationalist Malcolm X, member of the Nation of Islam – a powerful grassroots movement created by Elijah Mohammed and one in which Malcolm X rose to the position of its national spokesman through his impressive ability to be a powerful motivational speaker.
This brilliantly written play reflects the parallel ‘his-story’ of these two powerful men – through an assassination and the destruction of a society. Familiar lines from the original play weave in and out of script, reminding the audience of its similarity to Julius Caesar. Letson slyly drops in one of the character’s names associated with the powerful Black movement of the 1960’s and early ‘70’s. Malcolm’s wife, called Calpurnia as in the original, is here given the last name of Shabazz, as in Betty Shabazz, his real-life wife who after leaving the Nation became a prominent spokeswoman for the Black Power movement. The resemblance to Shakespeare’s story of absolute power, conspiracy and tyranny are stunningly familiar. The resemblance to many current governments’ abuses of power is too familiar to ignore.
 Cast of Julius X: A Re-envisioning of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare at Folger Shakespeare Theatre. (Photo/Erika Nizborski)
Set in New York’s Harlem where Malcolm came up running its hard streets, his connection to the community appears at first blush to be incontrovertible until he views it through a more inclusive lens after a spiritual journey to Mecca to understand his roots. His vision of the movement then redefined its mission from Civil Rights to Human Rights – to include Whites – and the Nation immediately rebels against his radical new message. Brutus and Cassius feel he has deserted the Black power movement and hatch their plot to assassinate him. As Brutus exclaims, “Oh, Harlem! I have no choice but to set her free.”
At this point, Malcolm X had already been investigated and vilified by New York’s Mayor Robert Wagner, the FBI and the CIA, and the writing was on the wall. A Greek chorus calls out in a hauntingly familiar refrain, “The Ides of March are upon us.” Portia, Brutus’s wife, in learning of her husband’s murder of Malcolm, wonders, “Who is this man who lies in my bed?” And Calpurnia’s urging to Marc Anthony to avenge her husband’s death tells him, “Unleash the dogs of war!” A phrase that will be familiar to all bardolaters.
 Jay Frisby (Cassius), Dwayne Alistair Thomas (Casca), Greg Alverez Reid (Brutus), and Shawn Sebastian Naar (Marullus). (Photo/Erika Nizborski)
When the funeral of Malcolm X takes place, Marc Anthony, addressing the Nation of Islam and angling to assume Malcolm’s seat of power, Letson tweaks another familiar line to say, “Friends, Harlemites and countrymen…”.
Nicole Brewer’s excellent direction of this cast provides this play with intensity and meaning. Outstanding performances starring Brandon Carter as Julius X, Greg Alverez as Brutus, Jay Frisby as Cassius, Nikkole Salter as Calpurnia, Jonathan Del Palmer as Marc Anthony, Renee Elizabeth Wilson as Portia, Gaelyn D. Smith as both Cinna and Soothsayer, Lilli Hokama as Addara, Shawn Sebastian Naar as Octavius and Marullus, and Dwayne Alistair Thomas as Casca and Flavius elevate this exciting and relevant re-envisioning of Shakespeare’s historical tragedy.
Not to be missed!
 Shawn Sebastian Naar (Octavius/Marullus), Renee Elizabeth Wilson (Portia), and Gaelyn D. Smith (Soothsayer). (Photo/Erika Nizborski)
Choreography by Shawn Short, Scenic Design by Jonathan Dahm Robertson, Costume Design by Danielle Preston, Lighting Design by Porsche McGovern, Sound Design by Thom J. Woodward, Projections Design by Andrés Poch, Dramaturg and Voice and Text Coach – John “Ray” Proctor.
Through October 26th at the Folger Shakespeare Theatre, 201 East Capitol Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003. For tickets and information call the box office at 202.544.7077 or visit www.Folger.edu/JuliusX
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.
|
