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Jordan Wright
March 7, 2019
“There are no morals here.” So, buckle up. Kate Hamill’s uproarious comedy delivers a bloomers-up package from the get-go, cribbing from William Makepeace Thackeray’s novel of social climbers.
 The Cast ~ Photo credit Scott Suchman Dan Hiatt plays the ‘Manager’, emcee of the Strand Music Hall where vaudeville has found a new and popular audience with Victorian burlesque. The characters are introduced to the audience as actors, though they become other characters willy-nilly. Little Becky Sharp, an orphan of sharp tongue and keen wit, is preparing to leave the Pinkerton Academy and assume her position as a nanny in the home of a lecherous baron, but not before she sticks it to the headmistress in a snarky farewell that shows her rebelliousness. Before shoving off, Becky and her well-heeled bestie, Amelia Sedley, promise they will be BFF’s forever.
 Anthony Michael Lopez as Miss Pinkerton and Vincent Randazzo as Miss Jemima in Vanity Fair by Scott Suchman. Photo credit by Scott Suchman. But to what end? As the Manager asks of the audience, “Do we really mean it when we say we will always be best friends forever?” Here friendships are challenged, ladies are as cavalier as the men, and marrying up the ladder is the goal. A dinner party cleverly lit in freeze frames shows how reckless in relationships they all are. “Licentiousness is the wicked world of the theater,” we are warned. Are we active players in the plot or are we just spectators of a play?
 Rebekah Brockman as Becky Sharp and Maribel Martinez as Amelia Sedley in Vanity Fair by Scott Suchman. Photo credit by Scott Suchman. Lines are blurred, both in character portrayals and devious intent (men in drag, cutouts, and puppets figure into this small but mighty cast), and you can’t be assured of anyone’s motives when fortunes are won and lost, and everyone is chasing the money. For this social set cuckolding is the norm, and one person’s misfortunes are fodder for another’s devious gain. “Fortunes change and loyalties follow,” quoth the Manager. Lucky us, we have all the fun watching these topsy-turvy machinations.
 Alyssa Wilmoth Keegan as Lesser Pit, Vincent Randazzo as Sir Pitt and Anthony Michael Lopez as Rose Crawley in Vanity Fair. Photo credit by Scott Suchman. I’ll admit, for the first five minutes in, I had no earthly idea where this comedy was going. And by the end, I had no idea where it had taken me. One minute they play it straight by addressing the audience, and the next it seems like a hilarious farce. No matter. It’s a madcap romp that will keep you in stitches.
 Rebekah Brockman as Becky Sharp in Vanity Fair. Photo credit by Scott Suchman. Rebekah Brockman plays Becky with a delightfully devilish air. Her intrinsic appeal is that she has the ability to morph into a sympathetic character as speedily as one who holds all the cards. Cheers to Maribel Martinez as Amelia Sedley who has to make a total turnaround in character when she discovers true love has been staring her right in the eye, and to Dan Hiatt, as the Manager, plus Miss Matilda and Lord Steyne, who alters his gender like a chameleon changes color.
 The cast of Vanity Fair. Photo credit by Scott Suchman. Additional cast members – Alyssa Wilmoth as Actor Four (George, etc.); Anthony Michael Lopez as Actor Three (Dobbin, etc.); Adam Magill as Actor Two (Rawdon, etc.) and Vincent Randazzo as Actor Five (Jos, etc.).
Directed by Jessica Stone, Sets by Alexander Dodge, Costumes by Jennifer Moeller, Lighting by David Weiner, Choreographed by Connor Gallagher. Jane Shaw Sound Designer and Composer.
Through March 31st at the Lansburgh Theatre, 450 7th Street, NW Washington, DC 20004. For tickets and information call 202 547-1122 or visit www.ShakespeareTheatre.org.
Jordan Wright
February 2019
Flower Child ~ Dyllan’s Raw Bar Grill ~ CHIKO ~ Izakaya Khan Japanese Kitchen & Bar ~ Sen Khao ~ Mama Chang
February usually slows down a bit around here, but not this year. Ignoring the usual dire winter weather forecasts (“One inch of snow forecast for our area! Beware!”), new restaurants flung open their doors, and food events covered the landscape like swirling snowflakes.
With internationally-known chefs flocking to our area and East Coast chefs bypassing New York and Philadelphia to open outposts in our area, my hamster wheel is in full-on high-speed mode trying to keep up with all the excitement.
Flower Child
 Wall mural of the iconic British model, Twiggy This fast-casual spot from restaurateur Sam Fox of Fox Restaurant Concepts www.FoxRC.com out of Arizona, is right on trend. Plugging itself as “Healthy food for a happy world”, it offers bowl-style dishes along with grass-fed steak wraps, grilled sustainable salmon, kombucha on tap, herbal teas – iced or hot – organic coffee, and freshly squeezed juices.
The cheery, hippie-inspired, quick-order spot has plenty of gluten-free and vegan options with salads and wraps galore and, of course, the ubiquitous avocado toast – this version served with a poached egg on top. Grains, nuts, and seeds add to the nutritious and delicious combos. Expect to find kale and roasted cauliflower in starring roles.
 The super friendly line cooks ~ Avocado Toast ~ Coconut water Wine and beer are organic, but if you’re sticking to non-alcoholic try the coconut water served in a coconut. Unlike the boxed version, this has an unmistakable island-fresh taste.
 Vietnamese Crunch Salad ~ Indian Spiced Cauliflower with tofu Breakfast starts at 8am and is guaranteed to start you off on the right foot. Two faves: Supergrain Oatmeal with warm date compote, bananas, toasted pecans and Greek yogurt or opt for the Blueberry Açai Toast with banana, Greek yogurt, sprouted almond, toasted coconut, flax seeds, oats and honey.
Ready to hit the gym? Let’s go!
Flower Child is located at 2112 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037 – Open from 8am till 9pm. www.IamAFlowerChild.com.
Dyllan’s Raw Bar Grill
The former Sea Catch opened last summer as Dyllan’s Raw Bar Grill. Perched alongside the historic C&O Canal in the heart of Georgetown, it is now owned by Donald and Amy Carlin of Good Apple Hospitality. Don is a former restaurant conceptualist for Stephen Starr who created Starr’s award-winning restaurants and traveled the world selecting decorative antiques and collectibles for such restaurants as Le Diplomate. Two experienced chefs, Executive Chef Neal Corman and Chef de Cuisine Darren Hendry, helm the kitchen and its predilection for seafood, both raw and cooked. Oysters are from East and West coasts and fish is either tinned or sustainably caught.
 Grilled King Salmon with ginger lime glaze ~ Ahi Tuna Tartare with Asian Guacamole and spicy fish roe Before the weather proves more accommodating to canal-side dining, snag a table beside one of two fireplaces in the wood-beamed dining room and enjoy winter-themed cocktails crafted by Mixologist, Allison Boyd. These drinks feature herbs and spices with house-made reductions and syrups. The bar also offers a well-curated wine list of both New World and Old World wines from the major wine-producing regions of France, Italy, Chile, Uruguay and California.
Boyd’s winter libations include Fizz the Season made with cranberry reduction, Hayman’s sloe gin, Cappelletti aperitivo, Campari and fresh pomegranate seeds;the Georgetown Tea Party made with unsweetened iced tea, Sexton Irish whiskey, rosemary simple syrup, green chartreuse and a touch of lemon bitters, garnished with rosemary; and the To Be Peary made withBarr Hill honey vodka, pear purée, fresh mint leaves, grapefruit bitters and a splash of ginger beer.
 Oyster Stew ~ Oyster Stew Want something to ward off the wintry chill? Try Somebody Sage Chocolate made with Italian wine, fresh sage leaves, warm bittersweet chocolate, honey, a dash of cinnamon and brandied cherry juice; C&O Cider made with apple cider, Traverse City bourbon, cranberry reduction, a dash of cinnamon and citrus;Yes, Jerez Hot Chocolate made with hot chocolate spiked with Brandy de Jerez, and topped with whipped cream; or Butter Conundrum made with Santa Teresa 1796 rum, warm spices, vanilla bean and maple syrup. Winter cocktails are available through March and are reasonably priced from $11 to $15 each.
A recent announcement reveals a series of exciting cooking and mixology classes – Cooking with Chef Darren. Lead by Chef de Cuisine Darren Hendry, cooking enthusiasts will learn how to prepare some of Dyllan’s most popular dishes in the restaurant’s expansive prep kitchen. Classes are priced from $55 to $65 per person (all inclusive), and include a complimentary glass of red, white or sparkling wine, a welcome packet including a $10 gift certificate for a future visit, a Dyllan’s hat, and take-home recipe cards. Classes are limited to 10 attendees, keeping the experience friendly and relaxed. Mixologist Allison Boyd will lead a series of cocktail and wine classes this spring. Beverage classes are priced from $35 to $45 per person (all inclusive) and include a flight, or wine, or two complimentary cocktails along with a collection of snacks and recipe cards with tasting notes. The complete list of cooking, wine and mixology classes are listed below.
Date Night – Craft Cocktails on Wednesday, March 13th and Wednesday, May 15th from 7pm. to 9pm. Part intuition, part science, Dyllan’s beverage team, led by Mixologist Allison Boyd, will share how to build the perfect craft cocktail. Attendees can expect both learning and fun. Tickets are priced at $35 per person, and can be purchased online at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/date-night-a-craft-cocktail-class-tickets-55768761868?aff=ebapi.
- Shellfish Shucking on Sunday, March 24th and Sunday, May 19th from 4pm to 6pm. Teaching the true technique to open the hard-shell beauties, participants will learn how to prepare shellfish for consumption, along with the differences between the East and West Coast oysters and clams. Guests will also learn to make the popular condiments, including cocktail sauce and mignonette. Tickets are priced at $55 per person, which includes a complimentary selection of 12 oysters, and can be purchased online at:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/learn-to-shuck-tickets-55769405794?aff=ebapi
- Wine Pairing on Wednesday, April 17th and Wednesday, June 12th from 7pm to 9pm. Wine lovers will learn to swirl, sniff, sip, and savor wine in a scientific way as Dyllan’s beverage team, led by Mixologist Allison Boyd, by will teach guests how to read a wine list, understand flavor profiles and how to pair wine with food. Attendees can look forward to a selection of Dyllan’s signature dishes perfectly paired to the featured wine and receive take-home tasting notes. Tickets are priced at $45 per person, and can be purchased online at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wine-pairing-wednesday-tickets-55844905616?aff=erellivmlt.
Dyllan’s is located in Georgetown at 1054 31st Street, NW, Washington, DC 22207 https://dyllansrawbargrill.com
A Quartet of Asian Hot Spots ~ CHIKO, Sen Khao, Khan Japanese Kitchen & Bar, and Peter Chang’s Latest Venture, Mama Chang
CHIKO
 CHIKO in Barracks Row Casual is an understatement to describe CHIKO, Scott Drewno’s Barracks Row experiment in Chinese/Korean fusion cuisine. Since leaving the now-shuttered The Source, Drewno has focused his attentions on experimentation using his many years of experience preparing Asian cuisine under Wolfgang Puck. The tiny spot has five stools overlooking the open kitchen and a smattering of picnic-style benches with tables. We stopped in during Chinese New Year to try his version of Chinese roast duck. Alas, there was some confusion over assuring the duck would be available and some promises it will be on the regular menu in future.
 CHIKO Though the website offers two separate seatings for dinner, reservations seem unnecessary as long as you arrive early. We got there at 5pm when they opened and there was no wait, though we witnessed streams of customers picking up pre-ordered takeout.
 The ‘Full Monty’ ~ Smashed Salmon ~ Cumin Lamb Stir Fry We enjoyed several dishes from a menu subject to the chef’s whim. Served in stainless steel bowls, we enjoyed the Cumin Lamb Stir Fry with wheat flour noodles and caramelized shallots, and Smashed Salmon with black bean butter, wild mushrooms and peas. Unlike most Korean restaurants serving small dishes gratis with each entrée, side dishes here are all á la carte. You can order each one separately or try them all by ordering the ‘Full Monty’ which includes Napa Cabbage Kimchi, Sichuan Spicy Cucumbers, Turmeric Pickled Daikon, Potato and Egg Salad, Chilled Marinated Littleneck Clams and Steamed Rice with Furikake Butter – the latter being our favorite of the lot.
This spring the restaurant will begin an ‘After Dark’ series of late-night guest chefs who, for one night only, will create new cocktails and signature dishes. The events will feature such chefs as Edward Lee, host of the PBS Mind of a Chef series and culinary director of Succotash with locations in National Harbor and Penn Quarter; and Carlie Steiner and Kevin Tien, co-owners of Himitsu. Check the website for dates.
CHIKO is located at 423 8th Street, SE, Washington, DC 20004. www.CHIKODC.com
Opens at 5pm.
Sen Khao
 Sen Khao at Tyson’s Galleria Sen Khao is the latest endeavor by Chef Seng Luangrath who also runs the wildly popular Thip Khao in DC and Padaek in Falls Church for Lao and Thai cuisine. Thanks to her efforts and advancement of the Lao food movement’s outreach, interest in Laotian food has continued to flourish in our area. Recently, Luangrath opened Sen Khao – a small counter-order, no-waitstaff spot – in one of the spaces formerly occupied by Mike Isabella’s food hall in Tyson’s Corner Galleria.
 Chuenh Gai – crispy boneless chicken with coconut rice and pickled vegetables ~ Khao Piaka For those of you who live in the area or, like me, who travel there to shop, it’s a fine place to experience Lao food without the lines at Thip Khao. It is a spicy cuisine, which I like, but they will ask you what your spice level preference is, and you can certainly tone it down if you prefer. For those who want to kick up the Scovill-level further, there is a condiment bar.
Sen Khao is located at 2001 International Drive, at Tyson’s Galleria Top Floor, McLean, VA 2210. www.SenKhao.com
Izakaya Khan
In a small, non-descript strip mall in Annandale is Khan Japanese Kitchen & Bar. Predominantly a hangout for young Asian hipsters, it’s known for cocktails, karaoke and a late-night crowd. We got there during a snow storm around 6pm and it was fairly empty.
 Pineapple & Coconut cocktail in a pouch ~ Vegetable gyoza Vegetable gyoza, tonkatsu ramen with tofu and tteokbokki, a Korean stew made with chewy, tube-shaped rice cakes; green onions; and a topping of mozzarella cheese in a ridiculously spicy gochujang sauce that’s heavy on the gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes). You’ll need a few of their craft cocktails to chase down the fiery impact. Mine was served in a pouch festively lit with LED ice cubes.
 Tonkatsu ramen with fried tofu and hiziki ~ Budae Jjigae Khan Japanese Kitchen & Bar is located at Seoul Plaza Shopping Center, 4231 Markham Street, Annandale, VA 22003 – It is open from 5pm till 2am.
Mama Chang’s
 Peter enjoys a lighthearted moment with family and crew – Mama Chang stands to his left with his daughter beside her. As Peter Chang continues to expand his culinary presence, he has returned to his roots with Mama Chang. Last night I visited Peter’s latest location in Fairfax City and thrilled to a dozen different dishes that barely scratched the surface of an extensive menu. ‘Changians’, named for his diehard fans, were out in force since Fairfax is where the Chinese chef began his new life after leaving the Chinese Embassy. In those early days Peter was cooking undercover in different restaurants around Virginia and people who knew of his reputation followed him through a loosely organized underground network.
Since then, he has created a burgeoning empire of restaurants that reflect his many years of experience in the preparation of regional, authentic Chinese cooking. This newest venture, steeped in traditional Hunan and Szechawan cuisine, pays tribute to the Chang women and reflects the heritage, home-style recipes from his mother, grandmother, his world-famous pastry chef wife, Lisa, and his daughter, Lydia.
 Peter Chang preparing the fish balls for opening night guests ~ Roast duck ~ Opening night friends and family enjoy the spicy cauliflower Some of his signature dishes are Smoked and Cured Platter with Smoked Chicken, Smoked Sausage, Cured Fish, and Sweet and Sour Pickled Cabbage, Stir Fried Braised Pork Belly with Deep Fried Green Pepper, and Tea Braised Egg Pork Belly Stew with Bean Curd. I will report back after a return visit to experience some of the other dishes in this modern, light-filled spot designed by notable DC architects, the Nahra Design Group. Looking forward to sampling the hot pots, noodle dishes and the upcoming debut of dim sum brunch.
Mama Chang is located on 3251 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA 22030. www.MamaChang.com
Jordan Wright
February 27, 2019
 Melody Rose in Finding Neverland ~ Photo Credit Jeremy Daniel Finding Neverland flew into the National Theatre last night, straight from the second star on the right. As the second-oldest theater in America, the National continues to provide us with the Broadway shows we are dying to see plus some that have made their out-of-town debuts right here. Seeing a big show on this smaller stage in this grand historic theater makes it feel as if you’re right on stage with the actors.
 Ruby Gibbs in Finding Neverland ~ Photo Credit Jeremy Daniel This supremely delightful musical takes its cue from the life of author J. M. Barrie and his inspiration for the beloved children’s book, “Peter Pan”. It’s an adventure suitable for all ages – that is if you still believe in fairies. And we do! Written by James Graham with music and lyrics by the composing duo of Gary Barlow & Eliot Kennedy, it is chockful of sweet ballads, rousing Irish jigs and toe-tapping chorus numbers. This song-writing team is solid gold. Barlow has sold over 45 million records with his pop group Take That and is co-writer on the popular musical The Band. Kennedy is a Grammy-Award winning musician/singer/songwriter who has had number-one hits with the Spice Girls, Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin and many more. Altogether, Finding Neverland has twenty original numbers.
 The Company of Finding Neverland ~ Photo Credit Jeremy Daniel Kensington Gardens is where Barrie, a playwright with writer’s block, meets Sylvia, a widow with four boys – George, Peter (of course), Jack and Michael. Trapped in a loveless, childless marriage with his imperious wife, Mary, he soon becomes enchanted with Sylvia and her lively brood, providing fuel to the boys’ imaginations as he recaptures his own inner child with a script heartily disapproved by his dyspeptic producer, Charles Frohman, and a stubborn-minded cast who refuse to play children’s roles.
 The Company of Finding Neverland ~ Photo Credit Jeremy Daniel Not to be compared with Peter Pan, the 1954 musical with Mary Martin who flew and crowed her way into Broadway history books, this fantasy adventure has equal amounts of appeal. Wonderfully engaging choreography by Mia Michaels, choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance and Cirque de Soleil’s Delirium. Michaels has choreographed for Madonna and Prince and is a three-time Emmy Award-winner. For this production, rather than flights aided by ceiling wire, cast members lift their mates as they ‘soar’ around Neverland. The children (and the adults!) around me were gobsmacked with glee.
 Jeff Sullivan and Seth Erdley in Finding Neverland ~ Photo Credit Jeremy Daniel A large banquet table proves to be a hilarious hiding place for the guests when napkins fly in Barrie’s posh home in “The Dinner Party” and “The Circus of Your Mind” that plays out to the sounds of a calliope as it delves into Mary and James’ private lives. At last, Barrie gets the theater’s troupe to recall their childhood imaginations in “Play”, a wildly animated tavern scene that brings all the imaginary characters together dancing and singing.
 The Company of Finding Neverland ~ Photo Credit Jeremy Daniel A nine-piece band, beautiful voices, adorable children, pirates! and clever projections (How do they create the stardust? Asking for a friend.) is guaranteed to keep this magical musical close to your heart.
Highly recommended for all ages. Hurry! It’s only in town till Sunday.
Through March 3rd at the National Theater, Washington DC – 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004. For tickets and information visit www.TheNationalDC.org or call 202 628-6161.
With Jeff Sullivan as J. M. Barrie; Ruby Gibbs as Sylvia Llewelyn Davies; Ashley Edler as Mary Barrie; Paul Thiemann as Albert; Conor McGiffin as Charles Frohman and Captain James Hook; Michael Luongo as Lord Cannan; Emmanuelle Zeesman as Mrs. Du Maurier; Joshua William Green as Mr. Henshaw; Spenser Micetich as Mr. Cromer; Kelsey Seaman as Miss Jones; Adrien Swenson as Miss Bassett; Melody Rose as Peter Pan; Marie Choate as Wendy; Daniel S. Hayward as Captain Hook.
Llewelyn Children played by Brody Bett (Jack/Michael); Seth Erdley (George/Peter/Jack); Caleb Reese Paul (George/Peter/Jack); Peter Schoeller (George/Peter/Jack); Josiah Smothers (Jack/Michael); and Ethan Stokes (George/Peter/Jack).
Original Direction by Diane Paulus; Direction Recreated by Mia Walker; Orchestrations by Simon Hale; Scenic Design by Scott Pask, Lighting Design by Kenneth Posner, Costume Design by Suttirat Larlarb, and Sound Design by Shannon Slaton.
Jordan Wright
February 18, 2019
Fans of Henry James will cotton to this period piece that debuted on Broadway in 1947.
 (L-R) Laura C. Harris (Catherine Sloper) and Jonathan David Martin (Morris Townsend) in The Heiress. Photo by C. Stanley Photography. Set in the Victorian era, it is based on James’ novella, Washington Square. The Heiress takes place in the parlor of the prominent Doctor Sloper’s home in New York City circa 1850’s – a time when proper ladies and gentlemen of a certain class comported themselves with the utmost dignity. But minding your P’s and Q’s at a time when a family’s reputation could be destroyed at the drop of a lace handkerchief, took serious adherence to well-circumscribed proprieties.
For the painfully shy doctor’s daughter, who struggles to live up to her late mother’s image in her father’s eyes, every social interaction is torturous. Every slight from her father’s lips remands her deeper into her silent world of embroidery until his sister, Lavinia, encourages Catherine to climb out of her self-imposed shell and reject his autocratic demands.
 (L to R) Janet Hayatshahi (Elizabeth Almond) and James Whalen (Dr. Austin Sloper) in The Heiress. Photo by C. Stanley Photography. When a cousin brings Morris, an attentive young suitor, to dinner Catherine begins to see how the attentions of an adoring young man can empower her to speak out. Naturally, her father disapproves as Morris is penniless, but Catherine finds her inner strength and, with the backing of her aunt, rebels against his social constraints.
Relatives provide disparaging gossip about Morris that he is a mere mountebank after Catherine’s fortune and the money her father has promised to leave her in his will. It’s easy to imagine how fraught these issues must have been when young women bowed to the demands of their fathers and society’s pressures to conform to the highest standards of conduct were unassailable.
 (L-R) Jonathan David Martin (Morris Townsend) and Nancy Robinette (Lavinia Penniman) in The Heiress. Photo by C. Stanley Photography. The great character actress Nancy Robinette as Aunt Lavinia is marvelous, as is Laura Harris as Catherine and Jonathan David Martin as the suspiciously-motivated Morris. It’s a well-balanced cast all around with an all-women creative team that includes Deputy Artistic Director Seema Sueko. Together they produce the precise ambiance to frame this classic period piece which draws upon women’s struggles to supersede their societal constraints.
Fans of period dramas such as Downton Abbey will swoon.
By Ruth Goetz and Augustus Goetz; Directed by Seema Sueko; Set Design by Mikiko Suzuki Macadams; Costume Design by Ivania Stack; Lighting Design by Sherrice Mojgani; Sound Design and Original Music by Emma M. Wilk; and Wig Design by Anne Nesmith.
With Lise Bruneau as Mrs. Montgomery; Lorene Chesley as Marian Almond; Laura C. Harris as Catherine Sloper; Janet Hayatshahi as Elizabeth Almond; Joanathan David Martin as Morris Townsend; Nanacy Robinette as Lavinia Penniman; Kimberly Schraf as Maria; James Whelan as Dr. Austin Sloper; and Nathan Whitmer as Arthur Townsend.
Through March 10th at Arena Stage – 1101 Sixth St., SE, Washington, DC 20024. For tickets and information call 202 488-3300 or visit www.ArenaStage.org.
Jordan Wright
February 15, 2019
Richard, bloody Richard the Third. Thirteen murders for a single crown. The Grim Reaper visits this drama so frequently it’s hard to keep count. Staged in what appears to be a prison somewhere in, oh well, pick somewhere obscure, let’s say Alabama circa 1920’s, where concrete walls and hidden rooms pop out to reveal spotlighted men hanging by chains. Pile on the poisonings, force feedings, hot cauldrons and decapitation and you’ve got no more than you might see in an R-rated flick. Let’s say The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, shall we? Oh, right, there is a chainsaw here too. Is that how we want to see Shakespeare’s prose come to life? That it is well-acted, is not in question. That it is maximumly dark and catering to extreme tastes, is manifestly certain. Is it really necessary to reenact each one of Richard’s gruesome crimes?
 Matthew Rauch as Richard, Duke of Gloucester in Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production of ‘Richard the Third.’ Photo by Scott Suchman. “I am determined to prove a villain,” Richard claims in his opening line, and wow! is he spot on. His threats, killings and demands of loyalty are that of a Mafia kingpin. Director David Muse gives us a chorus of leather strap-snapping executioners and jailers who slick-sharpen their knives while taunting their next victim. And, though they lurk in shadow, his henchmen are always ready to provide their murderous services. Plus, they do an especially good job of mopping up the stage after each bloodbath.
In the Director’s Notes, Muse refers to the play as “…a pantry of tasty ingredients rather than a perfectly put-together recipe.” I can’t say food came to mind when I slogged through these ritualistic killings interspersed with Richard’s nefarious manipulations of his subjects. Maybe I have too delicate a constitution. Couldn’t we leave something to the imagination? In this production, Muse has admittedly condensed acts, changed words and altered characters to adapt to a two-hour time frame for what he refers to as the “modern audience”, but what is left is jam-packed with fratricidal murder and mayhem from beginning to end. As this homicidal maniac admits, “I am in so far in blood that sin will pluck on sin.” These days we might refer to him as a serial killer.
 The cast of Shakespeare Theatre Company’s ‘Richard the Third.’ Photo by Scott Suchman. Notwithstanding all the blood and gore, I was particularly taken by certain performances. Most especially the extraordinary Lizan Mitchell as Queen Margaret of Anjou, the prophetess; Sofia Cheyenne as the Mayor of London; and I have to hand it to Matthew Rauch as Richard III. He has to do this for the entire run of the play.
With David Bishins as King Edward IV and Sir Richard Ratcliffe; Cody Nickell as George, Duke of Clarence and James Tyrrel; Sandra Shipley as Duchess of York; Charlie Niccolini as Prince Edward; Logan Matthew Baker as Young Duke of York; Lizan Mitchell as Margaret of Anjou; Cara Ricketts as Lady Anne of Neville; Robynn Rodriguez as Queen Elizabeth; Todd Scofield as Earl of Rivers; Jonathan Feuer as Lord Gray; Christopher Michael McFarland as Duke of Buckingham; Derrick Lee Weeden as Lord Hastings; Michael Rudko as Lord Stanley; Evelyn Spahr as Earl of Richmond; John Keabler as Sir William Catesby; Sam Midwood as Lord Lovel; Harry A. Winter as Archbishop of Canterbury; Ahmad Kamal as Brakenbury; David Ryan Smith as Murderer 1; and Matthew Aldwin McGee as Murderer 2.
Dramaturg, Drew Lichtenberg; Scenic Designer, Debra Booth; Costume Designer, Murell Horton; and Lighting Designer Lap Chi Chu.
Warning: This production includes graphic depictions of violence, including violence against women and children, which may not be suitable for all audiences.
Through March 10th at Sidney Harman Hall 610 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004. For tickets and information call 202 547-1122 or visit www.ShakespeareTheatre.org.
Jordan Wright
February 14, 2019
 Maryam Najafzaga as Roxanne – Photo credit is Johnny Shryock Talk about drama! With a scant 24-hour notice Vato Tsikurishvili was thrust into the role of Cyrano when leading man Justin Bell fell ill. Vato, a consummate performer and teacher, has performed in countless Synetic productions – his parents, Paata and Irina Tsikurishvili, are co-founding Artistic Directors. He has performed with the troupe since he was four and is a nine-time Helen Hayes Award nominee and five-time award-winning ensemble member with Synetic. He is also the Director of this production of Cyrano de Bergerac and naturally knew all the scenes. And since this is one of Synetic’s famed series wordless productions., at least he didn’t have to learn lines! Crisis averted.
 The Cast of Cyrano de Bergerac – Photo credit is Johnny Shryock During the six years I have reviewed Synetic’s stagings, they have performed within many unique sets. I once was blown away as they did the entire play in six inches of sand and another time for The Tempest the stage was constructed to hold six inches of water. Once they surrounded the stage with tall plexiglass panels so the audience wouldn’t get drenched in Day-Glo paint that was splashed around in a massive hookah-smoking party scene. But in this equally imaginative interpretation, one of their finest to date, there is no elaborate staging and no moving sets. It is just pure theater – full of classical pantomime, eye-popping dance and clever acrobatics.
 Vato Tsikurishvili as Cyrano with Maryam Najafzada as Roxanne – Photo credit is Johnny Shryock We all know the story of Cyrano. Dismissed as a lover by his unappealing looks (the nose!), he nevertheless remains friends with Roxanne. When his dashing friend Christian tells him of his love for the beautiful Roxanne, Cyrano takes a back seat, helping Christian write tender love letters while the men are off to war. As a result, she falls madly in love with Christian and marries him only to discover after his death, that Cyrano is the author of those letters that so touched her heart. Their re-uniting as old folks is what makes this an indelible and ageless love story.
 Matt R. Stover as Christian with Maryam Najafzada as Roxanne – Photo credit is Johnny Shryock Vato uses the 19th century play by Edmond Rostand as backdrop for this magnificent action ballet and pantomime starring Maryam Najafzada, a young classically-trained Azerbaijan ballerina. We saw and raved about her last October in Synetic’s production of Sleepy Hollow. Najafzada is as liquid as poured mercury. She first appears as a swan bathed in a golden light. Her dance is en pointe in a tutu that releases downy white feathers when she flutters. Her facial expressions speak more words than words could. She is magnificent.
 Vato Tsikurishvili as Cyrano – Photo credit Johnny Shyrock An invented character called Time is played by another Synetic regular, Ana Tsikurishvili, the daughter of Paata and Irina. A thoroughly captivating dancer clad in harlequin tights and a tutu, she signifies the passage of time and the futility of hours wasted in unrequited love. This delicate enchantress beckons Cyrano to make haste while life passes him by, appearing with fluttering doves in her attempt to end the war.
 Ana Tsikurishvili as Time ~ Photo credit Johnny Shyrock This action play owes much of its lyrical allure to Irina Tsikurishvili’s choreography, especially in the pas de deux with Cyrano and Roxanne, and another with Time and Roxanne, as well as its immersive mood created by Konstantine Lortipanidze who weaves techno-pop with tango.
A feast for the eyes and heart. Highly recommended.
With Matt R. Stover as Christian; Phillip Fletcher as De Guiche; and Anne Flowers as Priest.
Resident Composer & Sound Designer, Konstantine Lortkipanidze; Lighting Designer, Brian S. Allard; Adapter, Nathan Weinberger; Scenic Designer, Phil Charlwood; and Costume Designer, Alison Samantha Johnson.
Through March 10th at Synetic Theater, 1800 South Bell Street, Arlington, VA in Crystal City. For tickets and information call 1-866-811-4111 or visit www.synetictheater.org.
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