For Immediate Release
July 27, 2010


                                                 2010-2011 Fall Theatre Preview

Washington, DC theater fans have much to celebrate this season with the opening of a brand new, multi-million dollar performance facility and a power-packed lineup of world premieres, Shakespearean classics and memorable musicals. Here are a few of the season’s upcoming highlights:

Arena Stage: Arena Stage celebrates two milestones this year with both its 60th anniversary and the opening of its new $125 million home, The Mead Center for American Theater. Opening in October, the new upgraded space offers three theaters supported by state-of-the-art technology and spacious workspace for rehearsals, set design, construction and administrative services. The Mead Center will address audience needs as well: included is a large, common lobby with a grand staircase that links all three theater spaces, in addition to a vastly increased number of restrooms in several locations; a single, efficient Box Office to serve all audiences; readily available concessions and an onsite café; and easy access to all areas of the building for persons with disabilities. Theater-goers will also revel in breathtaking views of the Washington Monument from the outdoor terrace.

On stage, the Mead Center’s inaugural season begins with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma” (Oct. 23-Dec. 26).  November brings the electrifying world premiere of “Every Tongue Confess” (Nov. 9 – Jan. 2), featuring a stirring combination of Deep South juke joint music and gospel. In December, writer-performer Anna Deveare Smith’s comedy “Let Me Down Easy” (Dec. 31 – Feb. 13) hits the stage, followed by “The Arabian Nights” (Jan. 14- Feb. 20) and Edward Albee’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” (Feb. 25-Apr. 10).

Signature Theatre: Signature Theatre tells the story of chess, love and betrayal in the cult rock classic “Chess” (Aug 10 - Sept. 26), then brings comedy to the stage in “A Fox on the Fairway.” The plot is about a case of mistaken identity and romantic misunderstandings at a stuffy private country club (Oct. 12 - Nov. 14). Signature rounds out the year with the world premiere of “Walter Cronkite is Dead” (Oct. 26 - Dec. 19) and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Sunset Boulevard” (Dec. 7 – Feb. 13).

Woolly Mammoth: Woolly Mammoth dives into fall with “In the Next Room, or The Vibrator Play,” a story about the surprising results of sexual repression from Pulitzer Prize-nominated playwright Sarah Ruhl (Aug. 23 - Sep. 19). The season also studies America’s obsession with youth and beauty in the dark comedy “House of Gold” (Nov. 1 - 28) before wrapping up 2010 with “A Girl’s Guide to Washington Politics” (Dec. 8 - Jan.9).

Folger Shakespeare Theatre: The Folger boasts a season of classics, opening with “Henry VIII” (Oct. 12 - Nov. 21). The lighthearted romp “Comedy of Errors” will amuse audiences Jan. 25 - Mar.6 with mistaken identities and hilarious mishaps, before “Cyrano” takes the stage (Apr. 26 - Jun. 5), the story of a fascinating and poignant love triangle in 17th-century France.

GALA Hispanic Theatre: Bilingual theater fans can start with the tragicomedy “The Knight from Olmedo” (Sep. 16 – Oct. 17), or the innovative adaptation of the Nobel Prize-winning novella “The Innocent Erendira and Her Heartless Grandmother” (Feb. 3 - 27), a tragic tale that evolves into a dark comedy.

Kennedy Center: Season highlights include “Mary Poppins” (thru Aug.22), “Hair” (Oct. 26 - Nov. 21), and “South Pacific” (Dec. 14 – Jan.16). International theater takes center stage as the Russian actors of the Checkhov International Theatre Festival visit the Kennedy Center for the North American premiere of Anton Checkhov’s “Three Sisters” (Oct. 19 - 20), as well as the Shakespearean classic “Twelfth Night” (Oct. 22 - 23). The JFK 50th Anniversary Celebration (Jan. 18 – Feb. 1, 2011) will be a series of six shows to recreate the musical and dance performances presented to John F. Kennedy during his presidency. “Maximum India” (Mar. 2 – 20, 2011) will be an unprecedented celebration of Indian culture and arts.

Shakespeare Theatre Company:  The Shakespeare Theatre Company starts at Lansburg Theatre with “The Alchemist” (Oct. 6 - Nov. 2), considered Ben Jonson’s best comedy about three British con-artists who expose the social ills of their fellow Londoners. The company will also perform Shakespeare’s “As You Like it” (Nov. 17 – Dec. 22), “Richard II” (Feb. 2 – April 10), and “Henry V” (Feb. 2 – Apr. 10) at Sidney Harman Hall. As part of La Dolce DC, DC’s celebration of Italian culture, there will be a special performance of Shakespeare’s “Merchant of Venice” (Mar. 8 - Apr. 12, 2011).