By Southwester Staff Arena Stage announced that My Body No Choice, a limited engagement staged in the run-up to the midterm elections, will be Molly Smith’s final production before she steps down as Artistic Director. Featuring monologues from eight of America’s most dynamic female playwrights, My Body No Choice explores the importance of bodily autonomy, […]
Southwest Resident Anita Maynard-Losh to Direct Holiday at Arena Stage
By Sheila Wickouski The Arena Stage 2022-23 theater season starts off with a Philip Barry’s classic rom-com Holiday which runs from October 7 to November 6. Almost 100 years old, this glittering story of opposing societal hierarchies and differing views of success is still a timely commentary on what is a life worth living […]
18th Annual DC JazzFest Headed to Southwest
By Mike Goodman With dozens of performances in venues across the city, the annual DC JazzFest (DCJF) is one of the largest music festivals in the country. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the DC Jazz Festival celebrates America’s unique original art form during this international event that attracts jazz lovers from around the world. This year, the DCJF runs from […]
Grammy Winner Pens Original Songs for Arena Production
By Sheila Wickouski Grammy Award-winning songwriter Marcus Hummon’s songs have been recorded in many genres, including pop, R&B, gospel and most notably in country music. He has written some of the genre’s most iconic songs, including Rascal Flatts’ “Bless the Broken Road,” the Dixie Chicks’ “Cowboy Take Me Away” and Sara Evans’ “Born to Fly.” […]
Playwright Charles Randolph-Wright Shines Spotlight on Frederick Douglass in Arena Stage World Premiere
By Sheila Wickouski On July 15, Arena Stage will host the world premiere of the musical American Prophet: Frederick Douglass in His Own Words. Douglass’ own words power soaring new melodies and an original script from Grammy Award-winning songwriter Marcus Hummon and Charles Randolph-Wright, also known for Arena Stage’s Born for This: The BeBe Winans […]
Arena Stage Announces New Season Lineup
By Southwester Staff Arena Stage announced a lineup of new productions for the company’s 73rd season, scheduled to kick off in July. The season will be Artistic Director Molly Smith’s 25th in the role, and will feature musicals, comedies and dramas to showcase the broad range of American theater. “Reflective of our shared experience, our […]
Costumes Take Center Stage in Arena’s Catch Me If You Can
By Sheila Wickouski In the Arena Stage production of Catch Me If You Can, costumes take center stage, creating the atmosphere of the 1960’s and supporting the story with humor and panache. Costume designer Alejo Vietti has worked on productions ranging from Broadway to Donesk, Ukraine. He has designed costumes for the Radio City Rockettes […]