A Theatre Lover's Guide to DC/Capital Area Theatres - February 2011 Offerings

With over 30 shows opening on DC area stages, there's lots to choose from for local theatregoers and visitors in February. There's a 'mash-up' festival, a puppet 'slam!', a Tom Stoppard play, the beginning of The Edward Albee Festival, and so much more! So come visit the Nation's Capital and join us for some outstanding theatre.

FEBRUARY 2011 MUST SEES:

FROM FEBRUARY 1ST TO THE 27TH, TOUCH, AT NO RULES THEATRE COMPANY AT THE H STREET PLAYHOUSE, IN WASHINGTON, DC.

After their adorable production of You're a Good Man Charlie Brown wowed the critics, I cannot wait to see this young company's new production of Toni Press-Coffman's Touch at the intimate H Street Playhouse. The show is relocating to DC after a successful run in Winston-Salem's Hanesbrands Theatre. I'm looking forward to seeing Joshua Morgan wear the director's hat.

"Kyle loves astronomy and loves Keats, but most of all is absolutely and totally in love with his quirky and vivacious wife Zoe. When she goes out to run a quick errand and never returns, Kyle's world is turned upside down. Kyle leads us through this heartbreaking portrait of what it takes to rebuild one's life in the wake of personal tragedy".

Cast members include Lisa Hodsoll (Kathleen), Brandon McCoy (Bennie), Matthew Meixler (Kyle) and Sarah Strasser (Serena).

FROM FEBRUARY 2ND TO 20TH, CHARMING BILLY, AT ROUND HOUSE THEATRE, IN BETHESDA, MD.

Round House Theatre's Artistic Director Blake Robison has adapted Bethesda, MD native Alice McDermott's novel Charming Billy for the stage. He also directs the production. I love a good 'unveiling the dark secrets' play so I am looking forward to being surprised.

"In a small Bronx bar, a funeral party has gathered to honor Billy Lynch. Through the night, his friends and family weave together the tale of a husband, lover, dreamer, and storyteller, but also that of a hopeless drunk whose immense charm was but a veil over a lifetime of secrets and all-consuming sorrow. Charming Billy is a masterful look at how a community can pin its dreams to one man, and how good intentions can be as destructive as the truth they were meant to hide".

The cast includes: Julie Ann Elliot, Conrad Feininger, John Feltch, Kate Guesman, Molly Cahill Govern, Mitchell Hébert, Erin Jacobs, Kathryn Kelley, Brianna Letourneau, Amy McWilliams, Kathie Mack, Jane Papish, Talia Silber, Michael Tolaydo, David Whalen, and Joey Wolf.

Read an article about Charming Billy in The Bethesda Magazine here.

FROM FEBRUARY 3RD TO MARCH 6TH, ON THE RAZZLE, AT CONSTELLATION THEATRE COMPANY, AT SOURCE, IN WASHINGTON, DC.