The humidity is starting to climb and it's what we call around here -- 'corn weather'. But in the air-conditioned theatres in the Nation's Capital there is a harvest of new shows opening. So if you're here visiting the monuments and the Smithsonian museums, get out of the heat and come see a play or a musical.
This week, I became the Editor and Senior Columnist at a small theatre-covering website called Maryland Theatre Guide. After pouring my heart and soul into making DC Theatre Scene a hit, I am excited to be working with Mark Beachy who is an amazing videographer, and team of passionate writers. It's going to be an exciting challenge and I hope all of you who have read my Theatre Schmooze column and listened to my podcasts will join me on the new site.
Last week, Mark Beachy and I attended the Drama Desk Awards and we videotaped interviews with the nominees and winners and some theatre and film legends. Here are the Red Carpet interviews. The interviews with the winners will be posted tomorrow on MD Theatre Guide.
TOP PICKS FOR JUNE 2011
(1) THROUGH JUNE 26TH, BOOTY CANDY, AT WOOLLY MAMMOTH THEATRE COMPANY, IN WASHINGTON, DC.
If you saw Robert O'Hara's 2010 Helen Hayes Award-winning Antebellum, you know that we are in for a rollicking time as he gives us some outrageous sex education lessons in his new work Booty Candy. "O'Hara speaks the truth about growing up gay and African American. With outrageous humor and real heart, it tests how we talk about our bodies at home, in church, and on the corner". I can't wait to see what he has up his sleeve.
O'Hara is joined by Woolly Company Member Jessica Frances Dukes, and also stars Phillip James Brannon, Sean Meehan, Laiona Michelle, and Lance Coadie Williams.
Watch a video of Playwright and Director Robert O'Hara talking about the evolution of Booty Candy to Woolly staff, artists, and friends at the first rehearsal presentation on May 3, 2011.
(2) FROM JUNE 2ND TO 25TH, BOBRAUSCHENBERGAMERICA, AT FORUM THEATRE, AT ROUND HOUSE THEATRE IN SILVER SPRING, MD.
When you have Director Derek Goldman at the helm, you always know you will see something wonderful, and now Derek is directing Charles L. Mee's play - with a very long name - for the gutsy Forum Theatre. I am a big fan of painter Robert Rauschenberg's and if the show is half as colorful as Robert's work, we are in for a great time.
"Take a wild and whimsical road trip through America! Inspired by painter and pop artist Robert Rauschenberg, BOBRAUSCHENBERGAMERICA is a vivid collage of love stories, business schemes, backyard barbecues, singing, dancing, and chicken jokes".
The cast features Company Members Michael Dove and Cliff Williams, as well as Joe Brack, Chelsey Christensen, Maboud Ebrahimzadeh, Julie Garner, Annie Houston, Augie Praley, and one of the most talented young actors/singers I know - Aaron Reeder. Nice to see Aaron paying us a visit from The Big Apple.
(3) FROM JUNE 2ND TO JULY 3RD, DON QUIXOTE, AT SYNETIC THEATER, IN CRYSTAL CITY, IN ARLINGTON, VA.
