A Theatre Lover's Guide to DC/Capital Area Theatres – October 2010 Offerings

With almost 40 shows opening in October, where do I begin to talk about this incredible month which is going to offer so many theatre choices in the DC area? With the weather so cool and refreshing -- this is definitely the month to come to the Nation’s Capital to see world and DC area premieres of new plays, comedies, and musicals, and an unveiling of Arena Stage’s new Mead Center for American Theater. It’s such an exciting time to be a theatergoer here, so come join us for an October to remember!

SPECIAL EVENTS:

(1) Pandemonium: The Lost and Found Orchestra, from October 5th to 10th, at National Theatre, in Washington, DC.

A_Theatre_Lovers_Guide_to_DCCapital_Area_Theatres_October_2010_Offerings_20010101

The co-creators of STOMP - Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas - were commissioned by The Brighton Festival (UK) to write a new work for its 40th anniversary, and PANDEMONIUM premiered in 2006. Now, they have reworked it and are traveling across North America, and I am so glad that it’s coming to DC for a short stay at The National Theatre.

The show has “A dazzling array of homemade instruments, a 25-member mix of veteran STOMP performers, classical musicians, physical comedians and aerialists. Pandemonium climaxes with the human voice being added to the mix: what begins with simple melodies plucked, blown, thumped and brushed into life ends in a complex symphonic and choral celebration. In each city a 30 member local choir will contribute vocals. (the DC choir has not been announced as of this article). Luke Cresswell serves as onstage conductor of the 50+ member company and will perform in PANDEMONIUM.” Doesn’t this sound amazing?

Watch a video preview of Pandemonium here.

(2) Saturday, October 23rd – Arena Stage's 'Homecoming Grand Opening Celebration', in Washington, DC.

After being ‘on the road’ in Crystal City and at The Lincoln Theatre for several years, as Arena Stage officially opens The Mead Center for American Theater with a full day of FREE events, including performances by Broadway and local stars E. Faye Butler, Brad Oscar, Kate Baldwin, Matt Bogart, and Alice Ripley. There will also be presentations by local arts groups, and so much more. Tickets for these free events will be available online starting October 8, 2010. Here’s the schedule:

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Joel Markowitz grew up in Buffalo, NY. At a young age, between shoveling snow and eating hot Buffalo wings, he fell in love with theatre, particularly musical theatre. Moving to the DC area after graduating from Syracuse University, Joel founded The Ushers Theatre Going Social Group, where he leads groups to performances in the DC area, and theatre weekends in NYC and Philadelphia. This year, The Ushers is celebrating its 21st anniversary. Joel also coordinates Broadway Bound Meetup groups in the DC, Baltimore, and VA areas.

In May 2011, Joel became the Editor and Senior Columnist for Maryland Theatre Guide, after writing his popular column Theatre Schmooze, and recording interviews with DC, Philadelphia, and New York actors, directors, and composers for DC Theatre Scene for 5 years. Joel is also a regular contributor on the weekly NYC radio program â€˜The Lunch and Judy Showâ€™ where he talks with host Judy Stadt about theatre in NYC and the DC area. Joel is a fan of Stephen Sondheim, William Finn, Jason Robert Brown and Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. His favorite musicals include Ragtime, The Secret Garden, Spring Awakening, Gypsy, The Light in the Piazza, Sweeney Todd, The Last Five Years, and In The Heights. He is a huge supporter of children's theatre. Joel is also a Buffalo Sabres fan, so you may see him at hockey rinks, as well as at stage doors, where he schmoozes with the stars.

Past Articles by This Author: