theatre
Broadway is Back at National Theatre DC!
May 18, 2021 • theatre
It's been frustrating to see businesses open, travel and live sports resume, all while Broadway and live theatre remain dark. I'm thrilled to finally see a light at the end of the tunnel with recent announcements of Broadway's September reopening, and now locally, DC's National Theatre has announced it's upcoming season beginning this December - and it's a good one! It includes the returning favorite, RENT, and my personal favorite, Come From Away! Here's the full season:
TOOTSIE
DECEMBER 7-12, 2021
Call it “musical comedy heaven” (Rolling Stone). Call it “the most uproarious new musical in years!” (The Hollywood Reporter). Call it TOOTSIE! This laugh-out-loud love letter to the theater tells the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find work until one show-stopping act of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime. Featuring a hilarious Tony®-winning book by Robert Horn and an outrageously clever score by 2018 Tony®-winner David Yazbek (The Band’s Visit, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), this New York Times Critic’s Pick is “a joyful delight” (The Washington Post) that’s “so packed with punchlines, it should be called a jokebox musical!” (Bloomberg). “In these turbulent times, when the world seems out of balance, we need a place to let the good times roll,” raves Rolling Stone. “TOOTSIE is it!”
PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL
DECEMBER 28, 2021 - JANUARY 2, 2022
After an incredible run on Broadway, Audience Choice Award-winner PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL is now on tour! One of Hollywood’s most beloved stories of all time, PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL is brought to life by a powerhouse creative team representing the best of music, Hollywood, and Broadway. Featuring direction and choreography by two-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde), an original score by Grammy® winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance (“Summer of ’69”, “Heaven”), and a book by the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J.F. Lawton, PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will lift your spirits and light up your heart. “If you love the movie, you’ll love the musical!” (BuzzFeed News). Are you ready to fall in love all over again?
COME FROM AWAY
APRIL 12-17, 2022
Broadway’s COME FROM AWAY is a Best Musical winner all across North America! This New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Don’t miss this breathtaking new musical written by Tony® nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and helmed by Tony®-winning Best Director, Christopher Ashley. Newsweek cheers, “It takes you to a place you never want to leave!” On 9/11, the world stopped. On 9/12, their stories moved us all.
HAIRSPRAY
MAY 10-15, 2022
You Can’t Stop the Beat! HAIRSPRAY, Broadway’s Tony Award®-winning musical comedy phenomenon that inspired the blockbuster film and live television event, is back on tour! Join 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960’s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair) change the world? Featuring the beloved score of hit songs including “Welcome to the 60’s,” “Good Morning Baltimore,” “It Takes Two,” and incorporating “Ladies Choice” from the musical film adaption, HAIRSPRAY is “fresh, winning, and deliriously tuneful!” (The New York Times). This all-new touring production will reunite Broadway’s award-winning creative team led by director Jack O’Brien and choreographer Jerry Mitchell to bring HAIRSPRAY to a new generation of theater audiences. Don’t miss this “exhilaratingly funny and warm-hearted musical comedy” (The New Yorker).
Season ticket buyers (subscribers) may add any of the following seasons specials to their subscription package as desired:
DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL
NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 5, 2021
DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL is the record-setting Broadway holiday sensation which features the hit songs “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” from the original animated special. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the Holiday loving Whos. Magnificent sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville and helps remind us of the true meaning of the holiday season. Don’t miss what The New York Times calls “An extraordinary performance! 100 times better than any bedtime story.”
THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY
JANUARY 29-30, 2022
THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY is touring North America again this year! Using state of the art video projection, photos and original film footage, the show also features a full live band performing all of their hits, including ‘Mrs. Robinson’ (featured in the 1967 film The Graduate), ‘Cecilia’, ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, ‘Homeward Bound’ and many more. THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY is an immersive concert-style theater show chronicles the amazing journey shared by the folk-rock duo, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. It tells the story from their humble beginnings as Tom & Jerry to their incredible success as one of the best-selling music groups of the ‘60’s to their dramatic split in 1970. It culminates with the famous “The Concert in Central Park” reunion in 1981 with more than half a million fans in attendance.
ALTON BROWN: BEYOND THE EATS
FEBRUARY 20, 2022
Alton Brown is hitting the road with a new culinary variety show. Audiences can expect more comedy, more music, more highly unusual cooking demos, and more potentially dangerous sciencey stuff. Prepare for an evening unlike any other and if Brown calls for volunteers… think twice.
RENT - THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY FAREWELL TOUR
MARCH 25-27, 2022
For a quarter of a century, Jonathan Larson’s RENT has inspired us to choose love over fear and to live without regret. This Tony Award® and Pulitzer Prize-winning phenomenon follows a year in the lives of a diverse group of artists and friends struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. It has become more than a musical - it’s a cultural touchstone, a rite of passage and a source of joy and strength for millions. RENT has become a part of us forever. Whether you’ve never seen RENT or have completely lost count, you can’t miss it this time around - the 25th Anniversary “Farewell Season of Love” is your final chance to experience this celebrated touring production.
Want season tickets? Subscriptions are available starting at $145.
Keep updated before you go via the theatre's COVID-19 info center.
Washington, DC, USA
Bandstand tour at National Theatre DC
March 4, 2020 • theatre
Who: Sean & I
What: Bandstand, the touring Broadway musical
When: March 2020
Where: National Theatre, Washington DC
Why: Cause we deserve it ;)
Thoughts:
Bandstand caught my eye when it was on Broadway in 2017, but sadly had a short run and closed before I was able to get to NYC to see it. Fathom Events screened the show in select movie theatres in 2018. I was able to satisfy my curiosity, but screenings can never quite capture the energy of seeing a live production. I'm so glad the production is now touring and was close enough for me to see it live!
I have a few go-to theatre companions, but for Bandstand, I brought along my military-loving, musical-hating husband because I was curious how he would feel about this kind of show. The story discusses the unique issues our troops and their loved ones face, but it's also the story of forming a band to win a competition. The two sides of the story provide both upbeat and sobering moments.
At the end of Act I, I asked Sean what his thoughts were and all he had to say was "the music is uninspiring." He wasn't feeling it. I didn't even have the chance to ask him how he felt after the finale; he immediately spoke up and told me how much better it was!
His assessment is pretty fair. Bandstand is a sneaky show, sprinkling in moments of truth throughout. It makes things feel slow at times, but when they finally come and punch the audience with the truth bomb just before the finale...let's just say I think the applause after that number went on longer than the applause for curtain call! It's the piece that brings all the moments of the show together, but you have to wait for it. I promise, it's worth the wait (also, there are a few other standout numbers throughout the show IMO).
Washington, DC is the perfect city to see a show like Bandstand. The show is in town only until Sunday, but I love how show and city have embraced each other. The National Theatre has offered discounted tickets for veterans, many of whom I saw at opening night, and the actors took a moment after curtain call to thank all military and their families in the audience. It's not an experience to be missed; grab your tickets while Bandstand is still in town!
Bandstand caught my eye when it was on Broadway in 2017, but sadly had a short run and closed before I was able to get to NYC to see it. Fathom Events screened the show in select movie theatres in 2018. I was able to satisfy my curiosity, but screenings can never quite capture the energy of seeing a live production. I'm so glad the production is now touring and was close enough for me to see it live!
I have a few go-to theatre companions, but for Bandstand, I brought along my military-loving, musical-hating husband because I was curious how he would feel about this kind of show. The story discusses the unique issues our troops and their loved ones face, but it's also the story of forming a band to win a competition. The two sides of the story provide both upbeat and sobering moments.
At the end of Act I, I asked Sean what his thoughts were and all he had to say was "the music is uninspiring." He wasn't feeling it. I didn't even have the chance to ask him how he felt after the finale; he immediately spoke up and told me how much better it was!
His assessment is pretty fair. Bandstand is a sneaky show, sprinkling in moments of truth throughout. It makes things feel slow at times, but when they finally come and punch the audience with the truth bomb just before the finale...let's just say I think the applause after that number went on longer than the applause for curtain call! It's the piece that brings all the moments of the show together, but you have to wait for it. I promise, it's worth the wait (also, there are a few other standout numbers throughout the show IMO).
Washington, DC is the perfect city to see a show like Bandstand. The show is in town only until Sunday, but I love how show and city have embraced each other. The National Theatre has offered discounted tickets for veterans, many of whom I saw at opening night, and the actors took a moment after curtain call to thank all military and their families in the audience. It's not an experience to be missed; grab your tickets while Bandstand is still in town!
Washington, DC, USA
GIVEAWAY | Bandstand tour at National Theatre DC
February 19, 2020 • giveaway, theatre
The next show at the National Theatre is quickly approaching and it's one I couldn't be more excited for!
Bandstand caught my attention but had a short Broadway run, closing before I could make it to NYC to see it. I was able to see a screening of it at a movie theater, but we all know live shows are best seen live! The tour will be in DC Tuesday, March 3 - Sunday, March 8 and tickets are on sale now (psst: military discounts are available)!
Bandstand is a poignant and inspiring new American musical that explodes with infectious music and high-octane, heart-stopping dancing.
It’s 1945. As America’s soldiers come home to ticker-tape parades and overjoyed families, Private First Class Donny Novitski, singer and songwriter, struggles to rebuild the life he left behind. When NBC announces a national competition to find the nation’s next great musical superstars, Donny sees a lifeline for himself and some fellow veterans that gives them the purpose they so desperately need. Together, they form a band unlike any the nation has ever seen. Along the way, they discover the power of music to face the impossible, find their voice, and finally feel like they have a place to call home.
Of course, my friends at Allied Media are letting me give away one pair of tickets to the opening night show Tuesday, March 3rd at 7:30 pm.
Good luck!
Bandstand caught my attention but had a short Broadway run, closing before I could make it to NYC to see it. I was able to see a screening of it at a movie theater, but we all know live shows are best seen live! The tour will be in DC Tuesday, March 3 - Sunday, March 8 and tickets are on sale now (psst: military discounts are available)!
Bandstand is a poignant and inspiring new American musical that explodes with infectious music and high-octane, heart-stopping dancing.
It’s 1945. As America’s soldiers come home to ticker-tape parades and overjoyed families, Private First Class Donny Novitski, singer and songwriter, struggles to rebuild the life he left behind. When NBC announces a national competition to find the nation’s next great musical superstars, Donny sees a lifeline for himself and some fellow veterans that gives them the purpose they so desperately need. Together, they form a band unlike any the nation has ever seen. Along the way, they discover the power of music to face the impossible, find their voice, and finally feel like they have a place to call home.
Of course, my friends at Allied Media are letting me give away one pair of tickets to the opening night show Tuesday, March 3rd at 7:30 pm.
For your chance to win, comment on this post telling me why you want to see Bandstand! An email address must be included in the body of your comment in order for me to contact you if your name is drawn. Winner will be contacted on Thursday, February 27.
Washington, DC, USA
The King's Speech at National Theatre DC
February 13, 2020 • theatre
What: The King's Speech, the original play that inspired the 2010 film starring Colin Firth
When: February 2020
Where: National Theatre, Washington DC
Why: I love a good play as much as a good musical...even if I don't see them as often
Thoughts:
The journey taken across the pond to bring this story to us was a long one. In researching the simple question of "what really came first, the movie or the play?" I was led to an article stating that David Seidler began researching this story as early as the 1970's (he paused and later resumed work because the Queen Mother asked him not to pursue the project during her lifetime).
A script reading for the play prompted a film director to take notice, once again putting the play on hold to make way for the 2010 film. The play eventually hit stages two years later, but only now are we Americans enjoying the privilege of seeing the play stateside: the North American debut happened in late 2019 in Chicago, and the DC debut is this week at the National Theatre followed by a stop in Hartford, CT. Here's to hoping more performances are to come.
If you liked the movie, you will like the play. If you enjoy shows like The Crown, or even Downton Abbey, you will like the play. Amy and I watched and the movie 2 days ahead of coming to DC for the play and while I'd recommend allowing more space between viewings, it was fun to see the similarities (some scenes felt like they were lifted right from the screen) and differences (we loved that Lionel had more of a backstory in the play) throughout.
If you're in or near DC, The King's Speech will run through Sunday, February 16. The production is recommended for ages 13 and up. Tickets are still available online, or if you're feeling lucky, there are 20 $25 lottery seats available for each performance. Individuals must be present 2 hours before the show, with cash, to redeem the offer.
The journey taken across the pond to bring this story to us was a long one. In researching the simple question of "what really came first, the movie or the play?" I was led to an article stating that David Seidler began researching this story as early as the 1970's (he paused and later resumed work because the Queen Mother asked him not to pursue the project during her lifetime).
A script reading for the play prompted a film director to take notice, once again putting the play on hold to make way for the 2010 film. The play eventually hit stages two years later, but only now are we Americans enjoying the privilege of seeing the play stateside: the North American debut happened in late 2019 in Chicago, and the DC debut is this week at the National Theatre followed by a stop in Hartford, CT. Here's to hoping more performances are to come.
If you liked the movie, you will like the play. If you enjoy shows like The Crown, or even Downton Abbey, you will like the play. Amy and I watched and the movie 2 days ahead of coming to DC for the play and while I'd recommend allowing more space between viewings, it was fun to see the similarities (some scenes felt like they were lifted right from the screen) and differences (we loved that Lionel had more of a backstory in the play) throughout.
If you're in or near DC, The King's Speech will run through Sunday, February 16. The production is recommended for ages 13 and up. Tickets are still available online, or if you're feeling lucky, there are 20 $25 lottery seats available for each performance. Individuals must be present 2 hours before the show, with cash, to redeem the offer.
Washington, DC, USA
GIVEAWAY | The King's Speech
January 19, 2020 • giveaway, theatre
After a December full of amazing shows at the National Theatre, I've been itching to go back for my first show of 2020 there and while I love musicals, next up is a play that I'm so excited to see: The King's Speech!
In it's U.S. debut, The King's Speech is based on the true story of King George VI's struggle with a speech impediment and the friendship he formed with his unconventional speech therapist. This play inspired the Colin Firth film of the same name!
Allied media is generously allowing me to give one winner a pair of tickets to the opening night performance on Tuesday, February 11th at 7:30 PM.
To enter, simply leave a comment (you must include an email address in the body of the comment) telling me why you want to see the show. A winner will be contacted on Friday, January 31.
Good luck!
Washington, DC, USA
4 Broadway Shows I'm Dying to See in 2020
January 6, 2020 • theatre
Going into 2019, I sarcastically wrote "see all the shows" as my resolution...and promptly forgot about it. It was only when We got back together for NYE 2020 that I saw the things I'd written in jest the year before and realized...hey! I did it!
In 2019, I saw 30 shows.
I'm not loaded, I promise. Some shows were from a season subscription while others were free press tickets, a Broadway trip I won, or discounted Goldstar tickets.
It was a great year for theatre and while I don't know that I can top that count in 2020, I do expect it will be another great year.
Lots of new shows and revivals alike are lined up for their Broadway opening this year, and 4 in particular have caught my eye:
(Pro tip: go in spring just before the Tony's. Most shows will be open and you won't have to worry about ticket prices surging or shows closing after all the publicity)
In 2019, I saw 30 shows.
I'm not loaded, I promise. Some shows were from a season subscription while others were free press tickets, a Broadway trip I won, or discounted Goldstar tickets.
It was a great year for theatre and while I don't know that I can top that count in 2020, I do expect it will be another great year.
Lots of new shows and revivals alike are lined up for their Broadway opening this year, and 4 in particular have caught my eye:
(Pro tip: go in spring just before the Tony's. Most shows will be open and you won't have to worry about ticket prices surging or shows closing after all the publicity)
Jagged Little Pill
Are you a true 90's kid if you aren't obsessed with this album? This is a jukebox musical featuring an original storyline with the music of Alanis Morissette, mostly from the titular album. I've been stalking this show since it's pre-Broadway run in Boston. It opened in December, and I can't wait!
Diana
I was only 10 when Princess Diana lost her life and knew little of her. I'm excited to see her story on stage. Will this be gone in a season or the new Evita?
An added perk for me is the participation of director Christopher Ashley who directed my all-time favorite show, Come From Away!
An added perk for me is the participation of director Christopher Ashley who directed my all-time favorite show, Come From Away!
Six
This show was a smash on the West End and it's making its way stateside in 2020. It's a modern retelling of the lives of the six wives of Henry VIII with a pop twist, and exactly the type of creativity I've been yearning for more of on Broadway.
While movie adaptations and jukebox scores have their place and can be amazing, one can only take so many at a time!
While movie adaptations and jukebox scores have their place and can be amazing, one can only take so many at a time!
The Music Man
One of two revivals on my list, how can you possibly say no to a fun, classic show that features Hugh Jackman as the lead?
While I'm bummed that this show is forcing successful fan favorite Beetlejuice out of it's home theatre, I don't think that will be enough to discourage fans of the musical or Jackman from seeing this anticipated revival!
While I'm bummed that this show is forcing successful fan favorite Beetlejuice out of it's home theatre, I don't think that will be enough to discourage fans of the musical or Jackman from seeing this anticipated revival!
New York, NY, USA
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