April 2011 Archives

Only the second opera the Wolf Trap Foundation has yet commissioned, John Musto and Mark Campbell's new comedy The Inspector is based on Russian writer Nikolai Gogol's The Government Inspector, though the pair has transposed the play to 1930s Sicily under Mussolini's reign, and written it in English. "There's a lot of humor to be mined in abusive power," says the gay Campbell, who wrote the opera's lyrics. "Dictators are just funny," at least when they're onstage, out of real harm's way. (Metro Weekly recently spoke with one of the opera's stars, Matt Boehler, and you can read his interview here.) Final performance is Sunday, May 1, at 3 p.m. The Barns at Wolf Trap, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna. Tickets are $32 to $72. Call 703-255-1900 or visit wolf-trap.org.

One of Australia's leading exports, Kylie Minogue is on par with Madonna pretty much everywhere but in America, where she's more of a curiosity -- better known than Vegemite, but almost as foreign. That is, except among the gay community, and dance music fans in general. "It's been a weird level of success for me in the states, compared to other territories," Minogue recently told American reporters, with no trace of bitterness. In fact, she laughs it off. "Sometimes it feels like we're members of some secret society -- in the best possible way." You can be sure the local chapter of that secret society will be going crazy this Saturday night, when Minogue stops by the Patriot Center. Town Danceboutique's Ed Bailey will serve as DJ before Minogue takes the stage. Saturday, April 30, at 8 p.m. at the George Mason University's Patriot Center, 4500 Patriot Circle in Fairfax. Tickets are $55 to $125. Call 703-993-3000 or visit patriotcenter.com or 930.com.

Merriweather Post Pavilion kicks off its 2011 season with The Sweetlife Festival, sponsored by delicious local salad chain sweetgreen and featuring performances by indie-cred acts such as the Strokes, Girl Talk, Lupe Fiasco, Cold War Kids and Ra Ra Riot. Local farmers will also offer hearty grub at this "carbon neutral event." Sunday, May 1, starting at noon. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, Md. Tickets are $55. Call 800-551-SEAT or visit merriweathermusic.com.

The new cabaret From Berlin to Sunset revolves around the constellation of emigre artists in Nazi-era 1940s Hollywood, including Billy Wilder, Erich Korngold, Kurt Weill and Hanns Eisler. Charlotte Stoudt wrote the book. Produced by The In Series. Opens Friday, April 29, at 8 p.m. A special Out at the In Series performance is Sunday, May 8, at 3 p.m. To May 15. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. Tickets are $39. Call 202-399-7993 or visit atlasarts.org.

Featuring news headlines and commentary from Metro Weekly editor Sean Bugg.

Two brothers and an innocent stranger are held hostage by a despotic father in Enda Walsh's The Walworth Farce -- and the audience doesn't escape easily, either. As Dinny, the father, Ted van Griethuysen may be the most tyrannical man you've ever seen on stage. Van Griethuhsen's evil portrayal is nearly as squirm-inducing as Heath Ledger's Joker in The Dark Knight. As it goes on and on with no end in sight, you end up giving up caring about what's going to happen, because you just know nothing good will come of it. When the play finally reaches a mostly satisfying climax, it ultimately comes too late. With this level of torture, all you want to do is flee and never look back. Closes this Sunday, May 1. Studio Theatre, 14th & P Streets NW. Call 202-332-3300 or visit studiotheatre.org.

Read Doug Rule's full review here.

You can't help but notice similarities between the 1988 Spanish film Women On The Verge of A Nervous Breakdown and this Divorcees, Evangelists and Vegetarians, which was originally staged in 1989. Anyone who loved Pedro Almodovar's black comedy will be amused here too, but Gustavo Ott’s play isn't quite as loopy, and its feminist undertones are more gratifying. The jokes come a mile a minute in Divorcees, which GALA first staged in 2003. The play focuses on three strangers who quickly become close friends. All three actresses add zest to their characters. Youre just sure these three women are now best friends in real life, too. Closes this Sunday, May 1. GALA Theatre at Tivoli Square, 3333 14th St. NW. Tickets are $20 to $36. Call 202-234-7174 or visit galatheatre.org.

Read Doug Rule's full Four Star review here.

Three longtime friends debate the purchase by one of a hugely expensive painting in Yasmina Reza's Art. As the friends become increasingly fractious and, eventually, unhinged, they still deliver their one-liners and rueful glances. For although there are a few piquant moments here, this is theatre at a cooler temperature; the kind that lets you keep your emotional distance even as your intellect engages. As a trio, actors Mitchell Hebert, John Lescault and Michael Russotto offer plenty of rapport, comic timing and a pleasurable sense that everyone is in on Reza's joke and her more earnest wavelengths. For those who love and defend art as much as they enjoy a bit of irreverent ribbing, Art is an evening of provocative fun. To May 21. Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington. Tickets $61 to $75. Call 703-820-9771 or visit signature-theatre.org.

Read Kate Wingfield's full Four Star review here.

You can blame -- or praise, if you insist -- YouTube for this concert pairing Greyson Chance and Cody Simpson, since it brought both barely pubescent teenagers to mainstream attention. Chance, of course, is the piano-playing, "Paparazzi"-covering teenage sensation now recording for Ellen DeGeneres's debut record label, while Simpson is an upstart Australian now signed to Atlantic Records. Talk about teenage idols. Thursday, April 28, at 7 p.m. Sixth & I Historic Synagogue. 600 I St. NW. Tickets are $25. Call 202-408-3100 or visit sixthandi.org.

Julian Wachner leads the The Washington Chorus as it celebrates two notable milestones: Gustav Mahler's 150th birth year in 2010 and his 100-year death in 2011. Outstanding soloists join the chorus in its 50th anniversary gala concert to pay tribute to the German composer. Saturday, May 1, at 1 p.m. Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Tickets are $15 to $65. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

Arlington's Artisphere wraps up its month-long mini-fest of David Lynch films with Blue Velvet, the influential 1986 surreal mystery starring Kyle MacLachlan, Dennis Hopper and Isabella Rosselini as a kinky nightclub chanteuse. Some consider it Lynch's masterpiece. Others consider it unwatchable. Decide for yourself. Wednesday, April 27, at 8 p.m. Artisphere's Dome Theatre, 1101 Wilson Blvd. Arlington. Tickets are $6 each film. Call 703-875-1100 or visit artisphere.com.

In One Night of Queen, a tribute show to Queen and its flamboyant, bisexual front man Freddie Mercury, vocalist Gary Mullen and The Works offer what the Scottish newspaper The Scotsman says is "an extravagant homage to [the band's] legacy…not merely pretenders to the throne but great showmen worthy of such an accolade." "We Will Rock You," they promise. Wednesday, April 27, at 8 p.m. Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. Tickets are $28 to $58. Call 301-581-5100 or visit strathmore.org.

In Edmund Rostand's classic, Cyrano, the titular character secretly adores Roxanne but fears she could never share the sentiment because of his extraordinarily huge nose. So he uses his gift for wit and wordplay to help a tongue-tied friend Christian woo her instead. Adapted and directed by Aaron Posner and starring Eric Hissom in the title role. In previews starting Tuesday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m. To June 5. Folger Elizabethan Theatre, 201 East Capitol St. SE. Tickets are $30 to $60. Call 202-544-7077 or visit folger.edu.

An Argentinean-born singer and guitarist on the D.C.-based ESL Music label -- named after the Eighteenth Street Lounge and home to Thievery Corporation -- Aubele makes some of the coolest music you've never heard before. Whatever you call it -- electro-tango or world chill-out most likely -- it's an intoxicating, smoky blend that soothes the soul and puts your mind at some sense of temporary ease. It's a musical narcotic. His U.S. tour in support of the new set Berlin 13 kicks off right here Monday, April 25, at 8:30 p.m. Rock and Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE. Tickets are $15. Call 202-388-ROCK or visit rockandrollhoteldc.com.

Femi Kuti carries the torch for his late father, Nigerian Afro-beat pioneer and superstar Fela Kuti, the subject of the exhilarating recent Broadway musical sensation Fela! Femi Kuti and the Positive Force's Afro-beat expands on his father's funky jazz base to incorporate the sounds of new R&B and dance music from all corners of the world -- but it's as tinged with activism, especially against oppressive, corrupt government, as his father's music. Tonight, Saturday, April 23. Doors at 10 p.m. Nightclub 9:30, 815 V St. NW. Tickets are $30. Call 202-265-0930 or visit 930.com.

The American Film Institute's Silver Theatre launches a retrospective of gay filmmaker Todd Haynes with a new 35mm print celebrating the 20th anniversary of Poison, inspired by the transgressive tales of Jean Genet. The director's first feature-length film, Poison is provocative (for its time), highly stylized, and is ultimately marked by a grimy despondency. The film deals mainly with sex (it is based on Genet, after all), and contains a fair amount of gay content, which, again, for its time was not the norm. It's a stunning first work from a director who would later refuse to sacrifice his indie spirit and continue to make films that paid homage to mainstream Hollywood with a cool subversiveness. Sunday, April 24, at 8:45 p.m., and Monday, April 25, at 9:45 p.m. AFI Silver Theatre, 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring. Tickets are $11 general admission. Call 301-495-6720 or visit afi.com/Silver.

Before Prop 8, Milk or Will & Grace, before the AIDS epidemic, gay pride parades or the Stonewall uprising, there was Mort Crowley's brilliant, bitter The Boys in the Band. Crayton Robey's film, Making the Boys explores the drama, struggle and enduring legacy of the first-ever gay play and subsequent Hollywood movie (directed by William Friedkin, no less), beloved by some for breaking new ground and condemned by others for reinforcing gay stereotypes. The documentary includes anecdotes from the surviving cast and filmmakers as well as notable others. (As a side note: Boys in the Band was on our first list of 25 Gay Films Everyone Should See.) Opens today, April 22. West End Cinema, 2301 M St. NW. Call 202-419-FILM or visit westendcinema.com.

The Washington theater community has grown in the past quarter century to the point where it is arguably one of the largest, strongest thriving regional theater scenes in the country. And no small contributor to that growth has been the Helen Hayes Awards, which, for 27 years, has been rewarding excellence in local theater, inspiring all -- from the smallest to the largest -- to create their best possible works. This year's ceremony is Monday, April 25, and features a tribute to Tommy Tune, the impossibly tall director, choreographer and actor responsible for such remarkable, elegant Broadway fare as Nine and Grand Hotel. Ford's Theatre will receive an honor for its engaging "History on Foot" program and two small, budding theatre companies -- Rick Hammerly's Factory 449 and the No Rules Theatre Company -- will be have the Outstanding Emerging Theatre Company honor bestowed upon them. As for the rest of the awards? Well, you'll just have to attend the black tie affair to find out who wins what. Presenters include Karen Akers, Will Gartshore, John Glover, Chris Henley, Elaine Paige, Ken Ludwig and David Muse. The presentation is at the Warner Theatre, 13th and E Streets NW, at 8 p.m. It's followed at 10 p.m. by The Ovation Gala, just a few blocks away at the JW Marriott Hotel, 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, the biggest, best "cast party" in Washington. It's an orgy of thespians! Tickets are still available. Tickets are $300 to $500. Call 202-337-4572 or visit helenhayes.org.

The Kennedy Center takes something of a spring break and shines a national light on several college theater productions. Remaining highlights include: Minnesota State University, Mankato's production of The Odyssey, as vibrantly adapted by Tony Award-winning playwright Mary Zimmerman, tonight Thursday, April 21, at 7 p.m.; and national finalists in the Ten-Minute Play Festival, featuring plays written by students from the University of Missouri, Ohio University, Florida State University, San Francisco State University and Texas State University-San Marcos, tomorrow, Friday, April 22, at 5 p.m. Kennedy Center. Tickets are $10 for each of these events. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

Sam Beam is Iron & Wine, a dazzling folk-pop act whose latest album, Kiss Each Other Clean is a rich, idiosyncratic collage of sounds and rhythms that only enhances Beam's evocative lyrics exploring love, religion and dreams. The Rhode Island indie-folk band the Low Anthem opens. Wednesday, April 20, at 8 p.m. Rams Head Live!, 20 Market Place, Baltimore. Tickets are $28. Call 410-244-1131 or visit ramsheadlive.com.

The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts offers a production of the little-known 1986 musical Rags, by Stephen Schwartz (Pippin, Wicked), Charles Strouse (Annie) and Joseph Stein (Fiddler on the Roof). The story focuses on the arrival of Jewish immigrants to New York City in the early part of the last century. Deb Gottesman and Buzz Mauro direct a mix of students and professionals, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire that spurred the organized labor movement in the U.S. Through April 23. The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts, 733 8th Street NW. Tickets are $15. Call 202-824-0449 or visit theatrelab.org.

Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe star in Howard Hawks’ wicked musical romp Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. You may have heard the showstopper before -- a little ditty about diamonds and girls and best friends, something like that. The American Film Institute’s Silver Theatre screens a new 35mm print of the 1953 classic. Saturday, April 16, at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, April 17, at 6:45 p.m., Monday, April 18, at 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 19, at 4:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m., Wednesday, April 20, at 4:30 p.m. AFI Silver Theatre, 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring. Tickets are $11 general admission. Call 301-495-6720 or visit afi.com/Silver.

The Arlington Cinema N’ Drafthouse will return all films in the Lord of the Rings trilogy to the big screen for a one-day marathon, Sunday, April 17. Fans are encouraged to dress up as a favorite character to earn a free movie pass for a future screening, and there will also be a trivia contest and a Gollum impersonation contest. Get out your precious! The Fellowship of the Rings screens at noon, The Two Towers at 3:15 p.m. and The Return of the King at 7 p.m. Arlington Cinema N’ Drafthouse, 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington. Tickets are $10. Call 703-486-2345 or visit arlingtondrafthouse.com.

More than 25 years since his professional recording debut, Michael Feinstein has become something of a gay activist. But he remains best known as a leading interpreter and archivist of the Great American Songbook. In addition to his PBS special on the subject, Feinstein continues to tour in what he told Metro Weekly two years ago is intended as "a celebration of that great era of music," which loosely spans the two world wars and encompasses songs from early Broadway and the Jazz Age. Sunday, April 17, at 7 p.m. Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Tickets are $40 to $75. Call 202-467-4600 or visit wpas.org.

The Who’s 1975 film adaptation of their rock opera Tommy starred the band’s Roger Daltrey in the title role as a “deaf, dumb and blind kid” who eventually becomes the leader of a religious sect after defeating the Pinball Wizard (played by Elton John). Along the way, we meet characters played by Ann-Margret, Oliver Reed, Eric Clapton, Tina Turner and Jack Nicholson. If you haven’t seen the decidedly eccentric film from Ken Russell, the American Film Institute’s Silver Theatre has got your ticket. It's worth it alone to watch Ann-Margret writhe in soap suds, baked beans and chocolate. Seriously. They don't make 'em like as crazy as this anymore. Friday, April 15, 9:30 p.m., Saturday, April 16, at 9:30 p.m., Sunday, April 17, at 8:45 p.m., Monday, April 18, at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 20, at 9:45 a.m. AFI Silver Theatre, 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring. Tickets are $11 general admission. Call 301-495-6720 or visit afi.com/Silver.

Check out this new video by Spindrift's Western-tinged song, "When I Was Free." Directed by Rob Bray, the video is an homage to enigmatic photographer Stanley Sanger.

On Wednesday, April 13, Nellie's Sports Bar will be hosting a benefit for Ben Shallenberger, who was recently diagnosed with lymphoblastic lymphoma, a rare and aggressive cancer.

The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, and Nellie's will be "offering a $1 donation for every Nellie Beer sold" all night.

Shallenberger's work first gained national attention when he won a national video competition in 2008 called "Film Your Issue." That connected him with the Human Rights Campaign, where he is a manager in their media production department.

From the Facebook page set up for the event:

As Ben later explained, "I wrote a poem about the personal struggle with being gay and a Christian. I spoke from the heart about my experiences. The whole thing took under 4 hours, but the effects of it will last forever."  You can watch his video.

When the battle for marriage equality was taking place here in the District, Ben offered testimony as a resident of Ward 5 in support of the The Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009.  In his words: "I’m not even involved in a relationship at this time. To be completely honest, I've never even been on a date. But I do know that someday, I will be ready to commit my life to someone, and I want the opportunity to get married in the eyes of God and the state."
 
Through his work at the Human Rights Campaign and his time and talents in the field of video editing, Ben's work has been seen by many.

Most recently, Shallenberger told Metro Weekly that he had worked on some of the videos seen at the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network's annual dinner held on March 19, including the video of Lady Gaga accepting the Randy Shilts Visibility Award. Lady Gaga herself later tweeted her thanks for the award by sharing Metro Weekly's coverage of the award and video.

The former lead singer of 1980s new-wave band 'Til Tuesday ("Voices Carry"), Aimee Mann gained further recognition as a solo artist for her work on the Magnolia soundtrack a decade ago. But the famously moody singer-songwriter, who grew up outside Richmond, Va., has shown herself to be in an uncharacteristically playful mood of late. Her most recent album, 2008's impressive @#%&*! Smilers, offered blazing electric guitars but also lush and light horn and string instrumentation, with a rich tapestry of complex sound and emotion. On tour these days, she's previewing songs from a new musical she's writing. Tuesday, April 12, and Wednesday, April 13, at 7:30 p.m. The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Tickets are $49.50. Call 703-549-7500 or visit birchmere.com.

The Color Purple, which earned 11 Tony nominations in 2006 and launched its first national tour at the Kennedy Center in 2009, returns to D.C., this time at The National. The show is based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the moving film by Steven Spielberg as adapted by librettist Marsha Norman and featuring a joyous score, merging jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues, by Brend Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. Opens tonight, Tuesday, April 12, at 7:30 p.m. Running through April 24. National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Tickets are $26.50 to $96.50. Call 202-628-6161 or visit nationaltheatre.org.

One of Variety's "10 Comics to Watch," Ralphie May debuted on season one of Last Comic Standing and is known for his ability to connect with a diverse audience by pointing out society's hypocrisies and not shying away from touchy topics or ethnic jokes. The heavyweight doesn't pull punches. Saturday, April 9, at 8 p.m. Lisner Auditorium, The George Washington University, 730 21st St. NW. Tickets are $29.50. Call 202-994-6800 or visit lisner.org.

Warning: The clip below is flowing with profanities and hilarious rudeness. So if you're feeling a bit on the prudish side, try clicking here instead.

Intended as a "holiday for space," the annual event Yuri's Night celebrates the world's first manned space flight by Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin in the most non-scientific of ways: through a zany night of visual art, performance and music. In addition to an art/science exhibit at Artisphere's Mezz Gallery, an adults-only party includes a "Star Trek meets The Love Boat" intergalactic variety show hosted by Kittie Glitter as Captain Ballcrusher; New York "Boylesque" star Tigger! alongside burlesque artists L'il Dutch, Candy Del Rio and Rev. Valentine; music by surf-rockers Atomic Mosquitos and the jazzy ska band Eastern Standard Time; a "lunar" dance party; even a reduced-gravity chamber, better known as a moonbounce. You must be 21 or older to attend. Saturday, April 9, at 8 p.m. Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Va. Tickets are $25 at the door. Call 703-875-1100 or visit artisphere.com.

The Washington Ballet performs Anna-Marie Holmes's production of Marius Petipa's 19th century Le Corsaire, a swashbuckling adventure of pirates, pashas and the slave girls who love them. Music by Adolphe Adam. Friday and Saturday, April 8 and 9, at 8 p.m. Also Saturday, April 9, at 2:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 10, at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater. Tickets are $20 to $125. Call 202-467-4600 or visit washingtonballet.org.

For all you country fans out there (D.C. Cowboys, you know who you are), Live Nation just announced that Tim McGraw's Emotional Traffic Tour will be rolling into Jiffy Lube Live on SAturday, August 13. Tickets on sale next Friday, April 15 at 10 a.m. at LiveNation.com, Ticketmaster outlets, the Jiffy Lube Live box office, or by phone at 800-745-3000. Tickets are $54.75 to $69.75 reserved, $29.75 lawn. We can always hope wife Faith Hill is on the road with him and will pop on stage to sing a duet.

Meantime, here's a little Tim to get you emotionally ready...

One of our personal favorites, with a tenor as sweet and transfixing as they come, Teddy Thompson is the folk-rock son of Richard and Linda Thompson, so he's got pedigree and pressure. But he consistently proves his mettle, living up to the hype, which includes the New York Times calling him "one of the most gifted songwriters of his generation." Thompson's new album, Bella, his fifth, is a gem, filled with catchy hooks over rootsy music and a sweet tenor that recalls Roy Orbison. Buddy Holly was also an inspiration. Thompson opens for Old 97's. Sunday, April 10. Doors at 7 p.m. Nightclub 9:30, 815 V St. NW. Tickets are $25. Call 202-265-0930 or visit 930.com.

Playing a rich, spoiled brat doesn't seem to be much of a stretch for Russell Brand, but who cares? We know he can be funny doing it. In this remake of the 1981 original starring Dudley Moore, Brand as Arthur is joined by Helen Mirren as his nanny and Jennifer Garner as the woman he must marry to avoid losing his inheritance. Meanwhile, Greta Gerwig takes over from Liza Minnelli in the original to play the only woman Brand's character has ever loved. Will he ever grow up? Did we really need a remake? Only Monday's box office will tell. (Okay, we admit, "wash your winkie" intoned as Darth Vader seems kinda funny.) We suppose there's one thing to be thankful for: No Christopher Cross. Now playing. Area theaters. Visit fandango.com.

Just for fun, let's do a little compare and contrast:

Signature Theatre, in Arlington, Va. announced its 2011-2012 season today and among the surprises: Hairspray, the Broadway musical based on the 1988 John Waters film, directed by Eric Schaeffer (no word yet on who's playing Edna, but we can't wait to see who Eric casts), and Xanadu -- yes, that Xanadu -- directed by Matthew Gardiner.

The full season, adapted from the company's press release, follows:

THE HOLLOW
Book by Hunter Foster
Music & Lyrics by Matt Conner
Based on The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
Directed by Eric Schaeffer
August -- October 2011
The MAX
From the composer of Nevermore and Partial Eclipse, The Hollow is a chilling musical reinterpretation of the classic thriller The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. In a devout 18th century village, a mysterious stranger spreading radically new ideas challenges the traditional order. However, when rumors spread of a headless horseman murdering friends and neighbors, the townsfolk blame the outsider for this demonic curse.

THE BOY DETECTIVE FAILS
Book by Joe Meno
Music & Lyrics by Adam Gwon
Based on novel The Boy Detective Fails by Joe Meno
Directed by Joe Calarco
August -- October 2011
The MAX
The Boy Detective Fails, based on Joe Meno's acclaimed novel, tells the story of Billy Argo, "boy detective." In the twilight of a childhood full of wonder, a broken-hearted Billy faces a mystery he can't comprehend - the shocking death of his young sister and crime-solving partner, Caroline. Ten years later, a 30-year old Billy returns to his quiet New Jersey town after an extended stay at St. Vitus' Hospital for the Mentally Ill. Although determined to solve the mystery of Caroline's death and right old wrongs, he instead discovers a world full of unimaginable strangeness, beauty and love.

HAIRSPRAY
Book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan
Music by Marc Shaiman
Lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman
Based on the 1988 John Waters film Hairspray
Directed by Eric Schaeffer
November 2011 -- January 2012
The MAX
When she wins a coveted spot on "The Corny Collins Show," Baltimore's most popular teen dance program, the high school loser with the big heart, big personality and big hair proves everyone wrong and becomes a local TV celebrity. It seems like Tracy will have it all -- the eye of heartthrob Link Larkin, the Miss Teenage Hairspray crown, even a modeling gig with Mr. Pinky's Hefty Hideaway. But is segregated Baltimore ready to embrace her demand for racial integration? And will her larger-than-life mother ever leave the house?

World Premiere
REALLY REALLY
A New Drama by Paul Downs Colaizzo
Directed by Matthew Gardiner
January -- March 2012
The ARK
At an elite university, when the party of the year results in the regret of a lifetime, one person will stop at nothing to salvage her suddenly evaporating future. In this quick-witted and gripping comic tragedy about "Generation Me," it's every man for himself.

World Premiere
BROTHER RUSSIA
Book & Lyrics by John Dempsey
Music by Dana Rowe
Directed by Eric Schaeffer
February -- March 2012
The MAX
A world premiere rock musical from the award-winning creators of The Fix and The Witches of Eastwick. In a desolate potato field north of Omsk, a comically fourth-rate Russian theatre troupe sets up its tents and wows the local farmers with rock-fueled adaptations of Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. Tonight, however, the company will toss classic literature aside to showcase the life story of their impresario and star, the seemingly immortal Brother Russia -- more commonly known as Grigori Yefimovich Rasputin. Yes, that Rasputin: the hypnotic mystic who seduced and ruled the Tsar and Tsarina in the waning days of Imperial Russia.

GOD OF CARNAGE
by Yasmina Reza
Translated by Christopher Hampton
April -- June 2012
The ARK
Two upper-middle-class Brooklyn couples meet to discuss an incident of playground violence between their sons. Though the evening begins with polite pleasantries, it quickly descends into primal madness as tempers flare, loyalties shift and the parents devolve into children. Like last season's Art, Reza ferociously and hilariously strips her affluent, over-achieving characters down to their savage core.

Washington Premiere
XANADU
Book by Douglas Carter Beane
Music & Lyrics by Jeff Lynne
Based on the 1980 Universal Pictures film
Directed & Choreographed by Matthew Gardiner
April -- May 2012
The MAX
1980. Venice, California. Legwarmers are in and roller skates are way sexy. Xanadu, the zany send-up to the cult film starring Olivia Newton-John, delivers rock-star hilarity in an electrifying tale of forbidden love. Kira, one of seven quirky Greek muses, is sworn to three things: to inspire mortals, never reveal her identity and never, ever fall in love. However, when she emboldens struggling artist Sonny to create the first roller disco, Kira feels the artistic pull of her own.

You can subscribe to the season or see more here.

Anna Ziegler's new drama Photograph 51, chronicles the frenzied chase to find the DNA molecule's structure by focusing on Jewish female scientist Rosalind Franklin, whose contribution to the 20th Century's biggest scientific breakthrough went unsung. Daniella Topol directs a cast including Elizabeth Rich, Clint Brandhagen, Michael Gleen and Alexander Strain. To April 24. The Aaron & Cecile Goldman Theater, Washington, D.C.'s Jewish Community Center, 1529 16th St. NW. Tickets are $30 to $55. Call 202-518-9400 or visit theaterj.org.

Julian Wachner directs The Washington Chorus in its third annual New Music for a New Age concert. This year's featured composer is Elena Ruehr, known for long lyrical lines and rhythmic drives, combined with cantata singing. The event features three major Ruehr works: Cricket, Spider, Bee, with text by Emily Dickinson, Gospel Cha-Cha, with text by Langston Hughes, and Averno, with text by Louise Glück. Sunday, April 3, at 5 p.m. National Presbyterian Church, 4101 Nebraska Ave. NW. Tickets are $25 to $40. Call 202-429-2121 or visit thewashingtonchorus.org.

UrbanArias is a new opera company dedicated to producing short, contemporary operas. Its inaugural festival launches this weekend with fifteen different events and three short operas running in repertory: Ricky Ian Gordon's retelling of Orpheus & Euridice starring opera star Elizabeth Futral; Gordon's Green Sneakers, a searing but also humorous send-off to his late partner stricken by AIDS; and Tom Cipullo's Glory Denied, about a Vietnam vet's struggles to return to normal live. Now to April 10. Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd. Arlington. Tickets are $22 per show, or $59 for all three operas. Call 703-875-1100 or visit artisphere.com.

For its annual Dance Place performance, the Dakshina/Daniel Phoenix Singh Dance Company presents a mixed program of dance, including Anna Sokolow's solo pieces Kaddish and Lament for the Death of the Bullfighter, as well as Eric Hampton's By The Light…, the last dance Hampton choreographed before succumbing to Lou Gehrig's disease. Saturday, April 2, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, April 3, at 7 p.m. Dance Place, 3225 8th St. NE. Tickets are $22. Call 202-269-1600 or visit danceplace.org.

Yes, they're bluer than blue. And they're just about the most engaging avant-garde theatrical experience out there. Blue Man Group offers an escape from the ordinary through an explosive convergence of comedy and multi-media technology, including a massive LED curtain and high-resolution screen, as well as the haunting, driving rhythms of a live band. The touring production includes new material plus fan favorites. Closes this Sunday, April 3. Warner Theatre, 513 13th St. NW. Call 202-783-4000 or visit warnertheatre.com.

With "Flyaway," Arachne Aerial Arts, showcases some of the most innovative aerial talent in the region at Joe's Movement Emporium. It's all part of a weekend series of aerial events, including workshops and private lessons hosted by Arachne Aerial Arts and led by visiting artists from The New England Center for Circus Arts. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors and students and $10 for you. Saturday, April 2 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 3 at 4 p.m. Click here for details.

Check out the new music video -- The Look -- from the UK band, Metronomy. It's a bit minimal musically (and, to be honest, visually), but when was the last time you saw birds (are they seagulls or pigeons? Couldn't tell) in bumper cars?

Ira Glass, the host of public radio's This American Life talks about his dalliances with television -- specifically what he and his staff learned and why they stopped producing the short-lived television adaptation of the popular radio show. Saturday, April 2, at 8 p.m. Lisner Auditorium, The George Washington University, 730 21st St. NW. Tickets are $40 to $50. Call 202-994-6800 or visit lisner.org.

The Atlas Performing Arts Center has quickly organized a screening of several of the more memorable films starring the late, great Elizabeth Taylor. The Whitman Walker Clinic will receive a portion of the proceeds. Films on tap are: A Place In The Sun, Saturday, April 2, at 7 p.m. followed by Cat on A Hot Tin Roof at 9:30 p.m. and National Velvet, Sunday, April 3, at 3 p.m followed by Father of the Bride at 5:30 p.m. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. Tickets are $5 each, or buy two or more and get $1 off each. Call 202-399-7993 or visit atlasarts.org.

Anthony De Mare got turned on to the music of Stephen Sondheim at an early age and even now, as a contemporary classical pianist, Sondheim still draws him. De Mare tells Metro Weekly that his current project, "Liaisons: Re-imagining Sondheim for the Piano," is a "career realization." The project involves 30 composers, drawn from the realms of classical, pop, theater, jazz, even film, each picking a Sondheim song to adapt for solo piano, the first time anyone has taken on Sondheim's music in this fashion. De Mare will play a sneak peek of 14 of the arrangements this weekend. Saturday, April 2, at 2 p.m. at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center's Gildenhorn Recital Hall, University of Maryland, College Park. Tickets are $42. Call 301-405-ARTS or visit claricesmithcenter.umd.edu.