Michael Kahn directs a new adaptation by David Ives of Alexis Piron’s classic 1738 French farce, The Metromaniacs, about a would-be poet who has fallen for the works of a mysterious Breton poetess. In fact, the works are by a middle-aged gentleman, who pawns his own daughter off as the author in an attempt to separate her from the son of a sworn enemy. Chaos ensues, as does some poetic wooing reminiscent of Cyrano. Extended to Sunday, March 15. Lansburgh Theatre, 450 7th St. NW. Call 202-547-1122 or visit shakespearetheatre.org.
"Well, that was horny." So declared a knowledgeable patron to me following the amply entertaining opening night performance of Monumental Theatre's The Rocky Horror Show at Dance Place.
True, the cabaret-style production, staged by company co-artistic directors Jimmy Mavrikes and Michael Windsor, accentuates every lustful beat of Richard O'Brien's classic sci-fi horror musical. But the show boasts many other qualities in living up to the co-directors' stated aim for "something sexy, immersive, goofy, gay, and, above all, fun!"
The audience brings a lot of the fun to Rocky Horror, through call-outs and other means of participation, encouraged here by the bag of props at your seat and instructions on your program. Further tips from the show's ever-alert Usherette/Narrator (Cera Baker) also prove helpful for Rocky Horror virgins, such as myself.
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Betrayal -- Harold Pinter turns a seven-year affair inside out, beginning with its aftermath and moving backward to its tentative start. As Emma, her husband Robert, and his best friend Jerry revisit the lies binding them together, what remains unspoken proves as revealing as what is confessed. Directed by Alex Levy (10/8-10/25)
The Tall Girls -- In a Dust Bowl town emptied of men and opportunity, a newly arrived teacher introduces a group of high school girls to basketball. Meg Miroshnik's Depression-era drama follows the team as the game offers a taste of freedom -- and exposes how little freedom young women are actually allowed. Directed by Madeleine Regina (12/3-12/20)
The Travelers -- At a California monastery surrounded by migrant-worker communities, aging monks shelter a wounded stranger while facing the loss of their church funding. Luis Alfaro's funny, humane drama sets faith and duty against the practical question of how to keep a vanishing community alive. Directed by José Carrasquillo (2/11-2/28)
THE ALDEN THEATRE
From a storied real-life encounter between composer Johann Sebastian Bach and Prussian ruler Frederick the Great, Oliver Cotton’s The Score spins a dramatic clash between power and resistance.
It’s 1747, and J.S. Bach, an artist revered in his own time, has the stature and opportunity to speak for the people right to the face of the warmongering king. Whether he can or will show such fortitude forms the crux of Cotton’s seriocomic play, making its U.S. premiere at Shakespeare Theatre following an acclaimed run at Theatre Royal Bath in the U.K.
Theater legend Trevor Nunn’s well-constructed production has made its way here with much of its cast and creative team intact, leading with redoubtable Succession star Brian Cox as musical genius Bach, who, initially, is unsure he even wants an audience with King Frederick.
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