By Mark Edelman
September marks the beginning of Theatre Week, a great reason to get out there and save on more than 30 productions scattered across the DMV. Starting Sept. 9, find the companies offering tickets for as low as $20. It runs from Sept. 26 to Oct. 13, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the great theater our area has to offer, including some of these.
“SOFT POWER,” Signature Theatre, until Sept. 15
This new musical by Tony Award-winners David Henry Hwang of “M. Butterfly” and Jeanine Tesori of “Fun Home” and “Kimberly Akimbo” poses the theatrical question: Can a Chinese theater producer fall in love with Hillary Clinton?
“THE EXPLORERS CLUB,” The Little Theatre of Alexandria, until Sept. 21
Deadly cobras, bad bartenders and the occasional airship populate this wacky comedy about a brilliant woman’s quest to lead a heretofore male-only institution out of its musty old past. Sound familiar? Grab your safety goggles for the merriment.
“THE 22+ WEDDINGS OF HUGO,” Gala Hispanic Theatre, until Sept. 29
Why in the world does Hugo, a simple postal clerk, get married so many times? In Gala Hispanic’s season opener – in Spanish with English subtitles – we find out in this hilarious tale of love in times of hatred penned by the theater’s own Gustavo Ott.
“LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR AND GRILL,” Atlas Performing Arts Center, until Oct. 6
It’s 1959 and Billie Holiday is on a bender. Still, as embodied by Washington, D.C. actress Roz White, Lady Day – purveyor of wonderful songs like “God Bless the Child,” “What a Little Moonlight Can Do” and “Strange Fruit” – remains an incandescent talent to behold as portrayed in this production.
“JA JA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING,” Arena Stage, Friday to Oct. 13
This Tony-nominated Best Play takes us inside a bustling West African salon in Harlem where, every day, a lively and eclectic group of hair braiders create masterpieces on the heads of the neighborhood women. During one sweltering summer day, love will blossom, dreams will flourish and secrets will be revealed.
“THE ADDAMS FAMILY,” Toby’s Dinner Theatre, Friday to Nov. 10
Charles Addams’ dark but delightful New Yorker cartoons get the Broadway treatment following in the footsteps of the film. When Uncle Fester explains to Gomez, Morticia and the rest of their ghoulish clan that daughter Wednesday has invited her new normal boyfriend and his folks to dinner, all hell – and fun – breaks loose.
“THE COMEUPPANCE,” Woolly Mammoth Theatre, Sept. 8 to Oct. 6
Playwright, Tony Award winner and Washington, D.C. native, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, penned this piece about a self-proclaimed “multi-ethnic reject group” celebrating their 20th high school reunion in Prince George’s County. Amid the chatty reminiscing, an otherworldly presence appears, forcing these former classmates to face the past head-on and reckon with an unknowable future.
“COMEDY OF ERRORS,” Shakespeare Theatre Co., Sept. 10 to Oct. 6
Artistic Director Simon Godwin returns for this silly comedy about two sets of twins, topsy turvy love and the all-too human desire to belong. Alex Brightman and David Flynn come together to add a splash of rock ‘n’ roll in this adaptation.
“PRIMARY TRUST,” Signature Theatre, Sept. 10 to Oct. 20
Winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize, this touching story takes us to Wally’s Tiki Bar, home of the sweetest mai tais in town. Kenneth never misses a happy hour with his best friend until a job loss upends his static existence. Now, he must discover the courage to open a new door and change his life even if it means facing the past and letting go.
“SOJOURNERS,” Round House Theatre, Sept. 11 to Oct. 6
A Nigerian couple living and studying in 1970s Texas welcomes the promise of America, but they remain homesick for home. Pregnancy, the demands of work and school, isolation and frequent separation challenge Abasiama and her husband Ukpong until the inspiration of an unexpected community teaches her to forge her own path.
“HOW TO BE A KOREAN WOMAN,” Theatre J, Sept. 12 to Sept. 22
Back by popular demand from its January run in the District, Sun Mee Chomet’s genesis tale incorporates text, music and movement to tell the poignant story of her search for her birth family in South Korea after growing up in her adopted Jewish home.
“CLUE,” The Kennedy Center, Sept. 17 to Oct. 6
The ultimate whodunit started life as a board game, then a Paramount film and now a live theater experience. Murder and blackmail are at the epicenter at this mysterious dinner at the Boddy Manor. Find out whodunit.
“EXCEPTION TO THE RULE,” Studio Theatre, Sept. 18 to Oct. 27
Six Black high school students get stuck in after school detention, waiting on a teacher to sign them out. Flirting, fighting and forming plans for their long weekend, they anxiously await their release. But something’s wrong here; where are all the teachers, and how do they get out of this place? Tickets at
“MISTER LINCOLN,” Ford’s Theatre, Sept. 20 to Oct. 13
Television heartthrob Scott Bakula takes one more quantum leap into the shoes and hat of our beloved 16th president. From prairie lawyer and anti-slavery advocate to wartime leader, the Great Emancipator’s own words are employed by Bakula and company to reveal surprising aspects of the life of one of our nation’s greatest presidents.
The writer is a playwright who loves writing about theater. He is a lifetime member of the Broadway League and a Tony voter.