Play readings and workshops offer a chance to see exciting new work at various stages of development. Want to see the next big thing while it’s still being crafted? Get in on the ground level and see the creative process in action. Featuring new plays and musicals by local and national artists, here are the upcoming play readings and workshops in the DMV.
JANUARY
Flying V presents Flying V vs. Super Art Fight: Round 2, Friday, January 26 at 8:00 PM and Saturday, January 27 at 8:00 PM at the Silver Spring Black Box, 8641 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD. On Friday night, Super Art Fight takes the ring in a Super Art Fight live performance where Flying V Fighters join cutting-edge Super Art Fighters in a battle against each other in the art of creative combat on a giant canvas. Enter the championship rounds on Saturday night as Flying V Fights takes to the canvas for a Saturday Night Slam Fest! Tickets are $35 for one night and $60 for both and can be purchased here.
George Mason University’s School of Theater hosts DC playwright E.H. Milam for an evening concert presentation of her new musical Catch a Dream on Thursday, January 18 at 7:00 PM at GMU’s Harris Theater (4471 Aquia Creek Ln, Fairfax, VA), with a Producer’s Circle to follow. Directed by Nicholas Kfoury Horner, Catch a Dream is a patriotic love story set against the backdrop of World War II following two brothers in opposition chasing their dreams. This presentation is a fundraising event to directly support a future fully-staged production of Catch a Dream, and a portion of the proceeds have been generously earmarked as a donation to Mason School of Theater. Please email [email protected] or call 703–993–2195 to reserve your complimentary seat. Donations are welcome, and there will be a reception following the reading for those who contribute at the Producer Level.
Ryukyu Art Embassy presents Mermaid of the Blue Sea, Saturday, January 13 at 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM at George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st St NW, Washington, DC. Mermaid of the Blue Sea is a theatrical performance based on Hans Christian Anderson’s A Little Mermaid. The tale has been adapted for contemporary audiences, featuring Okinawan traditional performing art forms, including diverse music genres from koten (traditional/ courtly) to minyo (folk); dance forms such as ryubu (Okinawan traditional dance). Costumes and props are crafted with traditional textile dyeing techniques of bingata; martial arts scenes feature karate, with which US audiences may be familiar (karate originated in Okinawa). Tickets range from $10-$40 and can be purchased on Eventbrite here.
Voices Festival Productions presents Stay Safe by Stav Palti-Negev, Monday, January 8 at 7:30 PM and Tuesday, January 9 at 7:30 PM at Universalist National Memorial Church, 1810 16th St NW, Washington, DC. Stay Safe tells the story of an Arab-Jewish theater group working on a new play, in Israel, during the summer of 2014, as the Gaza war breaks out. The group meets for rehearsals, while political tensions grow and the war becomes more and more violent. Rocket alarms keep interrupting rehearsals, and just when it seems like a war is about to start between the actors, they find a new enemy to unite against. Tickets are free (although donations are welcome) and can be reserved online here.
GALA Hispanic Theatre presents La Fiesta de los Reyes Magos – Three Kings Day, Sunday, January 7 at 1:30 PM. Join in the magic of GALA’s annual Three Kings Day celebration featuring a procession through the neighborhood led by the magi, live animals, music and dance performances, and a gift for every child. A free community event. No RSVP is necessary, but tickets must be picked up at GALA’s box office (3333 14th St NW, Washington, DC) between 12:45 and 1:30 PM on January 7. Only one adult is allowed for every three children, and each family will receive up to four tickets. For more information, visit GALA’s website here.
Next Generation Arts Council presents the classic musical She Loves Me at Hefner Theater in Asbury Methodist Village, Saturday, January 6 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. She Loves Me is a familiar tale of love, friendships, upended expectations, and miscommunications among colleagues in a small shop in tough economic times. It asks profound questions about our place in the universe while celebrating the very ordinary encounters and tasks that make up our daily activities and gives life meaning. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door for $10.
Astro Pop Events presents its 13th Annual Elvis’ Birthday Fight Club, which will celebrate 2024 with glorious debauchery on January 5 and 6 in Washington, DC and again on January 12 and 13 in Baltimore with a show of back alley fisticuffs, burlesque and plenty of surprises. The DC performances take place at DC’s Gala Hispanic Theatre (3333 14th Street, NW) at 7 PM and 9:30 PM both nights. EBFC gets back in the ring the next weekend in Baltimore at Creative Alliance (3134 Eastern Ave) at 7:30 PM and 10 PM on Friday and 5 PM, 7:30 PM and 10 PM on Saturday. Elvis’ Birthday Fight Club (EBFC) is hosted by “The King” and femcee Kittie Glitter who have provided side-splitting color commentary for the action-packed, punch-drunk, below-the-belt, hilarious night of lowbrow theater for the previous 12 years. For tickets and further information, visit Astro Pop Events’ website here.