Pass the absinthe: This 'Moulin Rouge!' is a cynical steamroller by Celia Wren

While the musical dazzles visually, its tired tale and bloated jukebox score fall flat at the Kennedy Center.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 3:19pm on August 17, 2023☆⚑

Exhilarating 'Fela!' is your ticket to the coolest club in Nigeria by Celia Wren

Duain Richmond leads a terrific ensemble cast in Olney Theatre Center's "Fela!"

SOURCE: Washington Post at 5:19pm on July 25, 2023☆⚑

This 'Spring Awakening' hasn't quite blossomed by Celia Wren

Monumental Theatre Company's staging of Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater's Tony-winning musical can be gawky.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 2:19pm on July 7, 2023☆⚑

Stirring performances inhabit Studio Theatre's 'Fun Home' by Celia Wren

Quinn Titcomb is part of a terrific cast that lifts the latest 'Fun Home' staging, directed by David Muse

SOURCE: Washington Post at 5:19pm on July 5, 2023☆⚑

At 83, 'Lion King' choreographer Garth Fagan is still inventing moves by Celia Wren

The Jamaican dancemaker's papers are going to the archives at the Library of Congress, and his Tony-winning show is at the Kennedy Center through July 29.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 6:19am on June 29, 2023☆⚑

Immersive 'Sonnets' moves around as it muses on life's brevity by Celia Wren

Review of Spooky Action Theater's immersive "Sonnets for an Old Century."

SOURCE: Washington Post at 2:49pm on June 22, 2023☆⚑

Round House's take on 'Radio Golf' finds just the right frequency by Celia Wren

This adaptation of August Wilson's play about a mayoral candidate and a real-estate deal brings forth charismatic performances.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 2:13pm on June 19, 2023☆⚑

British play about antisemitism takes a personal, poignant approach by Celia Wren

Theater J production of Stephen Laughton's "One Jewish Boy," about two lovers of different backgrounds, is all too timely.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 2:33pm on June 15, 2023☆⚑

These summer dance offerings will make you feel like moving by Celia Wren

Highlights include the American Dance Festival, Jacob's Pillow and an eerie clown ballet from the San Francisco Ballet.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 7:37am on June 8, 2023☆⚑

The Hollywood spoof 'Exclusion' goes deeper than cynical satire by Celia Wren

Kenneth Lin's barbed comedy, having its world premiere at Arena Stage, delves into how Hollywood misrepresents, suppresses and distorts Asian American history.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 2:18pm on May 23, 2023☆⚑

Washington Ballet's vibrant 'Sleeping Beauty' is Julie Kent's parting gift by Celia Wren

The company's artistic director is leaving after seven years in D.C. to join the leadership ranks of the Houston Ballet.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 3:18pm on May 5, 2023☆⚑

Savory performances stand out in hammy 'School for Lies' by Celia Wren

Matthew Pauli shines as the stuffy servant in "School for Lies," David Ives's take on Molière's "The Misanthrope."

SOURCE: Washington Post at 1:03pm on May 4, 2023☆⚑

Women's work is no joke. But this dark comedy turns it into a treat. by Celia Wren

Morgan Gould's "Jennifer Who Is Leaving," part of Round House Theatre's new play festival, features a top-notch cast.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 6:54am on April 18, 2023☆⚑

Native American activist takes the spotlight in 'On the Far End' by Celia Wren

Mary Kathryn Nagle's solo play, part of Round House Theatre's new play festival, tells the inspiring story of Muscogee leader Jean Chaudhuri.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 1:54pm on April 14, 2023☆⚑

Mosaic's powerful 'Unseen' explores cost of looking away from suffering by Celia Wren

A top-notch cast anchors Mona Mansour's penetrating 2017 play about a war photographer working in the Middle East.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 3:02pm on April 5, 2023☆⚑

Ballet companies take a page from classic literature and bring it to life by Celia Wren

"The Crucible" and "Anna Karenina" are among the some newer ballets inspired by novels.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 6:32am on April 1, 2023☆⚑

In the historic comedy 'Ben Butler,' a serious war of words by Celia Wren

Washington Stage Guild production of Richard Strand's 2014 play uses comedy to touch on some of the darkest chapters in America's past.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 1:36pm on March 29, 2023☆⚑

At Theater J, 'Gloria' shares Steinem's stories as well as her activism by Celia Wren

Monday's opening-night performance of "Gloria: A Life" featured an appearance by the activist herself.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 12:52pm on March 16, 2023☆⚑

Bringing Japan and its traditions to Signature's 'Pacific Overtures' by Celia Wren

The creative team for Sondheim's infrequently produced show includes experts on Japanese swordplay, Kabuki and taiko drumming.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 10:50am on March 15, 2023☆⚑

'A Nice Indian Boy' is a meet-the-parents comedy that's too familiar by Celia Wren

At Olney Theatre Center, Madhuri Shekar's 2014 play benefits from Lynette Rathnam's impeccable comic timing.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 1:31pm on March 14, 2023☆⚑

At Studio Theatre, Lynn Nottage's 'Clyde's' serves up hope and humor by Celia Wren

Directed by Candis C. Jones at the D.C. theater, the Lynn Nottage play delves into grim systemic problems.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 1:34pm on March 8, 2023☆⚑

Constellation's sleek 'Incognito' explores the mysteries of the brain by Celia Wren

Nick Payne's play finds drama in the work of scientists, including the pathologist who autopsied Albert Einstein

SOURCE: Washington Post at 1:40pm on February 16, 2023☆⚑

Cartoonish comedy is in the crabgrass in this 'Native Gardens' by Celia Wren

GALA Hispanic Theatre's world premiere is a Spanish-language adaptation that lacks subtlety

SOURCE: Washington Post at 12:56pm on February 7, 2023☆⚑

Work by Thai American dancemaker is milestone for New York City Ballet by Celia Wren

Choreographer Keerati Jinakunwiphat's "Fortuitous Ash," with score by Du Yun, is featured in the company's winter season in New York.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 6:00am on February 3, 2023☆⚑

Buckle up for the dark, hilarious 'Ride the Cyclone' at Arena Stage by Celia Wren

Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell's musical imagines the supernatural yet human aftermath of a freak roller-coaster accident.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 3:20pm on January 23, 2023☆⚑