After 36 years, 'Little Shop,' a 'close to perfect' musical, comes to the Kennedy Center by Peter Marks

Composer Alan Menken considers the lampoon of a low-budget sci-fi movie his masterpiece.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 3:06pm on October 18, 2018☆⚑

If you imagined South Africa's racial struggles ended with Mandela, think again. by Peter Marks

'The Fall' at Studio Theatre portrays post-Apartheid life for black students.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 1:54pm on October 17, 2018☆⚑

If Shakespeare in Russian is on your bucket list, here's your chance to cross it off. by Peter Marks

"Measure for Measure" comes to Kennedy Center via Declan Donnellan and Cheek by Jowl.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 6:36pm on October 11, 2018☆⚑

The 'Beetlejuice' team needed a songwriter. It was time for a 'Perfect' choice. by Peter Marks

Australian composer Eddie Perfect wrote the score for the film-based musical premiering at D.C.'s National Theatre.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 8:48am on October 11, 2018☆⚑

With Dylan songbook, 'Girl From North Country' is a triumph by Peter Marks

Written and directed by Conor McPherson, the musical showcases healing power of song.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 10:42pm on October 1, 2018☆⚑

This ‘Vanya’ is a teachable moment — for how to stage a classic play today by Peter Marks

It is an eternal challenge to get Chekhov right. Richard Nelson and Jay O. Sanders do.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 10:48am on September 20, 2018☆⚑

Two critics debate a rare rehashing of a revised 'Macbeth,' singing witches and all by Peter Marks

Folger Theatre revisits a Restoration-era version of the tragedy.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 2:36pm on September 12, 2018☆⚑

Tell your friends about the disturbing 'Gloria,' but do not tell them the plot. by Peter Marks

Woolly Mammoth Theatre stages Branden Jacobs-Jenkins's office dramedy.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 1:24pm on September 10, 2018☆⚑

Forget the cliches. The director behind the new 'Beetlejuice' musical is known for breaking the rules. by Peter Marks

The world premiere of Alex Timbers's show is set for next month at D.C.'s National Theatre.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 10:33am on September 5, 2018☆⚑

Neil Simon was a funnyman who pleased himself by going deeper by Peter Marks

A playwright of unmatched output leaves the stage.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 8:42pm on August 26, 2018☆⚑

The dilemma for Shakespeare theaters: Increasing audiences without selling their souls by Peter Marks

With generations of older, devoted playgoers getting grayer, costs of production rising and entertainment competition ever stiffer, North America's temples of Shakespeare are being compelled…

SOURCE: Chicago Tribune Subscription at 5:59pm on August 24, 2018☆⚑

The dilemma for Shakespeare theaters: Increasing audiences without selling their souls by Peter Marks

A look at how classical companies try to sell tickets in an era of stiff competition.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 2:48pm on August 23, 2018☆⚑

Fall for the ravishing music in 'Passion,' not the love triangle's melodrama by Peter Marks

Signature Theatre revives Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Tony-winning musical

SOURCE: Washington Post at 1:42pm on August 23, 2018☆⚑

'Pretty Woman' is another movie-to-stage dud by Peter Marks

If you're thinking of seeing a musical based on a film, don't. It was better on screen.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 10:33pm on August 16, 2018☆⚑

Don’t be fooled by a gentle pace. ‘The Band’s Visit’ is now the highest performance vehicle it’s ever been. by Peter Marks

Revisiting the Tony-winning hit.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 1:18pm on August 9, 2018☆⚑

The provocative Mike Daisey is a straight-shooter in his solo show about guns. by Peter Marks

The monologuist is back at Woolly Mammoth Theatre for "The Story of the Gun."

SOURCE: Washington Post at 1:12pm on August 1, 2018☆⚑

Despite top-notch cast and crew, 'Dave' dissolves into camp by second act by Peter Marks

A world premiere musical at Arena Stage has enjoyable moments, though it needs work. 

SOURCE: Washington Post at 2:24pm on July 30, 2018☆⚑

The Kennedy Center Honors are taking a risk by awarding 'Hamilton' " but it's worth it by Peter Marks

The musical's section is heartening tribute to American theater

SOURCE: Washington Post at 1:12pm on July 27, 2018☆⚑

Can 'Dave,' a feel-good musical about a humane president, make Washington feel better? by Peter Marks

The beloved film comedy adds melodies in its pre-Broadway tryout at Arena Stage.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 12:48pm on July 12, 2018☆⚑

The Temptations musical hits D.C. before going to Broadway " and the dancing is dazzling by Peter Marks

The story? It's what you'd expect from a jukebox musical.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 10:48pm on June 28, 2018☆⚑

An anguished cadre of Israeli playwrights looks to America to stage its work by Peter Marks

Joshua Sobol's "The Last Act" had its world premiere in Boston, not Tel Aviv.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 12:06pm on June 28, 2018☆⚑

'On the Town' is off its mark in fumbling production by Peter Marks

Olney Theatre Center's revival has a great Bernstein score, but it needs more seasoning.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 2:48pm on June 25, 2018☆⚑

Sure Lancelot is dreamy, but  'Camelot' owes its success to a wistful audience by Peter Marks

Shakespeare Theatre Company has the largest day of ticket sales in its history.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 11:32am on June 21, 2018☆⚑

Will 'Ain't Too Proud' be better than other jukebox musicals? by Peter Marks

The Kennedy Center hosts a tryout of a musical about the Temptations that aims for Broadway.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 12:54pm on June 15, 2018☆⚑

'Hamilton' opens in Washington, and it's a worthy successor to Broadway  by Peter Marks

The award-winning musical begins its stay at the Kennedy Center with a superb touring cast.

SOURCE: Washington Post at 12:54pm on June 15, 2018☆⚑