Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern is an interactive gameplay experience for D&D enthusiasts, improvisational theater fans, and everyone in between. Due to its long-form improv format, each show is a roll of the dice and based on the prompts from a new audience at every show.
For those familiar with D&D, the show is a one-shot based on the fifth edition, complete with a Dungeon Master, Tavern Keeper, and an adventuring party of three players. This campaign is entitled The Tomb of Havoc and was created and written by David Carpenter and Michael Fell with additional material by Conner Marx. Familiarity with D&D is helpful, but certainly not required to have an enjoyable experience. For example, my husband plays D&D, I’m a theater person, and we both love the Dropout TV streaming service (featuring shows like Dimension 20 and Game Changer) and we had a great time with the free-form tomfoolery.
The fantastical world directed by Michael Fell has a pre-existing framework, but a bulk of the action comes from audience prompts and the imaginations of the characters. Prompts are given verbally or through the audience interaction platform built by Gamiotics. Attendees are given a handy sheet as they enter the theater with a QR code and instructions so that every person can choose their level of engagement for their experience. (Phone usage and video recordings are also encouraged during the performance.)
We first meet Dungeon Master Conner Marx, guiding the story while Tavern Keeper Alex Stompoly provides support and top-tier pop culture references. Our three players were Will Champion, RJ Christian, and Madelyn Murphy, all excellent in their playful banter and chaotic goodness. Before they began their quest, they received their assigned characters thanks to the help of the audience. The players used their existing character sheets from previous performances, but their names and backstories are changed based on the whims of that particular crowd.
The adventuring party was ready to embark on the first part of their adventure — a visit to the tavern. Will Champion’s elvish boy band character used his smolder and lute to charm his way through nearly every encounter. RJ Christian was a magical medic of sorts, ready with an ill-timed diagnosis and bonesaw. Madelyn Murphy was an audience favorite as a brutal weapon-wielding dwarf who wore the skin of her defeated foe for the remainder of the mission, visualized by a green cape. Every adventure will be wildly different, but each performance will likely feature a special visit from a local star. Our performance welcomed Washington, DC-based drag queen Tara Hoot, who soon donned the moniker “Tara Hoot the Skin Suit.”
The unpredictable nature of a large gaggle of nerds lends itself to an unforgettable evening of laughter and camaraderie. At several moments during the story, the crowd would chant for their player in a style not unlike the WCW and WWE wrestling matches of yore. The show is advertised as appropriate for ages 8 to 80, but be advised that there is no way to control the prompts of strangers — particularly when alcohol is served in the lobby. The players handled the raucous moments well, and the Dungeon Master was able to keep the story within the parameters of the game mechanics — and within the show’s two-hour and 30-minute run time.
The magic of the evening is truly made possible through the technical achievements of the production. The dynamic design creates the parameters for playful audience-driven storytelling. I especially enjoyed the technical achievements of the stage design. There are large high-definition screens behind the DM where the audience can view a live camera shot of each players’ rolls, inviting us into the shared triumph of a natural 20 or the agony of a critical fail. The video designed by Dpurpurea Studio is whimsical and engaging, blending seamlessly with the organic antics of the live players. I especially loved the lighting design from Mike Wood, helping immerse the audience into the world-building from the moment they enter the theater. Throughout the show, hundreds of lighting and video cues are on standby for whatever improvisational moments may blossom, thanks to board operator Cory Sadler and the design team.
The scenic, costume, and prop designs from K.C. McGeorge are beautifully utilitarian with assorted musical instruments, hats, accessories, and weapons within reach for any live-action role-play need. For example, the climax of the story occurs when the adventurers encounter their final boss — one that is created by prompts from the audience. Our performance featured a ferocious velociraptor, with a costume quickly concocted by the Tavern Keeper using ram horns and plush green paws.
Seat selection in the Eisenhower Theater can play a critical role in one’s experience. If you enjoy having an up-close vantage point with the possibility of participation, the front row and aisle seats of the orchestra section will give you the best advantages. If you prefer to see the entire stage in one shot and watch the mayhem from above, the balcony and mezzanine seats will be an ideal location. Seat cushions are also available for those who need vertical assistance. With the quick pacing and high-definition projections, any temporarily obstructed interaction is still enjoyable.
Additional discounted tickets for this performance were made possible through the program MyTix, a free program for all students, members of the armed forces, and first responders. My children qualified for the program, and we were able to secure tickets and pick them up at will call prior to the performance. The program is a great way to provide better access to quality theater at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. You can learn more about the program by visiting kennedy-center.org/mytix .
Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern is equal parts long-form improv and live action tabletop with a dash of Wrestlemania. Whether you’re familiar with Dungeons & Dragons or entering the theater as a newcomer, you’re in for a fantastical night of game play and interactive world building. Be sure to catch this National Tour when it comes to a city near you.
Running Time: Two hours and 30 minutes with one intermission.
Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern plays through August 3, 2025, in the Eisenhower Theater at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC. Purchase tickets ($39–$159) online, through TodayTix, or by calling (202) 467-4600 or toll-free at (800) 444-1324. Box office hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 am-9 pm, and Sunday 12 pm-9 pm.
The program for Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern is online here.
Play the the show on Gamiotics here (enter performance code DND).
COVID Safety: Masks are optional in all Kennedy Center spaces for visitors and staff. If you prefer to wear a mask, you are welcome to do so. See Kennedy Center’s complete COVID Safety Plan here.
