Mel Brooks’ zany ‘Young Frankenstein’ at Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre
Fans of the movie and novices alike will enjoy this gloriously funny musical. By CHARLES GREEN
A powerful and relatable ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ from Reston Community Players
The inspiring production, a collaboration with South Lakes Theatre Arts, focused on the mental health struggles many of the characters face. By KENDALL MOSTAFAVI
Glamour, glitz, and charm in ‘Catch Me If You Can’ at...
The musical is a brassy and sassy escape into a bygone world and the adventures of America’s most likable con artist. By JEFFREY WALKER
Sterling Playmakers’ Anastasia is a dark but dazzling dream
At the heart of this musical is a moving story of a young girl finding herself. By MEGAN FRAEDRICH
Hits and misses in ‘The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals’ at...
The theater for young aspiring professionals presents fun character moments in this horror/comedy musical but struggles with fundamentals. By RICHARD TARBOX
City of Fairfax Theatre Company’s ‘Frozen’ is pure theater magic
CFTC has pulled out all the stops for a production guaranteed to melt even the hardest of hearts. By MEGAN FRAEDRICH
Romantic heart and humor in ‘Return Engagements’ at Bowie Community Theatre
Sharp comedic timing, earnest performances, and vibrant character work come together seamlessly. By VALERIE J. MIKLES
A timely and touching ‘1776’ from McLean Community Players
The ensemble was full of talent, and Cody Boehm’s direction allowed this classic work to cast a poignant reflection on our own era. By KENDALL MOSTAFAVI
A powerful, passionate ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ from Upper Room Theatre...
This 25th-anniversary production has been staged with unparalleled excellence and reaches new heights of entertainment. By MATT MOORE
Emerging voices in 10-Minute Play Festival at Colonial Players of Annapolis
Eight new plays by local artists showcase storytelling, collaboration, and talent. By JULIA TUCKER
A fun, feel-good musical comedy, ‘First Date’ at Dominion Stage
The performers bring tremendous heart and personality to their characters — and you grow attached to them throughout the show. By JAKE C. SCHWARTZ
A sweet ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ with some bite at...
The production is classic heartwarming family entertainment, with some edgier jokes and references. By MEGAN FRAEDRICH
‘Beautiful: The Carole King Story’ showcases remarkable talent at Annapolis Summer...
The performers give every song energy and feeling and hit every comic and emotional moment spot on. By CHARLES GREEN
‘Jagged Little Pill’ has big rock musical verve at Ovations Theatre
The bouncy songs are from Alanis Morissette’s 1995 album, and all the voices blend beautifully. By DEBBIE MINTER JACKSON
‘Sister Act’ is food for the soul at Rockville Musical Theatre
This jazzy and humorous musical makes a joyful noise about what it means when we dare to dream. By MARY V. HOLIMAN
Black diaspora as dramedy in ‘The Colored Museum’ at Silver Spring...
From three-fifths of a person to negro to colored to African American, a serious story is told with sass and humor. By MARY V. HOLIMAN
Providence Players’ ‘I Love You Because’ has heart, humor, and a...
This surprising musical is an unabashedly familiar love story for the modern age, dirty jokes and all. By MEGAN FRAEDRICH
Live Garra Theatre’s ‘Rhinoceros’ is timely but takes its time
The agit-prop classic is the right play for this moment, just not for three-and-a-half hours. By LISA TRAIGER
It’s a great day for Green Day’s ‘American Idiot’ at Silhouette...
The performers are, without exception, excellent. The live band onstage is precise, rich, and nuanced. By CYBELE POMEROY
‘Still We Rise’ sings of America’s unfinished promise at Little Theatre...
The musical cabaret acknowledges the nation’s contradictions without surrendering faith in the possibility of progress. By TENIOLA AYOOLA