University Shows

The cast of this gender-bending, free-loving production imbues the story with zest and joy. By HALEY HUCHLER

The Univerity of Maryland's charming production of Jane Austen’s classic is a balm for the world-weary. By BRITTANY PROUDFOOT GINDER

The young cast's optimism, light, drive, and passion make a compelling case for the point of the show. By MEGAN KEMPTON

Though intended as a comedy in its time (1677 England), the way the play handles social issues makes it problematic today. By ALEXANDRA BOWMAN

Set in a gritty, diverse, largely Latin neighborhood in Upper Manhattan, the musical is a showcase for a bevy of vibrant young talent. By CAROLINE BOCK

Written by antiwar Russian exile Mikhail Durnenkov, the play's 12 scenes have the feeling that they could happen anywhere. By HANNAH ESTIFANOS

The actors grab the show by the horns and fully commit to telling this story. By LUCILLE RIEKE

This exceptional production is equal parts hilarious, sobering, pulpy, and poignant. By AILEEN JOHNSON

The cast in the solid Bowie State University production throw themselves into their roles with enthusiastic abandon. By JENNIFER GEORGIA

Fourteen undergrads sang Broadway show tunes about five personal questions. By ALEXANDRA BOWMAN

The performance of this musical feels more powerful than ever, and the production is filled with stellar performances all around. By HALEY HUCHLER

In this emotionally powerful play performed by students and puppets are profound nature metaphors and ecology commentary. By MEGAN WILLS

Bolstered with humor, Marcus Gardley's period play follows seven women as they fight for their idiosyncratic interpretations of freedom. By TENIOLA AYOOLA

Written by Georgetown University senior Shakeer Hood, the world-premiere play with dance has much to admire. By LISA TRAIGER

In a production featuring talented George Washington University students, the drama of college admissions takes on Shakespearean proportions. By DANIELLA IGNACIO

This University of Maryland ensemble was truly strong. There were beautiful and heartbreaking moments, and they tackled each one with grace. By BRITTANY PROUDFOOT GINDER

Co-creators Dell Howlett and Michael McElroy tell a heartfelt story of a queer Black boy's coming of age, and a talented cast conveys every ounce of its passion. By ISAAC WELCH

The Tony-winning musical sendup demands a lot of its cast, and the accomplished players at AU are more than up to the task. By AMY KOTKIN

A talented cast shines in Caridad Svitch's revisionist retelling of 'Hamlet' at George Mason University. By HALEY HUCHLER

The 38th Annual Donn B. Murphy One-Acts Festival is a dazzling love letter to the power and promise of university theater. By HAILEY WHARRAM