News Room
Around Arena
AMERICAN THEATRE
Arena Stage’s artistic director looks back on a quarter century of programming for the unique community that comprises the nation’s capital.
WETA Arts
Hear from Molly Smith, the outgoing Artistic Director of Arena Stage, the first desegregated theater in Washington, D.C.
THE SOUTHWESTER
After 25 Years of Shaping Southwest Theater, Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith Set to Step Aside
THE WASHINGTON POST
April Fool's Day 2023: D.C.'s Arena Stage did not name a corgi named Pickles to its leadership team.
AMERICAN THEATRE
This Month in Theatre History: Arena Stage's tour of the Soviet Union
DC THEATER ARTS
Calendar: Play Readings, Workshops, and Theater Events in the DMV
PLAYBILL
Rethinking Theater Criticism Conference Planned for Washington D.C. This Month
THE GEORGETOWNER
2023 Helen Hayes Nominations Announced; 37th Awards Show Returns Live at Anthem May 22
BROADWAYWORLD
College Of Fellows Welcomes New Members: Speaker for 2023 is Molly Smith
NPR
Across the U.S., regional theaters are starting to transform. Here's why
JUNEAU EMPIRE
Americana exceptionalism: Perseverance Theatre founder Molly Smith to retire from Arena Stage in Washington, D.C.
Washington Post
Molly Smith announces an exit after 25 years leading Arena Stage
DC Theater Arts
Arena Stage announces 2022/23 season, Molly Smith’s 25th as artistic director
Broadway World
World Premiere of AMERICAN PROPHET & More Announced for Arena Stage 2022-2023 Season
Playbill
Ride the Cyclone, Angels in America In the Round, More Part of D.C.'s Arena Stage 2022-2023 Season
Broadway World
Edgerton Foundation New Play Awards Announce Second Round of 2021-22 Recipients
Voice of America
From Alaska to Washington DC – Theatre Director Molly Smith Has Seen it All
WPFW
Associate Artistic Director Teresa Sapien speaks with WPFW about Arena's 2021/22 Season.
AboutFACE Ireland
Watch the video interview: 5 Questions with Artistic Director Molly Smith
Broadway World
Teresa Sapien named Associate Artistic Director of Arena Stage
The Washington Post
13 D.C. area theaters will require audiences to prove they're vaccinated
DC Metro Theater Arts
Hear how youth feel about the pandemic in Waiting Room from Arena Stage
DC Metro Theater Arts
Hear voices of Generation COVID-19 in Waiting Room from Arena
MD Theatre Guide
Arena Stage remembers Martha Knight Clements, stage manager extraordinaire
Broadway World
Arena Stage premieres Waiting Room: A New Film by Voices of Now Ensembles
Broadway World
Arena Stage announces three-year partnership with Step Afrika!
Angels in America in the News
THE WASHINGTON POST
‘Angels in America’ is back in freshly provocative, exhilarating form
MARYLAND THEATRE GUIDE
“a MUST-SEE production of a classic…the BEST kind of theatre, in the most REVELATORY of ways”
TALKIN' BROADWAY
“ASTONISHING and BEAUTIFUL production… [Szász] has found a fascinating lens through which to tell [the play’s] stories”
DC THEATER ARTS
Breathtaking and prophetic ‘Angels in America’ takes flight at Arena
D.R. LEWIS WRITES
“Szász’s Angels magnifies the line between reality and fantasy that lies at the heart of Kushner’s play”
THE WASHINGTON BLADE
Gay actor went after role in ‘Angels in America’ like a bloodhound
The High Ground in the News
BROADWAYWORLD
"There's something special happening in the Kogod Cradle Theatre at Arena Stage from now until early April."
THE WASHINGTON POST
A playwright grapples with the legacy of the Tulsa Race Massacre
PGCTV METRO SCENE
Phillip James Brannon and Nehassaiu deGannes talk The High Ground
WASHINGTONIAN
"There’s still time to travel to Tulsa’s past in The High Ground at Arena Stage."
DC THEATER ARTS
“70-minute meditation on love, loss, and the turbulence of unresolved racial animus”
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
“a BEAUTIFULLY, WELL-EXECUTED production…STELLAR performances…
the audience is immediately pulled into the narrative”
THE WASHINGTON POST
“And Sandberg-Zakian’s pair of actors certainly breathe admirable life into Davis’s construct.”
WTOP
‘The High Ground’ at Arena Stage finds timeless love story in Tulsa Race Massacre
THE ZEBRA
“For Brannon, maintaining the combative persona of the anxiety-plagued soldier still capable of love, it is a brilliant achievement.
MARYLAND THEATRE GUIDE
“love emerges as the hopeful, yet hesitant, victor in many ways”
THE HILLTOP
Retelling Of Tulsa Race Massacre Takes Center Stage In ‘The High Ground’
WASHINGTONIAN
"A new stage play narrates the history of the the Tulsa race massacre in a setting 100 years after the horrific event took place."
THE SOUTHWESTER
Evocative, Award-Winning Play The High Ground Opens at Arena Stage
Ride the Cyclone in the News
WASHINGTON CITY PAPER
“It’s a bit like American Idol meets The Breakfast Club”
WETA ARTS AROUND TOWN
Best Best: The Jokes are Fast and Funny in Arena Stage’s “Ride the Cyclone”
NPR
How bills restricting drag could impact high school theatre productions
Metro Weekly
“Arena’s macabre Ride the Cyclone offers laughs, magic, and amusement”
BROADWAYWORLD
Photos & Video: First Look at RIDE THE CYCLONE DC Premiere at Arena Stage
EL TIEMPO LATINO
Nick Martínez representa a las comunidades latinas y LGBT en Ride The Cyclone
BROADWAYWORLD-DC
“90 minutes of raucous laughter, clever songs, and poignant moments”
WASHINGTONIAN
Best Things to Do in the DC Area: Rock the Rink, “Ride the Cyclone,” and “I Dream a World” exhibit
THE WASHINGTON BLADE
Six die in ‘Ride the Cyclone,’ then must plead to live again
WTOP
Ride the Cyclone at Arena Stage follows teens in purgatory after roller coaster crash
THE GEORGETOWNER
Weekend Roundup: “Ride the Cyclone” blends humor, tragedy and pure enchantment.
DCIST
"Arena Stage hosts an anti-prom with music, dancing, and beginner swing dance lessons..."
DREW MORRIS
“Arena Stage delivers yet another powerhouse musical staging”
DC THEATER ARTS
‘Ride the Cyclone’ is a carnival of a cult musical at Arena Stage
UNPROFESSIONAL OPINION
“a delightfully odd, energetic feast for your eyes, ears, and heart”
WASHINGTON CITY PAPER
"the musical with a growing cult following, uses props from the playhouse’s past productions"
DCIST
15 Virtual And IRL Things To Do Around D.C. This Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend
Step Afrika's Magical Musical Holiday Step Show in the News
WUSA9 GREAT DAY WASHINGTON
A sneak peek of Step Afrika!'s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show at Arena Stage
DC THEATER ARTS
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show’ dazzles at Arena Stage
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
Step Afrika! Holiday Show Brings Soulful Seasonal Cheer
HISPANOS EN MARYLAND
Hoiliday Concerts, Markets, Festivals and Events in the D.C. Area
FOX5 WASHINGTON DC
What to do this weekend for the holidays in DC, Maryland and Virginia
WTOP
Step Afrika! performs ‘Magical Musical Holiday Step Show’ at Arena Stage
WASHINGTONIAN
55 Activities to Check Off Your Holiday Bucket List This Season
WASHINGTONIAN
Best Things to Do in the DC Area: Step Afrika!’s Holiday Show
My Body No Choice in the News
BG INDEPENDENT NEWS
Women speak out about bodily integrity in ‘My Body No Choice’
DCist
Arena Stage’s Molly Smith Reflects On Choice, Retirement, And Her Final act Of Theatrical Protest
Washington Blade
Must-see production offers forum where women react to Roe
BROADWAYWORLD
Fountain Theatre Gives Women A Voice With Free Readings of MY BODY, NO CHOICE
The Guardian
My Body No Choice: taking the fight for abortion rights to the stage
DC THEATER ARTS
Brave voices raise consciousness in ‘My Body No Choice’ at Arena Stage
BROADWAYWORLD
MY BODY NO CHOICE Rallies Cries of Resistance at Arena Stage
Washington Post
As America votes, abortion rights take center stage at a D.C. theater
Playbill
Beginning October 20, Arena Stage's My Body No Choice Features Monologues From 8 Female Playwrights
Washington City Paper
Best bets for October: Molly Smith’s last directorial venture for Arena Stage
BROADWAYWORLD
MY BODY NO CHOICE Presented By 8 Valley Theatres Pre-Election
YAHOO NEWS
'My Body No Choice' eight monologues protesting Roe v. Wade's end
SHORELINE AREA NEWS
October 25th performance of My Body No Choice at Edmonds College
BROADWAYWORLD
Radial Theater Project Presents MY BODY NO CHOICE: A Free Reading, October 24
DC Theater Arts
‘My Body No Choice’ to be Molly Smith’s last show as artistic director at Arena
The Southwester
Arena Stage Announces Longtime Leader Molly Smith’s Final Show
DCIST
Theater Season In Full Swing: Catch These Shows Opening Around D.C. In October
PLAYBILL
Arena Stage's My Body No Choice to Feature Monologues by Sarah Ruhl, Dael Orlandersmith, V, and More
WASHINGTON POST
This fall, theaters whet our appetites with an impressive buffet
Sanctuary City in the News
DC Theater Arts
Playwright Martyna Majok on finding hope in impossible situations
WTOP
Arena Stage presents immigration play ‘Sanctuary City’ about teen DREAMers
The Zebra
“...powerful and important perspective on immigration that EVERYONE SHOULD SEE”
MARYLAND THEATRE GUIDE
“SPELLBINDS … will hold you on the EDGE OF YOUR SEAT”
Washington Post
‘Sanctuary City’ puts human faces to strife of undocumented immigrants
DCist
Theater Season In Full Swing: Catch These Shows Opening Around D.C. In October
Holiday in the News
DC THEATER ARTS
“PARTY like it's 1928! … Arena hits the play’s HIGH NOTES”
MORNING WASHINGTON
Arena Stage revives Broadway classic 'Holiday' for special run
The Southwester
Southwest Resident Anita Maynard-Losh to Direct Holiday at Arena Stage
DCist
Theater Season In Full Swing: Catch These Shows Opening Around D.C. In October
The Georgetowner
September ArtsWatch: Arena Stage Announces Cast for “Holiday”
American Prophet in the News
Washington Post
In beguiling ‘American Prophet,’ Frederick Douglass lets freedom sing
The Guardian
Frederick Douglass gets the Hamilton treatment with new musical
PLAYBILL
American Prophet: Frederick Douglass in His Own Words Completes World Premiere at Arena Stage August 28
DETROIT FREE PRESS
Detroit actor from 'Scandal' stars as Frederick Douglass in musical with Broadway potential
Washingtonian
Things to Do in the DC Area 8/22-8/28: Last Chance to See "American Prophet"
THE BALTIMORE SUN
Baltimore Backstage: Frederick Douglass musical resonates
NYU TISCH
Tisch Alumni Spotlight: How Cornelius Smith Jr. ’07 Found His Voice as Frederick Douglass
DC THEATER ARTS
The woman who freed Frederick Douglass: a Q&A with Kristolyn Lloyd
WTOP
‘Bless the Broken Road’ that led Marcus Hummon to ‘American Prophet’
Variety
Cornelius Smith Jr. on His Hopes to Bring ‘American Prophet’ to Broadway
Dcist
Is This Musical About Frederick Douglass The Next Big Broadway Hit To Get Its Start In D.C.?
Garden & Gun
Move Over Hamilton. Nashville’s Marcus Hummon Brings Frederick Douglass to the Stage
WYPR MIDDAY
Rousuck's Review: "American Prophet" at Arena Stage in DC
PGCTV METRO SCENE
Interview with Cast of "American Prophet" at Arena Stage
Anacostia Coordinating Council
“a theatrical experience truly breathtaking and wonderful”
BROADWAY WORLD
AMERICAN PROPHET & More Lead Washington DC's August Top Picks
MD Theater Guide
“If you only see one show this summer, make it 'American Prophet.'”
THE SOUTHWESTER
Grammy Winner Pens Original Songs for Arena Production
Washington Informer
Arena’s ‘American Prophet’: Majestic, Mesmerizing – A Tour de Force
AFRO AMERICAN NEWS
New musical honors Frederick Douglass’ life and writings
CBS NEWS WEEKEND ROUND-UP
Charles Randolph-Wright speaks with Allison Keyes
DC Theater Arts
Unforgettably powerful ‘American Prophet’ is on fire at Arena
Broadway World
First Look at American Prophet: Frederick Douglass in His Own Words at Arena Stage
Playbill
World Premiere of American Prophet: Frederick Douglass in His Own Words Opens July 28
TheaterMania
Cornelius Smith Jr. on Spending Five Days at Memorial and Becoming an American Prophet
THE GEORGETOWNER
Weekend Round Up, July 28 – 31: "American Prophet" at Arena Stage
NBC4 Washington
Frederick Douglass Musical ‘American Prophet' Premieres at DC's Arena Stage
Washington Post
Thanks to a new musical, Frederick Douglass dances into pop culture
WTOP
Arena Stage premieres musical based on Frederick Douglass’ life
Broadway World
Photos & Video: See Cornelius Smith Jr. & More in Rehearsals for the World Premiere of American Prophet at Arena Stage
Washington Post
The best things to do in the D.C. area the week of July 14-20
Playbill
Kristolyn Lloyd, Cornelius Smith Jr., More to Star in World Premiere of American Prophet: Frederick Douglass in His Own Words
WJLA
Cornelius Smith Jr. and Kristolyn Lloyd ready for world premiere of 'American Prophet'
THEATERMANIA
World-Premiere Frederick Douglass Musical American Prophet Announces Cast
THE SOUTHWESTER
Playwright Charles Randolph-Wright Shines Spotlight on Frederick Douglass in Arena Stage World Premiere
FOX 5 DC
'American Prophet' stars talk Frederick Douglass, premiering at Arena Stage