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BECAUSE OF THEM WE CAN

Hana S. Sharif Makes History as First Black Artistic Director for Arena Stage

WASHINGTON CITY PAPER

Hana S. Sharif Lands Her Dream Job at Arena Stage

THE WASHINGTON POST

The 16 best theaters in the D.C. area to catch a play

WTOP

Arena Stage welcomes first Black artistic director

THE GEORGETOWNER

Artswatch: Arena Stage’s New Director, Atlantic Festival Returns, Latest on Folger

DISTRICT FRAY

Artistic Director of Arena Stage Hana S. Sharif Talks the State of Theatre in D.C.

MODERN LUXURY DC

Meet Arena Stage's New Artistic Director

BROADWAYWORLD

Arena Stage Reveals Senior Leadership Team Promotions

THE WASHINGTON POST

Hana S. Sharif is named as Arena Stage’s next artistic director

AMERICAN THEATRE

Hana Sharif Named Arena Stage’s Next Artistic Director

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

Rep’s artistic director Hana S. Sharif is stepping down

DCIST

Arena Stage Names Hana Sharif Its Next Artistic Director

STL NPR

Hana Sharif steps down as Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’ artistic director after 5 years

ST. LOUIS BUSINESS JOURNAL

The Repertory Theatre's artistic director to exit after 5 years

DC THEATER ARTS

Arena Stage names Hana Sharif as its new artistic director

PLAYBILL

Hana Sharif Named Artistic Director of Arena Stage

BROADWAYWORLD DC

Arena Stage Names Hana Sharif as New Artistic Director

BROADWAYWORLD ST. LOUIS

Hana Sharif Will Step Down as Artistic Director Of The Rep

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

METRO WEEKLY

Editor’s Pick: Molly’s Salon at Arena Stage

DC THEATER ARTS

Molly’s Salons are back — now live at Arena Stage

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

DC THEATER ARTS

Artists Who Inspire! #7: Mauricio Pita

BROADWAYWORLD

Regional Theaters Need Your Support Now

DISRTICT FRAY

For the Love of D.C.: 2022 Culture + Music Picks

BROADWAYWORLD

College Of Fellows Welcomes New Members: Speaker for 2023 is Molly Smith

THE TRAVEL

10 Things To Do In D.C. (That Aren't Historic)

NBC4 WASHINGTON

DC Theatre Week Offers Discounted Tickets

WTOP

March on Washington Film Festival celebrates 10th anniversary in DC

NPR

Across the U.S., regional theaters are starting to transform. Here's why

AMERICAN THEATRE

Offscript: Molly Smith and the Next Revolution

WASHINGTONIAN

A Wide-Ranging Exit Interview With Arena Stage’s Molly Smith

DISTRICT FRAY

Molly Smith Reflects on 25 Years with Arena Stage

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 CycloneAngels 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

The Georgetowner

D.C.’s Women Cultural Leaders Speak Out

Hill Rag

Taking Risks is Part of Camp Experience

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

Shonali Burke named Chief Marketing Officer of Arena Stage

Broadway World

Teresa Sapien named Associate Artistic Director of Arena Stage

Broadway World

May Adrales honored with Andrew R. Ammerman Directing Award

WPFW

Arena Stage roars back: Molly Smith on resuming live performances

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

The Fairfax Times

Fairfax students shine in Arena's Waiting Room 

WTOP

Arena Stage announces robust lineup for September reopening 

Hill Rag

Local theaters rebound: reckoning and reinvention in a pandemic

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! 

METRO WEEKLY

Editor’s Pick: Molly’s Salon at Arena Stage

Unknown Soldier In The News

THE WASHINGTON POST

A romantic mystery that spans a century

THEATERMANIA

Interview: Daniel Goldstein, Lora Lee Gayer, and Adam Chanler-Berat Give More Life to Unknown Soldier

DC THEATER ARTS

“the memory musical unfolds with the delicacy of an heirloom music box”

DC THEATER ARTS

Nehal Joshi on his hilarious vaudevillian romp in ‘Unknown Soldier’

BROADWAYWORLD

“Goldstein and Friedman perfectly capture the uncertain certainty of collective and personal memories, daring the audience to figure out the “right” answers to what happened"

A THEATRE-GOER'S THOUGHTS

“take some tissues when you see it for yourself”

TALKIN' BROADWAY

“Goldstein and Friedman have created a rapturous score that ranges from humorous to heartbreaking”

LIVING LOCAL DMV

Lora Lee Gayer, Daniel Goldstein & Peter Leigh-Nilsen perform “Milkshake” from the musical Unknown Soldier

LIVING LOCAL DMV

Arena Stage presents: Unknown Soldier

FAIRFAX COUNTY TIMES

Springfield youngster makes professional debut at Arena Stage

MARYLAND THEATRE GUIDE

‘A Quick 5’ with Ronald Joe Williams, Actor in ‘Unknown Soldier’ at Arena Stage

BROADWAYWORLD

UNKNOWN SOLIDER & More Lead Washington, DC's April 2024 Top Theatre Shows

BROADWAYWORLD

Video: In Rehearsal with Judy Kuhn for UNKNOWN SOLDIER

WASHINGTON BLADE

D.C.’s spring theater scene offers ‘Macbeth,’ ‘Peter Pan,’ Sedaris and more

WASHINGTON CITY PAPER

2024 Spring Arts Guide: Unknown Soldier, March 29 through May 5

BROADWAYWORLD

Photos/Video: Behind the Scenes of Arena Stage's UNKNOWN SOLDIER

THE WASHINGTON POST

The most promising theater to see in D.C. and N.Y. this spring

THEATERMANIA

Lora Lee Gayer, Adam Chanler-Berat, Judy Kuhn to Star in Unknown Soldier at Arena Stage

BROADWAYWORLD

Judy Kuhn, Kerstin Anderson, Perry Sherman & More to Star in UNKNOWN SOLDIER D.C. Premiere

Tempestuous Elements In The News

NBC4 WASHINGTON

Play about education luminary Anna Julia Cooper debuts at Arena Stage

THE WASHINGTON POST

“powerful new work gives Cooper the Mount Rushmore treatment she so richly deserves”

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Equal Access to Education at the Core of Arena Stage Production of ‘Tempestuous Elements’

WASHINGTONIAN

At Arena Stage, a Hidden DC Figure Comes to Life

BROADWAYWORLD

Interview: Theatre Life with Psalmayene 24

WETA BOUNDARY STONES

Anna Julia Cooper’s Courageous Revolt: The History Behind ‘Tempestuous Elements’ at Arena Stage

DC THEATER ARTS

‘It’s time for a celebration of Black women’: Psalmayene 24 on directing ‘Tempestuous Elements’ at Arena Stage

WASHINGTON CITY PAPER

With Tempestuous Elements, D.C. Trailblazer Anna Julia Cooper Gets Her Flowers

HILL RAG

Theater Night: Transformation and Change

PGCTV

CTV News: Interview with Kelly Renee Armstrong

THE DC LINE

Arena Stage world premiere unveils the tumultuous journey of a Black woman principal in DC

WRITERS GUILD INITIATIVE

WGI Mentor Kia Corthron has two new shows

AXIOS

Dim sum, tea, art shows, and other D.C. Women's History Month events

BROADWAYWORLD

“play about brilliant educator Anna Cooper provides a much-needed history lesson”

MARYLAND THEATRE GUIDE

"In Director Psalmayene 24’s hands, [Kia] Corthron’s play is an historical document to be treasured and studied"

DC THEATER ARTS

An extraordinary woman in the eye of the storm in ‘Tempestuous Elements’ at Arena Stage

A THEATRE-GOER'S THOUGHTS

"Playwright Corthron captures Cooper’s passion and compassion, infusing many of the scenes with subtle humor." 

MARYLAND THEATRE GUIDE

‘A Quick 5’ with Jasmine Joy, Actor in ‘Tempestuous Elements’ at Arena Stage

UNPROFESSIONAL OPINION

SEE IT: “Tempestuous Elements” is an enthralling local history lesson all should experience

THE ZEBRA

In Its World Premiere, ‘Tempestuous Elements’ Shines Brightly at Arena Stage

ALEXANDRIA TIMES

Onstage, Alexandria: March 2024

WASHINGTON BLADE

Tony Thomas brings ‘Tempestuous Elements’ to DC

BROADWAYWORLD

Photos: First Look at Gina Daniels in TEMPESTUOUS ELEMENTS at Arena Stage

MARYLAND TODAY

The Most Important Black Educator You've Never Heard Of

THE GEORGETOWNER

Onstage, Georgetown: March Into These Shows

PLAYBILL

Cast and Creative Team Set for Arena Stage's World Premiere of Tempestuous Elements

BROADWAYWORLD

Cast and Creative Team Set for TEMPESTUOUS ELEMENTS World Premiere at Arena Stage

Mindplay In The News

WTOP

‘Mindplay’ reads minds of audiences at Arena Stage

BROADWAYWORLD

“NOT TO BE MISSED…Mindplay reminds us that theatre is magic, and magic is theatre”

A THEATRE GOER'S THOUGHTS

Mindplay will play with your mind…as well as preoccupy it for several days thereafter”

THE WASHINGTON POST

“delights through stagecraft and audience-assisted mentalism”

LIVING LOCAL DMV

Escaping into Imagination with ‘Mindplay’ at Arena Stage

MD THEATRE GUIDE

“transforms audience members into co-creators” 

DC THEATER ARTS

“IMPRESSIVE…ARRESTING…MEMORABLE…weaves together a mentalist performance with a one-man show about DePonto’s own life and, of course, his mind”

TALKIN' BROADWAY

“CAPTIVATING…DePonto takes the audience on a guided tour of the mind and how it works”

WASHINGTON CITY PAPER

Mindplay, Cowboy Bebop, and More Best Bets for Jan. 18–24

DC THEATER ARTS

Arena Stage reveals ‘Mindplay,’ a surprise addition to 2023/24 season

BROADWAYWORLD

Vinny DePonto's MINDPLAY Added to Arena Stage's 2023/24 Season

Swept Away In The News

THE WASHINGTON POST

Arena Stage’s ‘Swept Away,’ ‘Angels in America’ top Helen Hayes nominations

WTOP

Helen Hayes Award nominations ‘swept away’ by Arena Stage in battle of best local theater

NPR ALL THINGS CONSIDERED

Truth, forgiveness: 'Swept Away' is a theatrical vessel for Avett Bros' music

WASHINGTON CITY PAPER

Tuneful and tragic, Swept Away looks to be the latest Arena Stage musical to graduate to Broadway.

DRAMA FIENDS PODCAST

Episode 24: Swept Away with Adrian Blake Enscoe

BROADWAY.COM

With Musical Swept Away, The Avett Brothers Chart New Waters

THEATERMANIA

Avett Brothers-Inspired Musical Swept Away Hoists Enthralling Sails

NO DEPRESSION

The Avett Brothers’ Songs Get Theatrical Treatment in ‘Swept Away’

THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER

The stars of the Avett Brothers musical ‘Swept Away’ embrace their emotional journey

FOX 5 GOOD DAY DC

"Swept Away" sweeps audiences off their feet at Arena Stage

PLAYBILL

Watch: Get Swept Away With the New Avett Brothers Musical at Arena Stage

BROADWAY.COM

Set Sail with the Swept Away Cast on Opening Night

THE FREE LANCE-STAR

A striking 'Swept Away’ lands at Arena Stage

DISTRICT FRAY

“Swept Away” Washes Ashore at Arena Stage

THE WASHINGTON POST

“TRANSFIXING NEW MUSICAL…waves of roots rock and soulful introspection
come crashing one after the other”

BROADWAYWORLD

Photos: Go Inside Opening Night of The Avett Brothers Musical SWEPT AWAY at Arena Stage

METRO WEEKLY

“SEE WORTHY…The Avett Brothers’ roots rock translates beautifully
to the stage in the new musical adventure”

BROADWAYWORLD

“...with ELITE TALENT across the board, a TRULY STUNNING score, and a MASTERFUL set, Swept Away has tremendous potential as a production with an eye for Broadway”

DC THEATER ARTS

"AWESOME, in the fullest sense of the word…"

THE DC LINE

“Gallagher, Duvall, Sands and Enscoe are careful stewards of the Avett Brothers’ beloved songs…their four voices blend remarkably well in group numbers and soar in solo turns.” 

BROADWAYWORLD

Interview: Chris Miller and Brian Usifer On Orchestrating The Avett Brothers For The Stage

MARYLAND THEATRE GUIDE

“DELIVERS MASTERFUL THEATRE…you may find yourself swept away”

TALKIN' BROADWAY

"DEEPLY EMOTIONAL story…powered by RICHLY MELODIC score…"

A THEATRE GOER'S THOUGHTS

“DARING and ORIGINAL, CHALLENGING and THOUGHT-PROVOKING…
Swept Away is one of the most stunning pieces of theatre that I’ve ever seen”

DREW MORRIS

"...a RESOUNDING SUCCESS, featuring can’t-miss acting, an intrepid, tragic book, and jaw-dropping production effects"

UNPROFESSIONAL OPINION

“For the entirety of its 90 minutes, I was gripped by its stunningly distilled storytelling..."

PLAYBILL

Photos: Get a 1st Look at Avett Brothers Musical Swept Away, Opening December 6 at Arena Stage

WASHINGTON CITY PAPER

Will Swept Away Rock John Gallagher Jr. and Michael Mayer Back to Broadway?

THE WASHINGTON POST

An Avett Brothers musical is testing the waters. Next stop: Broadway?

INSIDEHOOK

Is an Avett Brothers Musical in Broadway’s Future?

PLAYBILL

Avett Brothers Musical Swept Away Starts at Arena Stage November 25

THE WASHINGTON POST

The 36 best things to do in D.C. this weekend and next week

THE GEORGETOWNER

Weekend Roundup: Get “Swept Away” at Arena Stage

BROADWAYWORLD

Photos: Go Inside the First Rehearsal for SWEPT AWAY at Arena Stage

THE NEW YORK TIMES

Musicals, Plays and Festivals to Take In This Fall and Spring

WASHINGTON CITY PAPER

2023 Fall Arts Guide: Swept Away, opens Nov. 25

PLAYBILL

See Who's Starring in Avett Brothers Musical Swept Away at Arena Stage

PLAYBILL

Avett Brothers Musical Swept Away Unveils Key Art From Rock Poster Artist Ken Taylor

BROADWAYWORLD

Full Cast & Creative Team Set for The Avett Brothers' SWEPT AWAY at Arena Stage

TIMES SQUARE CHRONICLES

Theatre News: Mother Play, Harmony, Hadestown, On the Flip Side, Baked and Swept Away

THEATERMANIA

Full Cast and Creative Team Announced for Avett Brothers Musical Swept Away

THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER

Momentum builds for East Coast debut of The Avett Brothers musical ‘Swept Away’

DEADLINE

Broadway-Aimed Avett Brothers Musical ‘Swept Away’ Sets Washington D.C. Cast

THEATERMANIA

John Gallagher Jr., Stark Sands to Lead Swept Away at Arena Stage

THE BROADWAY BLOG

‘SWEPT AWAY’ SAILS INTO ARENA STAGE THIS FALL

Holiday Step Show In The News

DC NEWS NOW

LIVING LOCAL DMV: Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show

A THEATRE GOER'S THOUGHTS

"It is, indeed, a magical and musical holiday celebration that has become a holiday tradition to many in the Washington area."

MARYLAND THEATRE GUIDE

"Step Afrika!’s unique fusion of stepping, dance, a celebration of rhythm, culture, and joy, left me full of holiday spirit."

BROADWAYWORLD

"Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show...sets a high standard for all holiday pieces."

DC THEATER ARTS

"The Peppermint Candies was robbed! At least that’s my opinion of the MC’s decision in The Arctic Step Challenge." 

WASHINGTONIAN

11 Holiday Concerts and Shows to See in the DC Area

DC THEATER ARTS

Holiday shows to enjoy with your kids

DCIST

11 Holiday Concerts And Shows To Catch Around D.C. This Season

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Things to Do, DMV: Weekend Rundown, Dec. 7-10

THE GEORGETOWNER

Step Out for Step Afrika’s Magical Music Holiday Step Show

POTUS In The News

THE WASHINGTON POST

The votes have been tabulated. ‘POTUS’ at Arena Stage is a winner.

THE WASHINGTON POST

‘POTUS’ playwright talks profanity and the patriarchy

BROADWAYWORLD

“Arena’s production of POTUS is, in a word, outstanding.”

DC THEATER ARTS

Director Margot Bordelon on ‘POTUS,’ the bawdy feminist farce at Arena Stage

GEORGETOWN VOICE

POTUS sucker-punches the patriarchy by pairing profane comedy with sharp social critique

WASHINGTON CITY PAPER

POTUS Is a Madcap Romp With Seven Stars

DC THEATER ARTS

"A rollicking ‘POTUS’ kicks dumbass at Arena Stage"

METRO WEEKLY

Fast on its feet, and furiously funny, Arena's "POTUS" offers a wild time at the White House, powered by women.

A THEATRE-GOER'S THOUGHTS

“the cast is up to the task and never misses a beat”

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Powerful Women Take Center Stage in ‘POTUS’ at Arena Stage

FOX 5 GOOD DAY DC

'POTUS' now playing at Arena Stage

WASHINGTON BLADE

‘POTUS’ a brash, ballsy farce performed by all-female cast

WETA AROUND TOWN BEST BETS

Arena Stage's "POTUS" Just Might Be the Political Catharsis You Need

WTOP

"Of course, performing a political play in the nation’s capital makes it extra special."

 

FAIRFAX TIMES

Get into the spirit of Election Day with “POTUS”

PLAYBILL

Arena Stage Announces Cast and Creative Team for POTUS

BROADWAYWORLD

Photos: First Look at the Cast in Rehearsal For POTUS at Arena Stage

DCIST

11 D.C.-Area Theater Performances We’re Excited For This Fall

WASHINGTON BLADE

Local theater scene prepares for a season to remember

BROADWAYWORLD

Arena Stage Reveals Cast for POTUS

WASHINGTONIAN

10 Musicals and Plays to See in the DC Area This Fall

Cambodian Rock Band In The News

WASHINGTON CITY PAPER

“Lauren Yee’s play provides a long-silenced soundtrack for a country still recovering from historical violence”

BROADWAYWORLD

Interview: Theatre Life with Francis Jue

BROADWAYWORLD

Quiz: How Well Do You Know CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND?

UNPROFESSIONAL OPINION

SEE IT: A resonant “Cambodian Rock Band” strikes the right chords

MD THEATRE GUIDE

“COMPELLING…LUMINOUS…the cast is uniformly excellent”

BROADWAYWORLD

Video: Meet the Cast of CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND at Arena Stage

DC THEATER ARTS

“WORTH THE WAIT.”

BROADWAYWORLD

Photos: First Look at CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND at Arena Stage

PLAYBILL

Lauren Yee's Cambodian Rock Band Begins at Arena Stage July 19

TALKIN' BROADWAY

“ASTONISHING…TRANSCENDENT…a remembrance of family and social history that turns into an exorcism of past evils, all to the spirited sound of Cambodian rock music performed live”

DREW MORRIS

“[Lauren Yee] proves to be one of the foremost storytellers of this era”

A THEATRE-GOER'S THOUGHTS

“carefully-crafted characters and committed, authentic performances keep the audience involved” 

WASHINGTON BLADE

‘Cambodian Rock Band’ melds horror with a rock concert

DISTRICT FRAY

Arena Stage’s “Cambodian Rock Band” Fuses Live Music + Theatre for Healing Survivors’ Tale

WASHINGTONIAN

10 Great Things to Do in DC This July

BROADWAYWORLD

Brooke Ishibashi, Abraham Kim & More to Star in CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND at Arena Stage

BACKSTAGE PASS WITH LIA CHANG

Joe Ngo, Brooke Ishibashi, Francis Jue, Abraham Kim, Tim Liu, Jane Lui and More Set for Lauren Yee’s CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND at Arena Stage