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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

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

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

BROADWAYWORLD

APRIL 2023 TOP PICKS

The High Ground in the News

FOX 5 DC

Stars of The High Ground visit FOX 5 Morning

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

MARYLAND THEATRE GUIDE

TOP 5 SHOWS OF THE WEEK

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’

SECRET DC

9 Ways You Can Still Honor Black History Month In D.C.

NBC4 WASHINGTON

10 Theater Shows Worth Seeing This Winter

THE WASHINGTON POST

The best things to do in the D.C. area

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

THE GEORGETOWNER

2023 Spring Performing Arts Preview

DCIST

February Theater Preview: Shows To See Around D.C. This Month

Playbill

Phillip James Brannon to Star in The High Ground at Arena Stage

NBC4 WASHINGTON

The Weekend Scene: 15+ Things to Do Around DC

VISIT WASHINGTON

Ways to Celebrate Black History Month in Washington, DC

Ride the Cyclone in the News

The Washington Post

“ingeniously dark and funny musical”

BROADWAYWORLD-BALTIMORE

“Go see it! Join the enthralled cult!”

THEATRELY

“EXHILIRATING…a MUST-SEE for musical theatre fans”

PLAYBILL

Why Gen Z Loves Ride The Cyclone

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

THE ZEBRA

“a captivating charmer”

MD THEATRE GUIDE

TOP 5 SHOWS OF THE WEEK

Metro Weekly

“Arena’s macabre Ride the Cyclone offers laughs, magic, and amusement”

NBC4 WASHINGTON

The Weekend Scene

THE GEORGETOWNER

2023 Spring Performing Arts Preview

DCIST

February Theater Preview: Shows To See Around D.C. This Month

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

DCIST

“the audience had a blast”

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

WAMU 88.5

Get Out There: Valentine’s Day plans for all

WTOP

Ride the Cyclone at Arena Stage follows teens in purgatory after roller coaster crash

District Fray

Arena Stage Presents Cult-Fave, Ride the Cyclone

MD THEATER GUIDE

“this whirlwind ride delivers laughter and delight”

THE GEORGETOWNER

Weekend Roundup: “Ride the Cyclone” blends humor, tragedy and pure enchantment.

TALKIN’ BROADWAY

“fascinating, immersive…theatrical experience”

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

NBC4 WASHINGTON

10 Theater Shows Worth Seeing This Winter

UNPROFESSIONAL OPINION

“a delightfully odd, energetic feast for your eyes, ears, and heart”

DCIST

January Theater Is Here: Catch These Shows Around D.C. This Month

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

BROADWAYWORLD

JANUARY TOP PICKS

DCIST

12 Local Theater Performances We’re Excited For In 2023 

Playbill

See who will Ride the Cyclone at Arena Stage

BROADWAYWORLD

HOLIDAY TOP PICKS

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

FOX5 GOOD DAY DC

Step Afrika! performs sneak peek of holiday step show

THE SOUTHWESTER

Arena Stage Rings in Holidays with Step Afrika! (Pg. 11)

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

MEN’S LIFE DC

Don’t miss these holiday shows

CHESAPEAKE FAMILY LIFE

Fun Things to Do! December 12-15

NBC4 WASHINGTON

The Weekend Scene: 10+ More Things to Do Around DC 

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

THE WASHINGTON POST

The best things to do in the D.C. area

DCIST

15 Virtual And IRL Things To Do Around D.C. This Weekend

WTOP

December entertainment guide 2022

WTOP

Step Afrika! performs ‘Magical Musical Holiday Step Show’ at Arena Stage

DCIST

Here Are 28 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays Around D.C

MOMMY POPPINS

Holiday Shows for Kids Near DC in 2022

DCIST

Catch These Shows Opening Around D.C. In December

WASHINGTONIAN

55 Activities to Check Off Your Holiday Bucket List This Season

WASHINGTON POST

A holiday-by-day guide to festive fun in D.C

WASHINGTONIAN

Best Things to Do in the DC Area: Step Afrika!’s Holiday Show

My Body No Choice in the News

THE MORNING SUN

‘My Body/No Choice’ readings set at CMU

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

DISTRICT FRAY

To Do in D.C. 10.20-10.23: My Body No Choice at Arena Stage

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

Washington Post

How one D.C. theater is advocating for abortion rights

NPR

'My Body No Choice' — Arena Stage advocates for reproductive rights

DC Theater Arts

‘My Body No Choice’ to be Molly Smith’s last show as artistic director at Arena

BroadwayWorld

Washington DC’s October Top 10

MS. MAGAZINE

Black Women Lead: From the Stage to the Streets

The Southwester

Arena Stage Announces Longtime Leader Molly Smith’s Final Show

METRO WEEKLY

Fall Arts Preview 2022: My Body No Choice at Arena Stage

WTOP

October entertainment guide 2022: My Body No Choice at Arena Stage

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

THE WASHINGTON BLADE

A diverse fall theater season underway in D.C.

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

DC Theater Arts

“Martyna Majok’s Sanctuary City pulls no punches.”

WTOP

October entertainment guide 2022: Sanctuary City at Arena Stage

DCist

Theater Season In Full Swing: Catch These Shows Opening Around D.C. In October

Metro Weekly

Fall Arts Preview 2022: Sanctuary City at Arena Stage

Holiday in the News

MARYLAND THEATRE GUIDE

“VERY GOOD-LOOKING show”

TALKIN’ BROADWAY

“LAVISHLY appointed and acted production”

DC THEATER ARTS

“PARTY like it's 1928! … Arena hits the play’s HIGH NOTES”

BroadwayWorld

“a HANDSOME, CHARMING … and quite MOVING production"

BROADWAYWORLD

Interview: Theatre Life with Lance Pennington

BROADWAYWORLD

Washington DC’s October Top 10

MORNING WASHINGTON

Arena Stage revives Broadway classic 'Holiday' for special run

WASHINGTONIAN

Best Things to Do in the D.C. Area

The Southwester

Southwest Resident Anita Maynard-Losh to Direct Holiday at Arena Stage

Metro Weekly

Fall Arts Preview 2022: Holiday at Arena Stage

WTOP News

October entertainment guide 2022: Holiday at Arena Stage

DCist

Theater Season In Full Swing: Catch These Shows Opening Around D.C. In October

The Washington Blade

A diverse fall theater season underway in D.C.

The Georgetowner

September ArtsWatch: Arena Stage Announces Cast for “Holiday” 

WASHINGTON CITY PAPER

2022 Fall Arts Guide: Holiday at Arena Stage

KIDFRIENDLY DC

Live Entertainment Line-Up Around DC this Fall

American Prophet in the News

Wall Street Journal

“[Douglass’] words ring forth with SCALDING POWER”

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

WASHINGTON CITY PAPER

American Prophet Closes

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

The Hilltop

Musical Of Frederick Douglass’ Life Hits The Stage

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”

DISTRICT FRAY

August Theatre Picks

BROADWAY WORLD

AMERICAN PROPHET & More Lead Washington DC's August Top Picks

The Zebra

"American Prophet is Must-See Tribute To Great Orator"

MD Theater Guide

“If you only see one show this summer, make it 'American Prophet.'”

The Talbot Spy

“HAUNTINGLY BEAUTIFUL melodies … POWERFUL acting”

THE SOUTHWESTER

Grammy Winner Pens Original Songs for Arena Production

Washington Informer

Arena’s ‘American Prophet’: Majestic, Mesmerizing – A Tour de Force

Broadway World

"A provocative and inspiring new musical"

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

The Broadway Blog

Three Shows to Catch in Washington, DC this Summer

Washington Post

The best things to do in the D.C. area the week of July 14-20

NBC The Weekend Scene

Things to Do in DC, From Family-Friendly to Offbeat

District Fray

Arena Stage Presents “American Prophet”

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

Washington Blade

Summer Theater for all Ages

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