Visit DC theaters for these can’t-miss performances
Make sure to mark your calendar with this array of highly anticipated productions set to debut across DC, many of which are part of Theatre Week (Sept. 26 to Oct. 13), a weeks-long promotion from TheatreWashington to sample the diverse and vibrant work of theaters and companies on a variety of stages across the region at a reduced cost. Book your hotel for Theatre Week today and read up on other seasonal events, festivals and free things to do.
Oh My Heart, Oh My Home. – Opens Sept. 6
Studio Theatre presents “An intimate story about sanctuary, belonging and loneliness” from Fringe First winner Casey Jay Andrews. The magnificent storyteller will gather around a doll’s house and weave a stunning fable about the strike of a meteorite, its impact on a neighborhood and the way it challenges a place’s capacity to contain a feeling.
Tickets
Studio Theatre, 1501 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding – Sept. 6 – Oct. 13
Assimilation, cultural identity and the pursuit of the American dream are all front-and-center in this fascinating production that was nominated for five Tony Awards. Set in Harlem at a bustling hair braiding salon, the play zooms in on the lives of six women (and others) to present a spellbinding portrait of the African immigrant experience in the U.S.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
The Comeuppance – Sept. 8 – Oct. 6
Set in nearby Prince George’s County, Md., The Comeuppance concerns the self-proclaimed “Multi-Ethnic Reject Group” on the night of their 20th high school reunion. A mystical force makes these friends face the past head-on and reckon with an uncertain future. Penned by MacArthur Genius Award winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, the play garnered a New York Times Critic’s Pick.
Tickets
Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Comedy of Errors – Sept. 10 – Oct. 6
One of Shakespeare’s earliest plays shows that The Bard knew how to make audiences chuckle as well as he knew how to make them cry. Hilarity ensues in a case of mistaken identities as Artistic Director Simon Godwin directs an uproarious affair that will add some rock ‘n’ roll to a humorously topsy-turvy family saga.
Tickets
Klein Theatre, 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Primary Trust – Sept. 10 – Oct. 20
Winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize and a highly acclaimed New York Times Critic’s Pick, Primary Trust makes its DC-area premiere thanks to Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va. Kenneth is a frequent patron of Wally’s Tiki Bar until a job loss prompts him to re-examine the past. Funny and emotional in equal measure, Primary Trust is not to be missed this fall.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Clue – Sept. 17 – Oct. 6
What began as a Hasbro board game is now the ultimate whodunit of the stage. Clue comes to the Kennedy Center, bringing with it some of the most essential questions of our time: Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? Based on the 1985 Paramount Pictures adaptation, this production will pack of plenty of laughs in before its epic final twist.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Mister Lincoln – Sept. 20 – Oct. 13
Scott Bakula (pictured above) stars as Abraham Lincoln in Ford’s Theatre’s new production, a one-man show sure to captivate audiences as they’re immersed in the life of one of America’s most iconic leaders. Learn about Lincoln’s personal life as well as his advocacy and bravery in guiding the United States through the Civil War.
Tickets
Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Avatar: The Last Airbender In Concert – Sept. 27-28
Known as one of the most groundbreaking animated series ever, Avatar: The Last Airbender features a powerful and iconic score that will be played by a live orchestra during this two-hour show at The National Theatre. Memorable scenes will be on-screen as the show’s incredible scope is brought to life. Original compositions have been expanded for this exclusive presentation.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
The Ford/Hill Project – Sept. 30
In a special presentation to benefit the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, The Ford/Hill Project is a new play that examines the historic testimonies of Anita Hill and Christine Blasey Ford. An ensemble of four actors speak verbatim from the transcripts of hearings that saw these two women, 30 years apart, share stories from private moments in their lives.
Tickets
Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Babbitt – Oct. 1-27
Star of the big screen for decades and two-time Tony winner Matthew Broderick makes his Shakespeare Theatre Company debut with this momentous adaptation of Sinclair Lewis’ beloved novel. Broderick takes on the role of George F. Babbitt, a middle-class American everyman whose life suddenly turns upside down.
Tickets
Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Cole Taylor as Romeo and Caro Reyes Rivera as Juliet © SHAN Wallace
Romeo and Juliet – Oct. 1 – Nov. 10
Shakespeare’s timeless story of star-crossed lovers is also a story of the politics of warring families and the violence that consumes them. When all the systems meant to protect and guide a pair of young lovers—familial, religious, and governmental—fail them, can they find a way to safeguard their future despite the chaos around them?
Tickets
Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
The Kennedy Center
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee – Oct. 11-20
Since its Tony Award-winning debut, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has captivated audiences of all ages. The spellbinding (pun intended) musical follows six contestants (and potentially some audience members) in their efforts to win the bee, sharing poignant stories along the way.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Mean Girls – Oct. 15-20
The Broadway sensation based on the Lindsay Lohan hit movie returns to Washington, DC. Crafted by Tina Fey, with music written by her husband, Jeff Richmond, this production is sure to take the tale of Cady Heron and The Plastics to all-new heights. Tickets will be in very high demand, so purchase yours as soon as possible.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
The Other Americans – Oct. 18 – Nov. 24
Emmy Award-winning actor, comedian and producer John Leguizamo is the mastermind behind this compelling drama that will make its world debut at Arena Stage. Leguizamo plays Nelson Castro, a Colombian American laundromat owner in Queens who is dealing with a failing business. When his son, Nick, returns from a mental wellness facility after a traumatic incident, Nelson must reckon with his past, protect his family and attempt to preserve the future.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
when WE take flight – Oct. 24-27
Featuring the music of Stravinsky and choreography by George Balanchine, Gustavo Ramirez Sansano and Edward Liang, when WE take flight is a stunning showcase of the dynamic range and skill of The Washington Ballet company dancers. Warner Theatre audiences will be treated to a brilliantly crafted combination of classical music, mambo rhythms, collective movement, neo-classical style and gorgeous choreography.
Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
The Life and Music of George Michael – Oct. 25
Few pop stars in history have scaled the global heights of George Michael, from his emergence as part of WHAM! to a decades-long solo career packed with unforgettable songs and moments. Attendees of this epic, one-night-only show at The National Theatre are sure to be dancing in the aisles as they experience Michael’s music like never before, from “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go” to “Careless Whisper” to “Freedom” to “Faith” and many, many more.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Fidelio – Oct. 25 – Nov. 4
The Washington National Opera (WNO) presents Beethoven’s story of resistance, freedom and dissent at one of DC’s most illustrious venues. The Kennedy Center hosts the new production that launches the WNO’s 2024-25 season. Beethoven’s only opera, which was last performed by the WNO more than 30 years ago, is an inspiring tale of how love can conquer tyranny.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum – Oct. 29 – Jan. 12, 2025
Sondheim takes ancient Rome in one of the greatest musical comedies ever. This Tony Award-winning play zeroes in on three neighboring households who notice, just outside their front doors, the exploits of a rowdy gang which includes a Roman slave, a soldier, a lovesick man and a gorgeous courtesan. You’re in for some retro Broadway brilliance at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Data – Oct. 31 – Dec. 15
Go behind the locked doors of Silicon Valley in this intriguing, suspense-laden play from Matthew Libby. Maneesh is an entry-level programmer at Athena Technologies, a data-mining firm. His brilliance prompts a transfer over to Data Analytics, where Maneesh sees what Athena is actually up to. Torn between idealism and success, the protagonist must come to terms with his identity.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
The Second City’s Dance Like There’s Black People Watching – Nov. 6 – Dec. 22
From the creators of Black Side of the Moon and She the People comes a highly anticipated new production at Woolly Mammoth Theatre. The Second City returns with an exclusive new show created just for Woolly Mammoth filled with rising stars, hilarious songs and sketches and razor-sharp satire, all together in a perfect improv package.
Tickets
Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Live in Concert – Nov. 8-9
After shows featuring the music from the first animated Spider-Verse film sold out worldwide, the spectacle returns after a smash-hit sequel debuted in 2023. The movie will be screened on a colossal HD video screen as an ensemble of instrumentalists perform the score and soundtrack live, including a full orchestra, a skilled scratch DJ and percussion.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
SIX – Nov. 12 – Dec. 1
The National Theatre welcomes back a Broadway smash for three weeks only this fall. SIX is a her-story of the six wives of Henry VIII – each tossed brutally aside by the psychotic ruler – filled with euphoric music in a remix of 500 years of historical heartbreak. Critically acclaimed and adored all over the world, DC is privileged to yet again host this magnificent stage spectacle.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Next, dive into this fall's must-see museum exhibits.
Header image: the cast of Arena Stage’s Anything Goes by C. Stanley Photography
