Philip Fletcher News

Synetic Theater continues its 2015/16 Season by bringing back their rendition of William Shakespeare's classic A Midsummer Night's Dream, directed by Paata Tsikurishvili. Press opening will be Thursday, July 16 at 8 p.m.

While the concept is fun and some laughs are big, overall, the production value and artistic liberties of Synetic Theater's MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING aren't what you'd expect from this company.

Roll over, Bela Lugosi: there's a new smooth-talking villain in town, and he wants your flesh. Paata Tsihurishvili, who has been dearly missed during his behind-the-scenes hiatus, returns to the stage in fine form as one of literature's most notorious mad scientists. If you are looking for that edgy, near-perfect evening out this Halloween season, it doesn't matter whether you've got a date to impress or a feisty teenager who loves gore-you really must check out Synetic Theatre's The Island of Dr. Moreau

Just when you were about to pack it in because of the miserable weather Synetic Theater has come up with a joyous, raucous celebration of love-and jazz-in its latest Shakespeare adaptation. Twelfth Night, perhaps the Bard's most beloved comedy, is realized here as a manic and slapstick-ridden romp through the Roaring Twenties. Featuring classic tunes from the early jazz era, director Paata Tsikurishvili has set the action in a silent-era Hollywood sound stage. His wife, Irina, heads a stellar cast that channels the best of 1920's screen comedians, to brilliant effect.

Though there are challenges, even a less than perfect Synetic show is always a pleasure to behold to see the masterful artistry at work.

Synetic Theater kicks off its 2013-2014 season with a new adaptation of Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray, directed by Synetic Founder and Artistic Director Paata Tsikurishvili. Synetic's reinvention of this classic tale features dynamic movement and multimedia, and promises to be a unique fusion of visual and verbal poetry that will explore the internal and external dimensions of Wilde's only novel, which many consider his most personal work-a timelessly supernatural story of man's endless conflict with the nature of mortality.

Synetic Theater kicks off its 2013-2014 season with a new adaptation of Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray, directed by Synetic Founder and Artistic Director Paata Tsikurishvili. Synetic's reinvention of this classic tale features dynamic movement and multimedia, and promises to be a unique fusion of visual and verbal poetry that will explore the internal and external dimensions of Wilde's only novel, which many consider his most personal work-a timelessly supernatural story of man's endless conflict with the nature of mortality.

The all-star Summer Hummer burlesque returns for a second triumphant year, with direction by Eric Schaeffer and performances by the best - and bawdiest - talent that Washington stages have to offer. Last year the event raised more than $16,000 for the Taking Care of Our Ownemergency fund, which provides short-term assistance to Washington-area theatre artists in unexpected need. Building on that success, this year's production features an added performance and an astounding line-up of top performers from Washington and Broadway.

This production is immensely entertaining and mesmerizing.

Last night before a crowd of 200 theatre makers and theatre lovers, theatreWashington announced the nominees for the 28th Helen Hayes Awards. The National Theatre's Helen Hayes Gallery set the scene for the announcement of nominees in 26 categories for artistic excellence and the announcement of the recipient of the 2012 John Aniello Award for Outstanding Emerging Theatre Company. The Helen Hayes Awards is one of the most prestigious honors for artists and theatre companies in Washington's vibrant theatre scene.

November has over 60 more openings in the professional, community, universities, and children's theaters in the DC/MD/VA area. A week has already passed in November and over 20 new productions have opened. To read reviews of these shows, go to Maryland Theatre Guide, where I am the Editor and a columnist. A recent back surgery kept me from posting this earlier, so we have some catching up to do.

The new DC area theatre season begins in September. Over 50 shows are opening in our professional and community theatres. But before we move on to the new season and what's opening in September, let's look back at my personal favorite musicals, plays, and performances in both musicals and plays in the DC area - from August 2010 to August 2011.

The 27th Helen Hayes Awards are being presented at the historic Warner Theatre tonight, April 25, 2011. In addition to 156 theatre artists, ensembles and productions nominated in 26 categories, three special awards will be given.

Theatre artists and productions nominated for The 27th Annual Helen Hayes Awards were announced this evening at a press conference hosted by The National Theatre in its Helen Hayes Gallery.

With over 30 new productions opening on DC area stages, 4 large festivals, and 2 world premiere musicals, it may still be chilly outside, but DC area stages are sizzling and bursting with great theatre. So come visit the Nation's Capital and visit our vibrant theatre scene.

As the leaves are turning into a rainbow of colors, and we await the first snowflakes to fall, DC theatergoers are anticipating Arena Stage's first two productions in their new Mead Center, while Harry Connick, Jr. introduces children to a friendly elf, and Snow White and a red rose and a guy named Fred make a stop at The Kennedy Center. That red-haired orphan brings Sandy and a bitchy Ms. Hannigan and a pooch named Sandy to Olney, MD. Synetic Theater Artistic Director and his wife/choreographer reunite on the stage, a Ziegfeld Folly stars in a one-woman show, and doughnuts are served at The Studio Theatre.

As we celebrate Christmas and await the New Year, here's a new audio interpretation of 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry, written and recorded by local DC actors and designers who make up The Audible Group. It is Christmas Eve, 1935. In a small apartment in the H Street NE neighborhood of Washington, DC where James and Della Young, a young couple who, though rich in love, but down to their last pennies, still manage to give each other the perfect gift. It will fill you - from head to mistletoe - with the holiday spirit. Listen here

The recipients of The 24th Annual Helen Hayes Awards were presented tonight, Monday, April 28. Winners include Blickenstaff, Jones, Kudisch, and Irwin.