Mark and Susan Marie Rhea and Irish Theater THE WILSON CENTER | November 1, 2017 Nearly two decades have passed since two young actors appeared after one another as Brick and Maggie in a small foundling theater company’s second production of Tennessee Williams’s Cat on a Hot Tin Roof as Brick and Maggie. Texan Mark Rhea had just
Sometimes tall tales are the ones we need to hear the most. Look no further than the musical fantasy “Big Fish,” which makes its Washington D.C. premiere at the newly-renovated Keegan Theatre in Dupont Circle now through Sept. 2.
THEATER The DC premiere of Big Fish opens at the Keegan Theatre. Big Fish is based on Daniel Wallace‘s novel and Tim Burton‘s film; the musical tells of a traveling salesman whose son wants to get to the bottom of his larger-than-life tales. $45-$55, through September 2.
When Tim Burton’s “Big Fish” was released, songwriter Andrew Lippa was so moved by the movie that he immediately wanted to turn it into a musical. Ten years later, in 2013, his wish came true when the show he wrote with the original screenwriter, John August, opened on Broadway. After a modestly successful run there, the musical has enjoyed a second life in regional theaters, and it will finally have its D.C. premiere when it opens Saturday at the Keegan Theatre.
Keegan Theatre’s production of BIG FISH is sure to reel you in from the opening sequence. With tales of wonder, magic and genuine human connection running rampant throughout the musical, your emotions – and your imagination – will be ignited.
It’s vintage Shanley; the characters hold nothing back. Moonstruck savages might be a fair description of Shanley’s misfit romantics, and you’ll find yourself grinning as Keegan’s quartet adeptly taps the flinty, winsome style.
The Keegan Theatre presents John Patrick Shanley’s OUTSIDE MULLINGAR, opening on May 6, 2017, in Washington, DC. The production is directed by Keegan Producing Artistic Director Mark A. Rhea and runs through May 28, 2017.
“OUTSIDE MULLINGAR is quintessential Keegan,” says Rhea. “It covers subtle, gorgeous terrain within the human heart – and so sharply represents the rural communities and relationships of Ireland. The language is simple and deeply poetic at the same time, and the heartache, joy, and humor that Shanley captures in this intimate story is an incredible accomplishment. We can’t wait to share it with our audiences.”
Keegan Theatre harvested 16 Helen Hayes nominations, powered by revivals of the recent rock musicals “Next to Normal” (eight) and “American Idiot” (five).
Keegan Theatre has always done plays for adults, often showcasing Irish writers and themes. Now it’s launching a youth program whose three-part title, PLAY-RAH-KA, also has Gaelic roots: (a) revelry, (b) boisterous merrymaking and (c) a party you don’t want to miss. Besides classes and camps, Keegan will stage professional shows for young audiences.
Hamlette is a family-friendly take on what has become one of the most frequently interpreted plays by the Bard. It has a little something for everyone, giving us an idea of the characters as they were originally imagined while connecting the stories to the present day.
Learn about the productions that are currently playing and coming up next at Keegan.
Looking for Keegan productions for kids and families? See what’s next onstage from Keegan PLAY-RAH-KA!
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