OPENING THIS MONTH
Through November 30 at Anacostia Playhouse, Scena Theatre offers the Washington premiere of Handbag, Mark Ravenhill’s adults-only comedy about the trials and tribulations of parenting in the 21st century.
Studio Theatre stages Bad Jews, playwright Joshua Harmon’s black comedy that explores the dynamic among three cousins divided by religious faith as they battle over a family heirloom. November 5 through December 21.
Last year’s Capital Fringe Festival had a hit on its hands in There Is a Happiness That Morning Is, the tale of two professors who turn to William Blake’s words to defend themselves after getting caught in a very public display of affection. WSC Avant Bard—which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year—gives a second hearing to the couple and couplets November 7 through 23.
At Olney Theatre November 12 through December 28 is The Little Mermaid, the kid-friendly tale of love between man and mermaid.
Tony Kushner (Angels in America) is behind The Intelligent Homosexual’s Guide to Capitalism and Socialism With a Key to the Scriptures, a nearly four-hour drama centered on a retired Communist longshoreman who schedules a reunion with his adult children to explain why he’s decided to end his life. November 13 through December 21 at Theater J.
Five Guys Named Moe, a tribute to jazz saxophonist Louis Jordan, involves the titular five Moes emerging from a radio to advise a recently jilted man through the power of Jordan’s hits. November 14 through December 28 at Arena Stage.
November 15 only, Warner Theatre presents The Ghost Brothers of Darkland County, a supernatural musical created by the star-powered team of Stephen King, John Mellencamp, and T Bone Burnett.
Peter Aguero, a host and performer in the live storytelling series The Moth, is behind the one-man show “Daddy Issues,” about his complicated relationship with his father. November 21 and 22 at Artisphere.
November 21 through December 28 at 1st Stage is One Man, Two Guvnors. Based on the 1743 commedia dell’arte play The Servant of Two Masters, Richard Bean’s zany farce set in early-1960s Britain involves mistaken identities, musical interludes, and plenty of slapstick.
Local favorite Edward Gero reprises his role as the miserly Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, at Ford’s Theatre November 21 through January 1.
The family-friendly world-premiere musical The Gift of Nothing stars the main characters from Patrick McDonnell’s “Mutts” comic strip, Mooch the cat and Earl the dog, as Mooch searches for a special present for his friend. Aaron Posner directs. November 22 through December 28 at the Kennedy Center.
MetroStage offers another take on Dickens’s holiday classic with A Broadway Christmas Carol, which combines the story with well-known showtunes. November 26 through December 28.
ONGOING/LAST CHANCE
Our War closes at Arena Stage November 9. Read our review.
Elmer Gantry closes at Signature Theatre November 9. Read our review.
Three Sistahs closes at MetroStage November 9. Read our review.
Visible Language closes at Gallaudet University’s Eastman Studio Theatre November 16. Read more about the production.
How We Got On closes at Forum Theatre November 23.
Little Dancer closes at the Kennedy Center November 30.
