SHAKESPEARE THEATRE COMPANY

“The Two Gentlemen of Verona”

Under the direction of PJ Paparelli, The Shakespeare Theatre Company is presenting, “The Two Gentlemen of Verona,” one of Shakespeare’s earliest romantic comedies. Leave it to Paparelli to give the audience a new look by keeping the traditional set but infusing modern music and contemporary teenage attitudes. The story is about the friendship between two teenage boys, Proteus (Nick Dillenburg) and Valentine (Andrew Veenstra). They remain good friends until they both fall in love with Silvie (Natalie Mitchell), the daughter of the Duke of Milan (Brent Harris). Proteus’ first love, Julia (Miriam Silverman) is devastated when she learns that Proteus has left her for Silvie. Very talented cast including a dog named Crab. “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” plays through Mar. 4 at the Lansburgh Theatre, 450 – 7th St. NW in the District. For information and tickets, call the box office at 202-647-1122 and check the website at www.ShakespeareTheatre.org.

THE McLEAN COMMUNITY PLAYERS - - “Man of La Mancha”

“Man of La Mancha” is one of my all-time favorite musicals. The McLean Community Players is presenting this Broadway classic at the Alden Theatre in the McLean Community Center on weekends through Feb. 11. “Man of La Mancha” is based on Miguel de Cervantes’ famous story about Don Quixote. In this local production, Mike Baker, Jr. takes on the role of Don Quixote with great confidence. Baker has a tremendous amount of acting and singing experience and it shows. The whole cast is extremely talented including Quixote’s sidekick Sancho, played by Nathan Tatro and the dramatic and exciting Aldonza, played by Janice Rivera. The musicians, under the direction of Walter McCoy, were exceptional adding to the very satisfying production directed by Don Peterson. “Man of La Mancha” is a musical everyone should see at least once. I’ve probably seen it a dozen times since it first opened in Broadway in 1965. For information, call 703-790-9223 and check the website at www.mcleanplayers.org.

FOLGER THEATRE - - “The Gaming Table”

Susanna Centlivre was one of London’s most popular playwrights in the 18th century---way before women were ever admired for anything professional. However, in 1705 she wrote a hit play called, “The Bassett Table.” It has been adapted by playwright David Grimm and is being presented as “The Gaming Table,” at Folger Theatre in the District. The play takes place at the home of Lady Reveller (Julia Jesnick), where card games (gaming), played by wealthy ladies, have funny and complicated circumstances. There are four couples and servants and this is one very talented ensemble cast. Each cast member is memorable as are their costumes and wigs. Very smooth direction by Eleanor Holdridge. “The Gaming Table” is a very entertaining show and runs through March 4 at the Folger Theatre. For information and tickets, call 202-544-7077 or online at www.folger.edu/theatre.

ARENA STAGE - - “Red”

This is acting at its best! I’m talking about the terrific two-person show at Arena Stage - - called “Red.” It’s the story of abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko (born Marcus Rothkowitz in Russia in 1903). He committed suicide in 1970. It’s no wonder he killed himself because someone with his artistic intensity, as portrayed by actor Ed Gero, would get burned out fast. The way Gero plays Rothko-and the interplay, however contentious, with his young assistant, Ken, played formidably by Patrick Andrews, is not to be missed! Playwright John Logan’s script as directed by Robert Falls gives great insight into the personality and demons of this magnificent large-canvas, boozing and smoking artist. But the teaming of well-known D.C. actor Gero and Chicago’s Andrews is so intense and riveting, one forgets it’s acting! “Red” is a co-production with Chicago’s Goodman Theatre. See this! “Red” closes on Mar. 11 at Arena Stage in the District. Call 202-485-3300 for information and tickets. Check the website at www.arena stage.org.

ARENA STAGE - - “Elephant Room”

There are three delightful magicians (or illusionists) at Arena Stage in the District who, not only amuse the audience with their “tricks”—but are also very likeable. Their show is called, “Elephant Room,” and the three guys are Dennis Diamond, Daryl Hannah and Louie Magic. They perform for an hour and 15 minutes with no intermission. These 35ish fellows win over the audience with banter and mentalist feats—like guessing facts about an audience member. They also go into the audience and pull out a willing person to participate. One motorcycle bit was a riot. “Elephant Room” will be at Arena Stage through Feb. 26. For information and tickets, call 202-488-3300. Check the website at www.arenastage.org.

THE KEEGAN THEATRE - - “Laughter on the 23rd Floor”

Do you want a laugh every 30 seconds? Then you’ve got to see The Keegan Theatre’s production of Neil Simon’s “Laughter on the 23rd Floor.” Playing at the Church Street Theatre in the District one gets a pretty good idea of what it was like in 1953 for the writers of the NBC “Show of Shows,” starring Sid Caesar. The real names are not used and instead the writers in this story are working for the Max Prince Show. Ray Ficca plays Max Prince (or is it Caesar) to the hilt as do the other writers. Keegan regular Michael Innocenti is an absolute riot as Ira Stone, the hypochondriac jokester. There are seven other talents who play their roles wonderfully in this nuthouse. Wish I had time to name them all. Great direction job by Colin Smith. Do not miss this show!! “Laughter on the 23rd Floor” plays through Feb. 18. For information and tickets, call 703-892-0202. Check the website at www.keegantheatre.com.

THE 2012 RAMMYS - - “Hats Off to Restaurants”

Lynne Breaux, president of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) announced the theme for the 2012 RAMMY Awards at an event held recently at Virtue Feed and Grain, a new restaurant in Old Town Alexandria. The theme is, “Hats Off to Restaurants.” The RAMMY Awards will be given at a black tie gala to be held June 24 at the Marriott Wardman Park hotel in the District where RAMMYS will go to Chef of the Year, Pastry Chef of the Year, the best fine dining restaurant, the best new restaurant and many more. The gala is open to the public and ticket information is available by calling 202-331-5990 or emailing, rammys@ramw.org. For further details, check the website at www.ramw.org.