Arena is my favorite place to take in a play. The modern stone aesthetics with the loft overlooking…read morethe open cafe area is beautiful. Hana Sherif, the artistic director is tapping into so many amazing stories that capture the African American experience in America. The latest hit is Chez Joey which is here till 3/15/26. The play is a 10 out of 10. It's a love triangle story that takes place in 1940's Chicago at a jazz club. Joey is a young ambitious entertainer looking to make a name for himself and has to choose between true love or being bought by a rich baroness who can easily fund his dreams. The dancing and singing is electrifying and steamy, the story is told well and highly engaging. On Wednesdays they've added a complimentary jazz concert from 6:15 to 7pm that takes place in the lobby with seating. Check out Arena's lineup, they are procuring amazing work this season.

This trip to Arena Stage was for Step Afrika Holiday show!…read more We picked up our tickets from the box office and explored some of the season decorations in the lobby. Took some quick pictures with the tree and the arches, then got our tickets scanned and went upstairs. Lots of pretty decorations for the season - one large Christmas tree and a bunch of smaller ones above glistening with white lights. The show was in the Fichandler Stage, which has seats 360 around it - not a bad seat in there! Step Afrika!'s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show was fabulous! They handed out maracas and other noise makers upon entering the theater. We were in Row D on the North Side, which was amazing seats! The show ran for 90 minutes without an intermission. What a show! The talent of these artists are top notch!! The rhythm, the choreography, the music, the energy, the skill, the talent, the props were so impressive! They get the audience part of the fun throughout the show with the noisemakers, chatting, dance battles, and even two opportunities to join them on the floor to learn some steps! This was my first time seeing this show and I certainly can see how it's a tradition year after year for so many. You can tell all the hard work and dedication of this cast! Bravo to them!

I am so glad that this theatre is still in operation…read more Also contains a first rate museum in the basement that includes the gun used to kill Lincoln and a pillow that still has dried blood on it So glad that I went!

The famous for theater has become more of a museum nowadays than an active theater, but it still…read moreholds some performances today. It's the historic theater that Lincoln was shot. There's plenty of memorabilia to Lincoln's life and life back then within the theater. It's a very cool historic site that is worth the ticket to admission! Being in the same room and looking up at the box that Lincoln sat in where he was assassinated was a very interesting and also somber experience !

A pretty decent venue for shows! I have been for a ballet and could see everything well from the…read morebalcony; was surprised the seats were cheap for my spot with the view I got. The balcony is rather steep though, which could be scary for some. They have stairs and an elevator to go between floors, but the elevator is kind of small. Security is friendly and timely. I would come again for another show.

Came to the National Theatre on Easter Sunday to see Beauty and the Beast and had such a great…read moreexperience overall. I was running a little late, about five minutes after showtime, but somehow luck was on my side because I found street parking right on the same block, winning . I definitely would not count on that every time though; there are parking garages nearby that are probably a safer bet if you are cutting it close. Since I arrived just after the show started, I was expecting a hassle getting in, but it was actually super smooth. I did not have to deal with a long line at all, and the staff were really helpful in getting me seated quickly. I did not grab any food or drinks, so I cannot speak to pricing or options, but one thing I will say is avoid the bathroom lines during intermission if you can. They get very long. Try to go right before the show, after, or sneak away at a less obvious time if possible. As for the show itself, I loved it. I was seated in the very last row at the top and still had a clear view, which says a lot about the layout. Since there is no recording allowed, it really lets you stay present and enjoy the performance for what it is. I went solo and honestly it was the perfect solo outing. Super grateful for the experience and would definitely do it again.

I visited the Shakespeare Theatre Company's Harman Hall this past Sunday for a performance of…read moreParanormal Activity (their seasons include non-Shakespeare works), and I was really impressed by the production and the building itself. (FYI: STC has productions in two separate theaters - Harman Hall and Klein Theatre, so make sure you know which location is the location for your production). Harman Hall is beautiful - modern, bright, large. We sat in the front row of the mezzanine, and the seats were great but I think most of their seats would be great. Unlike the prices are outrageous, I often like to sit in the front row of the mezzanine when I attend the theater, because I'm short and often find my view obstructed by people in front of me in theaters. Because Harman Hall is modern and newer than historic theaters (on Broadway in NYC, for example), the incline of seats in the theater is much more pronounced than in other theaters. I didn't need to sit in that front row, because I probably could have seen from anywhere. Our performance wasn't sold out, and the theater was not packed or crowded - short lines for the bar (especially on the top floor where we were sitting anyway), short lines for the bathroom. The location is convenient, near a couple of Metro stations, lots of restaurants and bars, and a few museums. We parked in a garage I reserved a spot in on SpotHero, which was less than $15 for the day, too. Although I tend to focus my reviews of theaters on the theater itself (you could see a good production at a theater and then a production you don't like as much - but you can still appreciate the theater - its comfort, its location, its amenities), I will say that the production we saw was interesting and thought-provoking. I'd say I'm likely to return, but I have tickets for a production in April, so I know I will be.

My first time at the Harman Hall theatre to see Paranormal Activity. I was so blown away by this…read moreshow! I'm still in awe of the robe scene IYKYK. The actors were so good in their respective roles and I was completely immersed in the story. It came together at the end really well and the practical effects were incredible. I loved the staging with the 2 floors and getting to see everything all at once. The theatre itself was very nice. The bathrooms were spacious and clean, the ushers were kind and helpful, and the seats were relatively comfortable. Pro tip, choose row E if you want extra legroom!

As you like it production: If you're visiting DC and want…read moreto catch a Shakespeare production in an intimate, character-filled theater, this is your place. Their production of As You Like It deserves real praise -- it was funny, engaging, creative, and performed by a very talented cast. What made it especially memorable was the modern-day, DC-inspired interpretation, which gave the play fresh energy while still honoring the spirit of Shakespeare. The cast was lively and audience-engaging in a way that made the whole experience feel immersive rather than foreign. And the theater itself? A gem. In true Shakespeare fashion, it's small and intimate, which makes every seat feel close to the action. The architecture is part of the charm -- rich wood columns, beautiful preserved details, and a space that feels historic in all the right ways. Arrive early to visit the museum. They offer a snack bar with bites and beverages, though fair warning: it's on the pricey side. Overall, a really enjoyable evening and a wonderful pick for theater lovers who appreciate strong performances and a venue with soul.

As someone who loves the Shakespeare Library as a whole (and frequently goes there for shows) this…read moreis exclusively a rating for their afternoon tea. The tea has been lauded as amazing on instagram so when reservations went live in December, I booked our April tea before it sold out in 15 minutes. Directions to finding the room for it, are not clear. Despite what you see in social media, this is in a small room with just quite a few tables - not in their famous cafe. You are given bagged tea (not the brand listed on their menu), and your tray is brought over almost immediately upon seating. It was not explained what any of it was like traditionally is done. The food is TINY, and you barely get a single bite out of each. We didn't receive nor were we offered refills of cream or jam, despite there being four of us. We had the 3PM slot and pretty much everyone was rushed out after an hour. We spent some time just talking at our table and were the last ones there despite it not being closed. We felt very unwelcome by the time we left at 4:30. You pay $85 per person and there are WAY better teas in DC that are cheaper. I would never bring anyone here for their tea, what a disappointment.

Woolly mammoth better not ever go extinct because this theatre is truly one of a kind. I've been to…read moreseveral plays (some through Yelp and some on my own) and I have really enjoyed or at the very least, learned a lot, through every single one I've been to. The range of shows that they host is incredible and I always appreciate that they have out of the box plays. For example I saw GUAC a play performed by the father of a Joaquin, a Parkland shooting victim. It was an emotional, powerful, and beautiful tribute to his son. I also saw Dead Inside a comedic play about Riki Lindhome's fertility journey. I also really enjoy the set up of the theater, they always decorate the hallway and cafe section based on the play they are hosting which helps continue the atmosphere and dialogue of the shows outside of the walls of the theatre. Overall, I really enjoy Woolly Mammoth and I cannot wait to go back!

It was my first time going to Woolly Mammoth Theatre to see the Great Privatization with a friend…read morethat got tickets. It was a great time! The space is intimate and ambitious. As soon as you walk in, the lobby is striking with its soaring ceilings, transparent walls, and buzz of students, artists, and 'creative types' mingling. The programming has a reputation for championing bold and provocative work that is social- justice minded and pushes boundaries. The production, acting and staging, as well as the technical aspects are very high quality.

3.14.26 This was my…read morefirst visit to the venue, and the décor, rich and opulent, was entirely my style and absolutely stunning. We had premium box seats with in-seat service, which allowed us to place orders throughout the show; my husband and our friends took advantage of that convenience. Other amenities at the concert hall include a lounge with a full-service bar that opens 90 minutes before showtime and is exclusive to guests for the first hour. There is also a rooftop area, available for select performances, that offers impressive views of the Capital, along with merchandise available for purchase. A quick note for visitors: small bags up to 12" x 6" x 12" are permitted, and all bags are searched prior to entry. We came to see Brit Floyd, and everything about the experience was exceptional--the service, the acoustics, the laser and screen visuals, and the intimate feel of the venue.

Warner Theatre leaves me with mixed feelings. I've attended several events here over the years,…read moreincluding Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performances and The Nutcracker during the holidays, and those experiences were excellent. The theater itself is beautiful--its decor always gives me a jazz-era renaissance vibe that adds to the atmosphere. Recently, I came to see Lalah Hathaway and Robert Glasper, and while the show itself was great, the acoustics for live music were unfortunately not. From where I was seated, it was difficult to clearly hear the vocals, which took away from the performance. The venue itself is stunning and has hosted some memorable shows for me, but based on this experience, it seems better suited for theater and dance performances than for certain live music concerts. Despite the sound issues, I still enjoyed the show as much as I could and would return for the right performance.

Saw an absolutely AMAZING performance of 'Night Mother here in April 2023. Highly recommend this…read moreperformance :D

I never knew that the Anacostia Playhouse existed but then again, I haven't been going to many…read moreperformances. The playhouse is right off Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE. On the same side as and a block behind Turning Natural. I had never been back there and if it wasn't for this outing, I doubt I would have ventured here. The playhouse is located in a renovated warehouse space. Immediately, I could see that they were making good use of a sturdy, old building of industry. Inside the actual theater, I loved the intimate feel of it. The stage, in the center allows for you to be seated close to the performers without being too close. I know that the performers could speak better on that than me but that's what I felt as a witness. "The Very Last Days of the First Colored Circus" by Steven Butler was an emotional rollercoaster to say the least. For my next visit I am really looking forward to Clayton LeBeouf's "Record Store 24". Celebrating the Arts in Anacostia in 2018.

We went to a mock court scene at The Miracle Theater where we as the audience judged a particular…read morecriminal court case which involved a person died to an AI driven vehicle where someone lost his life due to the decision of AI vehicle. So the CEO of the company was being charged in a criminal case of manslaughter. That's all I'm going to say, and it was pretty dope. Check it out !!!!

A pleasant surprise in DC's theater scene! The Miracle Theatre, one of the city's oldest theaters,…read moreis now under new ownership by Union Stage, and they're doing a great job breathing new life into this historic space while keeping its charm intact. I was invited to attend a Moth storytelling event here and it was such a refreshing night out. The stories were heartfelt, funny, and sometimes deeply vulnerable in the best way. The host kept the energy going all night and was absolutely hilarious. It was the kind of clean fun that reminds you how powerful a room full of people sharing stories can be. The theater itself adds to the experience. Being inside feels like stepping back into the good old days before everything was streamed and watched at home. If you're feeling a little nostalgic for live entertainment and the magic of gathering together for a shared experience, this is the place. Definitely check out their lineup. It's a great excuse to get out of the house and enjoy something real, live, and memorable.

An institution on Capitol Hill, my elementary school aged daughter has taken a few after school…read moreclasses here. A CHAW van picks her and others up and takes them to the art and theater classes. She loves each class and enjoys the instructors. There's easy street parking nearby making pick up seamless.

CHAW is a really positive contributor to the Capital Hill community, in art, music, drama for all…read moreages and experiences. In particular I have been participating in the open figure drawing sessions for several years and really enjoy the atmosphere and the creativity. The organizers of this group are knowledgeable and always helpful.