signature 2022/23
This past November, the world lost an icon. The death of Stephen Sondheim was a blow to everyone in the theater community, both artists and audiences alike. His innovative yet timeless music and lyrics fundamentally changed the musical landscape and enriched our storytelling. Signature Theatre would not be the same without Stephen Sondheim. He was Signature’s “signature” and we are proud to be the theater that has produced more of his work than any other in North America. This season, we are honoring the legend with three new productions of his work – our entire MAX season will be dedicated to his memory. These shows represent the diversity and range of Sondheim. The rarely produced gem Pacific Overtures joins together with his popular Into the Woods and Sweeney Todd for an exhilarant and meaningful tribute. There has never been and will never be anyone who compares to him. Thank you, Stephen Sondheim.
“ [Signature’s intimate] space
is built for songwriters like
longtime Signature inspiration Stephen Sondheim, on whose
every note and word
a listener hangs.
“
– PETER MARKS, THE WASHINGTON POST
Bobby Smith stars in this musical ode to the unemployed with an enterprising twist. A dedicated corporate “information refiner” has learned that his company is moving to a cheaper, but very (very) remote, location and taking the jobs with it. Backed by a jazz band, this permanent parttimer must decide whether to go and uproot his family’s life or embark on an unknown venture. Sardonic wit merges with clever jazz, blues and bluegrass music for an irreverent capitalist critique of the personal cost of doing business. “Immensely appealing… music, jokes and personal narrative [are] tightly knitted together into one consistent human package.” – THE NEW YORK TIMES
August 30 — October 16, 2022
DC PREMIERE
NO PLACE TO GO Written by Ethan Lipton Music Composed by Ethan Lipton, Eben Levy, Ian M. Riggs and Vito Dieterle Directed by Matthew Gardiner
no p to g
o place go
into the
wood
Escape into a fantastical fairytale adventure where dreams come true, but not free. A trove of storybook characters’ paths intertwine as they chase their deepest desires through an enchanted forest. However, once they receive their happily ever after, the unintended consequences of granted wishes unravel their worlds. Weaving a euphoric score including the songs “Giants in the Sky,” “On the Steps of the Palace,” “No One is Alone,” and “Children Will Listen” with a darkly humorous book, Into the Woods is a sophisticated musical twist on beloved childhood fables.
“Into the Woods features some of Sondheim’s wittiest lyrics as well as achingly beautiful melodies.” – THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
November 8, 2022 — January 29, 2023 Sponsored by Michelle S. Lee and STG International
INTO THE WOODS Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Book by James Lapine Originally Directed on Broadway by James Lapine Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick Directed by Matthew Gardiner
A playful yet profound comedy about friendship, ambition, and what happens when dreams fall just out of reach. Broadway superfans Jeff and Judy eagerly await their idol Idina Menzel after her performance in If/Then at the stage door every night. But when a sexy stranger enters the scene and upends their decades-long friendship, the musical theater aficionados have to go off book to rewrite their own finale. Signature’s new Associate Artistic Director Ethan Heard makes his directorial debut with this funny and touching play about the roles we perform and transcending one’s “type.” “The best new comedy since theatres reopened.” –THE WRAP
December 6, 2022 — January 22, 2023
DC PREMIERE
WHICH WAY TO THE STAGE By Ana Nogueira Directed by Ethan Heard
SellingKabul
A suspenseful drama about family and sacrifice from an exciting new voice. In 2013, a sister secretly shelters her translator brother from an increasingly powerful Taliban while he awaits the ever-delayed arrival of a promised American visa. On the eve of his son’s birth, the walls begin to close in, threatening him, her and everyone they love in a heart-racing exposé with devastating echoes to the present day. Breathtaking and unpredictable through the final curtain, this unflinching exploration exposes the human toll of American withdrawal. “[Sylvia] Khoury’s delicately crafted play . . . etches the cost of tyranny, corruption and terror in intensely human terms..” – THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE
February 21 — April 2, 2023
DC PREMIERE
SELLING KABUL By Sylvia Khoury Directed by Shadi Ghaheri
A stunning exploration of tradition transformation based on historical events.
and
In 1853, after 200 years of stability, Japan faces an American expedition determined to open the “floating kingdom” to trade. The isolationist island’s reckoning with the unwelcome western influence is brilliantly illuminated through a kaleidoscope of stories about sailors, samurai, “someone in a tree” and two friends who choose radically different paths. This innovative epic of East meets West is one of Sondheim’s most ambitious and rarely produced musicals. “One of the great musicals of our time.” – VARIETY
March 7 — April 9, 2023
PACIFIC OVERTURES Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Book by John Weidman Additional material by Hugh Wheeler Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick Original Broadway Production Directed by Harold Prince and Produced by Harold Prince in association with Ruth Mitchell Directed by Ethan Heard
paci ove
cific ertures
passing strange
Music is the freight train to ride for this electrifying Tony Award-winning travelogue of identity, acceptance and love. A young man discovers his musical calling and sets off for Europe, leaving behind his mother and comfortable suburban life. In his rebellion filled with sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll, he yearns for something in life that he thinks can only be found in art. Bursting with energizing punk, blues, gospel, and jazz music, this rock concert spin on musical theatricality radiates with humor, passion and heart. “Permeating everything is that thrilling score in which rock, punk, funk and gospel conduct a revival meeting that blows the roof off.” – ROLLING STONE
April 25 — June 18, 2023
PASSING STRANGE Book & Lyrics by Stew Music by Stew & Heidi Rodewald Created in Collaboration with Annie Dorsen Directed by Raymond O. Caldwell
Sondheim’s masterpiece is a savory Victorian melodrama. Returned to London following a wrongful banishment, barber Sweeney Todd’s thirst for vengeance against the corrupt judge who sent him away leads him on a murderous spree. Aided by his downstairs neighbor, baker Mrs. Lovett, the two concoct an unappetizing scheme as they terrorize the city. Featuring the songs “The Worst Pies in London,” “A Little Priest,” “Johanna” and “Not While I’m Around,” this deliciously dark musical serves horror with a slice of humor. “Mr. Sondheim has composed an endlessly inventive, highly expressive score that works indivisibly from his brilliant and abrasive lyrics.” – THE NEW YORK TIMES
May 16 — July 9, 2023
SWEENEY TODD THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET A MUSICAL THRILLER Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Book by Hugh Wheeler From an Adaptation by Christopher Bond Originally Directed On Broadway by Harold Prince Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick Originally Produced on Broadway by Richard Barr, Charles Woodward, Robert Fryer, Mary Lea Johnson, Martin Richards in Association with Dean and Judy Manos Directed by Sarna Lapine
SW
WEENEY TODD
Cabarets Hotter Than July: Stevie Wonder July 5 – 17, 2022 | Tickets $38, Subscribers $35 Signature heats things up for the summer months with the first cabaret in two years! Inspired by Stevie Wonder’s 1980 platinum album Hotter than July, this sizzling cabaret sets the ARK ablaze with songs from the album such as “All I Do” and “Master Blaster (Jammin’)” along with some of Stevie’s other hits like “Superstition” and “Overjoyed.”
Cabaret Series
3-Show Subscription for $105 | Single Tickets $38 each
Both Sides Now: Joni Mitchell November 1 – 13, 2022 Folk-rock singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell is one of the most influential artists of the last century and her deeply intimate songs are the soundtrack of the Woodstock generation. Hear some of her beloved chart-toppers including “Cactus Tree,” “Both Sides Now,” “Big Yellow Taxi,” “A Case of You” and so many other unforgettable tunes.
First Lady of Song: Ella Fitzgerald January 31 – February 5, 2023 The definition of an icon, Ella Fitzgerald was the most popular female jazz singer in the United States for over 50 years. Celebrate her phenomenal range, syncopated style, and heart of gold with a swinging cabaret bursting with her incredible songbook including “A-Tisket, A-Tasket,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “The Nearness of You,” “Blue Skies” and many more. Soul Divas Reprise June 27 – July 9, 2023 The phenomenal soul divas are back for a second act! The 2019 cabaret that sold out in record time returns as an all-new set of unbelievable voices toasts luminaries from Aretha Franklin to Whitney Houston to Beyoncé and all the incredible divas in between. Director of Signature Cabarets Mark G. Meadows
Special Events we shall
someday
We Shall Someday Concert June 30 — July 2, 2022 | Tickets $25 Book & Lyrics by Harrison David Rivers Music & Additional Lyrics by Ted Shen Directed by Kelli Foster Warder Seamlessly weaving story and song, this concert presentation of a timely new musical chronicles three generations of a Southern Black family as they trace the effects of racism, activism and legacy from the Civil Rights Movement to the present. Signature Seminar: To Journey’s End with Into the Woods October 20 – November 6, 2022 $265 | $220 for Friends of Signature $20 per session for students with ID Travel deep into the woods for a five part behind-the-scenes seminar about the making of Sondheim’s fairytale adventure at Signature. Begin your journey with a special meeting with the director and creative team that delves into the themes of the show and the concepts for the design, and travel all the way through the dress rehearsal where the musical comes together. The way is clear and the light is good to go Into the Woods and be home before dark! SigWorks: Monday Night New Play Reading Series Free SigWorks: Monday Night New Play Readings is an initiative which highlights and supports the work of DC-area playwrights. This series is an opportunity for playwrights, actors, directors, and patrons to explore new plays in a fun and informal environment. Each reading will be followed by a dialogue with the audience and the artists. Come hear a new play still in development and enjoy food and drink specials from Ali’s Bar. Dates and plays for SigWorks to be announced at a later time. New work at Signature Theatre is sponsored by Dan and Gloria Logan.
Director of Artistic Development Anika Chapin
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Thank you to our season partners: Amazon Atavis Jet Theodore H. Barth Foundation Dottie Bennett and Richard Morton John F. Benton and David W. Briggs Cathy Bernard/Bernard Family Foundation Mike Blank The Boeing Company The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation Clark-Winchcole Foundation The Dallas Morse Coors Foundation for the Performing Arts Dominion Energy Bonnie Feld Bradley S. Frey/J. Watkins’ Fund for Arts and Education Deborah G. Gandy GEICO Frank Guzzetta and Paul Manville Maxine Isaacs/The Max Productions LLC Arlene and Robert Kogod
Michelle S. Lee and STG International Limelight Insights by Shugoll Dan and Gloria Logan Louis Mazawey Meredith Foundation Celie and Tabitha Niehaus Nirschl Orthopaedic Center Craig Pascal in memory of Victor Shargai The Jean T. Pelham and Heyward G. Pelham Foundation Wesley Pickard and Jeanette Studley* Jenna and Paul Segal Share Fund The Ted & Mary Jo Shen Charitable Gift Fund David S. Shrager Foundation The Shubert Foundation State Farm Susan Gage Caterers Venable Virginia Commission for the Arts *In memoriam
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3
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$478
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All photos by Christopher Mueller unless otherwise noted. Pages 2 – 3: Awa Sal Secka in Simply Sondheim, Vincent Kempski in Assassins, Natascia Diaz and Claybourne Elder in Passion, Maria Rizzo in A Little Night Music, Zachary Norton in West Side Story, Brynn O’ Malley in Sunday in the Park with George; Pages 4 – 5: Bobby Smith; Pages 6 – 7: Shayla S. Simmons; Pages 8 – 9: Photo by Andrew Hobbs; Pages 10 – 11: Usman Ali Ishaq; Pages 12 – 13: Masanori Takiguchi; Pages 14 - 15: Hasan A Crawford; Page 16 - 17: Jonathan Feuer; Page 18: Mark G. Meadows in Ain’t Misbehavin’; Page 19: Zach Livingston and Annie Grove in The Upstairs Department; Page 20: Quynh-My Luu and Jyline Carranza in Daphne’s Dive; Page 21: Ali Ewoldt and Deven Kolluri in She Loves Me; Page 24: The Ensemble of RENT.
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Signature Theatre Maggie Boland Managing Director 4200 Campbell Ave Matthew Gardiner Artistic Director Arlington, VA 22206
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