2009-2010 PLAYS

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  • The Alchemist
    by Ben Jonson
    directed by Michael Kahn
    Lansburgh Theatre
    October 6–November 22, 2009

    “That Alchemy is a pretty kind of game … to cheat a man with charming.”

    Considered Jonson’s best comedy, The Alchemist follows the antics of three con-artists: Subtle, Face and Dol. When the gentleman Lovewit flees England to avoid the Plague, the trio set up headquarters in his home and set about exposing the social ills of their fellow Londoners. Michael Kahn directs his third Jonson play, following the success of Volpone, which The Washington Post described as “a belly laugh at human greed,” and The Silent Woman, which NPR called “brilliant … a ferocious farce.”
  • As You Like It
     by William Shakespeare
    directed by Maria Aitken
    Sidney Harman Hall
    November 17–December 20, 2009

    "All the world’s a stage!”

    In the Forest of Arden, exiles from a tyrannical kingdom search for freedom. And the irrepressible Rosalind, Shakespeare’s most fully realized female character, finds freedom of a different kind as she pursues love in disguise. As You Like It is filled with the elements that make Shakespeare’s comedies so much fun: a wise fool, beautiful poetry, a magical land, young lovers and … wrestling? Maria Aitken will bring her signature directorial style that made her Tony Award winning production of The 39 Steps “the most entertaining show on Broadway.” (The New York Post)
  • Richard II
    by William Shakespeare
    directed by Michael Kahn
    Sidney Harman Hall
    February 2–April 11, 2010

    “The ripest fruit first falls.”

    King Richard neglects his subjects and spends lavishly, giving rise to his charismatic cousin Henry Bolingbroke. As the battle to rule England approaches, Richard’s supporters abandon him for his rival. Will Richard learn what it means to be a king before he loses the crown? Written entirely in verse, Richard II contains some of Shakespeare’s most thrilling language. Director Michael Kahn’s previous examination of this troubled leader was hailed by The New York Times as “an evening of dynamic jolts and surprises.” Richard II plays in repertory with Henry V.
  • Henry V
    by William Shakespeare
    directed by David Muse
    Sidney Harman Hall
    February 4–April 10, 2010

    “What infinite heart's ease must kings neglect, that private men enjoy!”

    Young and brash King Henry V of England takes his nation to war with France. As he leads his troops into combat and experiences the true costs of war firsthand, Henry discovers that the challenges of leadership are greater than he ever imagined. From Henry's rousing battle speeches to his quieter moments courting the Princess of France, Shakespeare explores what makes a man a king ... and a king a man. Henry V is directed by Associate Artistic Director David Muse, whose Julius Caesar was praised by Washingtonian as “one of the best productions of this or any season.” Henry V plays in repertory with Richard II.
  • The Liar
    WORLD PREMIERE
    by Pierre Corneille
    translated and adapted by David Ives
    directed by Michael Kahn
    Lansburgh Theatre
    April 6–May 23, 2010

    “All the world’s a lie, and all the men and women merely liars.”

    Dorante is charming, handsome…and a pathological liar! When he arrives in Paris, Dorante’s outlandish tales amaze and convince all who hear them, but for each problem his clever lying solves, it creates two new ones. Will he manage to keep his stories straight, his dupes none the wiser and somehow still get the girl? This joyful French farce bursts onto the stage in Broadway playwright David Ives’ sparkling new adaptation. Michael Kahn brings his brilliant touch to this one-of-a-kind comedy. The world premiere is made possible by the generous support of The Beech Street Foundation.
  • Mrs. Warren’s Profession
    by George Bernard Shaw
    directed by Keith Baxter
    Sidney Harman Hall
    June 8–July 11, 2010

    “There are no secrets better kept than the secrets everybody guesses.”

    Originally banned from the stage, Mrs. Warren’s Profession scandalized audiences upon its debut. The world of the idealistic Vivie is turned upside down when she learns that her family’s considerable wealth comes from her mother's management of a chain of brothels. Is Mrs. Warren’s profession an outrageous moral failure or a paragon of female achievement? STC favorite Dixie Carter (Lady Windermere’s Fan) returns to Washington to play the resourceful Mrs. Warren. Director Keith Baxter’s comedies have been hailed by the Washington City Paper as “splendiferous” (Lady Windermere’s Fan) and “hiccup-inducing hilarious” (The Imaginary Invalid).