Your curated guide to exceptional theatrical performances in and around Potomac. Updated regularly for discerning audiences, The Potomac Playbill highlights productions at Washington's premier venues that merit your time and attention. Each summary provides the essential details you need: what makes each show genuinely compelling, performance lengths, and the insider context that transforms an evening out into a memorable cultural experience.

High-flying circus meets Romeo and Juliet in this breathtaking spectacle from Montreal's The 7 Fingers. Think Cirque du Soleil with Shakespearean passion—aerial artists from ten countries tell the ultimate star-crossed lovers story through death-defying acrobatics in an 80-minute, intermission-free experience. Perfect for those who appreciate athletic artistry and timeless storytelling. TICKETS

Great Lakes National Puppet Theater brings the Brothers Grimm classic to Glen Echo Park with brilliantly crafted marionettes, theatrical lighting, and special effects. This 45-minute production offers the perfect introduction to puppetry for young audiences while charming adults with meticulous attention to detail. TICKETS

This world-premiere musical adaptation represents everything discerning theatergoers hope for: intellectually ambitious theater based on a Newbery Medal winner. Lauren Yee's book and Heather Christian's music transform Madeleine L'Engle's beloved novel into an interstellar adventure exploring love, courage, and quantum physics—essentially Hamilton meets NASA. TICKETS

Three golden-age goddesses tackle the gnarliest challenge yet: surfing Santa Cruz waves. Aurora Real de Asua's comedy about seventy-something friends taking their first surf lesson plays out entirely in their beachside rental—think "riding the wave" metaphorically while sipping wine indoors. The Washington Post calls it delightfully zingy, and with DC legends like Naomi Jacobson hanging ten, it's perfect for those who appreciate both courage and cabernet. 110 minutes of no-intermission brilliance. TICKETS

Fertility struggles get the musical comedy treatment they never knew they needed. Emmy-nominated Riki Lindhome (Wednesday's therapist, Garfunkel and Oates) transforms her real-life IVF journey into solo musical gold—part stand-up spiral, part deeply personal anthem about navigating a culture that expects women to smile through invasive procedures. Produced by Ali Wong and Bill Hader, this American premiere tackles subjects "often swept under the rug next to the biohazard bin" with humor that's both raw and revelatory. Catch it before it conceives its next destination. TICKETS

Based on Abby Hanlon's wildly popular book series, this regional premiere brings six-year-old Dory's imagination to vivid theatrical life. Ideal for grandparents seeking quality time with young grandchildren or families with elementary-aged kids who know the books by heart. Special "Pajama Saturdays" throughout the run encourage comfortable theater-going. TICKETS

Percy Jackson's Broadway adventure comes to Glen Echo Park in this dynamic Theatre for Young Audiences adaptation of Rick Riordan's bestselling novel. When teenager Percy discovers he's a demigod, epic quests through Camp Half-Blood and beyond ensue, complete with Joe Tracz's witty book and Rob Rokicki's rock-inspired score that opened on Broadway in 2019. The Glen Echo location offers the perfect setting for mythological mayhem, plus the bonus of exploring carousel rides and pottery studios. TICKETS

Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Abby Cadabby bring their beloved songs and stories to life in an intimate theatrical setting. This isn't just children's entertainment—it's multi-generational programming that bridges decades of childhood memories, perfect for grandparents creating magical moments with grandchildren or parents who grew up with these characters. The Kennedy Center setting elevates the experience beyond typical children's shows. TICKETS

The Boy Who Lived returns—but parenthood proves scarier than Voldemort. J.K. Rowling's continuation follows Harry's headstrong son Albus as he befriends Draco Malfoy's boy, sparking time-traveling adventures that would make even Great Falls' most seasoned hikers dizzy. This Tony-winning spectacle features "the most astonishing theatrical magic ever seen on stage" and will leave you pondering illusions all the way back down the canal towpath. Nearly three hours with intermission—perfect for making an evening of it. TICKETS

A confession of love turns everyone's life upside down in this summer comedy gem. Greg Kalleres' DC premiere follows Owen, who confesses (apropos of nothing) that he's in love with his best friend's wife—then can't take it back. What emerges is pure theatrical wit that director Ray Ficca describes as "a road trip between Oscar Wilde and Larry David." Perfect for those who appreciate sharp dialogue about modern relationships served with sophisticated humor. TICKETS

Shakespeare's battle of wills meets royal treachery in a graduate showcase double feature. STC's Academy Class of 2025 presents their MFA culmination with contrasting masterworks: Kate and Petruchio's sharp-tongued romance where she proves no easy prey, paired with the rarely-seen King John—medieval realpolitik featuring papal politics and a young prince caught in royal crossfire. These emerging classical actors bring fresh energy to both a beloved comedy and an underperformed political thriller. Perfect for discovering tomorrow's talent tackling the Bard's range. TICKETS

Broadway classics meet buffet dining in this beloved 48-year tradition. The longest-running dinner theatre program in the region returns with local college talent mentored by DC-area professionals, featuring "Footloose" kicking off your Sunday shoes with high-energy dance numbers. Since 1977, this charming Rockville program has launched careers (including Broadway's Brad Nacht) while offering an affordable evening of song, supper, and small-town theatrical magic. Perfect for families seeking wholesome entertainment with high production values. TICKETS

Faith meets fear in Poulenc's haunting masterpiece under the stars. Set during the French Revolution, this emotionally charged opera follows Blanche de la Force, who seeks refuge in a Carmelite convent only to face the ultimate test of faith as nuns march toward martyrdom singing to their final breath. Wolf Trap's emerging artists tackle this profound meditation on courage and conviction in the intimate Barns setting. TICKETS

Gilbert & Sullivan's delightful double bill christens Rockville's renovated theatrical gem. After nine months of accessibility and sound upgrades, the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre reopens with Sullivan's rarely-performed "Zoo" (romantic mishaps at a menagerie) paired with the ever-popular "Trial by Jury"—the duo's first collaboration that skewers the legal system in one perfect comic act. The Victorian Lyric Opera Company brings authentic period charm to this historic venue's grand reopening. Ideal for those who appreciate wit, wordplay, and witnessing a community theater renaissance in action. TICKETS

Timing is Everything: Theater schedules accommodate everything from school calendars to retirement travel plans. Book early—you're not the only one with discerning taste and a well-organized social calendar.

Location Strategy: Kennedy Center and Wolf Trap offer the easiest logistics, whether coordinating carpools or enjoying the independence of metro accessibility. Arena Stage provides easy waterfront dining options for pre-theater meals.

Age Considerations: Most venues provide detailed age recommendations and accessibility information. Trust the guidance—there's nothing quite like bringing grandchildren to their first "grown-up" theater experience at the perfect show.

The Investment: Quality theater represents cultural enrichment that pays dividends in shared memories and sophisticated conversation. Consider it essential maintenance for an intellectually engaged community lifestyle.

Enjoy the show!