Events

Valerie June is a talented singer/songwriter known for her soulful voice and eclectic blend of folk, blues, and country music. With her distinctive sound and heartfelt lyrics, she has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Valerie’s music resonates with listeners, evoking emotions while showcasing her exceptional musical artistry. Come experience this Grammy-nominated, multi-instrumentalist live at the Publick Playhouse!

The blues world continues to discover and love the music of Memphis Gold. He’s made an indelible mark on the music world with a career spanning over fifty years. His journey through the realms of blues music has been nothing short of extraordinary, characterized by the release of four full-length albums. He has had the privilege of sharing the stage with icons such as James Brown, George Clinton & the Funkadelic All Stars, Shemekia Copeland, Bobby Parker, and many more. International tours and several festivals have brought Memphis Gold’s high energy blues to audiences worldwide.

Studios, liturgical dance companies, community dance groups, ministries, and individual dancers are invited to audition for the annual Uplift: Inspirational Dance Festival. Auditions will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, and are by appointment only. We are seeking performances that tell a story of resilience, hope, and joy. If you would like to apply, please fill out the online application, https://bit.ly/4ehoSwA.

This annual dance program, which originally began as liturgical dance, is sourced from submissions by way of a professional adjudication process to ensure a high-quality program and is wonderfully unique year after year. We are seeking passionate and diverse dancers of varying spiritual dance styles, including, but not limited to worship, liturgical, lyrical, traditional dance styles, and specialty (African, hip-hop, contemporary, dramatic storytelling, spoken word, etc.). All styles of choreography, musical influences, and inspirations will be considered. Finalists must be available for the performance on Sun., Feb. 23, 2025 at 4pm and will receive a stipend for their participation.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please email PublickPlayhouse@pgparks.com.

B is for beatbox! Move, groove, and learn along with Max and Root, a dynamic dad duo. The Beatbox Dads give the letters of the alphabet rhythm and soul as they make music with their mouths! Their lively, interactive beatboxing style teaches foundational phonics, counting, and music skills as they engage kids in musical fun! This show is recommended for children ages 3-12. Please note everyone must have a ticket to enter, regardless of age.

Do you have to speak at large events, but feel you don’t always convey your message effectively? Do you find yourself uncomfortable once you get in front of an audience? Join us for a class that will focus on the basic skills and techniques of public speaking, with the goal of making you a more confident, effective, and persuasive speaker. Participants will examine content, style, and delivery to present in several modes of public speaking. All skill levels are welcome.

This is an in-person class at the Publick Playhouse on Tuesdays, from 7 pm to 8 pm, November 12 – December 17, 2024. Registration for Fall Classes will open on 8/14/24 for Residents and 8/21/24 for Nonresidents. Register at www.pgparksdirect.com or call the Publick Playhouse Box Office at 301-277-1710 (M-F, 9 am-5 pm). Participants must register for the entire class; no drop-ins.

This 2023 drama/comedy was called “the best picture of the year” by the Washington Post. A novelist who is fed up with the establishment profiting from Black entertainment uses a pen name to write a book that propels him into the heart of the hypocrisy and madness he claims to disdain. Directed by Cord Jefferson and starring Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Rose, John Ortiz, and Sterling K. Brown. Please be advised, this movie contains strong language. Rated R | Run time: 1h 57m. 

Join us for an opening reception of “Retrospective” with artist Joseph Shepperd Rogers (aka AIVEN). In this exhibit, Neo-Expressionism meets Naif, in this collection of iconic Madonna’s, “still lives” and fantastical creatures. Joseph Shepperd Rogers, also known as Aiven, earned an M.F.A. Degree from the University of North Carolina, and a B.F. Degree from Greensboro College in N.C. He continued his training locally at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, D.C.

This exhibit will be on display in the lobby of the Publick Playhouse from Mon., Nov. 11, 2024-Sun., Jan. 19, 2025 during regular building hours (M-F, 9 am – 5 pm). Please note that art exhibits are not viewable if a performance or event is taking place due to the close proximity of the theatre. Please contact the Box Office at 301-277-1710 if you would like to check the schedule before coming in to view the exhibit or before visiting with a group.

Returning to the Publick Playhouse stage, the National Ballet Company revisits the enchanting world of “The Nutcracker,” a holiday classic that has captivated audiences of all ages for generations. The production, with its magical storyline, vibrant costumes, and breathtaking choreography, is set against the backdrop of Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, creating an immersive experience that transports viewers to a whimsical winter wonderland. The tale of Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, the malevolent Mouse King, and the ethereal Sugar Plum Fairy unfolds with grace and beauty, embodying the spirit of the holidays and the transformative power of imagination.

Back by popular demand! Celebrate the Holidays with the soulful sounds of Motown. The soul-stirring melodies of iconic artists like the Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Nat King Cole, the Jackson 5, James Brown, and Chuck Brown are guaranteed to get you swaying in your seat and singing along with the Brencore Allstars. Gather your group and get your tickets early – this show is sure to sell out!

Embrace the joy of the season by joining us at our annual December family event! Get into the holiday spirit with your community, neighbors, and friends at the Publick Playhouse. Children will have a chance to visit and take pictures with a special someone from the North Pole. We’ll also have coloring activities and a short, animated movie to entertain our youngest guests before showing our feature film, “The Polar Express.” This event is recommened for children ages 3-12. Please note everyone must have a ticket to enter, regardless of age.

Celebrate the holiday season in spectacular style by attending an unforgettable performance from the sensational Sylver Logan Sharp, the former lead singer of the legendary group CHIC. As the holiday season draws near, there’s no better way to get into the festive spirit than by experiencing a live concert that promises to blend the soulful vibes of classic holiday tunes with the unique flair that only Sharp can deliver. Her dynamic voice and vibrant stage presence are sure to add a special twist to all your holiday favorites, making this event a must-see for music lovers. Having toured extensively across the US, Europe, Japan, and the UK, Sharp’s performances are a testament to her prowess as a world-class artist.

Cabaret Noir is a series of dark, comic vignettes featuring Femmes Fatales and fedoras, trench coats and torch songs, intrigue, suspense, and shadows. Happenstance Theater’s ensemble mesmerizes in a virtuosic display of physical comedy, object manipulation, and period style, with music played on multiple instruments, and characters costumed in vintage attire. Happenstance Theater, winner of five Helen Hayes Awards, has been called “DC’s leading peddler of whimsy” by the Washington Post.

For over 15 years running, Akua Allrich has curated and performed a soul-stirring tribute presentation, honoring Nina Simone and Miriam Makeba. Akua Allrich pays homage to these two powerhouse artists, who have inspired her and millions of other jazz and music lovers around the globe. Allrich, whose own musical genesis comprises the blues, jazz, R&B, and pan-African music, features songs that Nina Simone and Miriam Makeba made their own. Join us in a musical experience based in freedom and self-expression, and particularly African expression. Allrich’s Nina Simone, Miriam Makeba tribute will leave you feeling both empowered and inspired!

Puppet Yes! This 6-week class focuses on the power of making puppets, moving puppets, and voicing puppets. Participants will be working with fabric, paper, glue, scissors, thread and needle, and several accessories to create magical characters that then through breath, focus, locomotion, and voice come alive.

This is an in-person class at the Publick Playhouse on Tuesdays, from 7 pm to 8 pm, February 4 – March 11, 2025. Registration for Winter Classes will open in mid-November for Residents and one week after that for Nonresidents. Register at www.pgparksdirect.com or call the Publick Playhouse Box Office at 301-277-1710 (M-F, 9 am-5 pm). Participants must register for the entire class; no drop-ins.

Enjoy a screening of a high-quality, filmed version of Anthony Davis’s groundbreaking and influential opera, X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X, as presented by The Metropolitan Opera. Director Robert O’Hara oversees a potent new staging that imagines Malcolm as an Everyman whose story transcends time and space. An exceptional cast of breakout artists and young Met stars enliven the operatic retelling of the civil rights leader’s life. “Not just a thought-provoking show, it is also highly entertaining.” -MSNBC. Run Time: 3h 20m (3 acts with two 15-minute intermissions). Recommended for ages 18 & up; contains strong language. This screening is free, however, reservations are strongly recommended due to limited seating.

Don’t miss this sophisticated-yet-ridiculous, family-friendly, clown circus from Happenstance Theater! A quintet of charming vintage clowns become circus animals, transform into a human calliope, do the classic circus mirror routine with a twist, perform a several preposterous “entrées”, make live music and sound effects, and execute a very satisfying slow-motion number involving a pie! This show is recommened for children ages 3-12. Please note everyone must have a ticket to enter, regardless of age.

Enjoy this concert version of the Broadway hit “Showboat” by composer Jerome Kern and lyrics by Rogers and Hammerstein, based on the ASALH 2025 theme of Blacks and Labor. Featuring Grammy award winning Black classical singers, chorus, and dancers, the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) production highlights hit musical selections including “Ol’ Man River” and “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man.” Also highlighted as a part of the show is CAAPA’s version of the famous “Cakewalk”…so remember to bring your own hat, bring your fans, and be a part of the fun!

Join us for an opening reception of “Myth and Mystery” with artist Sharon Robinson. Trained as a city planner and working in the transit and urban design field for over 20 years, Sharon Robinson has been a full-time artist, muralist and teacher since 2000. Her artworks are intricate and richly textured collages and mixed media pieces that explore identity and nourish the humanistic spirit.

This exhibit will be on display in the lobby of the Publick Playhouse from Mon., Feb. 3, 2025-Sun., Apr. 13, 2025 during regular building hours (M-F, 9 am – 5 pm). Please note that art exhibits are not viewable if a performance or event is taking place due to the close proximity of the theatre. Please contact the Box Office at 301-277-1710 if you would like to check the schedule before coming in to view the exhibit or before visiting with a group.

Join us for an unforgettable gathering of community, as we witness the power of dance to inspire and transform. The Uplift Dance Festival is more than just a performance; it’s an act of sharing and celebration, where each piece tells a story of resilience, hope, and joy. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a truly inspirational event that celebrates the best of local talent and the enduring power of dance to uplift our lives. Performers are selected by a distinguished panel of adjudicators from the DMV dance community.

Dynamic and soothing four-piece vocal group Kings Return take pride in crafting a diverse yet supremely cohesive a cappella sound: The blend of their unique vocal timbres is so rich and so smooth that, at times, it sounds more like a full choir. Their sound has earned comparisons to iconic acts like Take 6 and Boyz II Men. Their brand of R&B is entwined with free moments of jazz, soulful bursts of gospel, and bright touches of pop—all built on a solid, classical foundation. Theirs is the kind of talent that makes virtuosic performance look (and sound) like sublime, effortless playtime, defying the constraints of any single genre to explore a myriad of sonic shades and textures.

Play the part to perfection. From warmups to scene work, this 6-week class will teach the basics of acting and how to find the beats and choose the tactics that help actors create truth on stage.

This is an in-person class at the Publick Playhouse on Tuesdays, from 7 pm to 8 pm, March 18 – April 22, 2025. Registration for Spring Classes will open in mid-February for Residents and one week after that for Nonresidents. Register at www.pgparksdirect.com or call the Publick Playhouse Box Office at 301-277-1710 (M-F, 9 am-5 pm). Participants must register for the entire class; no drop-ins.

Experience the extraordinary sisterhood of three women who share an unbreakable bond in “The Color Purple.” This bold new take on the beloved classic is directed by Blitz Bazawule and produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders, and Quincy Jones. This 2023 film adaptation stars Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Fantasia Barrino. Rated PG-13 | Run time: 2h 21m.

Jump into spring with a little Cosplay Costume and some animated magic. Return to the Publick Playhouse for our third annual Royal Dress-up & Family Movie Day. Dress as your favorite animated prince, princess, or other character and join the fun with our real-life royal guests. Enjoy pictures with a princess, activities for children, and a movie with family, friends, and the community. This year’s feature movie will be The Little Mermaid (2023) starring Halle Bailey. This live-action adaptation of Disney’s 1989 animated film follows the mermaid princess Ariel, who is fascinated with the human world; after saving Prince Eric from a shipwreck, she makes a deal with the sea witch Ursula to walk on land. This event is recommened for children ages 3-12. Please note everyone must have a ticket to enter, regardless of age.

Dancers learn a mixture of regional dances of Africa from the professionals of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Women/girls can wear a “lappa” (2 yards of African print fabric to be wrapped around the waist). Spaces are limited; advance registration is recommended. For ages 15 and up.

Dancers learn praise choreography from the professionals of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Spaces are limited; advance registration is recommended. For ages 15 and up.

Mic cables, light cues, and painting props, oh my! Become a competent crew person in backstage basics. In this 6-week class, participants will learn hands-on how to be a beginning stagehand with solid skills. From coiling cables and setting up sound systems, to hanging lights and painting sets, each class will teach the how and why of basic tech theatre practices.

This is an in-person class at the Publick Playhouse on Tuesdays, from 7 pm to 8 pm, April 29 – June 3, 2025. Registration for Spring Classes will open in mid-February for Residents and one week after that for Nonresidents. Register at www.pgparksdirect.com or call the Publick Playhouse Box Office at 301-277-1710 (M-F, 9 am-5 pm). Participants must register for the entire class; no drop-ins.

May is National Physical Fitness & Sports Month! Take a trip to a calming destination as the Publick Playhouse stage transforms into an underwater retreat. Heightened by sight and sound, explore a deep state of relaxation through this immersive sound meditation experience to bring about balance and peace. Focused breathing techniques and guided meditation will allow a tranquil start to your relaxation journey. Space is limited; advance registration is recommended. For ages 18 and up.

Join us for an opening reception of “Illuminated” with artist Becky McFall. A former art teacher, Becky McFall delves into the unseen wonders within the natural world and creates thought-provoking portraits of people and animals. Her mixed media works incorporate oil, recycled materials, ceramics and more. She loves the outdoors and explores the beauty of nature and the remarkable, simultaneous, singularity and interconnectivity of each organism.

This exhibit will be on display in the lobby of the Publick Playhouse from Mon., Apr. 28, 2025-Sun., Jul. 6, 2025 during regular building hours (M-F, 9 am – 5 pm). Please note that art exhibits are not viewable if a performance or event is taking place due to the close proximity of the theatre. Please contact the Box Office at 301-277-1710 if you would like to check the schedule before coming in to view the exhibit or before visiting with a group.

Dancers representing countries from across the globe get together to showcase their talent in this interactive and immersive dance experience. Enjoy a live DJ spinning the latest international dance tracks and learn a few new moves to celebrate diversity in our community. Space is limited; advance registration is recommended.

Pedrito Martinez is a Cuban percussionist, drummer, singer, songwriter, and composer originally from Havana, Cuba. A consummate master of Afro-Cuban folkloric music and the batá drum, he is also the world’s first call rumbero—playing, singing, and dancing with dozens of Cuban rumba groups. Pedrito was a founding member of the highly successful, Afro-Cuban/Afro-Beat band, Yerba Buena, with which he recorded two albums and toured the world in the mid- to late-90’s. “The Pedrito Martinez Group is writing a new chapter in Cuban music history.” -NPR All Things Considered

Sy Smith is heralded as one of the hardest working women in soul music. But she’s also one of the smartest… She has a career that spans two decades and now has 6 albums under her belt. She’s toured with some of the heaviest hitters in the industry (Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, and Chris Botti, to name a few). If you’ve never been to a Sy Smith show, prepare to be entertained – not only by her multi-layered vocal virtuosity, but also by her storytelling. Funk, glamour, soul, and jams. Sy brings it all to the stage and leaves it there.