2023 Theater of the Year
I would like to extend a virtual round of applause for all our theatremakers in 2023 — thank you for your contributions to our craft, your opportunities to unite communities and spark dialogue, and your continuing efforts to rebuild post-pandemic. I am grateful for each moment that I got to enter a performance space and experience your artistry. Thank you.
This year, I have attended over 100 productions from 25 local theatre companies. For Theater of the Year, I am considering a company’s collective body of work — their selected assortment of stories and their comprehensive artistic execution. Last year’s honoree, Mosaic Theater Company, had a fabulous year with additional achievements worth noting. This year, I will be focusing more on their productions.
After much back and forth in my mind, it was evident that one company had reached and sustained a high level of excellence this year, curating all-consuming theatrical experiences that moved and impressed me considerably.
UnProfessional Opinion’s 2023 Theater of the Year goes to Signature Theatre.
A Tony Award-winning regional theater, it will not surprise any of you that Signature produces work of notable quality. And to some extent, selecting this honoree is less exciting than choosing more of an underdog. But among the local companies I have experienced in 2023, Signature repeatedly excelled because of the following:
The range of subject matter, social issues, and artistic styles within their season
Signature’s 2023 productions offered a wide-reaching, immensely satisfying array of stories unlike any other company. Hilarious to intensely nerve-wracking; intimate to expansive; eccentric to restrained; romantic to thrilling. They chose complex, sophisticated material that entertained, educated, inspired, and touched me. I especially commend them on their selections of Selling Kabul and Ragtime –mesmerizing stories that tackle significantly relevant issues affecting our communities here and around the world. Their variety of offerings thoroughly fulfilled their vision to “serve, enrich, inspire and impact our community”.
The creative scope and cohesive execution of all production elements
As a theater company with two black boxes, I am impressed that Signature approaches their use each time as a tabula rasa. Their space limitations seem to fuel their creativity, not impede it. The complexly dynamic design of Passing Strange within a cramped playing space was ingenious, and the vibrant enthusiasm of the direction and performances transformed the venue into the most thrilling, grungy rock concert you could imagine. As with the gorgeously conceived The Bridges of Madison County, the point-of-view and nuanced detail of the unified production elements built entire worlds within the theaters. This level of harmony within a production is rare, which makes it all the more significant that this is one of Signature’s strengths.
Their ability to elevate material to greater heights of excellence
Everyone’s heard someone say “the book was better than the movie”. In my UnProfessional Opinion, sometimes Signature’s productions are better than the play/musical itself.
I strongly believe that The Bridges of Madison County, King of the Yees, and Ragtime need revisions by their writers — their problem areas (structure, content, clarity, etc) hinder their full potential. However, Signature approaches every show with a disciplined, meticulous search for a show’s heart, and once accessed, invigorates the material with refined, intentional storytelling. Weaker moments are improved and stronger moments become even more exceptional.
A show’s flaw can be a hole to fall into — Signature treats them as opportunities to leap.
I had the pleasure of reviewing the majority of Signature’s productions this year, so let’s revisit them!
However, I must first acknowledge two things:
- I missed Pacific Overtures, which looked quite striking. Based on my closing day poll, it was overwhelmingly a SEE IT!
- This write-up is intentionally leaving out their production of Sweeney Todd, and if you don’t know why, allow my review to explain.
Selling Kabul
“It is a play that has the power to elicit gasps from its audience, leaving you constantly on the edge of your seat.”
“The story of the plot already pulls you in, but the production design transports you into that apartment, with the ever-present threat of the world outside of it.”
Passing Strange
“A triumph in every aspect of the theatrical artform… endlessly entertaining, deeply moving, and inspiring.”
“This production was destined for greatness from the start: some of the best actors and designers in DC and an excellent musical, led by a director with immense creative vision.”
The Bridges of Madison County
“From the direction, to the design elements, to the performances, Signature has crafted a refined, thoroughly beautiful production.”
“It is evident that Signature’s love for Bridges burns as brightly as the love between Francesca and Robert… It is not often I see a portrayal of love so honest and deeply felt onstage”
King of the Yees
“A vibrant production that entertains and impresses again and again”
“It unites some of the best theatre practitioners, who each deliver the most outstanding work, creating an endlessly exciting evening”
“You could not ask for a more dynamic, comedic, energetic ensemble”
Ragtime
“A magnificently conceived,fabulously executed production”
“This may be the most exquisitely designed production of the year… Signature cut no corners in developing an ornate visual world for this show.”
“A stellar ensemble cast”
Congratulations to Signature Theatre on a fantastic year! I am excited for the remainder of their 23/24 season, which includes unique and bold selections. Stay tuned for my future opinions of their productions!
Honorable Mentions
GALA Hispanic Theatre
Solas Nua
Spooky Action Theater
Thank you for reading my 2023 Theater of the Year! I look forward to another year of impressive productions from our extraordinary companies.
