Stage & Screen: September 2017

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1

Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere
Based on the novel by Neil Gaiman, and adapted for the stage by Robert Kauzlaric, Neverwhere dives into the world of fantasy, monsters and angels after the discovery of an injured woman rocks Richard Mayhew’s monotonous world. His life soon takes unexpected twists and turns as he’s reminded of how interesting the world can be…if you know where to look. Various dates and showtimes. Tickets are $20-$40. The Paul Sprenger Theatre: 1333 H St. NE, DC; www.atlasarts.org

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

DC Shorts Film Festival
If you’re a fan of film and supporting local artists achieve their dreams, this event is for you. If you’re not a fan of either one of those things, then you can’t sit with us. The DC Shorts Film Festival and Screenplay Competition is one of the largest showcases of short film in the U.S. Handpicked out of 1,500 submissions, only 130 of films have been selected, and you can see them all. With the mission to bring a world view to DC, you’re sure to find something you love in this showcase of short films selected from 31 nations and brought directly to you. Various dates, showtimes and ticket prices. DC Shorts Film Festival: Various locations; www.dcshorts.com

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Bellydance Evolution’s Fantasm – Odyssey of Dreams
Drift away into a world of fantasy at the Birchmere. Follow Sinbad on his trek across time and imagination, and encounter Scheherazade and heroes of Arabian folklore as you journey through these timeless stories. The evening will be reawakened through contemporary folkloric dance styles that are sure to ignite your senses. Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA; www.birchmere.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22

Native Gardens
We all love a good drama, especially if it isn’t our own. Arena Stage’s Native Gardens is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in argumentative, one-upping, battle-of-the-neighbor fun, and all from the comfort of your seat! What happens when an incredibly pregnant woman and her hotshot lawyer husband move next door to DC natives with a penchant for prized lawns and build an obstructive fence that puts the Butleys’ yard in jeopardy? The clash of privilege and power, of course! Where do you draw the line, or the fence, so to speak? I guess you’ll have to show up and find out for yourself. Various dates and showtimes. Tickets start at $56. Kreeger Theatre at Arena Stage: 1101 6th St. SW, DC; www.arenastage.org

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes
If you’ve ever wondered if Westley is as dreamy in real life as he is on film or if any drama went down between Buttercup and the crew for having to be immersed in lightning sand take after take, now’s your chance to find all of that out, and more. Join Cary Elwes as he shares tales from filming, answers audience questions and most likely says “As you wish,” so the nerds in the crowd (i.e., me) can obsess over his love for his lady, compare their current partners to Westley and then feel deprived. Or something like that. Anyway, it’ll be a hit! Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25-$55; VIP $125. Music Center at Strathmore: 5301 Tuckerman Ln. Bethesda, MD; www.strathmore.org

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29

The Wild Party
Queenie and her lover Burrs get the party started in their Manhattan apartment, but a stranger in attendance named Black ignites the flames. Featuring gospel and vaudeville numbers and laced with the sounds of jazz, this musical is sure to satisfy your appetite for heat. Winner of the 2000 Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards, The Wild Party is sure to be just that. Various dates and showtimes. Tickets are $25-$55. Constellation Theatre Company: 1835 14th St. NW, DC; www.constellationtheatre.org

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29

The Lover and The Collection
This one is for audiences who like to fill in deliberate gaps and create their own interpretations. The inimitable Shakespeare Theatre Company will be performing two Harold Pinter plays, famous for their ambiguity. In The Lover, a man and a wife prepare to commit adultery. In The Collection, a man confronts his wife’s possible lover. Filled with silences and dialogue that only multiplies doubt, these two classics are sure to keep audiences debating and wondering long after the curtain closes. Showtimes and dates vary. Tickets start at $59. Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Lansburgh Theatre: 450 7th St. NW, DC; www.shakespearetheatre.org

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

Clue at Union Market Drive-In
You know the board game where you fought with your brother about who would be Colonel Mustard and discovered he was the one who killed you with the candlestick and left you for dead in the kitchen? I do. If you’ve ever wanted to watch this notorious board game come to life, here’s your opportunity. Starring our favorites from the 80s, this murder mystery/comedy hybrid is sure to be a hoot and a holler, because, surely, someone will die. Will it be you? Friday at 7:15 p.m., with lots opening at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. Union Market: 1390 5th St. NE, DC; www.unionmarketdc.com