The Birchmere Music Hall
3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted
birchmere.com
Enter the Haggis & Young Dubliners: Rock with plenty of Celtic flavor.
When: Friday
Info: $25
Don McLean with Sacred Street: The “American Pie” maestro is joined by the local duo.
When: Sept. 15
Info: $49.50
John Hiatt & the Combo with Joe Pug: The iconic Americana artist tours behind his new album, accompanied by the Chicago up-and-comer.
When: Sept. 21 to 23
Info: $55
Los Lobos with Cris Jacobs: The Tex-Mex band plays its 1991 album, “Kiko,” live, following a set from the frontman of the Baltimore band the Bridge.
When: Oct. 1
Info: $49.50
David Cassidy: The legendary teen idol plays old hits and newer tunes.
When: Oct. 6
Info: $49.50
Dar Williams & Loudon Wainwright III: The two iconic Americana artists join forces on one bill.
When: Oct. 12 and 13
Info: $45
Herman’s Hermits featuring Peter Noone: Romantic pop-rock group is getting its due from fans and critics on tour.
When: Oct. 19
Info: $45
Aimee Mann with Ted Leo: The Americana singer-songwriter shares a bill with the frontman of the Pharmacists.
When: Oct. 24 and 25
Info: $49.50
Jake Shimbakuro: The ukulele virtuoso whose fans include Bela Fleck and Jimmy Buffett plays an array of hits.
When: Nov. 4
Info: $35
9:30 Club
815 V St. NW
Doors open at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted
930.com
Ben Howard: The British singer-songwriter is poised for a breakthrough in the States.
When: Sept. 18
Info: $20
The Walkmen with the War on Drugs: Renowned New York-based rockers tour behind their third album.
When: Oct. 4 and 5 (8 p.m. on Friday)
Info: $25
Cat Power: The singer-songwriter tours in support of her new album, “Sun.”
When: Oct. 22
Info: $40
The Old 97’s: Rhett Miller leads his band through 1997’s “Too Far to Care” and plays his solo work, too.
When: Oct. 26
Info: $25
Ani DiFranco with Pearl and the Beard: The self-described “little folksinger” is back.
When: Nov. 10
Info: $40
Citizen Cope
The local hero returns home
When: Nov. 21 and 23 (8 p.m. Friday)
Info: $35
State Theatre
220 N. Washington St., Falls Church
thestatetheatre.com
Blondie: Debbie Harry and the rest of the ultimate pop punk rockers.
When: Doors 6 p.m. Oct. 1
Info: $57
Chris Robinson Brotherhood: The Black Crowes founder is back with a new sound.
When: Doors 7 p.m. Nov. 6
Info: $20
Verizon Center
601 F St. NW
ticketmaster.com
Madonna: The Material Girl hits D.C. in her latest tour.
When: 8 p.m. Sept. 23 and 24
Info: $93 to $358
Justin Bieber: The teen idol plays his hits.
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 5
Info: $39.50 to $450
The Who: Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey lead the band through 1973 “Quadrophenia,” and more.
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 13
Info: $39.50 to $129.50
DAR Constitution Hall
1776 D St. NW, Washington
dar.org/conthall
John Legend: The honey-voiced R&B artist delivers sweet sounds.
When: 8 p.m. Oct. 22
Info: $68.50
Heart, Shawn Colvin
The legendary female rock band teams with the legendary Americana artist.
When: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13
Info: $43 to $63
Aretha Franklin
The Queen of Soul returns
When: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17
Info: $59.50 to $115.50
Merriweather Post Pavilion
10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia
merriweathermusic.com
Florence + the Machine with the Weeknd and the Maccabees: The renowned indie-alt rocker and her band bring their U.K. sound.
When: Doors 5:30 p.m. Sept. 19
Info: $40 to $55
Virgin Mobile FreeFest: Jack White, Skrillex, M83, Nas, ZZ Top, Santigold, Alabama Shakes, Ben Folds Five, the Dismemberment Plan, Allen Stone, Trampled by Turtles, Portugal. the Man, Das Racist, Future Islands, Justin Jones, Above & Beyond, Porter Robinson & Zedd (back to back), Thomas Gold, Nervo, Alvin Risk and Penguin Prison rock the region.
When: Gates 11 a.m. Oct. 6
Info: Free
Patriot Center
4400 University Drive, Fairfax
patriotcenter.com
Eric Church with Justin Moore and Kip Moore: The country superstar is on his Blood Sweat & Beers Tour.
When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26
Info: $37.50 to $47.50
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Arguably the most legendary performer in folk rock comes through with his great band
When: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30
Info: $47.50 to $233
Jiffy Lube Live
7800 Cellar Door Drive, Bristow
ticketmaster.com
Rush
The Canadian power trio tours behind its 19th full-length studio album, “Clockwork Angels.”
When: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 9
Info: $32 to $132
DC 101 Kerfuffle: The Offspring are joined by Sublime with Rome and Garbage.
When: Gates 3:30 p.m. Sept. 15
Info: $26 to $56
Zac Brown Band with Blackberry Smoke and Levi Lowrey: One of the brightest groups in country music is joined by the newest stars of Southern rock and an up-and-coming crooner.
When: 6:30 p.m. Oct. 12
Info: $29.50 to $62
Kennedy Center
2700 F St. NW
kennedy-center.org
“Anna Bolena”: The Washington National Opera production of Donizetti’s masterpiece stars Sondra Radvanovsky.
When: Sept. 15 to Oct. 6
Info: $25 to $300
“Don Giovanni”: Russian bass Ildar Abdrazakov and Brazilian baritone Paulo Szot star in WNO’s staging of Mozart’s opera.
When: Sept. 20 to Oct. 13
Info: $25 to $300
Season Opening Ball Concert: National Symphony Orchestra maestro Christoph Eschenbach conducts violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter in works by Mendelssohn and Sarasate, plus works by Beethoven and Strauss.
When: 7 p.m. Sept. 30
Info: $47 to $125
NSO: Mezzo-soprano Kelley O’Connor sings Lieberson’s “Neruda Songs,” Christoph Eschenbach conducts works by Wagner and Tchaikovsky.
When: 7 p.m. Oct. 4, 8 p.m. Oct. 5 and 6
Info: $10 to $85
Barbara Cook’s Spotlight: Celebrated vocalist Maureen McGovern displays her multioctave range in a diverse program from Broadway numbers to cabaret songs.
When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12
Info: $60
This Land is Your Land: A Woody Guthrie Centennial Celebration Concert: This collaboration with the Grammy Museum salutes the life and work of Woody Guthrie, featuring performances by John Mellencamp, Jackson Browne, Rosanne Cash, Judy Collins, Arlo Guthrie and many others.
When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14
Info: $45 to $175
“Cinderella”: The Mariinsky Ballet performs a romantic, contemporary take on the classic fairy tale as envisioned by choreographer Alexei Ratmansky.
When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16 to 20, 1:30 p.m. Oct. 20 and 21
Info: $29 to $150
“Mr. Gershwin Goes to Washington”: The New York Festival of Song’s program highlights George and Ira’s best satirical songs about politics.
When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22
Info: $45
“War Horse”: Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Play, this story of a horse who takes a journey during World War I features life-sized puppets by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company.
When: Oct. 23 to Nov. 11
Info: $25 to $175
“Dracula”: The Washington Ballet puts on this chilling production just in time for Halloween.
When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 to 28 and Oct. 31, 1:30 p.m. Oct. 27 and 28
Info: $25 to $125
Roberta’s Back in Town: The NSO Pops heralds three evenings with the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter performing tributes to the Beatles from her latest album and favorites from her vast repertoire, conducted by Steven Reineke.
When: 7 p.m. Oct. 25, 8 p.m. Oct. 26 and 27
Info: $20 to $85
Halloween Spooktacular!: Ankush Kumar Bahl conducts NSO musicians dressed as ghosts, ghouls and goblins. Frights include a Haunted Hall Musical Instrument Petting Zoo and music by Berlioz, Dukas, Prokofiev and Williams to delight all ages.
When: 1 and 3 p.m. Oct. 28
Info: $15 to $18
KC Jazz Club: Roseanna Vitro sings from her 2011 album, “The Randy Newman Project,” joined by Mark Soskin, Sara Coswell, Tim Horner and Dean Johnson.
When: 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Nov. 3
Info: $26 to $30
The Suzanne Farrell Ballet: The Kennedy Center’s own ballet company presents mixed programs including four company premieres by Balanchine.
When: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7 to 11, 1:30 p.m. Nov. 10 and 11
Info: $29 to $84
Lang Lang: Christoph Eschenbach conducts the virtuoso pianist in a three-performance series of Beethoven concerti as part of her week in residence.
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 8, 8 p.m. Nov. 9 and 10
Info: $10 to $85
San Francisco Ballet: The first professional ballet company in the United States, headed by Artistic Director Helgi Tomasson, presents a mixed repertory program.
When: “Trio,” “RAkU” and “Number Nine” 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13 and 14, “Romeo & Juliet” 7:30 Nov. 15 to 18 and 1:30 p.m. Nov. 17 and 18
Info: $25 to $109
Barbara Cook’s Spotlight: Tony Award-winning actress Linda Lavin performs numbers from “Follies” and other shows.
When: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16
Info: $45
NSO: Vasily Petrenko conducts Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 4, and violinist Sergey Khachatryan performs Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D major.
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 15, 8 p.m. 16 and 17
Info: $10 to $85
“The Essential Bernstein”: The Washington Chorus sings selections from the composer’s “Candide,” “West Side Story,” “Chichester Psalms” and much more.
When: Nov. 18
Info: $15 to $65
“The Songs of Sammy Cahn”: Steven Reineke conducts “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane singing in tribute to the Academy Award-winning songwriter.
When: 1:30 and 8 p.m. Nov. 23 and 24
Info: $20 to $85
The Barns at Wolf Trap
1635 Trap Road, Vienna
wolftrap.org
All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted
Glen Phillips and Grant-Lee Phillips; The musicians aren’t related, but their songs are equally catchy.
When: Oct. 5
Info: $22
Ben Taylor: The guitarist/singer, son of James Taylor and Carly Simon, performs his compositions about love, loss and wanderlust in striking arrangements; with special guest Grace Weber.
When: Oct. 10
Info: $20
Battlefield Band: The world-renowned quartet mixes Scottish ballads and pub songs with its original numbers.
When: Oct. 19
Info: $24
Amanda McBroom: The cabaret singer and Golden Globe winner who wrote the lyrics to “The Rose” performs her own original songs.
When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20
Info: $25
Lucy Kaplansky: The artist who is often heard harmonizing with Shawn Colvin, Nanci Griffith and others takes a solo turn.
When: Oct. 26
Info: $22
Jonathan Edwards: The singer, songwriter and guru of the acoustic guitar creates bluegrass, honky tonk and protest songs and renders folk favorites with a special flair.
When: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3
Info: $24
Tim O’Brien: Master of the guitar, fiddle, mandolin and bouzouki, O’Brien learned his flat-picking style by watching Doc Watson on TV.
When: Nov. 8
Info: $24
Julie Murphy Wells; The lead singer of Eddie From Ohio goes solo with an evening of cabaret and jazz numbers.
When: 7:30 Nov. 10
Info: $25
Howard Levy: The founding member of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones plays the harmonica like nobody else.
When: Nov. 16
Info: $25
The Grandsons: D.C.’s own rock ‘n’ roll band mixes R&B, rockabilly, swing and country two-step.
When: Nov. 23
Info: $18
George Mason University
Center for the Arts
cfa.gmu.edu
A Grand Piano Celebration: Linda Apple Monson, director of keyboard studies, performs with faculty artists pianist Anna Balakerskaia, soprano Lisa Berger, trumpeter Dennis Edelbrock and students from the School of Music. Funds go for student scholarships and School of Music programs.
When: 3 p.m. Sept. 16
Info: $20, seniors $15, K-12 students $5; GMU students free
Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel: “Spellbinding Bach”: The virtuoso pianist returns with a thrilling program honoring the grandmaster of Baroque music, Johann Sebastian Bach
When: 7 p.m. Sept. 23
Info: $19 to $38
Sutton Foster: The Broadway and “Bunheads” star is guest artist for the seventh annual ARTS by George! fundraiser for student scholarships. She performs showstoppers from her starring roles and selected ballads.
When: 8 p.m. Sept. 29
Info: $40 to $70
Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi: The world-renowned percussion ensemble from Central Africa executes the ceremonial “Burundi beat” on distinctive drums from hollowed tree trunks and animal skins.
When: Oct. 5 and 6
Info: $23 to $46
Cirque Chinola: The National Circus of the People’s Republic of China embarks on its inaugural North American tour.
When: 8 p.m. Oct. 19 and 20, 2 p.m. Oct. 20
Info: $24 to $48
“Into The Woods”: The Broadway musical based on the stories and characters of Grimm’s fairy tales performed by members of the School of Music and Theater at Mason.
When: 8 p.m. Oct. 26 and 27, 2 p.m. Oct. 27, 4 p.m. Oct. 28
Info: $20, students, faculty, staff and seniors $15
Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel: “Claude Debussy — Clair de Lune and Beyond”: Siegel delves into the aural delights of the renowned French composer whose dreamy, beautiful music evokes vivid and sensuous imagery.
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 18
Info: $19 to $38
George Mason University
Hylton Center
hyltoncenter.org
The Americana Festival Pops Orchestra: “Pop, Rock, Country, Jazz!”: Anthony Maiello conducts a program includes favorites from the Beatles, Charlie Daniels, Duke Ellington, Elvis Presley and more, joined by saxophonist Chris Vadala, jazz vocalist Darden Purcell and AFPO concertmaster Peter Wilson.
When: 8 p.m. Oct. 13
Info: $30 to $46
The Music Center at Strathmore
5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda
National Philharmonic
nationalphilharmonic.org
Beethoven: The Power of Three: Piotr Gajewski conducts pianist Orli Shaham.
When: 8 p.m. Oct. 13, 3 p.m. Oct. 14
Info: $28 to $84
Prokofiev: Beyond Peter and the Wolf: Victoria Gau conducts mezzo-soprano Magdalena Wor, pianist Brian Ganz, piano and the National Philharmonic Chorale.
When: 8 p.m. Nov. 10
Info: $28 to $84
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
bsomusic.org
American Classics and Gil Shaham: Marin Alsop conducts the violinist in works by Bernstein, Barber and Copland.
When: 8 p.m. Sept. 22
Info: $30 to $90
Bernstein’s “Kaddish”: Narrator Claire Bloom and soprano Kelley Nassief take audiences through the composer’s Symphony No. 3.
When: 8 p.m. Sept. 29
Info: $30 to $90
Beethoven’s Mighty “Eroica”: Markus Stenze conducts violinist Kolja Blacher in the composer’s Symphony No. 3, and more.
When: 8 p.m. Oct. 4
Info: $30 to $90
The Golden Age of Black & White: Travel back in time with Jack Everly and the BSO SuperPops to your favorite television themes of the ’50s, plus famous “Hit Parade” tunes.
When: 8 p.m. Oct. 11
Info: $30 to $90
Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony: Juanjo Mena conducts pianist Benedetto Lupo.
When: 8 p.m. Oct. 20
Info: $30 to $90
Mozart and Brahms: Cornelius Meister conducts violinist Jonathan Carney and cellist Dariusz Skoraczewski.
When: Oct. 27
Info: $30 to $90
“Songbirds” with Linda Eder: This program features the music of Lena Horn, Etta James, Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland, Eva Cassidy and more.
When: 8 p.m. Nov. 8
Info: $30 to $90
Off the Cuff: Beethoven’s Fifth: Marin Alsop conducts a symphony based on the most famous four-note motif in music.
When: 8:15 p.m. Nov. 9
Info: $28 to $61
Elgar Cello Concerto: Mario Venzago conducts cellist Sol Gabetta.
When: 8 p.m. Nov. 29
Info: $30 to $90
More events at Strathmore
Ballet Folklorico de Mexico: Founded in 1952 by AmaliaHernandez,Ballet Folkloricode Mexicotakes audiences on a survey of Mexican dance, from pre-Colombian to the Hispanic influences of theViceroyal era up to the popular strength of the Revolutionary years.
When: 8 p.m. Oct. 3
Info: $28 to $48
A State of the Union Conversation: Fran Lebowitz and Frank Rich: “Feisty, funny” cultural satirist Lebowitz Variety of and “impressive writer and thinker” Frank Rich of the NewYork Times engage in a lively onstage conversation centered around current themes as the presidential race roars on — stoking and stimulating the audience with discussion of what is at stake, timely issues and more.
When: 8 p.m. Oct. 19
Info: $45 to $70
Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain: Anarchic, funny and mind-bogglingly versatile, this virtuosic “orchestra” takes on and transforms iconic works from Beethoven to the Who and Isaac Hayes in acollision of post-punk performance, toe-tapping oldies and classical canon.
When: 2 p.m. Oct. 20
Info: $18 to $48
An evening with David Sedaris: A master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition, David Sedaris wittily skewers social mores, serving up delicious commentary on NPR and in his best-selling books.
When: Oct. 23
Info: $48 to $58
Nathan Pacheco: Classical crossover singing sensationNathan Pachecois an American singer/songwriter with Brazilian roots, a Yanni connection and the Disney seal of approval.
When: Nov. 11
Info: $18 to $48
Rita: “My Joys”: In Israel, Rita Yahan-Farouz is so well-known she goes by one name: Rita. The Iranian-born pop singer and actress is regarded as one of the most famous female singers in Israel and as a cultural ambassador helping to connect Israelis and Iranians. She became an underground sensation in Iran after the release of various pop recordings performed in her native Persian language. At Strathmore, she performs the inspiring, hopeful music that’s made her an icon in the Middle East, including selections from her 2012 release,”My Joys.”
When: 8 p.m. Nov. 13
Info: $40 to $75
Classic Albums Live: Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon”: Last year’s”Abbey Road”presentation was a resounding success, and now Pink Floyd’s 1973 masterpiece gets the Classic Albums Live treatment.
When: 8 p.m. Nov. 23
Info: $28 to $38
Theater
1. “Body Awareness”: Annie Baker’s poignant comedy centers around an unconventional family trying to stay afloat through several days of an arts-oriented seminar on self-awareness at a college in Vermont.
Where: Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW
When: Through Sept. 23
Info: $15 to $60; 800-494-8497; theaterj.org
2. “The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity”: In the larger-than-life world of professional wrestling, Macedonio “Mace” Guerra plays the fall-guy for mega-successful THE Wrestling League, losing again and again to the impossibly charismatic champ Chad Deity. When Mace discovers a young Indian-American Brooklyn kid whose charisma rivals that of Chad’s, Mace decides to get him a job in the company.
Where: Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D St. NW
When: Through Sept. 30
Info: $35 to $67.50; 202-393-3939; woollymammoth.net
3. “The Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo”: The satiric tale follows a quick-witted tiger, two homesick American Marines and a troubled Iraqi gardener who roam the streets of war-torn Baghdad in search of meaning and redemption.
Where: The Round House Theatre, 4545 East-West Highway, Bethesda
When: Through Sept. 30
Info: $26 to $63; 240-644-1100; roundhousetheatre.org
4. “The Invisible Man”: This blistering adaptation of Ralph Ellison’s 1952 masterpiece follows the life of an anonymous black man as he journeys from the South to a basement in Harlem, documenting an America divided by race and class.
Where: Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW
When: Through Oct. 14
Info: $39 to $72; 202-332-3300; studiotheatre.org
5. “Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris”: Jacques Brel’s music is just as moving now as it was when it was introduced in 1968 to audiences at the Village Gate. Starring Natascia Diaz and Bobby Smith.
Where: MetroStage, 1201 N. Royal St., Alexandria
When: Through Oct. 21
Info: $25 to $55; 703-548-9044; metrostage.org
6. “Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins”: Academy Award and Tony Award nominee Kathleen Turner brings her sizzling blend of sensuality and intelligence to the bravado of newspaper columnist Molly Ivins. A dyed-in-the-wool liberal from deep in the heart of Texas, Ivins’ rapier wit made her one of America’s highest-regarded columnists, satirists and rabble-rousers.
Where: Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW
When: Through Oct. 28
Info: $109; 202-488-3300; arenastage.org
7. “Hamlet”: Direct from London’s Globe Theatre comes a spare, piercing production of one of Shakespeare’s best-loved poetic and philosophical tragedies.
Where: Folger Shakespeare Theatre, 201 E. Capitol St. SE
When: Saturday through Sept. 22
Info: $60 to $85; 202-544-7077; folger.edu
8. “Black Watch”: Viewed through the eyes of those on the ground, “Black Watch” reveals what it means to be part of the legendary Scottish regiment, what it means to be part of the war on terror and what it means to make the journey home again.
Where: Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW
When: Sept. 19 to Oct. 7
Info: $70 to $85; 202-547-1122; shakespearetheatre.org
9. “The Government Inspector”: In Gogol’s witty and hilarious satire of provincial Russian bureaucracy, a civil servant whose imagination runs rampant has arrived in a small town and is living it up on the government’s dime. When bumbling town officials mistake him for an incognito inspector investigating them for corruption, a comedy of errors begins and chaos ensues.
Where: Lansburgh Theatre, 450 Seventh St. NW
When: Sept. 13 to Oct. 28
Info: $43 to $95; 202-547-1122; shakespearetheatre.org
10. “Jekyll & Hyde”: Synetic Theater takes on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic Victorian tale of good and evil, adding its signature physicality and darkly dramatic aesthetic. Updating the story’s setting from 19th-century London to modern-day America, Synetic’s version puts a new spin on the strange case of the charming and sociable Dr. Jekyll and his sinister friend, accused murderer Mr. Hyde.
Where: Synetic Theater, 1800 S. Bell St., Arlington
When: Sept. 20 through Oct. 21
Info: $15 to $50; 800-494-8497; synetictheater.org
11. “A Couple of Blaguards”: This bubbling stew of Irish storytelling is flavored with the authors’ (Frank and Malachy McCourt) renowned humor and poignant humanity as well as incidental music from the great Irish tradition. The play follows the trials of the young McCourts from their childhood in poverty-stricken Limerick through their journey to Brooklyn, N.Y.
Where: Keegan Theater, 1742 Church St. NW
When: Sept. 21 to Oct. 14
Info: $30 to $35; 703-892-0202; keegantheatre.com
12. “Fly”: This play is based on the experiences of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. The play follows four courageous heroes hailing from Chicago, Harlem, rural Iowa and the Caribbean as they train to fly combat aircraft. In spite of the overt racism they encounter, the men form a lasting brotherhood and fly with distinction, paving the way for the desegregation of the American military and the later civil rights movement.
Where: Ford’s Theatre, 511 Tenth St. NW
When: Sept. 21 to Oct. 21
Info: $15 to $50; 202-347-4833; fords.org
13. “One Night With Janis Joplin”: With a voice like whiskey and a laugh like pure joy, Joplin took the music scene by storm. Simultaneously rough and vulnerable, Joplin was dubbed the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, proving music wasn’t just a man’s world anymore. Packed with classic songs (“Piece of My Heart, “Summertime,” “Mercedes Benz”), the show also shines the spotlight on trailblazers who influenced Janis, like Bessie Smith, Etta James and Aretha Franklin.
Where: Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW
When: Sept. 28 to Nov. 4
Info: $45 to $94; 202-488-3300; arenastage.org
14. “Our Class”: Starting in 1926 and spanning 80 years, moving between Poland and America, this epic play has profoundly affected audiences and critics since its premiere at London’s National Theatre. As ten Polish classmates, five Catholic and five Jewish, grow up, their lives take dramatically unexpected turns as their country is torn apart by invading armies.
Where: Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW
When: Oct. 10 to Nov. 4
Info: $15 to $60; 202-518-9400; theaterj.org
15. “The Conference of the Birds”: This allegorical 12th-century Persian poem has engaged readers and listeners for hundreds of years. It charms with its wisdom, its gentle humor, its understand of psychological truth and its high theatricality. Aaron Posner directs this adaptation, originally by Peter Brook.
Where: The Folger Theatre, 201 E. Capitol St. SE
When: Oct. 23 to Nov. 25
Info: $30 to $68; 202-544-7077; folger.edu
16. “My Fair Lady”: When professor Henry Higgins wagers he can transform a Cockney flower girl into an aristocratic lady, he never guesses that Eliza Doolittle will in turn transform him. Lerner and Loewe’s sparkling score includes such enduring favorites as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly,” “The Rain in Spain,” “On the Street Where You Live” and “Get Me to the Church on Time.”
Where: Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW
When: Nov. 2 to Jan. 6
Info: $45 to $94; 202-488-3300; arenastage.org
17. “The Aliens”: The dingy back alley of a sleepy Vermont coffee house is home to trash bins, weathered patio furniture and two affable slackers. KJ and Jasper fill their languid days with Bukowski references, low-key jam sessions and ‘shroom-spiked tea. When smart but awkward teen Evan, a new employee, attempts to evict them from their makeshift perch, KJ and Jasper recruit him as their unlikely summer protege.
Where: Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW
When: Nov. 14 through Dec. 23
Info: $39 to $72; 202-232-7267; studiotheatre.org
