4 must-see shows for DC Theatre Week

Anna Spiegel

A smiling Black female singer with curly hair wears a pearl necklace and dark attire, singing into two vintage microphones on a dark stage, her right hand raised in the air. — Nicole Michelle Haskins is a must-see as Ma Rainey in August Wilson's play. Photo: Courtesy Linda Roth PR

With 28 productions opening around the region this month and Theatre Week taking the stage, we asked Theatre Washington's Amy Austin for a few picks.

🇸🇻 "Somewhere Over the Border" at Mosaic Theater: A new musical from Mexodus creator Brian Quijada, inspired by his mother's journey from El Salvador and riffing on "The Wizard of Oz." Through Oct. 18

🎤 "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" at Round House Theatre: Austin praises the local ensemble in August Wilson's music-filled drama about Black artists and who profits from their work. "It will tear your heart up, but it's a wonderful production," she says. Through Oct. 18

🎶 "Come From Away" at Ford's Theatre: A local ensemble takes on the musical about the Newfoundland town that welcomed thousands of stranded travelers after 9/11. "It provides so much hope and optimism about how people respond in times of crisis," Austin says. Through Oct. 25

🇮🇷 "Wish You Were Here" at Studio Theatre: Sanaz Toossi's play follows a group of female friends beginning on the eve of the Iranian Revolution — a story Austin says feels especially timely. Through Nov. 1

The big picture: "The thing about theater is that it never ceases to be relevant," Austin says.

Go deeper: How D.C. theatre is adapting to the Kennedy Center closing

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4 must-see shows for DC Theatre Week

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