The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, promises an exhilarating lineup of performances that cater to diverse tastes and interests. From the comedic genius of 'Shear Madness' to the timeless magic of 'Les Misérables', the Center is set to host a series of unforgettable events. Audiences can look forward to mind-bending illusions in 'Champions Of Magic', the epic adventure of 'Life of Pi', and the fresh twist on classic tales with '& Juliet'. These events, among others, not only showcase remarkable talent but also celebrate the vibrant tapestry of performing arts, offering something for everyone.

A Season of Spectacular Performances at the Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. unveils a stellar lineup of performances that promise to captivate audiences from all walks of life. From the hilarity of 'Shear Madness' to the groundbreaking musical 'Schmigadoon!', there's something for everyone. The season continues with the legendary 'Riverdance 30', the thought-provoking 'Eureka Day', and the iconic 'Les Misérables'. The center also hosts unique events like Chris Grace's comedic act and a live 'Dungeons & Dragons' experience. Dive into this diverse range of shows that highlight the creativity and talent in the world of performing arts.

A Theatrical Odyssey: Kennedy Center's Unforgettable Season Events

The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, is all set to host a season packed with laughter, dance, drama, and adventure. From the hilarious whodunit performances at Shear Madness to the globally renowned dance sensation Riverdance 30 – The New Generation, the excitement doesn't stop there. Audiences can also look forward to the thought-provoking play Eureka Day, the feel-good romp of Legally Blonde, and the epic musical journey of Les Misérables. Featuring timeless classics like The Sound of Music, this is an entertainment lineup that promises something for everyone.

An Entertaining Season at Kennedy Center: Whodunits, Dance, and Timeless Musicals

The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, is gearing up for an exciting season filled with gripping performances and heartwarming stories. From the uproarious comedy 'Shear Madness' to the inspirational journey of 'Legally Blonde', this season promises to entertain and enlighten. With a lineup featuring classics like 'Les Misérables' and 'The Sound of Music', alongside unique offerings such as 'Chris Grace: As Scarlett Johansson', the Kennedy Center is set to capture the hearts of audiences with diverse theatrical experiences.

A Season of Stellar Performances at Kennedy Center

This season, the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, offers a diverse array of theatrical performances that are sure to captivate audiences of all ages and interests. From the comedic brilliance of 'Shear Madness' to the inspiring journey of Elle Woods in 'Legally Blonde', and the timeless musical classic 'The Sound of Music', each show brings its unique flair to the stage. Additionally, productions like 'Les Misérables', 'Parade', and 'Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern' promise an unforgettable theatrical experience. Dive into this rich cultural season at the Kennedy Center.

Experience the Best of Theater at Kennedy Center: A Journey Through Iconic Productions

The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, is set to host a dynamic array of performances that promise to entertain, provoke thought, and evoke a wide range of emotions. With an impressive lineup that includes the comedic 'Shear Madness', the timeless musical 'Les Misérables', the heartwarming 'Bluey', the satirical 'Chris Grace: As Scarlett Johansson', the interactive 'Dungeons & Dragons The Twenty-Sided Tavern', the poignant 'Parade', and the classic 'The Sound of Music', audiences are in for a treat this season. Each show brings its own unique flair, offering something for every theatergoer.

A Kaleidoscope of Performances at the Kennedy Center: From Comedy to Classics

Sixty-five years after its original stage debut, a critically acclaimed North American tour of The Sound of Music will transport the next generation of theatergoers to the hills of Austria. Directed by three-time Tony Award® winner Jack O’Brien, the smash-hit musical classic will once again grace stages across the country, captivating audiences with its universal themes of love, resilience, and the power of music.

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The Sound of Music

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Leo and Lucille Frank are a newly wed Jewish couple struggling to make a life in the old red hills of Georgia. When Leo is accused of an unspeakable crime, it propels them into an unimaginable test of faith, humanity, justice, and devotion. Riveting and gloriously hopeful, PARADE reminds us that to love, we must truly see one another.

Parade

Calling all adventurers. Come celebrate the 50th anniversary of the world’s greatest role-playing game in the most epic way imaginable….an interactive adventure live on stage for you and room full of your newest friends! Dungeons & Dragons The Twenty-Sided Tavern is the game you love, but bigger and better than ever. Solve puzzles, explore hidden secrets, and conquer in action—this is the adventure you’ve been waiting for!

Dungeons & Dragons The Twenty-Sided Tavern

Kennedy Center

Chris Grace, Jerry from NBC’s Superstore and “America’s 88th-most beloved Chinese actor” (his own words), celebrates the life of the greatest Asian-American actor of all time: Scarlett Johansson. Inspired by the actress’s infamous starring role in the 2017 Ghost in the Shell, Chris Grace: As Scarlett Johansson reimagines what is and isn’t possible—or appropriate—in the life of an artist.

Chris Grace: As Scarlett Johansson

The Heelers, your favorite family from Bluey, return to the Kennedy Center next summer! More details to come, but get your seats now!

Bluey returns!

Since its pre-Broadway run at the Kennedy Center in 1986, Les Misérables has changed the world of musical theater. Now, Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Boublil & Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning phenomenon returns to the Opera House after its sold-out run in 2023. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, the musical tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice, and redemption—a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit.

Les Misérables

The fabulous, feminist modern classic! When the effervescent Elle Woods is dumped by her boyfriend, she follows him to Harvard Law School, determined to win him back. But what starts as a plot to regain her relationship turns into much more as Elle realizes her true potential—in law, love, and life. Legally Blonde is a hilarious, inspirational romp that proves you don’t have to change who you are to achieve your dreams.

Broadway Center Stage: Legally Blonde

Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its Grammy Award®–winning fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions. Now the show is embarking on a special anniversary tour, bringing its magic to audiences worldwide.

RIVERDANCE 30 – The New Generation

Introducing Schmigadoon!, the world-premiere musical of the Emmy Award®–winning hit show. New York doctors Josh and Melissa go backpacking in a last-ditch attempt to save their failing relationship, but instead get lost in the woods and end up trapped in Schmigadoon, a magical town that’s a classic Golden Age musical come to life!

Broadway Center Stage: Schmigadoon!

Created by the Emmy Award®–winning writer from Schitt’s Creek, this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. & Juliet asks: What would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way.

& Juliet

Based on the novel that sold more than 15 million copies and became a worldwide phenomenon, Life of Pi is an epic story of perseverance and hope that speaks to every generation and “gives new life to Broadway” (The Today Show). After a shipwreck in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, a 16-year-old boy named Pi survives on a lifeboat with four companions—a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Royal Bengal tiger.

Life of Pi

Following a decade touring the world as one of the most successful magic shows in history, the Champions Of Magic team is back with an explosive all-new show featuring thrilling and mind-bending illusions. Combining their signature humor with groundbreaking magic, this team of illusionists presents a brand-new production unlike anything that has come before.

Champions Of Magic

A group of six mid-pubescents (and possibly a few audience members) compete in the title championship, spelling their way through vexing vocabulary while sharing hilarious and poignant personal stories. A riotous ride complete with audience participation, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a fast-paced and funny D-E-L-I-G-H-T.

Broadway Center Stage: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Set today in the Shear Madness hairstyling salon, this record-breaking comedy is Washington’s hilarious whodunit. After more than 17,800 performances, the show has stayed in great shape. Performances are ongoing.

Shear Madness

A Bangladeshi musical showcases the transformation of Dewan Hason Raja from a materialistic and indulgent landlord to a humble and spiritual poet, written by eminent writer Shakoor Majid and directed by Sheikh Mawla. Through his journeys, he meets people from all walks of life and learns about the sufferings and struggles of the common people.


HASONJANER RAJA, a Bangladeshi Musical

Based on the fan-favorite 1985 Paramount movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist.


Clue

A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, a tale of love, friendship, and identity is beautifully told through the timeless hits of ABBA. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited decades ago. MAMMA MIA! is the ultimate feel-good show.

Mamma Mia!

Opera House

Two-time Edison Award–winning, six-time Grammy–nominated and Doris Duke Award in the Arts awardee trumpeter, composer, producer, and sonic architect Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah (formerly known as Christian Scott) returns to the Kennedy Center for two unforgettable performances drawing from his prolific career. Join us to experience extraordinary live performances from this jazz innovator as he continues to stretch and surpass the boundaries of his music.

Chief Adjuah

Based on the groundbreaking Italian film 8 ½, Nine follows famed director Guido Contini, suffering from “director’s block” on his latest film and from a strained marriage to the neglected Luisa, as he retreats into his mind, where a parade of women—lovers past and present—bombards his senses and throws reality into question.

Broadway Center Stage: Nine

An award-winning vocalist, songwriter, and vocal coach from Philadelphia, Shacara Rogers has performed worldwide at arenas with artists like Patti LaBelle, Dianne Reeves, Esperanza Spalding, and many others.

Shacara Rogers West

The Kennedy Center

French-born urban jazz harmonicist Frédéric Yonnet crushes every preconceived notion you’ve had about the harmonica. With each performance, walls come tumbling down as Yonnet presents the harmonica in a refreshing and modern context that is boldly stylish, enchantingly cool, and absorbingly brilliant. 

Frédéric Yonnet

Nigel Wearne saunters after dark in the music of the night, blending blues, jazz, and Americana-noir. Hailing from Gunditjmara country in the deep south of Australia, he’s a guitarist and multi-instrumentalist with diverse influence from Nick Cave, Tom Waits, and Rickie Lee Jones

Nigel Wearne

Great Scott! Back to the Future, the beloved, cinematic classic is now a Broadway musical with its destination set for Washington, D.C., in 2024. When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past, and send himself... back to the future.

Back to the Future: The Musical

Integriti Reeves is a dynamic vocal powerhouse whose “Modern Vintage” style exists at the crossroads of Black American Music—embodying the past, present, and future of the genre. Her voice elicits comparisons to the dulcet purity of Ella Fitzgerald and the smoky effortlessness of Nat King Cole.

Integriti Reeves Quintet

Join us for a continuation of the work that began during our 2022 Reframing the Narrative celebration recognizing Black ballet dancers. This two-performance engagement features a newly commissioned ballet and excerpts of recently premiered works by Black choreographers.

Pathways to Performance

Based on Khaled Hosseini’s beloved, international best-selling novel, The Kite Runner is a powerful new play adapted by Matthew Spangler that follows one man’s journey to confront his past and find redemption. Afghanistan is a divided country, and two childhood friends are about to be torn apart. Told across two decades and two continents, this unforgettable journey of forgiveness shows us all that we can be good again.

The Kite Runner

A blossoming initiative to recognize and elevate Asian creatives working in ballet will grace Kennedy Center stages as a week-long festival! Curated by the Kennedy Center and Phil Chan, 10,000 Dreams: A Celebration of Asian Choreography shines the spotlight on Asian and Asian-American choreographers.

10,000 Dreams: A Celebration of Asian Choreography

Based on the groundbreaking Italian film 8 ½, Nine follows famed director Guido Contini, suffering from “director’s block” on his latest film and from a strained marriage to the neglected Luisa, as he retreats into his mind, where a parade of women—lovers past and present—bombard his senses and throw reality into question.

The classic, lighthearted satire of the music industry! In this ebullient winner of four Tony Awards®, teen idol Conrad Birdie is drafted into the Army, but before he leaves, he’ll perform a new song on The Ed Sullivan Show and give one last kiss to a lucky fan.


Broadway Center Stage: Bye Bye Birdie

Encompassing Jason and Alicia’s iconic blend of music and theater, this new work—set in their Harlem apartment—is intensely entertaining and visually stimulating. “It’s us examining each other’s repertoire,” says Jason, “my favorite songs of Alicia, Alicia’s favorite songs of mine.” Created during the pandemic, Family Ball is a creative feat. But more importantly, it’s a love note.

Jason Moran & Alicia Hall Moran: Family Ball

Featuring one of the greatest musical scores of all time, including classic songs “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People,” this bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway.

Funny Girl

Celebrating its 75th anniversary, New York City Ballet presents George Balanchine’s treasured Jewels amidst the grandeur of the Opera House. Witness Balanchine’s artistry at its peak from the world-renowned company he cofounded 75 years ago.

New York City Ballet: Jewels

Alonzo King LINES Ballet makes its Kennedy Center debut with an elegant, soulful work created in collaboration with Grammy Award®–winning vocalist Lisa Fischer and Kennedy Center Artistic Director for Jazz Jason Moran, who join the company to perform live.

Alonzo King LINES Ballet: Deep River

Join us in honoring the life and work of the “first lady of jazz,” legendary pianist and composer Mary Lou Williams. Hosted by the incomparable Dee Dee Bridgewater, this year’s two-day festival features performances by Eliane Elias, Endea Owens, Ingrid Jensen and the Center Song Project, Julia Keefe’s Indigenous Big Band, and more phenomenal women leading today’s jazz scene.

Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival 2024

Dixie Longate is the fast-talking, gum-chewing, ginger-haired Alabama gal who is bringing your grandma’s Tupperware party into the 21st century. Filled with outrageously funny tales, heartfelt accounts, audience participation, and a little bit of empowerment and homespun wisdom, Dixie’s Tupperware Party leaves your heart a little bigger and your food a little fresher.

Dixie’s Tupperware Party

At this once-in-a-lifetime event, Cyrus Chestnut brings his epic interpretation of Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concerts to life. Don’t miss a rare performance of this joyful music embracing the gospel, jazz, blues, swing, and classical styles that defined The Duke’s work and spirituality.

Cyrus Chestnut: Duke Ellington Sacred Concert

California Center for the Arts

Each year, outstanding young musicians with disabilities from around the world receive the Kennedy Center’s VSA International Young Musicians Award. At this Ellington-inspired piano showcase, we spotlight three ferociously talented winners: Justin Kauflin, José André Montaño, and Matthew Whitaker.

Three Keys to Ellington: Justin Kauflin, José André Montaño, Matthew Whitaker

Australia’s leading contemporary dance group comes to the Kennedy Center for the first time with the U.S. debut of Impermanence. A haunting meditation on the transitory nature of life, Impermanence merges balletic skill with striking contemporary dance.

Sydney Dance Company: Impermanence

Described as a “New Jazz Power Source” by the New York Times, cellist extraordinaire Tomeka Reid presents her groundbreaking new work inspired by Duke Ellington. Be among the first to witness this Kennedy Center co-commission as Reid seamlessly captures the essence of Ellington, all while propelling jazz into bold new territories.

Tomeka Reid, Celebrating Ellington

The Illusionists is the world’s biggest-selling magic show. It has played hundreds of cities, spawned two TV specials, and shattered box office records across the globe, dazzling audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever seen on stage. This nonstop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions featuring the jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth.

The Illusionists

A Fortas favorite since its Kennedy Center debut, Dover Quartet joins our season-wide Ellington 125 celebration with an arrangement of “In a Sentimental Mood.” Two piano quintets complete the program, featuring guest pianist Leif Ove Andsnes.

Dover Quartet with Leif Ove Andsnes

Guided by Duke Ellington’s great canon, Jason Moran takes a solo piano climb up “Mount Ellington” in this extraordinary celebration of the composer’s enduring legacy. Experience the timeless genius of Ellington’s music, brilliantly reimagined by Moran and paired with iconic images of The Duke by legendary photographer Gordon Parks.

Jason Moran – Solo Ellington

The peaceful village of Bebko is alive with joyous celebrations. Suddenly, under attack, everything changes forever. Three siblings, Leto, Mati, and Tana, must embark on perilous journeys in order to survive. Message In A Bottle is a spectacular new dance-theatre show from five-time Olivier Award nominee Kate Prince, inspired by and set to the iconic hits of Kennedy Center Honoree and 17-time Grammy® Award–winning artist Sting.

Message In A Bottle

Look no further for top-notch ballet that’s also uproariously funny! The world’s foremost all-male comic ballet company, famed for performing en travesti and on pointe, is back to spoof some of your favorite works during its 50th anniversary season.

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo

No other quintet has forged such a unique and revolutionary path through the chamber music landscape as the Imani Winds. The ensemble embraces traditional chamber music repertoire while remaining devoutly committed to promoting diversity in the arts. Celebrating over two decades of music making, Imani Winds is recognized for its dynamic playing, adventurous programming, outreach endeavors, and efforts to commission works from new voices that reflect historical events and today’s world. The program features the diversity of American composers and includes a Kennedy Center co-commission by Shawn Okpebholo.

Imani Winds

Catalyst Quartet makes its exciting Fortas series debut. Founded by the Sphinx Organization in 2010, the ensemble has been praised for its “perfect ensemble unity” and “unequaled class of execution” (Lincoln Journal Star). Building its programs and projects around a belief in the unifying power of music, the group acts as a catalyst—redefining and reimagining the classical music experience. The ensemble brings this mission and compelling new music to the relaxed lounge setting of the Club at Studio K.


Catalyst Quartet

Clarence Penn is one of the busiest jazz drummers in the world—he’s a leader of multiple bands, prolific composer, celebrated producer, and renowned educator. His band Penn Station is known for their ability to find new accents in well-known songs, moving seamlessly through styles as Clarence is devoted to the rhythms of the world. His motto: “When people hear my name, I want them to think, ‘I don’t know what band he’s playing with tonight, or what he’ll be doing, but it’s going to be good.’”

Clarence Penn, Penn Station

Performing worldwide for more than 101 years under the guidance of three generations of Ellington’s family, the Grammy Award–winning supergroup has produced more iconic jazz classics than any other band—passing the sound artist-to-artist in the creative spirit of its founder.

Duke Ellington Orchestra

From the piano, Kennedy Center Composer-in-Residence Carlos Simon leads a small ensemble in Requiem for the Enslaved. The program invokes African American spirituals and the form of a Catholic liturgical mass to tell the story of 272 enslaved people sold in 1838 to pay the debts of Georgetown University, where the composer serves as assistant professor of music.

Requiem for the Enslaved

Winner of five Tony® Awards including Best Revival of a Musical, COMPANY—Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s groundbreaking musical comedy—is at once boldly sophisticated, deeply insightful, and downright hilarious. It’s Bobbie’s 35th birthday party, and all her friends keep asking, why isn’t she married? Why can’t she find the right man, and isn’t it time to settle down and start a family? As Bobbie searches for answers, she discovers why being single, being married, and being alive in the 21st century could drive a person crazy.

Company

The Abeo Quartet joins our Fortas season as part of the Kennedy Center’s Green Shoots initiative, created last season by the late Joseph “Yossi” Kalichstein. Formed at Juilliard in 2018, the ensemble is the first graduate string quartet in residence at the University of Delaware, under the mentorship of Calidore String Quartet. The name Abeo (“ah-bey-oh”)—an expression of joy in a Nigerian dialect—was chosen to reflect the group’s love for playing chamber music and sharing it with others. Abeo Quartet returns to the REACH after previously performing with Yossi during the Kennedy Center’s REACH Opening Festival in 2019.

Abeo Quartet

Justice Forum

Founded in 1975 by Paulo and Rodrigo Pederneiras, the Brazilian dance company Grupo Corpo (meaning “Body Group” in Portuguese) is renowned for its unparalleled blend of popular Brazilian culture, African rhythms, and classical technique.

Grupo Corpo

Jennifer Koh and Missy Mazzoli join forces for an elegant—yet challenging—performance. Collaborating for over a decade, the violin-piano duo presents a mesmerizing evening of Mazzoli’s works.

Jennifer Koh & Missy Mazzoli

Sixteen-time Grammy Award®–winning musician, composer, and producer David Foster joins forces with acclaimed singer and television/Broadway star Katharine McPhee to bring their show on the road.

An Intimate Evening with David Foster and Katharine McPhee

Pianist Myra Melford and drummer Allison Miller draw on their shared passion for nature and the life-giving power of light in their Lux Quartet. Saxophonist Dayna Stephens and bassist Scott Colley amplify the two bandleader’s innovative compositions to craft an intense, glowing sonic experience. The combination of artists is, according to Melford, “like throwing a spark at tinder—everything immediately bursts into flames.”

Allison Miller and Myra Melford’s Lux Quartet

American Ballet Theatre’s quintessential production of Swan Lake returns to pull D.C. audiences back under its spell. Journey to the enchanted lake, complete with soaring choreography, hauntingly beautiful music, and extravagant sets.

American Ballet Theatre: Swan Lake

Grammy Award–winning bassist, composer, and bandleader Linda May Han Oh leads a dynamic group of musicians in The Glass Hours, a striking and deeply moving collection of works based on the fragility of time and life. On this enveloping new album, loss and resilience permeate every melody, harmony, and rhythm she orchestrates and improvises.

Linda May Han Oh, The Glass Hours

Don’t miss the electrifying new musical about “the greatest R&B group of all time.” With their signature dance moves and harmonies, The Temptations rose to the top of the charts, and their moving story still resonates five decades later. The show features such iconic hits as “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” and many more.

Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations

An all-star lineup of leading musicians comes together to perform two iconic works: Igor Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale Suite and Wynton Marsalis’ A Fiddler’s Tale.

Gateways Chamber Players: A Fiddler’s Tale

For its annual Kennedy Center engagement, the beloved company presents Ailey classics and new works, including Ailey’s signature Revelations.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

For one night only, Japan Society presents Nihon Buyo (literally “Japanese dance”), an elegant, refined art form performed by artists skillfully trained in kabuki dance. Its exciting annual presentation with the Kennedy Center features the dance pieces Toba-e and Boléro, along with performances by musicians playing traditional Japanese instruments. 

Nihon Buyo in the 21st Century: from Kabuki Dance to Boléro

The classic, lighthearted satire of the music industry! When it’s announced that Elvis-style heartthrob Conrad Birdie is being drafted into the army, teenage girls across America are dismayed—but their dismay turns to delight when they learn one lucky young lady will grant Birdie a kiss on live TV before he goes bye-bye.

This titan of string ensembles is back to astound Kennedy Center audiences once again. Entering its 49th season, Takács Quartet infuses deep richness and fresh insight into each performance.

Takács Quartet

Swing in the New Year with Jazzmeia Horn and her sensational big band! With a name that speaks for itself, the mesmerizing vocalist transports audiences to a bygone era of elegance and improvisation. Get ready for a night of fiery new music and the timeless allure of big-band jazz.

A Jazz New Year’s Eve: Jazzmeia Horn and Her Noble Force

From the producer of The Lion King and Aladdin, Frozen, the Tony® Award–nominated Best Musical, is now on tour across North America—and the critics rave, “It’s simply magical!” (LA Daily News). Frozen features the songs you know and love from the original Oscar®-winning film, plus an expanded score with a dozen new numbers by the film’s songwriters, Oscar winner Kristen Anderson-Lopez and EGOT winner Robert Lopez. It’s everything you want in a musical: It’s moving. It’s spectacular. And above all, it’s pure Broadway joy.

Disney’s Frozen

Girl From the North Country is the Tony Award®–winning new musical that the Chicago Tribune declares is “a Broadway revelation!” It’s 1934 in Duluth, Minnesota. We meet a group of wayward travelers whose lives intersect in a guesthouse filled with music, life, and hope. Experience this “profoundly beautiful” production (The New York Times) brought to vivid life by an extraordinary company of actors and musicians.

Girl From the North Country

Based on one audience suggestion (a title for a play that has yet to be written) The Improvised Shakespeare Company creates a fully improvised masterpiece right before your very eyes, bringing you an evening of off-the-cuff comedy using the language and themes of William Shakespeare. 

The Improvised Shakespeare Company

Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Your favorite holiday classics as you’ve never heard them! The Kennedy Center and NPR present A Jazz Piano Christmas, the annual sell-out event featuring jazz-infused renditions of the season’s the most loved music. This year, we spotlight remarkable pianist, vocalist, and actress Melvis Santa—whose eclectic Afro-Cuban style has made her one of the most electrifying artists on the scene—and more of today’s hottest jazz pianists.

NPR’s A Jazz Piano Christmas

Two x Four (two violinists x four composers) makes its return to the Fortas season for the first time since 2013. Violinists Jennifer Koh and Jaime Laredo are joined by Members of the Juilliard Orchestra. Koh, who studied with Laredo at the Curtis Institute, created the project “as a musical means to honor our teachers, who are our thread to a long performance tradition.” Showcasing double concertos, the program includes works by great composers of the past and current day.

Two x Four, Koh & Laredo

In Nutcracker Suite, explosive tap dance meets your favorite holiday classic. This Nutcracker boogies, slides, struts, and dives into Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s intoxicating interpretation of the Tchaikovsky classic.

Dorrance Dance: Nutcracker Suite

When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! This theatrical adaptation of the Emmy Award–winning children’s television series features an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm and music by Bluey composer Joff Bush. This is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before—brought to real life!

Bluey’s Big Play

Be swept away in a flurry of holiday magic as Ballet West presents America’s first and longest-running Nutcracker! The Intermountain West’s preeminent company returns with one of the most visually striking productions of this seasonal family favorite. 

Ballet West: The Nutcracker

Superstar bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel brings unique charm to an eclectic mix of styles. Alongside harpist Hannah Stone and pianist Annabel Thwaite, Terfel performs a song cycle, traditional Welsh folk music, and songs by notable composers.

Sir Bryn Terfel

A noted Tradition-Bearer and scholar of Black American Social dance, LaTasha Barnes guides an all-star cast of music and dance explorers through The Jazz Continuum. This production features a uniquely intergenerational and multidisciplinary cast of over 20 Black dancers and musicians. 

LaTasha Barnes’ The Jazz Continuum

Maxim Vengerov is one of the most accomplished and internationally acclaimed violinists of today. Pianist Polina Osetinskaya joins him for a memorable evening of works by Clara and Robert Schumann, Brahms, and Prokofiev.

Maxim Vengerov

A new solo dance creation conceptualized and choreographed by eminent artist Malavika Sarukkai, Anubandh – Connectedness is a path-breaking work in the language of the classical Indian dance Bharatanatyam that also imaginatively reworks tradition.

Malavika Sarukkai: Anubandh – Connectedness

A live performance of John Coltrane’s Africa/Brass is rarer than a total eclipse, but D.C. audiences have a chance to experience the mind-blowing album with legendary trumpeter Charles Tolliver as their adventurous, avant-garde guide. At this exclusive concert, Tolliver performs Coltrane’s music with acclaimed saxophonist Camille Thurman and Howard University’s dynamic vocal jazz ensemble Afro Blue.

Charles Tolliver presents Africa/Brass Feat. Camille Thurman

Join us for a must-see performance as the Emerson String Quartet returns to the Terrace Theater for the final time—the penultimate performance before the esteemed quartet disbands.

Emerson String Quartet

Violinist Augustin Hadelich plays with a maturity beyond his years and an artistry reminiscent of classical music’s golden age. He is joined in recital by pianist Orion Weiss.

Augustin Hadelich

Before there was RENT… there was tick, tick… BOOM!, Jonathan Larson’s explosive musical about life, death, and the necessity of art. The semi-autobiographical story follows Jon, a composer struggling to break into New York City’s theater scene. This intimate, three-actor production boasts unforgettable songs including “30/90,” “Johnny Can’t Decide,” and the Sondheim-inspired “Sunday.”

Broadway Center Stage: tick, tick... BOOM!

Shear Madness is interactive, immersive, and irresistible!

Set in present-day Georgetown, Shear Madness engages locals and visitors alike as armchair detectives to help solve the scissor-stabbing murder of a famed concert pianist who lives above the Shear Madness unisex hairstyling salon. The show combines up-to-the-minute improvisational humor and a mixture of audience sleuthing to deliver a unique performance each night.

Saxman Joshua Redman joins forces with mesmerizing vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa on his celebrated Blue Note debut where are we. Redman calls where are we “a meditation on America and the power and importance of place.” The artists take on music from Rodgers & Hart to Springsteen, interpreted with the improvisational brilliance and melodic invention that is a hallmark of Redman’s artistry.

Joshua Redman Group featuring Gabrielle Cavassa where are we Tour

Shear Madness is the interactive comedy whodunit that lets the audience solve the crime!

Set in present-day Georgetown, Shear Madness engages locals and visitors alike as armchair detectives to help solve the scissor-stabbing murder of a famed concert pianist who lives above the Shear Madness unisex hairstyling salon. The show combines up-to-the-minute improvisational humor and a mixture of audience sleuthing to deliver a unique performance each night.

Kennedy Center

Sep 9 - Oct 5, 2025

The Sound of Music

Aug 19 - Sep 7, 2025

Parade

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