By Mark Edelman

As Fall rolls in, the beautiful foliage matches the impressive work now on view in theaters all across the DMV. If you want more local color, check out some of these multi-hued productions:

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG

Signature Theatre

Now through Nov 1

Sondheim’s most melodious—albeit misunderstood—musical gets a top notch revival from Signature Artistic Director Matthew Gardiner and a really well-cast company of many of D.C.’s finest. Jake Loewenthal, Maria Rizzo and James Whalen stand out among the locals and Melanie Field makes a deep impression as bff Mary. But it’s Broadway guest artist Jason Gotay as Franklin Shepard who hits the home run, singing gorgeously and acting the backwards storyline as effectively as I’ve even seen it played– including Jonathan Groff, who won a Tony® for the role. As always, musical director Jon Kalbfleisch and his orchestra—twelve strong in this production – perform the gorgeous score smoothly. See it while you can—the opportunity doesn’t come up very often. Tickets at

SOMEWHERE OVER THE BORDER

Atlas Performing Arts Center

Now through Oct 18

Mosaic brings back Brian Quijada, one-half of the award-winning duo who brought us Mexodus, which premiered over on H Street and went on to two successful off-Broadway runs. Inspired by the true story of his mother’s immigration in the 1970s, Quijada takes us on another musical journey, this time from El Salvador to America to the tune of cumbia, Mexican mariachi boleros, rock and hip hop. Like Dorothy in that “over the rainbow” musical, Reina faces down dangers as she strives to build a better life for su familia. Tickets at .

COME FROM AWAY

Ford’s Theater

Now through Oct 18

The heart-warming true story of how a small Canadian town cared for 6,579 airline passengers stranded there on 9/11 gets a new production at Ford’s. Tickets at http://www.fords.org

THE SCORE

Harman Hall

Now through Oct 18

Brian Cox, star of HBO’s Succession, limns the role of Johann Sebastian Bach, a reluctant visitor to the court of Frederick II, then Europe’s most ambitious and dangerous leader (sound familiar?). Sir Trevor Nunn—the man who gave us Cats and Les Miserables— helms this production, direct from the UK. Tickets at .org.

CHICKA CHICKA BOOM BOOM

Imagination Stage

Now through Oct 18

Based on the popular children’s books, your kids will celebrate letters, words, and imagination with infectious rhythms, funny puppets, and lively dancing. Tickets at

MEASURE FOR MEASURE

Folger Library Theatre

Now through Nov 1

Human nature collides with the letter of the law with potentially life-threatening consequences in this moral tale from the Bard of Avon. Tickets at http://www.folger.edu.

WISH YOU WERE HERE

Studio Theatre

Now through Nov 1

On the eve of the Iranian Revolution, a group of tight knit friends deal with a wedding and their futures in a moment of upheaval. Tickets at http://www.studiotheatre.org

THE SECOND BEST SCHOOL SHOOTING

Next Stop Theatre

Now through Nov 4

As two best friends try to make sense of a school shooting, they confront a question for our times: how do you grieve when the world has mostly moved on. Tickets at http://www.nextstoptheatre.org

BEATRICE LIKES THE DARK

Adventure MTC

Oct 2- Nov 1

When Beatrice casts a spell for endless darkness, she discovers that even the things we fear most can become beautiful when brought into the light. From the acclaimed children’s book. comes an imaginative blend of magic, music, shadow play, and storytelling and a celebration of curiosity, courage, and connection. Tickets at http://www.adventuretheatre-mtc.org

MAYBE HAPPY ENDING

October 6-11

National Theatre

Yes, it’s a show about South Korean robots. But it’s also a deeply moving of a chance encounter that sparks connection, adventure, and maybe even love and the winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Tony ® Award-winning director Michael Arden helmed this totally original new musical adventure that explores what it means to be human, even if you’re not. Tickets at

THE FLYING LOVERS OF VITEBSK

Oct 7- Nov 1

Theatre J

Before the paintings, poems and fame, Bella and Marc Chagall were two young dreamers whose love transformed the world around them. In this new musical, their journey from

Jewish shetl into the vivid landscape of imagination, devotion and resilience takes shape, remining us how art and love can lift us beyond the gravity of everyday life, just like a Chagall painting. Tickets at http://www.edcjcc.org/theater-j.

BETRAYAL

October 8-25

1st Stage

As her marriage to Robert comes to an end, Emma reconnects with Jerry, her former lover—and her husband’s best friend—as the action unspools backward in time. Domestic and dangerous, Harold Pinter’s startling play uncovers hidden truths, revealing how little we know about those we think we know so much about. Tickets at http://www.1ststage.org

FRIDA…A SELF PORTRAIT

Oct 8- Nov 8

Klein Theatre

On the eve of Frida Kahlo’s death, the pain and passion of her extraordinary life are laid bare, cracked open by Brazilian writer and performer Vanessa Severo. The powerful portal between Severo and the celebrated Mexican painter brings a sensual physicality and raw honesty to this portrait of one of the world’s most iconic artists. Tickets at .org.

HUNDRED DAYS

Keegan Theatre

Oct 10- Nov 15

What if you only had 100 days to live? This new musical by those folk-punk darlings The Bengson’s examines that rather unpleasant query with this heartrending true story about embracing uncertainty, taking a leap, and loving as if your time was just about up. Tickets at http://www.keegantheatre.com

ARE YOU NOW OR HAVE YOU EVER BEEN

Oct 17- Dec 6

Arena Stage

Tony ® Award winning director Anna D. Shapiro helms this revival of Eric Bentley’s distillation of the real life tragedies visited upon a group of important American artists facing an impossible choice—defend their integrity, protect their livelihoods or betray their friends and colleagues. Sadly, the self-righteous stain of the House Committee on Un-American Activities continues to shine its ugly glare beam on the good people of this nation. Tickets at http://www.arenastage.org

SHE LOVES ME

Oct 17- Nov 7

Little Theatre of Alexandira

Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick – the team that gave us Fiddler on the Roof — contributed music and lyrics to this charming story set in a fancy European perfume shop circa 1930. Unbeknownst to one another, co-workers Amalia and Georg both respond to an anonymous lonely hearts ad in the local newspaper, falling in love with their mystery correspondents. What happens when they discover the identity of their true loves makes for a most entertaining trip to the theater. Tickets at

MAMMA MIA

Oct 27 – Nov 15

National Theatre

ABBA fans rejoice! The musical that made “Dancing Queen” an earworm returns to the DMV on its current national tour and 25th anniversary. Will Sophie find out who her real father is just minutes before she does or doesn’t get married herself? Who cares? Tickets at

About the Author: Mark Edelman is a playwright who loves writing about theater. He is a lifetime member of the Broadway League and a Tony® voter. Catch his monthly podcast at http://www.onstagedmv.org.

Photo credits: Merrily We Roll Along photo by Chistopher Mueller; Somewhere Over the Border photo by Chris Banks; Maybe Happy Ending photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman; Frida photo by Michael Brosilow; Come From Away photo by Scott Suchman.