Arena Stage

The Arena Stage is home to one of the oldest acting ensembles in the nation. The theater, whose mission is to celebrate "the rich mosaic of our nation's voices," champions new plays and playwrights, produces works from America's diverse cultures, and reinterprets the works of past masters, all under the leadership of artistic director Molly Smith. Works nurtured here often move on to Broadway; likewise, some of the country's top acting talents happily appear on Arena's stage.

The excellence of Arena productions has brought the theater much success, to the extent that Arena celebrated its 60th anniversary by debuting a grand expansion in late October 2010. The new Mead Center for American Theater at Arena Stage is a 200,000-square-foot, undulating, glass-paned structure housing three theaters, and rehearsal and office space. Its expansion now allows Arena to offer a year-round season of productions.

Among the 2011-12 season highlights are two musicals, The Music Man and Like Water for Chocolate (which is also a world-premiere, pre-Broadway show); the world premiere of Mary T and Lizzie K, about the relationship between Mary Todd Lincoln and her seamstress; a Eugene O'Neill Festival, including stagings of Ah Wilderness! and Long Day's Journey into Night; and a comedy that takes place in ancient Rome, called You, Nero.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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