A handful of shows to consider this fall on the regional stage

Everything slows down by the end of summer; even theatres (and their devoted critics) need a break once in awhile. Some briefly went dark, others relaxed their schedule, and still others kept on plugging. Here’s what’s playing or coming on my favorite stages.

1. “EVITA”
Nearing the end of its run, this winner of 11 Tony Awards chronicles the life of Argentina’s ambitious first lady, Eva Peron. Featuring a magnificent score by the Webber/Rice team and strong voices to perform them, this is one of the best shows I’ve seen at this theatre in a long time. (Reviewed)
Where: Riverside Dinner Theatre, Fredericksburg
Call: (540) 370-4300
Playing through Sept. 13

2. “JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAM COAT”
No sooner does one Webber/Rice musical close than another opens. The fun factor is just about 70 cubits high in this imaginative take on the life of the biblical Joseph. A patchwork quilt of musical styles, “Joseph…” indulges in disco, calypso, French ballad, country/western and anything else that seemed like a good idea at the time. Actually, it was all a good idea. (To be reviewed)
Where: Riverside Dinner Theatre (see above info.)
Playing Sept. 18-Oct. 22

3. “LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS”
Speaking of spoofs, this precocious little musical has been around long enough to almost claim cult classic status. Borrowing from everything we love to mock about the 1950s and sci-fi, Lazy Susan’s production is especially strong on vocals and staging. (Reviewed)
Where: Lazy Susan Dinner Theatre, Woodbridge
Call: (703) 550-7384
Playing through Sept. 27 (to be followed by “SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN” opening Sept. 30)

4. “ROBERT E. LEE & JOHN BROWN: LIGHTING THE FUSE”
It’s baa-ack. This original play by Wayside’s artistic director debuted three years ago and now returns for another go at historical re-imagining. What if Robert E. Lee had allowed himself to be drawn into a debate with John Brown? Grumpy Virginia critic replies, “That would never have happened.” The Midwestern author insists, “But what if it did?” A highly visual piece, as I recall.
Where: Wayside Theatre, Middletown
Call: (540) 869-1776
Playing Aug. 29 - Sept. 26

5. “QUALITY OF LIFE”
Can a New Age liberal find love and happiness, or at least pleasant dinner conversation, with a Midwestern conservative? This may sound like a Neil Simon setup, but it’s not. Described as “magnetic theatre,” this new work explores the always interesting dance between humans just trying to connect.
Where: Arena Stage, Crystal City
Call: (202) 488-3300
Playing Sept. 11 - Oct. 18

6. “DIRTY BLONDE”
She had platinum blonde hair and breakneck curves. Funny, cheeky and smart as a fox, she originated a camp act that never really died. Who else but the great Mae West, the dirtiest blonde of them all? “Dirty Blonde” focuses on the bonding of two fans as they merge their interest in the “Golden West” from vaudeville to Broadway to Hollywood. (To be reviewed.)
Where: Signature Theatre, Arlington
Call: (703) 820-9771
Playing through Oct. 4

7. “GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS”
David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize winner has two reputations — one for its original, hard-muscled, sometimes shocking look at the greed of super-predator salesmen on the prowl. The other for the extraordinary number of times someone drops the “F” bomb. Just so you know.
Where: Live Arts, Charlottesville
Call: (434) 977-4177
Playing Sept. 18 - Oct. 10

8. “THE ALCHEMIST”
No, Ben Jonson did not write Shakespeare. He did, however, write some remarkable comedies in his day, among which “The Alchemist” is ranked at the top. Those who would deceive and those who would be deceived get theirs in this Jacobean satire. (To be reviewed.)
Where: Shakespeare Theatre Co., Landsburgh Theatre, D.C.
Call: (202) 547-1122
Playing Oct. 6 - Nov. 22

Lawrence is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association. She teaches drama and English at CCHS.