International Sensation

Created by the acclaimed writers of Les Misérables, this modern, rock-infused adaptation of Puccini’s 1904 opera Madame Butterfly explores the ongoing impact of love, loss and the collision of cultures during the Vietnam War.

Vietnamese Kim and American G.I. Chris fall in love during the tumultuous fall of Saigon. Three years after their dramatic separation, newly-married Chris discovers Kim survived the war. The star-crossed lovers attempt to reunite in a race across Bangkok in this tragic romance about the shattering devastation of war and the ultimate sacrifice.

Signature brings the electrifying score to life with a 15-piece orchestra and 18-actor company in this new environmental production, performing hit songs including “The Heat is On in Saigon,” “I Still Believe,” “Why, God, Why?” and “The American Dream.”

“Gripping entertainment!”
— The New York Times

The World Premiere

After the resounding success of 2012’s Really Really, Signature presents the newest work from Paul Downs Colaizzo.

The Falls of Autrey Mill is the most desired zipcode in town. From the outside, the flawless neighborhood glitters with elegant roman column porches and exquisitely manicured lawns. However, demons lurk behind the designer window treatments when one seemingly-perfect family disintegrates from the inside out. In this vicious and gripping play, Colaizzo rips the façade off of America’s privileged suburbia with his trademark brutal honesty.

“This may be the first time you’re hearing of Paul Downs Colaizzo, but on the evidence of his crackling new play, Really Really, the name bears committing to memory.”
— The Washington Post

“The next great playwright.”
— Maryland Theatre Guide

The World Premiere

From the writers of Nevermore comes a poignant original musical.

Crossing explores the interwoven stories of eight people from different decades of the past century who come together at a train station. Some are waiting for the train, others are waiting for visitors, a few are just…waiting. All of them are searching – for hopes and dreams, for new beginnings, for answers. As their stories are brought to musical life in the train station, the characters discover that, while every life is different, the journey is always the same. With music ranging from gospel to pop to rock, Crossing unites the musical eras through the souls who lived them.

“Matt Conner will be heard of many times in the future.”
— Broadwayworld.com

The Great American Musical

Here she is, World. Here’s Rose! Sherri L. Edelen (The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Company, Hairspray) stars as the iconic Momma Rose in the award-winning backstage musical favorite.

Set during the 1920s fading vaudeville circuit, Gypsy portrays the rise of famed burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee. Momma Rose, the archetypal stage mother, steamrolls everyone in her way to propel her daughters into child stars. When the younger, more talented, daughter defects, Rose sinks all her hopes (and claws) into the elder. Bold, brassy, yet remarkably charming, Momma Rose puts today’s Dance Moms to shame.

With a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Signature’s “signature,” Stephen Sondheim, Gypsy features the beloved songs “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” “Together (Wherever We Go),” “Small World,” “Some People,” “Let Me Entertain You” and “Rose’s Turn.”

“Everything about Gypsy is right…one of the best musicals.”
— The New York Times

World Premiere Musical

Based on the beloved book, Beaches follows two extraordinary friends through 30 years of camaraderie, laughter and sorrow. Vivacious, outlandish Cee Cee and beautiful, privileged Bertie meet as children and become fast friends. From pen-pals to roommates to romantic rivals, Cee Cee and Bertie’s oil-and-water friendship perseveres through even the most tragic trials. With a touching vulnerability, Beaches exemplifies the triumph of the human spirit and the bonds of sisterhood.

“Dart’s snappily paced tale is spiced with spot-on doses of black humor, while her insight into female friendships, as always, rings reassuringly true.”
— Publishers Weekly

The Washington, DC Premiere

Tender Napalm makes its Washington debut in a transfixing, intimate and savage exploration of love in the face of heartbreak.

A pair of young lovers creates a fantastical, often violent, world through an interweaving dialogue of increasing perplexity. At the heart of their fantasies lies an unimaginable tragedy that both bonds and breaks the two. Fused with raw energy, the couple blurs the distinction of truth and illusion in this battle-of-the-sexes wild ride.

Ultimately beautiful and richly moving, Tender Napalm is a complex and layered romance for the modern era.

“Heart-stopping…intoxicating.”
– London Times

Tender Napalm contains graphic language. For mature audiences only.

Groundbreaking Musical

Brecht. Signature style.

Mack the Knife is back in town! The MAX Theatre transforms into London’s gritty underworld in this 1928 parody of A Beggar’s Opera. The haves clash with the have-nots while MacHeath, the ultimate sneering antihero, perches in the middle of the storm. A brilliant masterpiece of epic theater, Brecht’s sharp critique of Capitalism originated the popular songs “The Ballad of Mack the Knife,” “Soloman Song” and “Pirate Jenny.”

With its haunting jazz score, acid harmonies and biting lyrics, The Threepenny Opera influenced Cabaret and Urinetown. Now, Signature revives the juicily audacious musical that started it all.

“The greatest musical of all time.”
— Newsweek

A World Premiere Musical Comedy

From Helen Hayes Award Winner Ed Dixon (Signature’s Sunset Boulevard) comes a delightfully screwball musical comedy send-up of the 1950s film noir.

Third-rate detective Nick Cutter is down on his luck when a beautiful blonde bombshell tosses a very intriguing case (and herself) into his lap. For the next 90 minutes, Nick races through every New York neighborhood in this zany, mile-a-minute whodunit. With four actors playing nearly 20 roles, Cloak and Dagger uproariously spoofs erstwhile mysteries with lightning speed and rapier wit.

“Mr. Dixon has a way with clever lyrics and sophisticated music.”
– Quad City Times