Arena Stage

Washington, DC, United States

4.5

Closed now

22 reviews

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Telephone:
+1 202-488-3300
Website:
www.arenastage.org
Address:
The Mead Center for American Theater 1101 6th St SW, Washington, DC, DC, 20024
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
890 ftWaterfront
0.3 mi4th St & N St SW
0.4 mi086
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Good for Kids
No

Today

Today 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Closed now
Local time (Washington, DC) 02:28 Wednesday, 16 July 2025

Business hours

Monday –
Tuesday 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Wednesday 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Friday 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Saturday 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sunday 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Description

Specialties

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater is a national center dedicated to the production, presentation, development and study of American theater. Arena Stage produces huge plays of all that is passionate, exuberant, profound, deep and dangerous in the American spirit, and presents diverse and ground-​breaking work from some of the best artists around the country. Arena Stage is committed to commissioning and developing new plays through the American Voices New Play Institute. Now in its sixth decade, Arena Stage serves a diverse annual audience of more than 200,000.

History

Established in 1950.

Founded August 16, 1950 in Washington by Zelda Fichandler, Tom Fichandler and Edward Mangum, Arena Stage is a flagship American theater. We were one of the first nonprofit theaters in the U.S. and a pioneer of the regional theater movement. We were the first regional theater to transfer a production to Broadway, the first invited by the U.S. State Department to tour behind the Iron Curtain, and the first to receive the Regional Theater Tony Award. Taking a leadership role in extending theater’s horizons, we have implemented groundbreaking policies and programs, promoting diversity in all aspects of theater, from theatergoing to production.

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22 reviews of Arena Stage

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Place rating: 5
Germantown, MD
My husband and I had the pleasure of seeing The Lion yesterday. We were given the tickets but had no expectations since we never heard of the show. We both throughly enjoyed it from start to finish. It was a one man show. The actor/​singer/​guitarist tells his life story through music. It is very powerful. We highly recommend it.
Place rating: 5
Chevy Chase, MD
I apologize. I am actually writing about the show «Sweat.» Unfortunately, it ends Sunday February 21st. There aren’t many seats left, but it’s well worth the effort to go see it. Why did I wait to see it? Well my first job was in a warehouse with poor ventilation. I sweat the entire time, and frankly, I smelled foul. So the name of this show did not conjure up pleasant memories.
But the show is not to be missed. Lynn Nottage has written an insightful story about the uprooting of folk from a small town as their principal industry falls victim to NAFTA, and their jobs are exported to Mexico. The acting is of the highest quality. Little bittersweet moments weave with unexpected comic moments to periodically lift the viewer from the gravity of the situation. The ending works to project an approach to dealing with the shifting economic landscape. My wife and I just got back from New York. This was as good as anything we saw up there.
Also let me say that we see a lot of theater in the DC area. This Mead Center is not only beautiful, but has consistently put on great shows that are performed by gifted actors.
Place rating: 4
Washington, DC
When I was young my parents used to take me to a lot of plays and musicals, and even though I sometimes get grief from my friends for knowing as many show tunes as I do, my enthusiasm for the performing arts has never worn off. As a result, I’m eternally glad that DC has several great venues for them, including Arena Stage, especially since the glorious renovation. I remember first coming here years ago when I was an undergrad in the early 2000s, the squat concrete structure and the sketchy neighborhood didn’t exactly make for a good first impression. It would have been hard to conceive of how it looks now, with its beautiful edifice and modern interior surrounded by a neighborhood that’s rebuilding. I’ve mostly been to shows at the Fichandler stage, and something about the «theater in the round» always makes it seem more fun, as though the audience is part of the performance. Lately I’ve been to a bunch of musicals, which are enjoyable if usually shortened a bit and slight overdone by a cast that knows how to ham it up, and the non-​musical performances can also be quite good. DC has a few first-​rate performing arts venues, and Arena Stage should be included among the best of them.
Place rating: 5
Woodbridge, VA
I’ve seen 2 shows here now and have been nothing but impressed! I just saw «Destiny of Desire» and laughed the entire time! It’s a beautiful space with wonderful shows and bodes for a really nice night out on the town!
Place rating: 5
Kensington, MD
Run to see Destiny of Desire! My face still hurts from laughing. Two and a half hours of non-​stop fun, with amazing choreography (even the furniture spins and twirls!) and great singing. Just can’t say enough good things about it… and I’m very hard to please.
Place rating: 5
Cibolo, TX
In town for about a week and stumbled on the opening night of Dear Evan Hansen.
. Never know what might be in store for when you trust blind luck, but we were pleasantly surprised.
We arrived early as parking has been an issue everywhere here in DC, but we were able to Valet without a problem. The theater is unique with several types of venues under the same roof. We ended up in a little smaller venue which was sold out.
The play was great. The two main actors did a splendid job of setting the various tones needed to further the story. They provided a depth to the characters that had they not provided would have resulted in a flat show. The topic was intense and a bit dark but it was handled in such a way that I found myself nodding in agreement especially given I work in schools. The songs were well put together and meaningful. I especially liked the way there were multiple parts that cam together recommend this venue and this play without hesitation. Just be aware that while this is a show of our time and steeped in social media it does deal with a shocking major premise and how people around it deal with the aftermath.
Thanks for a great experience!
Place rating: 1
Alexandria, VA
Went to see a play after getting a great review from friends. Went during the afternoon. My rating is not a reflection on the play, but rather the environment and staff. The theater was freezing and everyone was complaining. Staff had to get 2 blankets for guests, but we all needed them. The staff kept saying it would warm up after the show started. WELL IT DIDN’T. It had to be below 70 when it was 90 outside. It is impossible to enjoy the play if you are shivering the entire time. Even though I had a long sleeve sweater it wasn’t enough — I needed a heavy coat! Not sure if I will ever be back.
Place rating: 5
Herndon, VA
I have been more frequently patronizing this exceptional theatrical venue in the past five or six years, especially in its new location in Southwest D.C. Many of the plays I have attended, such as «Crowns» and «Long Day’s Journey Into Night» have been superbly acted, and have strong technical qualities, such as strong technical qualities, such as costume design and lighting, as well. The talent that the Arena Stage recruits is of a high caliber, which makes me hold this theater in high esteem. Furthermore, the actual Arena Stage itself is comprised of multiple theaters, and they are all smaller in their scale, which makes for more intimate theatrical experiences. To me this adds to the level of immediacy I feel to enjoy a play. Overall, I feel the Arena Stage is dedicated to providing theater of the highest quality in the D.C. area.
Place rating: 5
Washington, DC
Beautifully designed theater. Astounding acting and production. I had a blast.
My wife and I saw the Originalist on a Thursday evening in the Kogod Cradle stage (there are multiple theaters within Arena). The theater was wonderfully designed with no bad seats. It was an intimate experience. The seats were spacious and surprisingly comfortable. We were in a middle row and felt very close to the action. The stage was beautiful and the lighting and set were well done.
I can’t say enough good things about this play. The actors were phenomenal and as a lawyer, I was impressed by the script about Justice Scalia. Edward Gero was eerily exact in both look and impersonation. The young lady who played the fictitious clerk was also fantastic.
Arena Stage is laid back. They allow you to bring drinks into the theater. It was not pretentious.
I will definitely be back for another play. We left feeling so happy that we had come.
Place rating: 5
Falls Church, VA
This is by far my most favorite theatrical venue in DC area. I always take family and friends visiting from out of town to their performances. I’ve been a devotee since 2007 and they are yet to disappoint. Molly Smith truly makes a great effort to get the best cast and an excellent play selection. I always eagerly await their new season announcements. It seems that there’s nothing they can’t perform: from traditional Broadway standards like «Fiddler on the Roof» to the eternal classic «Mother Courage».
Place rating: 4
Chantilly, VA
My first time here!
Came to watch King Hedley II and loved it. There is street parking as well as a lot beside the Arena Stage. I believe parking in the lot is $ 20. We came on a Sunday, so street parking was free. Employees all around the Arena Stage are super helpful and friendly. It’s incredibly spacious inside and I love the design of the building. Restrooms are conveniently located all around the Arena Stage.
We really enjoyed the performance. Actors were on point. Lighting, costume, stage, and music all came together beautifully. Everyone is so talented and it was an overall wonderful experience. I cannot wait to come back to watch more shows.
Place rating: 5
Washington, DC
This place is beautiful and they show really interesting productions in their three stages. It’s a great thing to have in the neighborhood
Place rating: 5
Washington, DC
What a wonderful and somewhat unknown Washington gem. It is a beautiful facility and offers a range of performances. We saw «Fiddler on the Roof» there recently. The ticket prices were high, but the performance was worth it.
Place rating: 5
Baltimore, MD
Wow i have to say that i always write about food but this ! Has 5. Starts not because of the food that actually for being a theater food was decent, but 5 starts because the show was incredible outstanding, highly recommended if u are looking for some good are to spend ur money n !
Place rating: 5
Arlington, VA
Love this place.
The food is a bit over priced and the drinks are limited, but did you really go to the theater for food?
That being said, its really nice that they let you bring drinks into the theater.
There isn’t a single bad seat in the house, the unconventional stage makes the actors pay attention to all areas of theater and if you’re behind the action, you won’t be for long. The shows have consistently been great about using the unique space to its fullest advantage.
Place rating: 4
Silver Spring, MD
I was given a ticket to see the dress rehearsal last night for 5 Guys Named Moe, based on the music of Louis Jordan. High energy singing and dancing by an amazingly talented cast. Loved the staging, loved the choreography, loved the music, loved everything about it. Highly recommended.
One of the «Moes» needs to work on his enunciation. Great voice, but I missed most of his lyrics. One of the other «Moes» ran out of steam at the end of one of his solos but I’m betting that, after a few more performances, these little glitches will be worked out and it will score a solid 5 stars.
Place rating: 2
Tenino, WA
I am very disappointed with one of the workers at Arena stage. I worked for Amrita Ramanan two years ago and she seemed insecure and came across as harsh toward other staff. It was my job to assist her and accommodate her. I did what I was supposed to do, then I would ask her for how I can help more. At times she would put her palm up to my face and other times she would speak to me in a that way that I felt was condescending. Everything was subtle, so I think it could be easily dismissed by the higher-​ups. I think the higher-​ups need to talk to Amrita about her behavior. I don’t think she should present herself in a callous matter. I think she should be more friendly and polite and better mannered. That would encourage morale among staff and improve the working environment for all employed at Arena Stage.
Place rating: 5
Arlington, VA
Wow! Welcome back Arena Stage. I have seen Oklahoma!, Arabian Nights, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf, Every Tongue Shall Confess, A Time to Kill and Ruined twice! I am impressed. I will continue to support the theater.
Place rating: 5
Washington, DC
wonderful experience here for the play, Camp David. The seats were comfortable. The facilities are very clean. The auditorium we were in was small but wonderfully intimate and I felt like every seat was a good seat to see the play. The staff were attentive. You can pay your age for tickets but there is a ticketing fee of like 15 dollars I believe but it is still a good deal. We did not try the restaurants inside. There was a wedding going on at the same time. It seemed pretty awesome. Great experience here!
Place rating: 5
Brooklyn, NY
Love the Arena Stage and all the shows I see here. The theaters are very modern and the decorations are always great. Arena Stage is a great reason to venture out to the waterfront in SW. The staff is also pretty wonderful. We see about one show a month here and we are never disappointed.
Place rating: 3
Stamford, CT
I love theater and have had some very good times at the Arena stage. As a building, Arena Stage is well laid out with nice bathrooms. The lines for food are always long, so that is a bit aggravating.
There is nothing bad about Arena Stage but nothing spectacular about it either. I only go when a coworker gives me tickets. I think the tickets are overpriced.
Place rating: 4
White Plains, MD
Show: Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf by Edward Albee
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton set the bar to high in 1966 for any other version to get 5 stars. Ms Taylor won an Oscar for her effort. See the YouTube clip (search for Elizabeth Taylor).
Nevertheless, the Arena Stage play is worth seeing. The audience went absolutely quiet at various times, hanging on every word during a series of gut wrenching scenes. I had forgotten major portions of the plot so this version was refreshing. It is about 3 hours with 2 intermissions. It is for mature adults. Teens and some 20 year olds would not appreciate the emotional tension and complexity of the plot. The sad ending is planned anticlimax compared to the events leading to that point.
You owe it to yourself to get to one of the Arena Stage shows this year. With their new building they have renewed their zeal to provide a variety of entertainment for all. The interior of the building is impressive yet very utilitarian. It is very handicap accessible. Ask about the underground parking lot if you need easy access. There are helpful staff members available to answer questions, and help with directions.
Now I am going to watch the movie when it is scheduled later this month on TCM.