Mamma Mia! at the National Theatre and Madama Butterfly at DAR Constitution Hall both open Friday evening, a long way apart in tone and in price. Geese at the Anthem and Joe Russo’s Almost Dead at the Warner push the rock side of the weekend in very different directions.
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- Mamma Mia! at the National Theatre
- Madama Butterfly at DAR Constitution Hall
- Joe Russo’s Almost Dead at the Warner Theatre
- The Last Waltz at The Hamilton
- Geese at The Anthem
- Trey Anastasio at The Anthem
- AJ Lee and Blue Summit at Pearl Street Warehouse
- Orrin Evans Trio at Blues Alley
- A Drunk Christmas Carol at Sage Theatre
- Daniel Sloss at the Warner Theatre
Mamma Mia! at the National Theatre
Fri, Nov 13, 7:30 PM · National Theatre – DC · from $102
The ABBA jukebox musical follows a bride-to-be who invites three possible fathers to her wedding on a Greek island. It is built around sing-along hits, so expect a crowd that knows every chorus. Dress for a big, bright night out.
Madama Butterfly at DAR Constitution Hall
Fri, Nov 13, 7:00 PM · DAR Constitution Hall · from $76
Puccini’s tragedy of a young Japanese woman and an American naval officer is one of the most performed operas in the repertoire. Washington National Opera stages it in a historic hall, so it suits anyone who wants a full classical evening.
Joe Russo’s Almost Dead at the Warner Theatre
Fri, Nov 13, 8:00 PM · Warner Theatre – DC · from $53
Drummer Joe Russo leads a band that plays the catalogue of the Grateful Dead with improvisation at the centre. Shows like this stretch past the setlist, so the Warner’s seated room suits fans who like to listen closely.
The Last Waltz at The Hamilton
Fri, Nov 13, 8:00 PM · The Hamilton · from $71
The Band’s 1976 farewell concert, with guests including Dylan, Clapton and Joni Mitchell, is one of the defining rock documentaries. Seeing its music performed in a live room is a good pick for classic-rock fans.
Geese at The Anthem
Fri, Nov 13, 8:00 PM · The Anthem – D.C. · from $82
Geese are a Brooklyn rock band whose sprawling, restless albums have won them a loyal following among younger listeners. Their live shows are loud and loose, and the Anthem’s big floor suits that energy.
Trey Anastasio at The Anthem
Sat, Nov 14, 7:30 PM · The Anthem – D.C. · from $99
The Phish guitarist and songwriter has a long solo career that moves between jam, funk and folk. The Saturday show offers a different room and mood from the Geese gig at the same venue on Friday.
AJ Lee and Blue Summit at Pearl Street Warehouse
Fri, Nov 13, 8:00 PM · Pearl Street Warehouse · from $44
AJ Lee and Blue Summit play bluegrass-leaning country and folk with tight harmonies. Pearl Street is an intimate room, which makes it a good place for acoustic-leaning songwriting.
Orrin Evans Trio at Blues Alley
Fri, Nov 13, 7:00 PM · Blues Alley · from $79
Pianist Orrin Evans is a respected figure in modern jazz, and his trio work is known for its energy and hard swing. Blues Alley is one of Washington’s longest-running jazz clubs, so this is a classic night out for jazz listeners.
A Drunk Christmas Carol at Sage Theatre
Fri, Nov 13, 7:00 PM · Sage Theatre – DC · from $102
A comic riff on Dickens in which the cast performs under the influence of drink. It is a playful pick for anyone who wants a seasonal show with a loose, silly streak.
Daniel Sloss at the Warner Theatre
Sun, Nov 15, 4:00 PM · Warner Theatre – DC · from $33
Scottish comic Daniel Sloss is known for sharp, confessional stand-up that goes to dark places. The Sunday matinee at the Warner is a good option for a relaxed afternoon of comedy.
Check dates and times on the listing before you go, since several shows start at 7 or 8 p.m. Booking early is worth it for the opera and the Mamma Mia! weekend.
