Encore Stage & Studio’s shows are honored in DCMTA’s BEST of 2015!

BEST-OF-2015-200X200-PIXELS Hooray! 2015 was a fun season for us, and we’ve got great news to share!

Encore’s Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland and Hansel and Gretel are included in DCMetroTheaterArts Staff’s honorees for Best Children’s Theatre Productions in 2015! Check it out!

See below for the DCMTA reviews:

‘Cinderella’ at Encore Stage & Studio
By Julia L. Exline on January 13, 2015

From left to right: Queen (Erin Poplin), Cleopatra (Ana McMenamin), Brunhilda (Gracie Slye), Stepmother (Charlotte Maskelony), Cinderella (Malena Davis), Prince (Eric Ratliff).

Cinderella (Malena Davis) meets her Prince (Eric Ratliff) at the ball. Photo by Larry McClemons.

The Fairy Godmother (Zoe Rocchio) uses her magic to get Cinderella (Malena Davis) to the ball. Photo by Larry McClemons.

“The team of directors were able to encourage solid performances from the young cast and they work well together. For fans of the timeless classic, and for youngsters to see their peers pursuing their passions onstage, which I always encourage, Encore Stage & Studio’s production of Cinderella is worthy!”

‘Alice in Wonderland’ at Encore Stage & Studio
By Julia L. Exline on June 10, 2015

“Artistic Director Susan Alison Keady and Director Chuck Leonard lead a large group of aspiring young actors (over thirty!) in this production. With so much young energy to guide, this production must have proved to be a gargantuan feat, and as with every Encore Stage show I review, I left impressed.”

Alice is played by Brandi Moore.

Alice's new friends in Wonderland present her a gift. (From left to right: Brandi Moore Ashley Winegarden and Kara Fagerstrom.)

Alice (Brandi Moore) meets Tweedledee (Will Hemmingson II) and Tweedledum (Duncan Andrews)

‘Hansel & Gretel’ at Encore Stage & Studio
By Julia L. Exline on November 10, 2015

The Gingerbread Witch (Jessica Layton) welcomes the children to her gingerbread home.

Frick (Grace Gent)  and the Gingerbread Witch (Jessica Layton)  prepare gingerbread cookies.

Hansel (Henry Hubbard) and Gretel (Lynn Loftus) are protected by angels (Katie Nelson) in the Black Forest.

“Standout performances are those of Nicholas Boone, Kelly McArdle, and Miranda Tonsetic as the Bandersnatch family, a trio of greedy trolls who demand payment from whomever passes over their bridge. They light up the stage with their humorous energy, and Miranda, while amongst the youngest of the performers, has earned herself perhaps the most memorable performance. Katie Nelson also steals a scene as an Angel who plays a beautiful piece on the harp. There is some interesting movement in this production as well, shown in the modern dance movements of the goblins and the graceful, ballet-style movement of the Dew Princess, amongst others.

Encore Stage & Studio’s production of Hansel & Gretel is a fun option for everyone in the family. Support young, thriving actors…and watch them inspire your own children!”