MONDAY NIGHT AT THE NATIONAL SCHEDULE - WINTER-SPRING 2007

FREE PERFORMANCES! - 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm, in the Helen Hayes Gallery.
Information available at 202-783-3372. - Seating is limited!! Tickets are Required, and are Distributed without charge one Half-Hour Prior to Performance, on a First-Come First-Served policy. This weekly showcase in the Fall, Winter and Spring, features local performers, and provides free quality live entertainment to the Greater Washington Area community. Original plays, singers, musical ensembles, dance, drama and comedy are on the bill.

FEB 5
SONGS FROM SHAKESPEARE’S MERRIE OLDE ENGLAND
Travel back through time to the taverns and theatres of London’s Bankside! LARKSONG pleasures us with songs like those which the Bard himself might have heard in the precincts where his plays were first performed. These authentically-costumed singers create an evening of seductively sweet sentiment and sly, rollicking merriment.

FEB 26
AFRICAN HERITAGE DANCERS & DRUMMERS
The ancestors of many Washingtonians came from Africa more than 400 years ago, some voluntarily as explorers and visitors, but the majority as slaves. All are remembered and revered, as MELVIN DEAL’S company, wearing traditional costumes, honors that noble ancestry in jubilant and touching dance, and spine-tingling drumming.

MAR 5
MUNDAYNITE LIVE!
Words leap to life as MUNDAYNITE takes us on a journey of love and living. His soulful observations and stunning visions are expressed in arresting original poetry and improvisations. This unique, multi-talented poet-actor-singer melds old school culture with hip-hop savvy -- and audience members participate. DJ MIKE WALLS adds music and sound effects.

MAR 12
STUPID FRAILTY
Relish a distinctly Washingtonian story of ruthless ambition and the treacherous world of Internet dating. After a near-fatal car crash, 40-something Maggie determines to capture DC’S "most delicious" man. Playwright LAURA ZAM, plays all the roles in Maggie’s poignant but outrageously funny encounters with death, cyber-poseurs and hairless backs. ** Parental guidance suggested for children under 13 years.

MAR 19
QUEEN ELIZABETH TUDOR I OF ENGLAND, SHAKESPEARE’S QUEEN
As Her Majesty, MARY ANN JUNG leads her audience of loyal subjects on a royal romp through the less serious aspects of regal entertainment. She chats delightfully on banquet menus, courtly games, suitable attire and proper castle manners. Gloriana will instruct us in the proper ways to bow, curtsey, and execute her favorite dance: a mean French Galliard!

MAR 26
SING OUT!
Talented young men and women from units around the world come to Washington for the annual U.S. ARMY SOLDIER SHOW. Enjoy a special “behind the scenes preview” of some of the high-octane musical numbers being readied for the 2007 version, which is preparing to embark on a five-month round-the-world tour. Special arrangements and smart choreography add sizzling pizzazz.

APR 2
SHAKESPEARE'S BIRTHDAY FESTIVAL
In the person of Thomas Tallis, Court Musician to Elizabeth I, GARY SCHWARTZ introduces a cast of noble performers to celebrate the upcoming Natal Day of the world’s greatest dramatist. From the lordly sublime to the lowly raucous, talented festival entertainers go all-out to toast the Bard of Avon, and to entertain you, the birthday guests! Feel free to come in regal or peasant garb!

APR 9
KALANIDHI DANCE COMPANY
The gripping drama of Hindu mythology comes to life through the shimmering grace and beauty of the Kalanidhi dancers, leading practitioners of one of India's ancient art forms. These captivating artists connect with diverse audiences around the world through Kuchipudi, a dance style from Andhra Pradesh which is characterized by rapid rhythms and mesmerizing movements.

APR 16
SPENCER “SPINNY” JOHNSON TAKES THE BALL!
“March Madness” is over, and our favorite two-time All-American basketball star, renowned for high scores and trick-shot artistry, is back in town. SPINNY dazzles with a dynamic display of digital dexterity, and invites the audience to join in on the ball-handling! Behind the non-stop fast-action tricks and laughs are some inspiring lessons and observations on life.