MONDAY NIGHT AT THE NATIONAL
FALL 2008

SEP 22
MASTER SINGERS OF VIRGINIA
Performing a cappella, this classical chorus presents music evoking the Elizabethan era and modern day England. The composers, all 20th century, include luminaries Holst, Elgar, Stanford, Britten, Finzi, and Vaughan Williams. The texts, all from earlier centuries, include "Gloriana,” a salute to Queen Elizabeth I, with music by Britten, and Williams’ setting of Shakespeare songs.

SEP 29
BEAUTY AND THE BEAT
With original music and lyrics, PAULA ALPRIN AND FRIENDS present three Songs and Tales About Drums - With Drums. The title tale, Beauty and the Beat, concerns overcoming challenges through musical magic. E-Doctrine tells of failed engagements and promising encounters on a strange stormy night. In The Prince and the Piper a woman marches to the beat of her own drum as she endeavors to win a prince.

OCT 6
NEPALI DANCE: FROM KATHAK TO BOLLYWOOD
Enjoy the entrancing beauty of the last Shangri-la, as members of THE NEPAL DANCE SCHOOL - many festooned with hundreds of ankle bells - present the dances of Manjushree, the Nepalese God of Divine Wisdom, and Lakhe, King of Demons. The program also ranges from rustic village dancing to a glittery Bollywood finale which melds traditional Kathak choreography with classy disco.

OCT 20
SWIFT TO MY WOUNDED
The great American poet Walt Whitman lived and worked in Washington, DC from 1863 to 1873. In the Old Patent Building, six blocks east of the National Theatre, he cared for sick and injured Union soldiers during the Civil War. In a stirring performance by BILL LARGESS, Whitman comes to life through the poet's own Journals and poetry, dramatically adapted by E. Warren Perry, Jr.

OCT 27
CARNEGIE: ARTIST OF MYSTERY
What is real, what is not? You will wonder as you enjoy the dazzling Halloween illusions of this 21st Century Mystifier. Like Houdini and other great escape artists, CARNEGIE’s trials are real and often dangerous. They are called tests or challenges because there is no certainty as to the outcome as volunteers restrain him in ropes, chains and padlocks. Come and be astonished!

NOV 3
FROM OPERA TO BROADWAY: THERE’S A SONG IN MY HEART
Soprano NANCY PEERY MARRIOTT presents a concert of classical and popular music.

NOV 10
A LIFE OF MY OWN: MEETING ELEANOR ROOSEVELT
One of America’s most fascinating, loved and reviled First Ladies comes to life in a dazzling performance by LINDA KENYON, written by STEPHEN LAROCQUE and directed by Ed Starr of SENIOR’S THEATRE Theatre. Follow Eleanor’s evolution from uncertain young bride to an American woman of strong opinions and towering influence.

NOV 17
THE RAZORS
Enjoy classic rock, blues, country, and a few current hits from this Bethesda, MD based 5-piece band noted for musicianship and personality. Two alternating lead guitarists and tight three-part harmonies energize such favorites as Mystery Train, Blue Sky, Cinnamon Girl, Truckin, You May be Right, My Favorite Mistake, and many other strong songs not often covered by other bands.

NOV 24
JAPANESE CHORAL SOCIETY
Unexpected rhythms, poignant harmonies and delicate melodies ancient and new will be heard in this concert of choral music conducted by founder KIMIKO SHIMADA.  Reflecting the season will be songs including Autumn in My Village, and a song about red dragonflies, which potend the the onset of Fall for Japanese people.

DEC 1
THE DETERMINING FACTOR: SELECTIONS
Created by HELANIUS J. WILKINS, this fast-paced and intricately woven tour-da-force pulls no punches. Through arresting solos, duets and group vignettes, EDGEWORKS DANCE THEATER confronts the denial of homophobia and homosexuality in the Black community. From brutal honesty, harrowing struggle and introspection come uplifting, redeeming and entertaining conclusions.

DEC 8
HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING!
Joy to you and yours as the charismatic REV. NOLAN WILLIAMS and The New InSpiration Choir create a gloriously inspired, touching and elevating gospel celebration for the Christmas season. Forget the stress of the holidays and be energized as the Spirit moves, and you are swept away in the arresting insights of this glorious new music.

MONDAY NIGHT AT THE NATIONAL is made possible through the generous support of
THE MAX AND VICTORIA DREYFUS FOUNDATION and the Trustees of the National Theatre.
The National Theatre is deeply appreciative of this valued assistance.
The series is produced by Donn B. Murphy.
Todd Clark is the M.C. - Nick Hawkins is the Host-Usher.

© 2008 The National Theatre Corporation, a 501.c3 nonprofit institution managed by The Shubert Organization.