Arlington — This fall, some of the D.C. theatre community’s top professionals are joining together to give back to the community by producing Hope Operas, which are five serialized shows that will run for five weeks. Each show will present a 10- to 15-minute episode ending in a cliffhanger. Audiences will vote for their favorite serial, and the most popular serial will get the most money for its charity. This year’s hook is that they’re all original musicals.
“Body Electric” is written by WSC Avant Bard company members Lynn Sharp Spears, Mundy Spear, along with Chris Spears and is being directed by WSC Avant Bard company member Kari Ginsburg with Lynn Sharp Spears. “Body Electric” benefits The Center for Self Discovery – Teens Run DC, a program that empowers at-risk youth to envision and work towards the achievement of personal goals.
“Davey Jones’ Locker” is a rocking update of the Legend of the Flying Dutchman, written by Andrew Baughman and directed by Melissa Baughman of Landless Theatre Company. “Davey Jones’ Locker” benefits The Veteran Artist Program, which was created for veterans not only to heal through art therapy but also to help them follow their artistic passions.
“Orpheus in Love” is a supernatural love story of second chances. This modern telling of the legend of Orpheus and Eurydice is written by Danny Pushkin, directed by Tasty Monster and artistic director Heather Bagnall Scheeler. “Orpheus in Love” benefits The Big Apple Clown Care Program, a community outreach program of The Big Apple Circus. Clown care "doctors" bring comic relief into the lives of pediatric patients. The clowns partner with hospital staff to not only relieve children's sadness, pain and anxiety but also to divert their attention during medical procedures.
“Vanilla Latte” is a badass barista and a mean mocha steamer. Watch as she takes on them uptight bitches, Cy-Vilian who plans world domination through WiFi. “Vanilla Latte” is written by Chris Griffin (formerly of Cherry Red Productions), with music by Christian Crowley of local world band Djesben and directed by Suzanne Richard, artistic director of Open Circle Theatre. This show benefits Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League, which builds, sustains and advocates for programs and services LGBTQ youth need as they grow into adulthood.
In “World Wrestling Organization Saturday Night Savage Uncut,” wrestling superstar Renegade Rogan faces off with Henry “the Herc” Hercules for bragging rights and a shiny belt in a no-holds-barred beatdown. This show benefits the USO which provides a home for U.S. troops overseas and keeps them connected to the families they left behind.
The Hope Operas open every Monday at 8 p.m., from Oct. 1 through Oct. 29 at the Comedy Spot, third floor Ballston Mall, 4238 Wilson Blvd. Tickets are $13 for each show or $50 for all five weeks. Visit www.facebook.com/HopeOperas.