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Return outdoors with over 25 summer programs to be held on the newly renovated Root Family Stage at Omi's Pavilion, this summer from July 7 - September 3, 2023.
From the opening weekend Applause Series performance of West Side Story to the closing concert featuring the legendary Chita Rivera, this promises to be our biggest summer ever.
Scroll down for the complete schedule. Visit our page of Frequently Asked Questions for more info about seating, food, weather contingencies, and other questions.
Newly renovated Root Family Stage at Omi's Pavilion
Schedule
All programs begin at 8:00 pm on the Root Family Stage at Omi’s Pavilion, except where noted. Programs take place rain or shine but may be moved indoors in the instance of heavy or sustained rain and/or lightning.
CLOSING WEEKEND
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Thursday, August 31, 8:00 PM: Rhapsody in Blue and other Gershwin with Company E Dance
A multi-disciplinary feast from the internationally renowned company
Featured performers: Tobias Young, Donna Migliaccio, Crystal Freeman
Company E: Philip Baraoidan, Ryan Carlough, Jacqueline Calle, Tara Ashely Compton, AJ Guevara, JaMyra LaSalle, Horizon Miguel, Kathryn Sydell PilkingtonFriday, September 1, 8:00 PM: Local Comedy Night
Spend a “stand-up” night with some of the DMV’s best comedians including headliner Robert Mac, Patrice DeVeaux, James Lawson, and Glen Tickle.Saturday, September 2: SUMMERFEST
Our annual open house with tons of free events, giveaways, and backstage tours.Saturday, September 2, 8:00 PM: Sounds of ABBA Tribute
One last taste of summer.
Featured performers: Derrick Truby, Vincent Kempski (Kinky Boots), Tracy Olivera, Sarah Anne SillersSunday, September 3, 8:00 PM: Chita Rivera: The Rhythm of My Life
Come celebrate the one and only Chita Rivera! The incomparable Tony Award winner will recreate signature moments from her legendary career from West Side Story, Sweet Charity and Bye Bye Birdie to Chicago, Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Visit, and more. In addition to a tribute to her dear friends John Kander & Fred Ebb, the timeless music of Leonard Bernstein, Charles Strouse & Lee Adams, Jerry Herman and Stephen Sondheim will also be featured, accompanied by her long-time trio and special guests. With credits, honors, and awards too numerous to mention, Ms. Rivera belongs in the first tier of American musical theatre legends. Her performance will be a can’t-miss opportunity to say “you were there” as Olney adds her appearance to our storied history, which places her in the company of Helen Hayes, Carol Channing, Olivia de Havilland, and Tallulah Bankhead.
Just Arts
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Saturday, September 9
More details to come about our annual tribute to the intersection of Arts and Social Justice.
Seating
For most events, seating for Olney Outdoors is purchased by section. Those sections include:
- Chair - Olney Theatre-provided chairs in front of the stage
- Bleacher - Metal bleachers further back -- what they lack in back-support, make up for in sightlines. Plus we'll lend you a free seat cushion.
- Lawn - Areas for blankets and low-profile chairs. Sightlines may be obscured.
Seating within sections is general admission. So arrive early to save your seat. Door open 2 hours prior to showtime.
FAQS
Q: What happens if it rains?
A: Because the stage is covered, we can perform rain or shine. If there is light rain or occasional showers in the forecast, performances will proceed outdoors, so dress appropriately for the elements. However, if there is an expectation of prolonged foul weather, and/or lightning, then for the safety of our audiences and performers, events may be moved inside to the 1938 Original Theatre. In the event of a venue change, we will post a notice on the website after 2:00 pm on the day of the show and post signage when you arrive directing you to the indoor venue. Refunds will not be provided because of weather or a change of venue.
Q: Do I need to bring my own chair?
A: Unless you purchased a "Lawn" ticket you should not bring a chair with you. Those in the Lawn section are invited to bring blankets and low-profile chairs.
Q: Do you have wheelchair-accessible seating?
A: The seated section of the Root Family Stage is on grass and may be difficult for those in a wheelchair to navigate. There is a paved area that is designated for wheelchairs. Please ask a house manager to direct you when you arrive.
Q: Can I bring my own wine, beer, or liquor?
A: No. Outside alcoholic beverages are prohibited. A variety of drinks are available for purchase.
Q: Can I bring my own food and picnic before the show?
A: Yes. Doors open at 6:00 pm for most performances.
Q: Do you sell pre-show meals?
A: We do not. However, we are planning to have food trucks on-site for Friday night performances. Many of our local restaurants would be more than happy to prepare a to-go meal for you.
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Unfortunately, no, with the exception of properly trained and outfitted service animals.
Past Events
Here's what you missed.
Grand Opening Week of the Root Family Stage at Omi’s Pavilion
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Since last summer, we’ve completely rebuilt the Root Family Stage at Omi’s Pavilion, and to break it in, we’re kicking off Olney Outdoors with a week of favorites.
Friday, July 7, 8:00 PM: Concert: Better Off Dead
One of the mid-Atlantic’s most popular Grateful Dead tribute bands, local to Maryland, Better Off Dead will get you feeling good and groovy! Featuring Maryland and DC musicians, Better Off Dead has performed in some of the East Coast’s most beloved venues and their performance on the new Root Family Stage at Omi’s Pavilion at Olney Theatre will be epic! Note: There will be space in front of the chairs section for dancing.Special: Wi Jammin Catering and Kona Ice will be there Friday night to help keep you full and cool!
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Saturday & Sunday, July 8 & 9, 7:30 PM: Applause Series: West Side Story
What better way to kick off the new Root Family Stage at Omi's Pavilion than with a concert version of one of America’s most beloved musicals? Maestro Christopher Youstra conducts a 20-piece orchestra that celebrates Leonard Bernstein's timeless score. The cast includes Harris Milgrim (The World Goes 'Round) as Tony, Laura Virella as Maria, Natascia Diaz (In The Heights) as Anita, and a special appearance by Tracy Olivera (Beauty and the Beast).
Welcome to the 50s
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Put on your poodle skirt or skinny tie and meet us outside for these 1950s-inspired programs.
Friday, July 14, 8:00 PM: Cabaret: Great Women of Jazz: Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, and Anita O’Day
A musical tribute to the matriarchs of jazz vocals.
Featured performers: Anitra McKinney, Awa Sal Secka, Karen Vincent (The World Goes 'Round)Saturday, July 15, 10:00 AM: Disney's Cinderella (1950) Sing-A-Long
Transform your pumpkins, dust off your glass slippers, and bring the family to the 1950 beloved classic Disney’s Cinderella! Consisting of such classics as “So This is Love” and “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo”, we invite all to come out and enjoy what makes Disney Animation so special.Saturday, July 15, 8:00 PM: One-Name Cabaret: Sounds of Judy
Garland to be specific.
Featured performers: Donna Migliaccio (Cabaret), Tracy Olivera (Disney's Beauty and the Beast), and Sarah Anne Sillers (Kinky Boots).Sunday, July 16, 8:30 PM: Pay-What-You-Want Movie: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
A doctor discovers that alien spores are invading a California town, creating humanoid replicas of the town's inhabitants. Who is real and who is a replica? Will humanity survive?
Welcome to the 60s
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One of the best decades for music in American history.
Thursday, July 20, 8:00 PM: 60s Drag Divas
Ersatz Barbras, Dianas, Janises, and more.
Featuring: Evon Michelle Dior, Jersey Lavish, Betty O'Hellno, Sapphire Dupree, Alicia Kelly, and Pariah SinclairFriday, July 21, 8:00 PM: Cabaret: Motown Celebration
The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, and that’s just the bands that begin with “The”
Featured performers: Crystal Freeman, Awa Sal Secka, Anitra McKinney, Solomon Parker III (Kinky Boots), Derrick Truby, Ian Coleman, Jay Frisby (The Most Wonderful Time of the Year)Special: Kona Ice will be there Friday night to help keep you cool!
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Saturday, July 22, 8:00 PM: One-Name Cabaret: Sounds of Barbra
Streisand. Not that you needed to ask.
Featured performers: Tracy Olivera, Sarah Anne SillersSunday, July 23, 8:30 PM: Pay-What-You-Want Movie: Psycho (1960)
The disappearance of Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), leads a private investigator (Martin Balsam), Marion's lover Sam Loomis (John Gavin), and her sister Lila (Vera Miles) to the doorstep of the Bates Motel, run by proprietor Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins). Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, this horror classic, based on the 1959 novel, is showered with iconic moments that helped shape the thriller genre.
Welcome to the 70s
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Disco. Country divas. Mega-Musicals.
Thursday, July 27, 8:00 PM: Sounds of (Donna) Summer
Disco Dancing Event with Live Performances
Featured performers: Crystal Freeman, Awa Sal Secka, Tracy OliveraFriday, July 28, 8:00 PM: Cabaret: 70s Country
A tribute to Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Tammy Wynette, Conway Twitty and more
Featured performers: Anitra McKinney, Kylie Smith, Donna Migliaccio, Jimmy MavrikesSpecial: Kona Ice will be there Friday night to help keep you cool!
Saturday, July 29, 8:00 PM: Cabaret: Andrew Lloyd Webber Celebration
Joseph, Evita, Cats and more!
Featured performers: Chani Wereley (A.D. 16), Katie Mariko Murray, Ryan BurkeSunday, July 30, 8:30 PM: Pay-What-You-Want Movie Star Wars: A New Hope
Witness the start of the biggest franchise in film history. Set a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, the Empire reigns supreme, bringing fear and terror to all corners of the galaxy. Our only hope is a young boy from the sand planet Tatooine named Luke Skywalker, who must explore his destiny and face his family’s legacy.
Welcome to the 80s
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Big hair, big riffs, big voices.
Thursday, August 10, 8:00 PM: Cabaret: 80s Rock
From Pop to Hair Metal to Indies
Featured performers: Anitra McKinney, Kylie Smith, Jimmy Mavrikes, Ben ClarkFriday, August 11, 8:00 PM: One-Name Cabaret: Sounds of Whitney
Wanna dance with somebody?
Featured performers: Crystal Freeman and Awa Sal Secka -
Saturday, August 12, 8:00 PM: MisX2 - A Salute to Les Mis and Miss Saigon
Celebrating Alain Boubil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, the creators of Les Misérables and Miss Saigon
Featured performers: Chani Wereley, Donna Migliaccio, Ryan BurkeSunday, August 13, 8:30 PM: Pay-What-You-Want Movie: The Breakfast Club
Five high school students from different walks of life endure Saturday detention from a power-hungry principal. This 1985 John Hughes classic is considered the “coming of age story” of the generation and was the vehicle for Emilio Esteves, Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, and many more!
Welcome to the 90s
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When your phone was just a phone.
Thursday, August 17, 8:00 PM: 90s Drag Divas
Madonna, Whitney, Janet, Cher, MariahFriday, August 18, 8:00 PM: Cabaret: Sounds of Boy Bands
A tribute to Backstreet Boys, NSYNC and BoyzIIMen, 98 Degrees
Featured performers: Jimmy Mavrikes, Derrick Truby, Jay Frisby, Ryan BurkeWi Jammin Catering will be onsite serving up Jamaican food to keep you dancing
Saturday, August 19, 10:00 AM & 12:00 PM in the 1938 Original Theatre: 90s Disney Sing Along
Bring the kids indoors to the 1938 Original Theatre to sing along to some of the best songs to come out of the Disney Renaissance.Saturday, August 19, 8:00 PM: Cabaret: Sounds of Girl Groups
Arguably an unmatched era for girl groups like TLC, En Vogue, Destiny’s Child, Salt-n-Pepa, and even the Spice Girls.
Featured performers: Kylie Smith, Katie Mariko Murray, Chani WereleySunday, August 20, 8:30 PM: Pay-What-You-Want Movie: Silence of the Lambs
F.B.I Agent Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) seeks the help of an incarcerated cannibal, Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Sir Anthony Hopkins), to catch a kidnapper. This 1991 classic was adapted from the 1988 Thomas Harris novel and received 5 Academy Awards.
All-Access Membership
The All-Access pass for the summer is sold out.
If more than one or two events sound exciting, then you should consider purchasing our All-Access Membership. For only $99 you can see everything Olney Theatre produces and presents, including Mainstage performances from July 1 - September 30*.
Available for singles, couples, and households!
(*The only event not included in the All-Access Membership is Chita Rivera: The Rhythm of My Life. However, All-Access Members can purchase this event for themselves only at 1/2 price.)
Sponsors
Olney Outdoors
July 7 - September 3 2023
