As the temps start to decline around NoVA, it’s the perfect time to start taking your entertainment indoors. And what better way than taking in a show? Whether you want to catch your favorite singer or take in a holiday musical, these are the best performances coming to the region this month.
Dan Layus
11/4
Augustana’s frontman, Dan Layus, is going solo. The alternative band changed the game in the 2000s with hits like “Boston,” “Sweet and Low,” and “Steal Your Heart.” Now, Layus’ heartbreaking voice will captivate audiences at Jammin Java.
Justin Willman
11/6
Part comedian, part magician, and 100 percent entertaining, Justin Willman will soon be amazing audiences at the Kennedy Center. Best known for his Netflix series Magic for Humans, Willman excels at blending astonishing magic with rip-roaring comedy guaranteed to shock and delight.
Sistas the Musical
11/5–11/14
It’s all about family. Join a group of sisters who are unlocking the secrets of their grandmother and other Black women before her. Follow along as they trace the history of Black women through popular and powerful songs of the 20th century.
Chuck Prophet & The Mission Express
11/7
Prophet’s latest album, The Land That Time Forgot, is more than a country-inflected, folksy, bluesy collection of music. It has political ties, too, drawing on social issues and current events to get to the heart of what’s going on in our world today.
Kris Allen
11/12
The winner of American Idol’s eighth season is hitting the stage at Jammin Java with fresh singles like “Hallelujah! For Now” and favorites from his fifth album, Letting You In.
Mason Fall New Dances Concert
11/12 & 11/13
The George Mason University School of Dance stages a diversely choreographed show this fall, featuring talented students and rising stars in the program. Support the School of Dance as students demonstrate their excellence.
MasterChef Live!
11/13
Veterans of the hit culinary TV series MasterChef (and its sister show, MasterChef Junior) take the stage for head-to-head challenges and cooking demonstrations. May the best chef win.
La Bohème
11/13 & 11/14
Virginia Opera returns to the stage with Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème. Emotions run high in this timeless Italian tale as it follows a group of young Parisians who pursue lofty aspirations through their art.
Liz Longley
11/14
Taylor Swift who? Liz Longley is the next singer-songwriter to look out for. This indie-alternative crooner has a voice that will stop you cold; it’s been featured in the background of hit shows ABC’s Beauty & The Beast, Lifetime’s Army Wives, and MTV’s Scream.
Akram Khan Company: XENOS
11/18–11/20
In a solo performance, revolutionary choreographer Akram Khan will shift between the classic Indian dance form kathak and more contemporary styles. The story he tells is one of emotional breaking points and the chaos that stems from war. See his visceral performance at the Kennedy Center.
Paula Poundstone
11/19–11/21
One of stand-up comedy’s most iconic performers will hit the stage at The Birchmere this fall. Paula Poundstone has dabbled in stand-up, television, and radio shows, but no matter what she tries out, it’s probably going to be hilarious.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
11/23–12/5
Broadway is back with this Christmas classic. Sing along to timeless bops “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” at the National Theatre.
Leslie Odom Jr.
11/26 & 11/27
Don’t wait for it! Check out the legendary Leslie Odom Jr. at the Kennedy Center this November. The actor, singer, and songwriter is a Tony Award winner for his stunning performance as Aaron Burr in the award-winning musical Hamilton. Make sure you’re in the room where this show happens.
Lightwire Theater
11/28
With the arrival of A Very Electric Holiday, the season just got brighter. America’s Got Talent semifinalists Lightwire Theater are illuminating the stage at the George Mason Center for the Arts with electroluminescent puppets, live dancers, and incredible music. Watch them shine with this charming holiday story.
Feature image courtesy National Theatre
This story originally ran in our September issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
