Theatre Lab's Summer Teen Programs Present CAROUSEL

The Theatre Lab, in partnership with Theater J, presents columbinus at Theater J on August 19 as it concludes its 2016 Summer Acting Institute for Teens. That same weekend, The Theatre Lab's Musical Theatre Institute for Teens will open its second production of the summer, the classic musical Carousel, with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.Carousel runs August 18-20 at The Theatre Lab.

The production of columbinus is directed by Randy Baker, co-artistic director of Rorschach Theatre. The story takes its title from the 1999 mass shooting at a high school in Colorado. Continuing a tradition of challenging actors and audience alike, the show is a combination of verbatim theatre (created from the words of people involved in the tragedy) and original dramatic work. It presents the perspectives of students, teachers, parents, and the shooters themselves. This performance wraps up the Summer Acting Institute, which immerses teens for a month in the art of acting, and gives them a chance to perform on the stage of Theater J, one of the top theatrical venues in Washington, DC.

Carousel, one of the first works created by the legendary Rodgers & Hammerstein duo, tells the story of a young mill worker who falls in love with an impulsive, sometimes violent carousel barker, Carousel is a complex story of love, loss and redemption featuring some of musical theatre's most memorable songs. Directed by Caroline Angell, with musical direction by Joshua Coyne, Carousel is the second of two musicals - Jesus Christ Superstar was produced earlier this summer - in this year's Musical Theatre Institute for Teens, which challenges young artists while providing a supportive environment.

Both shows contain mature themes and language that may not be suitable for children.

columbinus has one performance, August 19 at 7:30 pm at Theater J (1529 16th Street, NW, entrance on Q Street). Carousel will run for one weekend, August 18-20, with performances at 7:30 pm and one matinee August 20 at 2 pm at The Theatre Lab. Tickets for both shows are $15 for adults, $10 for students. The Theatre Lab is located at 733 8th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001. Information and tickets can be found online at www.theatrelab.org or by calling (202) 824-0449.