Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company Presents DC Premiere of ARIAS WITH A TWIST, 4/4-5/6

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company will present the DC premiere of Arias with a Twist created by "drag chanteuse extraordinaire" Joey Arias (performer) and master puppeteer Basil Twist (director). Arias with a Twist will run April 4–May 6, Tuesdays–Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 8pm and 10:30pm, and Sundays at 7pm.

Arias with a Twist was created in 2008, and marked Joey Arias' return to New York after his six year stint as the emcee "Mistress of Seduction" in the Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil production Zumanity. Arias with a Twist features 'The Dream Music Orchestra,' a collection of antique hand carved wooden puppets that depict famous big band instrumentalists. These puppets were created for Twist's grandfather Griff Williams during the golden age of big band in 1930's Chicago.

Originally performed in a tiny basement space in New York at HERE Arts Center in 2008, the critically acclaimed production extended twice before touring nationally and internationally for three years. In 2011 Arias with a Twist returned to New York, adding in some "deluxe" touches for the larger Abrons Arts Center. Arias with a Twist was nominated for a 2009 Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience and is the subject of the film Arias with a Twist: The Docufantasy.

Joey Arias has been featured recently in DC at SpeakEasy at L'Enfant Café. This classic cabaret and supper club event takes place on select Sundays every month featuring New York's finest legendary entertainers and drag artists. For more information visit lenfantcafe.com.

DC-area arts organizations have joined forces to create a festival of Basil Twist works: the first time four of his works will be presented in one city in a close repertory with collaborating organizations. The festival runs from March 16–April 6 with productions of Petrushka at Shakespeare Theatre Company, Symphonie Fantastique at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Arias with a Twist at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, and Dogugaeshi at The Studio Theatre.

Arias with a Twist will feature lighting design by Aayumu "Poe" Saegusa, sound design by Greg Duffin, and projection design by Daniel Brodie. Internationally renowned fashion designer Manfred Thierry Mugler, who has worked with Beyoncé and Lady Gaga, serves as artistic advisor and costume designer.

For more information, visit www.woollymammoth.net.

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