An all-new national tour is coming D.C.’s National Theatre on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 7:30pm which will bring fans a whole new way to experience their favorite box office hit Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. The Academy Award-winning film from Sony Pictures Animation will be accompanied by a live orchestra, band and turntables with a scratch DJ playing music from the score and soundtrack. Joining the tour is The Broadway Sinfonietta, an all-women and majority women-of-color orchestra. Emily Marshall will serve as the tour’s conductor.
Tickets will be available online at BroadwayAtTheNational.com with ticket prices start at $25.
The film’s music score was composed by Academy Award® nominee, multiple Golden Globe®-nominee and Emmy-winning composer Daniel Pemberton, known for his work on movies such as The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Oceans 8, Enola Holmes, The Bad Guys and Steve Jobs.
“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is one of my favorite scores I’ve ever written,” said Pemberton. “Utilizing a full orchestra, crazy electronics and unbelievable turntable scratching techniques amongst a million other things is so technically complex, I never thought we’d ever be able to actually reproduce it in a live setting; but somehow, we have. I am ridiculously excited for fans around the country to see their very first Spider-Verse concert later this year.”
The hip-hop infused film score contains original music showcasing elements of heroism, resilience and is complemented by song contributions from industry greats Post Malone, Lil Wayne, Jaden Smith and Nicki Minaj.
Set in New York City, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse introduces Brooklyn teen, Miles Morales, who after being bitten by a radioactive spider gains Spider-Man like powers. The film was directed by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman, screenplay by Phil Lord and Rothman with a story by Lord based on the Marvel Comics, and produced by Avi Arad, Amy Pascal, Lord, Christopher Miller, and Christina Steinberg. It features an accomplished and diverse cast including Shameik Moore (Miles Morales), Hailee Steinfeld (Gwen Stacy / Spider-Gwen), Jake Johnson (Peter B. Parker), Chris Pine (Peter Parker), and Mahershala Ali (Aaron Davis / Prowler). The film received widespread praise from critics for its groundbreaking visual style, characters, story, voice acting, and soundtrack. The highly anticipated sequel, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse had a theatrical debut June 2, 2023.
Taking over the National Mall Friday, September 29 through Sunday, October 1, the 2023 World Culture Festival is expected to be the largest gathering in the nation’s capital this year, featuring the largest stage area ever built on the historic National Park property.
Over 250,000 visitors from every corner of the globe are expected to travel to Washington, D.C. to be a part of the World Culture Festival. Today, organizers already report 184,513 registered attendees who will join in-person along with an estimated broadcast audience of over one billion worldwide. Registrants to date represent:
- 60% from the capital region
- 91% from the United States representing all 50 states
- 4% from India
- 5% from 121 other countries, including Canada, United Kingdom, Argentina, United Arab Emirates, Australia, Thailand and South Africa.
Free registration and full Festival information can be found at https://wcf.artofliving.org.
Program Schedule
*All schedules are subject to change
Friday, September 29
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Festival Village
- A one-mile stretch between 7th St and 14th St NW, featuring over 75 cultural pavilions, activities including fashion showcases, and 80+ food trucks serving international cuisines.
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Main Stage World Culture Festival Showcase
Saturday, September 30
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Festival Village
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Main Stage World Culture Festival Showcase
Sunday, October 1
8:00 am – 9:00 am: Yoga Festival
10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Festival Village
10:00 am – 1:00 pm: Main Stage World Culture Festival Showcase
Performances
An initial lineup was announced today including over 8,000 individual stage performers representing an array of human cultural art forms from around the globe. The program features all U.S.-based artists presenting music, dance, and performance art from diverse Native American and American immigrant cultures. Among them:
LOCAL
- The acclaimed Showtime Band from Howard University
- A melody performance from the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC
- Pulsating beats and infectious energy of Washington’s iconic go-go bands including Junkyard Band, DJ Cool and Bela Dona Band.
- Traditional Gospel Choir with 1,000 singers – a performance by musicians from church and university choirs of 1KVoiceChoir
- Native American dance by 100 artists representing various tribes from the region perform to the powerful beats of live drums and other traditional instruments
- Traditional Mongolian Dance & Music with 100 Dancers – A vibrant and energetic dance highlighting the heritage and nomadic traditions of Mongolia
- Indonesian Dance by 100 Artists – A “wonderland dance of Indonesia” representing the country’s five main islands
- Irish Step Dance with 100 Dancers – Lively Irish dancers in traditional dress showcasing the rich traditions of the Emerald Isle
- Bolivian Folk Dance with 200 Dancers – Vibrant folk dancers of Bolivia present 4 kinds of traditional dances
- Nepalese dance with 150 artists in vibrant costumes, representing the spiritual traditions of Nepal
NATIONAL
- Global Guitar Ensemble with 1,000 guitarists playing popular sing-along classics with renowned lead guitarists, including Grammy-award winner Micki Free.
- Rhythms of reggae with Skip Marley, grandson of the legendary Bob Marley, and dancers representing the cultures of the Caribbean islands.
- One World Family Invocation – A 200-artists choir with Grammy nominated artist Chandrika Tandon
- Pop influencer Jini June performing alongside 200 children, spreading a message of harmony in song
- Amadou Kouyate and his djembe and kora orchestra, accompanied by 200 African dancers
- Kurtis Blow and other hip hop legends accompanied by 200 breakdancers, MCs, DJs and graffiti artists
- 10,000 Garba Dancers – representing a traditional folk dance of western India circle the National Mall in a spirit of celebration.
- Traditional Afghan Music & Sufi Whirling with 150 Artists – 130 musicians playing traditional instruments and singing captivating melodies along with 20 whirling dervishes
- Indian Classical Dance & Classical Symphony with 1000 Artists – Symphony of 300 instrumentalists including sitar, veena, tabla, mridangam, flute, ghatam and violin, plus 700 dancers performing a variety of classical Indian dance styles
- Latin American Dance Fusion with 200 Artists – Vibrant folk dancers representing the unique traditions of Colombia, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela
- Chinese Cultural Choir & Dance with 1,000 Artists – Chinese classical choir, classical dancers, dragons, & kung-fu in a fusion of music & movement
- Bulgarian Folk Dance by 300 Artists – 300 artists dance to the soul-stirring melodies of Bulgarian singers
- Ukrainian Dance by 200 Dancers and Choir – Exhilarating acrobatics and vibrant footwork of the hopak, a traditional Ukrainian dance
Activations
- The largest ever yoga event to take place on the National Mall, with over 2,000 instructors from various schools of yoga demonstrating a flow to more than 25,000 yoga enthusiasts. The event will be followed by a meditation led by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
- Over 80 food trucks will serve culturally expressive food and beverages from around the world. Some of the cuisines include Middle Eastern (Koshary Corner), French (Taste of Montreal), Latin-American (Arepa Zone), South Asian (Rangoli), Vegan/Plant Based (Soultarian), Indonesian (Sambal), Caribbean (Patty Party), West African (Kuks Tribute), Italian (Ciao Roma), Mexican (Mexicocina), Thai (Thai Pinto), British (Salt Pot Kitchen).
The Big Broadcast Presents: War of the Worlds 85th Anniversary Listening Party
What: WAMU and The Big Broadcast are hosting an in-person listening party of Orson Welles’s acclaimed “War of the Worlds” production with The Mercury Theater of the Air, to mark the 85th anniversary of the original 1938 broadcast. We are inviting fans and their families to cozy up by Ed Walker’s restored 1932 RCA radio to hear Welles’s thrilling masterpiece, the way it was meant to be heard. This exclusive event promises to be a wonderful evening for the entire family – and kicks off an upcoming series of fun family events at the WAMU studios.
Who: Tony Award winner Murray Horwitz, host of The Big Broadcast, will be emceeing this event. Prior to the listening party, Murray will be holding a meet and greet for a small group of WAMU listeners.
Why: With the Halloween season approaching, what more perfect time to host a listening party of “War of the Worlds”? If you’re looking for something to do to kick off the Halloween weekend for you and your kids, look no further!
Who should attend: This event is designed specifically for the whole family. The event will also feature Halloween themes activities for all ages.
When: Listen to this terrifying classic – no screens, just screams on Friday, October 27 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: WAMU Black Box Theater and Community Room; 4401 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008. Street parking is available. Metro accessible via the Red Line (Van Ness).
Barbie Truck Dreamhouse Living Tour
Saturday, October 28
11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Tysons Corner Center Plaza
Barbie is living the dream and cruising to Tysons Corner Center! Come check out the new Dreamhouse Living Tour with exclusive merch only available on the Barbie Truck Tour
On November 1, 2, and 3, join us as Picnic Theatre Company returns to Dupont Underground with an original parody of the Day The Earth Stood Still! In this celebrated 1950s classic, a UFO lands in Washington DC on the National Mall, with a message and an ultimatum for the White House and for the people of Earth that forces the world to wrestle with the most profound existential choice possible. Picnic Theatre Company imagines what happens the day after, as superpowers and developing nations, corporations, activists, and religious movements fight to determine the Earth’s response. How will they react? Vote for the ending of the play – the audience chooses the fate of humanity!
Enjoy this historic urban landmark and cultural space at 19 Dupont Circle NW. 6pm cocktails, 7pm performance (90 minutes)
TICKETS ($20):
Wed, Nov. 1: https://dupontunderground.org/
Thurs, Nov 2: https://dupontunderground.org/
Fri, Nov 3: https://dupontunderground.org/
[Proceeds benefit the preservation of Dupont Underground]
A Picnic Theatre Company Parody
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Dupont Underground
19 Dupont Circle NW, Washington DC
Wednesday November 1
Thursday November 2
Friday November 3
6pm Cocktails
7pm Performance
Written and Directed by Steve Rochlin
Cast:
Sara Cook * Nova Daly * Ali Dukakis * Chris Fowler * Robert Gerber * Chaitan Jain * Emily Lenzner * Alexa Newlin * Daniela McInerney * Antonio Olivo * Kevin Rooney * Edward Roman * Adam Ruben * Christina Sevilla * Hugo Verges * David White
Whitman-Walker 37th Annual Walk To End HIV & Open House of New Max Robinson Center
Saturday, October 21, 2023
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Gateway DC Pavilion
2700 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE
Washington, DC 20032
The Walk to End HIV is more than just a fundraiser at Whitman-Walker. The Walk symbolizes our continued efforts to find a cure for HIV and to stop the stigma surrounding HIV. This fight will take the entire community’s support and commitment.
This year’s walk attendees will also be able to take a tour of our brand-new Max Robinson Center. Named for acclaimed TV anchor Max Robinson, our new Max Robinson Center will be a healthcare home and state of the art research center where we will be able to serve an additional 10,000 patients per year. The New Max will bring much needed health and wellness services to the residents of DC and we’re so excited to share it with you. LINK
On November 1, 2, and 3, join us as Picnic Theatre Company returns to Dupont Underground with an original parody of the Day The Earth Stood Still! In this celebrated 1950s classic, a UFO lands in Washington DC on the National Mall, with a message and an ultimatum for the White House and for the people of Earth that forces the world to wrestle with the most profound existential choice possible. Picnic Theatre Company imagines what happens the day after, as superpowers and developing nations, corporations, activists, and religious movements fight to determine the Earth’s response. How will they react? Vote for the ending of the play – the audience chooses the fate of humanity!
Enjoy this historic urban landmark and cultural space at 19 Dupont Circle NW. 6pm cocktails, 7pm performance (90 minutes)
TICKETS ($20):
Wed, Nov. 1: https://dupontunderground.org/
Thurs, Nov 2: https://dupontunderground.org/
Fri, Nov 3: https://dupontunderground.org/
[Proceeds benefit the preservation of Dupont Underground]
A Picnic Theatre Company Parody
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Dupont Underground
19 Dupont Circle NW, Washington DC
Wednesday November 1
Thursday November 2
Friday November 3
6pm Cocktails
7pm Performance
Written and Directed by Steve Rochlin
Cast:
Sara Cook * Nova Daly * Ali Dukakis * Chris Fowler * Robert Gerber * Chaitan Jain * Emily Lenzner * Alexa Newlin * Daniela McInerney * Antonio Olivo * Kevin Rooney * Edward Roman * Adam Ruben * Christina Sevilla * Hugo Verges * David White
On November 1, 2, and 3, join us as Picnic Theatre Company returns to Dupont Underground with an original parody of the Day The Earth Stood Still! In this celebrated 1950s classic, a UFO lands in Washington DC on the National Mall, with a message and an ultimatum for the White House and for the people of Earth that forces the world to wrestle with the most profound existential choice possible. Picnic Theatre Company imagines what happens the day after, as superpowers and developing nations, corporations, activists, and religious movements fight to determine the Earth’s response. How will they react? Vote for the ending of the play – the audience chooses the fate of humanity!
Enjoy this historic urban landmark and cultural space at 19 Dupont Circle NW. 6pm cocktails, 7pm performance (90 minutes)
TICKETS ($20):
Wed, Nov. 1: https://dupontunderground.org/
Thurs, Nov 2: https://dupontunderground.org/
Fri, Nov 3: https://dupontunderground.org/
[Proceeds benefit the preservation of Dupont Underground]
A Picnic Theatre Company Parody
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Dupont Underground
19 Dupont Circle NW, Washington DC
Wednesday November 1
Thursday November 2
Friday November 3
6pm Cocktails
7pm Performance
Written and Directed by Steve Rochlin
Cast:
Sara Cook * Nova Daly * Ali Dukakis * Chris Fowler * Robert Gerber * Chaitan Jain * Emily Lenzner * Alexa Newlin * Daniela McInerney * Antonio Olivo * Kevin Rooney * Edward Roman * Adam Ruben * Christina Sevilla * Hugo Verges * David White
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2–3, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
National Mall
Make your holiday shopping special and support more than 30 award-winning Indigenous artists. Visit the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., and enjoy the museum’s annual Native Art Market.
This weekend event invites lovers of art and craftsmanship to meet Indigenous artists and learn about traditional arts and contemporary Native creativity. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to purchase handcrafted artworks, including beadwork, jewelry, paintings, photography, pottery, and sculpture.
Enjoy an electrifying performance by QVLN playing his own brand of dynamic world music on his blue violin. Throughout the day, DJ Sunny Z soundtracks your shopping spree.
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2–3, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
National Mall
Make your holiday shopping special and support more than 30 award-winning Indigenous artists. Visit the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., and enjoy the museum’s annual Native Art Market.
This weekend event invites lovers of art and craftsmanship to meet Indigenous artists and learn about traditional arts and contemporary Native creativity. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to purchase handcrafted artworks, including beadwork, jewelry, paintings, photography, pottery, and sculpture.
Enjoy an electrifying performance by QVLN playing his own brand of dynamic world music on his blue violin. Throughout the day, DJ Sunny Z soundtracks your shopping spree.
