Back to Methuselah presented by Washington Stage Guild at Undercroft Theatre

Back to Methuselah

Undercroft Theatre
900 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington

George Bernard Shaw's magnum opus, Back to Methuselah is a comedic look at the history of humanity, from the Garden of Eden to 30,000 years into the future. One of the first works of science fiction ever put on stage, this monumental cycle of plays is rarely performed due to its size. In anticipation of the Washington Stage Guild's 30th anniversary, the company is mounting a multi-year cycle of each of the plays. This first production stages two chapters, In the Beginning, which takes place in the Garden, where Adam and Eve lament their immortality, and The Gospel of the Brothers Barnabas, a present day tale in which two brothers discuss the need to increase the human lifespan if civilizations are to function. Sparkling with Shaw's trademark wit and satirical touch, this fantastical examination of humanity's failings is as vital as ever.

Presented by Washington Stage Guild

Thru - Mar 22, 2014

Thursdays: 7:30pm

Fridays: 8:00pm

Saturdays: 2:30pm & 8:00pm

Sundays: 2:30pm

Price: $25 - $50

Show Type: Comedy/Drama

Running Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes with 1 intermission

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Back to Methuselah Reviews

Average Rating based on 5 reviews

Highly Recommended
Recommended
Somewhat Recommended
Not Recommended

Washington Post - Recommended

"...Even so, the project is a big push for the troupe and pure protein for a niche audience with long attention spans. The rarely staged “Methuselah” is Shaw in a soaring philosophical mode; it’s a five-part cycle so extensive that this 2 1/2-hour show only gets through the first two acts."

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- Nelson Pressley

DC Theater Arts - Highly Recommended

"...If imagination is the beginning of creation, imagine a world where human beings could choose the length of their lives, creating for themselves an eternity of knowledge and power. Would you choose to live forever? Or would the notion of living forever, an immortal existence overwhelm the mind and force the imagination to create death? In George Bernard Shaw’s rarely done epic play, Back to Methuselah, Washington Stage Guild (WSG) explores these notions in a riveting and compelling stroke of drama. Broken into three parts and performed over a series of three seasons, WSG has undertaken a massive project with the production of this seldom produced Shavian epic. A strikingly intriguing piece of theatrical history that will unfold in Washington over the next three years, this is an extremely rare chance to witness the production of the play in its entirety."

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- Amanda Gunther

ShowBizRadio - Recommended

"...In undertaking George Bernard Shaw’s massive five-part “Metabiological Pentateuch” Back to Methuselah, Washington Stage Guild (WSG) joins a handful of theaters that have attempted the marathon task over the years. For anyone fond of Shaw, or, for that matter, anyone who delights in the witty and thoughtful interplay of words and ideas on stage, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Currently, WSG is presenting parts 1 and 2 of the cycle; the other parts will be presented over the next two seasons."

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- Bob Ashby

MD Theatre Guide - Recommended

"...Vincent Clark and Conrad Feininger excel in these roles, as puffed up politicians who try to figure how this fantastical idea would best serve their needs. Laura Giannarelli, playing the woman who helped cook up the idea with her brother played by Michael Avolio, is quite formidable, enough that she's playing a traditional male role (the segment is originally called "the Brothers Barnabas" ). Nora Palka adds a spark of necessary youth to the cast, and Brit Herring plays a clergyman with surprisingly little interest in human longevity."

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- Roger Catlin

DCTheatreScene - Recommended

Shaw’s famous satirical wit is on full display, particularly when it comes to the politicians, but there’s something else at play here – helped along by the deeply engaged yet unfussy performances of the entire cast – that suggests the silliness of these proceedings is quite welcome. The deft hand of director Largess undoubtedly is responsible for the contradictory tightrope act, for this is simultaneously one of the silliest and most deeply serious shows you may ever see.

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- Brett Steven Abelman

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Back to Methuselah presented by Washington Stage Guild at Undercroft Theatre