Strategic Love Play Makes DC Premiere at Signature Theatre

Signature Theatre is set to deliver a biting exploration of modern romance with the DC premiere of "Strategic Love Play," running September 23 through November 9, 2025, in the company's ARK Theatre at 4200 Campbell Avenue in Arlington, Virginia.

Strategic Love Play at Signature Theatre

Written by Miriam Battye, known for her work on HBO's "Succession" and "Harry Potter," this razor-sharp comedy takes audiences into the minefield of contemporary dating culture. The story follows a man and woman who meet after matching online-a premise that may sound familiar to anyone navigating today's digital dating landscape. What begins as a spectacularly awkward encounter slowly transforms as both characters begin to lower their defenses, each hoping they might have finally found something authentic in a world of endless swiping and superficial connections.

The production promises to be both "bitingly funny and achingly poignant" as it delves into themes of love, loneliness, and the lies we tell ourselves and others while searching for "the one." Battye's script examines the absurdity of modern dating rituals while maintaining genuine heart-a combination that should resonate with DC-area audiences who know all too well the challenges of finding real connection in an increasingly digital world.

Signature Theatre Artistic Director Matthew Gardiner, who previously directed the company's acclaimed productions of "JOB" and "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," takes the helm for this intimate two-person show. The cast features Danny Gavigan as Man and Bligh Voth as Woman. Gavigan, familiar to local audiences from Signature's "Really, Really" and Ford's Theatre's "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf," brings his considerable stage presence to the role. Voth, whose credits include Off-Broadway's "Here We Are" and the national tour of "Jagged Little Pill," rounds out this compelling duo.
The creative team includes several Signature Theatre veterans working to bring this contemporary story to life. Paige Hathaway handles scenic design, fresh off her work on Signature's "HAIR" and "Penelope." Costume design comes from Kathleen Geldard, who also contributed to "HAIR" and "The Bridges of Madison County" at Signature. Lighting designer Andrew Cissna, known locally for his work on Signature's "John" and Ford's Theatre's "Fences," will create the visual atmosphere, while Kenny Neal provides sound design, building on his previous work for Signature's "JOB" and Studio's "English."

Charlotte La Nasa handles casting, with Geoff Josselson Casting managing New York casting. Production stage manager Leigh Robinette and production assistant Miranda Korieth complete the behind-the-scenes team.

With its focus on the universal struggle to find genuine connection in an age of digital dating, "Strategic Love Play" arrives at a particularly relevant moment. The production offers theatergoers a chance to see their own dating experiences reflected back at them-with all the humor, heartache, and hope that comes with the territory.

Performances run September 23 through November 9, 2025, at Signature Theatre's ARK Theatre.