Apr 07, 2006  | COMMENTS     

ANYTHING GOES is a comedy about Billy, a passenger ship stowaway trying his best to break his object of affection’s  engagement to a stuffy British nobleman. Shenanigans ensue when he recruits the help of a wanted gangster couple and the ship’s lounge singer. Now through April 23. Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Sandy Spring Road, Olney, Md. $34-$44. 301-924-4485, ext. 105.

BAL MASQUE is the story of three couples vying for the affection of Truman Capote after his famous Black and White Ball of 1966, although his character is never actually shown. The play explores the misery of unrequited celebrity worship and failed social climbing. In the spirit of the Black and White Ball, the audience is encouraged to bring their own black or white masks. April 5 through May 11. Aaron & Cecile Goldman Theater of the Washington, D.C. Jewish Community Center, 1529 16th St., NW. $15-$40. 202-777-3229 or www.theaterj.com.

BODY LANGUAGE is a soulful,  ‘80s tribute to the pop icon Patti Labelle. Inspired by her 1984 release “I’m In Love Again,” playwright Michael Ajakwe Jr.  tells the campy yet smart story of aerobics instructor Tina, whose life happens to be set to a Patti Labelle soundtrack. It features crisp choreography to favorites like “Lady Marmalade” and “New Attitude.” “Body Language” is set for a five-performance engagement before its official run. The audience is encouraged to come in their best ‘80s attire. The best costume wins an Apple iPod during the intermission at each performance. April 7-9.  The Warner Theatre, 513 13th St., NW. 202.783.4000 or www.bodylanguagetheplay.com.

CAESAR; OR, THE WATCHDOG OF THE CASTLE is a "Victorian canine melodrama" starring Shetland sheepdogs Aramis and D'Artagnan. They steal the show of stolen inheritance, sword fights and song, at times upstaging their human costars. April 13-May 17. Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria, Va. 703-838-4845. 

COMIC BRIEFS III: BRIEFER MADNESS is a night of sketches by D.C.’s “Great Comic Hope,” the Renegade Theater. Featured skits include one by Noel Coward, the late gay playwright who pioneered racy plotlines in the early 20th century. Now through April 9. The Warehouse Theater, 1017 7th St., NW. 202-783-3933 or www.warehousetheater.com.

FROZEN, a play by Bryony Lavery. swept audiences in London and New York and garnered four Tony Awards, including Best Play. The electrifying drama tells the story of the disappearance of a ten-year-old girl and how it caused the lives of three strangers to intersect. April 12 through May 7. Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St., NW. 202-232-7267 or www.studiotheatre.org.

GODZILLA, interpreted in a way you'd never imagine. Unlikely star-crossed lovers Yayoi Ichinose, a young Japanese women, and Godzilla, the gargantuan lizard-monster, struggle to get their in-laws to see eye to eye. While the Ichinoses are traditional and conservative Japanese people, Godzilla's family is a group of ill-tempered mutants. April 13-May 7 at D.C. Arts Center, 2438 18th St., NW. $10-$18. 301-613-7133 or www.landlesstheatre.org.

HAMLET, Shakespeare’s haunting tragedy of murder and betrayal, takes the stage at Howard Community College, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, Md., with Helen Hayes nominee Karl Miller in the title role. March 24 through April 9. $14-$24. As part of the “Stages for All Ages” promotion, students 17 years old or younger receive admission with every purchase of an adult ticket. 410-772-4900 or www.howardcc.edu/repstage.

HOT FEET is the electrifying dance musical that combines the amazing talents of Maurice Hines, the iconic, Tony-nominated choreographer, and Maurice White, seven-time Grammy-winner and founder of the legendary pop ensemble Earth, Wind & Fire. The duo bring to life Heru Ptah’s story of an enchanted pair of shoes that take control of a young dancer destined for Broadway. Now through April 9. The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave., NW. $41.25-$81.25. 202-628-6161 or www.nationaltheatre.org.

ICARUS is the compelling story of five emotionally damaged strangers intersecting in an abandoned beach house. Like the story of the Greek myth with the same name, “Icarus” demonstrates how easily lofty dreams can shatter when faced with the harshness of reality.  Now through April 9. St. John’s United Methodist Church, 2640 St. Paul St., Baltimore,  Md. $15 regular admission, $12 for students. 410-796-1555 or www.runofthemilltheater.com.

IRISH AUTHORS HELD HOSTAGE is the ridiculous comedy based on the premise that several famous Irish authors, including sassy gay playwright Oscar Wilde, have been kidnapped by various international terrorists. The multiple interludes of traditional Irish music between abductions add to its unique brand of humor. Now extended through April 23. Warehouse Theater Second Stage, 1021 7th St., NW. $20. 1-800-838-3006 or www.irishauthorsheldhostage.com.

LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR ...