Skip to main content
Toggle menu Search Cart

This show is archived

A co-production of ArtsCentric, Everyman Theatre, and Olney Theatre Center

In musical theatre, the team of John Kander & Fred Ebb produced iconic songs for unforgettable characters like Roxy in Chicago, the Emcee in Cabaret, Zorba, Chita Rivera’s Spider Woman— not to mention Liza Minelli’s signature number for the film New York, New York. The World Goes 'Round brings together 36 of their greatest hits from those shows, and instead of telling just one story, tell lots of little stories around each one. This new co-production includes celebrity tributes and songs not included in the original show from works like The Scottsboro Boys and Curtains. That, plus a cast of Broadway veterans and DMV all-stars, makes this a theatrical "can't-miss," bringing Kander & Ebb to a new generation.

Featuring:
Natascia Diaz (Broadway's Man of La Mancha & the Olney Theatre/Round House production of In The Heights)
Kevin S. McAllister (Broadway's Caroline...Or Change Come From Away)
Harris Milgrim (Broadway's Cats)
Nova Y. Payton (Signature Theatre's Into the Woods & The Color Purple)
Karen Vincent (Ford's Theatre's Ragtime Into the Woods)

This production contains the use of flashing lights and haze.

Accessibility

Audio-Described Performance
Wednesday, May, 3rd at 8:00pm

Sign-Interpreted Performance
Thursday, May, 11th at 8:00pm

Email wbrown@olneytheatre.org if you plan to utilize these services. Please note that dates are subject to change.

Music by
John Kander

Lyrics by
Fred Ebb

Conceived by
Susan Stroman, David Thompson and Scott Ellis

Music direction by
Christopher Youstra

Choreography by
Shalyce Hemby

Directed by
Kevin S. McAllister

2022-23 Season
Part of the 2022-23 Season

 Right now, go not to Broadway but to Olney...

Peter Marks in The Washington Post

Nova performs "The World Goes 'Round"

Trailer

In The Press

  • The Washington Post | "Kevin S. McAllister puts fresh spin on Olney’s ‘The World Goes ’Round’" (interview)
  • The Washington Post | "If you must see a Kander and Ebb show, this is the one to see" (review)
  • Broadway World | "a superb ensemble that turns every number into a musical treat " (review)
  • MD Theatre Guide"A great spin on the music of two of the planet’s great musical collaborators." (review)
  • DC Theater Arts | "Something magical happens when ‘The World Goes ‘Round’ at Olney" (review)
  • OUTSpoken | "Kander and Ebb Musical Revue Dazzles at Olney" (review)
  • Tallkin' Broadway | "each song (sometimes two or three together) becomes its own one-act play." (review)

Video: What is "The World Goes 'Round"?

  • MaryKate Brouillet

    Swing
  • Benjamin Clark

    Swing
  • Natascia Diaz

  • Kevin S. McAllister

  • Harris Milgrim

  • Nova Y. Payton

  • Karen Vincent

  • Kevin McAllister

    Director
  • Christopher Youstra

    Music Director/ Director of Music Theater
  • Shalyce Hemby

    Choreographer
  • Daniel Ettinger

    Scenic Designer
  • Larry Boggs

    Costume Design
  • Aja M. Jackson

    Lighting Designer
  • Matt Rowe

    Sound Designer
  • Patrick W. Lord

    Projections Designer
  • Ashleigh King

    Associate Director
  • Ben Walsh

    Production Stage Manager
  • Moyenda Kulemeka

    Specialty "Sara Lee" Costumes Design

Paperless Program

Masks are recommended but not required at performances of The World Goes 'Round.

Upcoming Events:

  • BEHIND THE SCENES: THE PLACE OF KANDER & EBB IN THE AMERICAN MUSICAL THEATRE CANON

    When: Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 5:00 pm
    Where: The Mainstage Theatre
    Free For Members/$10 General Public

  • Come to the conversation, old chum!

    Join us for a conversation with Olney Theatre’s own Kevin McAllister and Chris Youstra, director/actor and music director respectively for The World Goes ‘Round, about the legacy of musical theatre writing duo Kander and Ebb (Chicago, CabaretKiss of the Spider Woman, and more) and where the future of musical theatre is headed. Bring your burning questions!

  • BROADWAY/MUSICAL TRIVIA NIGHT

    When: Thursday, May 4th 2023 at 6:00 pm
    Where: Olney Theatre's Actor's Hall
    Ticket prices: $10

    If your brain is full of random musical-related knowledge that you don’t know what to do with, put it to the test at our happy hour Broadway/Musical Trivia Night! Sign up with a team, or come as a single and make some new friends.

  • SONGWRITING WORKSHOP WITH TAISHA ESTRADA

    When: Sunday, May 7th 2023 at 4:00 pm
    Where: The 1938 Original Theatre
    Ticket prices: $10

    No matter what genre you choose to create in, the fundamentals of writing good songs are the same. Learn about the basics of songwriting: from chord progressions, to lyrics, to how to tell compelling stories that keep audiences engaged. Create music on the spot and workshop your own tunes. All you need is a notebook, pen, your preferred instrument and a willing attitude to participate in this session. All levels are welcome!

Past Events

  • Liz Osborn

    STORY HOUR AT OLNEY LIBRARY

    When: Sunday, April 16th 2023 at 11:00 am

    Where: Olney Library

    Ticket prices: Free, no registration required

    For more information on this event, please click here

The World Goes 'Round

April 20 - May 21 2023

Box Office: 301.924.3400

Open Wednesday - Sunday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Mailing list

Keep up to date with our latest events & offers:

Join our mailing list