UPDATED, Oct. 17: After a historic pause, the AFD Theatre – in the heart of the Arlington Arts District near the Center -- reopened with a bang on Thursday, Oct. 7, with a production of “The All Night Strut!” It continues through Sunday, Oct. 17.

See photos of four cast members >>

“We are all so excited to be open again!” says Judy Weinberg, president of AFD Theatre. “It’s been delightful to hear the theater come back to life: feet stomping, hammers banging and the glorious voices lifted in song.”  

“Strut” is a jukebox musical that performance transports audiences back through time to celebrate the music and movement of the 1930s and '40s. In collaboration with a small orchestra, four artists bring the era alive through a series of choreographed numbers evoking the history of the Depression, World War II and the postwar boom. 

Act one begins with the full cast inviting the audience aboard the "Chattanooga Choo Choo," telling stories that, while sad, are yet filled with optimism and glamour. The adventure continues, with vocal numbers encompassing jazz, blues, bebop and American songbook standards. Highlights include "Minnie the Moocher," "In The Mood," "Fascinating Rhythm" and "As Time Goes By."  

Vanessa Calantropo is cast as the party girl Soprano, with Lali Hanes playing the Alto - a down-home girl with lots of soul. Jordan Hand performs as the romantic Tenor, with Jean-Alfred Chavier rounding out the cast as the story-telling Baritone.  

Audiences of all ages will be delighted by the transcendent music and energetic numbers.   

"The All Night Strut!" is directed and choreographed by Susan Chebookjian, with musical direction by Dan Rodriguez. 

Performances are on Oct. 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17, at 22 Academy St. - behind Town Hall and across from the Senior Center. 

Tickets cost $25. To order tickets, click here >> 

Take these precautions:

Proof of vaccination is required - patrons must present their proof of vaccination at point of entry (physical card or photo).  

Please wear a mask. 

AFD carefully monitors CDC guidelines for Covid-19 on a regular basis and encourages you to visit our website for updated information before the performance you plan to attend.

AFD Theatre stage director/choreographer: Susan Chebookjian;

Music director: Dan Rodriguez; and

Production managers: Judy Weinberg and Elizabeth Micci. 

The show was conceived and originally directed and choreographed by Fran Charnas, with musical arrangements by Tom Fitt, Gil Lieb and Dick Schermesser plus added orchestrations by Corey Allen.

May 9, 2021: AFD's 'Dynamic Duos!' presented virtually

This news announcement was published Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, and updated to a news feature, Oct. 1, 2021. The writer, Mary Babic, helps AFD Theatre with publicity.