Olney Outdoors is back!
Return outdoors with over 25 summer programs to be held on the newly renovated Root Family Stage at Omi's Pavilion, this summer from July 7 - September 3, 2023.
From the opening weekend Applause Series performance of West Side Story to the closing concert featuring the legendary Chita Rivera, this promises to be our biggest summer ever.
Newly renovated Root Family Stage at Omi's Pavilion
Schedule
All programs begin at 8:00 pm on the Root Family Stage at Omi’s Pavilion, except where noted. Programs take place rain or shine but may be moved indoors in the instance of heavy or sustained rain and/or lightning.
Grand Opening Week of the Root Family Stage at Omi’s Pavilion
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Since last summer, we’ve completely rebuilt the Root Family Stage at Omi’s Pavilion, and to break it in, we’re kicking off Olney Outdoors with a week of favorites.
Friday, July 7, 8:00 PM: Concert: Better Off Dead
One of the mid-Atlantic’s most popular Grateful Dead tribute bands, local to Maryland, Better Off Dead will get you feeling good and groovy! Featuring Maryland and DC musicians, Better Off Dead has performed in some of the East Coast’s most beloved venues and their performance on the new Root Family Stage at Omi’s Pavilion at Olney Theatre will be epic! -
Saturday & Sunday, July 8 & 9, 7:30 PM: Applause Series: West Side Story
Jets and Sharks on stage with a full band for a concert version of one of America’s most beloved musicals.
Welcome to the 50s
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Put on your poodle skirt or skinny tie and meet us outside for these 1950s-inspired programs.
Friday, July 14, 8:00 PM: Cabaret: Great Women of Jazz: Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, and Anita O’Day
A musical tribute to the matriarchs of jazz vocalsSaturday, July 15, 8:00 PM: One-Name Cabaret: Sounds of Judy
Garland to be specific.
Welcome to the 60s
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One of the best decades for music in American history.
Thursday, July 20, 8:00 PM: 60s Drag Divas
Ersatz Barbras, Dianas, Janises, and more.Friday, July 21, 8:00 PM: Cabaret: Motown Celebration
The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, and that’s just the bands that begin with “The”Saturday, July 22, 8:00 PM: One-Name Cabaret: Sounds of Barbra
Streisand. Not that you needed to ask.
Welcome to the 70s
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Disco. Country divas. Mega-Musicals.
Thursday, July 27, 8:00 PM: Sounds of (Donna) Summer
Disco Dancing Event with Live PerformancesFriday, July 28, 8:00 PM: Cabaret: 70s Country
A tribute to Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Tammy Wynette, Conway Twitty and moreSaturday, July 29, 8:00 PM: Cabaret: Andrew Lloyd Weber Celebration
Joseph, Evita, Cats and more!
Welcome to the 80s
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Big hair, big riffs, big voices.
Thursday, August 10, 8:00 PM: Cabaret: 80s Rock
From Pop to Hair Metal to IndiesFriday, August 11, 8:00 PM: One-Name Cabaret: Sounds of Whitney
Wanna dance with somebody?Saturday, August 12, 8:00 PM: Cabaret: Celebrating the Songs of Boubil and Schomberg
To the barricades! Look out for the helicopter!
Just Arts
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Saturday, August 5
More details to come about our annual tribute to the intersection of Arts and Social Justice.
Welcome to the 90s
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When your phone was just a phone.
Thursday, August 17, 8:00 PM: 90s Drag Divas
Madonna, Whitney, Janet, Cher, MariahFriday, August 18, 8:00 PM: Cabaret: Sounds of Boy Bands
A tribute to Backstreet Boys, NSYNC and BoyzIIMen, 98 DegreesSaturday, August 19, 8:00 PM: Cabaret: Sounds of Girl Groups
Arguably an unmatched era for girl groups like TLC, En Vogue, Destiny’s Child, Salt-n-Pepa, and even the Spice Girls.
CLOSING WEEKEND
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Thursday, August 31, 8:00 PM: Rhapsody in Blue and other Gershwin with Company E Dance
A multi-disciplinary feast from the internationally renowned companyFriday, September 1, 8:00 PM: Local Comedy Night
Spend a “stand-up” night with some of the DMV’s best comediansSaturday, September 2: SUMMERFEST
Our annual open house with tons of free events, giveaways, and backstage tours.Saturday, September 2, 8:00 PM: Sounds of ABBA Tribute
One last taste of summer.Sunday, September 3, 8:00 PM: Chita Rivera: The Rhythm of My Life
Come celebrate the one and only Chita Rivera! The incomparable Tony Award winner will recreate signature moments from her legendary career from West Side Story, Sweet Charity and Bye Bye Birdie to Chicago, Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Visit, and more. In addition to a tribute to her dear friends John Kander & Fred Ebb, the timeless music of Leonard Bernstein, Charles Strouse & Lee Adams, Jerry Herman and Stephen Sondheim will also be featured, accompanied by her long-time trio and special guests. With credits, honors, and awards too numerous to mention, Ms. Rivera belongs in the first tier of American musical theatre legends. Her performance will be a can’t-miss opportunity to say “you were there” as Olney adds her appearance to our storied history, which places her in the company of Helen Hayes, Carol Channing, Olivia de Havilland, and Tallulah Bankhead.
Seating
For most events seating for Olney Outdoors is purchased by section. Those sections include:
- Individual Seats - Olney Theatre-provided chairs in front of the stage
- Bleacher Seats - Metal bleachers further back -- what they lack in back-support, make up for in sightlines.
- Lawn - Areas for blankets and bring-your-own chair. Sightlines may be obscured.
Seating within sections is general admission. So arrive early to save your seat.
All-Access Membership
If more than one or two events sound exciting, then you should consider purchasing our All-Access Membership. For only $99 you can see everything Olney Theatre produces and presents, including Mainstage performances from July 1 - September 30*.
Available for singles, couples, and households!
The All-Access membership goes on sale June 1.
(*The only event not included in the All-Access Membership is Chita Rivera: The Rhythm of My Life. However, All-Access Members can purchase this event for themselves only at 1/2 price.)
