Nightlife

More often than not, politics takes center stage in Washington, D.C. But in its heart of hearts, this capital city is a theater town. More than 80 companies scattered throughout the metro area offer a rich lineup of material (visit www.helenhayes.org for a complete listing).

D.C.'s Shakespeare Theatre Company is more than just a player. Few perform the Bard's work with this level of mastery. The company now occupies a comfortable 450-seat stage in the Penn Quarter district, but they've also started construction on an 11- story building that will house the 776-seat Sidney Harman Hall. That's good news for Shakespeare fans. Shows here often sell out, but the theater sells standing room-only tickets for $10 starting one hour before the show. 

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