‘Finn’
Through Dec. 22
The Kennedy Center
2700 F St. N.W., Washington, DC 20566
Tickets starting at $22
Kennedy-center.org

Acclaimed children’s television screenwriter and producer Chris Nee is currently making her theater debut at the Kennedy Center with “Finn,” her heartwarming musical about a young shark who dreams of following in his family’s footsteps by joining the prestigious Shark Guard and the challenges and moments of self-discovery he faces along the way. 

Los Angeles-based Nee, who is gay, is best known for being the creator of the hugely popular Disney animated series “Doc McStuffins” (the first Disney show to air an episode featuring an interracial lesbian couple) as well as other kids’ shows “Ridley Jones” and “Vampirina.”  

For “Finn,” Nee (playwright/lyrics) has collaborated with stage and screen songwriters Michael Kooman (music) and Christopher Dimond (playwright/lyrics) who have scored her animated TV shows for seven years.

WASHINGTON BLADE: What’s special about “Finn”? 

CHRIS NEE: “Finn” is a total joy bomb and we can all use that right now. It’s deeply important to me that what I do works both for kids as well as a lot of layers for adults. 

The musical started as a bold show before everything that’s happening in the world right now, and now it’s even more bold.

In the show, we tell the story of a shark who has a very different way of being himself but is also very good at being a shark. It’s very important for us to not predetermine who our kids are and we need to let them find the things that will ultimately bring them joy.

BLADE: And it’s a story you’ve wanted to tell?

NEE: Yes.It’s a coming-of-age story that’s also infused with spectacle. It’s about the beauty of life under the sea, and the beauty of a character who has a wonderful drag sensibility and knows what it is to express himself. The show and the world are really about self-expression and not being afraid to let your inner sparkles out if that’s what feels right to you. 

It relates to anyone in the audience whether they’re an adult who remembers what it was like to hide something, or a young a person who feels that way. I think it gives them the courage to say who they are and live unapologetically.

BLADE: Has this work felt a lot different from TV?

NEE: Making “Finn”with Kooman and Dimond hasbeen agreat collaborative process. Working with them on TV, I was very much the one in control, I’d tell them what we needed a song to be. But in theater, they’ve had more experience in the process. Together we’ve made something that is premiering very quickly in terms of musical theater. We got very lucky. 

BLADE: You’re a big name at Disney.How does working at the Kennedy Center compare to L.A.?

NEE: The Kennedy Center has been wonderful!They commissioned the work in the beginning and have been supporting us throughout. To be honest, there aren’t that many places left that are commissioning new works especially for young audiences, and the Kennedy Center does that.

BLADE: Your son is grown now. Has being a parent affected your work? 

NEE: I spent years in the world making children programming long before I had a child. I had a belief that you don’t have to have kids to be funny. Great writers for kids remember their own childhoods and write for an imagined audience. Once you have a kid, your brain goes into different place. 

Since he was little, I’d play songs for him. I’d tell him stories that were going to be episodes. I have video recordings of him seeing the character designs for the first time, and my getting his reaction to new work.

BLADE: Did his humor influence you?

NEE: I like to think my sense of humor shaped him.

BLADE: Was it a longtime dream to do a live musical?

NEE: I worked in theater for a couple years after graduating from college. I never thought I’d leave theater and New York. But a job on “Sesame Street” led to an unexpected journey to Los Angeles and children’s television.

Kooman and Dimond knew I wanted to find my way back into the theater. I mean, who doesn’t want to write a musical? But I didn’t have the hubris to think I could just jump into that space. But two years ago, they asked me to write a musical with them. I replied “absolutely!”  And here I am. 

In need of a little cheer? Fortunately, there’s a fix. The DMV boasts a wealth of holiday-themed theater, music, and dance guaranteed to lift spirits and warm hearts. Here’s a sliver of what’s out there. 

Arena Stage invites audiences “to step back into the holiday spirit with the joyful return of ‘Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show’ (Dec. 13-22) where the rich tradition of African-American stepping blends with the magic of the season.” DJ Nutcracker and his Arctic friends promise to amplify the festive atmosphere. Arenastage.org 

Looking for a new way to experience a Christmas favorite? With the Kennedy Center’s “Elf in Concert: Film with Live Orchestra” (through Dec. 1), you can relive the endearing comedy on a giant screen as every note of John Debney’s wonderful score is played live by the National Symphony Orchestra. 

Another Kennedy Center holiday treat is “Finn” (through Dec. 22). From Chris Nee, the out creator of TV’s “Doc McStuffins” and “Vampirina,” “Finn” is filled with vibrant sea creatures and catchy tunes. Hilarious and heartening, this world premiere musical chronicles the coming-of-age journey of a young shark following his dreams. Kennedy-center.org 

For those in search of yuletide camaraderie and keyboards, there’s the National Cathedral Christmas Day Organ Recital (Dec. 25), a tradition featuring festive music performed (at the Cathedral) by Cathedral organist Thomas Sheehan, and organ scholar Ariana Corbin. Tickets not required. Livestream available.  Nationalcathedral.org

At Baltimore Center Stage, ArtsCentric’s production of “Black Nativity” (Nov. 30-December 22) uses a fusion of blues, soul, jazz, spirituals, dance, and the powerful words of gay poet Langston Hughes, to tell the Christmas story through a wide-ranging African-American lens. Centerstage.org

For one night only, the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda presents “A Swingin’ Little Christmas!” (Dec. 4), a nostalgic, Christmas kitsch cabaret featuring out TV star Jane Lynch (“Glee,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”), alongside Kate Flannery (“The Office”), Tim Davis (“Glee’s” vocal arranger), and The Tony Guerrero Quintet. 

The following night, Dave Koz and Friends celebrate the 27th anniversary edition of the longest running jazz-based Christmas tour at Strathmore on Dec. 5. Koz, a longtime out musician (primarily sax), has released eight holiday albums, including his most recent, “Christmas Ballads.” Strathmore.org

Round House Theatre presents the world premiere of “A Hannukah Carol” (through Dec. 29). The family-friendly musical comedy tells the story of millennial influencer Chava Kanipshin who in pursuit of more followers, shuns family, friends, and holiday traditions. But on the first night of Hanukkah, Chava is visited by the ghost of deceased social media star Mimi Marley and other spirits who warn her to change her ways — or live to regret it. Roundhousetheatre.org. 

Historic Ford’s Theatre again presents “A Christmas Carol” (through Dec. 31), a popular Washington tradition for decades. Conceived by Michael Baron, this dynamically staged take on the Dickens’ classic features Craig Wallace as the miserly Scrooge who after a night of ghostly visits, rediscovers Christmas joy. In case you haven’t seen it, do. Fords.org 

At Olney Theatre, award-winning out actor Michael Russotto is stepping into the shoes of Paul Morella to star in this year’s edition of Morella’s celebrated solo adaptation of “A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas” (Dec. 29). Russotto portrays more than 50 characters, from the miserly Scrooge to the haunting spirits, to the entire Cratchit family, including, of course, Tiny Tim. Olneytheatre.org

The adage that music can transport you to another time with just a couple of notes proves true at the Folger Library where Folger Consort, the estimable early music ensemble-in-residence, marvelously upholds a glorious Washington holiday tradition with “A Mass for Christmas Eve: Baroque Music for the Season” (Dec. 6-15). Folger.edu 

In Falls Church, Creative Cauldron presents “Madeline’s Christmas” (Dec. 6-22), a charming show based on the classic book by author and illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans. It’s Christmas Eve and taking care of 11 flu infected little girls and Miss Clavel isn’t easy, but when Madeline finds help from a magical rug merchant, all that’s miserable is brushed away, and the girls embark on an unforgettable Christmas journey. Matt Conner directs. Creativecauldron.org

The Washington Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” at the glittering, gilded Warner Theatre (through Dec. 30). Featuring Tchaikovsky’s instantly familiar music and splendid choreography by Septime Weber, this Georgetown circa 1882-set production features historical figures ranging from George Washington to King George III, along with the usual suspects like children, rats, fairies, and a mysterious godfather. Washingtonballet.org

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington is back with its annual holiday extravaganza “The Holiday Show” (Dec. 4, 14, and 15) at Lincoln Theatre. This year’s uplifting lineup includes eclectic songs with exciting rhythms and beautiful harmonies, and features the high-kicking, bedazzled 17th Street Dance as well as small ensembles and the GenOUT Youth Chorus! Songs include “See Amid the Winter’s Snow,” “Feliz Navidad,” “Love is Christmas,” and “Silent Night.” Gmcw.org

‘Data’
Through Dec. 15
Arena Stage
1101 6th Street, S.W.
$75 – $99
Arenastage.org

Whether it’s a remote location shoot or acting in a play at Arena Stage, former Disney star Karan Brar loves the idea of “sitting somewhere longer than a vacation but short of saying I live there.” 

For him, “it’s exciting to experience a new place no matter how stimulating or uninteresting it might be, of running away to a project and focusing everything you can on it, and then coming back to your life in New York and reconnecting and getting all the updates from friends.”

Recently, during a phone conversation the morning after the opening night of
“Data” at Arena, a very positive Brar reflected on the experience. “It was a real feat to get it where it was and both the audience and the cast felt good about it. So, I’m happy.”

He plays Maneesh, a queer entry-level programmer at Athena Technologies, a data-mining firm in Silicon Valley. Content to work in the low-stress environment of User Experience, the brilliant though not particularly ambitious new employee undergoes a “crisis of conscience” when a promotion comes his way and he learns the extent to which Athena is willing to go to hide its secrets.

“So much of my lived experience is similar to what Maneesh goes through,” says Brar, 25. “His identity, sexuality, his parents, and his experience with grief.”

When Brar first read the script at home in his apartment, he yelled to his roommate “this play is about me.” Seeing the tremendous similarities, she replied that he had to do the part. 

So, despite his utter lack of theatrical experience, he went for it. Playwright Matthew Libby’s “Data” was not only Brar’s first theater audition ever but it’s also his first leading role. There are many firsts connected to the production for him, he says.

At just seven years old, young Brar took stock of his life, a sort of assessment that has occurred every seven years since.  

Growing up in Bothell, a suburb of Seattle where all the boys played sports, he knew that wasn’t his bag. Despite being “deeply uncoordinated” he continued trying, but to no avail. 

Things changed one Saturday at the mall when he spied an advert for acting classes. His father who’d done some acting in college suggested he give it a shot. Classes became a weekly thing, and that led to finding an agent and then one commercial led to another. His big break came when he answered a nationwide casting and won a part in the film franchise “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.” He joined the Disney Channel playing 10-year-old Indian adoptee Ravi Ross on the show “Jessie.” With continued success the family relocated to Los Angeles. 

His seemingly charmed life took a turn in 2019 when his best friend died unexpectedly and Brar subsequently entered treatment for depression and anxiety. In 2023, he publicly shared these happenings as well as his recovery and being bisexual in a first-person essay for “Teen Vogue.” 

“It felt important to me to create congruency between my public and private persona. By being an open book, it’s allowed me to have agency over my own story. It’s also allowed me to connect with other South Asians who don’t always talk about the things mentioned in the essay.” 

Admittedly for Brar, the transition from TV/film to stage, and the opposing technical aspects therein, have been daunting. 

“Different mediums require different things from actors,” he explains. “I’m eager to do well and meet people at the bar they set for me.” 

Staged in Arena’s intimate Kogod Cradle space, under the patient auspices of director Margo Bordelon, he’s been able to make the adjustment to stage including the newness of sitting with material through rehearsals and performances, and sees theater as something he’ll continue to pursue. 

“Data” can feel like a relay race, an intense and fast paced thriller. And at 90 minutes without intermission, I don’t think you’ll be checking your watch at any point, he says.  

Today, Brar’s main drive is to create projects that start conversations outside of the theater or away from a screen, and he believes “Data” does just that. 

“It’s engaging, deeply honest, and complex just as we are as people. And it’s very topical to what’s going on in our world right now, the moral dilemmas we’re facing on a micro and macro scale.”