National Theatre

(Credit: Courtesy of the National Theatre)

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The National is one of the oldest theatres in the country. It’s been around so long, it even has its own ghost (actor John McCullough, who met an untimely end here). The National Theatre opened in 1835, and every President of the United States since has attended performances here. The theatre seats nearly 1700 in its balcony, mezzanine, orchestra and boxes. Famous faces like Shirley MacLaine, Warren Beatty and playwright John Guare worked here; Helen Hayes, John Barrymore, Laurence Olivier and Sarah Bernhardt have all appeared on its stage. Currently the National plays host to touring shows like “Mamma Mia” and homegrown events like the Capital Fringe Festival. Stop by on Saturday Mornings and Monday Nights to take advantage of free performances by local talent.

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Washington DC theaters, Federal Triangle theaters, Penn Quarter theaters, Downtown theaters, Touring show theaters