Roz White and Teresa Castracane in the MetroStage production of Black Pearl Sings!

This month’s On That Note! looks at the role of the music director, and the unique challenges facing Helen Hayes Award recipient William Hubbard as he delved into a world that encompasses the Gullah communities of the southern coast, the field hollers sung on plantations, and the spirit rousing hymns of the praise houses. Experience this rich musical heritage yourself in Black Pearl Sings!, at MetroStage through May 29.

Ben Crawford, Tracy Lynn Olivera, and Kevin McAllister in the Ford’s Theatre production of 110 in the Shade.

For this month’s musical theatre focus, On That Note!, we caught up with Marcia Milgrom Dodge, director of 110 in the Shade - at Ford’s Theatre through May 14. Dodge garnered a Helen Hayes Award and a Tony Award nomination for the Kennedy Center production of Ragtime in 2009. In the ensemble of that show was Tracy Lynn Olivera, who now stars in the demanding role of Lizzie Curry, earning nightly standing ovations.

The cast of James and the Giant Peach at Adventure Theatre MTC through April 5.

When the Helen Hayes Awards nominations were announced on February 1, choreographer Rachel Leigh Dolan was recognized for her work on both Avenue Q at Constellation Theatre Company and Oliver! at Adventure Theatre MTC.

Christina Sajous plays the title role in Carmen: An Afro-Cuban Jazz Musical, Olney Theatre Center, February 10 - March 6, 2016.

For this month's On That Note! playwright Norman Allen visits with writer/director Moisés Kaufman to explore the creative collaborations that brought the world premiere Carmen: An Afro-Cuban Jazz Musical to Olney Theatre Center, Febuary 10 through March 6.

Lesley McKinnell, Kevin Massey, and John Rapson in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder, at the Kennedy Center, January 13-30.

Each month On That Note! explores the myriad aspects of creating musical theatre, from performance to direction, choreography, design, and stage management. With the acclaimed A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder arriving at the Kennedy Center on January 13, playwright Norman Allen caught up with actor Lesley McKinnell to explore the highs and lows of life on the road with a hit musical.