Woolly Mammoth Theatre

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company

By Michael O'Sullivan
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, Sept. 11, 2009

It's hard to imagine, but the enfant terrible of Washington theater, known for edgy, new material, is turning 30 years old this season. "You can't pretend you're a child anymore," says artistic director Howard Shalwitz, explaining that Woolly's next challenge isn't how to keep knocking down walls but -- believe it or not -- how to build bridges. "How do we intersect with our audience?" Shalwitz says he asks himself. "How can we give the audience an experience that is different than they've had before?"

Where to eat? Oyamel (202-628-1005; http://www.oyamel.com). Excellent Mexican food and right next door.

Concession-stand fare: Standard: baked goods; sweet and savory snacks; beer, wine and nonalcoholic drinks.

Tickets: $27 to $62.

Getting there: Woolly is a short walk from two Metro stations: Gallery Place and Archives. On-street parking is scarce. If you must drive, use one of several nearby garages, such as Interpark Liberty Place, across from the theater. Patrons receive a flat $10 rate.

Season spotlight: Woolly's award-winning theater space -- all of it, including the lobby -- will be utilized in Charles L. Mee's "Full Circle" (Oct. 26-Nov. 29), which will take theatergoers around the building, location to location.