The Kennedy Center, the vast performing arts complex in Washington, DC, announced some of its theatrical offerings for 2002-2003, including a concert version of Carmen Jones, with Vanessa Williams, and Rogers and Hart's Babes in Arms.

The Oscar Hammerstein rewrite of Bizet's Carmen, known as Carmen Jones, will open the theatre season in November. Placido Domingo conducts the National Symphony Orchestra. The musical play, with book and lyrics by Hammerstein, was first presented on Broadway in 1943. A film version followed. Williams is the star of the current Broadway bound Into the Woods. The revival is billed as a twist on the original, and is staged by Debbie Allen.

In April 2003, the Royal Shakespeare Company begins a residency at the Kennedy Center. Over five years, the RSC will present the Bard's works, including King Lear, Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet.

The Kennedy Center revives an expanded new version of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Tell Me On a Sunday (December), a solo show for a diva, known to some as the first act of the ALW conceit, Song & Dance.

Also on the season are a concert version of Rodgers and Hart's Babes in Arms (November), Marie Jones' Stones in His Pockets, a visit by the Reduced Shakespeare Company (June 2003) and a to-be-announced "full-scale blockbuster musical in an extended run in the Eisenhower Theater" for summer 2003. — By Kenneth Jones