Signature Theatre presents the D.C. premiere of the new musical Penelope March 5–April 21 at Signature's ARK Theatre. Inspired by The Odyssey, the new musical features a book by Alex Bechtel, Grace McLean, and Eva Steinmetz, and music and lyrics by Bechtel. Steinmetz is also directing, with music direction by Ben Moss. 

The solo musical stars Jessica Phillips (Dear Evan Hansen). Casting is by Jorge Acevedo.

The new musical centers on the Trojan War from the point of view of Penelope, wife to Odysseus. With a glass of bourbon in hand, she flips the script and steps out of her role of dutiful wife.

“Penelope takes a familiar story and flips it entirely on its head,” said Signature Artistic Director Matthew Gardiner in an earlier statement. “Alex Bechtel, Grace McLean, and Eva Steinmetz have crafted a witty and thoughtful new musical that examines our modern world reflected in the rocky shores of Penelope’s Ithaca. Join Penelope as she reflects on 20 long years of waiting for her wily husband to return from Troy, a glass of bourbon in one hand and a microphone in the other. I am thrilled that audiences will experience the D.C. premiere of this intelligent new musical alongside a tour-de-force performance from the sensational Jessica Phillips, a Broadway star making her Signature debut.”

Penelope played an earlier run at Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival in 2023.

READ: Tatiana Wechsler Sings in World Premiere Grace McLean Musical Penelope

The creative team also includes scenic designer Paige Hathaway, costume designer Danielle Preston, lighting designer Jesse Belsky, sound designer Eric Norris, associate scenic designer Sarah Beth Hall, and assistant lighting designer Elijah Thomas. Becky Reed is the production stage manager, and Hannah Allison is the production assistant.

Visit SigTheatre.org.