Show Finder

The Arsonists

First Preview: Sep 5, 2017
Opening Date: Sep 5, 2017
Closing Date: Oct 9, 2017
Running Time: 01:30
The Arsonists

Share on Social Media

Playing @
Woolly Mammoth Theatre
641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
The world may be starting to burn, but George Betterman has it all under control.

He’s a respected member of his community with a loving wife and a flourishing business, so surely the arsonists will spare him. As an upstanding citizen, he’s even happy to do his civic duty by opening his home to two new guests… but when they start filling his attic with drums of gasoline, will the fire hit too close to home?

Written as a reflection on the rise of both Nazism and Communism
The Arsonists has uncanny new relevance today in light of the rise of populist nationalism around the globe.

For Woolly’s incendiary take on Max Frisch’s classic comedy, artistic director Howard Shalwitz makes his long-awaited return to the Woolly stage, lighting the fuse on the theater’s 38th season.
RegionalPlay - ComedyPlay - DramaRegional
Show Notes: No Intermission
Age Guidance: 16
Audience Advisory: Production contains cigar smoke, fog, strobe lighting & sudden loud noises

Performance Schedule

TUESDAY thru FRIDAY @ 8 PM
SATURDAY @ 3 & 8 PM
SUNDAY @ 2 & 7 PM


Written By
  • Max Frisch

Director
  • Michael John Garcés

TDF Tickets Offers:

Listed at

Never

Full-price tickets:

$20.00 - $69.00

Video

Accessibility

  • Assisted Listening System

    Woolly is equipped with a RF (radio) technology system. Transmitters and accompanying headsets and ear speakers are available at the Box Office. Neck loops are available for patrons who have T-coil enabled hearing aids and cochlear implants.
  • Wheelchair Info

    Wheelchair-accessible, transfer and companion seats are subject to availability.
  • Elevator/Escalator

    An elevator is located on Level 2, to the left of the Box Office and on Level 1, to the right of the Orchestra level doors.
  • Passenger Loading Zone

    A wheelchair-accessible ramp is located on Level 1, to the left of Judith’s Café to access the Rehearsal Hall and Classroom spaces.
  • Restroom

    2 accessible single-stall restrooms are located on Level 2, to the left of the Box Office.
  • Telephone

    None on premises
  • Visual Assistance

    Audio-described services for performances are available on an as-requested basis with at least 31 days’ notice. Screen Reader-compatible and large print versions of scripts and playbills are available upon request.

TDF Social Feed

TDF
TDF18 hours ago

This afternoon, we rode on the "wheels of a dream" at our Autism Friendly Performance of Lincoln Center Theater's Ragtime. Here are some initial highlights. Ragtime reminds us about the...

TDF
TDF4 days ago

The Northeast proves to be a mecca for talented artists to put fresh spins on beloved classics and debut exciting new works. Make your summer getaway a theatrical one by...

tdfnyc4 days ago
The Northeast proves to be a mecca for talented artists to put fresh spins on beloved classics and debut exciting new works. Make your summer getaway a theatrical one by...
TDF
TDF6 days ago

We’re so proud to be nominated in collaboration with Ordinary Sunday for a 69th Annual New York Emmy Award in the Diversity/Equity/Inclusion – Short Form Content category for our Maybe...

tdfnyc6 days ago
We’re so proud to be nominated in collaboration with Ordinary Sunday for a 69th Annual New York Emmy Award in the Diversity/Equity/Inclusion - Short Form Content category for our Maybe...
TDF
TDF1 week ago
London Road from National Theatre, Ann Hampton Callaway and Liz Callaway at 54 Below, The Metropolitan Opera's I Puritani and more stream this weekend.
tdfnyc2 weeks ago
A look back at our 2026 TDF Wendy Wasserstein Project End-of-Year Celebration! Students, mentors and teachers shared moving reflections about how the program has shaped their lives and creative journeys....
TDF
TDF2 weeks ago
Matthew Morrison at 54 Below, Summerfolk from National Theatre, National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene' Amid Falling Walls and more are available to stream this weekend.
TDF
TDF2 weeks ago

In our latest interview, “Tempress” Chasity Moore, Garnet Williams and Teddy Wilson Jr. reflect on their journeys to Broadway, the impact of representation and the future they hope to help...

tdfnyc2 weeks ago
Tony Award winner Debbie Gravitte and her son, Sam Gravitte, are spending the summer performing just four blocks apart in NYC. Read our conversation about family, theatre, and the special...
tdfnyc3 weeks ago
In our latest interview, “Tempress” Chasity Moore, Garnet Williams and Teddy Wilson Jr. reflect on their journeys to Broadway, the impact of representation and the future they hope to help...
TDF
TDF3 weeks ago
Staying inside to beat the heat? Catch these 🎭 Our top 5 picks for stage performances to stream this holiday weekend, no sunscreen required.
tdfnyc4 weeks ago
July is Disability Pride Month! This annual event commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990, which prohibits discrimination based on disability and helps...
tdfnyc4 weeks ago
What began as an unexpected collaboration has become an acclaimed new play. We spoke with playwright Eliya Smith and actor Amalia Yoo about “Dad Don’t Read This”, creative trust, and...
tdfnyc1 month ago
Catch a new musical with a Tony nominee, a two-hander with two TV stars, a Planet of the Apes parody and more—all for $40 or less this summer! Read our...
TDF
TDF
TDF1 month ago

Tomorrow is the last day of NYC public school, so it's the perfect moment to revisit this year’s Grad Gift celebration! Last month, TDF treated more than a thousand 2026...

tdfnyc1 month ago
TDF treated more than a thousand 2026 grads to a fabulous and FREE trip to Broadway’s CATS: The Jellicle Ball! 🐱 Every year, TDF gives NYC public and charter high...
TDF
TDF1 month ago
TDF's ticketing system is down for an upgrade. We will be up and running shortly.
tdfnyc2 months ago
CATS: The Jellicle Ball co-director Zhailon Levingston shared what he hopes audiences take away from the production during Pride Month and beyond. “If you can’t find this kind of queer...
tdfnyc2 months ago
Lucky 15–that’s how many Broadway shows are currently on TDF! Act quickly—show availability changes frequently, and tickets can go fast. Visit TDF to see all 15 shows currently on membership.
tdfnyc2 months ago
Words of wisdom from Tony-winner Joshua Henry! “What is for you cannot pass you by.” #broadway #tonyawards #joshuahenry
TDF
TDF2 months ago

Thanks so much for sharing the Tony Awards with us tonight! The biggest surprise may be what a fantastic host P!NK was (though we never doubted her... yet others did)....

TDF
TDF2 months ago
And Schmigadoon wins Best Musical!
TDF
TDF2 months ago
And an award that was essentially a given: Joshua Henry as Best Actor in a Musical for his gorgeous performance in Ragtime.