All The World's A Stage
All the World’s a Stage is a regional-premiere musical by Adam Gwon about identity, art, and the courage to stand against intolerance. Set in 1996, it follows Ricky, a closeted high school math teacher, who mentors Sam for a theater competition. As they work on a production connected to *Angels in America*, their shared outsider status and artistic collaboration unsettle their small town, causing hostility to intensify and changing both of their lives.
The production is presented as a heartfelt tribute to teachers and to theater’s power to help people live more authentically. Matthew Gardiner directs, with music direction by Marika Countouris and a cast led by Callum Francis as Ricky and Deema Turkomani as Sam.
When: October 20–December 20, 2026
Venue: Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave, Arlington, Virginia
Tickets: Price not available
Format: New musical and regional premiere
Premise: In 1996, Ricky, a closeted high school math teacher, agrees to guide Sam in a theater competition. Their exploration of *Angels in America* challenges the community’s fragile status quo, while intolerance threatens their lives and the LGBTQ+-owned business connected to their story.
Run time: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, with no intermission.
Age recommendation: Appropriate for mature teens and older. Children under 6 are not admitted at Signature.
Content warning: The production discusses and depicts intolerance, as well as deliberate property damage directed at the LGBTQ+ community and an LGBTQ+-owned business.
Effects warning: The performance includes theatrical lighting effects and may use theatrical haze.
Special performances: Discussion Nights take place after the November 17 and December 2 performances at 7:30 p.m. Pride Nights are scheduled for November 13 and November 20 at 8 p.m., with a post-show reception for LGBTQ+ community members, family, and friends. A Dramatists Guild post-show discussion follows the December 4 performance at 8 p.m., featuring writer Adam Gwon and moderated by Jacquelyn Jordan.
Accessibility: Masks are required for the November 10 performance at 7:30 p.m. Closed captions are available at all performances through the GalaPro app. Signature also provides accessible seating and other theater accessibility services.
Cast: Erin Driscoll as Dede; Callum Francis as Michael; Sydne Lyons as the Sam/Dede understudy; Christian Montgomery as the Ricky/Michael understudy; Kyle Sherman as Ricky; and Deema Turkomani as Sam.
Creative team: Adam Gwon wrote the musical. Matthew Gardiner directs, and Marika Countouris is the music director. Paige Hathaway provides scenic design; Shahrzad Mazaheri, costume design; Max Doolittle, lighting design; and Eric Norris, sound design. Casting is by Charlotte Sandor, with New York casting by Geoff Josselson Casting. Taylor Kiechlin is production stage manager, assisted by Fior Tat. Sasha Sklar is assistant costume designer, Rylie Vann is assistant lighting designer, and Levi Manners is assistant sound designer.
Venue logistics: Signature Theatre is located at 4200 Campbell Ave in Arlington. The venue provides parking information, an on-site Ali’s Bar, and guidance for getting to the theater.