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After six months of imagining characters, writing scenes and rehearsing, ArtStream’s Virginia performers are ready to premiere two original productions featuring everything from warring planets and legendary entertainers to an unusual tree sustained by an inclusive community.

“The Great Put-Together!” and “Rooted in Unity” will share the stage Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11, at the James Lee Community Center in Fairfax County’s West Falls Church area.

ArtStream, founded in 2005, gives adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities opportunities to create and perform theater. Its productions are shaped around the actors’ own ideas and interests.

“It’s all based on the actors’ imaginations and their interests,” producer Hayley Cutler said. “They create these sorts of fantastical worlds.”

Famous figures meet among warring planets

Company B has been developing “The Great Put-Together!” since late 2024 at the nonprofit ServiceSource Center in Oakton. With guidance from ArtStream staff and community volunteers, the actors selected a theme, created their characters and learned their lines.

The resulting adventure blends the Wild West, medieval England, “The Sopranos” and rock-and-roll within a distant solar system where two planets are at war.

The cast of characters includes Annie Oakley, King Arthur, Judy Garland, Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz,” Melinda the Good Witch and two brothers—one a planetary plumber and the other a scheming self-help guru. Their challenge is to unite the planets before disorder takes over.

Assistant director Chloe Jane Peren said the actors help guide the creative process even as staff members support them.

“I never know what I am going to learn when I walk into the space,” Peren said. “Even as we are teaching the actors, they really guide us and teach us.”

Jack Abdo, appearing in his third ArtStream show, plays Irish-dance choreographer Michael Flatley. He said he has a “very good” relationship with his fellow performers and brings confidence to the stage.

“I never get nervous,” Abdo said.

Zayd Anwarzai chose to play Tony Soprano, the character made famous by the late James Gandolfini. He said he values the experience, the community and the freedom to develop his own roles.

Allie Welch, a veteran of other ArtStream productions who is performing with Company B for the first time, selected Judy Garland as her character.

“She’s a good singer, she’s pretty,” Welch said. “I can’t wait to be on stage.”

Welch said the program also gives her a chance to form new relationships.

“It’s really fun,” she said. “You get to meet a lot of new people.”

Hannah Roti plays Elphaba Thropp, the central figure in “Wicked” and a reimagined version of the Wicked Witch of the West. The role gives Roti plenty of opportunities to dance—and comes with an important prop.

“I’ve got a broom!” she said.

A strange tree reveals an inclusive community

Company A, based at Arlington Presbyterian Church, will present “Rooted in Unity” alongside Company B’s production at both performances.

The story follows three entrepreneurs who call upon a scientist named Dr. Scruples to examine a mysterious tree. Her investigation reveals creatures living inside it who support one another and the tree through an inclusive community.

Siobhan Murphy plays Raven, an Irish witch she helped create.

“She’s strong, independent and very, very smart,” Murphy said.

Raised in a family with theater and music experience, Murphy said she appreciates the friendships and support she has found through ArtStream.

“They are really nice and keep me safe,” she said. “I have a million friends here.”

Director Mark Mumm described the production’s development as “very community-driven.” Winter weather cost the troupe several weeks of in-person rehearsals, but the company continued meeting online until conditions improved.

Cutler said the uncertainty and commotion before opening night are familiar parts of theater at every level, from school productions to Broadway.

“Somehow, it all comes together,” she said.

ArtStream expands while seeking a local home

ArtStream began in Maryland 20 years ago, later expanded into Northern Virginia and plans to begin operating in Washington, D.C., in May.

Its Northern Virginia shows have appeared at venues including Synetic Theater, Gunston Arts Center and H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program in Arlington, as well as the Nannie Lee Community Center in Alexandria.

The Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services-operated James Lee Community Center is hosting the organization’s 2026 productions.

“It has been great here,” Cutler said. “We’d love to have a permanent home here.”

ArtStream canceled its spring 2020 Northern Virginia shows as COVID-19 spread through the region. The following year, it staged online performances and held a special screening at an Alexandria drive-in theater before eventually returning to in-person productions.

Both new shows will be performed at 7 p.m. Friday, April 10, and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at the James Lee Community Center, 2855 Annandale Road. Tickets are available by advance donation, with a suggested minimum of $10, and the performances are expected to sell out.