To science lovers, people with youngsters to entertain, and anyone looking for an informative, fun, and positive adventure: You truly do not want to miss The Kennedy Center’s current production, Doktor Kaboom: Under Pressure! The performance for young audiences, which was created and performed by David Epley, is an hour-long, interactive journey with loud explosions, chemical reactions, and one lucky kid learning to fly. David Epley plays German physicist Doktor Kaboom, who travels the world to teach kids about the wonderful world of science — specifically, the ways in which different types of pressure affect the things around them. Air pressure, vacuums, and even stress are the topics of conversation in this high-energy and quick-witted exhibition of scientific feats. David Epley as Doktor Kaboom. Publicity photo by Dan Morris. The stage is set with an array of sciencey-looking objects: a booth with a clear shield and a protective coat hanging off the corner, a long table with vials filled with a white substance, a large silver orb, a long tube, and safety gear. But there are also a few regular household items like a walker, a leaf blower, and a cluster of multicolored balloons. The action begins with Epley running out sporting a bright orange lab coat, bleach-blonde spikey hair, and black goggles. He immediately addresses the crowd with a thick German accent, speaking with elevated energy that sends a contagious buzz of excitement rippling through the room. The crowd laughs, cheers, and even gasps as a ping pong ball is shot at a bullseye at remarkable speed, dry ice transforms a simple plastic soda bottle into a rocket, and an innocuous bucket suddenly implodes. Throughout the 60-minute performance, Epley displays incredibly nimble improv abilities but also a great capacity for empathy as he calls on volunteers from the audience to participate in several of the demonstrations. A little five-year-old girl was called up as Doktor Kaboom explained the charging of electrons and the harmless static that is visible to the naked eye. But when it became time for the child to assist, she hesitated. And instead of trying to persuade her to do something that she was clearly not comfortable with, Epley praised and applauded her bravery for voicing her discomfort. Another eager aid was selected instead and the whole theater seemed to vibe with an overflowing of palpable kindness. Doktor Kaboom: Under Pressure! is a fantastic experience, with educational content presented in a hilarious and exciting format that will help to motivate future generations of scientists and researchers. Epley’s message is filled with joyful, creative, and inclusive learning, infused with a subtle yet effective theme of the push and pull of real-life anxieties. The show works toward normalizing speaking up for yourself, sharing feelings, and the importance of physical and emotional support. The Kennedy Center website states that the production is “recommended for grades 3–6,” but I am well into my forties, absolutely loved the show, and would gladly sit through it again. Watching Epely’s compassionate and instructional engagement with the young audience was heartwarming and inspiring. Running Time: Approximately 60 minutes, with no intermission. Doktor Kaboom: Under Pressure! plays through November 3, 2024, at the Family Theater in The Kennedy Center, located at 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC. Tickets cost $25.30 (including a $3.30 service charge) and are available for purchase in person (The Hall of States Box Office is open Monday – Saturday, 10am – 9pm and Sunday 12pm – 9pm), by calling the box office at (202) 467-4600, or online. View the digital program here. COVID Safety: Masks are optional in all Kennedy Center spaces for visitors and staff. If you prefer to wear a mask, you are welcome to do so. See Kennedy Center’s complete COVID Safety Plan here. Doktor Kaboom: Under Pressure! ARTISTS Doktor Kaboom: David Epley; Stage Manager: Rebecca Bailey EDUCATION STAFF Vice President of Education: Jordan LaSalle; Senior Director of Education Programs and Productions: David Kilpatrick; Director of Education Activation and Engagement: Vanessa Thomas; Artistic Associate, KCTYA; Artistic Director, Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF): Gregg Henry; Producing Director, TYA: Michelle Kozlak; Production & Operations Manager, TYA: Maribeth Weatherford; Program and Casting Assistant, TYA: Leah Packer; Intern, KCTYA: Alex Lagon; Manager, KCACTF: Kelsey Mesa; School Registration: Liz Rossetti, Charlotte Poethke; Senior Press Representative for Theater Education: Brendan Padgett; Manager, Marketing: Steven Dawson; Assistant Manager, Marketing: Hayley McGuirl