Baltimore/Washington Backstage - June 30, 2006

By: Charles Shubow Jul. 01, 2006

If you were one of the lucky ones to have witnessed the performance of Maryland's Rasta Thomas in "Movin' Out", you may want to watch "In Performance at the White House: Dance Theatre of Harlem." The concert was initially televised on Wed. night, June 28 and was rebroadcast on WETA, Friday morning, July 1 at 1 a.m.

Thank you to one of my favorite Sun reporters, Dave Zurawik, who mentioned Thomas' artistry in his review in the Sun's "Today" section on June 28 which featured the Dance Theatre of Harlem. This is how he described Thomas' performance: "Rasta Thomas electrifies the audience with his muscular interpretation of Le Corsaire Pas de Deux, which he dances with Jaime Kotrba.". Also performing were Tony winner Audra McDonald who according to Zurawik brings the White House East Room to a "breath-holding hush" singing "Summertime". The Rev. Al Green also performs.

A suggestion to the Sun. When you list a show's broadcast times, why not include the times ofthe repeat broadcasts so if people like me, forget to tape it, or for those who do not read the review until after the show is televised, you have a second chance. Again, thank you to the Sun's television critic (and author), Dave Zurawik.

Another television suggestion over the holiday week-end is the Annual "A Capitol Fourth" to air on PBS on July 4th.This year's host will be Tony-winner Jason Alexander. Also scheduled to perform are Tony nominee Vanessa Williams, Grammy winner, Steve Wonder, Michael Bolton and Jo Dee Messina. One of the many advantages of living in this area is that WE can see this LIVE!!!

The telecast begins at 8 p.m.on MPT and WETAand according the National Park Service, you can enter the Capitol grounds for the July 4th concert beginning at 3 p.m. But here's a little secret…you can also attend a Dress Rehearsal on July 3rd. Concert again is at 8 p.m. but the Capitol grounds do not open until 6 p.m. This is much less crowded and you see the same performance that is done on the 4th…but without the fireworks. There will also be large television screens set up on the mall. For more information, go to www.pbs.org/capitolfourth.

Also on July 4th on WETA, the six-hour history of the Broadway musical from 1893-2004 will be televised. This is a terrific show. It runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. So set your VCR's or DVR's.

This week's edition of "Breakfast with the Arts" on A&E will feature Tony winner Jonathan Pryce. Sunday, July 2 from 8-10 a.m.

Many of you may recall my review of the Off-Broadway musical ["title of show"]. The good news is it is returning to the Vineyard Theatre on July 14. I'm looking forward to the release of the original cast album on July 25 on Ghostlight Records. Tickets are sale at 212-279-4200. Visit www.vineyardtheatre.org or www.titleofshow.com.

Sunday is the last chance to see "The Full Monty" at the Cockpit in Court theater in Essex. 410-780-6569.

There's a lot of buzz about the Maryland Arts' Festival production of "Beehive" which continues until July 16. And opening TONIGHT is "Gypsy". 410-704-2787 or towson.edu.maf. Recently heard that Harvey Weinstein wants to film this great show again and one consideration is Barbra Streisand as Rose. Wouldn't that be something!

The Kennedy Center's production of "Mame" also ends on Sunday.800-444-1324. Do not wait to see this well-received production on Broadway. Those plans have quashed.

"Caroline or Change" at DC's Studio Theatre has once again been extended till July 23. 202-323-3300.

"Spamalot" ends July 9 at the National. 800-447-7400.

Catch the world premiere of Ariel Dorfman's "Picasso's Closet" at Theater J. $25 tickets available July 1 and 2. 800-494-TIXS or www.theaterj.org.

The Olney Theatre Center is presenting "Hedda Gabler" through July 23 and continues its' free Summer Shakespeare "Much Ado About Nothing". Opening tonight is the Potomac Theatre Project at OTC is "No End of Blame" in repertory with "An Experiment with an Air Pump" which opens next Wednesday.And don't forget an unusual take on the classic musical "Jacques Brel" which has a pay-what-you-can performance on July 3. You can spend an entire week-end seeing theater in Olney!! 301-924-3400 or www.olneytheatre.org.

More Shakespeare at the Shakespeare Theatre. "Love's Labor's Lost" tickets are available at 202-547-1122.

The Washington Post "Arts" section on Thursday featured a nice article on "Little Women" coming next to the Kennedy Center after "Mame" and a review of "Annie" at Wolf Trap where you can see a Broadway show laying on a blanket. 877-Wolftrap or www.wolftrap.org.What's a young girl to do???

For comments, cgshubow@broadwayworld.com.

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