BWW Reviews: THE SECOND CITY DOES BALTIMORE at Center Stage

Some of you may remember the wonderful short-lived "That Was the Week That Was" which borrowed from British television that featured skits on current events.  Some may remember the Maryland Public Television comedy "Crabs" which poked fun at Charm City.  But, most of you are more likely fans of "Saturday Night Live" where at least there used to be, wonderful skits about current events. Well, many of the stars of SNL, like John Belushi and Tina Fey (and Comedy Central's Stephen Colbert),  began their careers honing their improvisational skills at Chicago's Comedy Club, "Second City".

Well, Center Stage commissioned the folks at "Second City" (specifically Megan Grano and T. J. Shanoff) to write a program specifically for Baltimoreans.  There are also segments Interspersed  that are not geared strictly to Baltimore but for the most part, The Second City Does Baltimore is mostly about what makes Baltimore tick.

I'm still not sure if this kind of programming deserves to considered part of the theatrical line-up of a subscription series at a regional theater versus a "Special Event", but it certainly deserves to be seen.

The Head Theatre, still in a configuration for a cabaret performance where one can sip beer, wine, or soft drinks and light snacks, is a perfect setting for this kind of presentation.

The wonderful set (designed by Jenifer Stearns) could be used for a production of the musical Hairspray. There are two artificial formstone (hiding the original red brick) row houses (with an alley in between), with painted screens (only in Baltimore?), and the requisite marble steps.

One must have clever and talented actors who are masters of improvisation. (I was reminded also of the wonderful musical The Glorious Ones by Ahrens and Flaherty done by Theatre Hopkins and the Signature Theatre.)  The troupe includes Warren Johnson, Brett Lyons, Dana Quercioli, Tim Sniffen, Niccole Thurman, and Megan Wilkins. Director Matt Hovde does a masterful  job.  Helping with the musical numbers is pianist Joe Drennan.

I've seen the show twice. Once a preview performance on New Year's Eve (which had a very happy crowd) and then a few days later on Opening Night which featured celebrity Ed Norris, former Police Commissioner and now talk show host Sports Radio 105.7 the Fan.

There were subtle differences. I could even see it AGAIN! You also may want to do the same.

The show opens with "Here in Charm City, we pine for the Glory Days..." You'll hear mentioned Babe Ruth, H.L. Menken, John Wilkes Booth.  "I miss Hutzler's. Remember when the O's were good?" You get the idea. I loved the skit about a couple from Oklahoma meeting with a real estate agent who begins to describe each and every neighborhood, i.e. Lexington Terrace, Roland Park, Fells Point, Harbor East, Hampden, Bolton Hill, FederAl Hill, Mount Vernon, and West Baltimore.  After hearing about the city's options, the exasperated couple finally ask the agent where in the City should they move to? His answer- The County!!!

Baltimore to newcomers may seem like a small town. Wait till you see the skit called "Smalltimore".

You'll see an actor dressed as Natty Boh. Mentioned are Faidley's Crab Cakes, Berger Cookies, the delicious French Fries from Brewer's Art and the Yabba Pot Restaurant on St. Paul.

There are two wonderful musical numbers.  "Sunrise Sunset" about the demise of the size of the Baltimore Sun and the a new musical by David Simon and Marvin Hamlisch based on the HBO series "The Wire".

The Ravens' Ray Lewis, Peter Angelos, Michael Phelps and a special salute to Robert Irsay are included.(They did their homework). Comcast gets a special number.

For Center Stage regulars, wait until you see Megan Wilkins' impersonation of Artistic Director Irene Lewis opening Act II. I think it would have worked to start the show with this. Wilkins is hilarious. You can view her take on Lewis on the Center Stage web site www.centerstage.org.

On Wednesday evening performances, look for celebrity walk-ons. Opening night had former Police Commissioner and radio host on FM105.7 Ed Norris. 

Check out the clever cartoon on page 2 of the program which would make a great poster. It includes Edgar Allan Poe, Berger Cookies, Utz chips, Goetz Caramel Cremes, the Constellation, the Bromo Seltzer Tower, John Waters, pit beef, the Shot Tower, the outline of a dead body from "Homicide, Life on the Street", the Orioles Bird, the Baltimore Raven's  Bird, a pink flamingo with a requisite Hon Do, and (I think) Jed Dietz of the Baltimore Film Festival,

You have until Feb. 20 to enjoy this fun presentation. For tickets, call 410-332-0033 or visit www.centerstage.org.

                                   FUNDRAISER MONDAY JANUARY 31 AT SASCHA'S

An evening to benefit the artistic and educational programs of Center Stage will occur Monday night, January 31 at Sascha's, 527 N. Charles St. You can meet the cast of The Second City Does Baltimore and have hors d'oeuvres and cocktails for $75. The event runs from 6-8 p.m. RSVP at www.centerstage.org/secondcitycast and write to rbenesch@centerstage.org.

                                   Harold Pinter's The Homecoming Runs to Feb. 20

Center Stage Artistic Director Irene Lewis directs her last show as Artistic Director with The Homecoming.  View a nice video of Lewis talking about the show at www.centerstage.org.

                              Charlotte Cohn Performs at CABARET Series Feb. 24-27

Actress Charlotte Cohn, a standout in The Murder of Isaac and The Boys from Syracuse, will performing her solo act Feb. 24-27. The former tank commander with the Israeli Army will perform "some Hebrew material, original songs, a touch of opera, musical theater and even The Beatles".

                                    Center Stage Auction is Now On-Line ONLY

One event I have always enjoyed as a volunteer is the Baltimore Sun Auction for Center Stage. I recall when its home was at the studios at WBAL on Television Hill and then the rehearsal hall of the theater.  I remember the snow storm, the night the water was off the spot-a-pots were used on N. Calvert Street. It was fun to meet fellow volunteers, board members, actors, and local celebrities. I always worked the opening shift at 8 a.m. when WJZ-TV's Don Scott was the MC.

This year will be different. The Auction is now ONLY on-line. One can preview the items during  the Center Stage Auction Preview  from Feb. 1 to Feb. 13.  Online Bidding for two full weeks runs from Feb. 14 to Feb. 28. Visit www.centerstage.org/auction. For questions, call Sydney Wilner at 410-986-4025.

 For comments, write to cgshubow@broadwayworld.com.

Photo Credit: Richard Anderson (top); Charles Shubow (bottom) Former Baltimore City Police Commissioner Ed Norris and current host of "Norris and Davis" on FM 106.7 The Fan with cast.

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