CHARM CITY STAGE DOOR – 04/25/2006

GOODBYE LOVE

It was a bittersweet good bye to the Little Women company last Sunday.  I had the opportunity to say a last goodbye to Louisa Flaningam (Aunt March), who with a tight hug, said good bye to Baltimore and her on-the-road family of 8 months.  She played her final performance with the tour on Sunday evening.  Following the matinee, her co-star, Maureen McGovern expressed her appreciation, speaking for the entire company as she informed the standing audience of her imminent departure.  Visibly moved, Ms. Flaningam bowed again, then launched into a very funny curtain speech about Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.  Once again, Baltimore reached into its heart and pocket and gave generously.  I am happy to report that Baltimore has earned a sterling reputation for giving to this worthwhile charity among the touring companies who stop here during collection times.

 

I am also very happy to report that I had the chance (albeit briefly) to express my personal admiration for Susan Spencer's performance (she alternated with the equally lovely Julie Foldesi in the role of Jo March throughout the Baltimore run).  Hers was truly a performance to be remembered.  She spoke fondly of her time here and admitted she wished they could have stayed longer in CharmCity.  Truly, I have never heard such an outpouring of accolades from the audience for understudies – both Flodesi and Spencer had patrons asking the usher staff, "How could the 'real' Jo be any better?"  Those of you who missed this very underrated show REALLY  missed out.

 

THE LADIES SINGING THEIR SONG

Spotlighters Theatre brings Mamaleh! to the stage, through May 21, Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM, Sundays at 2PM.  This musical filled with laughter and tears, encompasses the eras from turn of the century immigrants coming to America to modern matriarchs contemplating the 21st century.  Mamaleh! (Yiddish for Little Mother) tells of the life long friendship among three generations of Jewish-American women.  Mamaleh! brings together Sherrionne Brown and FUZZ Roark to direct the production, and stars Suzanne Young, Donna D. Davis, Deborah Miller, Bonnie Sarf and Sharon Kneebone.

Ticket Info: Tickets may be purchased at the Box Office one hour prior to each performance.  Tickets may be placed on Will Call by phoning the theatre at 410-752-1225, or from the website:  www.spotlighters.org.  Will Call Reservations are strongly recommended.  Cash and Credit Cards are accepted at the Box Office.  Tickets may be purchased on line at www.missiontix.com using a credit card.  Tickets are $15 for adults with discounts for Seniors, Students, and Baltimore Theatre Alliance members. (To be reviewed on BroadwayWorld.com – Baltimore 04/29/2006)

 

Spotlighters Theatre is hosting two benefit performances of MAMALEH!  On Sunday, April 30, 2006 the 2pm Matinee will benefit HOUSE of RUTH (Women's Shelter).  Tickets for this benefit are $25, and reservations are strongly suggested.  On Sunday, May 7, 2006 the 2pm Matinee will benefit SUSAN G. KOMEN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION (Maryland Affiliate).  Tickets for this event are $30, and reservations are strongly suggested.  A lite fare reception will follow the benefit performances.

 

MAGIC TO DO

As the Orioles try to bring magic back to the yard (PLEASE!), Disney is bringing its own brand of magic to the Hippodrome this weekend, with performances of Disney LIVE! on Thursday at 7PM, Friday at 10:30AM and 7PM, and Saturday at 10:30AM, 1:30PM and 4:30PM.  Go to www.france-merrickpac.com for more information.  And keep in mind that parking around the Hippodrome might be harder to find (and be a little more expensive) on Friday, April 28^th for the 7PM show, as the Orioles are hosting the Seattle Mariners at 7:05PM the same day.

 

PUTTING IT TOGETHER

Fells Point Corner Theatre is preparing the Baltimore premiere of Sondheim's Pulitzer Prize-winning Sunday in the Park with George for a May 12^th opening, with performances running Friday and Saturday at 8PM and Sundays at 2PM through June 11^th.  The production is being helmed by Bill Kamberger, director of other such productions as Passion, Wings and Parade.  Randall Dunkle, Santina Maiolatesi, Brian Douglas, Kendra Keiser, Dickend Warfield and J.R. Lyston are featured in the cast.  Tickets are $17.00.  For more information, call 410-276-7837.

 

PLAY ON!

Speaking of Fells Point Corner Theatre, their production of the Australian comedy After Dinner continues in their upstairs space through May 7^th, Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM and Sundays at 2PM.  Call 410-276-7873 for more information.  (Reviewed on BroadwayWorld.com – Baltimore 04/25/2006)

 

Robert Harling's laughter-through-tears modern classic, Steel Magnolias, continues at Vagabond Players in Fells Point through May 21^st.  Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM and Sundays at 2PM.  Tickets are $15.00 and reservations may be made by calling 410-563-9135. (To be reviewed on BroadwayWorld.com – Baltimore 04/28/2006).

You only have this week left to see the brilliant production of August Wilson's Radio Golf presented at The Pearlstone Theater at CENTERSTAGE through April 30, 2006. Performance times are Tuesday through Saturday: 8 pm, Sunday: 7:30 pm, Saturday & Sunday Matinee: 2 pm.. Tickets are $10–$65, with Student & Senior Discounts (half-price on the day of show)  Discounts are available for groups of 15+. Contact Group Sales at 410.986.4008 or groups@centerstage.org.  Call 410.332.0033 for tickets and information. Or E-mail: info@centerstage.org or visit the website at centerstage.org .  Following the Thursday evening performance, McDanielCollege presents After Thoughts, a chance to discuss the production.  With the Saturday matinees, April 29^th at 2 pm, CenterStage is offering Child's Play,  child care with theater-related activities for kids aged 4 – 10. Pre-registration is required, and it costs just $12 per child.  And, finally, the Friday, April 28^th performance will be interpreted in American Sign Language.  You REALLY don't want to miss this show, heading for Broadway next season.  (See Article on BroadwayWorld.com – Baltimore 03/05/2006 & Reviewed on BroadwayWorld.com – Baltimore 03/30/2006.)

This week: RENT, Baby, Pippin, Sunday in the Park with George, Play On!  Thanks for reading!  James

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