Charm City Stage Door – 03/07/2006

SIT DOWN, YOU'RE ROCKING THE BOAT

            Do you usher at a local theatre?  If so, please contact me directly via email at jameshowardbww@yahoo.com for a survey of questions to be used for a series of upcoming "stories from the trenches" articles.  Please put "Usher Survey" in the subject heading.  Questionnaires will be available beginning this Thursday, March 2^nd at noon and will responses will be accepted until noon on Monday, March 20^th.  I look forward to hearing from all of you!

 

I THINK I CAN PLAY THIS PART

            Half way through the run of And Then There Were None (10 Little Indians) at Spotlighters, Karina Ferry,  playing the central role of Vera Claythorne was replaced (this was a scheduled replacement) by a talented young woman named Christina Enoch.  Ms. Enoch brings an entirely different, and equally valid performance to the stage from her predecessor.  While Ms. Ferry had a quiet, "Royal British" intensity in her portrayal, Ms, Enoch is a more in-your-face presence, most notably in scenes with CJ Crowe as the ice cold Emily Brent.  Here, Vera holds her own, going nose to nose with anyone she needs to in order to remain in control of her emotions and her very life.  This approach to the character also changes the dynamic between Vera and Phillip (John Kelso).  Here, the two are more equal – she knows a come on when she sees it, and answers it with her own wily charm and strength.  The sexual tension is still there, though it allows for the possibility that when everything quiets down, it could very well be Vera who makes the first move.  Watching the two actors verbally spar, then come together adds yet another dimension to an already wonderfully layered performance.  (For more on this cast change and actor JohnKelso, see my interview with the actor posted elsewhere on this page.)

            The rest of the production shows no sign of age or complacency.  It is as tight and tense and thrilling as ever.  I knew going in what the outcome was, and was still tense and on the edge of my seat.  The company has continued to gel, and continues to impress.  Peter Fox as the nervous doctor, in particular has shown tremendous growth, and now fits even more smoothly into the mix.

            I also had the opportunity to speak with the director, Randy Dalmas, who paced the lobby happily, but with the air of an expectant father.  He has nothing to be nervous about.  His directorial debut is a smashing success.  I asked him if he found that directing in the round was a particular challenge, and he said not really, though he described spending hours moving little pieces around a diagram of the set to insure that everyone was where they needed to be for key scenes.  He also sincerely credits his success to his cast.  It is clear that he feels a deep affection for the entire group.  That affection goes both ways – as a tribute "joke" to him, the cast created an original curtain call for the Saturday show.  He was surprised and delighted.  (I hope the keep it for the final performances this weekend!)  Congratulations to Ms. Enoch, Mr. Dalmas and the entire company!

 

TWO LADIES

            I had the incredible honor of sharing a table at Toby's in Columbia for the opening of Thoroughly Modern Millie with Helen Hayes Award nominee, and Baltimore theatre legend Vivienne Shub, recently of The Cripple of Inishmaan at Everyman Theatre, and her sister, Naomi Greenberg-Slovin, dramaturge at Everyman.  What an absolute delight both ladies are, and what a wealth of knowledge they have and are willing to share!

            Ms. Shub, whose acting credits span four decades or more in this area, regaled us with stories from the stage, screen and television.  Among the more interesting tidbits: She waited in line with a bunch of screaming teenage girls to get Johnny Depp's autograph on the set of Cry Baby (John Waters is "a doll!").  Julia Roberts, on the set of The Runaway Bride "absolutely had a glow about her that lit up the room," and Vivienne was selected from the crowd by director Gary Marshall, to give Richard Gere a whack with a rolled up newspaper.  Apparently, no one told Gere, who uttered an expletive with the first hit.  Later, after several takes, Marshall came over and took part of the paper out of the roll – Gere was getting bruised!  The best story happened on the set of Homicide, when Shub playing an attack victim had to crawl to the phone and dial 911.  Seems the prop guy forgot to disconnect the phone and she really got a hold of 911, gasping, "I need help!"  Needless to say, the police called right back, and it took quite some convincing to make them believe it was just a TV show being filmed!

            Of her Everyman Theatre experience in The Cripple of Inishmaan, she recalled the second performance when one of her liquor bottles broke and the entire company worried through the act that she'd been cut and bleeding.  A close knit group, Ms. Shub had nothing but praise for her co-stars, especially Megan Anderson, who she describes as a "delightful young actress and lady."  Shub's sister recalls putting together the glossary of Irish terms for the audience, but chuckled that people still thought "fecking" was a different "f" word!  Hard at work on what she admits is a challenging play, Ms. Greenberg-Slovin talked about rehearsals for Caryl Churchill's A Number, opening later this month at Everyman.  She has nothing but praise for the company and marvels at their attention to detail, telling a story of a heated debate over how tall a chair should be.  She is particularly looking forward to the lobby display, where she hopes to open a few eyes about stem cell research.

            Thanks to both ladies for a wonderful evening!

 

GO, GO JOSEPH

            I am pleased to announce, especially since I am the lone Baltimore critic who found Patrick Cassidy's performance in the touring Joseph to be good, that Mr. Cassidy has won the Golden Icon Award for Best Actor in a Touring Production.  The award, bestowed upon him by Travolta Family Entertainment was announced Friday.  Further, talks have been taking place to potentially bring Joseph to Broadway in 2006, with Cassidy in the title role.

 

OH TO BE A MOVIE STAR!

            In an earlier column, I reported that John Travolta and Queen Latifah were in talks to star in the movie version of the musical version of the John Waters film Hairspray.  Now I can report that it is, indeed, fact.  I couldn't help but think of how Travolta would look in a housedress and curlers as I watched him on the Oscars, Sunday night.

 

LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE BOY

            Speaking of the Oscars, congratulations to Martin McDonagh, Oscar-winner for Best Short Film.  It has been a good week for the playwright.  In my review of The Cripple of Inishmaan by at Everyman, I wished that the other plays in his Inish trilogy would be produced, and low and behold, The Lieutenant of Inishmore is transferring to Broadway this season!  Regional productions are sure to follow (hint, hint, Everyman)!

 

HE'S A RIGHT GUY

            I'd like to congratulate my colleague, Charles Shubow, and his daughter Britt on the announcement of her solo singing debut in Delaware, where she'll be doing a show, along with some of her Broadway Mamma Mia! cast mates.  (See the related article on the Baltimore page).  I'd also like to second his huzzahs for the KennedyCenter season, recently announced.  I, too, can't wait to see Light in the Piazza or Kathleen Turner and Bill Irwin in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?.  Though I have to say, I hated the Sweeney Todd revival during the Sondheim Celebration, so I am not enthused about "The Reunion Concert", and Phantom – well, let's just say "zzzzzzzzzzzz."

 

IT TAKES TWO

            How interesting that two Caryl Churchill plays will be opening in the area in the same month!  First up:

Towson University Department of Theatre Arts presents Cloud 9 by Caryl Churchill on Thursday, March 9, through Saturday, March 11, at 8 p.m.; and Saturday, March 11,  at 2 p.m.; and Tuesday, March 14,  through Thursday, March 16,  at 8 p.m. in the Center for the Arts Main Stage Theatre.  Tickets are $10 general/$5 students/seniors.  The Box Office is open noon to 4PM, Tuesday – Saturday and one hour prior to curtain.  Tickets may also be purchased at www.towson.edu.centerforthearts.

And Churchill's most recent play, A Number, begins previews March 14^th, and opens March 17^th.  The 14^th is a "pay-what-you-can" preview and starts at 7:30PM.  Other previews are $15.  The show runs through April 23^rd, with performances Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30PM, Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM, and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:30 PM.  Tickets range from $28 (Sat.Eve. & Opening Night), $22 (Thurs/Fri/Sun. Mat.), $20 (Wed.Eve.) and $18 (Sat. Mat.).  Previews, Wednesday Evenings and Saturday matinees also feature a $1.00 discount for Seniors and Students.  Call the Box Office at 410-752-2208 or go online at www.everymantheatre.org for information and tickets by credit card.

 

UPTOWN GIRL(S)

            Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp's award-winning smash, Movin' Out begins performances tonight through March 19^th at the Hippodrome.  Look for my review tomorrow!

            Other "girls" playing in Baltimore include a funny nun and an allergist's wife:

The Vagabond Players continues its 90^th season the a double bill of short plays by American playwright Christopher Durang, Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All to You and The Actor's Nightmare.  Directed by Barry Bach, the production will run from March 3 – April 2, 2006.  Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM and Sundays at 2PM.  Tickets are $15.00, with a $2.00 discount for seniors and students.

            Charles Busch's The Tale of the Allergist's Wife begins performances next Friday (through April 16^th), at The Fells Point Corner Theatre.  Directed by Richard Dean Stover, this hilarious, slightly off the beam comedy features Brandon Cater, Maribeth Eckenrode, Dave Gamble, Margery Germain and Susan Porter.  Tickets are $14, $12 for students and seniors.  Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM and Sundays at 2PM.  More information and reservations can be made by calling 410-276-7837.

 

THIS IS NOT OVER YET

            The following shows continue their run this week:

Spotlighters goes into its final weekend of Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None, with performances Friday and Saturday at 8PM.  For tickets and more information call 410-752-1225 or go online at www.spotlighters.org/boxoffice.htm. 

 

            The Murder of Isaac at CenterStagecontinues performances through March 12^th, Tues – Sat: 8PM; Sun: 7:30PM; Sat & Sun Matinee: 2PM; Thursday, March 9, 7PM; Wednesday matinees, March 1 & 8, 1PM.  Tickets are $10 - $60.  Student & Senior Discounts: Half-price day of show.  Box Office: 410-332-0033.  Online: centerstage.org.  Groups of 15+: Contact Group Sales at 410-986-4008 or groups@centerstage.org.  Special events this week include: AfterThoughts (Sponsored by McDaniel College) A post-show discussions for a deeper look into the production with Production Dramaturg Gavin Watt and special guests.  Thursday, March 9^th, after the 7PM performance; Twilight Thursday - This performance begins an hour earlier than usual for those patrons who don't want too late a weeknight at the theatre.  An AfterThoughts session follows this performance.  See above. - Thursday, March 9^th, 7PM performance; and Child's Play - On-site theatre-related "play care" by Child's Play Coordinator Moira Sweeney, for children aged 4 to 10 during select Saturday matinees.  $12.00 per child; pre-registration is required.

Saturday, March 11^th, 2PM performance.

 

This week: Guys and Dolls, The Goodbye Girl, Cabaret, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Apple Tree, Footloose, High Society, Into the Woods, Movin'Out, and Parade.  Thanks for reading!  James

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