Silver Spring Stage to Present THE BALTIMORE WALTZ, 9/20-10/12

Silver Spring Stage presents The Baltimore Waltz by Paula Vogel, directed by Bob Scott and produced by Bob Benn, a giddy and emotional quest of a woman recently diagnosed with a bizarre illness and her brother in a whirlwind tour of Europe to find a cure, encountering an espionage scheme and discovering surprising twists and turns. The Baltimore Waltz will perform weekends September 20 to October 12.

Silver Spring Stage is located in the Woodmoor Shopping Center, lower level (next to the CVS) at Colesville Road and University Boulevard. Ticket prices are $20 for adults and $18 for seniors and students. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8:00 PM and Sundays September 29 and October 6 at 2:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased at www.ssstage.org. Information is also available by calling (301) 593-6036.

[Baltimore Waltz] Paula Vogel wrote The Baltimore Waltz as a tribute to her brother Carl, who died in 1988 from complications due to AIDS before they were able to enjoy a planned European vacation. The play enabled her to transform her anguish and reflect a period of confusion and desperation for many persons with HIV and their families in her own imitable way. She chose whimsy, humor and satire. She captured her grief and a disoriented time vividly in a play where audiences think and feel and be entertained. Vogel said, "I only write about things that directly impact my life." Born in Washington, DC, she was particularly close to her brother, who was like a parent to her. She drew many details of The Baltimore Waltz from her own experience, such as her brother and the character are both named Carl and are librarians. The play debuted in 1990 and was first produced Off-Broadway in 1992. It won the Obie Award for Best New American Play. The play gave her national attention. She is well-known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning play How I Learned to Drive (1997). Vogel said her brother remains a strong influence in her life: "In every play, there are a couple of places where I send a message to my late brother Carl. Just a little something in the atmosphere of every play to try and change the homophobia in our world." Through the hilarity and absurdity, the play's final poignant moment of brother and sister waltzing reminds us that love binds us forever. Of the play, Vogel said, "I hope we all remember to treasure the ones we love, the living and the dead." Celebrate that love with comedy and tragedy in The Baltimore Waltz.

Anna (Andrea Spitz), an unmarried schoolteacher, is diagnosed with ATD (Acquired Toilet Disease), a fatal new malady with a high risk factor for elementary school teachers. She and her librarian brother Carl (Joseph Coracle) take flight to Europe. Anna immerses herself in the sensuality of food and sex, while Carl becomes involved in a wild Third Man-like espionage scheme to find a cure for his sister. Carl's quest for a cure dead ends with a mad Viennese quack. Something is not quite right with the quest when Anna shows slides of their trip to Europe where each frame looks exactly like Baltimore. Imagination and reality collide in the end of this funny and moving play.

The cast also features Henry LaGue as The Third Man playing multiple roles and Hazel Lozano as the Nurse. The production team includes Alika Codispoti (Stage Manager), Catherine Oh (Choreographer), Bob Scott (Set Design), Katherine Offutt (Lighting Design), Joseph Coracle (Sound Design), Crystal Simone Fergusson (Costume Design), HArlene Leahy and Peter Wutke (Props and Set Dressing) and Bob Benn (Scenic Painting).

Silver Spring Stage continues its 2013-2014 season with Pillowman (Nov 1-23), A Christmas Carol(Dec 13-22), The Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged (Jan 10-Feb 1), Superior Donuts (Feb 21-Mar 15), Other Desert Cities (Apr 4-27), Arabian Nights (May 16-Jun 7) and Good People* (Jun 27-July 20). *Pending rights availability.

Silver Spring Stage has provided quality, affordable theatre for over 40 years. We are an all-volunteer, non- profit organization and appreciate any contribution to enable us to offer excellent and entertaining productions. Thank you for your interest and support of Silver Spring Stage. All programs at Silver Spring Stage are made possible in part by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.

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