Baltimore Backstage - February 24,2005

It's always great to offer theater bargains. Well…you can see a play for the cost of a film ($8) this Thursday night, March 2 at the Spotlighters. IF…you meet one of the following criteria: a teacher in any local public or private school, college or university, a high school or college student, an actor in a current production or one that opens soon or just closed…you can see "And Then There Were None", the Agatha Christie murder mystery. Call 410-752-1225 or www.spotlighters.org. Show time is 8 p.m. If you do not find yourself in one of these categories…you are welcome to see the show anyway (but pay $15). You have until March 11 to see this wonderful thriller.

 

If you can snag a ticket…your last chance to see the critically acclaimed "The Cripple of Inishmaan" at the Everyman Theatre. It closes this Sunday. For tickets, 410-752-2208. or on-line at www.everymantheatre.org. Following the Sunday matinee, the cast will head to Maggie Moore's Irish Pub (across from the Hipp at the corner of Eutaw and Fayette) where the cast will be having a celebration. Party will start around 5 p.m. How often do you get a chance to buy a pint for Vivienne Shub! Can't think of a better place to party with this wonderful cast. Wish I could be there.

 

Also last chance to see the hysterical "Fully Committed" at the Rep Stage in Columbia.

This is also closes Sunday. Call 410-772-4900.

 

Happy to report that Theater Hopkins is still alive and well and living at the MattinArtsCenter's Swirnow Theater on the campus of JohnsHopkinsUniversity. After being unceremoniously evicted from the Barn Theater, they are doing a two week run of A.R. Guerney's "What I Did Last Summer". The year is 1945 and the setting is a resort on the Canadian shore of Lake Erie. Call 410-516-7159.

 

Well controversy is surrounding the Center Stage production of "The Murder of Isaac". You may have heard that people leave at intermission and that subscribers may be staying away. I highly suggest that you give this show an opportunity. While there is no question this may be described as a controversial undertaking, how one can say they won't like it UNLESS you go. And go!!! The ensemble is simply terrific and they deserve an audience.

 

How about something for FREE!!! Monday night, Feb. 27, Center Stage is presenting a reading of Simon Levy's "What I Heard About Iraq". The play is 70 minutes long and there will be a discussion following titled "Can War Make Peace". CallCenter Stage for both events at 410-332-0033.

 

The historic Arena Players is presenting "Blues for an Alabama Sky" till March 5. This popular play by Pearl Cleague takes place during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1930's. Call 410-728-6500.

 

The Mobtown Theater is presenting "Measure for Measure" till March 11. Proceed of this Sunday's Feb. 26 show will benefit Equality Maryland. Call 410-467-3057 or www.mobtown.net.

 

Like to see a college production? Loyola is presenting George M. Cohen's "The Tavern this week-end. Call 410-617-5025.

 

If you are a college-age actor, the American Theater Wing's SpringboardNYC is now accepting applications for its summer boot camp experience taking place June 5-16. The session is limited to 40 participants. According to an ATW description it is a "concentrated pre-professional training course for college students planning careers in the theatre which provides job-seeking skills, insight into the business of theatre, and the tools necessary to translate academic training into a productive career". The curriculum includes a series of workshops, seminars, master classes and field trips. Past speakers have included Harold Prince, Paul Esparza, Graciela Daniele, Billy Crudup, and Jason Robert Brown. Call 212-765-0606 ext. 307 or visit www.americantheatrewing.org. Most importantly…if you do it…let me know at cgshubow@broadwayworld.com.

 

Finally, you only have until Thursday, March 2 to see the wonderful film, "Mrs. Henderson Presents" at the Senator. Starring Dame Judith Dench and Bob Hoskins this is a must see for theater lovers. Check out the trailer at www.mrshendersonprsents.com. Based on actual events, you will laugh and enjoy this incredible tale about the Windmill Theatre in London before and during World War II. The musical scenes are terrific and I strongly believe this could be a vehicle for a Broadway musical. What do YOU think?

 

And following the film, head over to

Belvedere Square

and visit the wine bar and discuss the film with fellow theatergoers. You can even bring into the bar your food purchase from the various venders in this wonderful gourmet mini-Lexington Market. For those of you who haven't been to the new "Square", you will love it. Remember the old Chili's just up the street? It's now an authentic Irish bar, Ryan's Daughter.

 

Next week, I'll file a report from New York City on one of Broadway's biggest hits, "Rabbit Hole".

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