Baltimore/Washington Backstage - Dec.3, 2006

Television networks have been recently been kind to Broadway. Sunday morning, December 03, A&E's "Breakfast with the Arts" interviewed Richard Eyre, Director of "Mary Poppins".  The cast was featured last Friday on CBS' Early Show (link available on this site via a pod cast) and they've been featured before on"The Today Show". They also make an appearance on "The View", Thursday morning, Dec. 7. There is "Poppins" everywhere!!

 

 

 

Look for Baltimore's own Eric B. Anthony who is in the "Poppins" ensemble and helped teach a tap routine to Meredith Vierra on "The Today Show" in his role as a chimney sweep.  "The Today Show" also did a piece on backstage at "Spamalot" with  Natalie Morales performing with the Broadway production during an actual performance.

She was even given a line to read.

 

 

 

On Sunday morning, Dec. 10, A&E's "Breakfast with the Arts" has Marvin Hamlisch with a discussion on "A Chorus Line" and a piece on the off-Broadway classic, "The Fantasticks".

 

 

 

The film of "Dreamgirls" was also recently featured on "The Today Show" and Oprah Winfrey spent an entire episode with the cast. Monday, Dec. 4  you can catch Beyonce performing on "The Today Show". Look for the amazing Jennifer Hudson singing on the same show on Thursday, Dec. 14. Do NOT miss this opportunity.

 

 

 

I was one of the lucky ones to get a sneak preview of the film and it is amazing. Hudson, making her film debut, steels the show. The preview audience was yelling and screaming during the showstopper, "And When I'm Telling You" which Jennifer Holiday sang on Broadway and won the Tony Award. "Dreamgirls" is a must see. You can be sure it will reap many Academy Award nominations and may surprise with a Best Picture nomination. The CD is available Dec.5.

 

 

 

Speaking of Broadway musicals done by Hollywood, it was recently revealed that playing the role of barber Pirelli in Tim Burton's film of the Sondheim masterpiece "Sweeney Todd" will be none other than Sacha Baron Cohen ("Borat"). He'll join Johnny Depp (Sweeney) and Helena Bonham Carter (Mrs. Lovett). Look for the film in late 2007.

 

 

 

MPT's "Artworks This Week" featured an interview with "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels'" Tom Hewitt. You can see a repeat Monday morning, Dec. 4 at 5:30 a.m. I thoroughly enjoyed Hewitt's performance. I can vividly recall his terrific turn in Noel Coward's "Private Lives" at Center Stage ten years ago. Coward's character was great training for his suave character,  Lawrence Jameson.  It is always difficult to take on a role that was written for Tony-winner Norbert Leo Butz.  But, Timothy Gulan, has great comedic ability playing Freddy Benson. I spoke to him after a performance and he always enjoys playing Baltimore and thought the audiences were terrific. He's looking forward to the tour's next  two weeks in Florida.

 

 The two leading ladies, Laura Marie Duncan and Hollis Resnik were both strong actors and had voices to match their sensuality. I thought there was a casting miscue with Drew McVety playing the "very" French Andre Thibault. I really missed the wonderful portrayal in the original Broadway version with the capable and sophisticated  Gregory Jbara playing the role.  Jbara was sophisticated and debonair as the corrupt Chief of Police. This was sorely lacking in this touring production.

  

In the Playbill, the orchestra lists only five musicians under the baton of Steven Bishop, but I checked the orchestra pit at intermission and found eleven musicians. Why don't they have credits? Do not know. But they deserve it . They were great. I do wish they had more than just one violin. Listen to the beautiful strains of the violin section on the great CD.

 

Some other questions I have. With so many senior citizens attending shows, why doesn't the Hippodrome  offer many more couches or other seating in the vast lobbies?  I noticed many seniors with walkers, canes, looking for places to sit prior to the opening of the theater interior.

 

Finally, I received an inquiry from a loyal reader that the Hippodrome box office was not open Saturday morning, November 25. The reader reported that five people were hoping to either buy tickets or exchange tickets due to the cancellation of the first week of the "Scoundrels" run but were unable to.  There was no sign as to the why the box office was not open. 

 

 

 

While there are no more musicals at the Hippodrome until 2007 ("Chicago" starts Jan. 2 for eight performances), have no fear.

 

 

 

"She Loves Me" is getting rave reviews at Washington's "Arena Stage". It plays through Dec. 31. 202-488-3300.

 

 

 

One of the more anticipated musicals this season is the Center Stage production of Rodgers and Hart's classic, "The Boys from Syracuse" based on Shakespeare's "Comedy of Errors". The unlikely twins are played by Manu Narayan, so superb in the Broadway production "Bombay Dreams" and one of Sophie's three possible dads in the Broadway production of "Mamma Mia!", Michael Winther. I've been lucky to see both these two terrific actors in action on Broadway. What a duet they'll be!

 

 

 

If you missed Rasta Thomas' magnificent performance earlier this season at the Hippodrome in "Movin' Out", you are in luck. Thomas returns to his home turf appearing during the second week of the run at the National in DC. Keith Roberts, who was nominated for a Tony, has the role in week one. The Billy Joel dance piece opens Tuesday, Dec. 5 and runs till Dec. 23. 800-447-7400.

 

 

 

One of my favorite musicals is making its first professional appearance in the Baltimore/Washington area in of all places, the state capital. The Bay Theatre Company in Annapolis deserves kudos for presenting the challenging and wonderful "A Man of No Importance" through January 13, 2007.  What a great way to welcome Maryland's new Irish Governor, Martin O'Malley, with this Stephen Flaherty  and Lynn Ahrens ("Ragtime") musical set in Dublin. I saw this

2003 Outer Critics Circle

award for best Off-Broadway musical at Lincoln Center and it is given a stunning, memorable, sensitive, powerful, funny, production in its quaint 88 seat theater. Look for my review shortly. Tickets for this will go fast once the word is spread. So, do not delay. It closes January 13, 2007. Call 410-268-1333.

 

 

 

 

Note to those who loved the  Everyman production of "Opus". You can see the terrific Karl Kippola, who played the violinist Dorian, in the leading role of Robbie, played brilliantly in the original cast by Roger Rees. Well, Kippola's performance is right there.

 

 

 

"Opus" by the way was the recipient of the "Outstanding New Play of the Year" (by the Arden Theatre Company) on Oct. 23 by the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia. Congratulations to playwright Michael Hollinger and to Everyman Artistic Director Vince Lancisi for choosing this wonderful work.

 

 

 

Speaking of the Everyman. Their terrific "School for Scandal" I think would make a great musical. But, that hasn't been written yet. So, do not miss the largest production in their history and please do NOT be afraid to laugh. 410-752-2208.

 

 

 

I finally was able to attend the Everyman Cabaret series' first presentation, "Broadway Boys". I guess I was the only one in Baltimore who thought the title referred to four "men" singing. Practically every seat was sold for this initial attempt to put more people in seats. It was a huge success. Two ideas though. One, the program should list what shows the songs emanate from and two, there is no need for an intermission when the music lasts about ninety minutes.  Book tickets now for the Sondheim Cabaret coming April 15-17 and 22-24. And a  reminder that the sold-out "The Cone Sister" still has tickets available for performances January 28-30 and February 4-6. If you're looking for holiday gifts, theater tickets are a terrific idea...and you don't need much wrapping paper!

 

 

 

One final Everyman connection. You can see Baltimore native Jefferson Russell (so terrific in the Everyman's "Someone to Watch Over Me") in "A Raisin in the Sun" at DC's African Continuum Theatre Company through Jan. 7. 202-529-5764.

 

 

 

Have not mentioned Pumpkin Theatre in a while. They are presenting the musical "The Wizard of Oz" Dec. 9-11 and Dec. 16 and 17. What a treat for the little theater-goer. Call 410-828-1814.

 

 

 

Another option for the young during this holiday season. You don't have to see "The Nutcracker" again. Check out the delightful "Cinderella" at the Olney Theatre Center. There is magic aplenty is this terrific production that all ages would enjoy. The Children during the performance I witnessed were in awe at the magic on stage. Yes….they magic to do…just for you…until Dec. 31!! Call 301-924-3400.

 

 

 

 

 

 

MORE AUDITIONS:

 

 

 

Monday, Dec. 4 7-9:30 p.m. for "Beau Jest" at Dundalk Community Theatre. Call Amy Vickers at 443-326-4558.

 

 

 

December 4-6 between 6-9 p.m. for "Little Shop of Horrors" at Just Left of Broadway Dinner Theater. Call 410-391-5557.

 

 

 

Baltimore is finally getting Disney's "High School Musical" at CCBC in Catonsville.

Auditions Dec. 12 1-4 p.m. and Dec. 13 2-5 p.m. Call 410-455-4591. If you are reader of this column, you know how I believe soon this will be heading to Broadway.

Happy to report the Baltimore School for the Arts is presenting Moises Kaufman's "The Laramie Project" Dec. 6-9 and 13-16. 410-396-8378. Glad to see BSA is presenting such terrific theater for the community.

 

 

 

Just received notice from Towson University that the 25 year old Maryland Arts Festival is no more and what a shame this is. There were so many wonderful productions that were presented. It will be sorely missed.

 

 

 

Finally, sincere apologies to the Greenbelt Arts Center for being unable to publicize their closing week-end of "The Biograph Girl". But, I do want to mention they are having auditions for "Urinetown, the Musical" Dec. 10 and 11 at 7 p.m. 301-441-8770

 

 

 

And if you want to see it before you audition, check it out at Towson University where it continues until Dec. 9. I LOVE this show. 410-704-2787.

 

 

 

cgshubow@broadwayworld.com.

 

 

 

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