Charles Shubow's Picks for Baltimore/Washington's Best Theater of 2015

It is hard to believe I am beginning my 10th year as a writer for Broadwayworld.com. I began writing a column known as "Baltimore/Washington Backstage" which introduced readers to what theater was available for the Baltimore/Washington area. Today, we have a plethora of talented writers who now review the many theatrical productions from Northern Virginia, Washington, DC, to Baltimore.

This season I have seen forty plays, five Baltimore Symphony concerts, and have written seven miscellaneous articles for a total of 52.

My visits included the following theaters: Arena Stage (3), Center Stage (7), Everyman Theatre (6), Kennedy Center (4), National Theatre (1), Olney Theatre Center (5), Round House Theatre (1), Red Branch Theatre (1),Rep Stage (6), Signature Theatre (2), Shakespeare Theatre Company (1), Spotlighters (1), and Toby's Dinner Theatre (2).

Some highlights included seeing the World Premiere of the play SHIBBOLETH at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin, Ireland and meeting the wonderful actors afterwards. I'll never forget two Baltimore Symphony Orchestra concerts that featured Jason Alexander and Brian Stokes Mitchell. I also attended two Jason Robert Brown events in New York City: a wonderful concert at Subculture which featured Kelli O'Hara and Steven Pasquale from BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY and Carolee Carmello from PARADE, and a concert version of PARADE conducted by Brown at Lincoln Center. Two incredible and memorable events.

Here is my list for the best of 2015 in no particular order:

BEST MUSICALS

WEST SIDE STORY - Signature Theatre

THE SECRET GARDEN - Center Stage

RAGTIME - Toby's Dinner Theatre

MARLEY - Center Stage

DEAR EVAN HANSEN - Arena Stage

NEWSIES - National Theatre

ONCE - The Kennedy Center

CAROUSEL - The Olney Theatre Center

MAN OF LA MANCHA - The Shakespeare Theatre Company

GUYS AND DOLLS - The Olney Theatre Center

DOGFIGHT - Red Branch Theatre

BEST PLAYS

FENCES - Everyman Theatre

THE INSPECTOR CALLS - Everyman Theatre

BLOOD QUILT - Arena Stage

SUNSET BABY - Rep Stage

RUINED - Everyman Theatre

ONE NIGHT IN MIAMI - Center Stage

OUTSIDE MULLINGAR - Everyman Theatre

NIGHT ALIVE - Round House Theatre

I am often asked if I have any suggestions for Broadway. This year it is easy to recommend the following terrific musicals: HAMILTON, ON YOUR FEET, FUN HOME, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, and SOMETHING ROTTEN.

Finally, to the wonderful public relations people ... a special thank you for your courtesy and assistance.

And a special thank you for all the people at Broadwayworld.com for your patience and expertise to make this all possible.

See you at the theater!

cgshubow@broadwayworld.com

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