Charm City Call Board: April 15 - 21

Welcome to Charm City Call Board for the week of April 15-21, keeping you up to date each week with all that is theater in Baltimore and the region.           

Discounts and contest notices are listed first.  "On Stage" listings follow in this order: opening this week, in previews, current running productions, closing this week and upcoming productions.  Audition and help wanted notices will be next (arranged by date), followed by "Backstage Babble" - news bites, your letters and book/CD recommendations and "Theatre Events" are at the end.   I hope you find this format even more user friendly! 

Please feel free to send me suggestions/comments at jameshoward@broadwayworld.com.  

NEW THIS WEEK!:

• BEST BETS: The Happy Time at Signature Theatre!
• NEWS: Galas at FPCT and Spotlighters!
• AUDITIONS: New BPF play at Spotlighters, Youth Theatre production of Cats; and the Regional Premiere of bare: the musical!
• COMPLETE LISTINGS:  How to get tickets for all of the local shows!  April listings are here!

If you have some news or an event you'd like added, please contact me at jameshoward@broadwayworld.com. 

 

BROADWAYWORLD.BALTIMORE DISCOUNTS! 

• Variations on Power: Run of the Mill Theater at the Theatre Project.  May 2 – 18.  BWW Readers get 50% off tickets!  Each ticket is only $10!  For reservations, please call 410-752-8558.  You MUST mention the BWW offer at the time of reservation or at the door.

 

CONTESTS

There are no contests currently running.  Check back soon!

 

ONSTAGE THIS WEEK!

A five star system will be utilized in order to differentiate between the various levels of success: artistry and entertainment value.  This system is not directly numeric, however.  That is, a 4 rated show isn't necessarily twice as good as a 2 rated show; neither is a 4 rated show a "B" or an 80%.

◊◊◊◊◊ - The absolute best theatre has to offer!  Missing this should not be an option!
◊◊◊◊ - This is excellent theatre!  Do not miss this show!
◊◊◊ - This is a good production.  Try to get to this one!
◊◊ - This is a fair production.
◊ - Save your money.

Be sure to contact the theatre directly for show times, dates and prices.  All shows subject to change.  

 

CURTAIN UP!  Shows opening this week.

• She Stoops to Conquer (Play): UMBC Theatre.  Through 4/27.  www.umbc.edu.
• ◊◊◊West Side Story (Musical): CCBC – Essex.  Through 4/ 26.  Stylized violence, use of knives, guns, and sexual content.  Review posted 4/21.  410-780-6369 or www.ccbcmd.edu.
• ◊◊◊◊The Woolgatherer (Play): Fells Point Corner Theatre.  Through 5/4.  Adult language, drug and alcolhol use, onstage smoking, sexual situations.  Review to be posted 4/23.  410-276-7837 or www.fpct.org.
• Steel Magnolias (Play): Laurel Mill Playhouse. 4/18 – 5/11.  301-617-9906 or www.laurelmillplayhouse.org.
• Kimberly Akimbo (Play): Vagabond Players.  4/18 – 5/18.   410-563-9135 or www.vagabondplayers.com.

 

NOW PLAYING!  Shows currently open.    

The Happy Time at Signature Theatre and The Wizard of Oz at Toby's Baltimore                                                   

• ◊◊ 1/2 The Winter's Tale (Shakespearean Comedy): Baltimore Shakespeare Festival.  Through 4/27.  Review posted 4/6.  410-366-8569 or www.baltimoreshakespeare.org.
• ◊◊◊◊◊ Gem of the Ocean (Regional Premiere Drama): Everyman Theatre.  Through 4/27.  Review posted 3/22.  410.752.2208 or www.everymantheatre.org.  BEST BET 3/25!
• ◊◊◊◊◊ The Happy Time (Musical): Signature Theatre.  Through 6/01.  Review posted 4/9.  703.820.9771 or www.signature-theatre.org.  BEST BET 4/15!
• ◊◊◊ Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat(Musical – Dinner Theatre): Toby's Dinner Theatre of Columbia.  Through 6/5.  Review posted 3/9.  www.tobysdinnertheatre.com or 1-800-88TOBYS.
• ◊◊◊◊◊ The Wizard of Oz (Musical – Dinner Theatre): Toby's Dinner Theatre of Baltimore.  Through 6/8.  Review posted 4/1.  Look for an interviewwith David Bosley-Reynolds, posted 4/17, and with Adam Grabau coming soon!  1.866.99TOBYS or www.tobysdinnertheatre.com BEST BET 4/01!

 

Gem of the Ocean at Everyman Theatre

CLOSING THIS WEEK! Your last chance… 

• ◊◊◊◊ 1/2 Kiss of the Spider Woman (Musical): Signature Theatre.  Through 4/20.  Review posted 3/18.  703.820.9771 or www.signature-theatre.org.  BEST BET 3/18!

 

Kiss of the Spider Woman at Signature Theatre

OPENING SOON!   

• The Hot L Baltimore (Play): McDaniel College.  4/23 – 26.  410-848-7000 or www.mcdaniel.edu.
• A New Brain (Musical): Spotlighters Theatre.  4/25 – 5/18.  Review to be posted 4/26.  410-752-1225 or www.spotlighters.org.
• These Shining Lives (World Premiere Play): CENERSTAGE. 4/24 – 6/1. Review to be posted 5/1.  410-332-0033 or www.centerstage.org.
• The Color Purple (Musical): The Hippodrome.  4/29 – 5/18.  Review to be posted 4/30.  410-547-SEAT or www.broadwayacrossamerica.com/

 

AUDITION NOTICES: 

The Exonerated

• WHO: Mobtown Theatre
• WHAT: The Exonerated by Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen
• WHEN & WHERE: April 21st @ 730pm @ Mobtown Theatre, 3600 Clipper Mill Road, Suite 114, Baltimore, MD 21211
• HOW TO PREPARE: Come prepared to read from script
• WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR:
• 3 African American Males  age range  40's-60's
• 1 African American Female age range 30's-40's
• 4 Caucasian males age range late 30's-50's
• 2 Caucasian females age range late 20's-40's
• QUESTIONS & INFORMATION:
• Specific questions please email Terry Long at TLExonerated@aol.com
• Go to http://www.theexonerated.com/ to find out more about show.

Cats

• WHO: Laurel Mill Playhouse (Young Actors Show)
• WHAT: Cats, musically directed by Stu Knazik and produced by Patti Kanzik. 
• WHEN: Saturday, April 26, at 1:30pm and on Sunday, April 27, at 6:00pm. 
• WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR: Actors ages 8-18
• WHAT TO PREPARE: bringing sheet music for the accompanist that will be provided or a CD
• REHEARSALS: Rehearsals will start in May - two evenings a week and Saturday afternoons.
• PERFORMANCES: There will be twelve performances: Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00pm, and Sunday matinees at 2:00pm. with a possibility of some additional Thursday evening performances. This schedule is subject to change.
• CONTACT/INFORMATION: Laurel Mill Playhouse is located at 508 Main Street in historic Laurel.  Contact Maureen Rogers at maureencrogers@gmail.com or 301-452-2557. For additional information visit www.laurelmillplayhouse.org

 

bare: the musical – Baltimore/DC Regional Premiere

• WHEN: May 3 beginning at 12PM; May 6 beginning at 7PM
• WHERE: The Audrey Herman Spotlighters Theatre in Baltimore*
• WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR:
• 6-9 males and 6-9 females, ages 18 – mid-20's, must be able to play high school age
• 1 African-American woman, mid-30's or older
• 1 woman, 30's to 40's
• 1 male, mid-30's or older
• Due to the adult content in the show, no one under the age of 18 will be seen.
• INFORMATION: Full details of audition requirements, complete synopsis of the show, and much more at www.barethemusicalinbaltimore.com
• PERFORMANCE DATES: August 8 – 31, Fri – Sun at the Baltimore Theatre Project.*

*NOTE: Neither Spotlighters Theatre nor the Baltimore Theatre Project are producing this project.  They are merely providing facilities.

 

BACKSTAGE BABBLE!  News, Best Bets, etc. (New items in RED.)  

BEST BET : The Happy Time at Signature Theatre

Fans of Broadway composing team Kander & Ebb have even more reason to rejoice!  Not only do they have a stellar production of popular favorite, Kiss of the Spider Woman, (closing this Sunday), there is the wonderful production of the rarely produced The Happy Time also playing at Virginia's Signature Theatre.  Featuring a tuneful score and a touching book, this little gem is one you won't want to miss.  If you saw Little Women a few seasons back at the Hippodrome or The Kennedy Center, you saw Happy Time star Michael Minarik in a small role.  Here, he leads the company in the male musical performance of the year.

 

NEWS: April 26: FPCT Gala to Celebrate Purchase of Theatre; Mayor Dixon to Attend 

The Board of Directors of the newly purchased Fell's Point Corner Theatre proudly present an evening of celebration, fundraising, and entertainment: "Standing Room Only: A Celebration of Ownership" on Saturday, April 26th 2008. The cocktail reception begins at 7:30 pm, with the ceremony at 9:00 pm, and music and dancing until 11:00 pm.   Tickets are $50 ($38 tax deductible), and may be purchased on line at www.fpct.org or send checks made payable to Fell's Point Corner Theatre. 

The biggest event of the theatrical season! Be there to witness this historical moment as the City of Baltimore turns over the key for 251 South Ann Street to Fell's Point Corner Theatre! You won't want to miss this magical evening of music, food, dancing, and much more!  Share special memories of FPCT as you mingle with local dignitaries and celebrities. 

Fell's Point Corner Theatre has spent its entire life, all 20 years, in Upper Fell's Point, thanks in part to the kind generosity of Baltimore City and the support of the State of Maryland.  We are now delighted to announce that Baltimore City continues to support the Arts and has helped make possible our purchase of the building formally known as 251 South Ann Street.  To us it has always been and will now always be the Home of Fell's Point Corner Theatre.

 

NEWS: Spotlighters Gala, April 27.  Performance, Awards and Local Restaurants Featured 

Join Spotlighters Theatre for A TASTE of THEATRE - the flavor of Spotlighters!
 . . . and our local restaurants!

On Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 2pm, beginning with a matinee of A NEW BRAIN, a musical by William Finn & James Lapine, directed & choreographed by David Gregory, with musical direction by Michelle Dunkle.

Following the show, there will be an awards ceremony & reception (5pm)
honoring:

• Sherrionne Brown & Roy Hammond for their leadership and dedication to the theatre during the Back Stage Renovation; and
  
• J. Wynn Rousuck, recipient of The Audrey Herman Award – 2008 for embodying Audrey's passion and support of theatre and the arts in Baltimore.

Restaurant Sponsors will be providing appetizers and desserts, wine & beer.  They include: Sascha's, Red Maple, Donna's of Mt Vernon, Mt Vernon Stable & Saloon, and Jay's Restaurant Group.

Tickets are $60 which includes the performance, and may be purchased online at www.spotlighters.org.

 

NEWS: Baltimore's Newest Theater Opens Its Doors in Station Arts North and Entertainment District 

The Strand Theater Company would like to announce the first event at their new theater located at 1823 North Charles Street in Baltimore City. They will host a free open house on April 20, 2008 from 4 -7 p.m. The event will include performances by Single Carrot, BIG Improv, and Love the Poet, music by Baby Aspirin and King Cloud, and a playwrighting and acting workshop.  

For additional information on the free open house event, please contact Jayme Kilburn at 443-874-4917 or jkilburn@strandtheatercompany.org. 

 

THEATRE EVENTS (New items in RED.)  

April 11- 20: OnStage Presents Heaven Can Wait  

The classic play tells the story of Joe Pendleton, a professional boxer and pilot who, when a plane flight does awry, has his soul pulled from his body before he has died. In Heaven, Mr. Jordan, the chief angel, is forced to find him a new body. He ends up in the form of a rich man recently murdered by his wife. The hijinx begins when Joe as Jonathan Farnsworth, falls for the lovely Bette, reunites with his manager, Max, and avoids his "wife" Julia's attacks. Meanwhile Jordan and his assistant 7013 struggle to keep Joe in line and find him a body better suited for his habitation. The play is full of laughs and fun with the sincerity and working man ethics of the theater of the 1940s. Remade as a film by Warren Beatty in the 1970s, Heaven Can Wait is a play that smiles while it asks questions about love, destiny and free will.  

The show runs April 11 – 20; Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm .  Performances will be held at St. John's United Church of Christ, 1000 S. Rolling Road, Catonsville, MD 21228.  Tickets are $12 General Admission/$10 Seniors, children under 18, groups of 10 or more and military.  Call the box office at 443--644-6481 or make a reservation on-line at www.onstageplayers.org. 

April 17 – 27: Lost in Electroland at Theatre Project 

The Chocolate Factory Performance Collective and Towson University's MFA Theatre Program present ((( Lost in ElectroLand ))) at Theatre Project. The show is a multimedia concert retelling of Peter Pan that examines the search for happiness in a culture obsessed with lifestyle. Live original music, comedy, absurdist storytelling and a fully interactive sound and video design aid to tell A Tale of processed food, online dating, video games and the world economy. Also featured are the "Syber Sirens," burlesque lady-bots who are just as happy to give you a Twinkie or a tap dance.  

Under the helm of New York Director Eric Nightengale, who runs 78th Street Theatre Lab, ((( Lost in ElectroLand ))) stars a cast of young artists: Rachel Blank as TINK 5000, Alex Kliner as S.M.E. Jessica Knoerl as Tigress 694U, Caroline Reck as Wendy, Stacey Pounsberry as Pi-R8 Queen 2.0, Michael Todd as Peter, and Erik Trester as The Captain. Todd takes on video and sound design, Jessica Knoerl designs costumes, Ryan Pervola designs lights, and Alex Kliner leads the band. 

A story concert for the paranoid heart, ((( Lost in ElectroLand ))) is rated PG-13. WARNING: This multimedia concert contains Twinkies and Dr Pepper.  Performances are April 17 - 27, Thursday through Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 3pm. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 seniors and artists and $10 for students. Tickets can be purchased at www.missiontix.com. More information can be found at www.myspace.com/thisiselectroland. To make a reservation, call (410) 752-8558.

ElectroLand. You'll laugh at it. You'll spit on it. Either way, you'll recognize it. Why, you probably grew up there too.  

April 18 – May 4: FPCT Presents The Woolgatherer 

Rose, a shy daydreamer, invites Cliff, a smart-mouthed truck driver, back to her place…and this begins this simple but complex, dark yet gentle look at love and loneliness. 

The Woolgatherer is directed by Erin Billings, a graduate of Towson University's Theatre program, and a teacher in the Education Program at Fell's Point Corner Theatre in 2007.  The cast of The Woolgatherer includes Vince Eustace and Sarah Zietlow. 

Performances of The Woolgatherer will be held on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.  (There will be no show on Saturday, April 26th)   Call 410-276-7837 for reservations. 

April 18 – May 11: Laurel Mill Playhouse to Present Steel Magnolias, Pay What You Can 5/1 

Laurel Mill Playhouse, located at 508 Main Street in historic Laurel, MD., is proud to present Steel Magnolias written by Robert Harling. Directed by Tricia Schwaab and produced by Maureen Rogers, this heart tugging play opens April 18.
 
Produced by special arrangement with Dramatist Play Service Inc., performances run April 18, 19, 20, May 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2 P.M. Tickets are $13 for general admission, $10 for students (18 and under)  and seniors (65 and over). For reservations, please call 301-617-9906. For further information visit the web site at www.laurelmillplayhouse.org or contact Maureen Rogers at maureencrogers@gmail.com or 301-452-2557. 

The May 1 performance is Pay-What-You-Can.

 

Various Dates: Mark Scharf, Local Playwright, to Have Several Productions of His Works 

April 17/18th, 2008: GET STUFFED will be performed at the Society Hill Playhouse in Philadelphia, PA by The Inspira Theatre Company. The theatre is located at South 8th Street, between Lombard and South Street on the East side of the street. For directions go to the theatre's web site:  http://www.societyhillplayhouse.org/home.html 

May 16th through May 18th, 2008: The Rockville Little Theatre's production of Mark's one-act comedy GET STUFFED will be performed at the 2008 Eastern States Theatre Association Festival (ESTAFest 2008).  ESTAFest will be held at the Chapel Street Players in Newark, Delaware. Go to their website for more details: http://www.estafest.org/ 

June 13, 14, 20, 21, 2008: The Silver Spring Stage Production of Mark's one-act LIZARD BRAINS will be performed at the 2008 Northern Virginia Theatre Association (NVTA) One Act Festival slated to be held at the James Lee Center. The production will continue to be directed by Kendra Simmons-Maurer and feature the performances of McCall and Brian Doyle.  

July 17th through August 2nd 2008: Chesapeake Arts Center's production of Mark's full-length KEEPING FAITH -- part of the 27th Baltimore Playwrights Festival. For information about CAC, visit their website: http://www.chesapeakearts.org/ The play is the winner of the 2008 Robert J. Pickering Award for Playwriting Excellence. 

August, 2008: Mark's new ten-minute play, OFF THE GRID, has been selected to appear in Cedar Lane Stage's offering of Summer One-Acts. Cedar Lane Stage, which produced Mark's one-act GET STUFFED last summer, is located at 9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814.  For information, check their website: http://www.cedarlanestage.org/ or call 301-949-3685.

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