Charm City Call Board - August 2007

Welcome to Charm City Call Board for August 2007!  If you have some news or an event you'd like added, please contact me at jameshoward@broadwayworld.com.  The Call Board will be updated as necessary and will be at the top of the page each Tuesday.  So visit the page often!  Thanks!  

Discounts and contest notices are listed first.  Show listings follow in this order: Current Productions and upcoming productions.  Audition notices, news bites, and book/cd recommendations are at the end, with the newest information at the top.  

A five star system will be utilized in order to differentiate between the various levels of success: artistry and entertainment value.

◊◊◊◊◊ - 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 terrific 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.  

NEW THIS WEEK – 8/28 – 9/3 (See Backstage Babble below!)

• Best Bet: Rep Stage's Mrs. Farnsworth! 
• BPF to perform at Kennedy Center Festival!
• Spotlighters goes dark for the first time in its 46 year history!
• The Wedding Singer offers tickets for dresses!
• My Fair Lady Tour casting information!
• PLUS!  A new audition notice is up!

BROADWAYWORLD.BALTIMORE DISCOUNTS!

• Look for an important notice on Wednesday, August 29th for an extra special discount/event from Toby's Dinner Theatre of Columbia and Broadway World Baltimore!

CONTEST!

• The Wedding Singer brings the 80's back to the Hippodrome!  Look for the contest posted 08/21/2007!  Entries accepted no later than noon on 8/29!  Good luck!

CURTAIN UP! – Opening this week! 

• 365 Plays/365 Days - Run of the Mill Theatre at Morgan State University.  8/29 - 9/1. Review to be posted 8/31.   www.runofthemilltheater.com 
• Sight Unseen – Everyman Theatre.  8/29 – 10/7.  Review to be posted 9/3.  www.everymantheatre.org
• Fences - Vagabond Players.  8/31 - 9/30.  Review to be posted 9/11. www.vagabondplayers.com  or 410-563-9135. 

PREVIEWING:

• Titanic: The Musical – Toby's Dinner Theatre of Columbia.  8/23 – 11/11.  Review to be posted 9/9.  www.tobysdinnertheatre.com
• Dreamgirls – Toby's Dinner Theatre of Baltimore.  8/30 – 11/11.  Review to be posted TBA.  www.tobysdinnertheatre.com

CURTAIN DOWN! – Closing this week! 

 

 Save Me at Fells Point Corner Theatre

• ◊◊◊◊Save Me – BPF at Fells Point Corner Theatre.  8/16 – 9/2.  2 hours, including intermission.   Adult language, situations and themes.    Review posted 8/17.  www.fpct.org

NOW PLAYING! – Continuing…

 

 Menopause: The Musical at the M&T Pavilion and Mrs. Farnsworth at Rep Stage.

• ◊◊◊ 1/2 Menopause: The Musical – M & T Pavilion at the France-Merrick PAC.  Open Run.  90 minutes, no intermission.  Review posted 7/20.  Adult situations.  www.france-merrickpac.com (Tickets currently on sale through September 2007.)
• ◊◊◊◊Mrs. Farnsworth – RepStage.  8/22 – 9/23.  90 minutes, no intermission.  Adult language.  Review posted 8/27.  www.repstage.org

AUDITION NOTICE!

WHO: Catonsville Theatre Company
FOR WHAT SHOW: Rounding Third by Richard Dresser
WHEN ARE THE AUDITIONS: Sunday, September 9, from 2 - 5 PM and Monday, September 10, from 7 - 9 PM
WHERE: Barn Theatre on the CCBC Catonsville Campus at 800 S. Rolling Road 21228
BACKGROUND: Rounding Third is the story of the relationship between two Little League coaches  through an entire season. Don is a rough blue-collar, win at all cost coach, and Michael, a corporate executive, is a newcomer to baseball, coaching, and their small town.  Over the course of the exhilarating victories, heartbreaking defeats, and rainouts, the two men battle over how to run the team.  This endearing comedy asks what is important in the game and life?
WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR: Director Vic Cheswick will cast two men.
WHAT TO PREPARE: He will ask you to read from the script.
PERFORMANCE DATES:  November 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 23, and 24th in the Barn Theatre
INFORMATION: 410-455-4400 and/or catheatrecompany @aol.com 

BACKSTAGE BABBLE! (News, Best Bets, Reader Polls, etc.)

BEST BET: Rep Stage's Mrs. Farnsworth! (New! 08/28/2007)

Even if you are already tired of the 2008 Presidential election coverage, or even if you are getting weary of Bush-bashing, Mrs. Farnsworth, the comedy by A.R. Gurney which opened this past weekend at Rep Stage can (and should) still be for you!  While the play's topic may be political in nature, it is so much more – a character study, a study of the American class system, a sharp, funny play. 

Starring Helen Hedman as Mrs. Farnsworth, a role that fits her like a cashmere sweater from Nordstrom's, and with a terrific turn by Jason Schuchman as her teacher, this is a play perfect for its time – back-to-school, back to theatre!  It's the first fall entry of the new season, and it's a winner.

Mrs. Farnsworth plays through September 23rd, Weds – Thurs at 7:30PM, Fri – Sat at 8PM and Sat – Sun at 2:30PM.  Rep Stage, an Equity company, performs at Howard Community College, and this play, appropriately enough, takes place in a classroom on campus – room N220.  The Box Office is in the usual place, and directions to the room are simple.  And like a college class, seats are first-come-first served, so allow a bit of extra time getting there.  For tickets and more information, go to www.repstage.org or call 410-772-4900.

BALTIMORE PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL TO PERFORM AT KENNEDY CENTER! (New! 08/28/2007)

This has been an exciting year for the Baltimore Playwrights Festival, and as the season wraps up there is more excitement!

The Baltimore Playwrights Festival and The Playwrights Group of Baltimore have been invited to perform scenes from all nine of this year's productions as part of The Kennedy Center's Page to Stage program.  Page to Stage focuses on new works being brought to the stage by local theatres.  During this three-day event, the Kennedy Center welcomes more than 40 theaters from the D.C. metropolitan area with the goal of producing and supporting the success of new plays and musicals.

Join the Playwrights Group of Baltimore Saturday, September 1 at 2PM in the North Atrium for WHISTLING NAKED LIGHTBULB

• This collection of short plays showcasing the wide range of talent within Maryland's playwriting community is unified by the presence of a naked light bulb and a whistle somewhere in the play.

Then join the Baltimore Playwrights Festival on Saturday, September 1 at 7PM in the North Atrium Scenes from the following plays will be presented:

• Touch of Spring - Ben Logan (Fells Point Corner Theatre)
• The Blessed Mothers of War - Ty DeMartino (Theatrical Mining Company)
• Barbie: A Doll Her - Terry Kenny (Uncommon Voices)
• Perpendicular - Joe Dennison (Vagabond Players)
• CYA - Kimberly Lynne (Mobtown Players)
• Last Night at the Owl Bar - Mark Scharf (Chesapeake Arts Center)
• Almost Vermilion - Sonja Kinzer (Theatrical Mining Company)
• Save Me - Stefanie Zadravec (Fells Point Corner Theatre)
• Rudy Doo - George Tilson (Spotlighters Theatre)

This event is FREE! No tickets required, limited seating available, on a first-come, first-served basis. 
General admission seating opens approximately 30 minutes prior to each event.  Programs, artists, and schedules are subject to change without notice.  No free parking for free events. Contact the Kennedy Center for more information at  www.kennedy-center.org or call 800-444-1324 or 202-467-4600.

HELP WANTED: SPOTLIGHTERS MAKES HISTORY BY GOING DARK! (New! 08/28/2007)

For the very first time in its 45-plus year history, The Spotlighters Theatre will NOT be having a show.  Instead, the theatre will be dark for six weeks for its first major renovation in over TEN years! Starting in September 2007, the theatre will be dark while the backstage areas are renovated: dressing rooms, green room, costume and prop storage and wood shop.  Also, they are adding a small kitchen and a washer/dryer and sewing room area. This major renovation will benefit the actors and designers who volunteer countless hours to bring great theatre to the Mid-Atlantic area.

For this renovation, Spotlighters is asking for the community's help.  In order to save some money they are looking for volunteers to help go through the existing costumes, props, furniture and throw away broken and un-usable items. They also need help in pulling everything out from the backstage area and putting it in the lobby and also gutting the area in preparation for the contractors to come in on September 4, 2007 to begin the build.

This preparation work will continue every day through Monday, September 3, 2007 (unless they get done before the target date).  Work will begin each day at 9AM and continue into the evening.  Anyone who can help in this effort will be greatly appreciated.  Even an hour of your time donated will be helpful. Please contact Project Coordinators Roy Hammond  at Hammond_balt@excite.com or Sherrionne Brown at Sherrionne @aol.com for details and more information.

The entire project, budgeted at $10,000.00, has been funded by a grant for half that amount, and by generous donations by local theatre patrons.  To contribute, please contact Fuzz Roark at www.spotlighters.org or call 410-752-1225.  Looks like it is time to lend a hand to Baltimore's busiest community theatre!

THE WEDDING SINGER AND THE JUNIOR LEAGUE TURN GOWNS INTO TICKETS! (New 08/28/2007)

Before the Broadway hit musical, The Wedding Singer, arrives at the Hippodrome on September 11, the company and the Junior League of Baltimore are gathering wedding gowns and more, and proceeds from the resale of these garments will be for the benefit of the community and the Junior League's numerous programs which benefit women in the Baltimore area.

Gently used wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, mother of the bride dresses, and other formal wear (cocktail dresses and even prom gowns) will be collected on Monday, September 10 from 10AM – 3PM at The Wise Penny at 5851 York Road, Baltimore, MD 21212.  In exchange for donations, a pair of opening night tickets to The Wedding Singer will be given.  These tickets will only be valid for the Tuesday, September 11th performance at 8PM.

Information about the Junior League can be found at http://www.jlbalt.org.  Information about the Baltimore engagement of The Wedding Singer can be found at www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.

NATIONAL TOUR OF MY FAIR LADY ANNOUNCES FINAL CASTING! (New 08/28/2007)

The national tour of the Cameron Macintosh/National Theatre of Britain production of My Fair Lady has announced its final casting.  This stellar line up will play Baltimore's Hippodrome Theatre November 6 – 18 (and DC's Kennedy Center Opera House December 27 – January 20).  In addition to the critically acclaimed performances of Lisa O'Hare and Christopher Cazenove  as Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins, respectively, Sally Ann Howes will play Mrs. Higgins, and Timothy Jerome will play Eliza's father Alfred P. ("Get Me to the Church on Time") Doolittle.  Ms. Howes made her Broadway debut replacing Julie Andrews in the original production, and Mr. Jerome most recently played Jane's father in Disney's Tarzan. Other key cast members include: Walter Charles (original cast of Sweeney Todd) as Col. Pickering, Justin Bohon (All Shook Up) as Freddy Eynsford-Hill, and Alma Curevo (Titanic) as Mrs. Pearce.  The ensemble features David Tankersley (currently a standby in Xanadu) and Kyle DesChamps, who recently appeared in CENTERSTAGE's The Boys from Syracuse.  (An interview with Mr. Deschamps was posted here on January 4th.)

For more information on My Fair Lady at the Hippodrome go to www.france-merrickpac.com or www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.

BEST BET: THE BALTIMORE PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL!

All summer, Baltimore theatre goers have been treated to some terrific acting, directing, and of course, writing with the advent of The 26^th Annual Baltimore Playwrights Festival.  This year, there were nine entries, presented by seven theatre groups.  This past weekend, the final two productions of the festival opened, and they are this week's Best Bet!  You can't go wrong with either one, and you'd be smart to catch both!  Great entertainment is yours just by supporting the Baltimore theatre community.

• Rudy Doo, a new play by George Tilson and directed by Jayme Kilburn continues through this weekend only, Thursday – Saturday at 8PM, Sunday at 2PM.  The show plays at Spotlighters Theatre on St. Paul, and tickets are $15.00.  BUT! Baltimore's biggest theatre fans – BroadwayWorld.com readers get a 33% discount – that's $5.00 off per ticket, when you order online at www.spotlighters.org and use discount code BWW-RD, or if you print out this column and bring it to the Box Office!
• Fells Point Corner Theatre is presenting Save Me, a new play by Stephanie Zadravec, directed by Ian Belknap, through September 2 – Friday - Saturday at 8PM, Sunday at 7PM.  Ticket and theatre information can be found at www.fpct.org (or above).

Look for a wrap up of The 26^th Annual Baltimore Playwrights Festival next week!

LOCAL ACTOR CAST IN LINCOLN CENTER MUSICAL! 

John Kassir, a Towson University graduate, perhaps best known as the voice of the Crypt Keeper on HBO's Tales from the Crypt and the co-star of the off-Broadway smash 3 Guys Naked from the Waist Down, has been cast in a new musical in New York!  Kassir, along with Marc Kudish (Assassins, The Wild Party, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) and Erin Davie (Grey Gardens) will star in Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty's (Once on This Island, Ragtime) new musical, The Glorious Ones.  The Italian themed show will be the latest of several of their works to have its New York premiere at Lincoln Center; others have included My Favorite Year and A Man of No Importance.  The show, which premiered in Pittsburgh recently, will play at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theatre at Lincoln Center, with previews beginning in October, opening in early November and scheduled to play through January 6, 2008.  Graciela Daniele will direct and choreograph.

READERS WRITE: LOCAL COVERAGE OF LOCAL THEATRE!

I have gotten a ton of email on the following subject, so I felt it necessary to respond just once, and simply.

Dear James, I read in the City Paper that The Sun will no longer be reviewing community theatre productions.  What do you think about this, and will this effect your coverage of the same?  "Concerned Theatre Lover" in Baltimore City.

"CTL",

First, BroadwayWorld.com does not comment on the editorial decisions of other media outlets. 

In response to your second question, this issue will in no way effect the coverage this website offers to the Baltimore theatre community.  We will continue to promote, report, and review as much as we can about all of the wonderful theatre this city offers its citizens.  We will not be "picking up any slack", because we already offer pretty comprehensive coverage.  No one media outlet could possibly get to every single event in this area, even with a staff of a dozen, let alone one or two of us.

If you have friends who have looked to The Sun and other print media exclusively for their theatre information, let them know we are here!  The more the merrier!  Baltimore theatre will continue to thrive, I am sure, no matter how many papers or websites or radio shows there are.  Communication is the key – word of mouth is the best advertisement - so spread the word! 

James

Dear James, What is the difference between "community theatre," "professional theatre," and "regional theatre"? Annette in Mt. Washington

Annette,

This question certainly ties in with the other big question of the week, so thanks for asking.  Unfortunately, there are probably dozens of different ways to answer that question.  I'll do the best I can. (Please feel free to write in better explanations!)

First of all, there are union definitions – Actor's Equity and the stage hand's union and other theatre unions have definitions of different kinds of theatres, and those designations dictate how a contract for services is drawn up.  An "Equity" theatre, in general terms, is one that is sanctioned by Actors Equity, which requires that such a theatre hire a certain percentage of actors per production that are members of the actors unions.  Local theatres with that designation include: CENTERSTAGE, Everyman Theatre, Baltimore Shakespeare Festival and Rep Stage.  They are what most people term "professional theatres" (along with the Hippodrome, which presents national tours of Broadway shows, although they are not required to present exclusively Equity Tours – more about that next week).

CENTERSTAGE and Rep Stage (and many others in our area) are also considered "regional theatres."  There are, I'm sure, many detailed definitions for this designation, but in layman's terms, a regional theatre is one that draws on the surrounding area (in our case, much of the East Coast) for talent and subscription bases.  CENTERSTAGE, for example, casts many shows from auditions in Baltimore and New York, and such theatres do national searches for directors and other artists.  Regional theatres are also often try-out spots for larger works, or those by prominent writers.  CENTERSTAGE, for example, had one of the regional premieres of August Wilson's Radio Golf, prior to its Broadway production; they had a similar premiere several seasons back with the musical, Triumph of Love.  Rep Stage will be presenting the regional premiere of Mrs. Farnsworth later this month, and Everyman Theatre will present the local premiere of Wilson's Gem of the Ocean later this season.  Both of those plays have had major New York productions, so you can see that the "premiere" can go in either direction.

Still other theatres pay their performers, so by every day definition they might be thought of as "professional theatre."  Toby's Dinner Theatres and the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company are such local companies.  Neither has the Equity designation, but do present professional quality productions.

Finally, community theatres are those who are generally non-profit, organized companies that present full seasons of plays and musicals, many times for a subscription base and the public at large.  Often, these theatres do not pay their performers, directors or designers.  The experience and exposure is the pay.  A lot of the time, community theatre gets a bad reputation because of an unfortunate stereotype – "Let's put on a show, and put everyone in it and make lots of money without regard for quality."  The film Waiting for Guffman is about that very subject, and though it is a hyped-up version, that stereotype comes from some grain of truth.  There are local groups who subscribe to that brand of theatre, for sure.  But the vast majority of "community theatres" in this area are committed to quality shows on a variety of topics that cater to a variety of tastes.

Ultimately, how a theatre is designated really doesn't mean that much for the average theatergoer.  I have seen shows at the Hippodrome that I would be embarrassed to be involved in, and I've seen shows at Spotlighters that were New York worthy (and vice versa).  Still, any theatre is better than no theatre, in a way – you can't appreciate what is really GOOD, unless you know what really BAD is, right?  So, no matter what they call it, go to a local show, you never really lose.

James

If you have any questions or comments, please write to jameshoward@broadwayworld.com.

COMING UP ON BALTIMORE.BROADWAYWORLD.COM! (New! 08/21/2007)

With the new season starting up, you can look for even more coverage of your favorite Baltimore area theatres, their productions and their artists on both sides of the footlights. Look for these articles in the coming weeks:

• The 26^th Annual Baltimore Playwrights Festival Wrap-up
• An interview with local playwright Ira Gamerman
• An interview with local actor Jurgen Hooper, who is making a name for himself in the prestigious theatres of Chicago
• 365 Plays/365 Days Comes to Baltimore
• Chesapeake Shakespeare Company on the Road with "The Scottish Play"
• More discounts to local theatres

Contests for:

• Tickets to The Wedding Singer at the Hippodrome
• Tickets to Toby's Dinner Theatre's Titanic: The Musical

Plus:

• We welcome the Theatre Department of McDaniel College to the BWW family of college theatre!
• The long-awaited arrival of the Avenue Q tour!

And much more in coming weeks!      

BALTIMORE PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL PART IV! 

The 26th Annual Baltimore Playwrights Festival concludes this weekend with 2 more original plays by local playwrights.  They are:

• Save Me written by Stefanie Zadravec and directed by Ian Belknap.  The play is described thusly: Beth, a born-again Christian, comes to New York to save her estranged sister from a brain tumor, but finds small miracles in strange new places: a bright red wig, a postcard from The Edge, a superhero sex addict, and a bouquet flowers from a woman without a nose.  It will be presented at Fells Point Corner Theatre, August 16 – September 2; Thursday – Saturday at 8PM, Sunday at 7PM.   Tickets are $14 General/$12 Seniors & Students.  Go to www.fpct.org or call 410-276-7837 for more information.
• Rudy Doo written by George Tilson and directed by Jayme Kilburn.  The play is described thusly: When a beautiful heiress runs away from her abusive family and into the arms of a brain-injured hockey player things heat up. But they get hotter when they meet up with a brilliant recluse with cerebral palsy who has recently escaped the institution after killing his cruel caretaker with a jelly donut. Ménage a trois anyone?  It will be presented by Spotlighters Theatre, August 17 - 26; Friday – Saturday at 8PM, Sunday at 2PM and Thurs 8/23 at 8PM.  Tickets are $15 General/$12 Students, Seniors and BTA Members.  Go to www.spotlighters.org or call 410-752-1225 for more information.  BroadwayWorld readers get $5.00 off per ticket (a 33% savings!) – use code BWW-RD online or bring a print out of this as article to the box office!

Information about the entire BPF can be found at www.baltimoreplaywrightsfestival.org.

BEST BET AT THE MOVIES: HAIRSPRAY!

Last week, I mentioned that Broadway's Best Bet was Xanadu: The Musical.  That campy treat is doing quite well for itself at the Helen Hayes Theatre in New York.  A more home-grown campy treat - Hairspray - is currently tearing up Broadway (it was the top capacity show this week!), and is set to return once again to the Hippodrome this October.  But the film version is finally here, and playing to huge crowds nationwide.  Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you know that this tale is all Baltimore – 1962 Baltimore, when segregation was in and hairdos were higher than ever.  A great original film by Baltimore's own icon, John Waters, and a fantastic stage musical, this new film of the musical version is an absolute treasure!  It keeps elements of the first film, most of the music and a good deal of the dialogue from the stage show, and very smartly takes that version places only film can.  In short it is the best of all three worlds!  From top to bottom, the casting is superb – JohnTravolta manages to walk that fine line between camp and genuine emotion as Edna (his attempt at a Baltimore accent is a hoot and pretty darned good!), Christopher Walken is hilarious – and a decent singer, too – as chubby chaser Wilbur, and Michelle Pfeiffer is deliciously evil as Velma Van Tussle station manager and bigot of the airwaves.  Her "Miss Baltimore Crabs" is a riot, and marks, for this Hairspray fan, the first time that song really works.  Zac Efron (High School Musical), Brittany Snow and Amanda Bynes are terrific as Link Larkin, Amber Van Tussle and Penny Pingleton ,respectively.  Queen Latifah tears up the screen as Motormouth Maybelle and Elijah Kelley as Seaweed is simply amazing.  But the real treat here is the marvelously talented and oh so charming Nikki Blonsky as Tracy Turnblad, our heroine.  This girl is a triple-threat!  Her "Good Morning Baltimore" will make you want to cheer right out loud!  And Xanadu hunk Curtis Holbrook shows off some amazing dancing talent as Brad, a Corny Collins Council Member.  Look for him in "The Nicest Kids in Town" and "I Can Hear the Bells."  If you liked the stage show, you might like this even better – I'm starting to think I did.  The dancing, the singing and the heart of this all-Baltimore love letter will thrill you!

READERS WRITE!

Dear James, Just how much theatre do you see?  Don't you get tired of it?  KB, Timonium.

Well, KB, I'll admit there are times when I wish I could stay home on a weekend… but once I get to the theatre, I am in my element.  I mean is there anything better in the whole world (new babies aside) than that moment when the house lights go down and for a brief second anything is possible?  NO!  So, in answer to your second question, no I don't really get tired of it.  Plus, there is such a wide variety of theatre here in Baltimore, how could anyone get bored?!

In answer to your first question, I average about 3 productions a week for review, plus I go a lot on my own – repeat visits to the really great stuff locally and many trips to New York.  So far in 2007, I have reviewed 65 productions in the Baltimore area, ranging from Wicked at the Hippodrome (the largest venue) to Almost Vermilion at the College of Notre Dame (the smallest venue).  Probably, by the end of the year, it'll be well over 100!  Aren't we lucky to have that much to choose from?  And I don't even get to everything!

Thanks for writing!

Have a question?  Send it to jameshoward@broadwayworld.com. 

REMINDER: A NIGHT OF A THOUSAND STARS TO BENEFIT CHILDREN'S PLAYHOUSE

A reminder from July's Call Board:

"A Night of a Thousand Stars" is being held on Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 8pm at CCBC (Essex Community College) and all proceeds are going to The Children's Playhouse of Maryland.

Children's Playhouse of Maryland, Inc. is a nonprofit community theatre organization dedicated to youth performers ages 18 and under. The Children's Playhouse was founded in 1986 by Diane Smith where it set up residence in The Towson Dinner Theatre. In November of 2004 CPM was offered and accepted a residency on the campus of CCBC Essex where they moved into a newly renovated performance space with new lighting and sound systems.  This is where CPM resides and performs today.

The evening features Margie Willbanks (left), who has performed in film, regional theatre and on Broadway, most recently in Disney's Beauty and the Beast. In addition to her considerable musical theatre and acting talent, Margie is currently studying opera and has received accolades for her operatic interpretations.

For A Night of a Thousand Stars, she will be joined by five of Baltimore's most highly regarded musical theatre performers - Edward J. Peters, Rob McQuay, Jeff Burch, Liz Boyer Hunnicutt, and Elieen Aubele - for an evening of musical theatre not to be missed.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 410-780-6369 (Tuesday through Friday, 9am to 3pm)

SINGLE CARROT THEATRE TO PRESENT RED LIGHT WINTER! 

 

Scenes from Red Light Winter: LEFT: Aldo Pantoja, Giti Lynn and Brendan Ragan; RIGHT: Giti Lynn and Brendan Ragan.

Single Carrot Theatre presents Adam Rapp's 2006 Pulitzer Prize finalist Red Light Winter, at the Theater Project Aug. 8 to Aug. 19. 

Set in Amsterdam's decadent Red Light District, Red Light Winter is a world of excess, indulgence and fantasy, and an ideal vacation spot for Americans and best friends Matt and Davis. Matt's apprehensive approach to women prompts Davis to buy him a window prostitute, and the engagement between the three leaves the line between sex and love indistinguishable.  

"We're always hearing about the challenges that face the youth of today, but Red Light Winter actually shows how young adults are dealing with the problems," said Buck Jabaily, artistic director for Single Carrot. "The outlook is bleak, but the question is whether hope still exists, or is it all a foregone conclusion?"

Single Carrot Theater was founded in 2005 in Boulder, Colo. After an extensive city search, Single Carrot made Baltimore its official home this year. The company evaluated each city based on its potential for enabling the growth of young artists.             

"Baltimore is a great home for Single Carrot because of its thriving, supportive arts community," Jabaily said. 

In January 2007, the company collaborated with established Baltimore theatre artists to produce a short play festival. The festival featured three new, short plays produced, acted, directed and written by artists from Baltimore, Colorado and California.   

Single Carrot has produced and performed multiple plays in Colorado, including contemporary shows such as David Mamet's Speed-the-Plow and adaptations of classics such as the holiday-themed La Muñeca (The Doll), a tale translated from a Spanish poem by Vital Aza.   

The company continues to diversify with Red Light Winter, a play that examines sexuality, love and loneliness.  Parental Guidance: This play contains adult themes, situations and nudity. 

• WHERE: Theatre Project www.theatreproject.org or 410-539-3091
• WHEN: Aug. 8-11 at 8PM; Aug. 12 at 2:30PM; Aug. 14-18 at 8PM and Aug. 19 at 2:30PM
• TICKETS: $4-$9 ($3 + roll of the die, or $7 if you're feeling unlucky), call 443-844-9253 for details. 

BBW.COM CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

Recently, BroadwayWorld.com in Baltimore held contests for tickets to Menopause: The Musical at the M&T Pavilion and Little Shop of Horrors at Toby's Dinner Theatre of Columbia.  Thank you to all of you who entered – dozens! 

The winners of the tickets to Menopause: The Musical were:

• Lisa Leyser, Cheverley, MD
• Jocelyn Casser, Baltimore, MD
• Renee Turner, Lutherville, MD
• Mary James, Centerville, MD
• Wendy Selznick, Bel Air, MD 

The winners of the tickets to Little Shop of Horrors were: 

• Rachael Conrad, Baltimore, MD
• Ian Gallanar, Laurel, MD
• Julie Malcolm, Columbia, MD
• Jon Rybka, Baltimore, MD
• Dave Simpson, Belcamp, MD  

That contest also asked for Broadway Show-themed buffet dishes, and lots of you had fun with that!  Some suggestions included:

• Jan's Fried Twinkies (Grease!)
• The Somewhere That's "Mixed" Greens Salad (Little Shop of Horrors)
• Valjean's Bread Pudding (This is no "stolen" recipe!) (Les Miserables)
• Jean Valjean's French Bread – It's a Steal! (Les Miserables)
• Jean "Veal" Jean – Veal with a nice "bread" stuffing!) (Les Miserables)
• Maria's Seven Layer Dip – Tex Mex goes Austrian with this one-layer-per-kid treat! (The Sound of Music)
• Fraulein Kost's Fruit Salad – Be sure to try the Pineapple! (Cabaret)
• River City's Boy Band Peas (P…that stands for peas!) (The Music Man)
• Emma Carew's Devil/Angel Food Cake (Jekyll and Hyde) 

READER'S POLL RESULTS: THE UPCOMING SEASON!

Last week, I asked you to write in with your thoughts about the upcoming season.  Thanks to all of you who wrote!  And with a few minor deviations, I was shocked to see such uniformity among answers.  A lot of you asked not to be named, so to be equal to everyone who responded, I won't name names! 

The questions were:

What shows in the Baltimore area are you looking forward to this upcoming season? (Professional, Regional, Community)  Be sure to say where they are playing!

You said: 

• Professional: Avenue Q at the Hippodrome (97% named this one!)
• Regional: Gem of the Ocean at Everyman Theatre (81%), A Little Night Music at CENTERSTAGE (7%), and the return of Santaland Diaries at RepStage (7%)
• Community: An almost perfect three-way tie! The Great American Trailer Park Musical (35%) and A New Brain (31%) at Spotlighters, and The Pillowman (30%) at Mobtown Players.  The only other mentioned show was Six Dead Queens and an Inflatable Henry at Mobtown (the other 4%!) 

What shows would you like to see productions of that haven't been done ever before or recently (last 5 years or so)?  Include classic plays and musicals, rarely performed or new plays and musicals.  Feel free to include why and where (what venue) you think would be best suited for such productions.

• Plays: Lysistrata, The Lieutenant of Inishmore, "anything by Brian Friel."
• Musicals: The Last 5 Years (Good news!  Vagabonds is doing this one this fall!), Floyd Collins, Bare: A Pop Opera (add my vote for that one!)

What shows have you had enough of?  Name any plays or musicals you've seen over and over that you'd rather not see again for awhile. 

• Plays: The Foreigner (73%), Steel Magnolias (8%), Angels in America (6%), "anything by Neil Simon," (6%), and "anything by Shakespeare." (5%)
• Musicals: "Please God, no more Joseph…" (48%), The Music Man (25%), 42nd Street (14%), AIDA (9%), Mamma Mia! (2%)
• My favorite response:  One reader said "any musical that opened before 1970!"

What shows done frequently do you NEVER get tired of?  Name any plays or musicals you'd see again and again no matter what!

• Plays: "Anything by Shakespeare" (45%), "Anything by Martin McDonough" (22%), The Glass Menagerie (16%), The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? ( 10%)
• Musicals: Hedwig and the Angry Inch (45%), Blood Brothers (31%), "Anything Sondheim" (20%) South Pacific (2%), You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (2%) – That is QUITE a range!
• My favorite response: "PLEASE MR. HOWARD! Don't name me, but I LOVE Cats!"  My lips are sealed… 

BEST BET: BROADWAY'S XANADU!

I have had the good fortune to share many wonderful theatre experiences with friends and family.  Most recently, I got to share my favorite new Main Stem treat, Xanadu, not once, but twice in recent weeks.  The first time I went, I'll admit was out of morbid curiosity – could they take a crappy movie and make a decent show?  Well, the answer is a resounding YES!  But, still, I thought the critics would hate it, and it would be gone by the Fourth of July.  Seems fate had different plans for this everybody says don't musical.  First, its star, James Carpinello broke his leg during rehearsal and boy, did tongues wag!  Then it was quickly announced that Broadway heartthrob Cheyenne Jackson would be taking over.  Bad news for the leading man, but ultimately good news for the show – they had a few more weeks to tweak and tighten.  In the mean time, understudies alternated in the main role, and in my first trip, I got to see the absolutely wonderful Curtis Holbrook – he's currently in the big screen as Brad in Hairspray.  With a shy puppy dog goofiness, strong vocals and excellent dancing skills he was amazing as Sonny.  The second time around, I got to see Jackson, who was also excellent in many of the ways Holbrook wasn't.  They both deliver funny, loveable and completely distinct interpretations of the same role – not bad for a movie spoof!  And the added bonus of seeing MR. Jackson was getting to see an awesome tap solo by Mr. Holbrook!  Of course, much has since been written about this now critical hit, and every positive word is true.  This is a very funny, smart and sharp satire of movies turned musicals, and features Kerry Butler's finest musical comedy performance to date.  Plus there are the venerable Tony Roberts, Mary Testa and Jackie Hoffman who delight in scenery chewing derring-do.  Everyone in the company looks like they are having a blast, and as an audience member, you leave wanting more!  Funny that the producers decided to open over the summer thinking why worry about Tonys?  Well, don't be surprised if you hear Xanadu a few times come May nominations!  Xanadu is playing at the Helen Hayes Theatre in New York City.  Tickets are available via Tele-Charge.

FELLS POINT CORNER THEATRE ANNOUNCES 2007 – 2008 SEASON!

Fells Point Corner Theatre recently announced their upcoming season.  The main stage performances will be:

• Anna in the Tropics – 2003 Pulitzer Prize Winner! By Nilo Cruz  September 21 – October 21  Directed by Richard Dean Stover.
• Broadway Bound By Neil Simon November 9 – December 9 Directed by Steve Goldklang
• The Best Christmas Pageant Ever By Barbara Robinson December 13 – 23 Directed by S. Claus
• Off the Map By Joan Ackerman January 18 - February 17 Directed by Barry Feinstein
• Three Days of Rain By Richard Greenberg March 14 – April 13 Directed by Sharrionne Brown
• The Immigrant : A Musical Book by Mark Harelik, Lyrics by Sarah Knapp and Music by Steven M. Alper May 9 – June 8 Directed by Bill Kamberger

In addition, FPCT will have a special presentation of:

• The Woolgatherer By William Mastrosimone April 18 – May 4 Directed by Ian Belknap

See www.fpct.org or call 410-276-7837 for information and/or to subscribe.

BALTIMORE PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL PART III

The 26th Annual Baltimore Playwrights Festival continues this weekend with 3 more original plays by local playwrights.  They are:

• CYA written by Kimberley Lynne and directed by Carlos del Valle.  The play is described thusly: Within the corrupt machinations of an investment banking firm, a psychic new hire, a seasoned administrative assistant who knows too many secrets, a CEO who collects medieval weaponry, and a sex-addicted banker all collide in a corporate tug-of-war.  It will be presented at Mobtown Players, August 3 - 25; Friday – Saturday at 8PM, Sunday at 4PM. (No show 8/5.) Tickets are $12 General/$10 Seniors, BTA & Students.  Go to www.mobtownplayers.com or call 410-467-3057 for more information.
• Last Night at the Owl Bar written by Mark Scharf and directed by Randy Dalmas.  The play is described thusly: Jonathan Caldwell is a theatre director who can't seem to direct his own life. In heedless pursuit of happiness, he sets forth from Baltimore 's Owl Bar to Afghanistan , Mayberry, Paris , Alaska and the arms his roomate's ex-girlfiend only to find that humor, pain and even understanding are sometimes one and the same.   It will be presented by The Chesapeake Arts Center, August 3 - 19; Friday – Saturday at 8PM, Sunday at 3PM.  Tickets are $15 General/$12 CAC members.  Go to www.chesapeakearts.org or call 410-636-6597 for more information.
• Almost Vermilion written by Sonja Kinzer and directed by Kathy McCrory.  The play is described thusly: Just when you thought things couldn't possibly get worse for Dorothy and her young son Henry whose future as an artist

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