Charm City Call Board: March 4 - 10

Welcome to Charm City Call Board for the week of March 4 - 10, 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 BET: Broadway Websites!
• READERS WRITE:  Responding to Reviews
• NEW SHOWS: Details about upcoming shows at Theatre Project, Single Carrot Theatre, Signature Theatre and Everyman!
• COMPLETE LISTINGS:  How to get tickets for all of the local shows!

 

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

 

BROADWAYWORLD.BALTIMORE DISCOUNTS!

•  There are currently no discounts being offered.  Check back next week!
• NOTE: Spotlighters has announced that all remaining performances of Pageant are SOLD OUT.  A stand by list is available, though seating is not guaranteed.  Contact the theatre for more information.  

 

CONTESTS

There are no contests currently running.  Look for one 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.

Chicago at Carroll Community College

• ◊◊◊◊ Bring Me Giants (World Premiere Musical): McDaniel College.  3/5 – 8.  Review posted 3/6.  410.848.7000 or www.mcdaniel.edu.
• Chicago (Musical): Carroll Community College. 3/6 - 9. Go to www.carrollcc.edu for information.
• ◊◊◊◊◊ Noises Off (Comedy): Towson University.  3/6 – 13.  Review to be posted 3/9.  410.704.ARTS or www.towson.edu
• Rent (Musical): Hippodrome Theatre.  3/7 – 9.  410.547.SEAT or www.broadwayacrossamerica.com
• ◊◊◊Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Musical – Dinner Theatre): Toby's Dinner Theatre of Columbia.  2/21 - 6/5.  Review to be posted 3/9.  www.tobysdinnertheatre.com or 1-800-88TOBYS.

NOW PLAYING!  Shows currently open. 

• Three Irish Plays (Drama): Performance Workshop Theatre. Through 3/16.   www.performanceworkshoptheatre.org or 410-659-7830.
• ◊◊ Hatful of Rain (Play): Vagabond Players. Through 3/30.  Review posted 3/3. www.vagabondplayers.com or 410-563-9135

CLOSING THIS WEEK! Your last chance…

Six Dead Queens... at Mobtown Players

• ◊◊◊◊◊ La Cage aux Folles (Musical – Dinner Theatre): Toby's Dinner Theatre of Baltimore. Through 3/9.  2 hours, 35 minutes, including intermission.  Adult themes, situations.  www.tobysdinnertheatre.com or 410-649-1660 or 1-866-99TOBYS.  Review posted 1/21.  BEST BET 1/22!
• ◊ 1/2 Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead(Drama): CENTERSTAGE.  Through 3/9. 2 hours, 40 minutes, including intermission.  Review posted 2/7.  www.centerstage.org or 410-332-0033.
• ◊◊◊◊◊ Six Dead Queens…and an Inflatable Henry(US Premiere Comedy): Mobtown Players.  Through 3/8. 90 minutes, no intermission.  Review posted 2/23. PARENTAL ADVISORY: Not recommended for children.  www.mobtownplayers.com.  See below for article about this show.  Reservations are HIGHLY recommended.  BEST BET 2/26!
• The Philadelphia Story(Comedy): Laurel Mill Playhouse.  Through 3/9.  www.laurelmillplayhouse.org or 301-617-9906.
• ◊◊◊◊ 1/2 Pageant (Musical): Spotlighters Theatre.  Through 3/9.  Review posted 2/25.  www.spotlighters.org or 410-752-1225.  BEST BET 2/26!

 

Kiss of the Spider Woman at Signature Theatre

OPENING SOON! 

• Kiss of the Spider Woman (Musical): Signature Theatre.  3/11 – 4/20.  Review to be posted 3/18.  703.820.9771 or www.signature-theatre.org. See article below!
• Sects and Violins (Sketch Comedy): Single Carrot Theatre.  3/13 – 29.  Review to be posted 3/16.  443.844.9253 or www.singlecarrot.com. See article below!
• A Little Night Music (Musical): CENTERSTAGE.  3/13 – 4/13.  Review to be posted 3/20.  Look for an interview with Barbara Walsh soon!  410.332.0033 or www.centerstage.org.
• Three Days of Rain (Play): Fells Point Corner Theatre.  3/14 – 4/13.  Review to be posted 3/17.  410.276.7837 or www.fpct.org.
• The Wizard of Oz (Musical – Dinner Theatre): Toby's Dinner Theatre of Baltimore.  3/15 – 6/8.  Review TBA.  1.866.99TOBYS or www.tobysdinnertheatre.com
• Gem of the Ocean (Regional Premiere Drama): Everyman Theatre.  3/19 – 4/27.  Review to be posted 3/22.  410.752.2208 or www.everymantheatre.org.
• From Tel Aviv (Performance Piece): CENTERSTAGE.  3/20 – 29.  410.332.0033 or www.centerstage.org.
• Love, Sex and the IRS (Comedy): Laurel Mill Playhouse.  3/12 – 4/6.  Review to be posted 3/23.  301.617.9906 or www.laurelmillplayhouse.org.
• 4 by Tenn(Drama): Spotlighters Theatre.  3/21 – 4/13.  Review to be posted 3/24.  410.752.1225 or www.spotlighters.org.
• Camelot (Musical): Hippodrome Theatre.  3/26 – 4/6.  Review to be posted 3/26.  410.547.SEAT or www.broadwayacrossamerica.com.
• Thom Pain (One Man Play): Rep Stage.  3/26 – 4/13.  Review to be posted 3/31.  410.772.4900 or www.repstage.org.

 

Sects and Violins at Single Carrot Theatre

HELP WANTED 

Stage Manager Needed

OnStage, located in Catonsville, MD., is looking for a stage manager for Heaven Can Wait.  The show is in rehearsal now and will open on April 4, 2008 and run through April 20. The show runs for 3 weekends on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm.  If you are interested, please contact Marie Sproul at 410-598-0572. or Maureen Rogers at maureencrogers@gmail.com.

 

AUDITION NOTICES:

I Never Sang for My Father

• WHO: Spotlighters, directed by Audra Mains
• WHEN: Saturday, March 8 - 11am - 2pm and Sunday, March 9 - 6pm - 9pm
• WHAT TO BRING: Please bring headshot and resume, and be prepared to read sides from the script.  Open Call - No Appointment Necessary.  Actors will be reading in groups of 2 or more.
• PERFORMANCE DATES:  July 11 - Aug 3, 2008 (Fri & Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm)
• CONTACT: If you are unable to make the Mar 8 & 9 auditions, please contact Audra Mains at Audra.Mains@gmail.com to schedule an audition time before Mar 8th.
• WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR:
• GENE:  Male (age 30-45)  Narrator of the story.  The son of Tom and Margaret Garrison.  A widower who is searching for a way to connect with his father.
• TOM:  Male (age 55-75)  Loves to relive "the good old days" and tell anyone who will listen his life story.  Very "Willy Loman"-esque in his mannerisms and attitude. 
• MARGARET:  Female (age 55-75) The glue that holds her family together.  Worries more about everyone else than herself and is constantly making sure she's not a bother to anyone.  Very loving and sentimental.  Has more knowledge than she is given credit for. 
• ALICE:  Female (age 35-50)  Gene's sister.  Lives in Chicago after being thrown out of the family by Tom for marrying a Jewish man.  Very independent and pushes Gene to have a back bone. 
• PORTER/WAITER – younger male – porter at the train station, waiter at the rotary club 
• MARY/NURSE – younger female – Irish waitress at Schraft's; Margaret's nurse who works for Dr. Mayberry 
• REVEREND PELL – middle-aged male - Local minister, has known the Garrison family for a while 
• MARVIN SCOTT – older male – family friend; local funeral director 
• DR. MAYBERRY – male – family physician; has been treating both Tom and Margaret for at least a 5 years

 

Once Upon a Mattress 

• WHO: Phoenix Festival Theater, a community theater at Harford Community College WHEN: Saturday, March 8, noon-4 p.m., and Sunday, March 9, 2-4 p.m.
• WHERE: Chesapeake Theater. 
• PERFORMANCE DATES: The play, with musical direction from Russell Gartner, the choreography of Bambi Nevel Johnson, and directed by John Desmone, will be performed June 6-8 and 13-14.
• DETAILS: Auditions are on a first-come, first-served basis; no appointment is needed.  All roles are open; anyone 16 years of age and older may audition.
• WHAT TO BRING: Those auditioning should bring sheet music; an accompanist will be provided.  Comfortable clothing and footwear should be worn for musical/dance auditions. 
• FOR MORE INFORMATION: The Chesapeake Theater is located in the Chesapeake Center on the campus of Harford Community College.  For further information, contact Cultural Events Director Susan Nicolaides, at: snicolai@harford.edu or 410-836-4340.

 

Pump Boys & Dinettes, Into the Woods, Anansi: Tales of the Trickster Spider, and Fabulous Post-Show Review

• WHO: Theatre on the Hill
• WHAT: Pump Boys & Dinettes, Into the Woods, Anansi: Tales of the Trickster Spider, and Fabulous Post-Show Review
• WHEN: Auditions for those 18 and over will be held 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 8 in WMC Alumni Hall at McDaniel College. Apprentice candidates ages 15-17 may also audition at this time. Appointments are required for auditions and can be made by calling (410)
  857-2599.
• WHAT TO PREPARE:  Participants should prepare and bring sheet music for 32 bars of a show
  tune, prepare a one-minute contemporary comedic monologue, and dress for a dance audition. Any adult male singers or actors who play guitar or standing bass should bring their instrument with them.
• PAY: All adult company members are paid and housing is available.
• WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR:  All roles except L.M. in Pump Boys & Dinettes and narrator/mysterious man in Into the Woods are open.
• SHOW DATES: Pump Boys & Dinettes will run at 7:30 p.m. on June 20, 21, 27, 28 and July 5. Matinee shows at 1:30 p.m. will run June 28 and July 5.  Into the Woods will run at 7:30 p.m. on July 18, 19, 25, 26, Aug. 1and Aug. 2. There will be a matinee performance at 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 2.  Anansi the Clever Spider will run at 1:30 p.m. on July 12, 13, 19, 20 and 26.  Late Night Post-Show Revue, a cabaret-style performance, will run at 10 p.m. June 27, 28, and July 5; 7:30 p.m. on July 11-12; and 10:15 on July 19 and 26.

 

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

BEST BET: Broadway Websites for Xanadu and In The Heights

Internet Theatre Geeks (like me) rejoice!  Broadway shows are making better and better websites to entice patrons and to keep fans happy.  Two of the best out there right now are Xanadu (www.xanaduonbroadway.com) and In The Heights (www.intheheightsthemusical.com).  It is no wonder these shows are such hits, judging from their websites.

Xanadu's site, recently refurbished to match their colorful nee ad campaign features the television commercial (which we don't see in Baltimore), which is a hoot and well done, plus the usual – cast bios, production photos, and a gift shop.  But it also has features that include a fan posting site for pictures, questions and shout outs, a comprehensive media page that features links to all the major reviews and feature articles from dozens of media outlets, plus video of events the cast has participated in, including that nasty ABC Nightline piece (you have to see that one!).  Even more fun is the costume design page and the set design page, which is interactive.  But my favorite new section is the kid's video, where youngsters are given the microphone to share their thoughts and describe their favorite scenes.

The In The Heights page has some similar features – the awesome TV commercial (plus a behind the scenes video of how they made it), cast bios and production stills, downloads for your desk top and links to articles about the show.  It also has a fan forum and online gift shop.  My favorite part is the three part video blog of the show that is tracing the show from its off-Broadway closing to its Broadway opening this Sunday.

Check them both out!

 

READERS WRITE: Reader Reaction

Dear James,

I've been reading BWW for almost two years now, and appreciate your coverage of local theatre.  I don't always agree with what you say in your reviews, but you usually explain your reasons with examples, so I can at least understand what you think you are seeing.

My question is this: Since BWW allows readers to write what they think about your writing right underneath, does it hurt your feelings or make you mad?  I don't know if I could take it myself!

Another James in Ellicott City

Another James,

First of all, thank you for being such a long time fan of BWW!  And thank you even more for recognizing a feature that is relatively unique to sites like ours.

Hmm… the answer to your question is both simple – my feelings are rarely hurt by people's comments about my reviews – and complicated – yes, I get angry sometimes, too.  Let me explain.

It is my job to point out both the good and bad in a production, evaluating acting, direction and design and how they affect the meaning of the work.  Sometimes, my opinions are harsh, and that provokes people to write.  But does it hurt my feelings when they disagree?  Only when they get personal or question my integrity.  Generally, though, I welcome dissent – it means that the play in question has provoked thought and discussion.  To me, a play fails only when you leave feeling absolutely nothing.  I'd much rather have violently negative responses to a show than leave the theatre turned off and thoughtless.  And I love that people feel so passionate about theatre.  That is something we share, even if our opinions are polar opposites.

But do I get angry when people write things?  Yes.  Especially when it is clear that the responder has not read the entire review or fails to recognize that, to date, after nearly 300 reviews, I have never once written a review that is without praise of at least some aspects of a production.  And I get angry when people become accusatory, suggesting that some theatres get favored reviews without really earning them.  Again, I think that comes from not looking at the scope of the reviews I post.  Of those nearly 300 reviews (and covering almost 3 dozen venues), only one theatre company has received reviews that are unanimously positive – Single Carrot Theatre, which has produced exactly 3 shows that I have reviewed.  I'm sure that eventually, they will do something I don't care for, but more importantly to me, they know that, too, and don't expect anything more than an honest assessment of their work.  That said, I NEVER go to a show hoping it will be bad (as I have been accused of publicly more than once) and just because you have done a show I didn't like, it doesn't mean you are marked for life – you get a clean slate every time. 

Finally, I think I should address the purpose of the Reader's Response Forum on BWW.  In actuality, that forum is meant for theatre patrons to share their impressions and their own response to a show.  It really is not intended to take the writer to task, and certainly not intended to be a place for slanderous material against any individuals.  A great example of the intended use of this forum currently appears under my review of Hatful of Rain at Vagabonds.  So far, the writers have mostly said they disagree with my assessment, but elaborate with their own opinions and examples. I/we welcome that kind of debate/discussion/evaluation whole-heartedly.

Thanks for your question!  James

If you have a question please email it to jameshoward@broadwayworld.com

NEWS: Laurel Mill Playhouse presents a Fundraiser Weekend

• CRP Concert: Saturday, March 15, 8:00-10:00 PM 
• Take a trip back to the time of bell bottoms, gas lines, and great music and spend An Evening of Classic Rock with CRP in their first concert in more than two years!  Hear songs     from Peter Frampton, Thin Lizzy and MUCH more, as well as their own stuff, including the WHFS staple "Counting The Minutes".  Showtime is 8:00PM on March 15th at the Laurel Mill Playhouse, located at 508 Main Street.  Doors open at 7:00PM and tickets are only $15.00 for an evening you won't soon forget.  Come on down and Feel Like We Do! Call 301-617-9906 and press 3 to make reservations
• SPICE of LIFE with special guests The Stu-dio Singers: Sunday, March 16, 8:00-10:00 PM 
• The SPICE of LIFE is pleased to appear at Laurel Mill Playhouse for their annual Spring Fundraiser Concert. Noted as "The finest trio DC has seen and heard!" the group will be performing with their special guests, The Stu-dio Singers. Directed by Stu Knazik, the a cappella ensemble promises a night full of songs you will sure to be humming all the way home. $10.00 general admission will benefit Laurel Mill Playhouse. Doors open at 7:30 PM. Call 301-617-9906 and press 3 to make reservations.

Both concerts will be held at Laurel Mill Playhouse, located at 508 Main Street, Laurel, MD., 20707. For more information about concerts please contact Maureen Rogers at maureencrogers@gmail.com or 301-452-2557. For more information about Laurel Mill Playhouse visit their website at www.laurelmillplayhouse.org.

 

THEATRE EVENTS (New items in RED.) 

March 5 – 8: World Premiere of Bring Me Giants at McDaniel College 

McDaniel actors will perform the world premiere of Bring Me Giants, a musical based on Cyrano de Bergerac, at 8 p.m. March 5-8 in WMC Alumni Hall.  Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students. For more information, call the box office at 410-857-2448.

Bring Me Giants is created by alumnus Steven Zumbrun '92 and composer Ivan Sherman. They conceived the idea in the late 1980s, when Sherman wanted to adapt Cyrano de Bergerac, the play about the swash-buckling poet, into a musical. Thus, the two started what has become a nearly 20-year collaboration.

In the years that followed, Zumbrun, who was traveling with national and regional touring musicals, wrote Bring me Giants during the dead of night by the overhead light on tour busses as they crisscrossed the country.

"My objective is to tell the story in as clear and vivid and exciting a way as possible, using song," he says.  Zumbrun describes the musical as "streamlined, lean and mean," and says he has taken out the frosting – the extra characters and unnecessary subplots. What remains are 10 cast members, four with doubling parts.

Professor of Theatre Arts Ira Domser, who knew Zumbrun from his student days, approached him and Sherman and proposed opening the show at McDaniel.

"It seemed like we hadn't done a major original play for a while, and it's a good idea for students to work with playwrights and composers," says Domser.

"McDaniel is the perfect place to premiere such a work," says Zumbrun, "because it challenges the actors to master music and stage fighting, and have an understanding of dialogue during the 17th century."

"I have so much fun playing this character," says Andrew Tucker '10, who plays Cyrano de Bergerac. "He really goes through every emotion known to a human being." 

 

March 6 – 9: The Unity of Skin at Theatre Project 

Ancient Greek philosophy and contemporary dance form an unlikely duo in this new show by Carrie Ahern Dance. Presented at Theatre Project Mar. 6-9, The Unity of Skin illustrates the cyclical thought patterns of pre-Socratic philosophy. The most famous of these thinkers is Heraclitus and The Unity of Skin applies visual meaning to his quote, "It is not possible to step twice into the same river."  Featuring a crocheted set and costumes that evolve as the performance progresses, the show is cyclic in character and embraces the possibility of continuing indefinitely. Dizzily growing and fading, the line between audience and performers becomes blurred.           

The Unity of Skin was created in collaboration with international visual artist Olek, who also created the costumes and set, and features dancers David Figueroa, Kelly Hayes and Jillian Hollis. Choreography and stage direction is by Carrie Ahern. Cellist and composer Greg Heffernan will perform the live soundtrack for each show.  

The Unity of Skin runs at Theatre Project Mar. 6-9. For more information about the production, please visit www.carrieahern.com/calendar/calendar.html. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 seniors and artists and $10 students. Tickets can be purchased at www.missiontix.com or by calling 410-752-8558.

 

March 11 – April 20: Signature Theatre Opens Kander and Ebb Celebration with Kiss of the Spider Woman; Broadway Stars Featured  

Signature Theatre kicks off its four-month Kander & Ebb Celebration on March 11 with the Tony Award®-winning musical Kiss of the Spider Woman.  The tale of two persecuted men — a window dresser and a socialist rebel — who come to share a prison cell, the horror of torture, and the escape of movie fantasies, Kiss of the Spider Woman stars Broadway actors Will Chase as the radical Valentin, Natascia Diaz as the mysterious Spider Woman/Aurora, and Hunter Foster as the gay, movie-obsessed prisoner Molina.  The creative team for the new production is Signature Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer, Signature music director Jon Kalbfleisch, and Signature resident artistic associate choreographer Karma Camp, with scenic designer Adam Koch, costume designer Anne Kennedy, lighting designer Chris Lee, and sound designer Matt Rowe.  Kiss of the Spider Woman runs March 11 – April 20, 2008 in Signature's 260-seat MAX Theatre. 

With a book by Terrence McNally based on the novel by Manuel Puig, Kiss of the Spider Woman won seven Tony Awards® in 1993 including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score, Best Actor in a Musical, Best Actress in a Musical, Best Featured Actor in a Musical, and Best Costume Design.  It also received five Drama Desk Awards.  The musical, called "dazzling" by Newsweek and "thrilling" by The New York Times, weaves a tale of persecution into a spellbinding theatrical web.  Two men — both jailed by Argentina's dictatorial system for their differing beliefs and lifestyles — come to find comfort in the other's company as the line between reality and fantasy blurs. Contains mature subject matter. 

The cast includes Helen Hayes Award winner Erin Driscoll as Marta, Channez McQuay as Molina's mother, Helen Hayes Award winner Steven Cupo as Warden, Christopher Bloch as Esteban, Helen Hayes Award winner Andy Brownstein as Marcos, and the ensemble:  Danny Binstock, Kurt Boehm, Matt Conner, James Gardiner, LC Harden, Jr., and Helen Hayes Award winner Stephen Gregory Smith. 

Tickets to Kiss of the Spider Woman are $40 - $69 and are now on sale at Ticketmaster at (703) 573-SEAT (7328) or by visiting www.signature-theatre.org <http://www.signature-theatre.org/ Kiss of the Spider Woman is sponsored by the Bernard Family Foundation.

 

March 13 – 29: Single Carrot Theatre Presents Sketch Comedy Show, Sects and Violins

Single Carrot Theatre presents Sects and Violins, an original, collaboratively written sketch comedy show based on the difficulty of communication, at Load of Fun Studios, March 13 to 29. 

Sects and Violins deviates from Single Carrot's previous shows this season. The piece is similar to Saturday Night Live, incorporating live music, storytelling, and short scenes. Sketch comedy is rarely done in Baltimore, and Sects and Violins is an opportunity for local audiences to see an original sketch script written by the cast.

Single Carrot is taking the unique opportunity to use a purely comedic approach to dissect everyday issues with communication.

"Sects and Violins goes beyond slap-stick comedy, which is a common stereotype of sketch comedy. The characters are invested in what they are trying to accomplish, and they all have something to root for and fight against," the director, Jessica Garrett, said.

The performance space at Load of Fun is intimate, which allows the audience to experience the nuances of the comedy. The 45 seat space gives the cast an opportunity to connect to the audience on a more immediate level, and brings them closer to the action.

Navigating through communication breakdowns, innuendos, and societal misinterpretations, this comedy-cocktail hits you in a series of short, hilarious bursts. Speaking of cocktails, SCT will be serving free beer and wine to audience members with a valid ID, ensuring your night with us will be a special one. And the best part is, when you're with us, you won't need to imagine anyone else.

• WHERE: Load of Fun Gallery, 120 West North Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21201 
• WHEN: March 13th – 29^th; Thurs – Sat at 7:30PM, Sat at 2:30PM 
• TICKETS: Box Office: 443-844-9253; $10 for students, seniors, children*, and artists, $12 for adults  

Free beer and wine for ticket holders with valid ID 

*Adult content – parental discretion is advised.

 

March 15 – 16: Theatre Project Presents Us 

When his partner of 13 years couldn't get a green card, Tim Miller just didn't get mad – he wrote this play. On Mar. 15 and 16, Theatre Project presents Miller (2005 New York Drama Desk nominee) in Us, his wild and funny one-man-show that skewers the gay-marriage debate via Broadway show tunes and a striptease. Called "sweet-spirited, honest and funny" by The New York Times, the show ricochets between his childhood love affair with Broadway musicals and an exploration of home, exile and the injustices gay and lesbian couples face in the United States. 

Denied all the rights of marriage – including immigration rights for their foreign partners –  that only straight Americans enjoy, Tim Miller and his Australian-Scottish partner, Alistair McCartney, face the grim certainty that they will be forced to leave the United States at the end of 2008 in order to maintain their relationship.  

"Teetering here on the edge of exile, it has been really fun to do this exploration of how musicals informed my queer identity and politics as we grow up," says Miller. "But then, I was once an eight-year-old boy who did stripteases for his brother with Gypsy on the record player!"

Us is a funny, sassy and pissed-off exploration of these most American contradictions as the piece careens from memories of a ten-year-old's plan to flee to Canada to escape the war in Vietnam, to a mediation on why a Southern California child spoke in an English accent, to a surreal wedding day tug-of-war at the edge of America. Miller takes the audience on a whirlwind journey that re-thinks the American musical as inspiration for radical politics and queer identity. No stranger to controversy, Us marks a new challenge for Tim Miller to speak as an American artist in exile about the human rights violations in the United States. 

Us plays at Theatre Project Mar. 15 @ 8pm and Mar. 16 @ 7pm. This show contains nudity. After the show on Sunday, Mar. 16, there will also be a free reading, reception and book signing for Alistair McCartney's new book, The End of The World Book. McCartney's book combines fiction, memoir and cultural history, recreating the story of the world and one man's life as they both hurtle toward a frightening future.    

Tickets for Us are $20 general admission, $15 seniors and artists and $10 for students. Tickets can be purchased at www.missiontix.com. To make a reservation, call (410)752-8558.

 

March 19 – April 27:  Everyman Theatre Offers Local Premiere of Gem of the Ocean 

Everyman Theatre will sweep audiences away with their upcoming production of August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean directed by Jennifer L. Nelson. The show features an experienced cast including Everyman Resident Company member Dawn Ursula, Lizan Mitchell, Jefferson Russell and Keith N. Johnson. Performances run March 19 – April 27, 2008 at Everyman's North Charles Street location. Tickets range in price from $18 to $35 and may be purchased by calling the Everyman box office at (410) 752-2208 or by visiting the website at www. everymantheatre.org. The production is supported by Lee & Bea Robbins and Jonathan Melnick to honor the memory of J. Tyson Tilden. The media sponsor is Baltimore Style magazine. Everyman Theatre welcomes patrons with disabilities. 

The ninth play in August Wilson's ten-play series chronicling the African American experience in the 20th century, Gem of the Ocean introduces Citizen Barlow, a weary young man who appears on the steps of Aunt Ester's house on the eve of her 287th birthday. In her mystic role as healer and oracle, Aunt Ester sends Barlow to find a magical city in the middle of the ocean thus beginning his journey of spiritual discovery and redemption. Set in 1904 after the collapse of slavery, Gem of the Ocean blends history and myth to tell this compelling story.

Director Jennifer L. Nelson is taking what she describes as a divergent path to Wilson's story. "I want to mine the magic in Gem…," said Ms. Nelson. I believe that this story reflects a mythical supposition of what happens at this point in history at this particular place and each character has his or her role to play – Aunt Ester as shaman/oracle, Black Mary as heir apparent and, of course, Citizen Barlow as the seeker," continued Ms. Nelson. 

Lizan Mitchell makes her Everyman debut playing the pivotal role of Aunt Ester, a role she has played before at Pittsburgh Public Theater and Syracuse Stage. She has appeared on Broadway in Having Our Say and Electra and in regional theater at Woolly Mammoth as Frieda in Starving among many other roles. Her television and film credits include The Wire, Law & Order and The Human Stain.

 

March 14 – April 13: FPCT Presents Three Days of Rain by Richard Greenberg

Walker, Nan and Pip come together for the reading of the will and in the process, delve deep into their parents' history. Discover the story behind the words, "three days of rain," written over 30 years before in this Drama Desk Award-winning Pulitzer Prize nominated play. 

Three Days of Rain will be directed by Sherrionne Brown, whose directing credits

include The Odd Couple, named one of the five best plays in 2005 and All My Sons, which was nominated for Outstanding Direction with the Greater Baltimore Theater Awards.  She also directed After Dinner and Burn This at Fell's Point Corner Theatre.  At Spotlighters, she directed Mary, Mary and most recently, The Lion in Winter, which was named "Best Play of 2007" by Broadwayworld.com.  She has also been involved in over fifty productions as a scenic artist and set designer, in addition to being an accomplished actress.  

Appearing in Three Days of Rain is a stellar cast of local veteran actors, which includes Michael Leicht, Karina Ferry and Warren Hemenway. 

Performances of Three Days of Rain are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $17 General, $15 Seniors/Students.  Call 410-276-7837 for reservations.  Go to www.fpct.org for more details. 

 

Through March 8: MOBTOWN PRESENTS US PREMIERE OF SIX DEAD QUEENS…

Please note:  Seating at the Mobtown Theater is by general admission, so please arrive early to secure a good seat.

Marriage is tough business, even under the best of circumstances.  If she's not careful, a girl could lose her head ... literally.  In fact, several women did when they married the most demanding husband in history, England's King Henry VIII.  Next month, the Mobtown Players take an irreverent look at the lives and deaths of Henry's wives when they stage the U.S.  premiere of Six Dead Queens…and an Inflatable Henry.

Created by The Foursight Theatre Company of Wolverhampton, England, Six Dead Queens… is an experimental comic musical packed with intrigue, rowdy good humor and duels of words. The action takes place in eternity where Henry's consorts have been trapped together for 500 years in the same bedroom they fought to win in life.  Wit, candor and knitting needles fly as each fights to assert her position as the One True Queen. 

The production runs February 15 through March 8 with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm.  There will be two special matinees on Sundays, February 24 and March 2.  Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors and are available at the box office or online.

Parents are encouraged to leave their children at home, as the cheeky dialogue is aimed squarely at adults.

Director Erin Riley first saw Six Dead Queens while studying for her theater degree in England.  "I've been dying to produce it ever since," she says.  "The piece is a dynamic and unique picture of six women who were almost completely overshadowed by their husband in the history books. 

"And let's face it," she adds, "history isn't always truthful or kind.  But it's sure fun when it's rewritten!"

Riley's cast includes some of Baltimore's best-known actresses. The six queens are Virginia Weeks, Stephanie Ranno, Melissa McGinley, Kristen Zwobot, Hannah Marr, and Kerry Brady.  Brady is especially familiar; this is her third turn on the Mobtown stage this year. 

Audiences accustomed to Mobtown's spare productions will find Six Dead Queens… a feast for the senses.  The costumes are traditional Tudor in jewel tones, complete with original jewelry design.  The music is an extremely challenging blend of madrigal style in 4 - 6 part harmony with infusions of Motown, Latin and Jazz styles.  And despite Mobtown's small stage, the set boasts a working fireplace, a large projection screen, and a bed large enough to fit all 6 women AND spin in a complete circle. 

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. The Mobtown Theater is located at Meadow Mill, 3600 Clipper Mill Road in Hampden. To purchase tickets or find directions to the Mobtown Theater, please call 410-467-3057 or visit www.mobtown.net.

Through March 8: MET to Present Killer Laughs with Letts' Killer Joe

"A normal person is just someone you don't know real well."

So says Tracy Letts, playwright and author of Maryland Ensemble's latest mainstage production, Killer Joe.  This dark comedy delves into the idea that under the surface of every seemingly 'normal' person, family or relationship, there lurks the possibility of madness, absurdity and evil. 

Killer Joe is a brutally funny and disturbing play, a black comedy of deplorable manners.  Chris needs money, a lot of money. With his father Ansel and stepmother Sharla, Chris hires Killer Joe Cooper to assassinate his mother.  But when Mom's insurance payout doesn't go as planned, Joe demands a different form of currency, leading to a climax that is both bloody and surprisingly redemptive.  The final blackout comes on an unexpected fresh start - for some of the characters.

"Letts is a very exciting playwright in our country today," says MET Producing Artistic Director Tad Janes. "After reading his play, our company was enthralled at the possibility of doing it. It's funny, it's intense and it has a lot of attributes our company likes in a play."

Featuring the talents of MET Ensemble Members Matt Baughman, Amy Easton, Julie Herber, Tad Janes, Gené Fouché (Director) and MET regular Denny Grizzle, Killer Joe is not for everyone.  Its poetic qualities notwithstanding, it is dark, obscene and violent.  Due to language, violence, drug use and nudity, Killer Joe is recommended for mature audiences only.

"This is a difficult play in terms of content, that's for sure," says director Gené Fouché.  "But despite that, it's an exciting and thought-provoking piece of theatre which is why it was chosen for our season.  The fact that it's live makes it so controversial.  On film, this same story wouldn't raise an eyebrow.  Killer Joe is fast, funny, dangerous and tragic – it has all the ingredients for great theatre."

This "Shepard-esque" thriller won awards and rave reviews in London and off-Broadway. Alternating between humor and menace, Killer Joe is at once clever, suspenseful, subtle, complex, deeply funny and riveting.

Tracy Letts was born and raised in Oklahoma. His first play, Killer Joe premiered in Chicago in1993, and has since been performed in ten countries in over a dozen languages. His second play, Bug premiered in London in 1996 and was made into a film, starring Ashley Judd, this past year.  His play August: Osage County, currently running on Broadway, looks like the play to beat for the Tony Award this year.

Killer Joe opens February 8^th and runs through March 8^th.  Tickets are $22 for adults and $19 for students and seniors.  For tickets or more information call 301-694-4744 or visit www.marylandensemble.org 

 

Through March 16: Peter Pan at Children's Playhouse of Maryland 

Children's Playhouse of Maryland, Inc., in residence at CCBC Essex, presents Peter Pan, 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 1 and 2, 8 and 9 and 15 and 16 and 3 p.m. Saturday, March 15 in the J Building Lecture Hall (J-137) on the Essex campus, 7201 Rossville Blvd. All seats are $10 each. This production stars Bradley Bowers of Towson as Peter and Jamie Watson of Beverly Hills in Northeast Baltimore as Wendy. Bowers recently appeared in the off Broadway play Crossing Brooklyn and was young Tarzan in Tarzan on Broadway. For tickets and information, call the CCBC Box Office at 410-780-6369.

 

Through April 19: The Fun Company at MET presents Children's Show 

Hold on to your Pasta Pot!  The Fun Company is proud to present their first production of the new year, Strega Nona.  Full of slapstick comedy, boys in dresses, magic potions, bad Italian accents and PLENTY of Pasta to go around, Strega Nona promises to hit the spot.  Don't miss out on the party, the fun starts March 1st! 

Based on the popular children's book written and illustrated by Tomie dePaola, Strega Nona follows an elderly lady who helps her fellow villagers by curing their troubles with her magic.  These problems could range from headaches to finding husbands to ridding people of their hideous warts.  All is calm in their tiny Italian town until Strega Nona, in desperate need of help, hires a bumbling Italian vagabond named Big Anthony to be her house attendant.  A simple man, Big Anthony is only in need of something to eat and a place to sleep.   Until he finds out that Strega Nona is handing out free magic lessons.  If you know magic, you don't have to work right?  Jealousy gets the best of him as he watches her beautiful pupil, Bambelona, training to be a Strega (Italian for Witch).  Unfortunately for Big Anthony, boys can not be Stregas, only girls. Hilarity ensues as Big Anthony digs deeper and deeper to fulfill his dream in becoming the first male witch in history. 

"This show is extremely fun to do", said Amy Easton, who plays Bambalona.  "I think kids are really going to have a blast watching it."   

Matt Baughman, who plays Big Anthony explains, "The physical comedy that I do can be hard on the body but the toughest part of this show are the Italian accents."  According to Baughman, the director wanted every character to have Italian accents.  "I think it actually adds a little more comedy to the play.  Luckily, since I am in 'disguise' for some of the show, I get to do other voices." 

Fun Company Founder and Artistic Director Julie Herber and Fun Company Producer & Production Stage Manager Brian Irons have assembled an All-Star who's who of Frederick favorites. Joining Baughman and Easton are James MaGarvey as Papa Bamba and Karen Paone as the notorious Strega Nona.    

Strega Nona performs every Saturday at 2:00pm from March 1st – April 19th at The Maryland Ensemble Theatre (31 W. Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21701).  All tickets are $12.  For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit our website at www.marylandensemble.org or call 301-694-4744.  BIRTHDAY PACKAGES ARE AVAILABLE!

 

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