Charm City Call Board: November 20 - 26

Welcome to Charm City Call Board for the week of November 20 – November 26, keeping you up to date each week with all that is theater in Baltimore.    We at Baltimore.BroadwayWorld.com have so much to be thankful for.  We wish you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving.

NEW THIS WEEK!:

• A FREE, EXCLUSIVE Preview for BWW Readers (See discounts!)!
• BEST BET: The Lion in Winter at Spotlighters!
• Readers Write – Are Audiences Shrinking? – A Local AD responds!
• New shows from Onstage and Maryland Ensemble Theatre!
• Special request to local theatre – SEE BELOW!

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

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.  

BROADWAYWORLD.BALTIMORE DISCOUNTS!

• Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge at Mobtown: Thursday, November 29^th at 8PM.  BroadwayWorld.com readers are invited to an exclusive preview of this musical spoof of A Christmas Carol by Christopher Durang!  For information go to www.mobtownplayers.com .  To take part in this very special offer, call 410-467-3075 or bring a copy of this article to the box office that night.  Seating is limited!  Get in the spirit of the season early.  Thank you, Mobtown for this terrific holiday gift for BWW!
• The Lion in Winter at Spotlighters - $5.00 off each ticket.  Go to www.spotlighters.org and click on "tickets".  Enter code BWW-LIW to get your discount.  You may also get this discount at the box office by bringing a copy of this article with you.  The show runs through December 16th.   

CONTESTS!

A BIG contest for Avenue Q tickets!  Contest posted 11/12/2007.  NOTE: Entries that do not follow the guidelines will NOT be accepted.

The Lion in Winter at Spotlighters.

BEST BET: THE LION IN WINTER AT SPOTLIGHTERS!

You think your family has problems?  Relieve your mind with one of Britain's most nasty and loveable families!  With one of the finest casts assembled on a Baltimore stage in recent months, superb direction, incredible sets and drama that is part History Channel, part soap opera and ALL fun and intrigue combine to make Spotlighters' production of The Lion in Winter must- see theatre for Baltimore.  Stand out performances by the entire cast are but one of a dozen reasons to put this one on your list!  See above for discount and ticket information.  ◊◊◊◊◊ out of five!  (Review posted 11/20!)

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 very 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!  Opening this week!

• Little Women (Drama): Laurel Mill Playhouse.  11/23 – 12/15.  Review TBA.  www.laurelmillplayhouse.org or 301-617-9906.

IN PREVIEWS:

• The Sound of Music (Musical – Dinner Theatre): Toby's Dinner Theatre of Columbia.  11/15 – 2/15.  hours, minutes.  Review to be posted 12/8.  www.tobysdinnertheatre.com or 1-866-99TOBYS.
• Holiday Hot Nostalgia (Musical Revue – Dinner Theatre): Toby's Dinner Theatre of Baltimore.  11/20 – TBA.  hours, minutes.  Review to be posted TBA.  www.tobysdinnertheatre.com or 410-649-1660 or 1-866-99TOBYS.

 

CURTAIN DOWN!  Closing this week!

Rounding Third at Catonsville Theatre Company.

• ◊◊◊ 1/2 Rounding Third (Comedy/Drama): Catonsville Theatre Company at CCBC Catonsville.  Through 11/24.  1 hour, 35 minutes, plus intermission.  Adult language, content.  Review posted 11/12.  www.ccbcmd.edu or 410-455-4400.
• ◊◊◊ 1/2 The Last 5 Years (Musical): Vagabond Players.  Through 11/25.  90 minutes.  Adult language and situations.  Review posted 10/29.  www.vagabondplayers.com or 410-563-9135. 

 

NOW PLAYING!  Shows that are currently running.

Macbeth at Chesapeake Shakespeare Company; Much Ado About Nothing at Everyman Theatre.

• ◊◊ 1/2 Macbeth (Shakespearean Tragedy): Chesapeake Shakespeare Company.  Through 12/2.  2 hours, 25 minutes, including intermission.  Graphic swordplay, adult themes.  Review posted 11/19.  www.chesapeakeshakespeare.com or 866-811-4111. 
• ◊◊◊ Hearts (Play): CENTERSTAGE.  Through 12/2.  90 minutes, no intermission.  Adult language, war violence and images.  Review posted 11/1.  www.centerstage.org or 410-332-0033.
• ◊◊◊◊ 1/2 Broadway Bound (Comedy/Drama): Fells Point Corner Theatre.  Through 12/9.  2 hours, 40 minutes, including intermission.  Adult language.  Review to be posted 11/14.  www.fpct.org or 410-276-7837.  BEST BET 11/13!
• ◊◊◊◊ 1/2 Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespearean Comedy): Everyman Theatre.  Through 12/16.  2 hours, 20 minutes, plus intermission.  Review posted 11/12.  www.everymantheatre.org or 410-752-2208.  BEST BET 11/13!
• ◊◊◊◊◊ The Lion in Winter (Drama): Spotlighters.  Through 12/16.  2 hours, 30 minutes, including intermission.  Adult content and themes.  Mild swordplay.  Review posted 11/20.  www.spotlighters.org or 410-752-1225.  See above for BWW discount!  BEST BET 11/20!
• Miracle on 34^th Street (Musical – Dinner Theatre): Timonium Dinner Theatre.  Through 12/23.  Review TBA.  www.timoniumdinnertheatre.com or 410-560-1113.

 

Hearts at CENTERSTAGE; Broadway Bound at Fells Point Corner Theatre.

COMING SOON!  Shows opening soon!

• The Threepenny Opera (Musical): UMBC Theatre.  11/28 – 12/9.  hours, minutes.  Review to be posted 12/1.  www.umbc.edu.
• The House of Bernarda Alba (Drama): Towson University.  11/30 – 12/8.  hours, minutes.  Review to be posted 12/2.  www.towson.edu. 
• Mrs. Bob Cratchet's Wild Christmas Binge (Comedy): Mobtown Players.  11/30 – 12/22.  hours, minutes.  Review to be posted 11/30.  www.mobtownplayers.com or 410-467-3057.  See above for VERY SPECIAL offer for BWW readers!

 

HELP WANTED: TECHNICAL CREW FOR PAGEANT AT SPOTLIGHTERS

• SPOTLIGHTERS Theatre is bringing back the beauty - with PAGEANT - the 10 year reunion!
   - - and we need your help! Run dates:  Feb 15 - Mar 9, 2008
• We are seeking the following Technical Crew :
  Lighting Designer - design the lighting plot for the show with the constraints of the house hand at SPOTLIGHTERS.  Be familiar with an  ETC computerized board, and completing hang and loading light cues.
  Set Design and Construction - design the set in collaboration with director, and then build and paint set as needed.
  Questions - Auditions@spotlighters.org

 

AUDITIONS!

A New Brain

WHO: Spotlighters Theatre  

WHAT: William Finn's A New Brain, which runs April 25 through May 18, 2008 on weekends and some Thursdays. 

WHEN:  Saturday, December 1 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm and Monday, December 3 from 7:00pm – 10:00 pm, with callbacks on Saturday, December 15 (by invitation only). 

WHERE: Spotlighters Theatre, 817 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21202  

WHAT TO BRING:  A headshot/resume and prepare 32 bars of one up-tempo song AND one ballad. You may or may not be asked to sing both. Bring sheet music - accompanist will be provided. No CDs, tapes, karaoke, or a cappella. A short dance combination will be taught at audition.

Important: Come with ALL CONFLICTS through the end of the show.

QUESTIONS: E-mail all questions to david@ciastudio.com. 

WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR: All roles are open:

• GORDON MICHAEL SCHWINN: A vulnerable, lovable and sarcastic composer.(Rock Tenor: Low G – High A)
• ROGER DELLI-BOVI: Gordon's charming and affectionate lover. Loves to sail. (Rich Baritone: Low A – High G)
• RHODA: Gordon's business manager and best friend. Sarcastic and straightforward. (Belt, Low G – High E) 
• MIMI SCHWINN: Gordon's very loving yet very unstable mother. (Alto: Low E to High D) 
• MR. BUNGEE: The director/producer/ star of a children's television show. (High Baritone: Low G – High G) 
• A HOMELESS LADY: Wise, yet bitter and tough. (Belt, Low E – High E) 
• NANCY D (Also doubles as WAITRESS): The waitress is overbearing and overzealous. Nancy is a cruel and sadistic nurse. (Mezzo-soprano: Low G – High G) 
• RICHARD: The kind and compassionate nurse, "slightly" overweight. (Tenor: Low B – High A)  
• THE MINISTER: A hospital employee with a bit of a drinking problem.(High Tenor: Low B – High B) 
• DR. JAFAR BERENSTEINER: Gordon's unsympathetic doctor. (Full-bodied Baritone: Low F – High F)

 

BACKSTAGE BABBLE!  News, Best Bets, etc.

LOCAL THEATRES, I NEED YOUR INPUT!

I am putting together an article listing theatre-related gift ideas to be published next Monday, November 26^th.  If you are involved in a local theatre and are the person who might give information on special gift ideas (or even better, special discounts on such gifts for BWW readers!), please send all pertinent information to me at jameshoward@broadwayworld.com.  I will take submissions through Sunday, November 25^th.  Thanks in advance for your help!

READERS WRITE: ARE AUDIENCES SHRINKING?

This week's writer is Ian Gallanar, Artistic Director of Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, and the director of their current production, Macbeth.

James,

I'm writing in to address comments I have been reading in the local media. John Barry (The City Paper), Mary McCauley (The Baltimore Sun) and you all write with concern about dwindling numbers in area theaters.  You know, I've been hearing about declining numbers for 30 years- as well as the aging of our audience, and I always wonder if it's reality or perception. Because I've not found that to be the case. Yes, there are always theaters with declining audience numbers, but there are usually other ones with numbers that are increasing (okay- I'll brag- for instance, we've increased our attendance by about 250% over the last three years- and our average patron's age is about 40- but I'm not writing this to promote CSC!) 

I truly believe there has been a decline in audiences at many theaters, but not universally. I think theater audiences change. While summer stock has pretty much died out and dinner theater seems to be having trouble sticking around (well, except Toby who is a genius at her business), other kinds of things are around that attract audiences that weren't around 30 years ago. I'll guarantee you that CENTERSTAGE has larger audiences today than any theater in Baltimore did in 1977. The Hippodrome brings in scads of people- and while there have always been Broadway tours in Baltimore, I would be interested in comparing the numbers for 1967,77,87,97 at the Mechanic and the Hippodrome's numbers for last year. Also, could anyone in 1977 imagine having six professional Shakespeare companies in the Baltimore/DC area? That was the era in which I started getting interested in theater in Pennsylvania- and while there were plenty of opportunities to see Charley's Aunt, we were lucky if there was one professional production of Shakespeare in Pittsburgh a year. In addition, things like Menopause: The Musical, Tony and Tina's Wedding and Shear Madness simply didn't exist 30 years ago.  These productions bring crowds of people into the theater. 

Baltimore theater has its problems. Heck, the theater business is practically an impossible venture, but I'm not worried about its health.  I have tremendous respect for Vince Lancisi (Artistic Director of Everyman Theatre). Vince is a very smart man. I don't think he made plans for expansion without very carefully considering the market.   How very exciting it will be to have two powerhouse theaters like CENTERSTAGE and Everyman in operation at the same time- along with the Hippodrome bringing in scads of people. Can anyone remember a time that there were two big powerhouse professional theaters as CENTERSTAGE and Everyman? Baltimore theater never had it so good.  

And let me also crow about Howard County Theater. Could anyone in 1977 imagine Howard County being home to three so successful (and diverse) professional theater companies as Rep Stage, Toby's and CSC?   I don't think anyone could make a case that theater is on the decline in Howard County. Plus, a large portion of our audience comes from Baltimore. We feel like we are part of the Baltimore theater community and Michael Stebbins, Toby Orenstein and myself are proud of the success that our theaters are having and continue to have.   

Look, I'm a realist.  I'm very serious about this work. I think too often managers of theater companies haven't a clue how to run a business- and their audiences and their artists suffer because of it. I think it is my responsibility to be smart about our market.  I owe it to my audiences and my artists. That's why I make it my responsibility to try and follow closely what's going on in the local theater business. But I've been hearing forever about the decline of audiences for live theater- and yet, for the last fifteen years, no theater I've ran has had a declining audience (except for a small depression right after 9/11) and while I read about declining audiences all the time, no one has ever contacted me about audience numbers- because if they did I would tell them that they're doing quite well, thank you very much. And I bet there are other local theater managers who will tell you a similar story.  

Ian Gallanar 

Please send your comments, questions or other theatre-related issues to jameshoward@broadwayworld.com.

WOMAN ON THE RAG OPENS AT MARYLAND ENSEMBLE THEATRE

Maryland Ensemble Theatre presents Susan Mele's latest production Woman on the Rag.  Baltimore Theatre Project regular Susan Mele and mother of four brings her latest production Woman on the Rag to the MET. Last April, Mele performed at the Laugh Factory in New York City as one of the finalists in Nickelodeon's Funniest Mom in America.  She has brought 4 of her one-woman shows to the Baltimore Theatre Project which include Moms Gone Mad, Pop Goes the Placenta, Just Say Blow Me and Roxi Starr in 3D with Elvis.  Mele's comedy is always fresh, crazy, fun and in your face.  Mele has never been afraid to cross the line and make her audience feel a little bit uncomfortable. She has been performing across the US and Europe in comedy clubs and theatres for the past 19 years. 

In this hilarious, fully improvised show Mele gives us her take on the woman that exists in all of us, the Woman on the Rag.  We all know what it feels like during that special time of the month.  Within 5 seconds we can go from a happy go lucky girl into a deep depression or a gentle caretaker to a psycho killer with the drop of a hat.  Watch Mele take you on this journey where few women dare to go.  The Chicago Reader says "Mele is like a character out of Lily Tomlin's repertoire."  Don't miss this show!

Woman on the Rag runs Friday and Saturday, November 30th and December 1st at 8:00PM.   The production features and is created by Susan Mele and is directed by MET Associate Artistic Director Gené Fouché.  Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for students and seniors.  For tickets and more information call 301-694-4744 or visit www.marylandensemble.org.

ONSTAGE PLAYERS ANNOUNCES A NEW PRODUCTION

Onstage Players will be presenting The Ash Girl by Timberlake Wertenbaker.  Performances are November 30-December 2, December 7-9 and December 14-16; Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 2:00pm.  The theatre space is located at St. John's United Church of Christ at 1000 S. Rolling Road in Catonsville.  Tickets are $12 General Admission/$10 Seniors, children under 18, groups of 10 or more and military.  Call the box office at 443-844-6481 or make a reservation on-line at www.onstageplayers.org. Cash and checks only at the door.

 

FROM LAST WEEK'S BABBLE!

LITTLE WOMEN (PLAY) TO OPEN AT LAUREL MILL PLAYHOUSE

Laurel Mill Playhouse is proud to present Little Women; Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. Directed by Sarah Kendrick, produced by Patti Knazik and stage managed by Stu Knazik, this heartwarming play open November 23.

Produced by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing, performances run weekends through Dec 15 with Friday and Saturday evening performances at 8 p.m. and a Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.  Friday evening shows will be Nov 23, 30 and Dec 14. Saturday evening shows will be Nov 24, Dec 1, 8, and 15. Sunday matinees on Nov 25  and Dec 2 only. Tickets are $13 for general admission, $10.00 for  students (18 and under) and seniors (65 and over).  For reservations please  call (301) 617-9906. For further information visit the website at www.laurelmillplayhouse.org   or contact Maureen Rogers at jjjmm@aol.com or 301-452-2557. 

LOCAL PLAYWRIGHT PUBLISHED

Mark Scharf, local playwright has had another of his plays published.  Memory Garden, produced as part of the Baltimore Playwrights Festival two years ago, has been published by Pioneer Drama.  Go to www.pioneerdrama.com for details and to order your copy!

Congratulations, Mark.

A TUNA CHRISTMAS COMES TO DC

Seasons Greetings from Tuna, Texas!  A TUNA CHRISTMAS, the hilarious sequel to the hit comedy Greater Tuna, makes its triumphant return to Washington, D.C. for a limited one-week engagement beginning November 20 through 25 at the Warner Theatre (13^th Street between E and F Streets NW).

Kick off the holiday season with all of your favorite citizens of Tuna, Texas, where the Lions Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies.  Master comedians, Joe Sears and Jaston Williams, with their deft comedic timing, trademark characterizations and split-second costume changes, bring all 24 citizens of Tuna, Texas back to the stage.  In A TUNA CHRISTMAS, it is 24 hours before Christmas and all comic hell is about to break loose as the delightfully eccentric characters attempt to cope with seasonal traumas, including a disaster-prone Little Theatre production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL and a yard decorating contest that is being sabotaged by a mysterious Christmas phantom.

Tony award-nominated Joe Sears and Jaston Williams have been touring extensively with the Tuna trilogy for 25 years.  Their over 30-year stage partnership has outlasted the comic duos of Laurel and Hardy, Abbott and Costello and Martin and Lewis.  A TUNA CHRISTMAS features scenery by Loren Sherman, lighting design by Root Choyce, sound design by Ken Huncovsky and costumes by Linda Fisher.  A TUNA CHRISTMAS is presented by Producer Charles H. Duggan.

Celebrate the start of the holiday season in grand style with laughter in abundance, courtesy of A TUNA CHRISTMAS at the Warner Theatre.  Performances are Tuesday and Wednesday at 8 PM, Friday and Saturday at 2 PM and 8 PM and Sunday at 1 PM and 6:30 PM.  (no performance on Thanksgiving Day)  Tickets range from $25 to $48.  For general information, call 202-783-4000.  Tickets may be purchased at the Warner Theatre Box Office or at any TicketMaster Ticket Center.  To charge by phone, call 202-397-SEAT, 703-573-SEAT, or 410-547-SEAT.  For groups of twenty or more, call 877-407-8497.  Charge online at www.ticketmaster.com or check out the Warner Theatre website at www.warnertheatre.com.

CENTERSTAGE PRESENTS HEARTS; RELATED NOVEMBER EVENTS ANNOUNCED

Hearts—Willy Holtzman's frank, poignant play inspired by his father's experiences as a Jewish-American soldier in World War II and his struggles to cope with them after—continues CENTERSTAGE's 45th Season, which recently opened with the vintage crowd-pleaser, Arsenic & Old Lace. Former Resident Director Tim Vasen returns to direct a dexterous company of four accomplished actors: Jordan Charney as the central figure of Donald Waldman, with Vasili Bogazianos, Bill Cwikowski, and Merwin Goldsmith playing more than 60 roles. Holtzman's blunt-spoken but surprisingly comedic drama unfolds in The Head Theater through December 2nd. Northrop Grumman is the production's official corporate sponsor, with additional support from Kramon & Graham, PA.

In conjunction with this production, CENTERSTAGE offers the following related programs in November:

Post-Show Chats: Every performance w/o a scheduled post-show event

• Join your fellow patrons for an informal chat on the themes and questions raised by Hearts.  

Live Audio Description

Audio describers from Maryland Arts Access provide a live description of the unspoken action on stage, which is transmitted to a small, hand-size receiver. Please request audio description when purchasing your tickets for one of these scheduled performances: 

• Sunday, November 25th, 2 pm & 7:30 pm
• Wednesday, November 28th, 8 pm

AfterThoughts

• Join members of the dramaturgy staff for a deeper look into the production with these post-show discussions, sponsored by McDaniel College.
• Sunday, November 25th, 2 pm
• Thursday, November 29th, 7 pm

Child's Play

• On-site theater-related "play care" for children aged four to ten during select Saturday matinees. $15 per child; pre-registration is required. 
• Saturday, November 24th, 2 pm
• Saturday, December 1st, 2 pm

Twilight Thursday: Thursday, November 29th, 7 pm

• There's no need to make a late night of a night at the theater with this early curtain performance, followed by an AfterThoughts discussion.

Sign Interpretation: Friday, November 30th, 8 pm

• The CIRS Agency works with the artistic staff and experienced interpreters to provide a cohesive American Sign Language interpretation, incorporating the style and artistic characteristics of the performance. Please request the sign interpreted performance when purchasing tickets. Advance copies of the script may be requested via e-mail: access@centerstage.org.

 

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