Charm City Call Board September 25 - October 1

Welcome to Charm City Call Board for the week of September 25 – October 1, keeping you up to date each week with all that is theater in Baltimore.  

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!

• Anna in the Tropics at Fells Point Corner Theatre - $2.00 off!  Get $17.00 General Admission tickets for just $15.00, and Student/Senior Citizen tickets for just $12.00!  Mention the BroadwayWorld discount or bring a copy of this article to the box office!  Offer ends October 21st.

CONTESTS!

There are no contests running currently.  Look for a new 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 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.  

CURTAIN UP!  Opening this week!

• The Pillowman at Mobtown Players.  9/28-10/20.  Review to be posted 10/8.  Adult situations, graphic language, violence and loud noises.  www.mobtownplayers.com or 410-467-3057

CURTAIN DOWN!  Closing this week!

• Naked! at Everyman Theatre.  Through 9/25.  Adult content and language.  www.everymantheatre.org or 410-752-2208 Fences at Vagabond Players.  Through 9/30.  www.vagabonplayers.com or 410-563-9135

NOW PLAYING!  Shows that are currently running.

Sight Unseen at Everyman Theatre and Arsenic and Old Lace at CENTERSTAGE.

• ◊◊◊ Sight Unseen at Everyman Theatre.  Through 10/7.  2 hours, 15 minutes including intermission.  Adult language and situations.  Review posted 9/4.  www.everymantheatre.org or 410-752-2208  See related article below.
• ◊◊◊◊◊ Arsenic & Old Lace at CENTERSTAGE.  Through 10/14.  2 hours, plus a 15 minute intermission.  Review posted 9/20.  www.centerstage.org or 410-332-0033.  Look for the two part interview with stars Ian Kahn and Brynn O'Malley this week! BEST BET 09/25! 
• ◊◊◊◊ Anna in the Tropics at Fells Point Corner Theatre.  Through 10/21.  2 hours, plus a 15 minute intermission.  Adult language, sexual situations.  Review posted 9/26.  www.fpct.org or 410-276-7837 See discount offer above!
• Tom, Dick and Harry at Timonium Dinner Theatre.  Through 11/4.   www.timoniumdinnertheatre.com or 410-560-1113
• ◊◊◊◊◊◊Titanic: The Musical at Toby's Dinner Theatre of Columbia.  Through 11/11.  2 hours, 30 minutes, plus intermission.  Review posted 9/10.  www.tobysdinnertheatre.com or 1-800-88-TOBYS.  BEST BET 09/11!
• ◊◊◊◊ Dreamgirls at Toby's Dinner Theatre of Baltimore.  Through 11/18. 2 hours, 20 minutes, plus intermission.  Adult language and situations.  Review posted 9/19.  www.tobysdinnertheatre.com or 1-866-99TOBYS BEST BET 09/18!
• ◊◊◊ Menopause: The Musical at M&T Pavilion at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center.  Open Run.  Tickets currently on sale through October 2007.  90 minutes, no intermission.  Adult language, content and sexual themes.  Review posted 7/20. www.france-merrickpac.com or 410-547-SEAT

Anna in the Tropics Fells Point Corner Theatre; Dreamgirls at Toby's of Baltimore.

COMING SOON!  Shows opening soon!

• The Playboy of the Western World at McDaniel College.  10/3-10/6.  Review to be posted 10/4.  www.mcdaniel.edu
• A Shayna Maidel at RepStage.  10/3 – 11/4. Review to be posted 10/8.  www.repstage.org or 410-772-4900
• Disney's High School Musical at Winters Lane Productions.  Q Theatre at CCBC-Catonsville. 10/5 – 10/21.  Review to be posted 10/6.  www.winterslaneproductions.org or 410-563-9135
• And Then There Were None at Laurel Mill Playhouse.  9/28-10/20.  Review to be posted TBA.  www.laurelmillplayhouse.org or 301-617-9906

BACKSTAGE BABBLE!  News, Best Bets, etc.

BEST BET: Arsenic and Old Lace at CENTERSTAGE!

It's an oldie but a goodie!  With an amazing cast, this charmer becomes not only a sharp comedy, but a farce, a love story and a thriller all in one!  Word on the street is that this is selling pretty well, so don't wait much longer to get your tickets!  See www.centerstage.org or call 410-332-0033 for more details and to order tickets.

SIGHT UNSEEN AT EVERYMAN HAS SHOW-RELATED EVENTS!

Donald Marguile's Sight Unseen is currently playing at Everyman Theatre.  They will be sponsoring two events during their final week of performances.  They are:

• Decaf Discussions, October 4^th.  Show at 8PM, chat with the actors after the show, moderated by Julia Brandeberry.  Decaf coffee provided by event sponsor Zeke's Coffee.
• Saturday Brunch, October 6^th.  Event starts at noon, show at 2PM.  A delicious catered brunch buffet by Zeke's Coffee, complete with Mimosas and Bloody Marys.  The brunch is $15 in advance/$20 at the door.  This is a separate ticket from the show, which is $24 for a Saturday matinee.

For more information or advance tickets, go to www.everymantheatre.org or call 410-752-2208.

CENTERSTAGE OFFERS OCTOBER PROGRAMS WITH ARSENIC & OLD LACE!

CENTERSTAGE is offering the following events in conjunction with performances of the classic Arsenic and Old Lace:

• After Thoughts:  Join in post-show discussions about the play following these performances:
• Thursday, October 4^th at 8PM
• Sunday, October 7^th at 2PM
• Thursday, October 11^th at 7PM
• Child's Play: Theatre-related "play care" for children ages 4 to 10 during the following Saturday matinees.  $15.00 per child, pre-registration required.
• Saturday, October 6, 2PM
• Saturday, October 13, 2PM
• Free Fall Baltimore: Join other Baltimore families for an evening of free theatre.  Enjoy a free communal meal, followed by a performance of the show, and ending with a discussion with the cast!
• Sunday, October 7^th.  Activities start at 6PM.
• Twilight Thursday: An early curtain, followed by an After Thoughts.
• Thursday, October 11^th, 7PM
• Sign Interpreted Performance: Advanced copies of the script available by writing to access@centerstage.org
• Friday, October 12^th, 8PM
• Live Audio Description: Request this service when ordering tickets for:
• Wednesday, October 3^rd, 1PM
• Sunday, October 7^th, 2PM
• Wednesday, October 10^th, 8PM
• Sunday, October 14^th, 7:30PM 

READERS WRITE: NON-EQUITY VS. EQUITY TOURS

It seems my review of The Wedding Singer, which recently closed at the Hippodrome sparked somewhat of a debate about whether or not the public should know a show is non-Equity, and/or whether or not that show should be held to the same standard as an Equity show charging the same price scale for tickets.  Some of you chose to open the debate (and chastise me or support me) publicly below the review.  Others of you decided to write to me privately.  Either way, thanks for all of the input!  That's what makes this site interactive fun, right?

Reader Matthew R. Cordner writes:

"So here are my thoughts on the non-equity tours going around nowadays. I think it's fine to have them, hell, it gives people a chance to gain experience. But if I am not seeing Equity Actors, I don't feel I should have to pay as if I was. If they are Equity, a set of the money goes to them, and they are treated with some respect and have certain benefits. This is why I will pay 50-100 to see an Equity show. But if the actors aren't getting as much, I cannot justify paying the company money that goes even more to them. At that point, I might as well go to a local production, and see a more worthwhile show. It also sucks that they are performing in a house like the Hippodrome, and most people going to see it expect to see the Broadway show, save for some alterations to the set to accommodate for touring."

Thanks for writing, Matthew!  I'm sure this debate will continue, and in the near future, when the non-Equity tour of Hairspray comes into the Hippodrome for a week later this month.

Comments or questions?  Write to me at jameshoward@broadwayworld.com.

BALTIMORE PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL 26 ANNOUNCES AWARD WINNERS!

On Monday, September 17^th, local theatre artists gathered at the Chesapeake Arts Center to celebrate another successful Festival.  Part of that evening included announcing winners in the Best Script and Best Production (performance of scripts) categories.  This year, for the first time, six actors were recognized for their work in the festival. 

The winners for BEST SCRIPT are: 

• 1st place - Save Me by Stefanie Zadravec at Fells Point Corner Theatre (Carol Weinberg Award)
• 2nd place - Rudy Doo by George Purefoy Tilson at Spotlighters Theatre
• 3rd place - Last Night at the Owl Bar by Mark Scharf at Chesapeake Arts Center

 The winners for BEST PRODUCTION are:

• 1st place - Rudy Doo by George Purefoy Tilson, directed by Jayme Kilburn, at Spotlighters Theatre
• 2nd place - Last Night at the Owl Bar by Mark Scharf, directed by Randy Dalmas, at Chesapeake Arts Center
• 3rd place - CYA by Kimberley Lynne, directed by Carlos Del Valle at Mobtown Players Theatre 

The ACTORS recognized were:

• Chris Graybill - Save Me 
• Peter Kendall - Blessed Mothers of War
• Shane Logue - Rudy Doo
• Jaye Nicole - Touch of Spring
• Joan Weber - Save Me
• Janise Whelan - CYA 

The BPF chose to present a Lifetime Achievement Award to J. Wynn Rousuck, "Judy", for her 33+ years as the resident Theatre Critic and Reviewer with the Baltimore Sun.  Judy spoke of her many experiences watching and supporting Baltimore Theatre over the years, and stated that she will continue to be a part of the theatre community, and a strong supporter of local theatre and the BPF.

Congratulations to all involved!

LOCAL WEBSITE OFFERS PODCAST INTERVIEWS!

If you'd like to hear about the DC are theatre scene, and enjoy podcasts, www.dctheatrescene.com is for you!  Friend and colleague Joel Markowitz talks to performers from all over the area, usually on opening night.  Recent interviews include Toby Orenstein, talking about Titanic: The Musical, and interviews with cast members for Dreamgirls at Toby's Baltimore.  Let me know what you think!

FROM LAST WEEK'S BABBLE!

BROADWAY LEGEND SPONSORS CABARET SERIES AT THE KENNEDY CENTER!

Musical theatre actress, Barbara Cook (The Music Man, She Loves Me) has leant her name and considerable talents to a new series at the Kennedy Center, Barbara Cook's Spotlight.  This truly legendary woman continues to dazzle theatre lovers nationwide with her Broadway concerts and her magnificent soprano voice.  She, herself, will start off the series with her famed interpretations of the Broadway songbook, October 19 and 20.

Three time Tony Award nominee Judy Kuhn will be up next at the Terrace Theatre at the Kennedy Center on October 26^th, singing the songs of Laura Nyro.  This will be a true treat for local theatergoers, as Ms. Kuhn was just announced to assume the role of Fantine in the Broadway revival of Les Miserables.  Audiences familiar with the original Broadway cast of the show will remember she originated the role of Cosette, Fantine's daughter.  Judy was Tony nominated for that role, as well as the revival of She Loves Me and the legendary (if flop) musical Chess.  She also appeared on Broadway in The Mystery of Edwin Drood and Rags, as well as Passion at the Kennedy Center's Sondheim Celebration.

Later in the season, the Spotlight Series will feature Lillias White (Tony Winner for The Life) on November 16, Alice Ripley and Emily Skinner (Side Show, the Kennedy Center production of Company) on April 11 and Brent Barrett (Kiss Me, Kate, Chicago, Grand Hotel: The Musical) on June 28.

For tickets and information, call 202-467-4600 or go to www.kennedy-center.org.

BALTIMORE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL OFFERS "AUTUMN REVELS"!

Baltimore Shakespeare Festival takes it annual fall fundraising event to new heights with this year's Autumn Revels – Unleash Your Inner Tempest on September 28th. In keeping with the "Season of Defiance" this night features a three course supper, silent auction, and brazen entertainment. The evening culminates in the presentation of The Muse Award to Ms. Judy Rousuck formerly of the Baltimore Sun, and The Golden Fan Awards, to Laura Hackman and Rachael Wilkinson. The event takes place from 6pm to 10pm at The Carriage House at the Evergreen Museum and Library, 4545 N. Charles Street. Tickets are $150 ($75 tax-deductible) and information is available by visiting www.baltimoreshakespeare.org or call 410 366 8596.

This is Baltimore Shakespeare Festival's fourth annual Autumn Revels Event. For more information please call 410 366 8594 or visit www.baltimoreshakespeare.org

SCHOOL'S BACK!  LOCAL THEATER OFFERS ACTING CLASSES!

Spotlighters Theatre will be offering a series of acting workshops this Fall. The first will be a three hour Actors Workshop that will focus on Character Development, Comedic Acting and Emotional/Relationship Acting. This is being offered through the FreeFall Baltmore program of the Mayor's Office and the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts. There is no charge for this program, and it is open to actors of all levels of training or experience.

Acting Workshops will be held on Thursday, October 4, 2007 at 7PM, and Saturday, October 6, 2007 at 12:30PM at Center for Student Involvement - University of Baltimore.

To register, send an email to INFO@spotlighters.org and include your NAME, ADDRESS, and CONTACT NUMBER. There are limited number of spaces in each workshop, or register early. Workshop participants will be invited to participate in two staged reading performances later in October.

The second program is an ACTORS INTENSIVE.

This is a six week program from October 13 through November 17, 2007. Actors will spend 4 hours each Saturday working on developing and expanding their skills and talents. A workshop in which each actor is challenged to stretch their entire instrument physically, mentally, and emotionally through scene study. Come have that breakthrough in your work you're dreaming about.

The instructor will be Alexander D. Carney, a local area actor, director, and teacher. His teaching is a synthesis of the work of Meisner, Strasberg, as well as Grotowski and Shakespeare & Company. Alex believes that each individual actor has a unique "method" and that his job as a teacher is to help the actor-in-training to discover that method. Alex directed the critically acclaimed Angels in America: Perestroika at SPOTLIGHTERS in August 2007.

See the Spotlighters website for an application and deadline information.  www.spotlighters.org.

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