Charm City Call Board: September 9 - 15

Welcome to Charm City Call Board for the week of September 9 - 15, 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. 

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

 

NEW THIS WEEK!:

• BEST BET: Trumbo at RepStage!
• Single Carrot Announces Second Season!
• FPCT Opens New Season with Baseball Play!
• New Family Show at MET!

   

BROADWAYWORLD.BALTIMORE DISCOUNTS! 

• Elegies: For Angels, Punks and Raging Queens at Spotlighters: ONLINE discount ONLY!  Get $5.00 off each ticket!  Go to www.spotlighters.org, click on "Tickets" and enter code: BWW-EPAQ. Offer good for all performances, 09.26 - 10.05 (Thursday - Sunday)!

 

CONTESTS

Win Opening Night tickets to Legally Blonde: The Musical at the Hippodrome!  Contest posted!  Entries due no later than NOON on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22!

 

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.  

 

Pantom of the Opera at Toby's of Baltimore

IN PREVIEWS!:

• The Matchmaker (Play): CENTERSTAGE.  Previews 09.10.  Opens 09.17.  Through 10.12.  Review to be posted 09.18.  www.centerstage.org or 410.332.0033.
• Phantom of the Opera (Original Musical - Dinner Theatre): Toby's Dinner Theatre of Baltimore.  Previews from 09.06.  Opening: 09.18.  Through 11.23.  Review to post 09.19.  www.tobysdinnertheatre.com or 1.866.99TOBYS.

 

The Producers at Toby's of Columbia

CURTAIN UP!  Shows opening this week.

• ◊◊ 1/2 The Producers (Musical - Dinner Theatre) Toby's Dinner Theatre of Columbia.  Previews from 08.28.  Review posted 09.14.  Through 11.23.  2 hours, 30 minutes, plus intermission.  www.tobysdinnertheatre.com or 1.800.88TOBYS.

 

Trumbo at RepStage; ACE at Signature Theatre

NOW PLAYING!  Shows currently open.     

• ◊◊◊◊ Trumbo (Play): RepStage.   Through 9.28. Review posted 09/08.  1 hour, 35 minutes.  Mild sexual humor and adult language. www.repstage.org or 410.772.4900.  BEST BET 09.09!
• ◊◊◊ ACE (Musical): Signature Theatre.  Through 09.28.  Review posted 09.04.  2 hours, 35 minutes, including intermission.  703.573.7328 or www.signature-theatre.org. 
• Doubt: A Parable (Play): Everyman Theatre.   Through 10.05.   www.everymantheatre.org or 410.752.2208. 

What's a Little Death? at Theatre Project 

CLOSING THIS WEEK! Your last chance...  

• What's a Little Death?: A Play with Songs (Play with Music): 3 Hands Clapping at The Baltimore Theatre Project.  Through 09.14.  www.theatreproject.org or 410.435.4279. 

  

The Lieutenant of Inishmore at Signature Theatre

COMING SOON!  Opening later this month!

• Take Me Out (Play): Fells Point Corner Theatre.  Opens 09.19.  Through 10.19.  Parental Advisory: Play contains full frontal male nudity.  Review to be posted 09.20.  www.fpct.org or 410.276.7837  See below for related article!
• The Lieutenant of Inishmore (play): Signature Theatre.  Previews 09.23.  Opens 09.28.  Through 11.16.  Review to be posted 09.29.  www.signature-theatre.org or 703.573.7328
• Elegies: For Angels, Punks and Raging Queens (Play with Music): Spotlighters Theatre.  Opens 09.26.  Through 10.05.  Review to be posted 09.27.  www.spotlighters.org or 410.752.1225  See above for BWW discount!  See below for audition information!
• Legally Blonde: The Musical (National Touring Company): Hippodrome.  Opens 09.30.  Through 10.12.  Review to be posted 10.01.  www.broadwayacrossamerica.com or 410.547.SEAT See above for a BWW contest!

 

AUDITIONS:  

Have an audition coming up?  Send your info to jameshoward@broadwayworld.com

Spotlighters Theatre is looking for 2 more actors for the opening show of their 2008-09 season. 

Elegies for Angels, Punks & Raging Queens is a story about the celebration of life.  Based on the NAMES Project AIDS Quilt, Elegies is a series of monologues from those infected and songs from those affected by the disease. 

The following roles are still open (all are monologues): 

• Roscoe - (age 30 and up) a drag queen who decides "since this was my swan song, I was gonna play it for all it was worth"; a believer in the dramatic; must be able to find/play the genuine aspects of the character 
• Rafaela - (age 25-30) a young single mother who is tough and proud and self-sufficient; ends up being taken care of by her young daughter; must be able to play street tough with a kind heart 

Run Dates: Sept 25 - Oct 5 / Performances: Thurs - Sat at 8 pm; Sun at 2 pm  TWO WEEKENDS ONLY!  

If interested please contact ASAP Audra Mains at audra.mains@gmail.com and/or Nikki Cimino at bellamoonchild@gmail.com

For more information about the theatre visit www.spotlighters.org.

Fear Grounds Entertainment

Fear Grounds Entertainment is now casting Haunt Fest 2008 - a massive horror attraction to be performed this fall at Meriwether Post Pavilion. Haunt Fest is a one of a kind event with a killer script and memorably wicked characters.  Fear Grounds is in search of both volunteers and full salaried actors.  They are casting all shapes, sizes and experience levels.  If you are an experienced actor with a taste for horror or a haunted house fanatic that loves to make people scream...THEY WANT YOU! 

For more information on Haunt Fest, auditions and opportunities, don't be scared to contact Scott Naugle, the events producer, at snaugle@gmail.com, or by phone at 443-864-8505 or 240-280-2827.

 

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

BEST BET: Trumbo at RepStage

RepStage kicks off its Sweet 16th season with a real winner - Trumbo: Red, Whit and Blacklisted, a play that details the life of Hollywood screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, who was part of the Hollywod Blacklist.  Don't know who he is?  Well, he wrote such classics as Exodus, Spartacus and Roman Holiday.  With an engaging and superb performnce by Nigel Reed, this sometimes funny, sometimes thought-provoking show is not to be missed!  See above for ticket information and a link to my ◊◊◊◊ review!

NEWS: Single Carrot Theatre Announces Second Season in Baltimore  

After its inaugural season in Baltimore, Single Carrot Theatre is proud to announce their eclectic 2008-2009 season, in addition to its first subscription campaign. This season Single Carrot will be taking another important stride on its path to becoming a professional theatre by aiming to pay one of the 11 company members a living wage by the end of the 2009 season. 

In addition to the exciting administrative growth, Single Carrot's upcoming artistic season will feature an array of dynamic works by award winning playwrights, including three Baltimore premieres and one World premiere. 

• October 9 - 26: The season will begin with Food for Fish, a comedy by Adam Szymkowicz, which delicately walks the line between the dream world that is created in our minds and the often mundane reality of day to day existence. The narrator of Food for Fish becomes intertwined with his own characters' lives throughout the play, eloquently blending the two worlds. 
• December 4 - 21: Single Carrot is proud to bring the late British playwright Sarah Kane's work to Baltimore for the very first time. Crave is devoid of the brutal on-stage violence that earned her notoriety in London in her earlier works, but instead, filled with poetic richness. Crave, her seminal play, is an exploration of humanity: the struggle between hope and despair.  
• February 19 - March 15: Killer Joe by Tracy Letts is alarming and addicting. It is easy to see why Letts' bold writing style and complex characterizations have made him a Pulitzer Prize and Tony award winner. Killer Joe has been produced in 15 different countries since it was first performed in 1993. It takes place in a trailer park in Texas and is an elaborate story of familial dysfunction taken to unnerving extremes. 
• April 30 - May 24: Does the truth set you free? Or is ignorance bliss? Henrik Ibsen's classic The Wild Duck poses these questions which are as relevant today as they were when it was first penned in 1884. One of Ibsen's lesser known works, but one of his most frequently produced, The Wild Duck follows two families and one buried truth, which if unearthed has the potential to shatter both worlds. 
• July 10 - August 2: Single Carrot Theatre's 2007 sketch comedy show Sects and Violins led to sell-out houses and critical acclaim, inspiring the creation of another original comedy show: Slampooned!. Varying in style from the short sketches of Sects and Violins, Slampooned! will be a full length, collaboratively written "mockumentary" about the world and culture of slam poetry. 

Subscriptions are available for Thursdays, Friday, Saturday nights and Sunday Matinees: $50 for adults; $40 for students, seniors, and artists.  Call 443.844.9253 or visit www.singlecarrot.com.

    

NEWS: Children's Playhouse of Maryland to Hold Benefit Performance  

The Children's Playhouse of Maryland in residence at CCBC - Essex, will present a benefit performance entitled "The Ladies Who Lunch" at the theatre on that campus.  The performance will be on Saturday, September 13.  A silent auction will held at 7PM, the show will begin at 8PM, and a reception will immediately follow. 

Tickets are $20.00 per person and available by calling 410.780.6369. 

Scheduled performers include: Eileen Aubele, Liz Boyer Hunnicutt, Kim Hopcraft, Holly Pasciullo, Tiffany Porta, Beth Weber, Marguerite Willbanks, Shannon Wollman and the Children of The Children's Playhouse of Maryland.

 

Through September 14: Laurel Mill Playhouse Presents One Act Play Festival

September 12, 13, 14:

To Burn a Witch by  James L. Bray directed by Jeaneo Binney and Patti Knazik
After Thoughts  by Scott D. Morrow and  Sarah Morrow directed by Tricia Schwaab
It's About Forgiveness by Albi Gorn and directed by Maureen Rogers and
Larry Simmons

 Performances: Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm

You will see some of your favorite actors from past productions at LMP
as well as actors new to the stage at LMP that will become your
favorites! Appearing are Randy Adler, Brian Binney, Kathryn Binney,
Jeanette Brown, Mary Curry, Melainie Eifert, Juliana Ejedoghaobi, Mark
Fulco, Michael Hartsfield, Ebony Jones, Larry Levinson, Brenda Mack,
Irene Patton, James Raymond, Elisa Rodero, Maureen Rogers,Diana
Simmons, Larry Simmons, Dan Staicer and  Tom Tomlinson.

General admission tickets are $10 each or to see all three weekends,
special price of $25. For reservations, please call 301-617-9906 and
press 2. For more information about shows, visit
www.laurelmillplayhouse.org or call Maureen Rogers at 301-452-2557.
Laurel Mill Playhouse is located at 508 Main Street in historic Laurel.

    

September 19 - October 19: FPCT Opens Season with Baseball Drama  

Take Me Out, the recipient of a Tony Award, Drama Desk Award and New York Drama Critics' Circle Award, opens Fells Point Corner Theatre's 22nd season.  Th play centers around Darren Lemming, a young, iconic baseball star, is at the top of his game, both personally and professionally.  When he calls a press conference that results in a shocking admission to the media, Lemming sends a ripple of effects through the team, the fans and the nation.  Both hilarious and hard-hitting, Take Me Out strips baseball bare, exploring issues of celebrity, homophobia, race and friendship.  

With Take Me Out, Terry J. Long directs his 7th show at FPCT.  He directed two shows when the theatre opened, back in 1988.  His FPCT credits include A Christmas Carol, March of the Falsettos, Reckless, and Lips Together Teeth Apart.  He is known around Baltimore for his campy shows such as Pageant, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Vampire Lesbians of Sodom and many others.  

The lead roles of Darren, Shane, Kippy and Mason are played by Maboud Ebrahimzadeh, Sean Mullin, Tony Viglione and Edward Zarkowski, respectively.  The ensemble includes Aaron Andron, Gary Deleon, Charles DeLong, Joe Dunn, Robbie Heacock and Shane Louge.  

Performances of Take Me Out run from September 19 - October 19, 2008, and are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM, with matinees on Sundays at 2:00 PM.

There will be no performance on Sunday, October 5th, due to the Fell's Point Fun Festival.  For tickets, go to www.fpct.org or call 410-276-7837

PARENTAL ADVISORY:  Take Me Out contains mature themes and full frontal male nudity.

    

September 20 - November 8:  Family Friendly Musical Comes to MET  

The Fun Company kicks off their 2008-2009 Children Theatre series with the quirky original musical Lucy Rose: Here's the Thing About Me at The Maryland Ensemble Theatre. Lucy Rose is an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind girl with spark, spunk and one great pair of cowgirl boots! The excitement starts September 20th! 

Katy Kelly started the Lucy Rose series in 2005. A rookie novelist at the time, she introduced children to a lovable character who's an original thinker and has enough creative ideas in her head to fill an Olympic size pool. The character Lucy Rose, in some ways, is very similar to the life of the author's. She grew up on CapitAl Hill, her parents are like Madam  & Pops and she has a dog named Gumbo. Ms. Kelly's writing credits include being a reporter for People magazine, a feature writer for the Life section of USA Today and she was a Senior Editor at US News & World Report.  Ms. Kelly will make at least one appearance during the run of the show to sign books. 

Lucy Rose: Here's the Thing About Me also includes music by local artist, Meryl Cullom.  Ms. Cullom last wrote the song & lyrics for The Fun Company's original musical Cinderella. Ms. Herber, who also directs, and Stage Manager Lorrie Tripp, has assembled an outstanding cast: Karen Paone, Mark Barnhart, Shelia Blank, John Kearns, Clayton Myers, Michelle Simms and Genevieve James as Lucy Rose. Ms. James was last seen in MET's mainstage production on Lysistrata. Set Design is by JoAnn Lee.  

Lucy Rose: The Thing About Me performs every Saturday at 2:00pm from September 20th - November 8th at The Maryland Ensemble Theatre in Historic Downtown Frederick (31 W. Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21701). All tickets are $12. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit   www.marylandensemble.org or call 301-694-4744.  Birthday packages are available.

 

PHOTOS: Phantom of the Opera and The Producers by Kirstine Christiansen; Trumbo and ACE by Stan Barouh; What's a Little Death? courtesy of 3 Hands Clapping; and Lucy Rose courtesy of MET/The Fun Company.

To post a comment, you must register and login.