The Big Broadway Hits FINALLY Come to Baltimore's Hippodrome

Do you hear that large cacophonous sound emanating from the box office of the Hippodrome Theater? It's the cash registers and phones ringing off the hook now that the new theater season has been announced.

 

If you have decided that you've had it with mediocrity in local sports this year, open your wallets and welcome to the wonderful world of theater where mediocrity is not in the vocabulary.

 

The new line-up shows is headed by two of the biggest musicals now on Broadway, "Wicked" and "Spamalot". The Tony winning "Doubt" and the acclaimed version of "Twelve Angry Men" head up the dramas. Other musical hits sure to please include "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels", "The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" and "Sweet Charity". WOW!!!! What a line-up.

 

If you see someone walking down the streets of Baltimore/>/> with a huge smile, it has to belong to Marks Chowning, the Hippodrome's Executive Director. He had to bite the bullet this past season with some Broadway retreads with the hit "Lion King" saving the season.  Not the case for the 2006-2007 subscription season.

 

Here's the line-up:

 

"The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" (Sept. 19-Oct. 1) begins the return to school season with a bang. This cute depiction of a spelling bee with an incredible cast of characters and a lovely score by William Finn (Falsettos) and directed by the acclaimed James Lapine will treat most. While I found this a rather "small" show, more suited to off-Broadway, kids will enjoy it.

 

"Twelve Angry Men" (Oct. 24- Nov. 5) will be the first drama of the season. You may remember the film starring Henry Fonda. Written by Reginald Rose and directed by another "hot" Broadway director, Scott Ellis, will star Richard Thomas (the Waltons' John-Boy). I last saw Thomas in the Broadway production of "Democracy" and he will be impressive.

 

"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" (Nov. 21- Dec. 3). Bring the relatives over the Thanksgiving holiday to this hysterical, wonderful musical based on the hit Steve Martin film. This is a musical you will love. In this writer's opinion, it was the Best Musical on Broadway last season. Director Jack O'Brien and choreographer Jerry Mitchell ("Full Monty" and "Hairspray") deliver a clever and funny show. I actually laughed harder at Tony winner Norbert Leo Butz than watching Steve Martin.

 

"Wicked" (Jan. 24-Feb. 18) will make the winter something to look forward to. I am still miffed that "Avenue Q" (which will be closing soon in Las Vegas/>/>) beat out this wonderful popular musical for the Tony. I am a huge fan of composer Stephen Schwartz (get the CD of his Broadway musicals) and he does not disappoint. Wherever "Wicked" goes, it sells out. This will be a cash cow. I've seen it twice and am looking forward to a third visit.

 

"Spamalot" (March 6-18) is hysterically funny. You can understand why the SRO sign is always on at the Shubert Theater in New York. The musical is based on the off-the-wall 1975 film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" and uses the great song from that film "Always Look at the Bright Side of Life." This is one of the biggest hits on Broadway with a stellar cast. You will enjoy it though even if you are not a Monty Python fan. Get ready to laugh.

 

"Sweet Charity" (April 10-22)  is a classic. This popular revival stars Molly Ringwald playing the leading role which was created by Gwen Verdon. Ringwald appeared on Broadway in "Cabaret" and off-Broadway in the Jonathan Larson musical prequel to "Rent", "tick,tick...BOOM!" Walter Bobbie directs the touring version of the 2005 Broadway revival which starred Christina Applegate. Music is by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields. The famed Neil Simon penned the script.

 

"Doubt" (May 1-13). John Patrick Shanley's Pulitzer Prize and Tony winning play is still doing well on Broadway…though the New York Times this week was not too pleased with the new cast starring Eileen Atkins. The great Cherry Jones won the Tony for Best Actress on Broadway. It will be interesting to see who gets this plum role on the road. I was in the distinct minority about this play, thinking it dragged a little.

 

That is the line-up for subscription shows.

 

Three other hits will be coming. You will be dancing in the aisles again as the mega-hit "Mamma Mia" returns by popular demand (August 29-Sept. 10, 2006). Who can resist? Some prefer seeing this on Broadway.

 

A hit off-Broadway musical Alter Boyz (Nov.7-12) will win you over. I thoroughly enjoyed this production which consists mainly of Catholic alter boys and one Orthodox Jew. This is very funny stuff with a clever and entertaining score which is still going strong in New York/>/>. Do NOT miss this.

 

Finally, the classic "Annie" returns (Dec. 12-17). A great alternative to the "Nutcracker". Take the family and share this with a new generation of theater-goers during the holiday season.

 

So, the long anticipated line-up of shows has arrived. Theater addicts have something to cheer for.

You can subscribe (and I highly recommend this) for all seven of the shows for as little as $22 a ticket to about $87 for the best seats. Call 800-343-3103 or visit www.broadwayacrossamerica.com.

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