Charm City Call Board: August 1 - 8

Welcome to Charm City Call Board for the week of August 1 - 8, 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!:

Everything! 

A Note from James Howard: 

Thank you to everyone who wrote to me over the past months inquiring about the Call Board.  By now, most of you know I have been involved in a production of my own, bare the musical.  That bit of news seems to have ruffled a few feathers, so let me clear the air.  In all of your emails and responses to a press release about that show, I have learned the following:

Some of you are peeved that the column disappeared for three months (the last Call Board was through April 28).  Thank you for caring so much for it and about it.  I regret that you were not informed that it would be gone for awhile.  Should it ever happen again, I'll do my best to see everyone is informed.  (There will be no Call Board the week before Christmas.)

Finally, I would like to address the inclusion of materials in this column and on this website for the production I am personally involved in.  For the record, I am NOT BWW News Desk, and neither is Charles.  The producers of any show opening in the Baltimore/DC area are welcome to submit press releases, offer discounts, run contests, run ads, and be included in the Call Board.  All of those things will be happening with bare the musical, starting this week, with this column.  Those items will be listed in order by closing date and alphabetically if more than one show closes on that same date, just like all others.  And don't worry – I will not be reviewing my own production.   

I'm so glad that what Broadway World does means so much to the Baltimore theatre community, and I love covering it, and I also love participating in it.  And thank you for the overwhelmingly supportive emails you have sent, regarding both this column and the show I am working on. 

The above is the opinion of the writer, not necessarily that of BroadwayWorld.com.   

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

  

BROADWAYWORLD.BALTIMORE DISCOUNTS! 

• bare the musical at Theatre Project:  Get $5.00 off each ticket when you order ONLINE!  Go to www.barethemusicalinbaltimore.com/tickets.html and follow the links to order.  The discount code is:  BWW – bare.  This offer good for all performances, except Saturday, August 9.

 

CONTESTS

• There will be a contest for tickets to the Baltimore Premiere of bare the musical posted Sunday, August 3!

 

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.

• Baltimore Playwrights Festival: The 'A' Word: Mobtown Players.  08.01 – 08.16.  410-467-3057 or www.mobtownplayers.com.
• bare the musical (Baltimore Premiere): Baltimore Theatre Project. 08.08 – 08.31.  Adult language, sexuality, drug and alcohol use.  443-847-3135 or www.barethemusicalinbaltimore.com.  See above for a BWW discount!

 

NOW PLAYING!  Shows currently open.     

• Baltimore Playwrights Festival: Graven Image: Upstairs at Fells Point Corner Theatre.  Through 08.10.  410-318-8895.
• Baltimore Playwrights Festival: Gay Deceivers: Theatrical Mining Company.  Through 08.17.  tmc.originalplays.com or 410-982-6979..
• ◊◊◊◊◊ All Shook Up (Musical – Dinner Theatre): Toby's Dinner Theatre of Columbia.  Through 08.24.  Review posted 06.26.  www.tobysdinnertheatre.com or 1-800-88TOBYS.   BEST BET 08.01!
• ◊◊◊◊ West Side Story (Musical – Dinner Theatre): Toby's Dinner Theatre of Baltimore.  Through 08.24.  Review posted 07.06.  www.tobysdinnertheatre.com

 

All Shook Up at Toby's Columbia and West Side Story at Toby's Baltimore

CLOSING THIS WEEK! Your last chance… 

Nonstop Realism at the Strand Theater and I Never Sang for My Father at Spotlighters

• Baltimore Playwrights Festival: Keeping Faith: Chesapeake Arts Center.  Through 08.02.  www.chesapeakearts.org or  410-636-6597.
• Baltimore Playwrights Festival: Nonstop Realism: Strand Theatre Company.  Through 08.03.  www.strandtheatercompany.org or 443-874-4917.
• Baltimore Playwrights Festival: from this life: four short plays: Vagabond Players.  Through 08.03.  www.vagabondplayers.org or 410-563-9135.
• ◊◊◊ I Never Sang for My Father: Spotlighters Theatre.  Through 08.03.  Review posted 08.20  www.spotlighters.org or 410-752-1225.
• ◊◊◊ Richard III: Single Carrot Theatre.  Review posted 07.28.  Through 08.03.  443-844-9253 or www.singlecarrot.com.
• Taming of the Shrew: Baltimore Shakespeare Festival.  Through 08.03.  www.baltimoreshakespeare.org or 410-366-8596.
• ◊◊◊The Who's Tommy: Winters Lane Productions.  Through 08.03.  Review posted 07.21.  www.winterslaneproductions.org.
• ◊◊◊Urinetown: The Musical: CCBC – Essex.  Through 08.03.  Review posted 07.23.  www.ccbcmd.edu or 410-780-6369.

 

Urinetown: The Musical at Cockpit in Court

AUDITIONS:

Hats! the musical!

• WHO: Spotlighters Theatre; direction by FUZZ Roark, musical direction by Michael Tan
• WHEN IS THE SHOW: Performance Dates: Oct 10, 2008 - Nov 2, 2008
• WHAT: Hats! the musical is inspired by the stories, experiences and mission of the Red Hat Society
• IMPORTANT NOTICE: The royalty license requires that all actors cast be age appropriate for the roles. No one younger than 40 years please.
• WHAT TO BRING/PREPARE: Please note age ranges in character breakdown.
• Please prepare 16-24 bars (2 mins) of an up-tempo song (musical theatre appreciated)
• Please bring sheet music - an accompanist will be present
• Please note any musical style referenced in character breakdown.
• Be prepared for movement/dance audition.
• AUDITION PLACE AND TIME:Spotlighters Theatre - 817 Saint Paul Street - Baltimore, MD 21202.  Saturday - Aug 9, 2008 at 1pm
• WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FRO:
• Maryanne
• Voice range: Eb (low) - E (high) (2 octaves +1)
• Celebrating her 50th birthday (and not happy about it!)
• May be between ages of 45 and 50
• Lady
• Voice range: E(low) - High Bb (high) (2.5 octaves)
• Maryanne's mother
• Age late 50's to 60's
• Dame
• voice range: E (low) - E (high) (2 octaves)
• Wife & Mom character
• Takes care of everyone; empty nester
• Age range: mid 50's to 60
• Baroness
• Voice range: E(low) - F)high) (2 octaves +1)
• Texas Cowgirl -- Strong business woman - very successful - divorced
• Age: mid to late 50's
• Contessa
• Voice range: E(low) - D (high) (2 octaves - 1)
• Latina preferred - think Chita Rivera ---- lots of sex appeal and energy!
• Must be comfortable working with puppets ---
• Age: mid 50's
• Princess
• Voice range: E(low) - F )high) (2 octaves + 1) - lyric ballad
• Newly divorced (husband left her for younger woman) - forgetful - always missing placing things!
• Age: early 50's
• THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST - Duchess

 

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

BEST BET : All Shook Up at Toby's Dinner Theatre of Columbia

When you see this production, you should immediately wonder why it was a flop on Broadway.  Lead by two fantastic actors, Lauren Spencer Harris and David Jennings, the fantastic cast dances to, jokes about, and most amazingly sings the songs of Elvis Presley in ways you never dreamed of – and boy, do they sound good!  The show closes August 24^th, so you only have 3 more weeks to catch the hip-swiveling, blue suede coated fun of All Shook Up!  See listing above for reservation information.

 

NOW – August 15 (Event is September 21): Broadway Cares Flea Market Trip 

Baltimore Outloud theatre columnist Ben Ryland is once again organizing an 'On-Your-Own NYC trip to the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Flea Market on Sunday, September 21st. This will be his eleventh bus trip, which is now using two buses for 100 people. And it could become three buses!!! This is a non-profit trip, family-friendly and all the money collected (after expenses) is donated to BC/EFA. 

Itinerary/Information:

• Leave Timonium Holiday Inn at 7:15am
• A carry on breakfast is provided with juice (bring your own hot drinks)
• The "famous" Broadway/Movie Video Trivia Contest on route with fabulous theatre prizes
• Arrival at Flea Market entrance about 10AM
• Depart bus and be on your own all day. Visit the Flea Market, go sightseeing, shopping or catch a matinee (advance purchased theatre tickets are highly recommended for that day)
• Buses pick us up at 6:30pm to head home. Dinner may be eaten in the city or brought on the bus. We do not stop for dinner.
• During the ride home we have lots of snacks and sodas during our movie and quiet time
• Arrival in Timonium is usually before 10pm

The Event: 

• The flea market is outside and has free admission. 100% of the collected monies go to BC/EFA. Tons of celebrities, theatre memorabilia, food and just fun stuff is available. (We don't have access to the buses so bring a bag!)
• Every Broadway and most off-Broadway shows have tables plus Rosie O'Donnell and Letterman's folks are usually there too.
• Flea market is subject to bad weather but we go on that date regardless. It has never been canceled because of rain in 20 years. 
• For Flea Market details-   www.bcefa.org

Cost/Seating:

• Cost is $55.00 per person (payment is due by August 15th)
• Payment guarantees your seats, no refunds unless seat(s) are re-sold
• Seats are limited make your reservation now- 410-483-1162            

Email for questions -   stagesbalti@aol.com

 

August 26 – September 28: ACE at Signature Theatre Announces Top Flight Cast 

Signature Theatre is pleased to announce complete casting for the opening show of its 2008-2009 season, ACE.  With music by Richard Oberacker and book and lyrics by Robert Taylor and Richard Oberacker, ACE will be directed by Signature's Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer with choreography by Karma Camp.  Set just after WWII, ACE is an epic story of a young boy's search to come to terms with his past and unlock his future.  A tale of triumph, humor, and heart as seen through a child's eyes, ACE magically explores the heroic lives and unforeseen legacies of the men and women of America's Greatest Generation.   

11-year old newcomer Dalton Harrod will play the role of Danny.  Jill Paice, lauded for her performances in London's Gone with the Wind and Broadway's Curtains and The Woman in White, will play Danny's mother Elizabeth.  The character Ace is performed by Matthew Scott of Broadway's Jersey Boys and A Catered Affair.  Danny's foster parents are played by Emily Skinner of Broadway's Side Show and Signature's Witches of Eastwick, and Duke Lafoon from the original production of ACE.  Broadway regular and Witches of Eastwick star Christiane Noll is Ruth and Jim Stanek of Broadway's Lestat and Little Women is John Robert.  The social worker Mrs. Crandall is played by Broadway's Florence Lacey and remembered in Washington for Signature's Saving Aimee.  Danny's friend Emily is played by Angelina Kelly.  Performing in the ensemble are Richard Barth, Tom Galantich, Tracy Lynn Olivera, Jason Reiff, Danny Rothman, Elizabeth Share, and Gabrielle Stravelli. 

The production features scenic design by Walt Spangler, costume design by Robert Perdziola, lighting design by Ken Billington and Jason Kandrowitz, projection design by Michael Clark, orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick, and musical direction by David Kreppel.  The production stage manager is Kerry Epstein. 

ACE will play in The MAX Theatre August 26 through September 28.  Tickets, ranging in price from $49 to $77 each can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at (703) 573-7328 or visiting www.signature-theatre.org.  Show times are Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30 pm, Thursday and Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm, and Sunday at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm.  Free educational events for ACE include a Brown Bag Thursday discussion on September 4 and a Page to Stage program at the Shirlington Library on September 8.  

Photo by Joan Marcus.