Baltimore/Washington Backstage - December 29, 2007

Hard to believe this is the last column of the year.

Let me start right at the top by thanking all of the hard-working press representatives in the Baltimore/Washington theater community who make writing about theater so much easier. They work so diligently and with such passion representing their respective theaters.

Thank you also to the person behind Broadwayworld.com, Robert Diamond, for bringing this terrific web-site from Broadway to the Baltimore/Washington area. And to my editor, Eugene Lovendusky, who must have the patience of Job.  A special thank you to my fellow Broadwayworld correspondent, James Howard for doing such a terrific job in spreading the word on local theater.

Also, a thank you to the actors, crew, and the creative teams who bring live theater to us all.

And finally, thank you to my readers who don't hesitate to correct me when mistakes are made and to compliment me when they desire. I hope to keep "Baltimore/Washington Backstage" informative and entertaining.

Now to the news.  So pleased to see the photo of Chris Fitzgerald being hugged by Mel Brooks in the Dec. 23 "Parade" magazine about the musical Young Frankenstein. Chris, who steals the show playing the key role if Igor, I'm certain will be getting a Tony nomination.

2007 may be the year of Tom Stoppard. First, I was able to see his trilogy The Coast of Utopia at Lincoln Center. This past week, I really enjoyed his latest, Rock'n'Roll at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. Brian Cox, Sinead Cusack, and Rufus Sewell head a terrific cast under the direction of Trevor Nunn.  You'll hear much "Pink Floyd" and other classic rock music between scenes.  The Playbill even comes with an insert about the politics surrounding the politics of Czechoslovakia beginning in 1968 when it was invaded by Russia. I'm surprised that no credit is given to the people responsible.

Stoppard can also be seen at Center Stage when they present his Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead from February 1-March 9, 2008.  And don't miss Joe Turner's Come and Gone which continues until January 13. And once again, the Center Stage program is filled with significant history to add to your experience.

 I remember seeing the former production done at Center Stage during the 1988-89 season.  There's even a photo of two members of that production featured in a fund-raising brochure. And who played the young girl? None other than Jada Pinkett (Smith)!

You only have until January 6 to see Cyrano deBergerac at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. Kevin Kline leads a great cast that includes Jennifer Garner and Daniel Sunjata. It's great fun and you can be sure Kline will get a Tony nomination.  Visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Fiddler on the Roof continues its SRO run at the Olney Theatre Center until January 6.  301-924-3400 or www.olneytheatre.org.

Avenue Q finishes its run at the Hippodrome on Sunday, Dec. 23.
For tickets, call 410-547-7328. Get ready for High School Musical coming Feb. 19-March 2. 

The Rep Stage is presenting The Santaland Diaries through Sunday Dec. 23. 410-772-4900.

The Everyman Theatre is presenting a Rodgers & Hart tribute through Sunday Dec. 23. This cabaret performance is $20. The theater is also gearing up for The Turn of the Screw by Jeffrey Hatcher opening January 16 through February 24, 2008. Visit www.everymantheatre.org or call 410-752-2208.

Here are two terrific items to take the kids. There's Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island at the Round House Theatre in Silver Spring. It ends tomorrow, Dec. 23. 240-644-1100.

Puss in Boots is at the Theatre Project. This is a British pantomime version of the fairly tale. This also ends tomorrow, Dec. 23. 410-752-8558.

Happy to report that Avery Brooks has recovered from an injury and is returning to the Shakespeare Theatre Company's Tamburlaine today. It continues in repertory with Edward II until January 6 at the theatre's new Sidney Harman Hall. 202-547-1122.

If you missed the terrific production of My Fair Lady in Baltimore, here's your second chance. It is now at the Kennedy Center through January 20 at the Opera House. There is also a special New Year's Eve performance. 202-467-4600.

The Arena Stage has now officially moved. Ella is currently running at their new Crystal City location at 1800 S. Bell St., Arlington through Feb. 24. Tina Fabrique plays Ella Fitzgerald. 202-488-3300.

Theater J is presenting Emmy-Award winning Judy Gold's hit Off-Broadway show 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother running January 23-February 24. 800-494-TIXS.

How exciting it was to see that the Signature Theatre has announce that two-time Tony winner George Hearn is joining two-time Tony winner Chita Rivera for the Kander & Ebb musical The Visit coming May 13-June 22. This will be a hot ticket. Also on tap will be The Kiss of the Spider Woman (March 11-April 20) and The Happy Time from April 1 to June 1. Subscriptions are still available to the Kander& Ebb Celebration by calling 703-820-9771 or by visiting www.signature-theatre.org.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!