Charm City Call Board: February 5 - 11

Welcome to Charm City Call Board for the week of February 5 - 11, keeping you up to date each week with all that is theater in Baltimore.      

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!:

• Last Chance to Sign Up for  BWW Night at Toby's II! A GREAT VALENTINE TREAT!  AND CHEAP!
• Love Letters Fundraiser to Kick Off Cockpit's Summer Season!
• FPCT & CTC Raise Funds and Baseballs for the Troops with Benefit Performances!
• Six Dead Queens… arrive in Baltimore Soon at Mobtown!  And they are already selling out!
• BSF Welcomes New Development Director!
• More audition notices! New notices from Run of the Mill, Fells Point Corner Theatre, and Theatre on the Hill! Plus Winters Lane, Laurel Mill Playhouse!

If you have some news or an event you'd like added, please contact me at jameshoward@broadwayworld.com. 

 

BROADWAYWORLD.BALTIMORE DISCOUNTS!

• La Cage aux Folles at Toby's Dinner Theatre of Baltimore:  BWW Readers get 25% off all Thursday and Sunday Evening Performances of the award-winning musical!  Call 1-866-99TOBYS and mention this discount!  This offer good through February 24 only.
• Off the Map at Fells Point Corner Theatre: BroadwayWorld.com readers get $2.00 of per ticket for any performance of Off the Map. To receive discount, bring a copy of the article with you to the Box Office.  See below for details about performances.

 

CONTESTS!

Coming soon… your chance to win a family four pack of tickets to the opening of Disney's High School Musical! Look for the contest THIS Monday, February 11^th!

 

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.

A Doll's House at Chesapeake Shakespeare Company

• ◊ 1/2 Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead (Drama): CENTERSTAGE.  Through 3/9. 2 hours, 45 minutes, including intermissions.  Review posted 2/7.  One scene of graphic sexuality.  www.centerstage.org or 410-332-0033.
• The Human Experience: The Works of August Wilson (Theatrical Presentation): Winters Lane Productions. 2/8 – 2/10.  www.winterslaneproductions.org or 410-780-6369. 
• ◊◊◊◊ A Doll's House (Drama): Chesapeake Shakespeare Company.  Through 3/2.  2 hours, 45 minutes, including intermissions.  Review to be posted 2/9.  www.chesapeakeshakespeare.com or 866-811-4111.

 

NOW PLAYING!  Shows currently open. 

Glory Days at Signature Theatre; The Turn of the Screw at Everyman Theatre

• ◊◊◊◊ Glory Days (World Premiere Musical): Signature Theatre in Virginia.  Through 2/17.  85 minutes, no intermission.  Adult language and themes.  www.signature-theatre.org.  Review posted 1/25.  BEST BET 1/29!
• ◊◊ 1/2 Off the Map (Drama): Fells Point Corner Theatre. Through 2/17. 1 hour, 50 minutes, including intermission.  Adult themes.  www.fpct.org or 410-276-7837.  Review posted 1/21.  See above for BWW discount!
• ◊◊◊◊◊ The Sound of Music (Musical – Dinner Theatre): Toby's Dinner Theatre of Columbia.  Through 2/15.  2 hours, 35minutes, including intermission.  Review posted 12/10.  www.tobysdinnertheatre.com or 1-866-99TOBYS. BEST BET 12/11!
• ◊◊◊◊◊ The Turn of the Screw (Mystery-Thriller): Everyman Theatre. Through 2/24.  1 hour, 25 minutes, no intermission.  www.everymantheatre.org or 410-752-2208.  Review posted 1/19.   BEST BET 1/22!
• ◊◊◊ Mrs. Warren's Profession (Drama): Rep Stage.  Through 2/24.  2 hours, 30 minutes, including intermission.  Adult themes.  www.repstage.org or 410-772-4900.
• ◊◊◊◊◊ La Cage aux Folles (Musical – Dinner Theatre): Toby's Dinner Theatre of Baltimore. Through 3/9.  12 hours, 35 minutes, including intermission.  Adult themes, situations.  www.tobysdinnertheatre.com or 410-649-1660 or 1-866-99TOBYS.  Review posted 1/21.  Look for information about BroadwayWorld Night at Toby's II!   See above for BWW discount!  BEST BET 1/22!

 

Mrs. Warren's Profession at Rep Stage; La Cage aux Folles at Toby's Dinner Theatre of Baltimore

CLOSING THIS WEEK! Your last chance…

• ◊◊◊◊1/2 Light Up the Sky (Comedy): Vagabond Players.  Through 2/10.  1 hour, 50 minutes, plus two brief intermissions.  Mild adult language.  www.vagabondplayers.com or 410-563-9135.  Review posted 1/14.  BEST BET 1/15!
• ◊◊◊ Win or Die (Musical): Witness Theatre at JHU.  Through 2/10. 1 hour, no intermission.  Adult language and situations.  www.jhu.edu  Review posted 2/3.

 

Light Up the Sky at Vagabond Players

SPECIAL THEATRE EVENTS!

• Spunk (Play): The Kuumba Collective at The Theatre Project.  2/8 and 2/9 at 8PM.  Call 443-802-1725 for more information.
• Carmen Jones (Concert Version) (Staged Concert): 2/15 at 8PM.  www.winterslaneproductions.org or 410-780-6369.

 

OPENING SOON!  Shows opening in February.

Six Dead Queens...and an Inflatable Henry at Mobtown Players

• The Comedy of Errors (Shakespearean Comedy): Baltimore Shakespeare Festival.  2/15 – 2/24.  Review to be posted 2/17.  www.baltimoreshakespeare.org or 410-366-8596.
• Six Dead Queens…and an Inflatable Henry (US Premiere Comedy): Mobtown Players.  2/15 – 3/8.  PARENTAL ADVISORY: Not recommended for children.  www.mobtownplayers.com.  See below for article about this show!  NOTE: Opening night is SOLD OUT.  Reservations are HIGHLY recommended.
• The Philadelphia Story (Comedy): Laurel Mill Playhouse.  2/15 – 3/9.  www.laurelmillplayhouse.org or 301-857-2448.
• Pageant (Musical): Spotlighters Theatre.  2/15 – 3/9.  Review to be posted 2/24.  www.spotlighters.org or 410-752-1225.
• Three Irish Plays (Drama): Performance Workshop Theatre. 2/15 – 3/16.  Review to be posted 2/18.  www.performanceworkshoptheatre.org or 410-659-7830.
• Disney's High School Musical (Musical): Hippodrome Theatre.  2/19 – 3/2.  Review to be posted 2/20.  www.broadwayacrossamerica.com or 410-547-SEAT.
• Other People's Money (Drama): Dundalk Community Theatre.  2/22 – 3/2.  Review to be posted 2/25.  www.ccbcmd.edu or 410-780-6369.
• Spinning Into Butter (Drama): Theatre Hopkins.  2/22 – 3/2.  www.jhu.edi~theatre.
• Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Musical – Dinner Theatre): Toby's Dinner Theatre of Columbia.  2/21 - 6/5.  Review to be posted TBA.  www.tobysdinnertheatre.com or 1-800-88TOBYS.
• The Little Foxes (Drama): McDaniel College. 2/28 – 3/3.  Review to be posted 2/29.  www.mcdaniel.edu or 410-857-2248.

 

HELP WANTED:

SPOTLIGHTERS NEEDS A COSTUMER

SPOTLIGHTERS Theatre seeks a costume designer for 4 by Tenn - four short plays by Tennesse Williams.Costumer will coordinate costumes for all four short plays, for a cast of 7-10.
Please contact FUZZ@spotlighters.org or call 410-752-1225 to apply.

REP STAGE NEEDS USHERS!

Rep Stage is still in need of ushers for its production of Mrs. Warren's Professionby George Bernard Shaw, which is running now through February 24!  Here's your chance to see this great classic play for free!

Here are the dates and times that ushers are still needed: 

Fri, Feb 1 (8:00); Sat, Feb 2 (2:30 and 8:00); Sat Feb 9 (2:30 and 8:00); Sun, Feb 10 (2:30); Wed Feb 13 (7:30); Thurs Feb 14 (7:30); Sat, Feb 16 (2:30); Sun, Feb 17 (2:30); Fri, Feb 22 (8:00); Sat, Feb 23 (2:30 and 8:00); Sun, Feb 24 (2:30). 

Please email boxoffice@howardcc.edu to sign up, or call (410) 772-4900 during Box Office hours (Tues – Fri 12-5pm).

 

AUDITION NOTICES:

Jesus Christ Superstar

• WHO: Emmanuel United Methodist Church
• WHAT: Jesus Christ Superstar
• WHAT TO PREPARE/BRING: 12-16 bars of a song that showcases your abilities in the style of musical theatre. If auditioning for a lead role, prepare an additional piece from the show. Please bring headshots/resumes (we will also take photos at the auditions), sheet music (no tapes or CDs—an accompanist will be provided), and be prepared to move for dance auditions.
• WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR: Males and females, ages 14 - 70. Lead roles for 1 female and 7-10 males, plus a cast and chorus of 16-24 (lots of singing).
• WHEN TO AUDITION:  Sat. Feb. 9th from 1:00 – 3:00pm and Sun. Feb. 10th from 1:00 – 3:00pm
• WHERE: Emmanuel UMC, 10755 Scaggsville Road, Laurel, MD  20723-1223.  Auditions will take place in the Sanctuary and in Fellowship Hall. Directions can be found at: www.eumclaurel.org/directions/   
• PERFORMANCE INFORMATION: Jesus Christ Superstar, directed by Ken Krintz with music direction by Mariano Vales, will run Thursday through Saturday evenings, May 15 – May 17, 2007 (with an additional pay-what-you-can preview performance on Wednesday, May 14). Rehearsals will begin the week of March 2, 2007.
• INFORMATION:  please email the director at kenkrintz@hotmail.com or the music director at mariano_vales@yahoo.com or contact Maureen Rogers at 301-452-2557.

Steel Magnolias

• WHO: Laurel Mill Playhouse
• WHAT: Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling
• WHEN:  February 10th and 12^th at 7PM
• WHERE:  Laurel Mill Playhouse, 508 Main St., Laurel, MD.
• WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR: 6 female roles. 
• WHAT TO PREPARE: Director, Tricia Schwaab will have sides available for cold reading from the script.
• PRODUCTION DATES: April 11th - May 11th on Friday and Saturday nights with two selected Sunday matinees and one selected Thursday evening performance.
• INFORMATION: Contact Tricia Schaab at Taschwaab@aol.com or 301-221-3390 or Maureen Rogers at 301-452-2557. For further information email lmp@laurelmillplayhouse.org, call LMP at 301-617-9906, or visit www.laurelmillplayhouse.org

 The Immigrant 

• WHO: Fell's Point Corner Theatre
• WHAT: The Maryland premiere of The Immigrant, a musical drama.  Directed by Bill Kamberger, with musical direction by Chris Bassett
• WHEN: February 10 & 11, from 7 to 9 PM
• SHOW DATES: May 8 - June 9
• SYNOPSIS: Spanning the early years of the 20th century through World War II, the musical follows the lives of two outwardly very different couples who turn out to have much more in common than they realized. Haskell and Leah are Russian Jews hoping to flee poverty and religious persecution to make a new life in America, but who find they must face many of the same challenges in their new home as they had in the old country. Milton and Ima are Texans trying to hide their sorrows behind facades of fiscal success and Christian piety. They take the immigrants under their wings, only to realize more and more over the years how much must be sacrificed for true friendship.
• WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR: All roles are open and volunteer.
• Haskell - Tenor - Ages from 20s to 50s
  A "Motel the Tailor" type who grows into a successful, Americanized businessman, though one nagged by guilt about the heritage -- and the people -- he has abandoned.
• Milton - Baritone - Ages from 40s to 70s
  His crusty, stubborn, and impatient exterior doesn't quite conceal a tender heart and a wry sense of humor, even after a stroke debilitates him.
• Leah - Mezzo - Ages from 20s to 50s
  Develops from a hysterically frightened and suspicious waif into a loving mother who serves as a tower of stength and dignity for both families.
• Ima - Mezzo - Ages from 40s to 70s
  An "Aunt Bea" type whose ditsiness is actually a form of wisdom, and whose natural warmth and compassion are sorely tested but never defeated.
• WHAT TO PREPARE: Please prepare a song. An accompanist will be provided.
• INFORMATION:  contact Bill Kamberger at 410-537-3076 or bkamberger@mde.state.md.us  

The Who's Tommy

• WHO: Winters Lane Productions
• WHAT: The Who's Tommy
• WHEN:  Monday, February 18, 2008 and Tuesday, February 19, 2008 from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.  POSSIBLE CALLBACKS: Wednesday, February 20, 2007 @ 7:00 p.m. (if necessary)
• WHERE:  CCBC Catonsville --- 800 South Rolling Road, Q Building, Catonsville, MD 21228
• WHAT TO PREPARE: 32 bars of a pop, rock, or musical theatre selection. Be ready to dance.
• WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR:
• Tommy, a young genius who becomes a rock star—strong rock tenor age 17-24 with appealing stage presence and that indefinable "it" factor 
• Captain Walker, Tommy's handsome father—strong tenor who ages from early 20's to early 40's during the play, must be physically able to pass on both ages.  Strong, commanding presence.
• Mrs. Walker, Tommy's mother—strong belt alto who ages from 20-40 during the play, must be physically able to pass on both ages.
• Uncle Ernie, Captain Walker's alcoholic older brother—character baritone who ages from 30-50 during the play.  He's the stereotypically creepy uncle everyone denies having. 
• Cousin Kevin, Tommy's cruel and abusive babysitter—strong pop tenor age 17-24 with bad boy looks and attitude 
• Sally Simpson, Tommy's biggest fan—pop soprano age 15-23, the typical teenage girl next door.
• The Gypsy, (a/k/a the Acid Queen), a heroine addict and prostitute—typically African-American R&B/rock alto age 21-35, hardened, street-looking, and very sexually charged.  Usually associated with a Tina Turner vocal style and presence, but other character types will be entertained
• Tommy (age 4 & age 10), both parts boy sopranos who look the appropriate age, bear a passable physical resemblance to adult Tommy, and must be willing to change hair color to match him if needed.
• Adult Ensemble—various adults of all ages and types who portray cameo characters such as Kevin's and Sally's parents, specialist doctors who treat Tommy's catatonic condition, soldiers, security guards, and London folk
• Youth Ensemble—various teens of all physical types age 14-25 who play Kevin's thug comrades, rock fans, and  the lads and lasses of London
• SHOW DATES: July 17 – August 3, 2008
• MORE INFORMATION:  For more information contact Troy Hopper at (877) 718-7977 x703 or troy@winterslaneproductions.org       

 

Variations Project

• WHO: Run of the Mill Theater
• WHAT: Variations Project
• WHEN: February 26th and 27th 2008
• WHERE: Theater Project, 45 West Preston Street  Baltimore, MD
• WHAT TO DO: To schedule an audition please send your head-shot and resume to
  Runofthemilltheater@gmail.com with "Variations Audition" in the subject line.

 

Pump Boys & Dinettes, Into the Woods, Anansi: Tales of the Trickster Spider, and Fabulous Post-Show Review

• WHO: Theatre on the Hill
• WHAT: Pump Boys & Dinettes, Into the Woods, Anansi: Tales of the Trickster Spider, and Fabulous Post-Show Review
• WHEN/WHERE: Auditions for those 18 and over will be held 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 8 in WMC Alumni Hall at McDaniel College. Apprentice candidates ages 15-17 may also audition at this time.  Appointments are required for auditions and can be made by calling (410) 857-2599.
• WHAT TO PREPARE:  Participants should prepare and bring sheet music for 32 bars of a show
  tune, prepare a one-minute contemporary comedic monologue, and dress for a dance audition. Any adult male singers or actors who play guitar or standing bass should bring their instrument with them.
• PAY: All adult company members are paid and housing is available.
• WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR:  All roles except L.M. in Pump Boys & Dinettes and narrator/mysterious man in Into the Woods are open.
• SHOW DATES: Pump Boys & Dinettes will run at 7:30 p.m. on June 20, 21, 27, 28 and
  July 5. Matinee shows at 1:30 p.m. will run June 28 and July 5.  Into the Woods will run at 7:30 p.m. on July 18, 19, 25, 26, Aug. 1and Aug. 2. There will be a matinee performance at 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 2.  Anansi the Clever Spider will run at 1:30 p.m. on July 12, 13, 19, 20 and 26.  Late Night Post-Show Revue, a cabaret-style performance, will run at 10 p.m. June 27, 28, and July 5; 7:30 p.m. on July 11-12; and 10:15 on July 19 and 26.

 

BACKSTAGE BABBLE!  News, Best Bets, etc.

TIME IS RUNNING OUT!  TOBY'S  BALTIMORE AND BROADWAYWORLD ANNOUNCE NIGHT AT THE THEATRE II: LA CAGE AUX FOLLES!

Following the success of last fall's first BWW/Toby's Night at the Theatre (Titanic: The Musical), we have teamed up again to offer you the chance to see their newest blockbuster, La Cage aux Folles, at their newest venue, Toby's Dinner Theatre of Baltimore!  The date is Saturday evening, February 9th.  The cost, including all you can eat buffet and salad bar, and the show is just $25.75 per person!  For details, click on the link above!

Bring your Valentine's date!  I look forward to meeting even more of you!

NEWS: FPCT & CTC TEAM UP TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE TROOPS WITH ROUNDING THIRD                                                            

As part of Operation Baseball Diplomacy to benefit our troops In Iraq, Catonsville Theatre Company, a committee of the Catonsville Chapter of the CCBC Alumni Association present an encore presentation of the comedy, Rounding Third, by Richard Dresser, at the Fells Point Corner Theatre, 251 S. Ann Street, Baltimore, MD 21231. This special promotion to benefit our troops is 3 performances only; Friday, February 29 and Saturday, March 1 @ 8 PM and Sunday, March 2 @ 3 PM.   Ticket prices are $17.  Donate baseballs and/or gloves (new or used) ticket price is $10.  All donated equipment and equipment purchased with a portion of the proceeds, will benefit the troops in Iraq. 

For tickets or information call 410/455-4400 or email catheatrecompany@aol.com   

 

NEWS:  BALTIMORE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL WELCOMES NEW DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Baltimore Shakespeare Festival is pleased to welcome Chris Pfingsten as the new Development Director. A Maryland native and graduate of Towson University, Chris is returning to Baltimore after 21 years in Orlando, Florida, where he was an actor at Disney World, as well as a Charter Resident Company Member of Orlando Theatre Project. "I am very excited to be back in Baltimore after 20 some years in Florida, and particularly pleased to be working for Baltimore Shakespeare Festival, an organization with terrific grass-roots support, and unlimited potential. I look forward to working with our board, patrons and the Baltimore community to help this company continue to grow and flourish," says Pfingsten.  

As an actor at Disney, Chris did over 20,000 performances in over 10 different shows, including the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Flights of Wonder, and most recently, the Monsters Inc. Laff Floor. A member of Actors' Equity Association, Chris also chaired the Contract Negotiation Committee for the Equity/Disney collective bargaining agreement, and was chair of the Central Florida Liaison Committee for Equity. 

In 1986, Chris became a member of Orlando Theatre Project, Central Florida's oldest professional theatre, where he was an actor, stage manager, producer, production manager, director, designer, and technical director for over 45 different productions and projects. He also served as President and Vice President of OTP, and from 2005-2007 was the General Manager. 

THEATRE EVENTS (New items in RED.)

February 8 – March 8: MET to Present Killer Laughs with Letts' Killer Joe

"A normal person is just someone you don't know real well."

So says Tracy Letts, playwright and author of Maryland Ensemble's latest mainstage production, Killer Joe.  This dark comedy delves into the idea that under the surface of every seemingly 'normal' person, family or relationship, there lurks the possibility of madness, absurdity and evil. 

Killer Joe is a brutally funny and disturbing play, a black comedy of deplorable manners.  Chris needs money, a lot of money. With his father Ansel and stepmother Sharla, Chris hires Killer Joe Cooper to assassinate his mother.  But when Mom's insurance payout doesn't go as planned, Joe demands a different form of currency, leading to a climax that is both bloody and surprisingly redemptive.  The final blackout comes on an unexpected fresh start - for some of the characters.

"Letts is a very exciting playwright in our country today," says MET Producing Artistic Director Tad Janes. "After reading his play, our company was enthralled at the possibility of doing it. It's funny, it's intense and it has a lot of attributes our company likes in a play."

Featuring the talents of MET Ensemble Members Matt Baughman, Amy Easton, Julie Herber, Tad Janes, Gené Fouché (Director) and MET regular Denny Grizzle, Killer Joe is not for everyone.  Its poetic qualities notwithstanding, it is dark, obscene and violent.  Due to language, violence, drug use and nudity, Killer Joe is recommended for mature audiences only.

"This is a difficult play in terms of content, that's for sure," says director Gené Fouché.  "But despite that, it's an exciting and thought-provoking piece of theatre which is why it was chosen for our season.  The fact that it's live makes it so controversial.  On film, this same story wouldn't raise an eyebrow.  Killer Joe is fast, funny, dangerous and tragic – it has all the ingredients for great theatre."

This "Shepard-esque" thriller won awards and rave reviews in London and off-Broadway. Alternating between humor and menace, Killer Joe is at once clever, suspenseful, subtle, complex, deeply funny and riveting.

Tracy Letts was born and raised in Oklahoma. His first play, Killer Joe premiered in Chicago in 1993, and has since been performed in ten countries in over a dozen languages. His second play, Bug premiered in London in 1996 and was made into a film, starring Ashley Judd, this past year.  His play August: Osage County, currently running on Broadway, looks like the play to beat for the Tony Award this year.

Killer Joe opens February 8^th and runs through March 8^th.  Tickets are $22 for adults and $19 for students and seniors.  For tickets or more information call 301-694-4744 or visit www.marylandensemble.org

Photo by Misti Morningside, courtesy of MET. 

February 8 – March 2: Chesapeake Shakespeare Company to Present Ibsen's Classic A Doll's House

The Chesapeake Shakespeare Company will produce the immortal "door slam heard around the world" with its Classics-in-the-Box production of Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House, February 8-March 2, 2008 at the Howard County Center for the Arts in Ellicott City, Maryland.

A Doll's House, a searing drama that unintentionally helped fuel the women's movement of the late 19th century, follows Nora, the perfect wife and mother, who always has time for her children while satisfying her husband's every whim.  To her husband, she is a little doll.  A riveting chain of events leads to Nora's realization that she controls her own future.  "The door slam heard around the world" is the critics' characterization of Nora's final action, and the start of Nora's new future.

The play was shocking in its time because Nora's empowerment and the decision she makes in its wake was the most profoundly feminist statement yet seen on European stages.   A Doll's House was also particularly unique in its time for focusing on a female protagonist.

Directing A Doll's House is company member and Education Director Kevin Costa.  Dr. Costa brings a wealth of professional directing and acting experience from theaters across the country. Past credits with CSC include: Mr. Purgon in The Imaginary Invalid, Grumio in Taming of the Shrew, several roles in King Lear, Touchstone in As You Like It and several roles in Henry V.   Dr. Costa is also the Drama Department Chair at the McDonogh School in Owings Mills, Maryland.

 "Our hope is to re-examine, collaboratively, the fundamental predicaments at the heart of this play. Why is Nora's plight still compelling 127 years after the play's first appearance? Why do we remain drawn to her situation?  Moreover, what does Ibsen explore about the human situation through each person in this timely drama?  Like Nora at the end of the play, we can't – and perhaps shouldn't – have a definitive answer.  This production, rather, will provide the opportunity for the cast to attempt answers with the full knowledge that we may only find more questions," explains Costa.

The cast is headlined by CSC Company Members Patrick Kilpatrick, Christina Schlegel, Scott Alan Small and Charlie Mitchell.

On Saturday, February 9, CSC will host its 2nd CSC: The Extended Version.  The evening will begin at 6:30pm with the artist's commentary; a reading and discussion of CSC company member, Frank Moorman's paper discussing translations.  This will be followed by the 8pm performance of A Doll's House.  CSC: The Extended Version will conclude with the extras; a Q&A with the actors of A Doll's House.

Tickets for A Doll's House can be purchased online at www.chesapeakeshakespeare.com, by calling 866.811.4111 or prior to the performance at the box office.  Groups of 10 or more, please call 410.313.8874 for group rates.  For general information, call the CSC offices at 410.313.8874.

February 9: COCKPIT IN COURT HOLDS FUNDRAISER/PERFORMANCE FOR 2008 SEASON

Cockpit in Court Summer Theatre, Maryland's longest-running summer theatre, readies its 2008 season with a benefit performance of the A.R. Gurney play Love Letters on February 9, 2008 at 7:30pm.  The performance takes place in the Cabaret Theatre in the B Building at CCBC Essex, 7201 Rossville Boulevard.  The ticket price of $20 includes the performance, desserts, champagne and coffee bar. 

This one-time-only performance features Baltimore performers Liz Boyer Hunnicutt and Edward J. Peters.  Known to audiences separately for their many roles in area theatres, they are well remembered and much loved for their performances as Will and Betty Rogers in productions of The Will Rogers Follies, both at Cockpit in Court Summer Theatre and at F. Scott Black's Dinner Theatre.  The evening's performance will be directed by James Hunnicutt, Cockpit in Court's new Managing Director.

Tickets are on sale now, and seating is limited for this one-night-only event.  The CCBC Box Office is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.  Tickets may be purchased over the phone at 410-780- 6369.

The Cabaret Theatre at CCBC Essex is wheelchair-accessible by elevator.  Patrons requiring other accommodations are urged to inform the CCBC Box Office in advance at 410-780-6369. 

February 15 – March 8: MOBTOWN PRESENTS US PREMIERE OF SIX DEAD QUEENS…

Please note:  Opening night is sold out.  Seating at the Mobtown Theater is by general admission, so please arrive early to secure a good seat.

Marriage is tough business, even under the best of circumstances.  If she's not careful, a girl could lose her head ... literally.  In fact, several women did when they married the most demanding husband in history, England's King Henry VIII.  Next month, the Mobtown Players take an irreverent look at the lives and deaths of Henry's wives when they stage the U.S.  premiere of Six Dead Queens…and an Inflatable Henry.

Created by The Foursight Theatre Company of Wolverhampton, England, Six Dead Queens… is an experimental comic musical packed with intrigue, rowdy good humor and duels of words. The action takes place in eternity where Henry's consorts have been trapped together for 500 years in the same bedroom they fought to win in life.  Wit, candor and knitting needles fly as each fights to assert her position as the One True Queen. 

The production runs February 15 through March 8 with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm.  There will be two special matinees on Sundays, February 24 and March 2.  Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors and are available at the box office or online. 

Parents are encouraged to leave their children at home, as the cheeky dialogue is aimed squarely at adults.

Director Erin Riley first saw Six Dead Queens while studying for her theater degree in England.  "I've been dying to produce it ever since," she says.  "The piece is a dynamic and unique picture of six women who were almost completely overshadowed by their husband in the history books. 

"And let's face it," she adds, "history isn't always truthful or kind.  But it's sure fun when it's rewritten!"

Riley's cast includes some of Baltimore's best-known actresses. The six queens are Virginia Weeks, Stephanie Ranno, Melissa McGinley, Kristen Zwobot, Hannah Marr, and Kerry Brady.  Brady is especially familiar; this is her third turn on the Mobtown stage this year. 

Audiences accustomed to Mobtown's spare productions will find Six Dead Queens… a feast for the senses.  The costumes are traditional Tudor in jewel tones, complete with original jewelry design.  The music is an extremely challenging blend of madrigal style in 4 - 6 part harmony with infusions of Motown, Latin and Jazz styles.  And despite Mobtown's small stage, the set boasts a working fireplace, a large projection screen, and a bed large enough to fit all 6 women AND spin in a complete circle. 

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. The Mobtown Theater is located at Meadow Mill, 3600 Clipper Mill Road in Hampden. To purchase tickets or find directions to the Mobtown Theater, please call 410-467-3057 or visit www.mobtown.net.

 

 

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