Charm City Call Board October 9 - 15

Welcome to Charm City Call Board for the week of October 9 - 15, keeping you up to date each week with all that is theater in Baltimore.  This week there is something for everyone!  A new discount for a trip to NYC!  New shows opening!  A star-studded benefit for the House of Ruth!  Plus 2 BEST BETS! More audition notices!  So much! 

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

Discounts and contest notices are listed first.  Show listings follow in this order: current productions and upcoming productions.  Audition notices, news bites, and book/CD recommendations are at the end.  

BROADWAYWORLD.BALTIMORE DISCOUNTS!

• Anna in the Tropics at Fells Point Corner Theatre – Get $17.00 General Admission Tickets for just $15.00 and Student/Senior Citizen Tickets for just $12.00!  Mention the BroadwayWorld Discount when making phone reservations or bring a print out of this article to the box office.
• Blood Wedding – Run of the Mill Theatre at the Theatre Project – All tickets $10.00 for BroadwayWorld readers.  You must mention BroadwayWorld.com at the box office to receive discount.  The show runs October 12 – 21 at the Theatre Project on Preston Street.  The Thursday October 18^th performance is part of Baltimore Free Fall.  All tickets for that performance are FREE!  Reservations for that performance are recommended.
• The Great American Trailer Park Musical at Spotlighters - $5.00 each ticket.  Go to www.spotlighters.org and click on "tickets".  Enter code BWW-TPM to get your discount.  You may also get this discount at the box office by bringing a copy of this article with you.  The show runs October 12 – November 4.  ADVISORY: Adult language and situations.
• Pumpkin Theatre is hosting a bus trip to NYC to see the Broadway production of DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS - THE MUSICAL on Sunday, November 18.  Tickets are $140.00 which includes show ticket, bus to and from NYC, and breakfast on the bus.  Call (410) 828-1814. MENTION BROADWAYWORLD.COM AND GET $10.00 OFF!!

CONTESTS!

Last chance!  You only have until noon on Wednesday, October 10 to enter to win tickets to the Opening Night of Hairspray at the Hippodrome (Tuesday, October 16).   Good luck!

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 very 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!  Opening this week!

The Great American Trailer Park Musical at Spotlighters.

• ◊◊◊The Diary of Anne Frank at Towson University.  Through 10/21.  2 hours, 15 minutes.  Realistic portrayal of war images.  Review posted 10/14.  www.towson.edu/centerforthearts/theatre or 410-704-2787.
• ◊◊◊◊Blood Wedding at Run of the Mill Theatre at The Theatre Project.  Through 10/21.  2 hours, including intermission.  Adult content and themes.  Review to be posted 10/16. www.runofthemilltheater.org . See above for discount!
• ◊◊◊◊The Great American Trailer Park Musical at Spotlighters. 10/12-11/4.  Review to be posted 10/15.  2 hours, including intermission.  Adult language, themes and content.  Gun shots.  www.spotlighters.org .  See above for discount! 

CURTAIN DOWN!  Closing this week!

• ◊◊◊◊◊Arsenic & Old Lace at CENTERSTAGE.  Through 10/14.  2 hours, plus a 15 minute intermission.  Review posted 9/20.  www.centerstage.org or 410-332-0033.  Look for the two part interview with stars Ian Kahn and Brynn O'Malley!  BEST BET 9/25!

NOW PLAYING!  Shows that are currently running.

Anna in the Tropics at Fells Point Corner Theatre and Disney's High School Musical at Winters Lane.

• And Then There Were None at Laurel Mill Playhouse.  Through10/20.  www.laurelmillplayhouse.org or 301-617-9906
• ◊◊The Pillowman at Mobtown Players.  Through 10/20.  Review to be posted 10/10.  2 hours, 45 minutes, plus intermission.  Graphic language, situations and violence. www.mobtownplayers.com or 410-467-3057
• ◊◊◊◊Anna in the Tropics at Fells Point Corner Theatre.  Through 10/21.  2 hours, plus a 15 minute intermission.  Review posted 9/26.  www.fpct.org or 410-276-7837
• ◊◊◊◊Disney's High School Musical at Winters Lane Productions.  Q Theatre at CCBC-Catonsville. Through 10/21.  1 hour, 45 minutes, plus intermission.  Review posted 10/8.  www.winterslaneproductions.org or 410-563-9135 BEST BET 10/9!

A Shayna Maidel at Rep Stage.

• ◊◊◊◊◊A Shayna Maidel at RepStage.  Through 11/4. Review posted 10/9.  2 hours 30 minutes, including intermission.  www.repstage.org or 410-772-4900 BEST BET 10/9! 
• Tom, Dick and Harry at Timonium Dinner Theatre.  Through 11/4.   www.timoniumdinnertheatre.com or 410-560-1113
• ◊◊◊◊◊◊Titanic: The Musical at Toby's Dinner Theatre of Columbia.  Through 11/11.  2 hours, 30 minutes, plus intermission.  Review posted 9/10.  www.tobysdinnertheatre.com or 1-800-88-TOBYS.  BEST BET 9/11!
• ◊◊◊◊Dreamgirls at Toby's Dinner Theatre of Baltimore.  Through 11/18. 2 hours, 20 minutes, plus intermission.  Adult language and situations.  Review posted 9/19.  www.tobysdinnertheatre.com or 1-866-99TOBYS BEST BET 9/18!
• ◊◊◊Menopause: The Musical at M&T Pavilion at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center.  Open Run.  Tickets currently on sale through October 2007.  90 minutes, no intermission.  Adult language, content and sexual themes.  Review posted 7/20. www.france-merrickpac.com or 410-547-SEAT

Titanic: The Musical at Toby's Columbia, and Dreamgirls at Toby's Baltimore.

COMING SOON!  Shows opening soon!

The Baltimore Waltz at Single Carrot Theatre.

• Hairspray at the Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center.  10/16-10/21.  Review to be posted 10/17.  www.broadwayacrossamerica.com or 410-547-SEAT.
• Wild Black-Eyed Susans at UMBC Theatre.  10/17-10/21.  www.umbc.edu
• The Baltimore Waltz Single Carrot Theatre at Sydonne's Event Hall on Howard Street.  10/17-11/4.  Review to be posted 11/27.  www.singlecarrot.com
• Picasso at the Lapine Agile at Essex Community College.  10/18-10/23.  www.ccbcmd.edu
• Antigone at Baltimore Shakespeare Festival.  10/19-11/11. Review to be posted 10/26.  www.baltimoreshakespeare.org
• A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at Dundalk Community Theatre.  10/26-11/4.  Review to be posted 10/28.  www.ccbcmd.edu
• The Last 5 Years at Vagabond Players.  10/26-11/25.  Review to be posted 11/3.  www.vagabondplayers.com or 410-563-9135.
• Hearts at CENTERSTAGE.  10/26-12/2.  Review to be posted 11/1.  www.centerstage.org or 410-332-0033.

AUDITIONS!

FILM EXTRAS NEEDED! 

WHAT: The film is called 'The Life of Harry Ape'.  It's a circus-y farcical, fear and loathing type comedy. Very funny.

WHEN: Shooting dates:   Oct. 12, 13, 14.  A few Extras would be needed only on the 13th, and some might be needed the 12th and the 13th depending on the role.

WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR: These are "extras roles" but some might be considered
for speaking roles. Need Men and Women that look over 35 and could play 'Old Money' Types, think Roland Park, Guildford -- etc!  Also needed: two very talented older women for speaking
roles. Again 35 and up, preferably Mrs. Cratchet types, maybe even stuffy nosed.

INFORMATION: Contact Maboud Ebrahimzadeh  "E" at casualbrilliance@yahoo.com or call 410-736-9282.

STAGED READING!

WHAT: SPOTLIGHTERS Theatre is presenting a staged reading of Carol Lynn Pearson's new play -- Facing East.  A short - but dynamic play about hidden lies in a family - the painful outcomes.  Directed by FUZZ Roark.

PERFORMANCE DATE: Staged Reading to be presented - Thursday - Oct 25 (8pm) at University of Baltimore, Performing Arts Theatre

WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR: Seeking two men, age 25-30 (one Caucasian, and one any race) to portray Andrew and Marcus.

REHEARSALS: There will be one table reading evening and one blocking evening as rehearsals.

INFORMATION: If interested or questions, please contact FUZZ at Fuzz@spotlighters.org or 410-752-1225 (x7)

VARIETY SHOW!

What: The Laurel Mill Playhouse Variety Show 

When:  Sunday, October 14, 3-5pm and Monday, October 15, 6-8pm

Where:  Laurel Mill Playhouse, 508 Main Street, Laurel, MD

Performance Dates: The Variety Show will be held on Friday, November 2 and Saturday, November 3 at 8 PM. Tickets are $10 general admission. For more information visit the web site at www.laurelmillplayhouse.org or call 301-617-9906.

What they are looking for: Calling all performers for a Variety Show to be held at the Laurel Mill Playhouse!  We are seeking singers, musicians, dancers, novelty acts, magicians, comedians, poets and all forms of street performers to knock an audience off their feet with their dazzling talent!  If that sounds like you, please come and audition for us-- we want to see if you have what we're looking for!  

Information: Michael Kreger at mdkreger@netzero.com. If unable to make audition dates, please contact Maureen Rogers at 301-452-2557 or jjjmm@aol.com.

THE MOUSETRAP!

What:Agatha Chrisite's The Mousetrap
When: Sunday and Monday, October 14 and 15 from 7pm.
Where: The Audrey Herman Spotlighters Theatre
Performance Dates: January 11 - February 3, Fri, Sat at 8pm and Sun at 2pm (January 10, preview and one other Thursday performance during the run).

What they are looking for:
Readings will be from the script and all parts are open.
Mollie and Giles Ralston, a young married couple and owners of Monkswell Manor (25-30).
Mrs. Boyle, an elderly and critical spinster woman (60s).
Major Metcalf, a Major, retired from the British army (45-ish).
Sergeant Trotter, an investigator from the London police (25-ish).
Christopher Wren, a hyperactive young man, claiming to be named after the architect (25-ish).
Mr. Paravicini, a man made-up to look old, of unknown provenance, who seeming affects a foreign accent (40 - 70).
Miss Casewell, a young woman with strange tendencies and a clearly strong aloofness (25-ish).
All characters except Mr. Paravicini will be required to learn British accents.
Misc.: Rehearsals will be held three weekday nights during November and December with appropriate holidays OFF!  Directors: Bob Russell and Kathy McCrory

Information: www.spotlighters.org

HOLIDAY SHOW!

WHEN:  Monday 10/22, 7-10pm

 

WHO & WHAT: Single Carrot Theatre will be casting a handful of roles for the holiday themed production La Muneca by Aldo Pantoja.

WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR:

• Actors: all ages and types encouraged to audition
  Dancers: Looking for strong improv skills with a foundation in modern, jazz and ballet
  Singers: Experience or interest in a Capella or barber shop quartet style.

GET IN TOUCH: If you would like to audition, please send a brief email to singlecarrotmedia@gmail.com and we will tell you what to prepare and give you directions.

BACKSTAGE BABBLE!  News, Best Bets, etc.

BEST BET FOR FAMILIES: Disney's High School Musical at Winters Lane!

This fun show is so clean it squeaks and offers a great message about acceptance while still being cool!  Hot dance moves, a terrific score and some excellent young talent make this a must see!  And what a way to introduce your youngsters to live theatre!  It's better than the DVD and cheaper than Broadway!  Your kids will love it, and so will you!  See above for show details.

BEST BET FOR ADULTS: A Shayna Maidel at RepStage!

Bring your Kleenex and be prepared to be moved!  This stunningly beautiful play will stay with you long after the final curtain.  Its message about love, family and the triumph of the human spirit over amazing obstacles is both timeless and timely.  This production also features some of the finest ensemble acting seen in recent seasons.  This is a play you really do not want to miss.  See above for show details.

SPOTLIGHTERS RE-OPENS WITH The Great American Trailer Park Musical!

There's a new tenant in Armadillo Acres, and she's wreaking havoc all over Florida's most exclusive manufactured housing community (that a trailer park!) The diva's of double-wides have survived everything from no-good men to bad perms, but when Pippi comes between agoraphobic homebody, Jeannie and her toll collector husband, a storm begins to brew that will shake these trailers to their foundations!

A show about agoraphobia, spray cheese, disco, bad perms, strippers on the run, faulty electric chairs, hysterical pregnancy and flan!

WARNING: This show contains tacky costumes, bad puns, permed hair, and adult language and situations! Just so you've been warned, I'm just sayin'.

Opening Night - Friday, October 12, 2007 - 8pm (Reception with cast following performance)
Runs through November 4, 2007 - Fri & Sat at 8pm and Sun at 2pm. One Thursday performance, Nov 1, at 8pm.  Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for students, seniors and BTA members. Order online at www.spotlighters.org - just click on TICKETS. See above for BroadwayWorld.com discount!

SPOTLIGHTERS OFFERS MUSIC READING FOR THE ACTOR!

October 13 through October 27, 2007
Three Saturdays from 10am to Noon devoted to providing the singing actor the skills and techniques needed to be able to read basic musical lines, understand timing and tempo, and note intervals and relative pitch. Some time will be devoted to "acting" the song and developing characters within a musical selection. Taught by Michael Tan. You may register at www.ticketturtle.com/index.php?retail=spot . The cost of the 6 hr workshop is $65.
SPOTLIGHTERS Theatre: 817 Saint Paul Street

See below for other classes being offered.

STAR-STUDDED EVENT – AN EVENING OF SPOKEN WORD POETRY – BENEFITS THE HOUSE OF RUTH!

"Voices on the Edge: An Intimate Evening of Spoken Word and Music" is a moving and entertaining 2 hour program of poetic vignettes, strung together and interspersed with live jazz, dance, and musical performances.   Spoken word pieces will inspire and inform as they touch on love, hope and healing. 

The event is a benefit for House Of Ruth Maryland, the State's most comprehensive provider of services and advocacy for victims of domestic violence.  The timing of this event is strategic, as October is observed nationally as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  

Prominent local artists and entertainers have volunteered to be part of this special event, as hosts, performers, and production assistants.  Stan Stovall, WBAL-TV news anchor and media personality, will keep the evening moving as Master of Ceremony.  Ruby Glover, Baltimore's legendary "First Lady of Jazz" will soothe the soul and open hearts with her melodious voice and the distinctive phrasing and song interpretations for which she is well known.  The nationally known Tom Reyes Trio will perform their free-spirited, eclectic style that bridges a variety of musical traditions and a diverse line up of poets from the Baltimore/Washington DC corridor will take the stage to entertain and energize, introducing many to the power and dynamism of Spoken Word Poetry for the very first time. 

Terri Wurmser, HRM Program Director, states, "We are proud and honored that House Of Ruth Maryland was chosen by The Poet Alliance to be beneficiaries of this event.  In the last year alone, we've provided information and services to 11,000 individuals who were exposed to or experienced domestic/intimate partner violence.  Many of the women now residing at our shelter are mothers who are there with their children and monies raised from this event will be used to provide services for our most vulnerable population: children and their mothers."

For tickets, contact www.creativealliance.org.  Tickets also sold at the door starting at 7:30 PM.

For more information about the event, contact Margaret Locklear or Adar Ayira.

FROM LAST WEEK'S BABBLE!

REPSTAGE OFFERS CABARET IN HOWARD COUNTY!

Rep Stage and Mydearestchuck Productions announce the premiere of "A Taste, A Touch, A Tune," a New York City style cabaret with its final performance on Monday, October 15, 2007 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Alexandra's Restaurant at the Turf Valley Resort.  Alexandra's will be featuring half price entrees, excluding lobster, as well as half price bottled wine. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Alexandra's at 410-480-4200 or visit www.turfvalleyresort.com.

Directed by Carole Graham Lehan and featuring regional favorite Shannon Wollman, of Rep Stage's Tintypes and musical director Doug Lawler, "A Taste, A Touch, A Tune" marks Ms. Lehan's return to the cabaret show format, which she mastered in the 1980's on the Washington DC music theater scene.  This also marks Rep Stage's first foray into producing a cabaret in an intimate off-site venue. Mr. Lawler will field requests for open-mic as in the New York cabaret tradition.

DC'S LANDLESS THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS BATBOY: THE MUSICAL!

BATBOY:THE MUSICAL at DCAC, September 21-October 13.  The story and book are by Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming, with music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe. The production is directed by Melissa Baughman.  

"Batboy: The Musical" runs through October 13 at DCAC. Performances are Fridays-Saturdays at 7:30 PM, and Sundays at 3:00 PM.

Based on a story in The Weekly World News, BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL is a musical comedy/horror show about a half boy/half bat creature who is discovered in a cave near Hope Falls, West Virginia. The story of Batboy's struggle to fit into human society is filled with laughs, tears… and interspecies romance!

"We try to open each season with a production that is very popular with our audience," said Producing Artistic Director Andrew Lloyd Baughman. "We have been dying to produce Batboy for years, it is probably the most bizarre and wonderfully grungy musical ever written."

Landless is proud to introduce young newcomer Matt Macis to DC Theatre in the title role of the tormented "Batboy." Macis has appeared in Baltimore's Awesome 80's Prom, Rocky Horror Show and other regional productions, and is currently a student at Towson.

"The heart of play comes from an actor portraying the 'filthy freak' who is at once loveable, repulsive, and insanely talented," adds Batboy director Melissa Baughman.  "Matt Macis was perfect! We were especially drawn to his experience as a Michael Jackson impersonator."

The Batboy cast is rounded out by Esther Covington, Talia Segal, Andrew Lloyd Baughman, Terry Spann, Aaron Reeder, Jason Wilson, Kristina Granados, Valeka J. Nichols, and Josh Speerstra. Music Direction by Christy Stalcup. Choreography by Elizabeth Fette.

All performances are held at The District of Columbia Arts Center (DCAC)
located at 2438 18th Street, NW in Adams Morgan. Admission is $18. For tickets and information visit www.landlesstheatrecompany.org.

BALTIMORE PLAYWRIGHTS GROUP TO DISCUSS ANNA IN THE TROPICS!

The Baltimore Playwrights Group will hold its next Fifth Tuesday play discussion on Tuesday, October 30 at Fell's Point Corner Theatre, 251 S. Ann Street. We'll be discussing Nilo Cruz' Pulitzer Prize winning play Anna in the Tropics.  Admission: a dessert or non-alcoholic beverage to share. Please read the play in advance and/or see the current production at FPCT. (www.fpct.org). Come ready to discuss what makes Anna in the Tropics a 21st century Pulitzer winner.

Note:  This is event is designed for anyone interested in playwrighting specifically.

CENTERSTAGE OFFERS OCTOBER PROGRAMS WITH ARSENIC & OLD LACE!

CENTERSTAGE is offering the following events in conjunction with performances of the classic Arsenic and Old Lace:

• After Thoughts:  Join in post-show discussions about the play following these performances:
• Thursday, October 11^th at 7PM
• Child's Play: Theatre-related "play care" for children ages 4 to 10 during the following Saturday matinees.  $15.00 per child, pre-registration required.
• Saturday, October 13, 2PM
• Twilight Thursday: An early curtain, followed by an After Thoughts.
• Thursday, October 11^th, 7PM
• Sign Interpreted Performance: Advanced copies of the script available by writing to access@centerstage.org
• Friday, October 12^th, 8PM
• Live Audio Description: Request this service when ordering tickets for:
• Wednesday, October 10^th, 8PM
• Sunday, October 14^th, 7:30PM

BROADWAY LEGEND SPONSORS CABARET SERIES AT THE KENNEDY CENTER!

Musical theatre actress, Barbara Cook (The Music Man, She Loves Me) has leant her name and considerable talents to a new series at the Kennedy Center, Barbara Cook's Spotlight.  This truly legendary woman continues to dazzle theatre lovers nationwide with her Broadway concerts and her magnificent soprano voice.  She, herself, will start off the series with her famed interpretations of the Broadway songbook, October 19 and 20.

Three time Tony Award nominee Judy Kuhn will be up next at the Terrace Theatre at the Kennedy Center on October 26^th, singing the songs of Laura Nyro.  This will be a true treat for local theatergoers, as Ms. Kuhn was just announced to assume the role of Fantine in the Broadway revival of Les Miserables.  Audiences familiar with the original Broadway cast of the show will remember she originated the role of Cosette, Fantine's daughter.  Judy was Tony nominated for that role, as well as the revival of She Loves Me and the legendary (if flop) musical Chess.  She also appeared on Broadway in The Mystery of Edwin Drood and Rags, as well as Passion at the Kennedy Center's Sondheim Celebration.

Later in the season, the Spotlight Series will feature Lillias White (Tony Winner for The Life) on November 16, Alice Ripley and Emily Skinner (Side Show, the Kennedy Center production of Company) on April 11 and Brent Barrett (Kiss Me, Kate, Chicago, Grand Hotel: The Musical) on June 28.

For tickets and information, call 202-467-4600 or go to www.kennedy-center.org.

SCHOOL'S BACK!  LOCAL THEATER OFFERS ACTING CLASSES!

This is a six week program from October 13 through November 17, 2007. Actors will spend 4 hours each Saturday working on developing and expanding their skills and talents. A workshop in which each actor is challenged to stretch their entire instrument physically, mentally, and emotionally through scene study. Come have that breakthrough in your work you're dreaming about.

The instructor will be Alexander D. Carney, a local area actor, director, and teacher. His teaching is a synthesis of the work of Meisner, Strasberg, as well as Grotowski and Shakespeare & Company. Alex believes that each individual actor has a unique "method" and that his job as a teacher is to help the actor-in-training to discover that method. Alex directed the critically acclaimed Angels in America: Perestroika at SPOTLIGHTERS in August 2007.

See the Spotlighters website for an application and deadline information.  www.spotlighters.org.