Charm City Call Board - September 18 - 24

Welcome to Charm City Call Board for the week of September 18 – 24, keeping you are up to date each week with all that is theater in Baltimore.  

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!

• NAKED at Everyman Theatre: Tickets are normally $20 each, but by mentioning the code "BWW1," readers will be able to get tickets for only $10 for the shows on 9/24 and 9/25 (both at 7:30 PM). There is a limit of 5 tickets per person.  This offer is only available over the phone or in person at the box office.  For more information, readers should call 410-752-2208.
• Titanic: The Musical at Toby's Dinner Theatre of Columbia: Click on "Titanic Discounts" above in Related Links for details! Wednesdays, September 19, 26 and October 3 Two for One Tickets!

CONTESTS!

There are no contests running currently.  Look for a new one soon!

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 terrific 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!

• ◊◊◊◊◊ Arsenic & Old Lace at CENTERSTAGE.  Through 10/14.  Review to be posted 9/20.  www.centerstage.org or 410-332-0033.  Look for part two of an interview with stars Ian Kahn and Brynn O'Malley this week!  And see article below for special events sponsored by CENTERSTAGE for Arsenic and Old Lace!
• ◊◊◊◊Anna in the Tropics at Fells Point Corner Theatre.  9/21-10-21.  Review to be posted 9/22.  www.fpct.org or 410-276-7837

CURTAIN DOWN!  Closing this week!

The Wedding Singer at the Hippodrome.

• ◊◊The Wedding Singer at Hippodrome Theatre.  9/11-9/23.  Review posted 9/12. 2 hours, 20 minutes, including intermission.  Adult content and situations. www.broadwayacrossamerica.com or 410-547-SEAT
• ◊◊◊◊Mrs. Farnsworth at Rep Stage.  Through 9/23.  90 minutes, no intermission.  Adult language.  Review posted 8/27.  www.repstage.org or 410-772-4900

NOW PLAYING!  Shows that are currently running.

 

Fences at Vagabond Players, and Sight Unseen at Everyman Theatre.

• Naked! at Everyman Theatre.  Through 9/25.  Adult content and language.  www.everymantheatre.org or 410-752-2208  See discount offer above!
• Fences at Vagabond Players.  Through 9/30.  www.vagabonplayers.com or 410-563-9135
• ◊◊◊Sight Unseen at Everyman Theatre.  Through 10/7.  2 hours, 15 minutes including intermission.  Adult language and situations.  Review posted 9/4.  www.everymantheatre.org or 410-752-2208 
• 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.  See above for discount information!
• ◊◊◊◊Dreamgirls at Toby's Dinner Theatre of Baltimore.  Through 11/18. 2 hours, 20 minutes, plus intermission.  Adult language and situations.  Review to be posted 9/19.  www.tobysdinnertheatre.com or 1-866-99TOBYS
• ◊◊◊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

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

COMING SOON!  Shows opening later this month!

• And Then There Were None at Laurel Mill Playhouse.  9/28-10/20.  Review to be posted 10/8.  www.laurelmillplayhouse.org or 301-617-9906
• The Pillowman at Mobtown Players.  9/28-10/20.  Adult content and language, some scenes of graphic violence.  Not recommended for children. Review to be posted 9/30.  www.mobtownplayers.com or 410-467-3057

BACKSTAGE BABBLE!  News, Best Bets, etc.

BEST BET: Dreamgirls at Toby's Baltimore!

Once again, Toby's offers a 1-2 punch for theatre goers!  As if Titanic weren't enough to satisfy, now her electric version of Dreamgirls has opened and crowds are going crazy!  A complete review of this production will appear tomorrow morning on this site.  But if you love the Motown sound, and some amazing vocals and exciting dancing, Dreamgirls is for you – don't wait for my review to order tickets.  (Rumor has it this is a hot seller so call the number above or go to www.tobysdinnertheatre.com for details.) 

FELLS POINT CORNER THEATRE OPENS NEW SEASON WITH ANNA IN THE TROPICS!

Set in 1929, Anna in the Tropics tells the story of a factory of cigar rollers whose lives are forever changed by the arrival of a new lector.  As Juan Julian gives life to Tolstoy's beloved novel, Anna Karenina, the cigar rollers inhale the intoxicating fumes of love and betrayal that billow through their factory like tropical breezes.  With each chapter, new desires and jealousies ignite.  It is the end of an era, a time when the music of a human voice is about to be replaced by the sound of machines.

Richard Dean Stover, director, is a long time FPCT Board member and twenty-year veteran of Baltimore theatre.  In addition to Anna in the Tropics, Rick has also directed The Boys Next Door, The Tale of the Allergists Wife, Eyes for Consuela, Black Snow, Vast Difference, Cosi and Life X 3, all at FPCT.

Featured in the cast are Mark Poremba, Carolyn White, Richard Peck, Jaye Nicole, Michael Leicht and Jane Steffen.

The show opens on Friday, September 21, and runs through Sunday, October 21.  Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8PM, Sundays at 2PM.  Tickets are $17 General/$15 Seniors and Students.  For reservations call 410-276-7837 or go to www.fpct.org for more information.

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.

FROM LAST WEEK'S BABBLE!

CENTERSTAGE OFFERS SEPTEMBER PROGRAMS WITH ARSENIC & OLD LACE!

With performances beginning this week of the classic Arsenic and Old Lace, CENTERSTAGE is offering the following events in conjunction with performances:

• Pay Your Age Previews: Tuesday, September 18th

Patrons age 35 and under can buy the best available tickets—in person on the day of show—for any preview at the price of $1 for every year of their age; ID required.

• Night Out: Tuesday, September 18th; party starts at 6:30 pm

Members of Baltimore's GLBT community enjoy a pre-show party, sponsored by Classic Catering. Bar tips benefit a local charity.  $5 cover; free for Night Out subscribers.

• College Night : Thursday, September 20th; party starts at 6:30 pm

Join fellow college/university students for a pre-show party featuring complimentary food from Akbar, pre-show entertainment, and a raffle with prizes from local businesses and attractions.

• LIVE! @ CENTERSTAGE : Friday, September 21st; happy hour starts at 6 pm

Join fellow young professionals for a happy hour featuring complimentary hors d'oeuvres and entertainment. Then stay for the show and Meet the Actors, or return on a future date with a specially discounted $25 ticket.  

• Meet the Actors: Friday, September 21st, 8 pm

Join Public Relations Director Aaron Heinsman for a post-show Q&A with the cast on the Marilyn Meyerhoff Mezzanine.

BALTIMORE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL OFFERS "AUTUMN REVELS"!

Baltimore Shakespeare Festival takes it annual fall fundraising event to new heights with this year's Autumn Revels – Unleash Your Inner Tempest on September 28th. In keeping with the "Season of Defiance" this night features a three course supper, silent auction, and brazen entertainment. The evening culminates in the presentation of The Muse Award to Ms. Judy Rousuck formerly of the Baltimore Sun, and The Golden Fan Awards, to Laura Hackman and Rachael Wilkinson. The event takes place from 6pm to 10pm at The Carriage House at the Evergreen Museum and Library, 4545 N. Charles Street. Tickets are $150 ($75 tax-deductible) and information is available by visiting www.baltimoreshakespeare.org or call 410 366 8596.

This is Baltimore Shakespeare Festival's fourth annual Autumn Revels Event. For more information please call 410 366 8594 or visit www.baltimoreshakespeare.org

SCHOOL'S BACK!  LOCAL THEATER OFFERS ACTING CLASSES!

Spotlighters Theatre will be offering a series of acting workshops this Fall. The first will be a three hour Actors Workshop that will focus on Character Development, Comedic Acting and Emotional/Relationship Acting. This is being offered through the FreeFall Baltmore program of the Mayor's Office and the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts. There is no charge for this program, and it is open to actors of all levels of training or experience.

Acting Workshops will be held on Thursday, October 4, 2007 at 7PM, and Saturday, October 6, 2007 at 12:30PM at Center for Student Involvement - University of Baltimore.

To register, send an email to INFO@spotlighters.org and include your NAME, ADDRESS, and CONTACT NUMBER. There are limited number of spaces in each workshop, or register early. Workshop participants will be invited to participate in two staged reading performances later in October.

The second program is an ACTORS INTENSIVE.

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.