Charles Shubow - Page 6

When I heard about the topic of the new Baltimore Center Stage production of A WONDER IN MY SOUL, I initially thought it would be a female version of the film 'Barber Shop' Well, let me tell you, it is NOT!!!!

Do not miss this Tony-winning musical!

Talented cast knows how to some some laughs.

This fable of a musical lacks passion and is rather bland.

When I read that Studio Theatre would be presenting playwright Steven Levenson's IF I FORGET I was very excited. Why? Levenson won a Tony Award for his great book for hit musical DEAR EVAN HANSEN. Then I read the play won the Drama Desk Award for Best Off-Broadway play at the Roundabout Theatre in New York (see their informative study guide). Then when I saw what the play was about I really got excited.

Since becoming a critic at Broadwayworld.com, I normally attend a play on opening night. Baltimore Center Stage has always had a tradition of presenting a 'Meet the Actor's Night' one day after opening. My wife and I loved to attend these because they are uniformly informative, educational, and fun. Normally audiences hear about an actor's past work, how long is the rehearsal process, how was it like to work with the director, is this your first time in Baltimore, what is like to work at Baltimore Center Stage.

Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic musical if given a memorable presentation.

I had the opportunity to meet the DirectorChoreographer of Everyman Theatre's DANCING AT LUGHNASA after opening night at Forno's Restaurant. She was a real delight and I thought would make a good interview. I was so right!

Rep Stage Producing Artistic Director Joseph W. Ritsch Directs, Choreographs, and does the Set Design for a 'hair-raising' rendition of this Stephen Sondheim classic musical.

Signature's 29th season begins with record-breaking 29th Sondheim production!

Many of my readers know my connection with MAMMA MIA! on Broadway (see my bio below). When I saw many months ago that Toby's Dinner Theatre in Columbia would be presenting it (the professional regional premiere) I knew it would be a money maker and knew, after seeing many Toby productions, it would be done well. Well, not only have they done well, this edition of MAMMA MIA! is just plain superb.

Wonderful cast directed by Tina Landau is a nice diversion from presidential politics.

I do not believe I have ever seen a more 'kid-friendly' theatrical event than the Olney Theatre Company's H.M.S. PINAFORE. Olney has welcomed back 'The Hypocrites' Chicago based troupe (they last appeared during the summer of 2016) who have taken their productions of both PINAFORE and PIRATES OF PENZANCE previously to the Pasadena Playhouse, and the Skirball Center in New York. 'The Hypocrites', founded in 1997 by Artistic Director Sean Graney have taken their repertories all over the country. 'The House Theatre of Chicago' has become the fiscal agent of 'The Hypocrites' and now serves as a co-producer.

I'm not sure how veteran musical theater director Todd Pearthee did it but the Modell Lyric has announced their inaugural Music Theatre Summer Camp for students in grades 9 to 12 from the Baltimore metropolitan community with Pearthree directing the musical GODSPELL. Mandee Ferrier Roberts is the Musical Director and dance instruction is being provided by the Ballet Theatre of Maryland and CJay Philip.

I congratulate Everyman Theatre for presenting their initial Summer Cabaret which includes the stars from their wonderful production of LOS OTROS, Judy McLane and Philip Hernandez. The event will be at Everyman's intimate rehearsal hall Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Broadway - get ready for another homage to a great music group.

Director Marc Bruni assembles a Broadway-ready cast and does his work masterfully.

It's more like a party than a musical...it's that much fun!

Alan Paul directs a superb cast in Lerner and Lowe's classic musical.

Signature Theatre presents another Kander and Ebb musical for the ages.