CHARM CITY STAGE DOOR – 03/14/2006

 IT’S REMARKABLE

            Do you usher at a local theatre?  If so, please contact me directly via email at jameshowardbww@yahoo.com for a survey of questions to be used for a series of upcoming “stories from the trenches” articles.  Please put “Usher Survey” in the subject heading.  Questionnaires are currently available and responses will be accepted until noon on Monday, March 20^th.  I look forward to hearing from all of you!

ANGRY YOUNG MAN

            Following Sunday evening’s performance of the Tharp/Joel musical Movin’ Out at the Hippodrome, I had the chance to speak with an exhausted Brendan King, who dances the role of Eddie in alternating performances with Rasta Thomas (see Charles Shubow’s article and my review for more information about Thomas.)  Brendan told me that his cast (there are 2 casts of principals in this strenuous show) gets reviewed at every other city, so the pressure of opening night alternates just like the cast does.  I hope to have the chance to sit down with this talented young man for a quick interview about life on the road with Brenda, Eddie and the rest of Movin’ Out!  The show continues through March 19^th, Tuesday – Saturday at 8PM, Saturdays at 2PM, Sundays at 1PM and 6:30PM.  You really do not want to miss this amazing piece of dance-theatre.

            Note:  Brendan King performs the role of Eddie on Wednesday, Friday, Sunday Evenings and the Saturday Matinee.  Rasta Thomas performs the role of Eddie on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday Evenings and Sunday Matinee.

            Photo of Brendan King in Movin’ Out by Joan Marcus.

TAKIN’ THE ‘A’ TRAIN

            Opening this Friday at Spotlighters is Steven Adly Guirgis’ Jesus Hopped the “A” Train, a complex and challenging piece that confronts racism, justice and faith.  The cast features Carlos del Valle, Mark Stevens, Jane Seffen, Eli Jackson and Matt Foster.  Direction will be by Barry Feinstein.  The show runs Friday, March 17^th through Saturday, April 8^th.  Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM, Sundays at 2PM.  Tickets are $15.00, with discounts available for students, seniors and BTA members.  Call 410-752-1225 or go to www.spotlighters.org for tickets or more information.  (Look for an article and review of this production later this week!)

TONIGHT, TONIGHT

            Two Caryl Churchill plays will be playing in the area this week! 

Towson University Department of Theatre Arts presents Cloud 9 by Caryl Churchill tonight, Tuesday, March 14, through Thursday, March 16,  at 8 p.m. in the Center for the Arts Main Stage Theatre.  Tickets are $10 general/$5 students/seniors.  The Box Office is open noon to 4PM, Tuesday – Saturday and one hour prior to curtain.  Tickets may also be purchased at www.towson.edu.centerforthearts.  This show is a fine example of the quality of up and coming talent in the area.  See my review from last week’s opening.

And Churchill’s most recent play, A Number, begins previews tonight March 14^th, and opens March 17^th.  Tonight is a “pay-what-you-can” preview and starts at 7:30PM.  Other previews are $15.  The show runs through April 23^rd, with performances Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30PM, Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM, and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:30 PM.  Tickets range from $28 (Sat.Eve. & Opening Night), $22 (Thurs/Fri/Sun. Mat.), $20 (Wed.Eve.) and $18 (Sat. Mat.).  Previews, Wednesday Evenings and Saturday matinees also feature a $1.00 discount for Seniors and Students.  Call the Box Office at 410-752-2208 or go online at www.everymantheatre.org for information and tickets by credit card.

SOON

            Look for the following in coming weeks:

Reviews of: A Number at Everyman Theatre, Jesus Hopped the “A” Train at Spotlighters, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Baltimore, Hamlet at Rep Stage, Radio Golf at CenterStage,  and The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife at Fells Point Corner Theatre.  Articles about show-related events at Spotlighters, CenterStage and Everyman.  Interviews with the starts of Movin’ Out, local actors, directors and designers, and a comprehensive article about summer theatre programs for kids.

            If you have news or ideas for articles, please email me at the address above!

This week: Floyd Collins, Movin’ Out, Play On!, West Side Story and A Little Night Music.  Thanks for reading! James

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