CHARM CITY STAGE DOOR – 03/28/2006

SEEING IS BELIEVING

It was great to see the Baltimore area theatre crowd at the opening of RepStage’s Hamlet. Among the “Opening Afternooners” (it opened with the Sunday matinee) spotted were Baltimore theatre legend Vivienne Shub, no doubt in support of her recent Inishmaan co-star, James Flanagan who plays a funny Rosencrantz, and her Everyman dramaturg sister, Naomi Greenberg-Slovin. Also in attendance were the Artistic Director and Managing Director of Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, Ian Gallanar and Lesley Malin, and newly appointed Director of Theatre Services at the Hippodrome, Karen Eske. It was nice seeing everyone come together for a nice afternoon of theatre.

BROADWAY, MY STREET

Now would be a good time to secure tickets to Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway, coming to the Hippodrome for one night only, Friday, April 7th at 8PM. A veritable who’s who of modern day Broadway celebs, this should be a “don’t miss” event for musical theatre lovers. Two of Broadway’s most celebrated divas will be appearing: Donna McKechnie, A Chorus Line’s original Cassie, and Liz Callaway who originated lead roles in Miss Saigon and Baby, and logged many hours in the Heavyside Layer as Grizabella in Cats. Personal favorites, Ron Bohmer (The Scarlet Pimpernel, and Sunset Boulevard – on tour) and Danny Zolli, the magnificently voiced star of Jesus Christ Superstar are also part of the evening. For tickets and more information go to france-merrickpac.com. And seriously, support these one-night ventures as much as you do the Broadway series. Far too many events like this have been cancelled for lack of sales before at this venue.

EASY STREET

CENTERSTAGE, the State Theater of Maryland and a leader among America’s non-profit regional theaters, is pleased to announce the Leading National Theater Initiative (LNTI), a $6.8 million fundraising campaign. Begun informally in December 2004, to coincide with CENTERSTAGE’s recognition as one of six “Leading National Theatres” by The Doris Duke Charitable and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundations, the campaign has so far raised $5.6 million. The Leading National Theater Initiative will help ensure the future of CENTERSTAGE through an increased endowment fund and capital technology improvements. Increasing the endowment to $20 million will support the theater’s continued commitment to dramaturgy, new play commissions, and artistic resources and compensation. The $2.8 million raised for capital technology projects will help fund much needed upgrades for CENTERSTAGE’s scenery, lighting, and sound operations; a patron lobby renovation and redesign; a refurbishment of the theater’s historic Calvert Street façade; a new telephone system; and new patron/donor ticketing and tracking software. “The Leading National Theater Initiative recognizes not only CENTERSTAGE’s current standing in the arts community, but also our commitment to being a leader among American theaters in the years to come,” said Managing Director Michael Ross. Lynn Deering, President of the CENTERSTAGE Board of Trustees, said, “It’s gratifying to receive such substantial support from our community, helping ensure the theater’s future prosperity and continuing the tradition of complimenting our great work on stage with sound and forward-thinking fiscal management.” Congratulations, CenterStage!

LET YOURSELF GO

A Number, continues at Everyman Theatre through April 23rd, 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.

Spotlighters’ production of Steven Adly Guirgis’ Jesus Hopped the “A” Train, a complex and challenging piece that confronts racism, justice and faith also continues this weekend. The cast features Carlos del Valle, Marc Stevens, Jane Seffen, Eli Jackson and Matt Foster, with direction by Barry Feinstein. 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.

Fells Point Corner Theatre is presenting Charles Busch's The Tale of the Allergist's Wife now through April 16^th, Friday and Saturday at 8PM, Sunday at2PM.  Tickets are $14 adults/$12 students/seniors

August Wilson’s final play, Radio Golf began previews this past weekend toward a March 29th opening at CenterStage. The performance schedule is as follows: Tuesday – Saturday at 8PM, Sunday at 7:30PM, with matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 2PM. A special Wednesday matinee is scheduled for 1PM on April 12th. Tickets are $10 - $65. Upcoming events related to Radio Golf include: Night Out, sponsored by XS and Neo Viccino Bar & Grille, where members of the Baltimore GLBT community enjoy a pre-show happy hour beginning at 6:30 tonight, March 28th. There is a $5 cover and all bar tips will benefit Moveable Feast. And Thursday, March 30th is The Baltimore Sun LIVE! @ CenterStage, a reception for young professionals featuring complimentary hors d’oeuvres, beer from the Brewer’s Art, live entertainment and free raffle prizes. There is a $5 cover charge. The reception begins at 6:30.

Hamlet, presented by RepStage at the Howard County Community College continues performances this weekend, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, and Saturday and Sunday matinees. The production features Karl Miller as Hamlet, who heads an award-winning cast, helmed by Helen Hayes Award winner, Kasi Campbell. Now through April 9. Fridays at 8PM($21), Saturdays at 2:30PM($15) and 8PM($24), Sundays at 2:30PM($20) and 7:30PM($17). Students pay $12 at all performances. Students who are accompanied by an adult who pays full price may receive free admission, but such tickets are limited. Contact the theatre for more information.

GREAT BIG STUFF

Cockpit in Court subscriptions for this summer season go on sale very soon. The season includes The Full Monty, Plaza Suite, Peter Pan, The Music Man and An Inspector Calls. With this line-up you may want to subscribe in order to guarantee great seats. Call 410.780.6369 or email at cockpitincourt@ccbcmd.edu for more information.

This week: Aspects of Love, 70, Girls, 70, Annie, All Shook Up and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Thanks for reading! SUPPORT LOCAL THEATRE!!! And please feel free to contact me at my NEW email address jameshoward@broadwayworld.com. James

Baltimore Awards - Live Stats

Best Musical - Top 3

1. DISASTER: THE MUSICAL (Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre)

10% of votes

2. HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH (Maryland Ensemble Theatre)

6.6% of votes

3. THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (September Song)

6% of votes

Vote Now!