Charles Shubow's Picks for Baltimore/Washington's Best Theater of 2014

Hard to believe I am beginning my 9th year as a writer for Broadwayworld.com. This has been a remarkable year in theater. This season I reviewed 37 plays and wrote nine other articles, classical reviews and promotion pieces for a total of 46. My visits included the following theaters: Everyman (7), Center Stage (6), Signature (5), Kennedy Center (4), Olney Theatre Center (3), Round House (2), Arena Stage (2), Chesapeake Shakespeare Company (2), Folger (1), Red Branch (1), and Ford's (1). There were two Baltimore Symphony events and the honoring of Jonathan Tunick with the Sondheim Award at the Signature Theatre. I enjoyed interviewing actors Michael Winther, Brynn O'Malley, and Choreographer Janet Rothermel.

It was sad to lose two great actors: Vivienne Shub and Tania Hicken.

So here is my list of the best of 2014 I've seen in no particular order:

BEST MUSICALS:

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (Arena Stage)

NEXT TO NORMAL (Center Stage)

SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE (Signature)

SIDE SHOW (Kennedy Center)

LITTLE DANCER (KENNEDY CENTER)

ORDINARY DAYS (ROUND HOUSE)

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND (Olney Theatre)

BEACHES (Signature Theatre)

LITTLE MERMAID (Olney Theatre)

DINER (Signature Theatre)

BEST PLAYS:

DEATHTRAP (Everyman)

AMADEUS (Center Stage)

KING LEAR (Folger )

GROUNDED (Everyman)

TWO TRAINS RUNNING (Round House)

THE DRESSER (Everyman)

VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE (Center Stage)

BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK (Everyman)

BUYER AND CELLAR (Shakespeare Theatre Co.)

THE MAGIC FLUTE (Center Stage)

The most memorable event was without a question, seeing the hit musical PRINCESS, QUEEN OF THE DESERT in Athens and in Greek at the Badminton Theater. What a show they put on and it was great to meet the actors afterwards. (This is after all Broadwayworld.com!)

My final suggestion is to see THE LAST SHIP written by and starring Sting. It is one of the best musicals I've ever seen. Sadly, it closes January 24. Do what you can and get a ticket or at least get the gorgeous CD.

And finally, to the wonderful public relations people at the various theaters who make this work possible, a special thank you for your courtesy and assistance.

See you at the theater!

cgshubow@broadwayworld.com