Photo Flash: /THE DRUNKARD/ Opesn At The Vagabond 6/5

A melodrama no more, /The Drunkard /is given a new lease on life by The Vagabond Players this month.

Long-time Baltimore theatre-goers remember the years of packed houses laughing and crying at /The Drunkard/, first at the now-gone Four Corners Inn in Jarrettsville in the 1960s, then later at Minnick's into the 1970s.  A  Baltimore cultural institution, both as a cabaret musical and conventional melodrama, the Vags offer up a refreshing look at Brian J. Burton's adaptation of the 19th century play originally penned by W.H. Smith and 'a gentleman.'  Old and new audiences or will be pleasantly surprised at the non-stereotypical spin of the current production.

Last year, when planning their 93rd season, the Vags intended this production to honor John Bruce Johnson's years of service to the Baltimore theater community; after all, JBJ had been one of the original "drunkards" to grace the stage in the 1960s.  But with JBJ's passing in July 2008, the Vags are now instead producing the show in his memory.  A special tribute is planned on opening night, Friday, June 5.

Director Michael B. Zemarel has assembled a talented cast, including Andrew Macomber II as the tortured title character, Edward Middleton; Ryan Mitchell as William, his not-quite-so-simple foster brother; Megan Rippey as Mary, his devoted wife; and Mary Hanson in the dual role of his foster sister and young daughter.  Carol Evans is the flirtatious Miss Spindle, while Michael Panzarotto has a menacing turn as the dastardly  villain, Squire Cribbs.  Hillary Mazer, Tim Evans, Joe Dennison, Ann Mainolfi and Barb Gehring round out The Cast.  Performances run from June 5 thru June 28; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.  The theater is located at 806 S. Broadway in Fells Point. For reservations, e-mail reserve@vagabondplayers.org[1], call 410-563-9135, or go to www.vagabondplayers.org.

Ryan Mitchell and Andrew Macomber II

Andrew Macomber II and Evans

Michael Panzarotto

Andrew Macomber II and Megan Rippey