BWW REVIEWS: AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS; Who Sees a Play at 10:30 a.m. ? Part VI

The last time I reported on a morning matinee at Center Stage was in April, 2008 and it concerned the fabulous musical A Little Night Music.

This time it was not a musical but the wonderful Lookingglass Theatre's production of Around the World in 80 Days. The highly regarded theater based in Chicago brought their actors, costumes, scenery and music to Baltimore's Center Stage. This production is even getting good notices in Washington,DC where Nelson Pressley covered the show for the Washington Post. This doesn't happen often.

So who comes to the theater at 10:30 a.m.? Students from all over the greater Baltimore area. The photo attached to this article tells it all. Look at those excited smiles on the faces of 25 lucky students from City Springs Elementary School #8 on S. Caroline Street. Standing in the rear of the photo are actors Kevin Douglas (Passepartout) and Ericka Ratcliff (Capt. Von Darius & others). Three teachers brought the students, Maura Kennedy, Elizabeth Hughes, and music teacher, Greg Wright. This is Wright's first year as a teacher in Baltimore. He previously worked in Atlanta and Washington, DC.

Wright was impressed with Center Stage and loved the show. He thought it captivated his students who loved the special effects like the moving elephant, the many trap doors on the stage, seeing a storm at sea, and watching a snow storm. He commented, "What a terrific opportunity for these children to see a person in a stage presentation. For most of these students, this was the first time they have ever seen live theater. I think they'll always remember it."

The Claremont School #307 brought a large contingent of 30 students. 15 year old Shanea Winegan, Student Government President, loved the music and the dancing. She commented, "It was so much fun to watch the actors." This was only the second play she has ever seen and she hopes to return to Center Stage again.

Following the production, four actors answered questions from the students. In the attached photo from l. to r. are Rom Barkhordar, Douglas, Patrick New, and Ratcliff. The students were told the actors came from Chicago. Ratcliff was asked how she liked Baltimore. The audience was  surprised to hear she was FROM Baltimore. She is another successful theater graduate from the prestigious Carver Center for Arts and Technologies in Towson. She also gave advice to one student who asked how one succeeds in the theater. She responded, "If you want to act, just go for it!"

Barkhordar was asked about the fight scenes. He explained all the fighting was choreographed by Fight Director Nick Sandys.

Center Stage is emphasizing this production as family friendly. To help, you can pre-order Cold Stone Creamery ice-cream to enjoy at intermission. Your choices are Birthday Cake, Chocolate Devotion, Strawberry Blonde, or Founder's Favorite (sweet cream ice cream, pecans, brownie, fudge, and caramel).

Center Stage is also presenting The Santaland Diairies by David Sedaris through Dec. 20. Center Stage Associate Artist Robert Dorfman morphs into the role of an Elf at Macy's Department Store Santaland in New York City. You follow Dorfman through the audition process, the interviews, the medical and blood tests, and finally Santa Training Camp. This is my twelfth production at Center Stage I've seen with Dorfman and he is always entertaining. You will not be disappointed in this one hour presentation. Tickets range from $25 to $35. The Santaland Diaries Ends Dec. 20

Once again, the Head Theatre has been transformed into a cabaret setting so you can buy your beer, wine, or soda and enjoy the show while you sit a table. But leave the kids at home.

Both these production end Dec. 20. For tickets, call 410-332-0033 or visit www.centerstage.org.

For comments, write to cgshubow@broadwayworld.com.

Photo Credit: Charles Shubow

 

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