Baltimore/Washington Backstage - February 7,2007

Wednesday night, Feb. 21, the nation will finally get its first look at the hit new Broadway musical, "Spring Awakening" on the CBS "Late Show with David Letterman. This a change from the Feb. 8 date.

 

In an unusual attempt to reach young people, "Spring Awakening" is sponsoring an educational workshop on April 25. Student groups of any age and from any location are invited to participate in an educational program administered by the Broadway education organization called "Students Live". There will be a morning workshop from 9:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. which will be followed by a matinee of the show.  Students are invited to submit an original monologue or song based on themes of the show and the winners will perform at the workshop. And what sounds like great fun, there will be a Q and A with cast members, a theater history game show, and finally an opportunity for students to learn the songs and chorography of the musical.  Orchestra tickets are $79.50 and rear mezzanine seats are $54.50. These prices include the show, the workshop and a study guide. It will be brave high school theater teachers who will suggest this experience since this musical is certainly "R" rated. For more information, call 212-220-6000 or visit www.studentslive.net.

The Baltimore Sun in the LIVE Section (Feb 8) has a one paragraph review of the CD. On the Billboard Cast Album Charts, "Wicked" maintains first place (and has for 52 of the 57 weeks the chart has been published), followed by "Mamma Mia" and surprisingly in third place, "Spring Awakening". See the USA Today's January 31, 2007 issue for an article by Elysa Gardner on the composer of "Spring Awakening", Duncan Sheik.

Maryland Public Television's "Artworks This Week" once again is a must see. Featured on this week's edition is an interview with two of the cast members of the current Center Stage production of "Trouble in Mind" by Alice Childress, LeRoy McClain and Laurence O'Dwyer. This will be my 19^th Center Stage production with Center Stage Associate Artist O'Dwyer and I never tire of him. McClain was brilliant in Center Stage's"Elmina's Kitchen". When I last met him he was in the Broadway hit "The History Boys". He commented to me he was hoping to return to Baltimore and he got his wish.  You can see a video preview of the play. Also featured during this episode is an interview with "Wicked" composer Stephen Schwartz and video clips of the touring production now at the Hippodrome. Reruns of "Artworks This Week" can be viewed on Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. and Monday mornings at 5:30 a.m.  Next Wednesday night, Feb. 14, will feature a celebration of their 5^th anniversary. Don't miss it.

Local theaters are announcing their spring fund-raisers. Here is information on three of them. 

Washington's Arena Stage is presenting "Camp Wannabeapolitik!"at the Mandarin Oriental, April 23 at 6:30. Proceeds benefit the Arena's education programs. For $450, you'll see an original comedy written for and performed by members of Congress, the District and the media as well as other local celebrities. Cast and patrons will then have a sit-down dinner. For ticket information, contact Sarah Benvenuti at 202-554-9066 ext. 1266.

The Everyman Theatre presents their fundraising gala "SALUT! Everyman Goes to Town" on Saturday, April 28 at 6 p.m. at the Hippodrome Theatre. A supper-club atmosphere welcomes guests who will enjoy delicious fare, live music, and both silent and live auctions. Themed alongside its' WW II romantic comedy "And a Nightingale Sang", the 1940's themed gala will celebrate its upcoming renovation and move to the Town Theatre on Fayette Street. Tickets are $175. Call Katina Cooper at 410-752-4049.

Tony nominated Adam Pascal ("Aida" and "Rent") will headline the Center Stage Gala on May 12 with dinner, dancing, and a silent auction. Baltimore's own Tracie Thoms, who shined in the film version of "Rent" will also perform. This should be quite a memorable show. For tickets, contact Karina Ferry at 410-986-4023.

Center Stage offers three  enticing evenings. Thursday night, Feb. 8 is "Live@Center Stage". Beginning at 6:30 p.m. you get complimentary hors d'oeuvres from Dionysus, performance by the beat-box group "Saint 36", prizes from Ixia, Robert Andrew Salon, and a ticket for "Trouble in Mind". This is geared to young professionals from 20-40. And the cost? $25!!! Wait…there's more. After the performance at 10 p.m. take part in a post-show discussion with local artists Maria Broom and Anne Reid.

Friday night, Feb. 9, following the play, get a chance to "Meet the Actors". I try never to miss this great opportunity to get up close and personal with cast. This is always an entertaining experience and they have lasted up to an hour.

Can there be a better and less expensive program as M&T's sponsored "Kickin' It with the "Rents" (Who chose this name?). Sunday night, Feb. 11 have dinner at Center Stage at 6 p.m., discuss the play "Trouble in Mind", see the show at 7:30 p.m. Two adults can accompany two children (under 18) and the cost for dinner AND the show AND the discussion is $8!!! This is NOT a misprint. $8. Tickets are limited. Call 410-332-0033.

And don't forget "Help Wanted" with Josh Lefkowitz in the Center Stage Head Theater Cabaret Thursdays-Saturdays until Feb. 17. Tickets are $15.

Do not miss the Everyman Theatre's production of "Going to St. Ives" by Lee Blessing. This gripping drama features Kim Schraf and May N'Kame who spend the entire evening on stage…with only intermission as a break. This is no easy task. More on this show in my next column. "St. Ives" continues until Feb. 25. Call 410-752-2208. (I wonder if Everyman should sell St. Ives Mineral Therapy at intermission.)

And I finally got a chance to witness "The Cone Sister" with Vivienne Shub last week. I had heard rave reviews of this one woman show about Etta Cone and they are well-deserved. I'm confident there will be more opportunities to see this great work written by Shub's sister, Naomi Greenberg-Slovin.

The blockbuster "Wicked" continues at the Hippodrome until Feb. 18. Don't give up hope if you don't have tickets. Some obstructed view seats and cancellations do happen AND there is the popular lottery two hours before show-time. Speaking of "Popular", in the hit television series "Ugly Betty", Betty was heard singing this very song and was offered a ticket by a friend to see "Wicked" on Broadway.

 

I happened to witness another "Wicked" lottery last week and witnessed local director Bill Kamberger proudly snatch two seats in the second row. Known for his great production of "Parade", Kamberger enjoyed the show immensely. And look for "Falsettos", his next project, that opens May 11 at the Fells Point Corner Theater. I saw the original Off-Broadway cast and I highly recommend it.

About the touring production, I was truly amazed at the cast. I was fortunate to see the original Broadway cast on two occasions and these two leads, Christina DeCicco and Victoria Matlock, do not in any way take a back seat to Kristin Chenowith and Idina Menzel. And the ensemble shines singing, dancing and flying over the Hippodrome stage. Maybe it's the confines of this historic theater that made this as enjoyable as Broadway. I don't know. But the production is certainly worth the ticket price, WHATEVER it is. Call 410-547-SEAT. DO NOT BE LATE for this show. You may miss the first 10 minutes if you do.

Theatre Hopkins is still on life support. They are presenting "Talley's Folly" Feb. 16-Feb. 25. Call 410-516-7159.

The Vagabonds has a hit on its hands in "Listen to My Heart: The Songs of David Friedman". This is your last chance to see this musical. It ends Feb. 11. Call 410-563-9135.

The hot topic in local theater is the new Signature and its inaugural production of "Into the Woods".  The "sold-out" sign has always been common but it is justified in this instance. Eric Schaeffer has directed a spirited cast that may have a few flaws, but on the whole is wonderful. The 15 piece orchestra is tremendous but unless the theater succumbs to the 21^st century and uses amplification, one may miss much of Stephen Sondheim's clever lyrics.  I've talked to many actors who admit in today's theater education programs, there is little teaching about "belting to the rear of the second balcony" and for good reason…it's not necessary. Thus, some of the lyrics, even in its small space, cannot be heard. I'm sure this will be rectified. See for yourself and let me know.  It was so surprising and such a nice touch on press night to be greeted at the theater by both Schaeffer, the Artistic Director, and Managing Director, Sam Sweet.

As soon as you enter the theater, you're greeted by music from a pianist who plays before and after the show. Another nice touch. This just adds to the great experience you'll get at the Signature. What a nice welcome to the local theater community.

 
If you don't recognize one song from "Into the Woods" there is a reason. I asked Schaeffer about this and he stated he included this new number written by Sondheim for the London version.  It is a lovely duet called "Our Little World" sung by the Witch (Eleasha Gamble) and Rapunzel (Erin Driscoll). By the way, I love their "Dress Circle" which comprises one row in the balcony and it offers great views with extra leg room. I compare them to "Club Seats" at a stadium and they do NOT cost extra. Did I mention the free parking next door in a nicely-lighted garage and lovely restaurants within two blocks?  What a great theater experience you'll get in Shirlington, VA. "Into the Woods" continues through Feb. 25 in the Max Theatre. Also playing in their Ark Theatre is "Crave". This is an intimate space with 99 seats. Call 800-955-5566.

Well, I finally have seen every August Wilson play thanks to the Arena Stage's production of "Gem of the Ocean". While the play may certainly not be Wilson's finest, it is a "must see" with a terrific cast and an imaginative set which I'm sure will win awards. More on this later. "Gem" continues till March 18. Call 202-488-3300.

Arena has also launched its own podcast which features a conversation between director Paulette Randall and directing fellow Lileana Blain-Cruz. Go to www.arena-stage.org for this great innovation which I'm sure other theaters will copy.

 
"Sleeping Arrangements" continues at Theater J. It continues until Feb. 18. This moving, world premiere is worth a look. Mark your calendars for their next production, "Sherry Glaser's Family Secrets" which runs March 7-April 15. Call 800-494-TIXS.

Bethesda's Round House Theatre continues with "Orson's Shadow" through Feb. 25. Call 240-644-1100.

The Folger Theater's "King Lear " ends Feb. 18. See Baltimorean Andre DeShields in the leading role. Call 202-544-7077.

"Vigils" just opened at the Wooly Mammoth. From the Chicago-Sun Times…"A wise, zany, bittersweet, sexy play". This comedy by Noah Haidle runs until Feb. 25. Call 202-393-3939.

I leave you with the BARGAIN OF THE WEEK. The Olney Theatre Center is presenting "The Constant Wife", a modern comedy about marriage. The Pay-What-You-Can performance (need I explain?) is Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m. What a way to celebrate Valentine's Day!!! Live theater that is cheaper than chocolates or flowers. The Somerset Maugham "drawing room" comedy is set in the 1920's and continues until March 11. Call 301-924-3400.

AUDITIONS:

The Baltimore Theatre Alliance has announced area-wide winter auditions on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2007 from 10-7 p.m. at Towson University Center for the Arts. Visit www.baltimoreperforms.org/auditions.html.

"Annie Get Your Gun" at Dundalk Community Theatre Sunday Feb. 11 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. and Monday, Feb. 12 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. by appointment. Call 443-326-4558.

For comments, email cgshubow@broadwayworld.com.

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