Baltimore/Washington Backstage - July 20, 2007

One of joys I have is to organize theater trips to New York City under the aegis of the "Shubow Shuttle". Well, what a shock it was when I saw the group prices for the new Mel Brooks' musical "Young Frankenstein" coming to Broadway with previews in October and opening on  November 8 at the Hilton Theatre. Tuesday through Thursday orchestra tickets will be $121.50 and Friday to Sunday orchestra seats are $133.50!! The terrific cast includes Roger Bart, Sutton Foster, Megan Mullally, Shuler Hensley and will be directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman. But really, $133.50????  This brings a whole new member to Mel Brooks' famous saying merchandising….merchandising…merchandising".

Thank you to the Kennedy Center for their lovely annual Calendar for Groups. Their line-up includes "My Fair Lady" Dec. 27, 2007 – January 20, 2008 (great idea for New Year's Eve)…

Kudos to NBC's "The Today Show" for  its promotion of the film of the musical "Hairspray" all week long culminating with a live performance on Friday morning, July 20. Can't wait to see this film and I hear the DVD will include local Baltimoreans who appeared on the actual "Buddy Deane Show" that was aired on WJZ-TV.  This dance show is the basis of the film. 

Sad to report the demise of the A&E Network's "Breakfast with the Arts" which has been a staple in my television schedule for many years.  It was one of the few networks that was devoted to brining highlights from Broadway. It will be greatly missed

It was just a few weeks ago that the Baltimore Sun's long-time theater critic, J.Wynn Rousuck announced her leaving her post on June 3. Ever since her departure, there has been NO Theater Notes column in the Thursday Sun.  I ask my readers to let the Sun know that the local theater community needs and demands the Sun to continue the tradition set by Rousuck, Lou Cedrone, and R.H. Gardner. Judy…I miss you already.

 If you are interested in a television program for 2-5 year olds, you can't beat Hi-5 which airs on Discovery Kids. Well, they are making one local appearance at Baltimore's Meyerhoff Symphony Hall at a very unusual time….Monday afternoon, July 23 at 5:30 p.m. Yes…5:30 p.m. Don't miss this energetic quintet. 410-547-7328 or visit www.hi5us.com.

 If you are going through the summer doldrums thinking there is no local theater of significance, well, you are WRONG!

 First, I turn your attention to the Olney Theatre Center where you can see two plays and a musical…going on at the SAME time.  See my reviews recently posted of the musical "Godspell" by the composer of  "Wicked", Stephen Schwartz (closing July 29) and the brilliant "Brooklyn Boy" by Donald Margulies (recently extended to Aug. 12). Also just opened is "Democracy" by Michael Frayn which runs to Aug. 12. Call 301-924-3400. You can a sneek peek at "Democracy" on Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. on July 25 on MPT's "Artworks This Week" (with repeats on Saturday morning, July 28 at 9 a.m. and Monday morning at 5:30 a.m.)

 The recent success at Olney is certainly due to the vision of Artistic Director, Jim Petosa who recently announced he would be stepping down after this season.

 Speaking of Stephen Schwartz, I highly recommend  "The Stephen Schwartz Album" loaded with wonderful music from "Godspell", "Pippin", "The Children of Eden", "Working", "The Magic Show", "The Baker's Wife" and "Rags". Also on the CD is music from three cartoons, "The Prince of Egypt", "The Hunchback of Notre Dame", and "Pocahontas". You'll find amazing talent here such as Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Christiane Noll, Alice Ripley, Sara Ramierez, Marin Mazzie, Susan Egan, Emily Skinner, Brian D'Arcy James and Jason Daniely. Nothing from "Wicked" since the CD was made in 1999.

 Fresh from two hit shows "High Society" and "Songs for a New World", the Cockpit in Court Theatre presents Elton John's "Aida" (July 20-Aug. 5) and Larry Shue's comedy, "The Foreigner" (July 27-August 5). 410-780-6369.

I have reported my depression caused by the demise of the highly successful Maryland Arts Festival. But this year there has been some good news in Towson. Look what is happening this week-end.

THE FOUR BITCHIN BABES®: HORMONAL IMBALANCE
Stephens Hall Theatre
Friday, July 20, 7:30 p.m.
After six recordings and 15 years, The Four Bitchin' Babes® present a new show entitled Hormonal Imbalance…A Mood Swinging Musical Revue! With sorority sister chemistry they perform original songs and stories offering poignant views and unbridled comedic commentary on the joys and dilemmas of everyday life.
Tickets: $32

TAP KIDS
Stephens Hall Theatre
Saturday, July 21, 7:30 p.m.
Eight of the nation's most talented young tap dancers take to the stage in this rousing celebration of American youth culture. Since its debut at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center in 2002, the show has enjoyed success across the country and abroad, thrilling audiences of all ages with their incredible talent and fierce passion.
Tickets: $32

AN ENCHANTED EVENING: THE MUSIC OF BROADWAY
Starring Lee Lessack and Joanne O'Brien
Stephen Hall Theatre
Sunday, July 22, 7:30 p.m.
An Enchanted Evening: The Music of Broadway starring Lee Lessack's and Joanne O'Brien present an evening of music spanning six decades of the best of Broadway. This concert of romance and memories from the Great White Way includes enduring classics by Rodgers and Hammerstein to contemporary hits by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Tickets: $24

Tickets are $10 for children and under 12 and $24 to $36 and are available from the Center for the Arts Box Office located at the corner of Osler and Cross Campus drives. Box Office hours are Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. For ticket charges and additional information, please call 410-704-2787 or purchase tickets on the Web at www.towson.edu/spas.

The Spotlighters has an ambitious production of Tony Kushner's Tony-winning play "Angels in America": Perestroika" through Aug. 12. 410-752-1225.

"Macbeth" ends this week-end presented by the Baltimore Shakespeare Festival. Visit www.baltimoreshakespeare.org.

Also closing this week-end at the Fells Point Corner Theatre is "The Blessed Mothers of War. 410-347-0832.

Congratulations to Eric Schaeffer and the Signature Theatre for its top-grossing show in its 17-year history, "The Witches of Eastwick". I'm certain this show will find its way to Broadway. See my review on this site.

If you missed the performance of Judy Simmons at the Everyman Theatre in "Sondheim Tonight", thankfully you have another chance to see this talented actress this week-end at the Signature: July 19 and 21 at 8:30 p.m. and July 22 at 7:30 p.m. Don't miss it. Tickets are $20. 703-820-9771.

Circle Aug. 4 on your calendars for the Signature's 2^nd Annual Open House with tours of this impressive new theater, free classes, performances, and at 6:30 p.m. a free out-door show. More on this in my next column.

Finally, I am heading to Delaware to see "Thoroughly Modern Millie". It performs this week-end in Lewes, DE and July 26 and 27 in Dover, DE.  Call 302-644-3810 for tickets or log onto www.clearspaceproductions.org for information.

For comments: cgshubow@broadwayworld.com.