Baltimore/Washington Backstage - September 22, 2006

Happy to report that the A&E Network's "Breakfast with the Arts" will broadcast a portion of the "Broadway on Broadway" concert that took place in Times Sq. on Sept. 10 before 50,000. Martin Short is the host. This is the second season in a row that BWTA covered this event and it should be complimented by all theater lovers. The coverage last year lasted about 15 minutes of highlights. No other national network covers this. So, drop them a line if you desire and thank them. And don't forget to watch, Sunday morning, Sept. 24 between 8 and 10 a.m.

 

 Also on Sunday, September 24 is the 20^th Annual Broadway Flea Market that takes place in Shubert Alley at W. 44^th St. between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.  While nothing beats the fun and excitement of attending the auction which benefits Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights Aids, you can still participate online. Scheduled to appear where you can get autographs and photos include John Lloyd Young, Bebe Neuwirth, Danny Burstein, Eden Espinosa, Edie Falco, Carol Kane, LaChanze, Bob Martin, Beth Leavel, Georgia Engel, Patricia Clarkson, and Lucie Arnaz.

 

 Experience FLEABAY for unique items which will be up for auction through the end of September on eBay. Current highlights include a signed script form "The Pillowman", a prop from "Urinetown", an opening night cast gift from "Spamalot",  a rare signed photo of Yul Brenner from "The King and I", signed posters from "Sweeney Todd", Paul Newman in a recent revival of "Our Town" and "The Pajama Game" with Harry Connick.  So check out the web site: www.broadwaycares.org.

 

The Maryland State Arts Council, in association with the a major performing arts conference, is presenting free performances all over Baltimore beginning Wednesday night, Sept. 26 to Friday , Sept. 29. Wednesday night at the Wharf Rat located at 206 W. Pratt Street will feature the David Leonhart Jazz Group. Also, at the Sheraton Hotel, David Keltz will perform his one-man show as Edgar Allen Poe.

 

 

 Thursday, head to the Hippodrome Theatre where the famed Peabody Ragtime Ensemble will kick off a night of FREE entertainment with FREE heavy hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. The event lasts from 5:30 until  7:15. Friday night there are also free events at the Hyatt Hotel and the Hippodrome. For a list of all the many events, visit www.msac.org web site.

 

 Plays that deal with the mentally challenged and bipolar disorder headline local theater. The Fells Point Corner Theatre, celebrating their 20^th Anniversary Season, is presenting "The Boys Next Door". It concerns four mentally challenged men in a group home living under a stressed-out social worker. This comedy runs until Oct. 8. 410-276-7837.

 

 The Everyman Theatre continues with the terrific "Opus" about a string quartet preparing for a White House performance in the midst of personnel problems. You'll hear great music from Beethoven to the Beach Boys.  It plays until Oct. 15. Call 410-752-2208.

Want to see this play for FREE? Everyman is participating with FREE FALL BALTIMORE. Enjoy a free performance of "Opus" followed by a funky late-night party with tasty treats and featuring a live jazz quartet hand picked by An Die Musik. Tickets must be reserved after Oct. 2 eithin person or online at www.everymantheatre.org.

 Also at the Everyman, a MUST SEE, is "The Cone Sister" with Baltimore's Vivienne Shub playing Etta Cone. Written by Shub's sister, Naomi Greenberg-Slovin, this reading continues Sept. 25, 26 and Oct. 3 ONLY. Get your tickets now if there are any left.

  

Ending this week, at the Olney Theatre Center is the World Premiere of "In the Mood". See my review posted today. This a wonderful new play which takes place in Washington, DC and concerns diplomacy, marriage, world peace, and bipolar disorder. You have until Sunday. Call 301-924-3400.

 

Coming next to the OTC is Larry Shue's comedy "The Foreigner". This coming Tuesday the 25th is a pay-what-you-can performance at 7:30 p.m.. This is a great deal for theater lovers on a budget.  It continues through Oct. 22.

 

 Columbia's Rep Stage opens tonight with the hit Irish comedy, "Stones in His Pockets" which runs till Oct. 8. You can meet the cast after the Friday evening performance tonight. 410-772-4900.

 

Playing through Oct 29 is the musical "Cabaret" at the Arena Stage. This Kander and Ebb succes gets a complete overhaul. You have NEVER seen "Cabaret" until you see THIS production. Review to be forthcoming. Call 202-488-3300.

 

Opening this was the Bethesda's Round House Theatre production of "A Prayer for Owen Meany". This is based on John Irving's 1989 landmark novel. This Sunday's performance, Sept. 24 (and Oct. 1), features a talk-back with the cast. The play runs until Oct. 8. Call 240-644-1100.

 

 The Round House also offers FREE Friday hour long theater classes until Nov. 3 between 4-5 p.m. Held at the Round House Theatre Education Center, located 925 Wayne Ave. in downtown Silver Spring, "Free For All Fridays" is a perfect opportunity to sample one or several of their theatre classes for all ages taught by professional teaching artist.  NO RESERVATIONS REQUIRED!!! Just show up.

Also opening on Tuesday at the Signature Theatre is Lerner and Lowe's "My Fair Lady". This is the last show at the Arlington, VA  based converted garage before the opening of their new theater. It runs through Nov. 19. Call 800-955-5566

 Washington's Theater J will be presenting "Shlemiel the First", a Klezmer Musical adapted by Robert Brustein (from the play by I. B. Singer) Oct. 8-13. Call 800-494-TIXS.

 

The Hippodrome is presenting  "The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" until Oct. 1. Call 410-547-SEAT. Look for my review shortly.

 Center Stage is presenting "The Three Sisters" playing until Oct. 29. 410-332-0033.

 

Finally, for a terrific article about children's theater, see J.Wynn Rousuck's "Child's Play" in the Sept. 23 Baltimore Sun. It features the wonderful Pumpkin Theatre (I reviewed their "Frog and Toad" last season) under the direction of Todd Pearthree. Also mentioned is The Children's Playhouse of Maryland located at Essex Community College, an offshoot of F. Scott Black's youth theater founded in 1986. This company will be presenting Disney's "High School Musical" in March.  You may recall I've been referencing this show for a long period. In all, nine theaters are discussed with their addresses and phone numbers listed.

 

 cgshubow@broadwayworld.com.