Charm City Call Board - October 2 - 8

 Welcome to Charm City Call Board for the week of October 2 - 8, keeping you up to date each week with all that is theater in Baltimore.   And, boy, is there a lot going on this week!! 

If you have some news or an event you'd like added, please contact me at jameshoward@broadwayworld.com.

Discounts and contest notices are listed first.  Show listings follow in this order: Current Productions and upcoming productions.  Audition notices, news bites, and book/CD recommendations are at the end.  

BROADWAYWORLD.BALTIMORE DISCOUNTS!

• Anna in the Tropics at Fells Point Corner Theatre – Get $17.00 General Admission Tickets for just $15.00 and Student/Senior Citizen Tickets for just $12.00!  Mention the BroadwayWorld Discount when making phone reservations or bring a print out of this article to the box office.
• Blood Wedding – Run of the Mill Theatre at the Theatre Project – All tickets $10.00 for BroadwayWorld readers.  You must mention BroadwayWorld.com at the box office to receive discount.  The show runs October 12 – 21 at the Theatre Project on Preston Street.  The Thursday October 18^th performance is part of Baltimore Free Fall.  All tickets for that performance are FREE!  Reservations for that performance are recommended.
• The Great American Trailer Park Musical at Spotlighters - $5.00 off each ticket.  Go to www.spotlighters.org and click on "tickets".  Enter code BWW-TPM to get your discount.  You may also get this discount at the box office by bringing a copy of this article with you.  The show runs October 12 – November 4.  ADVISORY: Adult language and situations.

CONTESTS!

Look for a contest for tickets to the Opening Night of Hairspray at the Hippodrome (Tuesday, October 16).  The contest should post on Wednesday, October 3.  Good luck! This contest is up and running!

ONSTAGE THIS WEEK!

A five star system will be utilized in order to differentiate between the various levels of success: artistry and entertainment value.  This system is not directly numeric, however.  That is, a 4 rated show isn't necessarily twice as good as a 2 rated show; neither is a 4 rated show a "B" or an 80%.

◊◊◊◊◊ - The absolute best theatre has to offer!  Missing this should not be an option!
◊◊◊◊ - This is excellent theatre!  Do not miss this show!
◊◊◊ - This is a terrific production.  Try to get to this one!
◊◊ - This is a fair production.
◊ - Save your money.

Be sure to contact the theatre directly for show times, dates and prices.  All shows subject to change.  

CURTAIN UP!  Opening this week!

A Shayna Maidel at Rep Stage.

• ◊◊◊◊◊A Shayna Maidel at RepStage.  10/3 – 11/4. Review to be posted 10/9.  www.repstage.org or 410-772-4900
• ◊◊◊◊Disney's High School Musical at Winters Lane Productions.  Q Theatre at CCBC-Catonsville. Through10/21.  1 hour 45 minutes, plus 20 minute intermission.  Review  posted 10/8.  www.winterslaneproductions.org or 410-563-9135

CURTAIN DOWN!  Closing this week!

• ◊◊◊ Sight Unseen at Everyman Theatre.  Through 10/7.  2 hours, 15 minutes including intermission.  Adult language and situations.  Review posted 9/4.  www.everymantheatre.org or 410-752-2208  See related article below.

NOW PLAYING!  Shows that are currently running.

Arsenic and Old Lace at CENTERSTAGE; Anna in the Tropics to Fells Point Corner Theatre.

• ◊◊◊◊◊ Arsenic & Old Lace at CENTERSTAGE.  Through 10/14.  2 hours, plus a 15 minute intermission.  Review posted 9/20.  www.centerstage.org or 410-332-0033.  Look for the two part interview with stars Ian Kahn and Brynn O'Malley! 
• And Then There Were None at Laurel Mill Playhouse.  Through10/20.  www.laurelmillplayhouse.org or 301-617-9906
• ◊◊◊ The Pillowman at Mobtown Players.  Through 10/20.  2 hours, 25 minutes, plus intermission. Adult language, violence, graphic content.  Review to be posted 10/8.  www.mobtownplayers.com or 410-467-3057
• ◊◊◊◊Anna in the Tropics at Fells Point Corner Theatre.  Through 10/21.  2 hours, plus a 15 minute intermission.  Review posted 9/26.  www.fpct.org or 410-276-7837
• Tom, Dick and Harry at Timonium Dinner Theatre.  Through 11/4.   www.timoniumdinnertheatre.com or 410-560-1113

Titanic: The Musical at Toby's Columbia.

• ◊◊◊◊◊◊ Titanic: The Musical at Toby's Dinner Theatre of Columbia.  Through 11/11.  2 hours, 30 minutes, plus intermission.  Review posted 9/10.  www.tobysdinnertheatre.com or 1-800-88-TOBYS. 
• ◊◊◊◊ Dreamgirls at Toby's Dinner Theatre of Baltimore.  Through 11/18. 2 hours, 20 minutes, plus intermission.  Adult language and situations.  Review posted 9/19.  www.tobysdinnertheatre.com or 1-866-99TOBYS
• ◊◊◊ Menopause: The Musical at M&T Pavilion at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center.  Open Run.  Tickets currently on sale through October 2007.  90 minutes, no intermission.  Adult language, content and sexual themes.  Review posted 7/20. www.france-merrickpac.com or 410-547-SEAT

Dreamgirls at Toby's Baltimore, and The Pillowman at Mobtown Players.

COMING SOON!  Shows opening soon!

• The Diary of Anne Frank at Towson University.  10/11-10/21.  Review to be posted 10/13.  www.towson.edu/centerforthearts/theatre or 410-704-2787.
• Blood Wedding Run of the Mill Theatre at The Theatre Project.  10/12-10/21.  Review to be posted 10/15. www.runofthemilltheater.org .
• The Great American Trailer Park Musical at Spotlighters. 10/12-11/4.  Review to be posted 10/14.
• Hairspray at the Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center.  10/16-10/21.  Review to be posted 10/17.  www.broadwayacrossamerica.com or 410-547-SEAT.
• Wild Black-Eyed Susans at UMBC Theatre.  10/17-10/21.  www.umbc.edu

The Cast of The Great American Trailer Park Musical at Spotlighters, and The Baltimore Waltz at Single Carrot Theatre.

• The Baltimore Waltz Single Carrot Theatre at Sydonne's Event Hall on Howard Street.  10/17-11/4.  Review to be posted 10/27.  www.singlecarrot.com
• Picasso at the Lapine Agile  Essex Community College.  10/18-10/23.  www.ccbcmd.edu
• Antigone at Baltimore Shakespeare Festival.  10/19-11/11. Review to be posted 10/26.  www.baltimoreshakespeare.org
• A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at Dundalk Community Theatre.  10/26-11/4.  Review to be posted 10/28.  www.ccbcmd.edu
• The Last 5 Years at Vagabond Players.  10/26-11/25.  Review to be posted 11/3.  www.vagabondplayers.com or 410-563-9135.
• Hearts at CENTERSTAGE.  10/26-12/2.  Review to be posted TBA.  www.centerstage.org or 410-332-0033.

AUDITIONS!

What: The Laurel Mill Playhouse Variety Show 

When:  Sunday, October 14, 3-5pm and Monday, October 15, 6-8pm

Where:  Laurel Mill Playhouse, 508 Main Street, Laurel, MD

Performance Dates: The Variety Show will be held on Friday, November 2 and Saturday, November 3 at 8 PM. Tickets are $10 general admission. For more information visit the web site at www.laurelmillplayhouse.org or call 301-617-9906.

What they are looking for: Calling all performers for a Variety Show to be held at the Laurel Mill Playhouse!  We are seeking singers, musicians, dancers, novelty acts, magicians, comedians, poets and all forms of street performers to knock an audience off their feet with their dazzling talent!  If that sounds like you, please come and audition for us-- we want to see if you have what we're looking for!  

Information: Michael Kreger at mdkreger@netzero.com. If unable to make audition dates, please contact Maureen Rogers at 301-452-2557 or jjjmm@aol.com.

What: Agatha Chrisite's The Mousetrap
When: Sunday and Monday, October 14 and 15 from 7pm.
Where: The Audrey Herman Spotlighters Theatre
Performance Dates: January 11 - February 3, Fri, Sat at 8pm and Sun at 2pm (January 10, preview and one other Thursday performance during the run).

What they are looking for:
Readings will be from the script and all parts are open.

• Mollie and Giles Ralston, a young married couple and owners of Monkswell Manor (25-30).
• Mrs. Boyle, an elderly and critical spinster woman (60s).
• Major Metcalf, a Major, retired from the British army (45-ish).
• Sergeant Trotter, an investigator from the London police (25-ish).
• Christopher Wren, a hyperactive young man, claiming to be named after the architect (25-ish).
• Mr. Paravicini, a man made-up to look old, of unknown provenance, who seeming affects a foreign accent (40 - 70).
• Miss Casewell, a young woman with strange tendencies and a clearly strong aloofness (25-ish).
  
• All characters except Mr. Paravicini will be required to learn British accents.
  

Misc.: Rehearsals will be held three weekday nights during November and December with appropriate holidays OFF!  Directors: Bob Russell and Kathy McCrory

Information: www.spotlighters.org

BACKSTAGE BABBLE!  News, Best Bets, etc.

BEST BET ON BROADWAY: The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

I had the chance to see The Bee again recently and had a blast!  This show just celebrated its 1,000^th performance on Broadway, and it is in pristine shape.  This new cast featuring Jennifer Simard (Best Supporting Actress – Professional 2006), as Rona Lisa Peretti, Aaron J. Albano (Chip), Stanley Bahorek (Leaf), Jenni Barber (Olive), Jared Gertner (William), Sara Inbar (Logainne), and  Greta Lee (Marcy) is hilarious and sweet.  Each brings something to the show that their predecessors did not.  Playing at the Circle-in-the-Sqare Theatre on Broadway, this little charmer is still packing them in.  Check around for discounts, but don't miss it (or go again to see the new spellers)!  Looks like the Bee will be making its DC debut, as the National Tour rolls into The National Theatre later this month!

BEST BET: BOOKS: The Playbill Broadway Yearbook – Third Annual Edition

This awesome book is for Broadway lovers everywhere!  This gem is hard covered, in full color and 516 pages of pictures, cast lists, and every single performer, artist and stage hand that worked on the Great White Way between June 1, 2006 and May 31, 2007.  Every show from The Apple Tree through The Year of Magical Thinking is covered.  Each show has opening and closing dates, a picture of the Playbill cover, production photos, and pictures of everyone involved with the show (replacements included!).  But what is really cool about this book is that each show features and article by someone in the show, which tells of backstage rituals, funny things that happened during performances, famous visitors and tons more!  Plus they also include behind the scenes photos.  Also covered are the major events like Broadway Bares, The Easter Bonnet Competition, Broadway Barks, Broadway on Broadway and all of the major awards shows.  The cover price is $35.00 and a deal at that price, but can be had for less at the Playbill Store at Playbill Online ($24.95 for discount club members – membership is FREE) or at Amazon.com ($23.10), all plus shipping and handling.  Makes a great holiday gift!

If you go to The Bee or get the Playbill Yearbook, write to me and let me know what you think! jameshoward@broadwayworld.com

SPOTLIGHTERS OFFERS FREE TRAINING AND CELEBRATION!

FreeFall Actors Workshops

• Thursday, October 4, 2007 - 7 to 10pm or Saturday, October 6, 2007 - 12:30 to 3:30pm
  Three hour workshop devoted Emotional/Relationship acting, Comedic & Improv acting, and Character Development. For all levels of actors. Register for either date at www.spotlighters.org - click on TICKETS. There is no charge for this event, sponsored by FreeFall Baltimore - Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, and the Maryland State Arts Council.
  Event Location: Center for Student Involvement - University of Baltimore at 21 West Mount Royal Avenue
  

The Audrey Herman Celebration

• Sunday, October 7, 2007 - 7pm
  An evening of reunion and remembrance. Share an evening with former cast mates from productions from seasons past. Laugh at the memories of "great stage moments" and enjoy previews of the coming 07-08 Season at SPOTLIGHTERS. Also, get the first look at the newly renovated Backstage Area. Lite reception with Birthday Cake to celebrate what would have been Audrey's 82nd birthday!
  This is a free event, but reservations are needed, so please go to www.spotlighters.org and click on TICKETS or email Tickets@spotlighters.org.

REPSTAGE OFFERS CABARET IN HOWARD COUNTY

Rep Stage and Mydearestchuck Productions announce the premiere of "A Taste, A Touch, A Tune," a New York City style cabaret with performances on Monday, October 8 and 15, 2007 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Alexandra's Restaurant at the Turf Valley Resort.  Alexandra's will be featuring half price entrees, excluding lobster, as well as half price bottled wine. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Alexandra's at 410-480-4200 or visit www.turfvalleyresort.com.

Directed by Carole Graham Lehan and featuring regional favorite Shannon Wollman, of Rep Stage's Tintypes and musical director Doug Lawler, "A Taste, A Touch, A Tune" marks Ms. Lehan's return to the cabaret show format, which she mastered in the 1980's on the Washington DC music theater scene.  This also marks Rep Stage's first foray into producing a cabaret in an intimate off-site venue. Mr. Lawler will field requests for open-mic as in the New York cabaret tradition.

CREATIVE CONVERGENCE FESTIVAL TO BE HELD!

Creative Convergence: A Festival of Arts, Activism, and Community will be held from October 3-7th in Baltimore.

• On Friday - Oct 5
  6:00–8:00 pm Artist and Activist Cocktail Hour at Baltimore Theatre Project
  This networking cocktail time will provide a space for Activists, Organizers, and Artists to discuss their current projects and potential future partnerships. This will be a chance to connect with artists, organizations, and some of the organizers and activists who have been doing social justice work in the Baltimore area around different community issues. This event is free to attend. Open Cash Bar. Light refreshments.
• On Sunday - Oct 7
  9:30 am-Noon Community Arts Brunch & Panel at Creative Alliance at the Patterson
  Join organizers and artists to discuss Baltimore's commitment to social change.  Come to The Patterson for brunch, lively company and a broad panel, including Mama Kay and Mama Rashida from Womb Work, Musician Ogun, Pamela King from the Open Society Fellows Program, and Charlie Dugger, a long time organizer and activist in Baltimore. This panel moderated by Lamar Shields from the Urban Leadership Institute will be inviting dialogue around social movements in the region and the tools needed to broaden and deepen this work.
  Brunch begins 9:30am, panel 10am-noon.
  Free, donations welcome.
  Brunch sold sep. $7 in advance, $10 at door. Tix call 410-276-1651 or www.creativealliance.org

DC'S LANDLESS THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS BATBOY: THE MUSICAL!

BATBOY:THE MUSICAL at DCAC, Through October 13.  The story and book are by Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming, with music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe. The production is directed by Melissa Baughman and runs through October 13 at DCAC. Performances are Fridays-Saturdays at 7:30 PM, and Sundays at 3:00 PM.

Based on a story in The Weekly World News, BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL is a musical comedy/horror show about a half boy/half bat creature who is discovered in a cave near Hope Falls, West Virginia. The story of Batboy's struggle to fit into human society is filled with laughs, tears… and interspecies romance!

"We try to open each season with a production that is very popular with our audience," said Producing Artistic Director Andrew Lloyd Baughman. "We have been dying to produce Batboy for years, it is probably the most bizarre and wonderfully grungy musical ever written."

Landless is proud to introduce young newcomer Matt Macis to DC Theatre in the title role of the tormented "Batboy." Macis has appeared in Baltimore's Awesome 80's Prom, Rocky Horror Show and other regional productions, and is currently a student at Towson.

"The heart of play comes from an actor portraying the 'filthy freak' who is at once loveable, repulsive, and insanely talented," adds Batboy director Melissa Baughman.  "Matt Macis was perfect! We were especially drawn to his experience as a Michael Jackson impersonator."

The Batboy cast is rounded out by Esther Covington, Talia Segal, Andrew Lloyd Baughman, Terry Spann, Aaron Reeder, Jason Wilson, Kristina Granados, Valeka J. Nichols, and Josh Speerstra. Music Direction by Christy Stalcup. Choreography by Elizabeth Fette.

All performances are held at The District of Columbia Arts Center (DCAC) located at 2438 18th Street, NW in Adams Morgan. Admission is $18. For tickets and information visit www.landlesstheatrecompany.org.

BALTIMORE PLAYWRIGHTS GROUP TO DISCUSS ANNA IN THE TROPICS!

The Baltimore Playwrights Group will hold its next Fifth Tuesday play discussion on Tuesday, October 30 at Fell's Point Corner Theatre, 251 S. Ann Street. We'll be discussing Nilo Cruz' Pulitzer Prize winning play Anna in the Tropics.  Admission: a dessert or non-alcoholic beverage to share. Please read the play in advance and/or see the current production at FPCT. (www.fpct.org). Come ready to discuss what makes Anna in the Tropics a 21st century Pulitzer winner.

Note:  This is event is designed for anyone interested in playwrighting specifically.

FROM LAST WEEK'S BABBLE!

SIGHT UNSEEN AT EVERYMAN HAS SHOW-RELATED EVENTS!

Donald Marguile's Sight Unseen is currently playing at Everyman Theatre.  They will be sponsoring two events during their final week of performances.  They are:

• Decaf Discussions, October 4^th.  Show at 8PM, chat with the actors after the show, moderated by Julia Brandeberry.  Decaf coffee provided by event sponsor Zeke's Coffee.
• Saturday Brunch, October 6^th.  Event starts at noon, show at 2PM.  A delicious catered brunch buffet by Zeke's Coffee, complete with Mimosas and Bloody Marys.  The brunch is $15 in advance/$20 at the door.  This is a separate ticket from the show, which is $24 for a Saturday matinee.

For more information or advance tickets, go to www.everymantheatre.org or call 410-752-2208.

CENTERSTAGE OFFERS OCTOBER PROGRAMS WITH ARSENIC & OLD LACE!

CENTERSTAGE is offering the following events in conjunction with performances of the classic Arsenic and Old Lace:

• After Thoughts:  Join in post-show discussions about the play following these performances:
• Thursday, October 4^th at 8PM
• Sunday, October 7^th at 2PM
• Thursday, October 11^th at 7PM
• Child's Play: Theatre-related "play care" for children ages 4 to 10 during the following Saturday matinees.  $15.00 per child, pre-registration required.
• Saturday, October 6, 2PM
• Saturday, October 13, 2PM
• Free Fall Baltimore: Join other Baltimore families for an evening of free theatre.  Enjoy a free communal meal, followed by a performance of the show, and ending with a discussion with the cast!
• Sunday, October 7^th.  Activities start at 6PM.
• Twilight Thursday: An early curtain, followed by an After Thoughts.
• Thursday, October 11^th, 7PM
• Sign Interpreted Performance: Advanced copies of the script available by writing to access@centerstage.org
• Friday, October 12^th, 8PM
• Live Audio Description: Request this service when ordering tickets for:
• Wednesday, October 3^rd, 1PM
• Sunday, October 7^th, 2PM
• Wednesday, October 10^th, 8PM
• Sunday, October 14^th, 7:30PM

BROADWAY LEGEND SPONSORS CABARET SERIES AT THE KENNEDY CENTER!

Musical theatre actress, Barbara Cook (The Music Man, She Loves Me) has leant her name and considerable talents to a new series at the Kennedy Center, Barbara Cook's Spotlight.  This truly legendary woman continues to dazzle theatre lovers nationwide with her Broadway concerts and her magnificent soprano voice.  She, herself, will start off the series with her famed interpretations of the Broadway songbook, October 19 and 20.

Three time Tony Award nominee Judy Kuhn will be up next at the Terrace Theatre at the Kennedy Center on October 26^th, singing the songs of Laura Nyro.  This will be a true treat for local theatergoers, as Ms. Kuhn was just announced to assume the role of Fantine in the Broadway revival of Les Miserables.  Audiences familiar with the original Broadway cast of the show will remember she originated the role of Cosette, Fantine's daughter.  Judy was Tony nominated for that role, as well as the revival of She Loves Me and the legendary (if flop) musical Chess.  She also appeared on Broadway in The Mystery of Edwin Drood and Rags, as well as Passion at the Kennedy Center's Sondheim Celebration.

Later in the season, the Spotlight Series will feature Lillias White (Tony Winner for The Life) on November 16, Alice Ripley and Emily Skinner (Side Show, the Kennedy Center production of Company) on April 11 and Brent Barrett (Kiss Me, Kate, Chicago, Grand Hotel: The Musical) on June 28.

For tickets and information, call 202-467-4600 or go to www.kennedy-center.org.

SCHOOL'S BACK!  LOCAL THEATER OFFERS ACTING CLASSES!

Spotlighters Theatre will be offering a series of acting workshops this Fall. The first will be a three hour Actors Workshop that will focus on Character Development, Comedic Acting and Emotional/Relationship Acting. This is being offered through the FreeFall Baltmore program of the Mayor's Office and the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts. There is no charge for this program, and it is open to actors of all levels of training or experience.

Acting Workshops will be held on Thursday, October 4, 2007 at 7PM, and Saturday, October 6, 2007 at 12:30PM at Center for Student Involvement - University of Baltimore.

To register, send an email to INFO@spotlighters.org and include your NAME, ADDRESS, and CONTACT NUMBER. There are limited number of spaces in each workshop, or register early. Workshop participants will be invited to participate in two staged reading performances later in October.

The second program is an ACTORS INTENSIVE.

This is a six week program from October 13 through November 17, 2007. Actors will spend 4 hours each Saturday working on developing and expanding their skills and talents. A workshop in which each actor is challenged to stretch their entire instrument physically, mentally, and emotionally through scene study. Come have that breakthrough in your work you're dreaming about.

The instructor will be Alexander D. Carney, a local area actor, director, and teacher. His teaching is a synthesis of the work of Meisner, Strasberg, as well as Grotowski and Shakespeare & Company. Alex believes that each individual actor has a unique "method" and that his job as a teacher is to help the actor-in-training to discover that method. Alex directed the critically acclaimed Angels in America: Perestroika at SPOTLIGHTERS in August 2007.

See the Spotlighters website for an application and deadline information.  www.spotlighters.org.