Reviews

Beauty and The Beast at Glyndon Area Players

Reviews August 6, 2017 Amanda N. Gunther

Little town, Glydon’s a quiet village. The Glyndon Area Player’s play, a theatrical feast! Little town, filled with talented people…putting on a production…of Beauty and the Beast! And this isn’t your run of the mill Disney musical! This fine Disney classic, under the skillful direction of Homero Bayarena, assisted by Teresa Ertel, with Musical Conduction by Andrew Zile and Vocal Direction by Tom Zepp, is magnificence in excelsis! The attention to detail,

The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts’ Teen Professional Theatre

Reviews August 6, 2017 Amanda N. Gunther

Now, here is a riddle to guess, if you can— hear the bells of Notre Dame! What makes a monster and what makes a man? Sing the bells…bells…bells…of Notre Dame! You’ll only discover the answer to this mystifying riddle in the stunning, stirring, brilliant, and breathtaking production of Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts’ Teen Professional Theatre this summer. Directed by Stephen Fleming with Musical Direction by Ross Scott Rawlings and Choreography by Mark Minnick,

Lysistrata Jones at Red Branch Theatre Company

Reviews August 5, 2017 Amanda N. Gunther

Oh, citizens of Columbia! What can a theatre give but love, love, love? And what can theatergoers do but watch, watch, watch? All’s fair in love in war at Red Branch Theatre Company as they bring the zany, high-octane musical Lysistrata Jones to their stage to jumpstart the back-half of the 2017 season! Directed by Stephanie Lynn Williams with Musical Direction by Dustin Merrell, this modern musical adaptation of Aristophanes’ Lysistrata is a summer sizzler fierier than the heat of Hades!

Nick Zuelsdorf (center) as J. Pierrepont Finch and the "Brotherhood of Men" ensemble

How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying: The Alternate Cast at STAR Ltd.

Reviews August 4, 2017 Amanda N. Gunther

Dear Reader,

By now you think you have everything you need to know about How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at STAR Ltd. But this little book has a surprise for you. This little book is designed to tell you all about the other principal performers who have taken up the leading roles during week two of the summer production! The show’s directors and creatives haven’t changed— see the original “little book notes” about them here— but we’ve swapped out the key players to showcase just how many talented young performers are in and around the local area this summer.

Alice and The Book of Wonderland at Annapolis Shakespeare Company

Reviews July 31, 2017 Joshua Engel

Annapolis Shakespeare Company inaugurates its new space with a stunning, lavish play, an adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, which shows off the amazing capabilities of their new venue. Written by Sally Boyett (who also directed it) and Donald Hicken, it mixes Carroll’s novel with a frame story about the book Alice in Wonderland itself, given to Alice by Charles Dodgeson (Carroll’s real name) himself. It intersperses this bit of meta-textuality with a few modern references to,

Sharkspeare: The Water Ballet at Fluid Movement

Reviews July 30, 2017 Amanda N. Gunther

To swim? Or not to swim! THAT is the question! And Fluid Movement has the answer with their annual summertime Water Ballet: SHARKESPEARE! Written collaboratively by Lynda Del Genis, Todd Gardner, Rachel Kassman, and Justin Sabe, with Kassman and Sabe serving as the show’s primary producers, this laugh-out-loud watery dorsal-fin approach to the Bard will have you in stitches with laughter over the terrible puns, the brilliant ideas, and in absolute awe at some of the synchronized swimming routines the execute in the vein of the Bard’s more popular tales.

Chicago at ArtsCentric

Reviews July 30, 2017 Amanda N. Gunther

Ladies and Gentlemen, you are about to see a story of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery, and treachery: all of those things that ArtsCentric holds near and dear to their hearts! Presenting for the first time an all African-American production of Kander and Ebb’s Chicago, ArtsCentric is raising the bar of expectation— lucky Lindy never flew so high! Directed by Kevin S. McAllister with Musical Direction by Cedric D. Lyles and Choreography by Shalyce N.

King Kirby at Off The Quill

Reviews July 29, 2017 Joshua Engel

Josh Mooney’s Jack Kirby opens at his drawing board, carrying the weight of one of the most crucial careers in modern arts. From lights up, the entire story unfolds in his eyes. King Kirby tells the story behind the man who created some of the most popular figures in modern media: Captain America, The X-Men, The Avengers, and many more. They fill the summer box office and take in billions of dollars.

Henry O'Toole (center) as J. Pierrepont Finch leading "Brotherhood of Man"

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at STAR Ltd

Reviews July 29, 2017 Amanda N. Gunther

Dear Reader,

This little review is designed to tell you everything you need to know about How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying currently appearing at STAR Ltd. Now let us assume that you are enthusiastic, passionate, clear-eyed and eager to get out and see quality teen theatre in the Baltimore County area, anxious to arrive at a solid production created by talented youth— you can! If you have education,

Sister Act at Cockpit in Court

Reviews July 28, 2017 Cybele Pomeroy

Hallelujah for Sister Act at Cockpit In Court! CCBC Essex presents a family musical with sincerely praise-worthy voices and a lot of spirit in the F. Scott Black Mainstage Theatre. The stage musical of Sister Act is based on the Whoopi Goldberg movie of the same name, but while audiences loved hearing familiar Motown tunes used innovatively in the context of a cloister, the stage production got Alan Menken— you remember Alan Menken?

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike at Cockpit in Court

Reviews July 28, 2017 Cybele Pomeroy

Dances With Durang: Cockpit in Court presents Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, by the author of The Actor’s Nightmare, and it’s a theatre nerd’s dream. Cockpit in Court at CCBC Essex (formerly Essex Community College) presents Christopher Durang’s homage to Chekhov through August 6th at the Cabaret Theatre in the Robert and Eleanor Romadka College Center. This play has a morsel of everything— comedy, tragedy, suspense, horror— wait,

The King & I at The Kennedy Center

Reviews July 28, 2017 Mark Briner

A theatrically inclined, over the top leader is called upon the carpet by a strong, oppositional feminist for policies that are alternately deemed sexist, racist, tyrannical, oppressive, and a throwback to less enlightened times as their country struggles to enter a new era of ideology under the watchful eyes of the rest of the free world. No, this is not this week’s headline at The Huffington Post, but the underlying dilemma at The Kennedy Center in Washington,

Tick, Tick…BOOM! at Stillpointe Theatre

Reviews July 17, 2017 Amanda N. Gunther

Cages or wings? Which do you prefer? Ask Stillpointe Theatre, it’s clear that they prefer to soar over the Baltimore Theatre scene with their dazlious wings, showcasing their astonishing talent in their summer musical production of Jonathan Larson’s Tick, Tick…BOOM! Directed by Grace Anastasiadis with Musical Direction by Stacey Antoine, this primer to Rent is delivered with precision, balance, and perfection to the eye, ear, and heart.

Tick.

Knuffle Bunny is just hoping to make it to Infinity Theatre Company this summer- will you!?

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical at Infinity Theatre Company

Reviews July 17, 2017 Amanda N. Gunther

Aggle! Flaggle! Klabble! Who can understand a word of what tricky Trixie is saying? Well, Knuffle Bunny, that’s who! And of course, if Trixie is flailing her arms and gibbering at the top of her lungs— and— oh no! SHE’S GONE BONELESS!!! It can only mean one thing! That her dearest, darlingist Knuffle Bunny has gone— MISSING!!! Join Mom, Dad, and of course Trixie as Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical gets underway this summer at Infinity Theatre Company.

Bonnie & Clyde The Musical at Monumental Theatre Company

Reviews July 17, 2017 Amanda N. Gunther

You’ve seen all the stage shows there are to see

With musical fortitude and pride

But if there’s something new you’re craving

Try out the musical of Bonnie & Clyde.

Monumental Theatre Company is of the suggestion

That they ought to go and raise a little hell

So they’ve put together this here production

Of two famous outlaws we know well

Bringing to the DMV the professional premiere

For a little company that is quite the great stride

It’s a limited run,

Go! Go! Go! See Coby Kay Callahan As The Narrator In Joseph At Toby’s

Reviews July 17, 2017 Amanda N. Gunther

Strange as it seems, there’s been a run of crazy dreams— the dream of playing The Narrator in this 2017 summer production of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Toby’s Dinner Theatre. And a woman who can interpret the way Miss Coby Kay Callahan does will go far— in fact? She’ll become a star! Taking her place as the third narrator in this rotating series of leading ladies, Callahan presents a convivial and honest narrative character right from the get-go.

Cabaret at The Kennedy Center

Reviews July 17, 2017 Amanda N. Gunther

What good is sitting alone in your room? Come hear the music play. Life is a cabaret, old chum! Come to the Cabaret! The Roundabout Theatre Company is pleased to give to you— and be sure to give it back when you’re finished with it— Kander and Ebb’s stunning Cabaret. Directed by BT McNicholl, this production is showing the nation’s capital that life is beautiful, the girls are beautiful,

Peter Pan at The JCS Summer Community Theatre

Reviews July 13, 2017 Amanda N. Gunther 2 Comments

Think lovely thoughts! Mermaids! Pirates! Candy! No, no, no, lovelier thoughts! Think lovely thoughts! Make-believe! Dancing! Candy! No, no, no, no, no! You must think LOVELY thoughts! The JCS Summer Community Theatre production of Peter Pan? YES! You can fly! You can fly! You can fly! (See, how lovely a thought that was?) Quick— now that you’re all sprinkled up with your pixie dust and your lovely thoughts of fantastically imaginative and wonderfully performed community theatre,

Spring Awakening at Spotlighters Theatre

Reviews July 11, 2017 Amanda N. Gunther

11 July and the question is shame. Will you feel shame if you don’t go and see Spring Awakening at The Audrey Herman Spotlighters Theatre this summer? The answer is yes. Shame is a product of education, but do not remain ignorant to this impressively evocative and intimate piece of highly charged sensual musical theatre. Directed by Jillian Bauersfeld with Musical Direction by Michael W. Tan, this gripping and moving musical drama traverses the controversial plains of adolescence blossoming into maturity despite the deliberate ignorance engrained from the religious and parental rule that governs the time.

Godspell at Pasadena Theatre Company

Reviews July 9, 2017 Amanda N. Gunther

When your trust is all but shattered, when your faith is all but killed— because every company and their brother all across the state of Maryland seem to be turning out productions of Stephen Schwartz’ pre-Wicked musical wonder, fear not! And prepare ye the way of Chuck Dick, who— like Lazarus— has risen with strength and fortitude to set Pasadena Theatre Company back on its feet! And what better way to do it than with an iconic and textbook production of Godspell?

Macbeth at The Gypsy Wagon Theatre Compay

Reviews July 9, 2017 Amanda N. Gunther

Tis the bloody business which informs thus to mine eyes: a theatre company hath sprung up afresh in Reisterstown. But not just any theatre company, nay, but The Gypsy Wagon Theatre Company, whose full intention is to be mobile. At first appearing to be little more than a tin can on wheels, do not be deceived, this collapsible trailer-esque stage is purporting a tall order of theatrical design— when it comes to lighting especially— and currently presenting a mighty solid production of Shakespeare’s very own Macbeth.

The Tempest at Annapolis Shakespeare Company

Reviews July 9, 2017 Joshua Engel

Directors Donald Hicken and Sally Boyett have created a sparkling Tempest under the stars at the Charles Carroll house in Annapolis. With a spreading tree dominating the scene and a shrub hedge covering the back stage, the hill slopes toward the river for Shakespeare’s watery play. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair… and some bug spray and you’re ready for Annapolis Shakespeare Company’s The Tempest this July.

The early evening and the river bring a hint of cool weather to summer in Annapolis,

Seussical at Heritage Players: The Other Half of Jojo

Reviews July 9, 2017 Amanda N. Gunther

Oh! Excuse me there, reader, but I thought you’d like to know

Just what was seen today with the other Jojo!

Remember me, reader? We spoke last week about Seussical?

Well Heritage Players is two weeks in with that musical!

I don’t usually go back to see a show twice

But this show was smashing, it was really quite nice!

I gathered up my friends— five children in tow…

And when we arrived— well?

Godspell at Infinity Theatre Company

Reviews July 6, 2017 Amanda N. Gunther

If you have ears to hear, then listen! Live from Annapolis it’s Godspell! In the summer of ’17 when everyone seems to be picking up the good book of John-Michael Tebelak (with Music and new Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz) Infinity Theatre Company is reinventing the story of Godspell in a refreshing and original new fashion. Directed by Alan Ostroff with Musical Direction by Laura Mueller, Godspell is being presented like a studio recording of Saturday Night Live and if you’ve ears to hear me,

Seussical at The Heritage Players

Reviews July 3, 2017 Amanda N. Gunther

It’s most certainly definitely a sweltering summer!

But please, oh please, don’t let the weather be a bummer!

Because there are so many things you can think if you try!

Like a production of Seussical that you shouldn’t pass by!

Why, it’s The Heritage Players offering up their zany summer show!

And it’s a pretty darn good one, take it from me— I should know!

Mary Poppins at Howard County Summer Theatre

Reviews July 1, 2017 Amanda N. Gunther

Stretch your mind beyond fantastic! Dreams are made of strong elastic! And Howard County Summer Theatre is living up the dream of a practically perfect production with their 2017 showing of Mary Poppins. Proudly wearing the badge of honor of Howard County’s imaginatively theatrical free-thinkers, Director Tom Sankey is certainly a person who sees beyond his blinkers! This show is amazing! This show is fantastic! This show far exceeds the community theatre standards and expectations of a main-stage Broadway-scale Disney musical.

Jesus Christ Superstar at Third Wall Productions

Reviews June 29, 2017 Amanda N. Gunther

Andrea Rudai

What’s the buzz? Tell me what’s a-happening! What’s the buzz? Tell me what’s a-happening? Jesus Christ Superstar! That’s what’s a-happening! At Third Wall Productions— in temporary residence at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in Towson— and it’s shaking down the bricks of the temple— well, the church, at any rate. Directed by Mike Zellhofer with Musical Direction by Daniel Plante, this iconic story of the man of the bible is existing in its finest and purest essence: a story told through song with Third Wall Productions.

Finding Neverland at The Hippodrome

Reviews June 29, 2017 Amanda N. Gunther

I can feel it! Anticipation in the air— something just beyond compare— to any other show I swear— there’s just something about this show that I cannot express! Maybe it’s the wonderment of pure theatrical magic or perhaps the fantastical imaginative journey that sparks the soul alive, but whatever it is, there’s something about this show— this Finding Neverland— that mere words cannot express with any hope for justice! Arriving at The Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore to close the 2016/2017 theatre season,

Go! Go! Go! See Janine Sunday as The Narrator in Joseph at Toby’s

Reviews June 28, 2017 Amanda N. Gunther

Strange as it seems— there’s been a run of— Narrators!!! Toby’s Dinner Theatre is well underway with its 10-week summer-long run of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Co-Directed by Toby Orenstein and Mark Minnick! Taking her turn at the narrative helm, long-time Toby’s performer and DC-area actor Janine Sunday steps into the role of The Narrator through July 7, 2017. While Joseph— and all his brothers as well as the rest of the cast— are still being performed by the same cast members as when the production opened on the 15th of June,

She Stoops to Conquer at Britches and Hose

Reviews June 26, 2017 Joshua Engel

She Stoops to Conquer lives halfway between the comedies of Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde. Its mistaken identity plotlines bring to mind As You Like It and Comedy of Errors, while the class conflicts mirror both the contrasts of The Merry Wives of Windsor and The Importance of Being Earnest. It’s a bit like a Jane Austen novel, if Jane wrote comic plays rather than satirical novels.