Reviews

Inebriated Holiday at Maryland Ensemble Theatre

Reviews December 1, 2023 Amanda N. Gunther

Deck the MET with cans and corks! Fa-la-la-la-laa! La-la-la-laaa!

Gather round ye hist’ry dorks! Fa-la-la-la-laa! La-la-la-laa!

Don you now your drunk apparel! Fa-la-la-la! La-la-la! La-la-laaaa!

And hear the tale of A Christmas Carol! Fa-la-la-la-laa! La-la-la— hold-up. Nah. That’s not right. Shoot.

Inebriated Holiday. D’oh! That’s the one this one is about! Good grief, how many Three Kings draft beers did I have at Maryland Ensemble Theatre last night!?

'Twas The Night Before....Cirque du Soleil Acro Table Performers 📸 Kyle Flubacker

‘Twas The Night Before… at The Hippodrome

Reviews November 25, 2023 Amanda N. Gunther

And what to our wondering eyes should appear— why it’s a holiday extravaganza live at Baltimore’s Hippodrome Theatre! Dashing in from the rooftops to kick off the holiday season, Cirque du Soleil proudly presents ‘Twas The Night Before…, a wondrously enchanting, theatrical spectacle that combines the vivaciously thrilling acrobatic and aerial work that Cirque-shows are known for with a cherished Christmas classic, Clement Clarke Moore’s poem, A Visit From Saint Nicolas.

Witch! at Stillpointe Theatre

Reviews November 18, 2023 Amanda N. Gunther

Which

Inquisitive

Theatre

Challenges

Humanity?

Not nearly as clever as some of the textual incarnations of the acronym of the show’s title— like “Why Is The Church Heretical?” or “Why Is This Continually Happening?” or “What Is This Cult Hollywood?” but I wanted to throw my broomstick in the cauldron so to speak.

Hazardous Materials at Perisphere Theater

Reviews November 8, 2023 Steven Kirkpatrick & Charles Boyington Steven Kirkpatrick & Charles Boyington

Beth Kander’s play opens in present century Chicago, circa 2015, when the death of an elderly hoarder brings two county employees, Cassie and Hal, to her (rent-free) apartment to help verify her actual identity. As the employees search through documents and belongings to find clues to her identity, the play offers flashbacks to 1955, where we meet two war widows: Esther, the Jewish inhabitant of the once-pristine apartment and Lynley, her Black neighbor from Alabama,

Ragtime at Signature Theatre

Reviews November 5, 2023 Steven Kirkpatrick

Signature Theatre’s latest offering is a stellar production of Ragtime, a musicalization of E. L. Doctorow’s sprawling 1975 novel, in which a variety of real and fictional characters from the turn of the 20th century are woven into an epic American tapestry. Presenting a panoramic view of the dawning of the twentieth century, Ragtime addresses such issues as immigration, racism, socialism, women’s rights, industrialization, and the labor movement. Seeking to identify the forces that have shaped America over the past century,

Big at Scottfield Theatre Company

Reviews November 4, 2023 Amanda N. Gunther

Fun! It isn’t planned! It isn’t programmed! Though you may have to do some planning and programming to make sure you get this big ol’ dose of fun into your calendar sometime over the next couple weekends. See what I did there? ‘big ol’ musical?’ I’m talking about Big, of course, now appearing— making its area premiere— at Scottfield Theatre Company to close out their 2023 calendar. Based 20th Century Fox Film (of the same name,

The Last Five Years at CJ Productions

Reviews November 3, 2023 Amanda N. Gunther

When you see a show as many times as I (and has anyone seen these shows as many times as I?) you tend not to forget the very first time you saw the production and the most recent time you’ve seen it. Occasionally there will be stand-outs (for good and bad reasons) that stick in the mind, but the two that resonate strongest tend to be the first one and the most recent one. I’ve certainly never forgotten The Last Five Years the very first time I saw it— at a semi-active,

Ragtime in concert at Maryland Theatre Collective 📷 Matthew Peterson

Ragtime at Maryland Theatre Collective

Reviews November 1, 2023 Mark Briner

At the turn of the 20th century, a new music emanating from African-American urban communities began creeping into mainstream culture for the first of what eventually became many times over the course of the century. But in 1975, E.L. Doctorow used this musical form as a metaphor for not only the infusion of African-American influences into the white musical world, but for the changes in emerging racial presences that forced drastic social and class struggle,

Outward Bound at Spotlighters Theatre

Reviews October 31, 2023 Amanda N. Gunther

“…to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave…”

Christmas starts in October for everyone else, so why not use a lesser-recognized Dickens’ quote to welcome in the latest show of Season 61 at Spotlighters? (And if you need more Dickens in your life, beyond this hook-quote, be sure to book your tickets for the cherished annual performance of Phil Gallagher’s one-man A Christmas Carol coming this December) But this particular quote feels apropos for Outward Bound,

Katerina McCrimmon as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl. 📸 Evan Zimmerman

Funny Girl at The Hippodrome

Reviews October 25, 2023 Amanda N. Gunther

She must shine in every detail! And we ain’t just talking about the perfect showgirl, no sir! We’re talking about the costumes, the lights, the choreography, the singing, the movement, the atmosphere— if you want to impress as a major Broadway musical these days— you’ve got to tick all the boxes! And with 36 expressions, Funny Girl has all the pip and pizazz! It’s a dazzling revival musical harkening back to the golden days of Broadway and the audiences of Baltimore are here for it!

Rocky Horror Show at Stand Up For…Theatre

Reviews October 23, 2023 Mike Zellhofer

Don’t dream it. Be it! In the season of Rocky Horror Shows, picture or otherwise, Stand Up For… Theatre is it! Director Ed Higgins takes an overdone, yet annually anticipated show, and turns it on its head. In a theatre world of copycats Higgins brings a refreshing twist to a classic tale.

Set in the round, this version gives an intimate feel and, in my opinion, makes for better audience participation.

Chess at Vagabond Players

Reviews October 23, 2023 Amanda N. Gunther

Throw the rulebook right out the window. It won’t help you anyway. And forget what you think you know about Chess as that won’t help you here either. Can’t even say “not your Grandfather’s Chess” because there are so many different variations on this concept album-turned-musical-come-concert-album that it’s hard to pinpoint which one is the one for a standard basis of comparison. Based on an idea by Tim Rice, inspired wholly if not incompletely by historical events.

The Nine Nutballs of DitS' "Evil Dead: The Musical- 2023 Edition" with the reviewer that got bled all over (center, Mandy Gunther) 📷 Lithia Knopp

Evil Dead: The Musical at Deer In The Spotlight Productions

Reviews October 21, 2023 Amanda N. Gunther

Forget about the Time Warp! And the Monster Mash’s no good!

You’ll have a much better trip rolling with these five to their CABIN IN THE WOOOOOOOODS!

Hi, I’m Amanda. And I work at S-Mart run a reviewing site that has all your theatrical ‘in-the-know’ needs (just like S-Mart only with fewer tires and frozen fish sticks.) I also can’t count (which is why I chose a profession in theatre.) Evil Dead: The Musical is now in its seventh year of production!

The Importance of Being Earnest at Artistic Synergy of Baltimore

Reviews October 21, 2023 Leonard Taube

In William Shakespeare’s Hamlet the kindly old Polonius sends his son, Laertes, into the world with some wise, fatherly advice. “Neither a borrower nor a lender be.” “Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice.” And, my personal favorite, “to thine own self be true.” However, I would have given my son one more piece of advice. I would have told him that, above all, it is important to be earnest. And no such lesson could have been better taught than Oscar Wilde’s play The Importance of Being Earnest showing for one weekend only at Artistic Synergy of Baltimore (Rosedale,

Nunsense at The Salem Players

Reviews October 20, 2023 Amanda N. Gunther

Do you know how many women have been pope? Nun. Did you hear that Mother Superior had to crack down on nuns in the convent wearing perfume? She wasn’t having any of that Nun-scents. But if you’re ready for Nunsense, the musical with singing, dancing nuns who are just trying to earn a buck to bury their frozen sisters— then The Salem Players of Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Catonsville has got you covered!

Nathan Russell (left) as Sweeney Todd and Kelly Stoneberger (right) as Mrs. Lovette at Small Town Stars Theatre Company. 📸Mort Shuman

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at Small Town Stars Theatre Company

Reviews October 20, 2023 Amanda N. Gunther

No one can help. Nothing can hide you. Isn’t that Sweeney there beside you? Sweeney— Sweeney— there— there! There! THERE! And if you’re in the state of Maryland the demon barber of fleet street is literally everywhere right now. With no fewer than three theatres producing the bloody Sondheim classic, it’s no wonder that Small Town Stars Theatre Company wanted to throw their hat in the ring and invite you to attend their tale of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

Bonnie & Clyde at Just Off Broadway

Reviews October 18, 2023 Amanda N. Gunther

A farm-boy from Telico. A waitress from Rowena. Gun-sling, song-singing, they’ll make you feel alive.

But only if you’ve got your tickets to see the at Just Off Broadway’s Bonnie & Clyde.

‘Cause ain’t nuthin’ rhyme with ‘Clyde & Bonnie!’

Serving as the Baltimore area premiere of the historical-gangster musical, Bonnie & Clyde offers a wicked alternative to the dozen or so production of Sweeney Todd happening in and around the area this autumn season.

Sweeney Todd at The Havre de Grace Opera House. 📸 Matthew Peterson

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at The Havre de Grace Opera House

Reviews October 17, 2023 Mike Zellhofer

“Spit it out, dear. Go on. On the floor. There’s worse things than that down there.” – Mrs. Lovett

And she’s right. In a world where borders are overlooked, people are minimalized, and one pill or another is all you need what ails you, the floor of humanity is riddled with disgust. The Havre de Grace Opera house has found a way to give us a three-hour respite from what lies outside their doors.

The SpongeBob Musical at Silhouette Stages

Reviews October 14, 2023 Amanda N. Gunther

It’s the best day ever! The best daaaay eveeer— but only if you’ve got your tickets to see Silhouette Stages’ production of The SpongeBob Musical! Campy and wholesome, this quirky little diamond-in-the-kelp musical comedy is suitable for all ages and is bubbling over with talent, enthusiasm, and a great deal of F-U-N to be had by all! Co-Directed by Debbie Mobley and Robyn Yakaitis, with Musical Direction by Mari Hill, and Choreography by Tori Worth,

Rob McClure as the titular role in Mrs. Doubtfire 📸 Joan Marcus

Mrs. Doubtfire at The National Theater

Reviews October 11, 2023 Charles Boyington

It has been 30 years since Robin Williams wowed audiences in the movie Mrs. Doubtfire. Makes certain audience members feel old, doesn’t it? However, that may be a benefit when watching Mrs. Doubtfire the musical, now on tour at the National Theatre. Those who have seen the film may have memories of specific moments, but the details are a little hazy. And of course, there is an entire generation or two that may never have seen it!

Angels In America Part II- Perestroika at Maryland Ensemble Theatre

Reviews October 6, 2023 Jimi Kinstle

In a follow up to last year’s presentation of Angels in America, Part 1, the Maryland Ensemble Theatre has endeavored to complete the series with Angels in America, Part 2, Perestroika. The production of these two pieces is a monumental undertaking creating almost a seven-hour total theater experience.

It’s hard not to write a comparative review. The cast and design team remain relatively the same.

Ainsley Deegan (center) as Tobias Ragg and th ensemble of Sweeney Todd at Other Voices Theatre. 📸Oktober Hollow Photography

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at Other Voices Theatre

Reviews October 6, 2023 Amanda N. Gunther

Splendors you never have dreamed all your days— my lucky friends! With spooky season upon us, you’ll have your pick— there seems to be a Sweeney in every market this October! Live in or around Frederick and that side of the state? Other Voices Theatre has got your covered with their production of Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Directed by Amy Hebb, with Musical Direction by Paul Cabell,

RIchard Goldberg (left) as Ben and Todd Krickler (right) as Russ in Rich Espey's "When We're Ninety" 📷 Robin Davis Miller

Think Pink! at Pink Pen Theatre

Reviews October 5, 2023 Amanda N. Gunther

Love is love is love is love. We’ve all heard it, and yet that message seems to still fall on deaf ears. We live in unique times, trying times, and what better way to draw the line in the sand and then make our stand than through art? Launching its inaugural production, the new theatre company, Pink Pen Theatre, is proud to present Think Pink! a gay play festival featuring ten world premiere short plays (and one Baltimore premiere short play) from local playwrights,

Chesapeake Shakespeare Company presents As You Like It 📷 Kiirstn Pagan

As You Like It at Chesapeake Shakespeare Company

Reviews October 4, 2023 Amanda N. Gunther

It was a bright and cold day in September and the clocks were striking 13. No, that’s not quite right.

We that are true lovers run into strange capers. That’s more like it. Or rather, Shakespeare’s As You Like It, as directed by Ian Gallanar now appearing on the stages of Chesapeake Shakespeare Company’s boards for their fall-opening of the 2023/2024 season. Though one could readily meet the confusion of “Am I watching George Orwell’s 1984 (or even L.

The Wiz at The Hippodrome

Reviews September 27, 2023 Amanda N. Gunther

Everybody look around! Because there’s a reason to rejoice and shout— everybody come on down! You owe it to yourself to check it out! Can’t you feel a brand new day? That brand new day has come! Charm City has the hottest ticket in town with the Broadway-bound production of The Wiz. Directed by Schele Williams, with Musical Supervision & Orchestration by Joseph Joubert, and Choreography by Jaquel Knight, the book (by William F.

Anastasia at Children’s Playhouse of Maryland

Reviews September 26, 2023 Amanda N. Gunther

Dancing youths…painted scenes…things I almost remember… then a song— someone sings… once upon a…September… when the Children’s Playhouse of Maryland presented the area premiere of Anastasia, the much-anticipated, full-length musical. A sparkling gem, a radiant endeavor, this delightful and charming show is both beautiful and serene, full of humor and heart, and a spectacular start to the 2023/2024 season at CPM. Directed by Liz Boyer Hunnicutt, with Musical Direction by Charlotte Evans Crowley,

(L to R) Austin Barnes as Barry Mann, Heather Wadler as Cynthia Weil, Julie Parrish as Carole King and Mark Briner as Don Kirschner in 'Beautiful' 📸Matthew Peterson

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at Tidewater Players

Reviews September 25, 2023 Amanda N. Gunther

Hey. I gotta prediction. You wanna hear it? Tidewater Players production of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is going all the way! Don’t write off this jukebox musical, featuring the music & lyrics of Carole King, Gerry Goffin, Barry Mann, and Cynthia Weil (and a book by Douglas McGrath) because its actually a heartwarming story that reads extremely well on an intimate stage, like the one Tidewater Players is working with at The Opera House.

King of The Yees at Signature Theatre

Reviews September 22, 2023 Charles Boyington

I still believe that the main purpose of a theater review is to help readers decide whether a show is actually worth seeing and whether it is worth the ticket price. King of the Yees at Signature Theatre is well worth the ticket price and definitely worth seeing. It is a clever script with a strong cast, good direction, a universal message, and several laugh-out-loud moments. It is also worth mentioning that this is Signature’s only non-musical offering this season.

Circle Mirror Transformation at Spotlighters Theatre

Reviews September 21, 2023 Amanda N. Gunther

For a season of harmony and balance, nurture and compassion, Circle Mirror Transformation seems an odd choice, especially as the kick-starter for said season. Annie Baker’s esoteric theatrical exercise-come-stage-play is now appearing at Spotlighters Theatre through October 1st 2023 under the direction of Nick Cherone.

The play itself is deeply problematic— not because it hits on any hot-button issues or is outdated/outmoded or offensive but rather because it feels unfinished. There’s sort of a beginning,

The Sound of Music at Phoenix Festival Theatre

Reviews September 15, 2023 Amanda N. Gunther

I go to the theatre, when my heart is lonely. I know I will hear what I’ve heard before. And my heart will be blessed with The Sound of Music… and I’ll review once more! Bel Air, Maryland may not exactly be the hills or the mountains, but Phoenix Festival Theater (currently across the street in the Amoss Center at Harford Technical High School) will bless your heart and your ears with Rogers &