CLUE COMES TO BALTIMORE’S HIPPODROME THEATRE

News April 18, 2024 Amanda N. Gunther Leave a comment

Whodunnit!? Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center that’s who!! They’ve got CLUE coming the first full week in May! And you won’t want to miss your chance to see this comic thriller in action!

📷Evan Zimmerman

“Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! Don’t miss Clue on Tour at the Hippodrome Theatre May 7-12. Get tickets to the ultimate whodunnit inspired by the classic Hasbro board game.

Danny Gavigan (left) as Andrew and Nikkole Salter (right) as Leslie in A Jumping-Off Point 📷 Margot Schulman

A Jumping-Off Point at Round House Theatre

Reviews April 18, 2024 Steven Kirkpatrick & Charles Boyington Steven Kirkpatrick & Charles Boyington Leave a comment

author: Charles Boyington & Steven Kirkpatrick

Round House Theatre launches the premiere of Inda Craig-Galván’s play A Jumping-Off Point. It is a great launch and worth seeing! The new piece focuses on Leslie Wallace (Nikkole Salter), an African American writer newly hired to develop a series for HBO, whose personal victory is compromised by the return of Andrew (Danny Gavigan), a white man from her graduate school days, who accuses her of plagiarism.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Silver Spring Stage

Reviews April 16, 2024 Wes Dennis & Liana Olear Leave a comment

author: Wes Dennis & Liana Olear

How shall you beguile the lazy time, if not with some delight? Perhaps by running off to Silver Spring Stage for their performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and spending the evening with besotted Athenian lovers, pranking fairies, and those oddest of creatures, amateur actors!

The Director, Emma Hooks, shows a solid understanding of Shakespeare’s language, and her actors illustrate the words with enthusiastic action (though language purists – or audience members not expecting to hear multiple F-bombs punctuating the iambic pentameter – may not appreciate the choice to also insert modern phrases to add reactions where the bard neglected to spell them out).

The Hot Wing King at Baltimore Center Stage

Reviews April 15, 2024 Amanda N. Gunther Leave a comment

Lessons can be blessings. Mistakes can be good. Finding a way to learn the lessons and take the ‘Beyoncé’ approach to making lemonade when life won’t stop raining fiery hot lemons down on your head is exactly what the Pulitzer Prize-Winning play The Hot Wing King, by Katori Hall is serving up in the Pearlstone Theatre of Baltimore Center Stage. It’s a limited engagement, playing through the end of the month of April but it’s a powerhouse piece that’s equal parts funny and heartfelt,

Falsettos at Maryland Theatre Collective in rehearsal at sitzprobe

Please Come To Our House: An Interview With Tommy Malek & Rachel Sandler On Maryland Theatre Collective’s Falsettos

Interviews April 15, 2024 Amanda N. Gunther Leave a comment

“It’s a song I was waiting to hear so long, so long ago.”

Five years in the making— a show that was planned and cast and ready to go before the pandemic, now finally appearing on the Maryland Theatre Collective Stage— Falsettos is rounding out MTC’s first full season in production and it’s a proper doozy well worth investigating! In a few minutes following their sitzprobe, Director and Musical Director Rachel Sandler and Associate Director and Performer Tommy Malek sat down to discuss the production and how thrilled they both are to finally be getting it up on its feet for an audience in 2024.

Fag Gods at Spotlighters Theatre

Reviews April 15, 2024 Jamie Gerhardt Leave a comment

author: Jamie Gerhardt

Fag Gods is a mythic camp comedy making its worldwide performance debut at Spotlighters in their 61st season in Baltimore, and it truly couldn’t have had a better opening. Written by John Bavoso and presented at the Baltimore Playwright’s Festival last year, it was the highest-rated selection of that season, and Spotlighters (very thankfully!) decided to give this wonderful little show its debut. The show is highly representative of the LGBTQIA+ community— as you might be able to discern from its title— and as someone who came out as transgender myself within the past year,

Little Shop Of Horrors at Anne Arundel Community College Theatre

Reviews April 14, 2024 Chris Pence Leave a comment

author: Chris Pence

On the 12th day of the month of April, in a small auditorium not too far from your home, the human race suddenly encountered a deadly threat to its very existence, and this terrifying enemy surfaced, as such enemies often do, in the seemingly most innocent and unlikely of places… Anne Arundel Community College! Howard Ashman’s cult classic Little Shop of Horrors creeps with terrifying new life onto the AACC stage.

42nd Street at Scottfield Theatre Company

Reviews April 13, 2024 Amanda N. Gunther Leave a comment

Broadway dreams. We’ve all had ‘em. And Scottfield Theatre Company is havin’ ‘em right now. They’ve got all you need to cheer you up right on the ends of their ankles! Side by side— they’re glorified— that amazing tap corps that makes up the splashiest, flashiest dance routines of 42nd Street. Directed and Choreographed by Becky Titelman, with Musical Direction by LaShelle Bray, this iconic golden-era Broadway musical is a true dancer’s dream and every bit the spectacular dance show one expects.

Ethan Keller (left) as Seymour with Sarah Johansen (center) as Audrey II and Ally Baca (right) as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors

Look Out! Look Out! Look Out! A Quick-Chat with Ethan Keller, Sarah Johansen, and Ally Baca on Little Shop of Horrors

Interviews April 12, 2024 Amanda N. Gunther Leave a comment

With the solar eclipse having just passed us by, here’s hoping everybody counted their plants both before and after! And that nobody ended up with any extra!! And if you did end up with an extra plant…perhaps one that has teeth and looks sort of odd…well you can bring it with you to see Little Shop of Horrors at Anne Arundel Community College Theatre opening this weekend and playing through April 21st 2024.

Nolan Almeida as Peter Pan 📷 Matthew Murphy

Peter Pan at The National Theatre

Reviews April 12, 2024 Charles Boyington Leave a comment

author: Charles Boyington

Delightful! So much fun! Run and get tickets!

Peter Pan at the National Theatre through April 21st, 2024 is surprisingly fresh and relevant. The first surprise of the evening was how excited the audience was. I honestly did not think that kids knew anything about Peter Pan anymore. However the youngsters were applauding and screaming as the overture started, and it continued to grow.

Doubt, a Parable at Vagabond Players

Reviews April 9, 2024 Amanda N. Gunther Leave a comment

Innocence is only wisdom in a world without evil. But why is it we are so quick to believe that of which we are not certain? Why are we so quick to judge? The most innocent interaction can see seem sinister to a poisoned mind. Why do we let our minds be primed so readily with poison? In a striking and evocative drama now appearing on the Vagabond Players’ stage as the penultimate production of their 108th season,

alright, Sweet hearted at The Strand Theatre 📷 Shealyn Jae Photography

alight, Sweet hearted at The Strand Theater

Reviews April 9, 2024 Lilou Von Kokoro Leave a comment

author: Lilou Von Kokoro

Friday night was cold, raw and blustery, but as I entered The Strand Theatre, I was warmly welcomed by Producer Elena Kostakis. I wasn’t sure what to expect but let me tell you— this was not just a performance; it was an experience. Interactive would be an understatement! To quote their program, “Welcome to the immersive production of alight, Sweet hearted.”

alight,

Heathers at Third Wall Productions

Reviews April 8, 2024 Amanda N. Gunther Leave a comment

Dear Diary,

My teenage angst bullsh*t now has a body count. But what’s your damage, Heather? Is your name even Heather? Just in case it isn’t, Third Wall Productions has a whole bunch of them (three to be in fact) with their fiery production of the screen-to-stage musical Heathers, now playing through April 14th 2024. Directed by Jake Schwarts with Musical Direction by Anton Van De Motter and Choreography by Kelly Williams Carlson,

Courtney McLaughlin (left) as Chordata with Tad Janes (center) as Sciurus and Matthew Harris (right) as Sciuridae in The Squirrels at Maryland Ensemble Theatre 📷 Meech Creative LLC

The Squirrels at Maryland Ensemble Theatre

Reviews March 30, 2024 Amanda N. Gunther Leave a comment

Our subject tonight?

The Squirrels. Better still— The Squirrels at Maryland Ensemble Theatre as the penultimate production of their 2023/2024 main stage season. Written by Robert Askins (Hand To God) and Directed by Julie Herber…well… buckle up, you discerning patrons of the arts, because this one’s a doozey. Hell— I’ll say it. It’s nuts!

Playwright Robert Askins is wringing audiences in Frederick through the high-octane spin-cycle of this satirical washing machine.

Come And Meet Those Dancing Feet: Dueling Divas in 42nd Street at Scottfield Theatre Company- Elizabeth Marion as Dorothy Brock

Interviews March 28, 2024 Amanda N. Gunther Leave a comment

Side by side, they’re glorified! In the other half of our dueling-divas interview exclusive (if you missed part 1, you can click here or catch the link at the bottom of the page to read the interview with Katelyn Dixon who is currently playing Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street) we get to sit down with Elizabeth Marion, currently playing the role of Dorothy Brock in 42nd Street at Scottfield Theatre Company.

Mexodus at Baltimore Center Stage

Reviews March 22, 2024 Amanda N. Gunther Leave a comment

Todos estamos juntos en esto.

We’re all in this together.

Changing the face of musical theatre, changing the soundscape of our nation’s narrative— Mexodus is the story of the Underground Railroad that led south; a story that they will have to pass down by word of mouth. It’s a moment omitted from the history books— but it’s a story of thousands worth a second look— rapture and release, visceral emotions and peace— this is one for the ages splitting time on two stages— but you get to be in the room where it happened first— The Head Theatre at Baltimore Center Stage.

No Experience Necessary at Truest Ethos Theatre Company

Don’t Lie On Your Resume: A Chit-Chat with Marshall Logan Gibbs & Max Wolf about Truest Ethos’ Production of No Experience Necessary

Interviews March 21, 2024 Amanda N. Gunther Leave a comment

Did we not learn our lesson about how we aren’t supposed to lie on our resume? And that taking the old adage of “fake it ‘til you make it” a step too far can result in disastrous consequences? In case you’re still out there learning that lesson (the hard way) and need a crash-course reminder in why this is a bad idea, Truest Ethos Theatre Company has a play for you! And it’s not even an ocean-front play in Arizona— wait,

Derrick D. Truby Jr. (Seymour) with Kaiyla Gross (Ronnette), Nia Savoy-Dock (Chiffon) and Kanysha Williams (Crystal), in the 2024 Ford’s Theatre production of Little Shop of Horrors 📷 Scott Suchman

Little Shop of Horrors at Ford’s Theatre

Reviews March 21, 2024 Steven Kirkpatrick & Charles Boyington Steven Kirkpatrick & Charles Boyington Leave a comment

Little Shop of Horrors returns to Ford’s Theatre from March 15 through May 18 after a previous mounting in 2010. From its origin as a low budget 1960 sci-fi dark comedy by Roger Corman, to its initial adaptation as an off-Broadway musical in 1982, to subsequent high-budget film versions and worldwide stage success, Little Shop of Horrors has become one of the most treasured pieces of American musical theatre.

If you have never seen this American staple of musical theatre then you should run and see this production.

Matilda at Small Town Stars Theatre Company

Reviews March 21, 2024 Amanda N. Gunther Leave a comment

We’re told we have to do what we’re told, but surely sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty! Like doing all those things you shouldn’t do— reading books, loving musicals, and going to Small Town Stars Theatre Company’s production of Matilda! Those are all naughty little things you absolutely should be doing— and the third thing on that list you should definitely be doing this weekend! Directed by Joel Roberson with Musical Direction by Kelly Stoneberger,

Come And Meet Those Dancing Feet: Dueling Divas in 42nd Street at Scottfield Theatre Company- Katelyn Dixon as Peggy Sawyer

Interviews March 18, 2024 Amanda N. Gunther Leave a comment

What was that word you just said? Havre de Grace? They’re offering you the chance to see the biggest musical the city’s seen in 20 years and you say— Havre de Grace? Now listen, readers, and listen good— cause you’re gonna wanna come on along and listen to— Scottfield Theatre Company as they present the splashy, flashy, big, lush, Broadway musical 42nd Street. And in a sit-down two-part interview session, we’ve got the show’s dueling divas answering some questions all about the production and their experiences!

The North American tour of Company 📷 Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade

Company at The Kennedy Center

Reviews March 16, 2024 Leonard Taube Leave a comment

Somebody hold me too close. Somebody hurt me too deep. Somebody sit in my chair and ruin my sleep and make me aware of being alive. Being alive. That’s the plea of protagonist Bobby in Stephen Sondheim’s musical Company (book by George Furth) which is currently gracing the stage in the elegant Opera House at The John F. Kennedy Center for The Performing Arts in our nation’s capital. Originally produced in 1970 Company was nominated for 14 Tony Awards and won six.

(L-R) Omar A. Said (Panch), Beth Amann (Rona Lisa), B.J. Robertson (Mitch), Taylor Litofsky (Logainne), Cera Baker (Marcy), Preston Grover (Chip), Sam Slottow (Leaf), Lila Cooper (Olive), and Stephen Emery (Barfée) in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, presented by Compass Rose Theater 📷

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Compass Rose Theater

Reviews March 16, 2024 Amanda N. Gunther Leave a comment

Charming— (adjective) ‘Extremely pleasing or delightful.’ Compass Rose Theater is now producing the most charming production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee I think I can ever recall seeing— and that’s saying something as I’ve covered it over a dozen times in as many years, including just a month ago elsewhere! C-H-A-R-M-I-N-G. Directed & Choreographed by Tommy Malek with Musical Direction by Rachel Sandler, this feel-good, upbeat, absolutely adorable musical is perfectly parsed in the intimate staging space that Compass Rose Theater has at Maryland Hall;

Puffs at Silhouette Stages

Reviews March 12, 2024 Chris Pence Leave a comment

Puffs at Silhouette Stages: Revenge of the Nerds,” Potter Style

Have you ever wondered what it was like to be a side character in a story? To not be the hero, but just another onlooker? Matt Cox’s Puffs at Silhouette Stages examines this idea in hilarious fashion as we delve into the world of a Certain School of Magic and Magic. A riotous romp through mediocrity,

The Secret Garden at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church

Reviews March 10, 2024 Amanda N. Gunther Leave a comment

Come spirit! Come charm! Come days that are warm! Come magical spell— they will help you get well! Come to their garden for the most extraordinary theatrical experience that is so stunning, so professional, and so polished you’ll find it hard to believe that it’s a community organization and playing in a church nonetheless! The Secret Garden now live in living color is appearing through the weekend of March 17th with the Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church and it is beyond remarkable,

Jesus Christ Superstar at Third Wall Productions

Reviews March 9, 2024 Amanda N. Gunther

Third Wall Productions, you know I love you. Did you see I waved? I believe in you and your show so tell me that I’m saved! If you’re ready to rock and roll along with the best of them, Third Wall Productions is bringing you that iconic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Jesus Christ Superstar and it’s the most solid production that they’ve had so far! (In their new home at Chestnut Grove Presbyterian.) Directed by Mike Zellhofer,

Steel Magnolias at Artistic Synergy of Baltimore

Reviews March 8, 2024 Chris Pence

“Laughter Through Tears”

Grab your curlers and spill the tea, because it’s time for Steel Magnolias at Artistic Synergy of Baltimore! Playwright Robert Harling’s comedy-drama comes to stunning life through skilled direction and superb performing. Based on experiences from Harling’s life, Steel Magnolias tells the story of six women who become lifelong friends in a Louisiana nail salon, coming together to support each other through good times and bad.

Sam McLellan and company in “The Book of Mormon” North American tour. 📷 Julieta Cervantes.

The Book of Mormon at The National Theatre

Reviews March 7, 2024 Erin Tarpley

“Tomorrow is a Latter Day”

Hello, my name is Elder Tarpley. And I would like to share with you the most amazing play now showing at The National Theatre!

Since its debut on Broadway way back in 2011, The Book of Mormon has been continuing to stun audiences all over the world with its funny, offensive, but surprisingly sweet story, and top-notch music sure to make the Musical Theatre Greats of the Twentieth Century proud… minus all the F-bombs… and the satirical sacrilegious look at organizational religion….

Local Limelight: Actor Paul Ballard on Jesus Christ Superstar at Third Wall Productions and Other Theatre Experiences

Interviews March 6, 2024 Amanda N. Gunther

I dreamed I met a local thespian, a most amazing man. He had that look you rarely find— the happy, cheerful kind! So we’ll take some liberties with Lloyd-Webber’s lyrics to suit our story, but in the first of an on-going series entitled “Local Limelight” we bring to the table, Paul Ballard— an area actor who has been involved with theatre for over 20 years in the Baltimore community scene, and some several years prior to that with some decades of being a lawyer in-between.

Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits at Dundalk Community Theatre

Reviews March 4, 2024 Leonard Taube

There are few things in the theatrical world that are “forbidden”. Those of a certain age might remember the Sci-Fi cult classic film Forbidden Planet, or the TV show Forbidden Island. But there’s one Broadway phenomenon that has stood the test of time and, while not “forbidden” in the technical sense of the word, has sparked legions of loyal followers over the years, and that is Forbidden Broadway.

Finding Nemo Jr. at Children’s Playhouse of Maryland

News March 3, 2024 Amanda N. Gunther

Just below the coral— sea parents dream of who their kids will be! And live on the stage of Children’s Playhouse of Maryland— you can see how wondrous these talented kids can be! Just as long as you— JUST KEEP SWIMMING, JUST KEEP SWIMMING, JUST KEEP SWIMMING! And you’d better swim fast if you want a chance at catching this production of Finding Nemo Jr.— several of the performances have sold out!