Reviews

A View From The Bridge at Greenbelt Arts Center

Reviews March 5, 2026 Amanda N. Gunther Leave a comment

If you say something, you know it. If you don’t say something, you don’t know it. So many people keeping their sayings to themselves so that they— what? Get to remain unknown? Anonymous? Ignorant? Blood may be thicker than water but betrayal— that can cut deeper than any bond. Arthur Miller and his seemingly ageless drama A View From The Bridge is painting a bloody and brutal— and tragically still relevant— picture of the American condition.

Spring Awakening at Tidewater Players

Reviews February 28, 2026 Amanda N. Gunther Leave a comment

What serves each of us best is what serves all of us best. Right? Radical idea, no? Tidewater Players is serving up a liberal dose of teenage angst and heartache with their current production of Spring Awakening (based on the play by Frank Wedekind with book & lyrics by Steven Sater and music by Duncan Sheik.) Exploring the topics of growing up and simply yearning to learn outside of what’s being forcibly presented as knowledge within the confines and strictures of the institutions of schools and churches,

By The Way, Meet Vera Stark at Laurel Mill Playhouse

Reviews February 25, 2026 Rick Bergmann Leave a comment

author: Rick Bergmann

By the Way, Meet Vera Stark Balances Screwball Comedy and Sharp Cultural Reckoning

By the Way, Meet Vera Stark by Lynn Nottage, now showing at Laurel Mill Playhouse, sets out to do a lot—and nearly pulls it off. First produced in 2011, the play examines the legacy of African Americans in Hollywood, skewering racial stereotypes while reveling in the conventions of classic cinema and theater.

The First National Tour of Back to the Future: The Musical 📷 McLeod9 Creative

Back to the Future at The Hippodrome

Reviews February 25, 2026 Amanda N. Gunther Leave a comment

Great Scott! 1.21 gigawatts!? Where are you going to get that kind of power in 2026!? At Baltimore’s Hippodrome Theatre, of course! Back to the Future: The Musical is proof positive that you can achieve anything if you just put your mind to it! Based on the film by Robert Zemeckis & Bob Gale (book), Back to the Future (with music & lyrics by Alan Silvestri & Glen Ballard) is zooming at 88 miles per hour into Charm City— but for one week only!

Arsenic & Old Lace at Vagabond Players 📷 Shealyn Jae Photography

Arsenic and Old Lace at Vagabond Players

Reviews February 21, 2026 Amanda N. Gunther Leave a comment

Do you long for a simpler time? A time when things weren’t so complicated? A time, perhaps, when simpler virtues— things like candlelight, good manners, and poisoned wine were on offer in every Old Spinster household? Vagabond Players has got just the show for you, my friends, but whatever you do— DO NOT DRINK THE WINE! That tried and true comedic classic, Arsenic and Old Lace, written by Joseph Kesselring, is now appearing at Vags under the direction of Katie Sheldon and it’s a doozy!

Small Mouth Sounds at Maryland Ensemble Theatre

Reviews February 14, 2026 Amanda N. Gunther Leave a comment

Once you see the ocean you may never be able to return to the well. Once you say a thing, it’s said and can never be unheard. Once you see Small Mouth Sounds at the Maryland Ensemble Theatre, the first production on their mainstage for the 2026 calendar year, you will certainly never be able to unsee it, and you may find yourself wondering if you need to be on the path of enlightenment.

The First National Tour of Stereophonic 📷 Julieta Cervantes

Stereophonic at The National Theatre DC

Reviews February 11, 2026 Amanda N. Gunther Leave a comment

Music isn’t supposed to be perfect. It’s supposed to be about making something together. Theatre too. And that’s what makes Stereophonic so perfect. It’s no wonder it took home five Tony Awards, including best play, in 2024. The imperfections. The rawness. The realness. The ugly, gritty truth of desperation seeking to be perfection guised as making music— that is theatrical perfection incarnate. Stereophonic is a transformative theatrical experience— a true rare bird amidst the era of “Oprah Musicals” (you get a musical,

Dawn at Everyman Theatre

Reviews February 11, 2026 Amanda N. Gunther Leave a comment

“No one understands their mother!” That was the line that got the most relief-laden laugh during the 82-minute run time of Dawn, a new play by Tuyết Thị Phạm, currently making its world premiere at Everyman Theatre. And while the sentiment may indeed be very true, its placement and timing were the exact break of levity that was required in the heaviness of the work as a whole. Directed by Seonjae Jim,

Company at Damascus Theatre Company

Reviews February 10, 2026 Amanda N. Gunther Leave a comment

Phone rings, door chimes, in walks— Company. Damascus Theatre Company (in partnership with the city of Gaithersburg) is presenting this Sondheim classic for three weekends during February and it’s a heartfelt joy with a lot of beautifully humorous moments that really bring the show to life. Directed by Rachelle A. Horn, with Musical Direction by Keith Edward (live orchestra conducted by Stuart Y. Weich), and Choreography by Karen Kushner Creel,

Michael Simpson (center) as Frank Abagnale Jr. and the cast of Catch Me If You Can at Suburban Players 📷 Austin Barnes

Catch Me If You Can at The Suburban Players

Reviews February 8, 2026 Amanda N. Gunther Leave a comment

The Suburban Players did it in style! So set back and let them be your— well it’s not a TV Guide— because they’re live in living color for their 51st production. And it’s a doozy! Catch Me If You Can is flying to Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church this February and it’s a smashing success! Directed by Lauren Hampton with Musical Direction by Steven Edward Soltow and Choreography by Amie Bell, this zippy zinger of a musical comedy,

Dejeanette Horne (left) as Troy and Isaiah C. Evans (right) as Cory in Chesapeake Shakespeare Company’s Fences 📷 Kiirstn Pagan Photography

Fences at Chesapeake Shakespeare Company

Reviews February 7, 2026 Amanda N. Gunther Leave a comment

Some people build fences to keep people out. Other people build fences to keep people in. A powerful statement to be sure; an evocative thought that primes the mind for the emotional journey that is August Wilson’s Fences. Produced at Chesapeake Shakespeare Company as a part of the multi-year, city-wide Baltimore August Wilson Celebration, this striking production is a theatrical pleasure, inviting audiences into the intimate details of day-to-day life in the backyard of the Maxson home in Pittsburgh,

Jesus Christ Superstar at Street Lamp Community Theatre

Reviews February 6, 2026 Amanda N. Gunther Leave a comment

When do we— ride into Jerusalem? When do we— ride into Jerusalem? When do we— ride into Rising Sun? When do we— ride into Rising Sun? What’s the buzz— I’ll tell you what’s a-happening? JCS— that is what’s a-happening! Triumphantly returning to the Street Lamp Community Theatre Stage under the majestic direction of Rylynn Woods, Musical Direction of Mia Bray and Choreography of Stephanie Peterson, the iconic Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar is back!

The Broadway Cast of The Great Gatsby 📷 Evan Zimmerman

The Great Gatsby at The Hippodrome

Reviews February 5, 2026 Amanda N. Gunther Leave a comment

Where’s the party? Can you take me there? Why, of course, Old Sport! It’s roarin’ on over at Baltimore’s Hippodrome Theatre! Come celebrate the glamour, glitz, opulence, and decadence— J. Gatsby himself is sending you a personal invitation! The party never ends at The France-Merrick Performing Arts Center as the national tour of The Great Gatsby launches itself right here in Charm City. Based on the iconic classic American novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald,

Romeo & Juliet a Comedy at The Rude Mechanicals

Reviews January 31, 2026 Amanda N. Gunther Leave a comment

“Fear is like a rhubarb enema!” might just be the wildest thing I’ve ever heard come out of the mouth of a player at a Rude Mechanical’s show. And I’ve seen their King John! My one regret (aside from seeing their King John) is that I couldn’t hear the rest of the line— delivered in utter brilliance by Marin (Linda “Spencer” Dye) the fraidy-cat servant to Roselo because both myself and the rest of the audience were laughing so hard it drowned out whatever insanity came next.

Who the heck knows what. Because captions go wrong all the time. 📷 Kelly Carlson

The Plæy That Goes Wr∅ng at Children’s Playhouse of Maryland

Reviews January 25, 2026 Amanda N. Gunther Leave a comment

Mǝlɔoɯǝ ʇo ┴ɥǝ Ԁlɐʎ ┴ɥɐʇ פoǝs Mɹouƃ˙
Ah. Well. There you have it.

.gnorW seoG tahT yalP ehT ot emoclew ,dias I ?ew llahs ,niaga taht yrt s’teL

Good grief. Somebody call The Stage Manager!

You think all that text went wrong— you should see all the crazy things that happen on the set of Children’s Playhouse of Maryland’s Teh Plaaay That Goes wRoNg.

Save My Black Soul at Laurel Mill Playhouse

Reviews January 20, 2026 Rick Bergmann

author: Rick Bergmann

A Stage for the Soul: Save My Black Soul Shines at Laurel Mill Playhouse

One of the great joys of being immersed in the community theater scene is the occasional chance to encounter something genuinely new. New works are always a risk—sometimes rough around the edges, sometimes still finding their voice—but they offer the rare thrill of discovery. It is therefore a pleasure to report that Save My Black Soul,

Shakespeare In Harlem at Chesapeake Shakespeare Company 📷 Kiirstn Pagan Photography

Shakespeare In Harlem at Chesapeake Shakespeare Company & UMBC Theatre

Reviews January 17, 2026 Amanda N. Gunther

There is a big blue emptiness in a dream deferred. And Chesapeake Shakespeare Company is filling it up with a first of its kind collaborative production between themselves and UMBC Theatre. Langston Hughe’s Shakespeare In Harlem, adapted for the stage and directed by Gerrad Alex Taylor, is appearing for a one-weekend only performance at CSC’s downtown stage after a successful run at UMBC Theatre in the fall of 2025. Evocative poetry in theatrical motion,

Other Desert Cities at Colonial Players

Reviews January 15, 2026 Amanda N. Gunther

You need seasons to mark where you are. It’s currently winter season; halfway through the darkness— halfway through season 77 at The Colonial Players of Annapolis. And they’re bringing you Other Desert Cities by Jon Robin Baitz. Directed by Laura Gayvert, this edgy, albeit questionably dated, drama hits hard with its deep questions of family dysfunction when secrets threaten to unravel pre-existing ways of life.

While the play itself isn’t wholly ‘dated’ there are references that for the younger audiences will be obscure and it certainly bears the signature of its timestamp.

A Man For All Seasons at Kentlands Community Players

Reviews January 14, 2026 Rick Bergmann

author: Rick Bergmann

Conscience on Trial: A Man for All Seasons at Kentlands Community Players

One of the ongoing frustrations of community theater is how often companies return to the same familiar titles. Box-office logic tends to favor what is popular and proven, even if it means repeating shows audiences have seen many times before. That is why it is genuinely exciting when a theater announces a new work—or, as Kentlands Community Players has done this week,

The Mountaineer at Greenbelt Arts Center

Reviews January 12, 2026 Amanda N. Gunther

Who would you risk your life to save? And how high would your chance of dying have to get before you changed your mind? An evocative question that gets posited, albeit left unanswered, in the world premiere of the new musical The Mountaineer (a high-altitude musical by Diana Raynes) at the Greenbelt Arts Center running now through January 17th 2026. Directed, produced, and designed by Eric Honour, this three-person musical experience is a vexing project that has great potential for a future life beyond this first outing on the GAC black box stage.

From East, Like The Sun at Rapid Lemon Productions

Reviews January 11, 2026 Chris Pence

author: Chris Pence

Perpetual Guests in Foreign Lands: From East, Like The Sun at Rapid Lemon Productions

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” Written in 1883, Emma Lazarus’ The New Colossus has welcomed immigrants into The United States since being mounted inside the Statue of Liberty (Liberty Enlightening The World) since 1903. From its inception, The United States has stood as a guiding light for disenfranchised immigrants,

The Shark is Broken at Vagabond Players

Reviews January 10, 2026 Amanda N. Gunther

Art and entertainment are not mutually exclusive; something can tickle your funny bone and give you great pause for appreciation. And vice versa. It’s what Ian Shaw & Joseph Nixon’s script The Shark is Broken sets out to prove. It’s now appearing— the area community premiere— at Vagabond Players, kicking off the back-half of the 110th season! Directed by Stephen Deininger, this fast-paced, truth-based theatrical engagement gives audiences a deeper look at what really happens when filming for a movie gets stalled in tight quarters.

Seven Guitars at Spotlighters Theatre

Reviews January 9, 2026 Amanda N. Gunther

Death is fairer than life; it comes for everybody and does not discriminate. ‘Everybody got a time coming. Can’t nobody say they ain’t got a time coming.’ We all live on borrowed time from the start of our existence; nobody is getting out alive. On a play that opens with its conclusion in plain sight, driving you back through the events of how it ended up that way, August Wilson’s Seven Guitars is a harrowingly beautiful theatrical experience,

Zoe Jensen (center left) as Glinda and Jessie Davidson (center right) as Elphaba at the National Touring Company of Wicked 📷 Joan Marcus

Wicked at The Hippodrome

Reviews December 19, 2025 Amanda N. Gunther

One short day— here in Baltimore City— one short day— full of so much for you! Ev’ry way that you look at the city— there’s something exquisite— that you’ll want to visit— before the day’s through! And while it’s here for several short days (though not too many, only through January 11th 2026) that exquisite thing you’ll want to visit is Wicked on its triumphant return to Baltimore’s Hippodrome Theatre. Landing just in time for the holiday season,

Santa Claus is Comin’: A Motown Christmas Revue

Reviews December 14, 2025 Amanda N. Gunther

Gifts I’m preparing for some Christmas sharing— but I pause because—

Hanging my stocking, I can hear a knocking— ‘zat you, Santa Claus?

Ho-ho-no! It’s one better! It’s Baltimore Center Stage with their festive holiday offering: Santa Claus is Comin’: A Motown Christmas Revue, created by Nygel D. Robinson & Ken-Matt Martin. Co-Directed by Ken-Matt Martin and Victor Musoni, this quick-paced musical revue promises that you will meet joy along the evening’s path,

Angelina Greenleaf, Darcella Owens, Mackenzie Ruszkowski, Ellison Bihm, Braden Ruszkowski, Andrew Greenleaf in A Christmas Carol at Silver Spring Stage 📷 John Cholod

A Christmas Carol at Silver Spring Stage

Reviews December 14, 2025 Amanda N. Gunther 5 Comments

I was asked at the intermission of opening night of A Christmas Carol at Silver Spring Stage, by a fellow who was either meant to be a Dickensian business fellow of sorts, or was perhaps trying to be Mr. Dickens himself (unclear as to which), what my favorite Charles Dickens story was. I’m certain he was expecting me to say Oliver Twist or Great Expectations maybe even a cheeky response of A Christmas Carol.

Juxtapose at Happenstance Theatre

Reviews December 13, 2025 Chris Pence

author Chris Pence

Think Outside The Shadow Box: “Juxtapose: A Theatrical Shadow Box” at Baltimore Theatre Project

In 1968, 2001: A Space Odyssey hit movie theatres shortly after the original novel was released. Sir Arthur C. Clarke, author of the original novel, when asked what exactly the film and novel were about, replied “If you understand 2001 completely, we failed. We wanted to raise far more questions than we answered.”

A Christmas Carol at Maryland Ensemble Theatre

Reviews December 12, 2025 Amanda N. Gunther

It’s that time of year when the stage seems to play— every show you see— Christmas Carol – may three ghosts be haunting you… and this review of mine, in the nick of time, wishes you and yours— to experience one too. Why not experience the Maryland Ensemble Theatre production of the Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol presently running through this weekend at the Weinberg Center for the Arts cattycorner to the MET’s home stage in downtown Frederick?

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (in concert) at Artistic Synergy of Baltimore

Reviews December 12, 2025 Bill Kambergers

author: Bill Kamberger

Stephen Sondheim called this show “a musical thriller,” and he was dead right. The plot, which depicts an understandable attempt at revenge that spirals into indiscriminate serial killing, provides many thrills and even more chills, but the music is the most thrilling of all. It frequently gives a listener chills in the most beautiful sense, even when it is sending a shiver up the spine as well. Several famous concert presentations of the score have proven that it can thrill even with minimal staging,

The National Tour of Water For Elephants 📷 Matthew Murphy

Water For Elephants at The National Theater DC

Reviews December 11, 2025 Steven Kirkpatrick & Charles Boyington Steven Kirkpatrick & Charles Boyington

author: Steven Kirkpatrick & Charles Boyington

At its heart, theatre is story telling. So, a potential definition of “good” theatre might be of a good story told reasonably well. Or, perhaps, of a decent story told terrifically well. What then, of a great story told terrifically well: is it great theatre? If so, then Water for Elephants always stays within the contours of good theatre, and yet veers, at moments, towards great theatre.