1. Romeo & Juliet at The Baltimore Shakespeare Factory
“The acting in this production under the direction of Shakespeare veteran Tom Delise is superb.” -Steve Charing, MD Theatre Guide
READ Steve Charing’s review.
Synopsis: One of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, Romeo and Juliet is the timeless story of star-crossed love torn apart by passion and vengeance.
Brendan Edward Kennedy (Romeo) and Kathryn Zoerb (Juliet). Photo by Will Kirk.
2. Pride and Prejudice at Annapolis Shakespeare Company
Now in their 3rd season, the Annapolis Shakespeare Company is an emerging professional theatre company, employing professional actors in the majority of principal roles while continuing to offer emerging professional actors and student interns professional performance opportunities and rigorous classical training.
Synopsis: All of the wit and romance of Jane Austen’s classic 1813 novel come to life in this refreshingly fast-paced and engaging new adaptation. Finding a husband is hardly Elizabeth Bennet’s most urgent priority. But with four sisters, an overzealous match-making mother, and a string of unsuitable suitors, it’s difficult to escape the subject. When the independent-minded Elizabeth meets the handsome but enigmatic Mr. Darcy, she is determined not to let her feelings triumph over her own good sense — but the truth turns out to be slipperier than it seems. In a society where subtle snubs and deceit proliferate, is it possible for Elizabeth and Darcy to look beyond his pride and her prejudice, and to make the best match of all?
Michael Ryan Neely (Mr. Darcy) and Caitlin McWethy (Elizabeth Bennet). Photo by Corey Sentz.
3. Nunsense A-Men! by Rockville Musical Theatre at Gaithersburg Arts Barn
“Rockville Musical Theatre productions are often so good, that I feel that they should be labeled as professional, rather than community theatre. Their current production of ‘Nunsense A-Men!’ is no exception.” -Mark Beachy, MD Theatre Guide
READ Mark Beachy’s review.
Synopsis: Nunsense A-Men is basically the original “Nunsense” show with all of the characters being portrayed by male musical comedy performers. Think of it as “Mrs. Doubtfire enters the Convent.”
The nuns: Sisters Robert Ann (Bob Schwartz), Reverend Mother (Duane Monahan), Mary Hubert (Paul Loebach), Mary Leo (Aaron Lempert), and Mary Amnesia (Rich Shegogue). Photo by Bruce Rosenberg.
4. It’s A Bird! It’s A Plane! It’s Superman The Musical! by Being Revived at The Performing Arts Factory
With music by Charles Strouse (Annie), this musical played for 129 performances on Broadway at the Alvin Theatre starring Jack Cassidy, Patricia Marand, Linda Lavin, Michael O’Sullivan and Don Chastain.
Synopsis: This is the tale of Superman’s efforts to defeat a vengeful scientist who seeks to destroy the world’s symbol of good. Additionally, there is tension between Superman and a columnist for the Daily Planet newspaper because of the superhero’s attraction to Lois Lane.
Steve Custer as Superman. Photo courtesy of Being Revived.
5. Finally Heard: Feminine Heroes of an Uncivil War at Maryland Ensemble Theatre
Maryland Ensemble Theatre (MET) is dedicated to the creation and production of extraordinary theatre art through the combined voices of a diverse ensemble of professional resident artists who are influential leaders in the community and visionaries in the art of theatre.
Note: Additional shows May 3 & 4 at Carroll Arts Center in Westminster, MD.
Synopsis: This play is a culmination of research that brings to life the stories of six remarkable women during the American Civil War era: a Richmond socialite employs her former slave and childhood apprentice to spy on the Jefferson Davis household, an immigrant woman dons the persona of a man to fight in the war for employment, a small-time war merchant travels the battlefield to supply soldiers and a slave woman intimidates her owners to allow her freedom. The original script was written in 1997 by Angela D’Ambrosia, Sophie Arrick, Meg Coyle-Stanford, Gené Fouché, Rona Mensah and Wanda Schell.
Devin Gaither (Euphemia Goldsborough). Photo by Joe Williams.
