2016 was a great year for theatre across the MD/DC/NOVA area! From the list of shows that I personally had the chance to review or watch this year for MD Theatre Guide, I chose my ‘Top 10 Favorite Shows of 2016!’
1. ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’ at Colonial Players of Annapolis.
READ review.
“Perhaps Albee wanted the audience to be emotionally exhausted by the end of his play, enabling them to feel what the characters were feeling. For me, I found the play to be a rewarding experience and well-worth a visit to George and Martha’s home. ‘George and Martha: sad, sad, sad…'”
Joseph Mariano (George), Sarah Wade (Honey), Debbie Barber-Eaton (Martha), and Ron Giddings (Nick). Photo by Colburn Images.
2. ‘Hairspray: In Concert’ with BSO and John Waters at Strathmore and Meyerhoff.
READ review.
“‘Hairspray: In Concert’ is a unique opportunity to see writer and director John Waters in person serving as the Narrator. His brand of humor will keep you smiling as he moves the story forward. Come and see what surprises he has in store. This event is not to be missed!”
3. ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ at Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre.
READ review.
“This is truly a show that I could see again and again, thanks to the talented cast and creative team. In my opinion, this Spelling Bee gets an ‘A’!”
Back row: Jordan B. Stocksdale (Leaf), Alex Levenson (Logainee), Thomas Stratton (William), Joseph Waeyaert (Chip). Front row: Sarah Burton (Marcy), and Tori Weaver (Olive). Photo courtesy of the production.
4. ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ by Ballet Theatre of Maryland at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts.
READ review.
“Who else but Dianna Cuatto, the Ballet Theatre of Maryland’s Artistic Director, could make a three hour ballet seem like a short dream that you never want to end?”
‘The Sleeping Beauty’ at Ballet Theatre of Maryland. Photo by Nick Eckert.
5. ‘The Other Place’ at Rep Stage.
READ review.
“In the end, shocking moments of self-discovery are revealed in this fearless production directed by Rep Stage’s very talented Joseph W. Ritsch.”
Maggie Robertson (The Woman) and Julie-Ann Elliott (Juliana). Photo by Katie Simmons-Barth.
6. ‘Sister Act’ at Toby’s Dinner Theatre.
READ review by Pamela Steinik.
“‘Sister Act’ explores a different side of spirituality and shows that ‘it’s good to be a nun.’ Sure… you have to wake up at 4am, fast, and renounce all of your possessions, but that’s ok if you also have time to sing and dance with the sisters. All in all, the musical is just holy fun.”
Lynne Sigler (center) as Sister Mary Lazarus and the altar boys in Sister Act at Toby’s Dinner Theatre. Photo by Jeri Tidwell Photography.
7. ‘Moxie: A Happenstance Vaudeville’ by Happenstance Theater at Round House Theatre.
READ review.
“This theatrical collage, collaboratively devised by the ensemble, is filled with sunny optimism, a breath of fresh air, and a splash of heart.”
Mark Jaster, Alex Vernon, Sarah Olmsted Thomas, Sabrina Mandell, and Gwen Grastorf in MOXIE: A Happenstance Vaudeville by Happenstance Theater. Photo by Cheyenne Michaels.
8. ‘The 39 Steps’ at Dundalk Community Theatre.
READ review.
“Overall, DCT’s production of ‘The 39 Steps’ is worth seeing if you like a madcap mystery, sizzling romance, and hilarious comedy in the style of Monty Python.”
Tatiana Dalton, Charlie Lidard, Patrick Martyn and Toby Hessenauer in ‘The 39 Steps’ at DCT. Photo by Tom Lauer.
9. ‘Young Frankenstein’ by Silhouette Stages.
READ review by Pamela Steinik.
“As one of the most entertaining productions I’ve seen, I strongly recommend that you go to this madcap musical – perfect for an early Halloween and better than any candy.”
Mort Shuman Photography.
10. Agne G in ‘A Night to Remember’ at The Scottish Rite Temple Auditorium.
READ review.
“Agne G shows a lot of promise as a performer. What I like best is her authenticity off stage that transcends into her performance on stage. Her warmth as a person is also reflected into the performance of her songs, making it a night to remember.”
Agne Giedraityte at the concert, surrounded by her proud parents.
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