2017 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 2017!’
1. “My Fair Lady” at Olney Theatre Center.
READ review.
“Olney Theatre Center’s production of “My Fair Lady” is a fresh, hot, and deliciously satisfying re-envisioning of Lerner and Loewe’s classic.”
Todd Scofield (Colonel Pickering), Brittany Campbell (Eliza Doolittle), and Danny Bernardy (Henry Higgins) in Lerner and Loewe’s ‘My Fair Lady.’ Photo by Stan Barouh.
2. “Death of a Salesman” at Ford’s Theatre.
READ review.
“… unshakable, gut-wrenching production…”
“Death of a Salesman” at Ford’s Theatre, with Kimberly Schraf (Linda), Danny Gavigan (Happy), Craig Wallace (Willy Loman) and Thomas Keegan (Biff). Photo by Carol Rosegg.
3. “No Sisters” at Studio Theatre.
READ review.
“…this play isn’t just about them, it’s about you…a deeply moving and unique experience.”
Biko Eisen-Martin in ‘No Sisters’ at Studio Theatre. Photo by Teresa Wood.
4. “Dorian’s Closet” at Rep Stage.
READ review.
WATCH interview.
“…a sensational world-premiere musical that is relevant and ready for today’s audience.”
Stephen Scott Wormley as Dorian Corey. Photo by Katie Simmons-Barth.
5. “Calendar Girls” at Colonial Players of Annapolis.
READ review.
“I highly recommend scheduling this play on your social calendar.”
Back Row: Rosalie Daelemans (Elaine), Mary Watko (Jessie), Lynn Garretson (Celia), Kathy Jones (Lady Cravenshire/Brenda). Middle Row: Laura Gayvert (Chris), Marti Pogonowski (Annie), Karen Lambert (Ruth), and Darice Clewell (Marie). Bottom Row: Eric Lund (Rod), Rick Estberg (John), and Jason Vellon (Lawrence/Liam) . Photo Courtesy of The Colonial Players of Annapolis.
6. “Crazy for You” at Signature Theatre.
READ review.
“If you are looking for first-class entertainment this holiday season, then look no further than Signature Theatre’s tap-dancing, musical extravaganza, ‘Crazy for You!'”
Ashley Spencer as Polly Baker and Danny Gardner as Bobby Child in ‘Crazy for You’ at Signature Theatre. Photo by C. Stanley Photography.
7. “Carrie: The Musical” at Cumberland Theatre.
READ review.
“…a rustic, raw, and unashamedly haunting production…”
Nicole Halmos as Margaret and Taylor Campbell as Carrie. Photo by Wolford Photography.
8. “Arsenic and Old Lace” at Cockpit in Court.
READ review.
“‘Arsenic and Old Lace’ is your chance to see the brilliant work of Director F. Scott Black, complete with dream cast.”
The cast of “Arsenic and Old Lace.” Photo courtesy of CCBC.
9. “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” at Toby’s Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts.
Educating children for over 45 years, the training that the young, aspiring performers receive at Toby’s Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts is world-class. I was lucky enough to see their amazing production of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” twice.
WATCH video promo.
10. “Out of This World” at Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus.
The final farewell tour of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus featured “The Greatest Show on Earth,” called “Out of This World.” The space theme dazzled audiences with people in space suits walking on the moon, ice skaters on stilts, and a story about a young boy dreaming of one day becoming a ringmaster, like Johnathan Lee Iverson.
READ interview with legendary ringmaster, Eric Michael Gillett.
WATCH interview with ringmaster, Johnathan Lee Iverson.
