1. ‘Casa Valentina’ at Colonial Players of Annapolis.
“It’s a masterful look at what makes people what they are, and Colonial Players of Annapolis created a beautiful and heartfelt production of the play.” – Kristen Price.
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Synopsis: Set in the Catskills in 1962 – land of dirty dancing and Borscht Belt comedy – in an inconspicuous bungalow colony, heterosexual men delight in dressing and acting as women. These white-collar professionals escape their family lives to spend discrete weekends away inhabiting their female alter-egos. When the opportunity to share their secret lives with the world arises, the members of this sorority have to decide whether societal freedom outweighs the risk of potential ruin.
Based on real events and infused with Fierstein’s trademark wit, this moving, insightful, funny, and delightfully entertaining work offers a glimpse into the lives of a group of “self-made women” as they search for acceptance and happiness in their very own Garden of Eden. Casa Valentina received four Tony Award Nominations in 2014.
Jason Vellon and Laura Gayvert in “Casa Valentina.” Photo by Dave Colburn.
2. ‘SOUL: The Stax Musical’ at Baltimore Center Stage.
“…high energy, get-up-off-your feet production…” – Lynne Menefee.
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Synopsis: This world premiere musical is inspired by the legendary story of Stax Records and the rise of iconic artists such as Otis Redding, The Staple Singers, Isaac Hayes, Booker T & The MG’s, Rufus & Carla Thomas, David Porter, Wilson Pickett, Johnnie Taylor, and Eddie Floyd—who created the very foundation of American Soul Music. SOUL The Stax Musical celebrates how music brought Americans together during the early years of the Civil Rights Movement, and continues to bring generations together—from those who remember the early days of R&B, to those who are discovering these phenomenal artists today.
Cast of ‘SOUL The Star Musica’l at Baltimore Center Stage. Photo: Bill Geenen.
3. ‘Charlotte’s Web’ at Creative Cauldron.
“In the end, ‘Charlotte’s Web’ is a story about self-giving friendship…” – Mary Scott Manning.
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Synopsis: A beguiling, new musical version of E.B. White’s beloved classic story about Wilbur, the little pig who becomes famous with the help of his clever spider friend Charlotte. With music and lyrics by Broadway composer Charles Strouse (Annie, ‘Bye, ‘Bye Birdie) and a book by national award-winning children’s playwright Joseph Robinette, audiences will thrill to a musical score which includes “Eating,” Wilbur’s humorous yet poignant song about growing up; “Who Says We Can’t Be Friends,” an enchanting duet between Wilbur and Charlotte; “Welcome to the Zuckerman Barn,” featuring all the story’s unforgettable animals in a hand-clapping, toe-tapping hoe-down; and “Summer,” a haunting, nostalgic chorus number which evokes a time and place from everyone’s childhood. With its lessons of friendship, loyalty and truth, Charlotte’s Web is a gift for audiences of all ages.
Abby Middleton as Charlotte. Photo credit: Noah Taylor.
4. ‘Bad Jews’ at Vagabond Players.
“…one of the funniest pieces I’ve seen in a long time. So go, already. Don’t miss this one. ‘Bad Jews’ is a very good time.” – Timoth David Copney.
READ review.
Synopsis: There’s nothing like a death in the family to bring out the worst in people. When a beloved grandfather dies and a treasured family heirloom with sacred significance is up for grabs, just who is the most deserving heir? Joshua Harmon’s blistering comedy raises provocative questions about religious identity and observance.
(L to R): Molly Mayne as Melody, Jon Meeker as Liam, Michael Kranick as Jonah and Anna Steuerman as Daphna (Photo Credit: Bruce F. Press Photography).
5. ‘The Cherry Orchard’ at Faction of Fools Theatre Company, Inc.
“…a perfect introduction to Chekhov’s comic genius…” – Andrew Walker White.
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Synopsis: This Spring, DC’s favorite Fools take their first foray into the works of Anton Chekhov, with The Cherry Orchard. Complete with secret plots, wily servants, tortured lovers, and a sprawling family estate on the chopping block, you’ll find out why Chekhov himself insisted he wrote comedies! For almost a decade, Faction of Fools has been celebrated as DC’s award-winning Commedia dell’Arte Theater Company. Come see this mix of high art and low comedy, as Faction’s inimitable brand of physical comedy sheds new light on a classic!
(L to R): Francesca Chilcote and Kathryn Zoerb. Photo credit: C. Stanley Photography.
