November 15 – 21, 2021
1. ‘Maricela de la Luz Lights the World’ at Fells Point Corner Theatre
“…an absolute delight…smart, joyful, and certain to dazzle every generation.” –
READ review.
Synopsis: Maricela de la Luz Lights the World is a fanciful play by Academy-award nominated writer José Rivera. The story follows the adventures of Maricela and her brother Riccardo as they save the world from impending climate catastrophe, reminding audiences that the power to change the world lies within each of us.

Torreke Evans, Talia Segal, Jess Rivera, Alexander Velasco Suro. Photo by Kiirstn Pagan.
2. ‘Tuesdays with Morrie’ at Theater J
“‘Tuesdays with Morrie’ continues to dampen cheeks and warm hearts in a new production at Theater J…Superbly acted with impeccable technical design…” – Charlotte Selton
READ review.
Synopsis: Based on the best-selling memoir, Tuesdays with Morrie is the powerful and moving story of Mitch Albom, a hard-driving sportswriter, and Morrie Schwartz, his former college professor. Directed by Jenna Place, this tender yet profound play recounts the two men reuniting as Morrie faces his own mortality as an ALS patient. What starts as a simple visit turns into a weekly pilgrimage and a beautiful lesson in humanity, compassion, and friendship.

Cody Nickell (L) and Michael Russotto (R) in “Tuesdays with Morrie” at Theater J through December 5. Photo by Teresa Castracane.
3. ‘The Great Leap’ at Round House Theatre
“‘…these four actors are brilliant in their portrayals.” – Mary Ann Johnson
READ review.
Synopsis: The great South African playwright’s [Athol Fugard] meditation on education and its role in the struggle for justice, along with its sad limits in a culture of oppression and bigotry. In an Eastern Cape Karoo town in South Africa in 1984, devoted teacher Mr. M seeks to provide a future for his prize pupil Thami by forming a debate team with a bright student from the local white school, Isabel. But Mr. M’s hopes for Thami are challenged by their generational divide and the political violence brewing outside the classroom.

Randy Nguyen Ta (Manford), Lois Shih (Connie), and Eric Hissom (Saul) in 1989 in “The Great Leap” at Round House Theatre. Photo by Margot Schulman Photography.
4. ‘My Children! My Africa!’ at Washington Stage Guild
“Barnard and Brown…burn up the stage and it’s a catharsis for the audience as well.” – Charlotte Selton
READ review.
Synopsis: The great South African playwright’s [Athol Fugard] meditation on education and its role in the struggle for justice, along with its sad limits in a culture of oppression and bigotry. In an Eastern Cape Karoo town in South Africa in 1984, devoted teacher Mr. M seeks to provide a future for his prize pupil Thami by forming a debate team with a bright student from the local white school, Isabel. But Mr. M’s hopes for Thami are challenged by their generational divide and the political violence brewing outside the classroom.

Jordan Brown as Thami Mbikwana and Libby Barnard as Isabel Dyson in WSG’s ‘My Children! My Africa! Photo by DJ Corey Photography.
5. ‘The Addams Family’ at Children’s Theatre of Annapolis
“…a deeper exploration of family, love, and what exactly “normal” really is. – Laura Tayman
READ review.
Synopsis: The great South African playwright’s [Athol Fugard] meditation on education and its role in the struggle for justice, along with its sad limits in a culture of oppression and bigotry. In an Eastern Cape Karoo town in South Africa in 1984, devoted teacher Mr. M seeks to provide a future for his prize pupil Thami by forming a debate team with a bright student from the local white school, Isabel. But Mr. M’s hopes for Thami are challenged by their generational divide and the political violence brewing outside the classroom.

Finn Hintermister as Uncle Fester in CTA’s “The Addams Family.” Photo credit: Children’s Theatre of Annapolis.