Week of February 12, 2023
1. “Dead Man’s Cell Phone” at Fells Point Corner Theatre
“Bizarre, dizzying, witty, tender, and spiritual…all the layered questions of morality, love, death, afterlife, and wavelengths have been carefully peeled back and exposed in off-kilter reality. ” – Kateri Pelton
READ review.
Synopsis: Gordon is dead, but his cell phone lives on. When Jean, an empathetic museum worker, answers his ringing phone beside her in a café, she is soon playing unwitting comforter and confessor to the man’s grieving friends and family. Before she knows it, Jean’s ensnarled in the underbelly of the dead man’s bizarre life. A wildly imaginative comedy, Dead Man’s Cell Phone is the odyssey of a woman forced to confront her assumptions about morality, redemption, and the need to connect in a technologically-obsessed world.
Dead Man’s Cell Phone is now playing at Fells Point Corner Theatre. Photo by Kiirstn Pagan. Pictured: Laura Malkus and Morgan Stanton.
2. “Kinky Boots” at Olney Theatre Center
“From the time Parker enters, his Lola is hot, sexy, and sassy…Much of the spectacle is due to the fine direction of Jason Loewith, along with the choreography of Tara Jeanne Vallee.” – Susan Brall
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Synopsis: The uplifting Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award-winning hit by superstar Cyndi Lauper lands on the Olney Theatre Mainstage in spike heels and ready to strut. Charlie Price (Vincent Kempski) is desperately trying to save his family’s shoe factory, when an encounter with Lola (Solomon Parker III), a London drag queen in need of a quick repair for her boot, unites them in a new business venture. In order for their plan to work, the macho culture of Charlie’s economically depressed industrial hometown is going to have to co-exist with the gender-fluid exuberance of Lola and her queens. Hilarious and moving, Kinky Boots is an optimistic, 21st Century tale of finding community and family in unlikely circumstances.
Vincent Kempski as Charlie and Solomon Parker III as Lola with the Angels in “Kinky Boots” at Olney Theatre Center. Photo Credit: DJ Corey Photography
3. “Bars and Measures” presented by Mosaic Theater Company at Atlas Performing Arts Center
“…for the avid theatergoer, the music lover, the jazz aficionado, and those who just want to experience a night of thoughtful and provocative entertainment.” – Anne Valentino
READ review.
Synopsis: Eric, a classical pianist, and Bilal, a jazz musician, are brothers by blood, united through a love of music but separated by prison bars. When Bilal’s trial reveals hidden secrets and unexpected truths, the young men are forced to ask whether their love, and music, can withstand betrayal? Inspired by true events, award-winning playwright and breakbeat poet Idris Goodwin’s acclaimed Bars and Measures is a moving play with music that reflects on faith, family, and politics with equal parts imagination and intensity.
Joel Ashur, Louis E. Davis, and Afsheen Misaghi in Bars and Measures. Photo by Chris Banks.
4. “Incognito” at Constellation Theatre Company
“…wonderful quartet of actors…an exhilarating night of theatre…” – Anne Valentino
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Synopsis: A fascinating, transatlantic mystery that spans the 20th century, interweaving three stories and 20 characters, played by an ensemble of four actors. A scientist obsesses about dissecting Albert Einstein’s brain in search of physical clues to explain his brilliant mind. A musician suffers a seizure and forgets everything except his love for his devoted fiancée. A neuropsychologist struggles with her past, while experiencing her first romance with another woman. This compelling drama will touch your heart and captivate your mind.
Marcus Kyd and Kari Ginsburg. Photo by DJ Corey. Photography
5.“Crowns” presented by ArtsCentric at Baltimore Center Stage
“Simply put, this ‘Crowns‘ is an exuberant thrill of a show, one best enjoyed by participating…you’ll love every minute..“ – Max Garner
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Synopsis: Yolanda, a young Black woman from Brooklyn, has traveled down south to stay with her aunt after her brother is killed. There, she encounters a world full of traditions… with a hat for every occasion! From flirting to churchgoing to funerals to baptisms, these crowns symbolize a legacy that spans from African rituals and slavery to the current day. Can Yolanda find her footing in this royal new world?Through a blend of Gospel, poetry, and dance, Crowns is a musical about honoring your roots, finding your groove, and embracing your own style.
The cast of “Crowns.” Photo by J Fannon Photography.
Honorable Mention: “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)” at Vagabond Players
“…100% funny…high-energy and hilarious performances.” – Pamela Steinik
READ review.
Synopsis: Egad and forsooth! Take three wild ’n’ crazy actors plus Shakespeare’s 37 plays, cram ‘em all into 97 minutes, and you’ll learn more about The Bard (through songs, raps, interpretative dancing and even a cooking show!) than you ever did while you were asleep in English class.
Cast members (l to r) Sydney Marks, Stephen Deininger, and Matthew Payne relax with poor Yorick. Photo by Nicolle Walker.
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