The weeks of June 29 through July 20 were tremendously busy with some bumps in the road and we apologize that we were’t able to post the Top 5 shows for each week. We consider ALL of them to be in the Top 5. Anyone who makes theater in these times is always tops! Some of the most important were the inaugural District Fringe, taking up the gauntlet after Capital Fringe could no longer hold its annual event, and the annual Contemporary American Theatre Festival at Shepherd University in West Virginia. Read all of our reviews for July 2025 at mdtheatreguide.com
Week of July 27, 2025
1. “Groundhog Day The Musical” at Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre
“…magical, memorable…What a fabulous way to end their 59th season!” – Susan Nolan
READ review.
Synopsis: How would you spend your time if forced to repeat the same day over and over again? Phil Connors, a seasoned big-city weatherman, is frustrated to be reporting the annual Groundhog Day Ceremony in small town Punxsutawney, PA. His arrogance and cynicism are in direct opposition to the cheery townsfolk, who are ready for their favorite Groundhog to not see his shadow and welcome an early spring. After disdainfully covering the rodent’s negative forecast, he awakens the next day only to discover it’s February 2 once more. Initially in disbelief, Phil finally accepts he is doomed to repeat the same day over and over again….Will Phil accept that he is doomed to repeat the same day over and over again? Or will he find the courage to change himself and his fate?
2. “Kinky Boots” at Little Theatre of Alexandria
“…bright and colorful celebration of individual expression, acceptance…” – Danielle Comer
READ review.
Synopsis: Based on a true story, Kinky Boots follows young Brit Charlie Price, who abandons his family’s shoe factory to live with his demanding girlfriend in London. After the unexpected death of his father, Charlie returns to the struggling factory and finds it is up to him to figure out a way to keep the business alive. Enter Lola, a fabulous drag queen, who gives Charlie the idea to create ladies’ shoes for men. Soon, the factory is turning out “kinky boots” under the supervision of Charlie and Lola, but can this scheme actually work? And can these two extremely different men find a common ground and become real friends?
The cast of “Kinky Boots.” Photo by Matt Liptak.
3. “The Imaginary Invalid” presented by Classic Theatre of Maryland at Reynolds Tavern
“The laughs come thick and fast…unbridled and sublime silliness…this production will definitely be good for what ails you.” – Jennifer Georgia
READ review.
Synopsis: In this outrageous comedy by playwright Molière, Argan, a wealthy man and hypochondriac, wishes to marry off his daughter Angélique to a doctor from a family of doctors to save money. However, his daughter wishes to marry her lover Cléante instead. When she refuses to obey, she is given four days to agree or become a nun, and the entire household comedically attempts to change her father’s mind.
Kristianna Perri-Dilworth as Beline and Evan Leone as Monsieur de Bonnefoi. Photo by Sally Boyett.
3. “Kinky Boots” at Little Theatre of Alexandria
“…bright and colorful celebration of individual expression, acceptance…” – Danielle Comer
READ review.
Synopsis: Based on a true story, Kinky Boots follows young Brit Charlie Price, who abandons his family’s shoe factory to live with his demanding girlfriend in London. After the unexpected death of his father, Charlie returns to the struggling factory and finds it is up to him to figure out a way to keep the business alive. Enter Lola, a fabulous drag queen, who gives Charlie the idea to create ladies’ shoes for men. Soon, the factory is turning out “kinky boots” under the supervision of Charlie and Lola, but can this scheme actually work? And can these two extremely different men find a common ground and become real friends?
The cast of “Kinky Boots.” Photo by Matt Liptak.
4. “A Strange Loop” presented by Visionaries of the Creative Arts and Deaf Austin Theatre at Atlas Performing Arts Center
“…the ensemble of Deaf and hearing actors brings a rarer vitality to their movement and character…a dynamic, passionate group of artists…” – Savannah Brooks
READ review.
Synopsis: Meet Usher: a Black, Deaf queer writer writing a musical about a black, Deaf queer writer. This blisteringly funny masterwork exposes the heart and soul of a young artist grappling with desires, identity, and instincts he both loves and loathes. Hell-bent on breaking free of his own self-perception, Usher wrestles with the thoughts in his head, brought to life on stage by a hilarious, straight-shooting ensemble. Bold and heartfelt in its truth-telling, A Strange Loop is the big, Black, Deaf and queer-a*s Great American Musical for all!
The cast of “Strange Loop.” Photo courtesy of Visionaries of the Creative Arts.
5. “Apropos of Nothing, a Comedy”at The Keegan Theatre
“…a delightful comedy…feisty and fun script.” – Anne Valentino
READ review.
Synopsis: Owen confesses, apropos of nothing, that he’s in love with his best friend’s wife. But it’s just “a passing phase,” he tells him. “Forget I even said it.” Unfortunately, no one can. And now that it’s out there, everyone’s lives are suddenly turned upside down. With the help of a precocious millennial all parties are soon forced to examine their lives and relationships for the first time. In a comedy about love, irony, and cliche, five friends struggle with…well…love, irony, and cliche.
Ryan Sellers as Owen and Irene Hamilton as Lily. Photo by Cameron Whitman.
Honorable Mention: “Seussical” presented by the Glyndon Area Players
“This tremendously talented troupe brilliantly presents this whimsical musical…” – Julia Tucker
READ review.
Synopsis: Seussical is a sung-through musical comedy based on the works of Dr. Seuss. The show follows the adventures of Horton, an elephant who one day hears voices coming from a speck of dust. He soon discovers that within this tiny speck exists the smallest planet in the universe. The story is about friendship, loyalty, and love. Horton and Gertrude band together to save the Whos, free Horton, and restore peace and unity to the Jungle of Nool.
The cast of “Seussical.” Photo courtesy of Glyndon Area Players.
