In 2006, the musical Nevermore, with music by Matt Conner and book by Grace Barnes featuring lyrics adapted from the writings of Edgar Allan Poe, made its live theatre debut. In northern Virginia. What’s wrong with this story? Ask any Baltimorean – Poe is ours. Yet somehow the musical ran in Virginia, England, and even Australia. Never Baltimore. After a 16-year wait, Stillpointe Theatre is to thank for Nevermore’s Baltimore debut. Director Ryan Haase, along with the talented cast and crew, have delivered a cryptic and immersive experience to finish their 13th season. Nevermore isn’t a full biography, but an […]
Angels in America’s Michael Kevin Darnall on Overcoming Fear and Avoiding Apathy
If you regularly attend live theatre in Washington, DC, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Michael Kevin Darnall perform onstage. Frequently spotted at the Hub Theatre and Spooky Action Theatre, Darnall recently made his Arena Stage debut in Tony Kushner’s epic play, Angels in America Part One: Millennium Approaches, which recently ended it’s run on the Fichandler Stage on April 23. Top image: Michael Kevin Darnall as Louis in Angels in America, Part One: Millenium Approaches. Photo by Margot Schulman. Darnall, who plays the role of Louis Ironson, spoke with Baltimore OUTLoud to share his thoughts on Arena Stage, the AIDS epidemic, […]
There’s ‘Something Rotten’ at Toby’s Dinner Theatre
Shakespearean send-up scintillates as consummately clever comedy by Chuck Duncan The Broadway musical Something Rotten opened on April 22nd, 2015, garnered ten Tony Awards nominations (winning one for Christian Borle as Best Supporting Actor) and for some reason closed after just 742 performances on January 1st, 2017. I first became aware of the show while watching the Tony Awards performance of its signature number, “A Musical,” and finally got to see the show when it went on tour in 2017. I was instantly smitten with Rotten’s simultaneous parody and embrace of Broadway musical conventions. Possessing everything anyone would want in […]
Monty Python’s Spamalot looks on the bright side of life at Toby’s Dinner Theatre
In 1975, British comedy troupe Monty Python hit the big screen for the second time — the first film was basically a collection of their TV sketches — with the original film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The film lovingly and hilariously skewered the legend of King Arthur and it was a hit, and has accrued new fans ever since its release. In 2005, a musical adaptation of the film titled Spamlot opened on Broadway, with a book by Pythonite Eric Idle, and it too was a hit, earning 14 Tony Award nominations, and garnering three awards including Best […]
Serious Adverse Effects: A Timely Production
Running until Sunday, May 23rd, Rapid Lemon Productions presents Serious Adverse Effects both on the in-person stage at the Motor House, as well as streaming platforms. The production, written by Derek McPhatter, explores the story of an unconventional scientist on the cusp of a cure for a mysterious disease. But to complete her research she must find forgiveness from a family with no reason to trust her and embrace the transformative potential of her own healing. Baltimore OUTloud recently chatted with Ohio-native, and playwright Derek McPhatter to discuss the upcoming performance. Frankie Kujawa: In your own words can you tell […]
Two Strikes Theatre Collective Illuminates Black Female Voices
Baltimore’s newest theatre company, Two Strikes Theatre Collective, recently announced their 2021 season complete with virtual devised works, staged readings of original plays, a podcast, and the second annual Brown Sugar Bake-off play festival. The independent theatre company, founded in July 2019, celebrates, promotes, and encourages the intersectional voice of Black women and how it can be used for social change through art and community engagement. Baltimore OUTloud recently chatted with Aladrian C. Wetzel, Executive Director of Two Strikes, to discuss the upcoming season, their upcoming work The Crown is Mine (May 22nd – See Sidebar), and why now more […]
Two Strikes Collective Theatre Presents This Crown is Mine
On Saturday, May 22nd, Two Strikes Theatre Collective will showcase the production of This Crown is Mine, which will feature a series of original performance art about hair types, acceptance, and the perception of curl patterns by others. The production asks the question ‘How have Black women learned to love and appreciate our hair?’ Executive Director, Aladrian C. Wetzel chatted with Baltimore OUTloud about the upcoming performance. “This Crown is Mine was created because we wanted to talk about Black hair. It is a central part of being a Black woman. Our hair has been politicized, it’s been sexualized, […]
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Brings Genderosity to Virtual Audiences
It’s all about gender expression and being fabulous! That’s the tag line for the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington D.C.’s upcoming performance of Genderosity. The performance, which will be a glam rock spectacle celebrating self-expression, was previously scheduled for March 2020, but will now be available from the comfort of your living room. Streaming online from March 13th – March 28th, the performance heralds the upcoming 40th Anniversary of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington DC (GMCW). “The goal was to have a really nice, high energy, colorful, joyful escape from everything else going on,” explained Dr. Thea Kano, Artistic […]
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Unites Community Through Sound
In these trying times, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) has used music as the universal language to unite our community. Baltimore OUTloud recently spoke with Tonya McBridge Robles, the Vice President and General Manager of the BSO, regarding engaging content that has reached the masses through both online mediums and social networks. Frankie Kujawa: Could you explain for our readers how the BSO is engaging with audiences during this time of social distancing? Tonya McBridge Robles: During this time of social distancing, it is vital to the BSO to continue our mission of engaging, inspiring and educating audiences through music. […]
Baltimore Center Stage’s Innovative Online Resources For Public During Pandemic
The arts community in Baltimore is showing just how resilient and resourceful it can be during a time of crisis. While the onset of COVID-19 caused many theaters to physically close their doors in Baltimore, many have sprung to online platforms to continue to entertain audiences. One theater, Baltimore Center Stage (BCS), has led the forefront with its creative online content and innovative access to resources. Baltimore OUTloud recently chatted with Baltimore Center Stage’s Director of Artistic Partnerships & Innovation, Annalisa Dias, who talked about what BCS has to offer to the Baltimore community both online and offline. Frankie Kujawa: […]