Happy Memorial Day!

I hate to go all "non-theater" on you all, but deal with it. Happy Memorial Day to all of the men and women of this country who work so selflessly to ensure that we can live happy and free lives in this country. Without you, this blog wouldn't exist.

Anywayses,

I have an update on my last update. Elisa Dugan is the name of the actress that is playing Lina in "Singin"..." and I have been assured, again, that her performance will be hysterical. Break legs Elisa!

Oh yeah...

ONE MORE THING!

So, when I posted the season info for Cockpit, I said I would try to get some more info on the casts of the shows, and I totally forgot to post what else I learned!

1. James Biernatowski is playing Cosmo Brown in "Singin..."

2. Ryan DeVoe and Beth Higbee of PFT's HSM are in the cast of Curtains, so I'm sure you can expect LOTS of fantastic character choices from them.

3.I need to get a name officially, but apparently the actress playing Lina in "Singin'..." is NOT to be missed. If anyone has her name, either comment or e-mail me!

Thanks.

-Fiyero

Btw, I might sign each post as a different musical character. By might, I mean I'm going to no matter what.

Updates

Hey everyone! Again, I'd like to let everyone know that the official e-mail address for this blog is: mdtheatrereviews@yahoo.com! PLEASE let me know if you're in a show and want an announcement on here! I'm going to try to stay current with what is coming up, but I can't be relied on to know about every show, so drop me a line if you want me to post it here!

I'm returning to PFT's "High School Musical" either tomorrow or next Friday because my friends are now dying to see it, so I might potentially post another review-esque "thing" when I see it again. Also, I know that "Singin' in the Rain" is one of the next shows that I'll review, unless I find out about some other performances going on soon!

Also, I'm thinking about taking the "Cue and A" feature of Playbill and running with it. How would you all feel about some fun questionnaires filled out by some local talent? Yes? No? Probably no, but I like it anyways so I might just do it. I'll try to find a way to get in touch with some of the HSM cast members to see if they would be interested, so if anyone knows how to call Sharpay or Ryan Evans on those fabulous bejeweled cell phones, let me know! :)

Okay people, I have some LOST reruns to catch up on, and by catch up on, I mean watch but not actually understand. So, I'm out.

Respectfully Yours,

OG

Review- High School Musical @PFT

WOW! The Wildcats of East High are working it out in Harford County in Disney's "High School Musical"! I had such an awesome time tonight! For an opening night, there were obvious snags that come with first-night jitters, but this cast covers like professionals and moves on swiftly. First, the set, though simple, works for the purposes of the show. The lighting design was especially noticeable, and really did wonders for each scene. PFT's Technical Department is getting better and better, and it really helps the overall production value of their shows. The lights really shone (half pun intended...I guess?) in "Status Quo", the Act 1 closer. Bambi Johnson doesn't disappoint with her choreography, as I expected she wouldn't. The cast is running, jumping, spinning and hip-hopping like crazy, and she has created dances that get both the cast and crowd going. The Megamix, which happens after Curtain Call (so stay in your seats!) is the night's show stopper, with some surprise choreography worthy of the ESPN Cheerleading coverage (you'll see what I mean).

Eyvo Johnson directs this production, and he clearly knew what he was doing. The cast seems comfortable with what they are doing on stage, no matter how cheesy it may be. It is also apparent that he allowed these actors some space to create their own characters, most obviously with Sharpay and Ryan Evans (more on them later) so they felt at home on stage. I'm going to suggest that this new Creative Dream Team PFT has stay in place, because they know how to put on a show for sure!

Alright, onto what you all (all 5 of you) want to know...How was the cast? Starting with Lexie Wohlfort, who plays Gabriella. Lexie, a student at John Carroll in Bel Air, plays the role to perfection. Gabriella isn't the most fun character to play. but Ms. Wohlfort does it very well. She has a pretty voice that lends itself well to her character's various ballads, and on top of that, her costumes only highlight her sunny disposition on stage! Bravo, Lexie! Tyler Fritz, as Troy Bolton, is also a JC student and tackles the role with great energy but falls short of his cast mates most of the time. It might have been opening night jitters, but Mr.Fritz has to play a lot of catch up to match the level of talent on that stage. Adam McDowell and Kelleigh Pangratz as Chad and Taylor, play well off of each other and bring lots of smiles to the audience's faces. Standout Mackenzie Brockmeyer is adorable as Kelsi, the composer-in-the-making of the show. She is clumsy and lovable and you can't help but like her. Matthew Feldman is another star of the evening, playing the school announcer, Jack Scott, to perfection. He knows how to make a crowd laugh, and succeeds greatly. The two real stars of the evening though, were Elisabeth Johnson and Ryan DeVoe, who play wonder twins Sharpay and Ryan Evans. Both have incredible acting skills, which they use to their advantage constantly. They shoot death stares at "lesser students" like it was their job. Ms.Johnson has a pretty voice and looks gorgeous in her costumes, and plays Sharpay like a true pro, and makes you hate to love her within 10 minutes of the show starting. It seems like a role that she was "born to play" and play it she does! Mr.DeVoe is comic genius, turning Ryan into a ditzy, hysterical sidekick to Sharpay and has the audience bursting with laughter every time he is on stage. The boy has insane comedic timing and he knows how to use it, and redefines the word "scene stealer". On top of that, he can work a visual gag like no other, using his various props and day-glo costumes (including a pair of Lady Gaga-esque sunglasses) to his advantage. Together, the pair steal the show, and have arguably the best voices out of the cast.

It isn't just the principals who stand out, though. The ensemble features some amazing talent as well! Leslie Perry, the head cheerleader, looks fantastic in her dance pieces and pulls off a back handspring like a true varsity cheerleader would! Conor DeVoe pulls out a dead-on Kristen Wiig impersonation in the "Auditions" number, as well as showing off his incredible dance ability at various points throughout the show. Beth Higbee shines in two small roles, one as a ditzy cheerleader (she doesn't have lines, but keep an eye on her, she knows how to work an ensemble spot) and as an up-tempo and sequin-loving auditionee in the "Auditions" number. Joe Novak somehow manages to dance in an oversized mascot costume, so kudos to him for avoiding an on-stage heat stroke.

Okay, so this was a little long winded, I'm aware, but I'm also getting the hang of writing reviews, too. They will become a little less crazy over time, I promise! Plus, I'm a Disney fan, so I could go on forever about this production!

I say unto you all, GO SEE THIS SHOW. It is a GREAT time for kids and families, and even those of us who just love some good Disney showtunes! I give the production an A-, the minus for some of the casts shortcomings and a weird rendition of "Cellular Fusion" late in Act 1. Overall, though, the show is awesome and I loved it. I might even return next weekend once the cast has really hit their stride!

Again, ticket information can be found on Harford's website

www.harford.edu

D

Lack of Posting/E-mail/Vacation

Hi all! So I sort of posted a lot then disappeared. Sorry! Between the wifi at my home being shoddy and have no kind of extra time, I fell off the radar. Anyways, I finally got an e-mail account for this blog up and running. So, if you want to send any comments/concerns/love or let me know about upcoming performances, the address is mdtheatrereviews@yahoo.com. Seriously, I would love for anyone who is involved with a show to let me know so I can get the word out! Anyways, I leave in the morning for a vacation with my family, so I will most likely be falling off the radar until Thursday when I return! I would assume there will be wifi, so I will try to post some more season listings on here, since I haven't been to anything to review, and try to update at least once this week while I'm gone. So please, if you have anything you'd like me to try and post, e-mail me! I'll be attending the opening performance of High School Musical at PFT on Friday, so expect the review either late that night or whenever I decide to wake up on Saturday morning! Until next time, keep belting.

D

Season Listing: PFT/HDT

I think that Harford County is getting the cold shoulder when it comes to arts reviews, so I wanted to get the info out there about Phoenix Festival Theatre and Harford Dance Theatre's seasons! Both companies do amazing work, especially for families, with the occasional mature piece thrown in to give the adults a night away from the kids. Opening next week is "Disney's High School Musical" which promises to be a treat for the audience. The husband and wife team of Eyvo Johnson and Bambi Johnson direct and choreograph the production. Expect lots of singing and some awesome dancing. Mrs.Johnson has served as director and choreographer to many Harford Dance Theatre shows in the past, and they never disappoint, so expect nothing but fun from this production.

Show Times are:

May 28-8 pm

May 29- 3 & 8 pm

May 30-3 pm

June 4- 8 pm

June 5- 3 & 8 pm

June 6-3 pm

Tickets are $9-18 each and can be purchased over the phone (443-412-2211) or in person at the box office which is open daily in Harford Community College's Chesapeake Building, also the location of the show. I have it on good word that tickets have been pre-selling very well, so I'd suggest purchasing ASAP over the phone. This will be a great one for the kids and families! I'll post a review after opening night! Because yes, I will be there opening night cheering on the Wildcats! What can I say? I love me some Disney.

Next up Harford Dance Theatre's "Discover Dance Series: Animals on Parade" which plays the Amoss Center on June 12th. I've already heard good things about this event, and seeing as it is for one day only, get out there! Harford Dance Theatre has been a hub for some of the county's most promising dancers, and they never fail to entertain! Tickets are $6-12 and can be purchased by calling 443-412-2211.

Finishing up the season at PFT is "Sweeney Todd:The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" or, Sweeney Todd, the man with enough emotional issues to span 4 episodes of Oprah. Todd Starkey of Tidewater Players directs, and I'm sure it will be a knockout. I don't remember dates specifically, but Mr.Starkey directed "Cabaret" for PFT a few years back, and I will say that it was hands down one of the best production in area history. Mr.Starkey knows how to put on a show, and I'm sure with this Sondheim chiller, he will deliver in full and scare the bejesus out of the audience while doing it. The show opens in September, so I'll post more info on it later this summer.

Okay, people. My advice, get to HCC to take in some great performances in May/June with "High School Musical" and "Discover Dance" and if you like what you see, get thee back for Sweeney!

Season Listing: Cockpit in Court

Cockpit in Court has been producing great, affordable theatre for the community for years, and this season is no different! I'm posting their season listing and how to purchase tickets because this summer will be exciting and not to be missed!

Singin' in the Rain
Mainstage
June 18 - July 4

Daddy's Dyin',
Who's Got the Will?
Cabaret Theatre
June 25 - July 4

Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs
Lecture Hall
July 9 - 18

Curtains: The Musical
Murder Mystery
Mainstage
July 23 - August 8

Angel Street (Gaslight)
Cabaret Theatre
July 30 - August 8

I'm personally very excited for "Singin..." and "Curtains" because, though one is far newer than the other, both are fun, campy musicals that everyone can enjoy! I have it on good word that "Singin" will have some AMAZING rain effects on stage. To my knowledge, Joseph Murphy, from Harford County, will be playing the lead role! Those are some big, tap dancing shoes to fill, but I'm sure he is up for the challenge! I'm not sure about casting for "Curtains" but I will see if I can get some more info!

Tickets can be purchased online (https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2/team.asp?SponsorID=2025), in person at the box office, or by phone at 443-840-2787. I'll be there, will you?

Better Late Than Never: Spelling Bee at Tidewaters

For those of you who don't know much about "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" I will tell you this: Get to Tidewater Players in Havre de Grace and see it! The show itself is about young spellers in their local spelling bee, complete with hummable music and a genius book. Tidewater has done a great job with the production as a whole, and I feel bad for not posting this before, but seeing as this blog literally just started, I figured that it was better late than never! If you ARE one of the readers who doesn't know much about the show, I would potentially avoid signing up to actually become a speller. Yes, part of the comedy comes from the fact that audience members who choose to participate are actually called on stage and cleverly worked into the script, most notably by the Bee's judges. I seem to have misplaced my program, which really doesn't do much for me in the ways of remembering everyone's names but cast standouts include Gary Dieter as Leaf Coneybear, a complete space cadet who is trying to prove his smarts to his large and oddly-named family and "Dickie" Mahoney as William Barfee (pronounced "bar-fay", one of the only comedic bits which grows tired by the end of the show) who pulls off Barfee's many neurotics ticks. All in all, I give the production a thumbs up, and if you're looking for something fun to do this coming weekend, I say head to HdG and see the show! Tickets are $16 and can be purchased online through their website (www.tidewaterplayers.com), in person, or by phone at 410-939-5046. Bravo, Tidewater!

Hello.

Hey everyone! So, I got to thinking, while I love BroadwayWorld, the reviews have been a little sparse lately and I wanted to create a space for Maryland Theatre Reviews as well as news tidbits when I actually get them. I noticed that, outside of Baltimore and it's closely surrounding areas, there wasn't a place for reviews and announcements about other happenings in MD theatre, so I hope you all (be it 1 or 1000) can tip me off on shows happening all over the place, so we can help get the word out about supporting the arts!