Baltimore/Washington Backstage - June 16, 2006

What a thrill it is to be writing this column while watching the PBS "Live from Lincoln Center" presentation of "Light in the Piazza". And what a surprise to see a camera IN the orchestra pit focusing on the conductor. This is going to be exciting!  I hope everyone got a chance to see this incredible production. The bonus features at intermission where you were taken backstage were a lot of fun. Great job PBS!!! A special thanks to Bernard Gersten for allowing the taping to be broadcast.

 Late addition: Tonight on ABC World News Tonight (June 16) a profile of Tony winner John Lloyd Young from "Jersey Boys".

Errata. Thanks so much to a reader from New York who corrected an item in last week's column. I mentioned that Idina Menzel had sung "For Good" at a November "Broadway Meets Country" concert. Unfortunately, though Menzel was slated to perform, she was unable to make the event. Nice to have readers in the Big Apple, especially when they take the time to make a correction. Thank you.

Just announced is the FREE Summer Broadway concert lunchtime concert series in Bryant Park (one block from Times Sq. on 42nd St. I highly recommend these if you can get there around noon on Thursdays.

July 6- Jacques Brel, Avenue Q, Hot Feet, and Stomp

July 13- Mamma Mia!, The Drowsy Chaperone, Beauty and the Beast, and Drumstuck I really recommend this one!.

July 20- Wicked, The Color Purple, Phantom, and Shout! The Mod Musical

July 27- You, YoThe Wedding Singer, Tarzan, Hairspray, and Rent

August 3- Spamalot, The Lion King, Chicago, I Love u're Perfect, Now Change

August 10- Putnam Spelling Bee, Fantasticks, and The Actors Fund Annual Concert: Best Little Whorehouse

Notice what is missing? Jersey Boys!!!

Get there as early as you can. Sit on the lawn. Shows go from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Video cameras ARE allowed!!! And you get a chance to meet the actors.

Anyone interested in FREE theater should head to a reading of "Call Me Mister", a 1946 revue with a score by Harold Rome. This is the first time since the original 1946 production is being presented. I recommend a wonderful column by Peter Filichia on TheaterMania.com on June 14 concerning the story behind this. A cast of 29 will be doing the reading at the Theater on the Run, 3700 S. Mile Run, Arlington, VA. For reservations, call 703-553-8782 or visit www.americancentury.org.

Ever hear of "The Sky is the Limit" camp? It gives instruction in acting, dance, music, and design for children and young adults with mild developmental disabilities and non-disabled individuals ages 6 and older. The five week camp starts on July 3 in Dundalk. It is sponsored by the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks' Office of Therapeutic Recreation. Registration deadline is this Monday. 410-887-5370.

Ending on Sunday, at the Olney Theater Center, as "The Elephant Man" ends is successfully run. 301-924-3400. Tickets are only $10!!! Good chance to check out this great theater complex. The OTC kicks off its annual Potomoc Theatre Festival with both "Hedda Gabler" and "Enemy of the People" by Ibsen in repertory in its intimate Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab. "Hedda" runs June 21-July 23 with a Pay What You Can Preview on Tuesday, June 20 @ 7:45 p.m.