Center Stage

 

2

1

Georgino, T.

Baltimore, MD

Burritos, Beer and Beats -

Last month I experienced my first opening night event at Centerstage in downtown Baltimore. Prior to arriving, all I knew was that the play was "Joe Turner's Come and Gone", and that there were to be free burritos and beer before the play began. Honestly, it was these last two items that really  cinched my attendance.

Now, don't misunderstand me, I love live theater and opening nights are always exciting. But due to my past experiences in other cities (namely Tampa), I imagined a slightly formal, somewhat stuffy, too-many-silver-haired-women-in-sequined-Liza Minnelli-castoffs kind of ambiance. Not that I really believe all theatergoers look like this, especially at a play I hadn't seen in a city I had never seen a play in. Possibly it could be I've attended one too many performances (and one is enough, thank you) of "Cats" in the Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg area.  And well, it was a Friday night after an especially long Friday at work, and I was ready to slip on some jeans, hit the hooch and hang out in my neighborhood. But man, I could not have been more wrong about what I expected to find! I also could not have been closer to missing out on absolutely great time had I chosen to remain in the confines of Hampden. The atmosphere was fun and diverse, and the steel drum band (yep, steel drums, baby) was amazing. The crowd - young and old, be-sequined and be-denimed both - danced and everyone seemed to have a genuinely great time. Oh, and the burritos (yes, plural) were terrific and the beer was Brewer's Art. Need I say more? I had a blast and am certainly looking forward to many more events here.

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Elite '08

84

431

Dana L.

Cambridge, MA

Kind of a Baltimore Institution - I've been coming here for a long time. I guess that you could call this "modern theater." The plays are always sort of strange - I don't know if its the content or the delivery. Some of the plays are by mainstream writers, and some are kind of on the fringe. Overall, the concept is good, but I don't think that the execution is ever 100%...

Anyways, I came recently for a play called Hearts, which was a semi-true story about PTSD from World War II. The actors were pretty decent, and as always, the staging was minimal. Overall, the play came across as a bit strange. I fell asleep for a bit, but I'll blame that on me being tired rather than the play being boring.

Overall, don't expect Broadway (or anything of the sort), but you just might have a good time if you come here. And if not, don't blame me...

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14

17

Charisse N.

Baltimore, MD

Don't hate me because I'm writing this blog about where I work . . .I'm writing this blog because I work here!  I work with some of the most professional people in their fields.  Here are the little known facts:  Almost everything you see on stage is made by hand.  From the actual set to the props to the costumes . . . there is an artisan somewhere around this building making magic.  We work with some of the most talented designers.  Most notably, Cathy Zuber, who wins a Tony almost every year for her costume designs.  Many times our season is met with, well, multiple reactions but I have to tell you, we did a fabulous version of Sweeney Todd way before Tim Burton.  Pajama Game happened here before heading to Broadway.  Two Gentlemen of Verona was revived in The Park, because the producers saw our version.  We are one of the most respected and notable regional theaters in the country.  And we are right in your back yard.  AND, we are  non-profit theater who needs and wants the support of our community so that we can continue to do the amazing work that we've been charged to do. So . . . GET YOUR TICKETS.  And as a sidenote:  Because I work here doesn't mean that I like everything that we produce, but I sure can find the beauty in everything we create.

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18

8

kate f.

Baltimore, MD

centerstage is more than just theater.  while last season's Trouble In Mind was a show i couldn't stop recommending, the other events keep me coming back.

i wouldn't expect to see steel drum bands with shodekeh and cheap dranks on a wednesday at center stage BUT I DID!  with gamelan, pucci nippon, and live! at centerstage, it's easy to include people who arent really into theater (but they always end up staying for the shows and LOVE THEM.)  

also, with discount subscriptions on baltimore fun saver, pay what you can and other promotions, it's just as affordable as night at the movies/bar/putt putt course.

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