SEASoN51 Theater for the H eart 2013-2014
Dear Friend,
Welcome to Season 51 at CENTERSTAGE. This year, it’s all about the heart. With a roster of remarkable theater artists and stunning stories, it’s a season of uproarious comedy, breathtaking music, gorgeous poetry, and unexpected adventures. Each of these plays says something fundamental about what it means to be human, about what it means to feel. To love, to laugh, to think and to ponder, to long for something or someone, to risk an adventure not knowing where you’ll end up. They are beautifully crafted plays, each with a daring and thoughtful take on matters of the spirit. Want to join us on this adventure? Membership is the best way to do it. Not only do Members receive the best seats at the best prices, but they serve as the very foundation that allows this theater to thrive. Won’t you join us? Warmly,
Kwame Kwei-Armah Artistic Director
SEASoN 51 Theater for the H eart Animal Crackers
A Musical Comedy Gem
Book by George S. Kaufman & Morrie Ryskind Music & Lyrics by Bert Kalmar & Harry Ruby Adapted by Henry Wishcamper Original Orchestrations by Doug Peck
Sep 4–Oct 13
dance of the holy ghosts: a play on memory
Drama in the Key of Blues By Marcus Gardley Oct 9–Nov 17
A Civil War Christmas A New Holiday Classic By Paula Vogel Nov 19–Dec 22
Stones in His Pockets An Acting Tour de Force By Marie Jones Jan 15–Feb 23
Twelfth Night
Shakespeare’s Most Perfect Comedy By William Shakespeare Mar 5–Apr 6
The Liquid Plain
An Award-Winning Historical Saga By Naomi Wallace Apr 16–May 25
Wild with Happy
A Heartwarming Adventure By Colman Domingo May 28–Jun 29
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th e M U SICA L
l a m i An
Crackers 4
GEM Animal Crackers
Sep 4–Oct 13
“Crackers is pure pleasure: Like Harpo, it’s always got another ace up its sleeve.” –Time Out Chicago
Book by George S. Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind Music and Lyrics by Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby Adapted by Henry Wishcamper Original Orchestrations by Doug Peck
The toe-tapping, knee-slapping Marx Brothers classic gets a zany new revival in this gem of American musical comedy. The society party of the season has landed at the Rittenhouse estate, but the disappearance of a valuable painting threatens to spoil the affair. Thankfully, Captain Spaulding is on the case! Or is he? Starring 2012 City Paper Best Actor Bruce Nelson as Groucho Marx playing the ineffable Captain Spaulding, Animal Crackers proves that the comedy genius of the Marx Brothers is as spot-on as ever.
SEASoN 51
COM EDY
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“The richness of [Gardley’s] language… brings to mind the work of August Wilson.” –The New York Times
Drama in the key of blues SEASoN 51
dance of the holy ghosts: a play on memory
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Oct 9–Nov 17
By Marcus Gardley • Directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah
Oscar Clifton is a Blues man living through his memories of the past, until his estranged grandson Marcus pays a visit. Together, they confront a history of loves, regrets, and missed opportunities. This acclaimed play by Marcus Gardley is a poetic family drama set in the key of Blues— a memory-scape skipping seamlessly across the decades.
dance of the holy ghosts
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A NEW HOLIDAY CLASSIC “It’s hard not to be touched by the plain beauty.” –New York Post
“When the actors’ voices rise together in song… there arises from the dark history being told an ineffable sense of wonder at the survival of faith and humanity even in hearts ravaged by loss.” –The New York Times
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Nov 19–Dec 22 By Paula Vogel
Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel spins a musical tale of hope and forgiveness. It’s a bitterly cold Christmas Eve in 1864 and all along the Potomac, from the White House to the battlefields, friends and foes alike find their lives strangely and poetically intertwined. Weaving together period carols and folk songs, this “beautifully stitched tapestry of American lives” (The New York Times) is sure to become a new holiday classic for the entire family.
SEASoN 51
A Civil WarChristmas
A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: An American Musical Celebration
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AN ACTING TOUR DE FORCE Stones In His Pockets
Jan 15–Feb 23
SEASoN 51
By Marie Jones
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When a big Hollywood film crew takes over a small Irish town, the locals line up to earn their “40-quid-a-day” as extras—and maybe pursue some dreams of their own. Charlie wants to write a blockbuster screenplay, while Jake would settle for a date with the lovely leading lady. Where they and their neighbors end up ultimately surprises them all. An “uproarious, joyful evening” (New York Daily News) with two actors playing more than a dozen characters, Stones is an acting tour de force both rollicking and poignant.
Stones in His Pockets
“It is sheer, nutty, rarefied fun… worth a leprechaun’s ransom.” –New York Post
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“Twelfth Night is a perennial favorite… with its multifaceted plot mixing sweetness, sadness and silliness.” –The New York Times
Twelfth
Night
SHAKESPEARE’S MOST PERFECT COMEDY Mar 5–Apr 6 By William Shakespeare
Revelry, disguises, swashbuckling, and (of course) pining lovers abound in what some call Shakespeare’s most perfect comedy. Twins Viola and Sebastian, separated in a shipwreck and presuming each other dead, wash ashore in the beautiful but mysterious land of Illyria. A tale of mistaken identity and mismatched ardor unfurls as lords and ladies, servants and masters wind a topsy-turvy path to happiness.
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SEASoN 51
TWELFTH NIGHT
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Horton Foote Prize for
SEASoN 51
Promising New American Play
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liquid
The
Winner of The 2012
Plain
THE LIQUID PLAIN
Apr 16–May 25
By Naomi Wallace • Directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah
In this lyrical and award-winning new drama, two runaway slaves and an amnesiac sailor live on the docks of an 18th-century New England seaport. But as identities come to light and truths are revealed, plans for an escape to Africa are put in jeopardy and their lives are forever altered. Kwame Kwei-Armah, after directing the world premiere at Oregon Shakespeare Festival in summer 2013, will stage this sweeping historical saga for Baltimore audiences.
AWARD-WINNING HISTORICAL SAGA 15
A HEARTWARMING ADVENTURE “Absurdly amusing.” –Variety
WILD WITH HAPPY
May 28–Jun 29
Happy 16
–Entertainment Weekly
By Colman Domingo
Grief is a funny thing. Gil’s boyfriend has left him, his acting career isn’t exactly taking off, and his mother just passed away. He’s not taking it all very well. But luckily his boisterous Aunt Glo, a sensitive funeral director, and his outrageous best friend may be exactly what he needs. Colman Domingo’s new comedy, a recent smash hit at New York’s Public Theater, is a wild ride through love, loss, and, just maybe, The Most Magical Place on Earth.
SEASoN 51
with
“[Domingo is] extravagantly talented.”
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See all 7 shows in our 2013-14 Season full season Membership
is the gold standard for a reason: you guarantee the absolute best seat assignments for our entire season, and for as long as you continue to renew.
Why should you join? ● ●
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early-bird pricing ends April 26
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NO PER-ORDER SERVICE CHARGE—the booking fees are waived entirely. You’ll save up to 53% off as compared to buying show by show. It’s like seeing three shows for free!
Flex Passes
A flexible ticket good for one seat to any play in our 2013-14 Season*
You can use one pass per show for 6 different shows, or all 6 passes on a single evening. You can redeem immediately or at the last minute. How you use them is up to you! It’s maximum flexibility. Plus you get all the benefits of Full Season Membership. Flex redemption for 2013-14 begins in July. *Must purchase a minimum of six.
You will be guaranteed the best available seats for the Membership level you purchase. Unlimited ticket exchanges, with no service charge, with 24 hours advance notice. $6 off additional full-price tickets you purchase— or half-off additional tickets for students and seniors The exclusive ability to purchase pre-paid vouchers for the LAZ Parking garage on Monument and Calvert. Special Membership drink discounts.
GO Pass for theater-goers between 18–34 with commitment issues.
For just $48 come and see theater on YOUR terms. Much like a gym membership or Netflix subscription you come when you’d like and watch what you want. There are no restrictions on performance days or times. You can even come back to see the same show over and over. You can book in advance or the day of. How you use the GO Pass is up to you. Furthermore, you can bring your friends with GO Friend tickets for only $20 each. Sponsored by 19
early-bird pricing
FULL SEASON MEMBERship type
ap full
ap member
savings
a full
a member
savings
b full
b member
savings
Previews
$307
$222
$276
$182
$105
$308
$214
$258
$133
53%
Weekdays
$257
34%
$224
$344
28%
Weekends
$419
$319
$383
$276
$329
$189
25%
24%
31%
28%
48% 43%
FULL SEASON MEMBERship pricing after april 26 type
ap full
ap member
savings
a full
a member
savings
b full
b member
savings
Previews
$307
$242
21%
$276
$203
26%
$224
$118
47%
Weekdays
$344
$267
$308
$237
$258
$148
Weekends
$419
$333
$383
$296
$329
$199
flex pass* day
22% 21%
savings
Previews
$30 per pass up to 32% off
Weekdays
$36 per pass
up to 28% off
Weekends
$40 per pass
up to 34% off
23%
Pearlstone Theater
*Must purchase a minimum of six tickets to receive Flex pricing.
price
23%
AP
A B A
AP
Orchestra
A
Mezzanine
20
40%
AP
A A
A A
A
B A
Stage
A
A
A-K
Orchestra
A Mezzanine
Name _________________________________________
Address _ ______________________________________
Phone _________________________________________
_______________________________________
Weekdays: Tue, Wed at 8 pm; Thu at 7 pm; Sun at 7:30 pm, Wed Matinee at 1 pm
Select a performance:
Preview
Membership package:
Full Season
Additional 10% OFF
Head Theater B
Previews (first week of performances only): Tue, Wed, Fri at 8 pm; Thu at 7 pm; Sat 8 pm Sun at 2 pm & 7:30 pm
Weekends: Fri, Sat at 8 pm; Sat, Sun at 2 pm, Opening Nights
43%
Stage B
Performance Days
A A
2013–14 Order Form
for Military, Senior, and Educators for Preview and Wednesday Matinee Full Season Memberships.* For an active member of any branch of the military; a senior citizen (age 62 and over); or an educator at any instruction level. (Based on availability) *ID Required
Email _ ________________________________________ Weekday Flex*
Weekend Go Pass* (* Skip to the back of this page)
Section: AP A B Number of members: _______________________________________________ Day: (see opposite page for times and prices) 1st 2nd Choice Tue Eve Wed Eve Thu Eve
1st 2nd Choice Fri Eve Sat Eve Sun Eve
Special series: 1st 2nd Choice AfterThoughts Thursday | 7 pm AfterThoughts Sunday Matinee | 2 pm Audio Description Sunday | 2 pm Audio Description Sunday | 7:30 pm
1st 2nd Choice Sat Mat Sun Mat Wed Mat 1st 2nd Choice Meet the Actors Friday | 8 pm Night Out Preview Tuesday | 8 pm Opening Night Wednesday | 8 pm (priced as weekends) Open Captioning Sunday | 7:30 pm
See reverse for: Seating Preferences/Accessibility Needs and FLEX and GO passes.
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Seating Preferences/Accessibility Needs: _ ______________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ FLEX PASS: number of passes ________________
(minimum of 6)
Calculate the total amount due: Membership Subtotal (from above or the front of this form)
Qualify for our Senior, Military, or Educator discounts?
GO PASS: number of passes ________________ (one per person)
= $_________
Call the Box Office to place your order.
Add on the 2 Play Labs for $10
Friday | 8 pm
Saturday | 8 pm
Sunday | 2 pm
Parking: #____________pre-paid coupons @ $5 per coupon
Not available for Wednesday Matinees.
+ $__________
Afterthoughts
Post-show conversations designed to give deeper insight into the play. A chance for feedback and engagement. Selected Thursday evenings and Sunday matinees.
Choose a payment plan:
Discover
Visa
Mastercard
Order Handling Charge
FREE! + $__________
TOTAL DUE ON THIS ORDER:
= $__________
Opening Night
Night Out
Audio Description and Open Captioning
We provide a casual atmosphere to chat with the cast after the show. Ask them your questions and get some autographs! Selected Friday evenings. A pre-show happy hour for our LGBTQIA community. Come socialize with drink specials and music. Preview Tuesday evenings.
A VIP event to celebrate the opening of a new show. Includes a post-show reception with designers, cast, and staff.
Accessible options for our vision and hearing-impaired patrons on selected Sunday performances.
Every year, we hold a series of diverse readings, complete with open rehearsals that invite you to join the process. Be the first to hear and respond to these new works in progress. Add these on to your Membership and save 50%! Two readings for just $10. Titles and dates announced soon.
❤
American Express
Exp. __________
Giving comes from
the heart
TWO CREDIT CARD INSTALLMENTS. Half now and half will be charged
automatically the following month.
No matter the size of the gift, the choice to make a donation is a personal one. We recognize this—and that’s why we’re so appreciative of anyone who chooses to support CENTERSTAGE.
THREE CREDIT CARD INSTALLMENTS. We’ll charge the first third now.
The balance will be charged automatically in two monthly installments. YOU CAN AFFORD TO JOIN! Patrons with special payment needs should contact Box Office Manager Mandy Benedix at 410.986.4030 to arrange a custom installment plan.
NOTE: ALL SALES ARE FINAL.
Please mail this form to: CENTERSTAGE Box Office, 700 North Calvert Street, Batimore MD 21202-3686 2013-14 season photos by Brion McCarthy
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Meet the Actors
PLAY LAB
FULL CASH or CHECK (payable to CENTERSTAGE).
Card #__________________________________________ + $__________ + $__________
Make your Membership an Occasion:
CHARGE THE FULL AMOUNT NOW
Support CENTERSTAGE as a Donating Member! Include a tax-deductible donation.
Special Packages–
Ticket sales cover 40% of the cost of producing a show. And that doesn’t include the 25 education and community programs we offer each Season, most
of which are free of charge. We know you think the arts are important. That’s why we’re asking for your support, to help CENTERSTAGE continue to serve the Baltimore community. Your gift will not go unnoticed— you will receive special donor benefits, in addition to those you receive as a Member. Visit www.centerstage.org/donate to learn more. From our hearts to yours, we thank you.
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SEASoN Theater for the H eart
51
Kwame Kwei-Armah OBE, Artistic Director • Stephen Richard, Managing Director
early-bird pricing ends April 26
www.centerstage.org | Box Office 410.332.0033 centerstagemd
centerstage_md
700 North Calvert Street Baltimore, MD 21202-3686
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