Choice theatrical tidbits at Toby’s, Centerstage
Photo courtesy Toby’s - Columbia
By Celeste Breitenbach
news@timesheraldnews.com
There’s still time to enjoy that long-time audience favorite, “The Sound of Music,” which plays at Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia through Feb. 17.
In Toby’s version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein hit musical, Jessica Ball delights as Maria, the winsome “flibbetyjibbet” postulant sent from the Abbey to serve as governess to the seven von Trapp children whose mother has died. David Bosley-Reynolds is stellar as Baron von Trapp, his rich resonant voice ringing to the rafters. The duo make a convincing couple. The children are positively precious.
Set Designer David A. Hopkins has recreated the Austrian Alps as well as Nonnberg Abbey within the confines of the theatre in the round. Chef Chuck Cofield again comes up with a themed buffet menu which includes several Austrian palate pleasers.
Director/Choreographer Sam Huffer deserves kudos for serving up an absolutely entertaining show.
Doors open at 6 p.m. for evening shows (5 p.m. on Sundays) and 10:30 a.m. for matinees. For reservations or additional information, visit www.tobysdinnertheatre.com or call 410-995-1969.
The ties that bind … and entertain
Photo courtesy Stoop Storytelling Series
The Stoop Storytelling Series will present “Family Secrets: Stories about the Fibs, Tall Tales, and Outright Lies that Bind us Together — and keep us apart” on Monday, February 11 at Centerstage, 700 N. Calvert St.
The Stoop offers old-fashioned storytelling for the 21st century.
Each show features seven storytellers who get seven minutes each to tell true, personal tales on a shared theme. No notes, no scripts, no actors — just true stories.
For “Family Secrets” the roster of storytellers — all hailing from Baltimore — includes:
• Keith Gayler, policy wonk, pirate aficionado
• Barbara DeCesare, reluctant paralegal
• Lisa Libowitz, writer, storyteller & woman of a thousand identities
• Barbara Dale, illustrator, taste expander & creative baker
• Justin Credible, Baltimore’s Best Drag King 2007
• Sarah Jennings, crafty chick
• Steve Luxenberg, writer, Washington Post editor
Each Stoop show also features an hour of live music from The Stoop House band, Caleb Stine and the Brakemen.
The Stoop began at the Creative Alliance in February 2006. After nine sold-out shows, the live bi-monthly event moved to larger quarters in September 2007. Since then, the Stoop has continually played to packed houses at Centerstage.
Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Advance tickets are strongly recommended. Call 410-332-0033 or visit stoopstorytelling.com.