“Animal Farm.” A stage adaption of George Orwell’s allegorical story of a group of farm animals who revolt against man. March 1-April 1, Baltimore Center Stage, 700 N. Calvert St., (410) 332-0033, centerstage.org, $20-$79.

BWC’s Gin & Jokes Presents: Drew Michael. Actor and former writer for “Saturday Night Live” Drew Michael headlines Baltimore Whiskey Company’s recurring comedy night. Hosted by Umar Khan. March 1, 8:30 p.m., Joe Squared, 33 W. North Ave., (410) 545-0444, pros.brownpapertickets.com, $7.

“Count Down.” As part of the 2018 Women’s Voices Theatre Festival, The Stand present Dominique Cieri’s interdisciplinary piece about girls growing up in the child welfare system. Through March 4, Strand Theatre, 5426 Harford Road, (443) 874-4917, strand-theater.org, $10-$25.

Drunk Shakespeare. Single Carrot Theatre and Chesapeake Shakespeare Company Associate Artistic Director Lizzi Albert present the first installment of the new Drunk Classics series. Actors will perform fully rehearsed scenes from the Bard, but wasted. March 3, 8 p.m.; Single Carrot Theatre, 2600 N. Howard St., (443) 844-9253, singlecarrot.com, sold out (standing room tickets available for $5).

“Gertrude Stein and a Companion.” The love story of writer Gertrude Stein and her life partner and Parisian avant-garde member Alice B. Toklas as told by Win Wells. March 2-25, Fells Point Corner Theatre, 251 S. Ann St., fpct.org, $19-$24.

“Hand to God.” Stillpointe Theatre presents Robert Askins’ Tony-nominated play about a grieving widow who runs a Christian-ministry puppet club, her teenage son, and his possessed puppet. March 2-17, St. Marks Lutheran Church, 1900 St. Paul St., stillpointetheatre.com, $20.

Huggy Lowdown and Chris Paul. The Tom Joyner Morning Show personalities co-headline. March 4, 6 p.m., Magooby’s Joke House, 9603 Deereco Road, (410) 252-2727, magoobys.com, $20.

“I Hate Hamlet.” An actor who hates “Hamlet” takes on the title role and encounters the ghost of John Barrymore. Through March 4, Spotlighters Theatre, 817 St. Paul St., (410) 752-1225, spotlighters.org, $10-$22.

Jeanne Robertson. The veteran performer and former Miss North Carolina performs family-friendly comedy. March 3, 7 p.m., Lyric Opera House, 140 W. Mount Royal Ave., (410) 685-5086, modell-lyric.com, $31-$51.

“Long Day’s Journey Into Night.” Eugene O’Neill’s autobiographical drama spans one day in the life of a family troubled by addiction and the inability to let go of the past. Through March 4, Everyman Theatre, 315 W. Fayette St., (410) 752-2208, everymantheatre.org, $43-$65.

Nephew Tommy. The co-host of the nationally syndicated Steve Harvey Morning Show performs. March 1-3, Baltimore Comedy Factory, 5625 O’Donnell St., (410) 547-7798, baltimorecomedy.com, $30-$40.

The Peking Chinese Acrobats. The internationally renowned troupe performs gravity-defying feats. March 6-7, Goucher College, Kraushaaur Auditorium, 1021 Dulaney Valley Road, artsonstage.org, $10.

“The Pillowman.” A writer becomes the focus of a police interrogation when his macabre short stories are linked to a series of actual child murders. Through March 18, Vagabond Players, 806 S. Broadway, (410) 563-9135, vagabondplayers.org, $10-$20.

Prim and Proper. Alexa Sciuto hosts an all-women comedy showcase featuring Kristy Belich, Alyssa A. Cowan, Robin Hazel, He He, Diana Keating, and Cristina Payne. March 2, 8 p.m., Charm City Comedy Project at Zissimos Bar, 1023 W. 36th St., charmcitycomedyproject.com, $5.

“Skeleton Crew.” In the third play in Dominique Morisseau’s Detroit trilogy, four workers at the city’s last exporting auto plant face down an uncertain future. Through March 4, Baltimore Center Stage, 700 N. Calvert St., (410) 332-0033, centerstage.org, $20-$79.

Slapstick Jukebox. Happenstance Theater presents a physical comedy mash-up inspired by  19th Century European Circus entrées, Vaudeville, silent film, and early television. March 1-4, Baltimore Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St., (410) 752-8558, theatreproject.org, $15-$25.

The post Stage: Feb. 28-March 7 appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

Bald & Boujee. Comedy duo Malik S. and Torrei Hart (Kevin Hart’s ex-wife) perform. Feb. 22-24, Baltimore Comedy Factory, 5625 O’Donnell St., (410) 547-7798, baltimorecomedy.com, $20-$40.

The Beanie Bros Tour. L.A. comics Pete Buchbauer and Chip Nicholson perform with support from local comedians including host Nikki Fuchs. Feb. 27, 7 p.m., The Crown, 1910 N. Charles St., (410) 625-4848, facebook.com/TheCrownBaltimore, $10.

BIG Time with Jen Marsh. Baltimore Improv Group performs a totally made up and unprepared tribute to Baltimore Beat’s associate publisher, Jen Marsh. Feb. 23, 8 p.m., The BIG Theater, 1727 N. Charles St., (888) 745-8393, bigimprov.org, $5.

Camp Adventure. Alexa Sciuto hosts a night of improv, stand-up, and sketch from Silversmith, Bad Karaoke Experience, and OLGA, followed by an improv karaoke jam. Feb. 23, 8 p.m., Charm City Comedy Project at Zissimos Bar, 1023 W. 36th St., charmcitycomedyproject.com, $5.

“Count Down.” As part of the 2018 Women’s Voices Theatre Festival, The Stand present Dominique Cieri’s interdisciplinary piece about girls growing up in the child welfare system. Through March 4, Strand Theatre, 5426 Harford Road, (443) 874-4917, strand-theater.org, $10-$25.

“The Death of Walt Disney.” The regional premiere of Lucas Hnath’s biographical play about the megalomaniacal mind of Walt Disney. Through Feb. 25, Single Carrot Theatre, 2600 N. Howard St., (443) 844-9253, singlecarrot.com, $25-$29.

Demetri Martin – The Awkward Tour. The stand-up comedian, writer, actor, and director performs. Feb. 23, 8 p.m., Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St., (410) 837-7400, baltimorehippodrome.com, $58.

“A Disappearing Act.” Single Shoe Productions presents a memorial tribute to the deceased fictional magician Philip Winterbottom. Feb. 22-25, Baltimore Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St., (410) 752-8558, theatreproject.org, $15-$25.

“Everybody.” Theatre Morgan presents a modern riff on the 15th-century morality play following a character named Everybody (played by a different cast member each performance) as he or she travels down a road toward life’s greatest mystery. Feb. 22-24, Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center, 2201 Argonne Drive, (443) 885-4440, murphyfineartscenter.org, $5-$15.

Everything Will Be Okay (A stand-up comedy show) [#39]. Chris Hudson hosts a night of stand-up featuring Bryan Preston, Pete Musto, Sahib Singh, Michael Furr, and Natalie McGill. Feb. 22, 8 p.m., The Crown, 1910 N. Charles St., (410) 625-4848, facebook.com/TheCrownBaltimore, $5.

“I Hate Hamlet.” An actor who hates “Hamlet” takes on the title role and encounters the ghost of John Barrymore. Through March 4, Spotlighters Theatre, 817 St. Paul St., (410) 752-1225, spotlighters.org, $10-$22.

Katt Williams. The veteran comedy icon returns to Baltimore, having most recently co-starred in “Father Figures.” Feb. 23, 8 p.m., Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St., (410) 347-2020, royalfarmsarena.com, $55-$128.

“Long Day’s Journey Into Night.” Eugene O’Neill’s autobiographical drama spans one day in the life of a family troubled by addiction and the inability to let go of the past. Through March 4, Everyman Theatre, 315 W. Fayette St., (410) 752-2208, everymantheatre.org, $43-$65.

More Laughs: The Annual Big Fred Birthday Comedy Show. Baltimore native Fred “Big Fred” Watkins, best known as a member of “The Empire” on Oxygen TV’s “Last Squad Standing,” performs stand-up. Feb. 25, 8 p.m., Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Place, (410) 244-0057, baltimoresoundstage.com, $20-$35.

“The Pillowman.” A writer becomes the focus of a police interrogation when his macabre short stories are linked to a series of actual child murders. Feb. 23-March 18, Vagabond Players, 806 S. Broadway, (410) 563-9135, vagabondplayers.org, $10-$20.

“Red Velvet.” The biographical play from Lolita Chakrabarti tells the story of the 19th century African-American Shakespearean actor Ira Aldridge. Through Feb. 25, Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, 7 S. Calvert St., (410) 244-8570, chesapeakeshakespeare.com, $16-$43.

“Skeleton Crew.” In the third play in Dominique Morisseau’s Detroit trilogy, four workers at the city’s last exporting auto plant face down an uncertain future. Through March 4, Baltimore Center Stage, 700 N. Calvert St., (410) 332-0033, centerstage.org, $20-$79.

“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.” Baltimore Concert Opera presents a two-nights-only operatic production of Stephen Sondheim’s horror musical. Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 25, 3 p.m.; Baltimore Concert Opera, 11 W. Mount Vernon Place, Suite 307, baltimoreconcertopera.com, $29.50-$71.50.

Talkin’ S%\T: A Roast Battle. A comedy tournament in three rounds to find the champion of being nasty, featuring “The Legend” Sonny Fuller, Mike Storck, Kim Ambrose, Leeland Clayton, “Sweet Sweet Baby Boy” Matt Brown, Ian Salyers, Rose Vineshank, and Ben Broedel. Feb. 25, 6 p.m., Magooby’s Joke House, 9603 Deereco Road, (410) 252-2727, magoobys.com, $10.

Totally ’80s, Totally Murder Interactive Dinner. The Murder Mystery Company in Baltimore presents an interactive, ‘80s-themed production alongside a three-course meal from Blue Agave. ‘80s concert attire encouraged. Feb. 21, 6-9 p.m., Blue Agave, 1032 Light St., (410) 576-3938, blue-agave.ticketleap.com/totally-80s-totally-murder-interactive-dinner, $60 or $115 for two people (includes show, meal, and pre-show cocktail).

The post Stage: Feb. 21-28 appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

American Soil: A Tribute to Blackness. Spoken word, dance, and live music celebrating Black History. Featuring Mari Andrea Travis, Christine Jenkins, The Concord Jazz Project, and more. Feb. 18, 3 p.m., Terra Cafe, 101 E. 25th St., (410) 777-5277, eventbrite.com/e/american-soil-a-tribute-to-black-history-tickets-42701890504?aff=efbeventtix, $8.

Badass Comedy. Adam Long hosts a night of improv, stand-up, and sketch from Bear Trap, Silversmith, and Becca Lundberg, followed by a bonus open improv jam. Feb. 17, 8 p.m., Charm City Comedy Project at Zissimos Bar, 1023 W. 36th St., charmcitycomedyproject.com, $5.

“Count Down.” As part of the 2018 Women’s Voices Theatre Festival, The Stand present Dominique Cieri’s interdisciplinary piece about girls growing up in the child welfare system. Feb. 15-March 4, Strand Theatre, 5426 Harford Road, (443) 874-4917, strand-theater.org, $10-$25.

Centurion – 100 Minutes Of Stand-Up Comedy. Josh Kuderna, Umar Khan, Ivan Martin, and Violet Grey perform. Ian Salyers hosts. Feb. 17, 9 p.m., Atomic Books, 3620 Falls Road, (410) 662-4444, atomicbooks.com, $5.

Champions of Magic. Five world-class magicians perform mind-reading and illusions in a large-scale, family-friendly production. Feb. 15-18, 7:30 p.m., Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St., (410) 837-7400, baltimorehippodrome.com, $51-$124.

Club 1727: An Open Musical-Improv Jam. Learn musical improv games and song formats. No experience necessary. Feb. 14, 7 p.m., The BIG Theater, 1727 N. Charles St., (888) 745-8393, bigimprov.org, free.

Commit to the Bit. Chicago’s Dylan Scott, Heather McLaren, and Tyler Ross stop in Baltimore on their Commit to the Bit comedy tour. Feb. 20, 8 p.m., Charm City Comedy Project at Zissimos Bar, 1023 W. 36th St., charmcitycomedyproject.com.

BROS & Arena Players Present: Constellations & Crossroads. The Baltimore Rock Opera Society and Arena Players team up for a double feature: “Determination of Azimuth” about NASA pioneer Katherine Johnson and “The Battle of Blue Apple Crossing” about bluesman Robert Johnson. Feb. 9–11 and 16–18, Arena Players, 801 McCulloh St., baltimorerockopera.org, arenaplayersinc.com, $20.

“The Death of Walt Disney.” The regional premiere of Lucas Hnath’s biographical play about the megalomaniacal mind of Walt Disney. Through Feb. 25, Single Carrot Theatre, 2600 N. Howard St., (443) 844-9253, singlecarrot.com, $25-$29.

Elegant Filth. Burlesque featuring MC Mindi Mimosa, Jacqueline Boxx, Tempete La Coeur, Lottie Ellington, Scarlet Starlet, Glam Gamz, Hell O’Kitty, Fiera Foxx, and Cherie Nuit. Feb. 17, 9 p.m., The Crown, 1910 N. Charles St., (410) 625-4848, eventbrite.com/e/elegant-filth-a-baltimore-burlesque-delicacy-tickets-42609327646, $12-$15.

Exploring the Artistry of the Male Dancer. All-male repertory dance company 10 Hairy Legs makes its Baltimore debut. Feb. 17, 8 p.m.; Feb. 18, 3 p.m.; Baltimore Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St., (410) 752-8558, theatreproject.org, $15-$25.

F*CK Your Work Week. After School Grandman and two other improv troupes perform a workplace-themed show. Feb. 18, 7 p.m., The BIG Theater, 1727 N. Charles St., (888) 745-8393, bigimprov.org, $5.

Godfrey. The actor and comedian has appeared in the films “Zoolander,” “Soul Plane,” “Original Gangstas,” and more. Feb. 14, 16, and 17, Baltimore Comedy Factory, 5625 O’Donnell St., (410) 547-7798, baltimorecomedy.com, $22-$50.

“I Hate Hamlet.” An actor who hates “Hamlet” takes on the title role and encounters the ghost of John Barrymore. Through March 4, Spotlighters Theatre, 817 St. Paul St., (410) 752-1225, spotlighters.org, $10-$22.

Kyle Dunnigan. Dunnigan is best known as a writer, producer, and performer on “Inside Amy Schumer.” Feb. 15-17, Magooby’s Joke House, 9603 Deereco Road, (410) 252-2727, magoobys.com, $10.

“Long Day’s Journey Into Night.” Eugene O’Neill’s autobiographical drama spans one day in the life of a family troubled by addiction and the inability to let go of the past. Through March 4, Everyman Theatre, 315 W. Fayette St., (410) 752-2208, everymantheatre.org, $43-$65.

Mucking About. Ivana Greene hosts a night of improv and stand-up featuring Bandicoot, BEST PARTY EVER, Mulletproof, Cosmo, Elizabeth Fulton, and Seth Payne. Feb. 16, 8 p.m., Charm City Comedy Project at Zissimos Bar, 1023 W. 36th St., charmcitycomedyproject.com, $5.

“Red Velvet.” The biographical play from Lolita Chakrabarti tells the story of the 19th century African-American Shakespearean actor Ira Aldridge. Through Feb. 25, Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, 7 S. Calvert St., (410) 244-8570, chesapeakeshakespeare.com, $16-$43.

“Skeleton Crew.” In the third play in Dominique Morisseau’s Detroit trilogy, four workers at the city’s last exporting auto plant face down an uncertain future. Through March 4, Baltimore Center Stage, 700 N. Calvert St., (410) 332-0033, centerstage.org, $20-$79.

Sputniks Cabaret. Baltimore and D.C. artists participate in a night of slam poetry, comedy, music, sideshow, and burlesque. Feb. 14, 8:30 p.m., The Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St., (410) 662-0069, theottobar.com, $8.

Steve Martin and Martin Short: An Evening You Will Forget For The Rest of Your Life. Two comedy legends hit the stage together for a night of stand-up, film clips, musical numbers, and conversations about their lives in show business along with performances from pianist Jeff Babko and bluegrass band Steep Canyon Rangers, with whom Steve Martin frequently performs. Feb. 16, 8 p.m., Lyric Opera House, 140 W. Mount Royal Ave., (410) 685-5086, modell-lyric.com.

Totally ’80s, Totally Murder Interactive Dinner. The Murder Mystery Company in Baltimore presents an interactive, ‘80s-themed production alongside a three-course meal from Blue Agave. ‘80s concert attire encouraged. Feb. 21, 6-9 p.m., Blue Agave, 1032 Light St., (410) 576-3938, blue-agave.ticketleap.com/totally-80s-totally-murder-interactive-dinner, $60 or $115 for two people (includes show, meal, and pre-show cocktail).

Umar Khan. The Baltimore comedian who has opened for the likes of Todd Barry, Hari Kondabolu, Hasan Minhaj, and Judah Friedlander makes his live recording debut. Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m., Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave., (410) 276-1651, creativealliance.org, sold out.

The post Stage: Feb. 14-21 appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

BROS & Arena Players Present: Constellations & Crossroads. The Baltimore Rock Opera Society and Arena Players team up for a double feature: “Determination of Azimuth” about NASA pioneer Katherine Johnson and “The Battle of Blue Apple Crossing” about bluesman Robert Johnson. Feb. 9–11 and 16–18, Arena Players, 801 McCulloh St., baltimorerockopera.org, arenaplayersinc.com, $20.

Chippendales. The all-male strip revue returns to Baltimore on its About Last Night Tour, just in time for Valentine’s. Feb. 7 and 8, 9 p.m., Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Place, (410) 244-0057, baltimoresoundstage.com, $35-$50.

Club Orbit. Improv, stand-up, and sketch followed by an all-comedy open mic. Feb. 9, 8 p.m., Charm City Comedy Project at Zissimos Bar, 1023 W. 36th St., charmcitycomedyproject.com, $5.

“The Death of Walt Disney.” The regional premiere of Lucas Hnath’s biographical play about the megalomaniacal mind of Walt Disney. Through Feb. 25, Single Carrot Theatre, 2600 N. Howard St., (443) 844-9253, singlecarrot.com, $25-$29.

Godfrey’s Valentine’s Day Special. The actor and comedian has appeared in the films “Zoolander,” “Soul Plane,” “Original Gangstas,” and more. Feb. 14, 8 p.m., Baltimore Comedy Factory, 5625 O’Donnell St., (410) 547-7798, baltimorecomedy.com, $25-$50.

“I Hate Hamlet.” An actor who hates “Hamlet” takes on the title role and encounters the ghost of John Barrymore. Feb. 9-March 4, Spotlighters Theatre, 817 St. Paul St., (410) 752-1225, spotlighters.org, $10-$22.

Jeff Dunham. “America’s favorite ventriloquist” stops in Baltimore on his Passively Aggressive Tour. Feb. 10, 5 p.m., Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St., (410) 347-2020, royalfarmsarena.com, $54.50.

“Long Day’s Journey Into Night.” Eugene O’Neill’s autobiographical drama spans one day in the life of a family troubled by addiction and the inability to let go of the past. Through March 4, Everyman Theatre, 315 W. Fayette St., (410) 752-2208, everymantheatre.org, $43-$65.

Mortified Baltimore: Doomed Valentines. Everyday adults read from their most cringe-worthy adolescent love letters, poems, locker notes, and diary entries. Feb. 10, 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., The Ideal Arts Space, 905 W. 36th St., (443) 529-5937, mortifiedbaltimore-feb2018.eventbrite.com, $17-$20.

My So Called ‘90s Comedy and Trivia. Seven comedians and seven rounds of trivia celebrating nostalgia. Feb. 8, 8 p.m., The Crown, 1910 N. Charles St., facebook.com/TheCrownBaltimore, free.

“Out of Darkness: Two Remain.” The Peabody Chamber Opera presents Jake Heggie’s 2016 opera with a libretto by Gene Scheer inspired by the true stories of two Holocaust survivors. Feb. 8-11, Baltimore Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St., (410) 752-8558, theatreproject.org, $10-$25.

“Red Velvet.” The biographical play from Lolita Chakrabarti tells the story of the 19th century African-American Shakespearean actor Ira Aldridge. Through Feb. 25, Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, 7 S. Calvert St., (410) 244-8570, chesapeakeshakespeare.com, $16-$43.

The Second Saturday S#!t Show. John Conroy headlines Ottobar’s monthly stand-up show hosted by Mike Quindlen. Featuring Alexx Starr, Maria Sanchez, Carlos Garcia, Scott Seiss, Kim Ambrose, and Brock Snyder. Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m., The Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St., (410) 662-0069, theottobar.com, free.

The Short Cutz Show: V-Day Edition. A short form oral storytelling slam and party jam starring professional African-American barbers. This month’s story theme is “A Love Supreme,” featuring celebrity storyteller Ladawn Black (from New York’s 107.5 FM WBLS). Feb. 12, 7 p.m., Motor House, 120 W. North Ave., (410) 637-8300, motorhousebaltimore.com, $10.

“Skeleton Crew.” In the third play in Dominique Morisseau’s Detroit trilogy, four workers at the city’s last exporting auto plant face down an uncertain future. Through March 4, Baltimore Center Stage, 700 N. Calvert St., (410) 332-0033, centerstage.org, $20-$79.

“The Sleeping Beauty.” The State Ballet Theatre of Russia performs the Grimm fairytale choreographed by famous choreographer Marius Petipa. Feb. 9 and 10, 7:30 p.m., Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St., (410) 837-7400, baltimorehippodrome.com, $61-$83.

Sputniks Cabaret. Baltimore and D.C. artists participate in a night of slam poetry, comedy, music, sideshow, and burlesque. Feb. 14, 8:30 p.m., The Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St., (410) 662-0069, theottobar.com, $8.

Tassels & Champagne: Love By Any Other Name. Gilded Lily Burlesque brings an evening of classic burlesque and variety featuring Oca O’Leary, Maria Bella, Nona Narcisse, Mourna Handful, Ruby Spruce, Gigi Holliday, Sophia Sunday, and Valeria Voxx. Feb. 10, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave., (410) 276-1651, creativealliance.org, $22-$28 for single ticket, other ticket packages available.

When ___ Met ___ : An Improvised Romantic Comedy Starring You. Baltimore Improv Group stages a fully improvised Valentine’s Day rom-com with two leads played by audience volunteers. Feb. 10, 8 p.m., The BIG Theater, 1727 N. Charles St., (888) 745-8393, bigimprov.org, $6.27.

The post Stage: Feb. 7-14 appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

“Red Velvet”

Feb. 2

As the first successful African-American actor to perform internationally, Ira Aldridge is described by his biographer Bernth Lindfors as “the most visible black man in a white world in the middle of the nineteenth century.” And still relatively little is known about his life—and still, even after Aldridge’s groundbreaking performance as Othello in London in 1833, Shakespeare’s black tragic hero continued to be played by white men in blackface well into the next century. In her biodrama “Red Velvet,” opening this week at Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, playwright Lolita Chakrabarti imagines scenes from Aldridge’s private life as he prepares for the role, all while London riots over the abolition of slavery. Through Feb. 25, Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, 7 S. Calvert St., (410) 244-8570, chesapeakeshakespeare.com, $16-$43. (Maura Callahan)

BIG Mainstage. Baltimore Improv Group hosts two troupe performances every Friday and Saturday night. Jan. 2 and 3, 9 p.m., The BIG Theater, 1727 N. Charles St., (888) 745-8393, bigimprov.org.

Born This Way. Dani Ciscell hosts a night of all-women improv, stand-up, and sketch from Ladies All Stars, Blood Pact, Synched, Lesbiguous, and Liz Curtis. Followed by an all-comedy open mic. Feb. 3, 8 p.m., Charm City Comedy Project at Zissimos Bar, 1023 W. 36th St., charmcitycomedyproject.com, $5.

“The Death of Walt Disney.” The regional premiere of Lucas Hnath’s biographical play about the megalomaniacal mind of Walt Disney. Feb. 2-25, Single Carrot Theatre, 2600 N. Howard St., (443) 844-9253, singlecarrot.com, $25-$29.

“Inherit the Wind.” Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee’s courtroom drama chronicles the Scopes “monkey” trial. Through Feb. 4, Vagabond Players, 806 S. Broadway, (410) 563-9135, vagabondplayers.org, $10-$20.

Prim and Proper. Eva Mozena Brandon, Tiffany Cain, Nicki Fuchs, Marlenas McMahon-Purk, Kasha Patel, Lisan Wood, and host Cecily Alexandria perform in Charm City Comedy Project’s all-women stand-up showcase. Followed by an all-comedy open mic. Feb. 2, 8 p.m., Charm City Comedy Project at Zissimos Bar, 1023 W. 36th St., charmcitycomedyproject.com, $5.

“Red Velvet.” The biographical play from Lolita Chakrabarti tells the story of the 19th century African-American Shakespearean actor Ira Aldridge. Feb. 2-25, Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, 7 S. Calvert St., (410) 244-8570, chesapeakeshakespeare.com, $16-$43.

“Skeleton Crew.” In the third play in Dominique Morisseau’s Detroit trilogy, four workers at the city’s last exporting auto plant face down an uncertain future. Through March 4, Baltimore Center Stage, 700 N. Calvert St., (410) 332-0033, centerstage.org, $20-$79.

“The Tempest.” The Baltimore Shakespeare Factory presents the bard’s shipwreck drama featuring an original score. Through Feb. 4, St. Mary’s Outreach Center, 3900 Roland Ave., baltimoreshakespearefactory.org, $19-$24.

TK Kirkland. The comedian and actor has appeared in a number of films as well as HBO’s Def Comedy Jam and BET’s Comicview. Feb. 1-3, Baltimore Comedy Factory, 5625 O’Donnell St., (410) 547-7798, baltimorecomedy.com, $20-$23.

“Waitress.” Featuring original music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, the musical based on the film by Adrienne Shelly tells the story of a waitress and expert pie maker who sets out to rebuild her life. Through Feb. 4, Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St., (410) 837-7400, baltimorehippodrome.com, $42-$214.

The post Stage: Jan. 31-Feb. 7 appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

An Evening Of Music And Comedy With Creed Bratton

Jan. 25

Yes, that Creed Bratton. Once the guitarist of ‘60s sha-la-la hippie band The Grass Roots until he dropped his pants onstage and was asked to leave, Creed Bratton became better known as the Dunder Mifflin quality control guy with the same name on NBC’s “The Office.” Like all of the show’s supporting characters, Creed periodically broke Dunder Mifflin Scranton’s fluorescent light bubble with suggestions of life beyond the office’s suffocating walls, narrative offshoots that in part make “The Office” endlessly rewatchable to the point that Netflix will have a riot on their hands if they ever take it offline. Since Creed Bratton the character was loosely based on Creed Bratton IRL (“loosely” being the operative word here), this meant tangential sketches of a sketchy guy with a storied, drug-fueled past—a kleptomaniac, former cult leader and follower, fake ID provider, and probable serial killer with enough wisdom to fill a lengthy, hidden Word document. “You ever notice you can only ooze two things? Sexuality and pus.” 8:30 p.m., Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Place, (410) 244-0057, www.creedthoughts.gov.www\creedthoughts, check it out, $22-$24.20. (Maura Callahan)

BIG Mainstage. Baltimore Improv Group hosts two troupe performances every Friday and Saturday night. Jan. 26 and 27, 9 p.m., The BIG Theater, 1727 N. Charles St., (888) 745-8393, bigimprov.org.

Camp Adventure. Ian Salyers hosts a night of improv, stand-up, and sketch from Silversmith, Peach Pit, Toe Money Improv, and Lance Curran, plus a bonus improv jam. Jan. 26, 8 p.m., Charm City Comedy Project at Zissimos Bar, 1023 W. 36th St., charmcitycomedyproject.com, $5.

Everything Will Be Okay (a stand-up comedy show). Chris Hudson hosts a night of stand-up featuring Archie Jamieson, Garrett Hardy Harvest, Beth Haydon, Ahmed Vallejos, and Ivan Martin. Jan. 25, 8 p.m., The Crown, 1910 N. Charles St., (410) 625-4848, facebook.com/ewbocomedy, $5.

“Inherit the Wind.” Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee’s courtroom drama chronicles the Scopes “monkey” trial. Through Feb. 4, Vagabond Players, 806 S. Broadway, (410) 563-9135, vagabondplayers.org, $10-$20.

Murdered Word III. Over 30 artists from Baltimore and beyond doing whatever they want: performance, musical sets, video, and interdisciplinary work all in one place. Jan. 27, 8 p.m.-4 a.m., E.M.P. Collective, 307 W. Baltimore St., empcollective.org, $10.

Shen Yun. The acclaimed classical Chinese dance spectacular features scenographic effects and all-original orchestral works. Jan. 26-28, Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St., (410) 837-7400, baltimorehippodrome.com, $91-$112

“Skeleton Crew.” In the third play in Dominique Morisseau’s Detroit trilogy, four workers at the city’s last exporting auto plant face down an uncertain future. Jan. 25-March 4, Baltimore Center Stage, 700 N. Calvert St., (410) 332-0033, centerstage.org, $20-$79.

The Smoking Lounge. Kathleen Williams hosts a night of improv, stand-up, and sketch from Trampus, Thighmeat, Moonbot, Siberia, and OLGA. Jan. 27, 8 p.m., Charm City Comedy Project at Zissimos Bar, 1023 W. 36th St., charmcitycomedyproject.com, $5.

“The Tempest.” The Baltimore Shakespeare Factory presents the bard’s shipwreck drama featuring an original score. Through Feb. 4, St. Mary’s Outreach Center, 3900 Roland Ave., baltimoreshakespearefactory.org, $19-$24.

TotaShiSho Episode One. A new game show from Feral Woman. Featured panelists for episode one are Jana Hunter, Rahne Alexander, Christine Ferrera, Mike Smith, Jordan Card, and Molly Margulies. Jan. 26, 8 p.m., The Mercury Theater, 1823 N. Charles St., facebook.com/FeralW0man.

“Trouble in Tahiti.” In Leonard Bernstein’s one-act opera, the troubled marriage of a young suburban couple presents a critique of post-war American materialism. Through Jan. 27, StillPointe Theatre, 1900 St. Paul St., stillpointetheatre.com, $25.

“Waitress.” Featuring original music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, the musical based on the film by Adrienne Shelly tells the story of a waitress and expert pie maker who sets out to rebuild her life. Jan. 30-Feb. 4, Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St., (410) 837-7400, baltimorehippodrome.com, $42-$214.

The post Stage: Jan. 24-31 appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

January Puppet Slamwich

Jan. 20

Originating as early as 3000 years ago, puppetry is still alive and well today, and not just on Sesame Street. Baltimore’s own Black Cherry Puppet Theater hosts a monthly showcase of local and out-of-town puppet artists and troupes bringing adult-friendly acts wherein sculpture and assemblage, often impressive even when not in motion, command the stage. This month, see Schroeder Cherry, a Baltimore-based museum educator and artist whose puppets actually seem more real than some people—you’ll have to check it out to see what I mean. Also performing tonight (there are two shows) are String Theory, Rachel Kotkin, Josh Hne, Meredith Faid, Daniela Hernandez-Fujigaki, and special musical guest The Flowery (aka Allison Clendaniel and Connor Kizer). 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., 1115 Hollins St., (410) 752-7272, blackcherry.ticketspice.com/january-20th-puppet-slamwich, $8-$10. (Maura Callahan)

Alex Hooper. Best known for his appearances on Comedy Central’s “Roast Battles” and “New Girl,” Alex Hooper performs stand-up with support from Mike Moran, Nikki Fuchs, and host Eric Navarro. Jan. 17, 9 p.m., The Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St., (410) 662-0069, theottobar.com, $5.

Badass Comedy. Improv and comedy from Bear Trap, Imaginary Friends, Bad Karaoke Experience, and Scrapple. Jan. 20, 8 p.m., Charm City Comedy Project at Zissimos Bar, 1023 W. 36th St., charmcitycomedyproject.com, $5.

Centurion Comedy. Ian Salyers hosts exactly one hundred minutes of stand-up comedy from local comics. Jan. 20, 9 p.m., Atomic Books, 3620 Falls Road, (410) 662-4444, atomicbooks.com, $5.

“First Date.” A blind date newbie and a serial dater get set up on a date that turns out to be much more than they bargained for. Through Jan. 21, Spotlighters Theatre, 817 St. Paul St., (410) 752-1225, spotlighters.org, $10-$22.

Impropourri. The Baltimore Improv Group (BIG) hosts a weekly bring-your-own-troupe improv and sketch showcase. Jan. 18, 7:30 p.m., The BIG Theater, 1727 N. Charles St., (888) 745-8393, bigimprov.org.

“Inherit the Wind.” Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee’s courtroom drama chronicles the Scopes “monkey” trial. Through Feb. 4, Vagabond Players, 806 S. Broadway, (410) 563-9135, vagabondplayers.org, $10-$20.

Mucking About. Long form improv from Bandicoot, Topiary, and Synched followed by an improv karaoke jam. Jan. 19, 8 p.m., Charm City Comedy Project at Zissimos Bar, 1023 W. 36th St., charmcitycomedyproject.com, $5.

The Passing Zone. Comedy-stunt duo Passing Zone, aka Jon Wee and Owen Morse, finished in the top 10 on “America’s Got Talent.” Jan. 20, 9:45 p.m., Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., (410) 783-8000, bsomusic.org, $36-$125.

“The Tempest.” The Baltimore Shakespeare Factory presents the bard’s shipwreck drama featuring an original score. Through Feb. 4, St. Mary’s Outreach Center, 3900 Roland Ave., baltimoreshakespearefactory.org, $19-$24.

“Trouble in Tahiti.” In Leonard Bernstein’s one-act opera, the troubled marriage of a young suburban couple presents a critique of post-war American materialism. Through Jan. 27, StillPointe Theatre, 1900 St. Paul St., stillpointetheatre.com, $25.

Women’s Performance Workshop. A two-day workshop open to all women-identified community members to hone performance work, culminating in a performance for the community. Workshop Jan. 19, 7-9:30 p.m. and Jan. 20, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; performance on Jan. 20, 8 p.m; Strand Theater Company, 5426 Harford Road, (443) 874-4917, strand-theater.org, free.

The post Stage: Jan. 17-24 appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

“Love Is A Blue Tick Hound”

Jan. 12

As the theatre world continues to disproportionately produce plays written by men, the push for gender parity in theater has ramped up. It seems that in the last few years here in Baltimore, most theater companies have made efforts (not that it’s hard!) to include more women playwrights and directors in their seasons. We have to thank for that shift, among others, Stand Theatre Company, which has been producing women-focused theater in Baltimore for the past decade; Cohesion Theatre Company, which in its first year orchestrated a city-wide Parity Festival that encouraged local companies to stage full-scale productions, workshops, and readings of plays written by women; and the Women’s Voices Theater Festival, now in its fourth year. WVTF is centered in D.C. but stretches to Baltimore with a small handful of affiliated productions: This year, we have Center Stage’s production of Dominique Morisseau’s “Skeleton Crew” (Jan. 25-March. 4), Strand’s production of Dominique Cieri’s “Count Down” (Feb. 14-March 4), and starting this weekend, Rapid Lemon Productions stages “Love Is A Blue Tick Hound,” a new collection of four short two-handers by Audrey Cefaly, known for her distinctly Southern storytelling. According to RLP, “Hound” poses as its central questions: “Why do we settle . . . and what is the full cost of leaving?” Check it out and mark your calendars for the rest of WVTF—if you can, try venturing down to the capital to really bulk up on women playwrights. Through Jan. 21, Baltimore Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St., (410) 752-8558, theatreproject.org, $20-$21. (Maura Callahan)

Alex Hooper. Best known for his appearances on Comedy Central’s “Roast Battles” and “New Girl,” Alex Hooper performs stand-up with support from Mike Moran, Nikki Fuchs, and host Eric Navarro. Jan. 17, 9 p.m., The Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St., (410) 662-0069, theottobar.com, $5.

Elvis’ Birthday Fight Club. “Elvis” and Kittie Glitter host two nights of elaborately staged celebrity fights plus burlesque from Nona Narcisse, Maria Bella, and Candy del Rio. Jan. 12, 8 p.m.; Jan. 13, 6 and 8 p.m.; Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave., (410) 276-1651, creativealliance.org, $22-$28.

“First Date.” A blind date newbie and a serial dater get set up on a date that turns out to be much more than they bargained for. Through Jan. 21, Spotlighters Theatre, 817 St. Paul St., (410) 752-1225, spotlighters.org, $10-$22.

“Inherit the Wind.” Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee’s courtroom drama chronicles the Scopes “monkey” trial. Through Feb. 4, Vagabond Players, 806 S. Broadway, (410) 563-9135, vagabondplayers.org, $10-$20.

Monster Comedy and Superior Saturday Open Mic. Charm City Comedy Project hosts an evening of improv, stand-up, and sketch followed by an open mic. Jan. 13, show 8 p.m., open mic 10:30 p.m., Charm City Comedy Project at Zissimos Bar, 1023 W. 36th St., charmcitycomedyproject.com, $5.

NYC Comedy Invades Baltimore. New York-based comedians Jordan Raybould, Bret Raybould, and Will Poznan perform stand-up. Jan. 13, 7 p.m., Joe Squared, 33 W. North Ave., (410) 545-0444, joesquared.com, $10-$15.

Open Mic Comedy Night. Umar Khan hosts an open mic night for emerging comedians. Jan. 11, 8 p.m., Joe Squared, 33 W. North Ave., (410) 545-0444, joesquared.com, free.

“The Tempest.” The Baltimore Shakespeare Factory presents the bard’s shipwreck drama featuring an original score. Jan. 12-Feb. 4, St. Mary’s Outreach Center, 3900 Roland Ave., baltimoreshakespearefactory.org, $19-$24.

“Trouble in Tahiti.” In Leonard Bernstein’s one-act opera, the troubled marriage of a young suburban couple presents a critique of post-war American materialism. Jan. 12-27, StillPointe Theatre, 1900 St. Paul St., stillpointetheatre.com, $25.

The post Stage: Jan. 10-17 appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

BIG Improv & Stoop Storytelling present Will Hines

Jan. 6

I don’t try to tell people what to do with their lives, but I’ll say this: I’m a big fan of taking calculated risks. I’ve taken a few in my adult life (this job being the most recent) and every single time, my life has changed for the better. So, I’m all-in for this particular Stoop Storytelling event, which is all about leaping before you look, and, according to organizers, “generally trust-falling through life.” The event is a fundraiser for the Baltimore Improv Group (BIG) and will feature special guest Will Hines of Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre plus storytelling from BIG and Ignite Baltimore founder Mike Subelsky, Stoop co-founder Laura Wexler, and more. Don’t think about it too hard—just buy yourself a ticket. 8 p.m., The BIG Theater, 1727 N. Charles St., bigbenefit.eventbrite.com, $30. (Lisa Snowden-McCray)

STAGE

“First Date.” A blind date newbie and a serial dater get set up on a date that turns out to be much more than they bargained for. Through Jan. 21, Spotlighters Theatre, 817 St. Paul St., (410) 752-1225, spotlighters.org, $10-$22.

Impropourri. The Baltimore Improv Group (BIG) hosts a weekly bring-your-own-troupe improv and sketch showcase. Jan. 4, 7:30 p.m., The BIG Theater, 1727 N. Charles St., (888) 745-8393, bigimprov.org.

“Inherit the Wind.” Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee’s courtroom drama chronicles the Scopes “monkey” trial. Jan. 5-Feb. 4, Vagabond Players, 806 S. Broadway, (410) 563-9135, vagabondplayers.org, $10-$20.

Prim and Proper. Charm City Comedy Project hosts an all-women stand-up showcase followed by an open mic. Jan. 5, 8 p.m., Charm City Comedy Project at Zissimos Bar, 1023 W. 36th St., charmcitycomedyproject.com, $5.

“Rabid Dreams of the Master Race.” The first public reading of a new black comedy from Mark Redfield about the survival of a small publishing company during the rise of fascism in Germany. Jan. 5, 8 p.m., Baltimore Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St., (410) 752-8558, theatreproject.org, free or pay what you can.

“The Revolutionists.” Former queen Marie Antoinette, feminist playwright Olympe de Gouges, assassin Charlotte Corday, and Caribbean spy Marianne Angelle get together and talk revolution and duty. Through Jan. 7, Everyman Theatre, 315 W. Fayette St., (410) 752-2208, everymantheatre.org, $25-$65.

The post Stage: Jan. 3-10 appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

Club 1727: An Open Musical-Improv Jam. Learn musical improv games and song formats. No experience necessary. Dec. 27, 7 p.m., The BIG Theater, 1727 N. Charles St., (888) 745-8393, bigimprov.org, free.

Everything Will Be Okay (A stand-up comedy show) [#37]. Chris Hudson hosts a special holiday edition of Everything Will Be Okay featuring stand-up from Jordan Levine, Nik Oldershaw, Collin Baker, Camirin Farmer, Lexie Mountain, Dark Mark, and Chelsea Shorte. Dec. 28, 8 p.m., 1910 N. Charles St., (410) 625-4848, facebook.com/TheCrownBaltimore, $5.

“First Date.” A blind date newbie and a serial dater get set up on a date that turns out to be much more than they bargained for. Through Jan. 21, Spotlighters Theatre, 817 St. Paul St., (410) 752-1225, spotlighters.org, $10-$22.

“Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” StillPointe Theatre brings the cult rock musical about an East German rock ‘n roll queen to The Ottobar. Dec. 28, 9 p.m., The Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St., (410) 662-0069, theottobar.com, $25-$40.

Impropourri. The Baltimore Improv Group (BIG) hosts a weekly bring-your-own-troupe improv and sketch showcase. Dec. 28, 7:30 p.m., The BIG Theater, 1727 N. Charles St., (888) 745-8393, bigimprov.org.

John Oliver. The host of “Last Week Tonight” performs stand-up. Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, 7 and 9:30 p.m. each night, Hippodrome Theater, 12 N. Eutaw St., (410) 837-7400, france-merrickpac.com, $91-$117.

“Lookingglass Alice.” A contemporary retelling of Lewis Carroll’s trippy tale. Through Dec. 31, Baltimore Center Stage, 700 N. Charles St., (410) 332-0033, centerstage.org, $19.50-$74.

“The Revolutionists.” Former queen Marie Antoinette, feminist playwright Olympe de Gouges, assassin Charlotte Corday, and Caribbean spy Marianne Angelle get together and talk revolution and duty. Through Jan. 7, Everyman Theatre, 315 W. Fayette St., (410) 752-2208, everymantheatre.org, $25-$65.

The post Stage: Dec. 27-Jan. 3 appeared first on Baltimore Beat.