Baltimore theater offerings this month includes a handful of horror stories, world premieres and popular musicals, such as a rare extended run of “Phantom of the Opera” at the Hippodrome. The weekend of Oct. 11-13 is the last and only chance to see four intriguing productions, including Deer in the Spotlight’s annual production of “Evil Dead: The Musical.” Eleven more shows open this month in the city, including originals, classic plays and more.
To be included in monthly Baltimore theater features, email writer Cassandra Miller at cassandra.mil@gmail.com with show information.
Ending this Weekend
“Evil Dead The Musical,” presented by Deer in the Spotlight Productions, Oct. 11-12, at Motor House, 120 W. North Ave., info/tickets.
Deer in the Spotlight Productions presents its annual stage version of the cult-classic horror movie about a group of friends staying at an abandoned cabin. “Evil Dead: The Musical” includes references to “Evil Dead,” “Evil Dead 2” and “Army of Darkness” and has interactive gore.
“Moving Things Around,” presented by Baltimore Playwrights Festival, Oct. 12, at Function Coworking Community, 4709 Harford Road, info/tickets.
This staged reading features local playwright Barbara Barnow’s story about a seemingly happily married Mae, who walks out on her family hoping to find a way out of her daily weariness and meets second-year law student Greg.
“Miss You Like Hell,” presented by Baltimore Center Stage, through Oct. 13, at 700 N. Calvert St., info/tickets.
This musical about escaping and belonging, from the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright who wrote the book for “In the Heights,” follows Olivia and her mother on their cross-country road trip.
“Mr. Wolf,” presented by Single Carrot Theatre, through Oct. 13, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 3009 Greenmount Ave., info/tickets.
Two parents mush reconcile with their 15-year-old daughter who returns many years after being kidnapped as a toddler in Pulitzer finalist Rajiv Joseph’s drama.
Contemporary and World Premiere Shows
“Thoughts of a Colored Man,” presented by Baltimore Center Stage, Oct. 10-Nov. 10, at 700 N. Calvert St., info/tickets.
A world-premiere play from Keenan Scott II, “Thoughts of a Colored Man” is set over a single day and seeks to shed light “into the hearts and minds of a community of men searching for their most triumphant selves.”
“Proxy,” presented by Rapid Lemon Productions, Oct. 11-20, at Baltimore Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St., info/tickets.
Rapid Lemon Productions closes its 2019 Season of Belief with another world premiere play that includes elements of artificial intelligence, grief and a patchwork family, aiming to answer the question, “When we die, who cares for those we leave behind?”
“In the Blood,” presented by Fells Point Corner Theatre, Oct. 11-Nov. 3, at Fells Point Corner Theatre, 251 S. Ann St., info/tickets.
This Suzi Lori Parks play is a modern twist on “The Scarlet Letter,” casting Hester as a homeless woman living on the streets with five children.
Horror Stories
“Chocolate-Covered Rocky Horror Picture Show,” Oct. 26, at Baltimore City Community College, 2901 Liberty Heights Ave, info/tickets.
An African-American cast decked out in ’70s fashion will pantomime the 1975 cult musical about Brad and Janet and their encounters with Dr. Frank N. Furter. The event includes a 1970s costume contest, a burlesque performance and free popcorn.
“Cabaret Macabre,” presented by Happenstance Theater, Oct. 24-Nov. 3, at Baltimore Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St., info/tickets.
Happenstance Theater presents its annual show, a witty theatrical collage inspired by the illustrations of Edward Gorey, the Victorian era, Gothic style and other horror elements.
“Bits and Pieces: A Collection of Short Horror Plays,” presented by Jack Bellows, Oct. 28-Nov. 2 at Mercury Theater, 1823 N. Charles St., info/tickets.
This cast performs short horror plays, showcasing new stories and some popular favorites. Also look for possessed dolls, human sacrifice and confronting “the darkness within each of our souls.”
Plays Set in the Past
“Radio Golf,” presented by Everyman Theatre, Oct. 25-Nov. 17, at Everyman Theatre, 315 W. Fayette St., info/tickets.
Real estate developer Harmond Wilks tries in 1997 to become Pittsburgh’s first black mayor in this fast-paced conclusion to August Wilson’s 10-play “The American Century Cycle,” which examines the African-American experience in the 20th century.
“Moon Over Buffalo,” presented by Spotlighters Theatre, Oct. 25-Nov. 17 at Spotlighters Theatre, 817 St. Paul St., info/tickets.
Ken Ludwig’s throwback farce features former Broadway stars who have taken their dilapidated company to Buffalo, where they encounter an unplanned pregnancy and talent scouting by Frank Capra.
Popular Musicals
“The Phantom of the Opera,” presented by Broadway Across America, through Oct. 20, at Hippodrome Theatre, 12 N. Eutaw St., info/tickets.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic features new special effects, scenic and lighting designs, staging and choreography, plus Derrick Davis as the first African-American Phantom to headline a national tour of the production.
“Guys and Dolls,” presented by Artistic Synergy of Baltimore, Oct. 11-20, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 8212 Philadelphia Road, Rosedale, info/tickets.
The 1950s classic musical about a high-rolling gambler, a puritanical mission worker, a showgirl and a crap game manager, taking viewers from the bustle of Times Square to the clubs of Havana.
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” presented by Vagabond Players, Oct. 18-Nov. 17, at Vagabond Players, 806 S. Broadway, info/tickets.
The charming 2005 musical comedy centers on six eccentric mid-pubescents competing in a spelling bee hosted by a quirky cast of adults. While candidly disclosing humorous and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. The crowd-pleasing show also includes audience participation.
