Thirteen theatrical shows in January offer a range of eccentric offerings and classics. A Turkish shadow puppet interpretation of “Hamlet,” a pay-to-perform (if you’re up for it) run of “Who Shot Andy Warhol,” and a racially themed murder-mystery farce are only a few of the more avant-garde offering this month, while those who enjoy traditional theater stories can catch popular favorites like “The Wiz,” “Murder on the Orient Express,” and “Brighton Beach Memoirs.” This month also marks the launch of Single Carrot Theatre’s first production since leaving its permanent home for a roaming season that begins at Clifton Mansion. Another old estate, Carroll Mansion, is also hosting a show this month--”Simaetha: a Dreambaby Cabaret” inspired by the angry witch from Ancient Greek poet Theocritus’ “Idyll 2.”

This month, Baltimore theater companies are presenting a variety of contemporary adaptations, including Christmas favorites, biblical stories, a Greek tragedy, “The Wizard of Oz” and even a wordless acrobatic interpretation of the 1954 epic film “The Seven Samurai.” No doubt, Baltimore’s theater practitioners are a creative bunch. This month is also the first full musical production (“The Wiz”) by the excellent ArtsCentric in its new space at 2600 Howard St., and the first show by brand-new theater company Charm City Classics Co. (“The Santaland Diaries,” based on the David Sedaris book). Read on to see what stories–old and new–are available for your end-of-year enjoyment.

November theater offers something for every taste, and we’re thankful for the bounty of stories on Baltimore stages right now. A theme of shows up this month are epic journeys, whether it’s Don Quixote’s quest for love in classic musical “Man of La Mancha” or pilot Amelia’s pursuit of afterlife peace in world premiere play “Here We Area.” Creativity is another big theme this month, with a queer cabaret interpreting the written word through song and dance (“Cliterature”), a Shakespeare Rap Battle by Fools and Madmen and Baltimore Rock Opera Society doing something kooky with space, wrestling and beer.

Familiar stories find their way to song-and-dance numbers in several musicals, and still other theater companies are presenting thought-provoking dramas and light-hearted comedies. Artists are offering a buffet of delectable choices for live entertainment. Read on to fill your plate with performances. 

September means new beginnings for the theater world, with many companies launching new seasons. This month offers a fresh start for several local groups, including Baltimore’s two professional theaters, Everyman and Baltimore Center Stage, who open their 2019/20 seasons with “Proof” and “Miss You Like Hell,” respectively.

Find 15 additional options for seeing live theater, including a couple of staged readings by local playwrights.

To be included in monthly Baltimore theater features, email writer Cassandra Miller at [email protected] with show information.

July features a variety pack of theatrical performances in Baltimore: magic shows, a water ballet, lots of musicals, Shakespeare and Carol Burnett. While summer is usually a slow time for theater companies that take a break in July and August, Baltimore is still pulsing with one-off and experimental performances.

To be included in monthly Baltimore theater features, email writer Cassandra Miller at [email protected] with show information.

Normally, the summer is the slow time for theater, but not so in Baltimore. This month in the city that reads–and loves theater–there are oodles of productions up, including a (mostly sold-out) run of “Hamilton” at the Hippodrome.

Don’t worry if you choose not to shell out rent money on black market or resale tickets for the Lin-Manuel Miranda Broadway hit, as there are 27 other options to see live stories this month, including a hip-hop Shakespeare show, outdoor productions of more Shakespeare and “Hair,” and a bevy of indoor plays and musicals.