You know Dasher and Dancer, even Olive, those adorable reindeer in the song about Santa’s sleigh? Well, Baltimore Center Stage (BCS) would like to introduce audiences to “CHARMZ: The Other Reindeer.”
The new Motown-inspired holiday musical will run at BCS from Friday, Nov. 13 through Thursday, Dec. 27. The official opening night will be Saturday, Nov. 21, but there will be previews performances in the week leading up to that.
Crafted and developed with Baltimore audiences in mind, this world premiere gathers local and national artists to tell an original holiday story BCS hopes will become a holiday classic tradition in Baltimore City.
BCS executive director Ken-Matt Martin is book writer and director of the production, and Nygel D. Robinson wrote the original music and lyrics. “CHARMZ” is the story of a young reindeer searching for what makes him special when he doesn’t have Rudolph’s famous red nose or an obvious trait that sets him apart. Through music, friendship and self-discovery, Charmz learns that being extraordinary doesn’t always look the way we expect.
“CHARMZ: The Other Reindeer is an opportunity to collaborate with Nygel on a new musical that we believe can change the world with its powerful message of remembering your roots and where you come from,” Martin said. “It’s a reminder that everyone has a little bit of magic inside of them.”
The cast includes Tyrese Shawn Avery starring as Charmz, Davon Fleming playing Santa, Avoince Hoyles as Rudolph, and many more with local roots and national performing experience. In fact, the character of Elley is played by Becky Mossing, who is Head of Theatre at Baltimore School for the Arts, where she has taught for more than two decades. Fleming is a Baltimore native and a semifinalist on NBC’s “The Voice.” Antonio Michael Woodward, who plays Comet, is a two-time Helen Hayes award nominee and appeared in the pre-Broadway production of “Purple Rain,” and Hoyles’ credits include “A Strange Loop,” “Titanque,” and television’s “FBI: Most Wanted.”
“Ken-Matt is a dear friend, and after the incredible experience we shared in Baltimore and beyond with Mexodus, I was extremely honored to come back together to create something new for this community,” Robinson said. “CHARMZ is full of heart and joy, and I’m excited to bring that energy to Baltimore audiences and hopefully create a new holiday tradition along the way.”
During the run, certain performances will have special guest appearances by local and state officials, media personalities, and other exciting guests, with names and dates to be announced. Those already decided include Family First Night (Nov. 13), Baltimore Creatives Night (Nov. 14), Baltimore School for the Arts Day (Nov. 15), D9/HBCU Night (Nov. 18), Radio One Night (Nov. 19), Kaiser Permanente presents Community Night (Nov. 21) and BSA Alumni Night (Dec. 23).
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Baltimore Center Stage’s website.
