Murder, blackmail and music in Chicago
When Chicago: A Musical Vaudeville opened on Broadway in 1975, many in the audience were said to be shocked — shocked! — by the show’s subversive view of such seeming American verities as a fair and impartial justice system and the secular sainthood of celebrities.But that was then, 36 years ago. Now, yesterday’s biting cynicism has become today’s relished... READ MORE
Festival spotlights latest trends in crafts
So, what’s new in the crafts world? More than 250 American craftspeople and artists will answer that question at the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival in Timonium, taking place from Friday, Sept. 30 through Sunday, Oct. 2. The theme of this 35th anniversary festival is “New This Season.” It will showcase the latest work, techniques and materials of the jury-selected artists. Among the... READ MORE
Theater workshops keep creativity flowing
“Everybody shake those arms. Janice, can you shake those arms?” Patti Green Roth is trying to invigorate a group in a sun-drenched and well-appointed activity room. Several are in wheelchairs; others relax in a variety of seats arrayed in a semi-circle.“Up to the sky and down to the floor,” she cajoled, raising her arms. A few moments later, the petite... READ MORE
Daughter writes of dad’s dancing career
Moon Over Vaudeville by Maureen McCabe follows the travels of tap dancer Weldon Barr from one gig to another all over the United States, with long stops in the Washington area. Ostensibly, it is a biography of the author’s father, a 1930s entertainer. But Moon Over Vaudeville isn’t all about Weldon Barr. It’s about a time period. The most fascinating thing about this book is the ... READ MORE
The lives of famous Americans in Paris
It’s hard to keep up with David McCullough at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery.“I think it’s one of the real treasures of the capital city, really of the country,’’ said the 77-year-old historian of the museum during a recent afternoon interview. He was as excited as a school boy, walking quickly along hallways, up and down stairs, from room to ... READ MORE
Museum brings Civil War history to life
Unless you’re an expert on Maryland’s Civil War history, you might not know anything about Christopher Fleetwood. But you should. This free black man of Baltimore led other black soldiers into battle and earned the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1864 for his bravery.Other Marylanders, such as Clara Barton and Harriet Tubman, also played significant roles in the Civil War. Now,... READ MORE
On display: the art of writing instruments
Throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia, the art of writing long served as a hallmark of the literate and cultured classes. Hence every culture that has valued the written word has found ways to reflect the prestige and pleasure of writing.For those who made writing their primary occupation, such as calligraphers and poets, or their avocation, including wealthy merchants and women of... READ MORE
Arena’s Oklahoma! redux is more than OK
Rerun Summer ’11 continues through sultry August, as local theater companies entice audiences into their air-cooled, usually-empty-in-the-summer confines by bringing back blasts from the past. For example, Wicked, the glittering musical telling the back story of the two witches at the heart of The Wizard of Oz, is still packing them in (through Aug. 21) in its second run at the... READ MORE
Meet the local Ms. Senior America winners
The word “pageant” generally brings to mind big hair, big gowns and little swimsuits. The Ms. Senior America Pageant however, focuses more on big personalities. Its philosophy is “based on the beliefs that seniors are the foundations of America,” according to its mission statement. Since 1972, contestants and title holders, who must be at least 60 years old, have... READ MORE
National Aquarium celebrates 30 years
Last September, the National Aquarium officially unveiled the National Aquarium Conservation Center and kicked off its celebration of the Baltimore venue’s 30th anniversary year.The Conservation Center is the next stage in the National Aquarium’s growth from a successful attraction with conservation as its primary message, to a nationally-recognized and respected conservation... READ MORE
