Something Rotten by 2nd Star Productions at the Bowie Playhouse, May 26-Jun 24

Something Rotten by 2nd Star Productions at the Bowie Playhouse, May 26-Jun 24

Something Rotten
May 26 – June 24, 2023
Book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell
Music and Lyrics by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick
Directed by Alanna Kiewe
Music Directed by Sarah Mitchell
Choreographed by Kelsey Meiklejohn Bowen & Summer Moore

2nd Star Productions at the Bowie Playhouse

Performances: May 26 – June 24, 2023, Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm *Note: June 24th is a Saturday matinee performance

Welcome to the Renaissance and the outrageous, crowd-pleasing musical farce, Something Rotten! Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star aka Shakespeare. When the local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing, and acting at the same time, Nick sets out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of the opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz.

Tickets for shows at Bowie Playhouse are $25.00 for General Admission, $22.00 for seniors (60 and over), military and full time students, and $15 for Children 11 and under. Buy tickets here.

Butterfly, the Story of a Life Cycle at the Bowie CPA, May 16-17

Butterfly, the Story of a Life Cycle at the Bowie CPA, May 16-17

Arts on Stage presents:
Butterfly, The Story of a Life Cycle

Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 10:15am and 12:00 noon
Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 10:15am and 12:00 noon

Location: Bowie Center for the Performing Arts.

NEW DATE: Back by Popular Demand!!! A wondrous view into the insect world seen on the big stage! We will follow Mari a Monarch Butterfly as she grows from her tiny egg then through her caterpillar state, next make the amazing metamorphosis in the chrysalis and finally on her incredible 1500 mile journey to Mexico. With all her insect companions she will learn about her symbiotic relationship with Milkweed, she depends on it for food a home and her unique form of defense against predators. This production uses GIANT puppetry! The audience feels like they have been shrunk down to insect size!

Tickets: $9. Click here.

Born to Swing, The Jazz Musical at the Bowie CPA, May 13

Born to Swing, The Jazz Musical at the Bowie CPA, May 13

Harris & Harris Productions presents:
Born to Swing, The Jazz Musical
by Adrienne Lillette Harris
featuring MzChele Harris

Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 6:30pm

Location: Bowie Center for the Performing Arts.

The musical BORN TO SWING tells the story of the 85-year career of renowned concert pianist, composer/arranger, entertainer and philanthropist Lillette Harris (later known as Lillette Jenkins). It also tells how she and her husband, Actor & Comedian Bud Harris, in 1945 were the first Blacks to own Lillette’s Rhythm Club, a Nightclub, Casino, and Hotel in Sparks-Reno Nevada during the racially charged Jim Crow era. While performing concerts around the world she also entertained the troops for four years in the USO during World War II. She later recorded five separate jazz and gospel albums that are still selling. Films, TV, Broadway and Off-Broadway shows as Musical Director are also part of her legendary career.

Lillette has shared the stage with music legends who were friends like Nat “King” Cole, who after recording the song “Lillette” dedicated it in her honor. Just to name a few she also shared the stage with greats like Cab Calloway, Lena Horne, Billy Joel, Ray Charles, and Duke Ellington who nicknamed her “Queen of the Keys.” BORN TO SWING is penned by her daughter, Publicist & Producer Adrienne Lillette Harris, as a love letter to her mother who died from Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 96 in 2020. Adrienne remarks: “In spite of her diagnosis, my mother could play the piano for up to three days before she passed away.” Lillette spent her final years in Columbia, Md with her two daughters and family.

Song Stylist and Actress MzChele Harris is cast as Lillette’s alter ego in the play and narrates the story brilliantly through visuals, music and dance. She is accompanied by some of the best musicians and dancers that Maryland has to offer. Don’t miss this awesome tribute!

BORN TO SWING debuts Mother’s Day weekend Saturday, May 13th at 6:30 p.m., at the Bowie Performing Arts Center, where it will be taped for later broadcast.

Lillette’s Foundation for the Arts Inc. will be making a donation from the musical to the National Alzheimer’s Association in the name of Lillette.

Tickets: $45 – $65. Click here.

Peter and the Wolf at the Bowie CPA, May 10

Peter and the Wolf at the Bowie CPA, May 10

Arts on Stage presents:
Peter and the Wolf

Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 10:15am and 12:00 noon

Location: Bowie Center for the Performing Arts.

“Peter and The Wolf” will tickle, intrigue, and delight young audiences while also offering a splendid introduction to theatre, classical music and value clarification themes. When Peter visits his grandfather for the summer, creative solutions are needed to provide a happy ending to a riveting story. This extraordinary musical presents young and family audiences with a precious moment of theatre they will long remember. THE MUSIC: A different instrument and melody (or “leitmotif”) represents each character of the play, creating an excellent link to understanding all types of music. THE STORY: A true adventure about a spirited young boy who meets the challenge of danger with courage, creativity and leadership. THE CELEBRATION: The value of love, friendship and caring. The lessons of greed, arrogance and prejudice. There is innocence and wisdom, youth and maturity, conflict resolution, moral development, and beauty in the natural order of life!

Tickets: $9. Click here.