New community theater to open at Salem Lutheran
by Mary Helen Sprecher
newsroom@baltimoreguide.com
When the curtain goes up at Riverside Stage at Salem Lutheran Church, it actually rises on not just one play but a host of possibilities.
That first performance, the premiere of local resident Michael Hulett’s The King of the Eastern Shore, opens on Friday, April 18. It marks the beginning of a partnership between Salem and Musical Artists Theatre (MAT), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization headed by Ruth and Michael Hulett.
According to Salem pastor Barbara Melosh, MAT has been producing plays and operating summer camps in the Baltimore area since 1996.
“We’re delighted to announce the new partnership,” said Melosh. “Long-range possibilities for Riverside Stage at Salem may include concert series and after-school classes in music, arts and theater.”
The first play, King of the Eastern Shore, is suitable for all ages, she adds. “It is a gentle and heart-warming story that takes place on a remote farm, when a young girl an boy discover a stranger hiding in the barn. He enchants them into believing he is a king from a far-off land, shipwrecked on their shore, and swears them to secrecy. As the lyrical story unfolds through a night of mystery, song, and celebration, the lives of both the children and their parents are changed forever.”
John Sheldon plays Ethan and Corey Dunning is the king in “King of the Eastern Shore,” opening April 19 at Riverside Stage, Salem Lutheran Church.
Photo by Michael Hulett
After the opening night, six other performances will follow, on Saturday, April 19 at 8 p.m., on Sunday, April 20 at 3 p.m., on Thursday through Saturday, April 24-26 at 8 p.m., and a final matinee at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 27. Tickets are priced at $10; groups of ten or more, $8. Home-made desserts and other refreshments available. Information on tickets or reservations can be obtained by calling 410-837-0971.
The cast features Meghan Sova as the girl, Ruth Hulett as her mother, Spencer Blankenship as the boy, John Sheldon as his father, and Dorey Dunning as the stranger.
According to information provided by Salem Lutheran Church, Michael Hulett, the playwright and composer, has published plays and musicals that have been performed in American and Europe. New York productions include Basin Street, with music by jazz legend Turk Murphy. He is presently writing the book for the Broadway revival of “Bubbling Brown Sugar.”
MAT and Salem are seeking volunteers to help out with various tasks associated with the theater. Those interested can contact Ruth Hulett at 410-837-0971 or via email at Ruth@MusicalArtistsTheatre.com.
Note: Information on Salem Lutheran Church is available at the website, www.salemsouthbaltimore.org. Information on Musical Arts Theatre is available at www.MusicalArtistsTheatre.com.
