Theatre In 360°: Recent Episodes
The Colonial Players of Annapolis
As Oscar Wilde once said "It was only in the theatre, that I lived", and volunteers at community theatres know this to be true! Theatre in 360 is brought to you by The Colonial Players of Annapolis, with your host Jim Reiter. We will be keeping you up to date with current shows, discovering what is happening in and around the theatre community, and taking a close up look at those that keep it running.
It's summer at The Colonial Players, and that means Special Production time! This episode has Jim sit down with the producer of the 10 Minute Play Festival, George King.
George shares where the idea came from, how it was executed, and where it's going...
The 10 Minute Play Festival runs July 17-26, 2026.
Continuing our 77th Season, Jim sits down with director Laura Gayvert to talk about our winter drama, Other Desert Cities by Jon Robin Baitz. Set against the sun-bleached elegance of Palm Springs, this sharp, emotionally charged play explores family, memory, and the stories we tell—both to others and to ourselves.
Laura shares her approach to guiding this complex, intimate piece, and reflects on her own history with The Colonial Players, including her role in our return to live theatre after COVID in Maytag Virgin. With no spoilers, this conversation offers thoughtful insight into the play’s themes, the power of ensemble storytelling, and why Other Desert Cities feels especially resonant right now.
Other Desert Cities runs January 9–31, 2026.
Jim sits down with director Erica Miller to talk all things A Christmas Carol, the beloved musical holiday adaptation returning to CP. Together, they explore what makes Dickens’ timeless tale of redemption, generosity, and second chances resonate year after year, and how this production balances cherished tradition with fresh theatrical magic.
From ghosts and goodwill to heart, humor, and holiday spectacle, Erica shares her vision for bringing Scrooge’s journey to life on the CP stage—and why this story continues to feel essential, especially at Christmastime. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering the show anew, this behind-the-scenes conversation is the perfect way to step into the spirit of the season.
In this special episode, Jim speaks with Jen Pastrone the Executive Director of Seeds 4 Success, the chosen charity partner for this year’s production of A Christmas Carol. Together, they discuss the mission of Seeds 4 Success, the vital work the organization does in our community, and why its focus on opportunity, dignity, and hope aligns so beautifully with the spirit of Dickens’ beloved story.
As Scrooge learns that generosity can change lives, this conversation highlights how Seeds 4 Success is making a real, tangible difference—helping individuals and families build brighter, more stable futures. Learn how audiences can get involved, give back, and carry the message of A Christmas Carol beyond the stage and into the community.
https://seeds4success.org/
Hear all about the witty, whiplash-fast farce Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors as Jim sinks his teeth into a conversation with director Debbie Barber-Eaton and her fangtastic Stage Manager, Andy McLendon. Expect outrageous characters, breakneck plot twists, and a backstage look at how this blood-soaked slapstick comes to life on our stage—fangs, stakes, and questionable accents included.
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors runs October 24 - November 15, 2025, continuing a season packed with big laughs, bold choices, and the occasional undead visitor. Tune in for behind-the-scenes antics, unfiltered chuckles, and a sneak peek at why this ridiculous romp is the perfect way to celebrate the spooky season.
Starting our 77th Season, Jim sits down with director Greg Jones to discuss Oscar Wilde’s sparkling comedy of scandal, secrets, and society—An Ideal Husband. Get an inside look at how this timeless satire on politics, morality, and marriage comes to life on our stage, and hear why Wilde’s wit still strikes a chord today.
An Ideal Husband runs September 5 – 27, 2025, opening a season full of sharp stories and unforgettable performances. Tune in for behind-the-scenes insights, laughter, and a glimpse at what makes this production a perfect season opener.
🎟️ https://tickets.thecolonialplayers.org/eventperformances.asp?evt=348
Closing our 76th Season, Jim talks to Shannon Benil, the director of "Bump". Shannon talks about the power and pitfalls of technology to advance human connection, and the joys of live theatre.
Bump runs from April 25 — May 17, 2025.
https://tickets.thecolonialplayers.org/eventperformances.asp?evt=340
Our Spring musical for Season 76 is Working — A Musical. Jim talks to the director, Tom Wyatt, about how important this localized version of Working is in the community, and his history with CP.
Working runs from February 28 — March 29, 2025.
Welcome to the Holiday Season! Jim chats with Joe Thompson, the director of the season 76 holiday show and writer of the Holiday Showcase, all about children's theater and how joyfulness spreads when you remember to embrace the fun!
A Visit From St. Nicholas runs December 5-15, 2024.
Tickets: https://tickets.thecolonialplayers.org/eventperformances.asp?evt=344
Our second show of Season 76 is The Winslow Boy. Jim talks to the director, Mary Fawcett Watko, about her history with CP and the joys of casting great actors.
The Winslow Boy runs from October 25 — November 16, 2024.
Starting our 76th Season, Jim talks to Rikki Howie Lacewell, the director of our season opener "Tiny Beautiful Things". Rikki extols the virtues of human connection, and the power of theatre to make us feel.
Tiny Beautiful Things runs from September 6 — September 30, 2024.
https://tickets.thecolonialplayers.org/eventperformances.asp?evt=336
How did CP get to co-produce this new play? Jim talks to Martin and Leslie Thompson about their history with the theatre, and their irreverent new play debuting at this years Capital Fringe Festival.
Only 4 performances at Theater J. For tickets to The Returned, visit: https://capitalfringe.org/events/the-returned/
For final show in the 75th Season, Jim talks to the director and current CP president, Steve Tobin. Steve ponders what it would be like to be able to “walk in another person’s shoes” and the power of empathy.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time runs from April 26 — May 18, 2024.
https://tickets.thecolonialplayers.org/eventperformances.asp?evt=329
Our fifth show in the 75th Season is the magnificent musical, The Baker's Wife. Jim talks to Michelle Bruno and LeVar Betts, director and music director, about live music, the love of theatre, and the joys of fresh warm bread.
The Baker's Wife runs from March 1 — March 30, 2024.
https://tickets.thecolonialplayers.org/eventperformances.asp?evt=328
Celebrating African Americans and the Arts this Black History Month. Jim talks to Rikki Howie Lacewell of Confidence Theatrics, about diversity in the arts and keeping the conversation going.
See more about Confidence Theatrics here: https://www.confidencetheatrics.com/
For our fourth show in the 75th Season, Marjorie Prime, Jim talks to longtime CP director Edd Miller. What would we remember, and what would we forget, if given the chance? Edd just wants you to think!
Marjorie Prime runs from January 12 — February 3.
https://tickets.thecolonialplayers.org/eventperformances.asp?evt=327
Join a couple of Scrooges in this podcast as they talk to the Director — Debbie Barber-Eaton — and the Music Director — Sally Gilles — of this year's sell-out production of A Christmas Carol.
You can still catch this year's production on-demand here: https://www.showtix4u.com/events/thecolonialplayers until January 1st, 2024!
Starting our 75th Season, Jim talks to Beth Terranova, the director of our season opener "Tartuffe". Beth is the wearer of many hats within the theatrical realm, and discusses the joy of satire, guest casting, and the need for volunteers.
Tartuffe runs from September 9 — September 30.
https://tickets.thecolonialplayers.org/eventperformances.asp?evt=325
Our latest venture with Theatre in 360° has Jim discussing Ravenscroft with the director Alex Brady. Alex talks about the vibrancy of costuming, the physicality of comedy, and how the truth can be painful.
Ravenscroft runs from May 19 — June 10.
https://tickets.thecolonialplayers.org/eventperformances.asp?evt=318
Live stream available from June 2 — June 10.
https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/74643
In our latest podcast, Jim talks to Vincent Musgrave, the director of Putting It Together, about his theatrical background, grueling schedules, and his love of Sondheim.
Putting It Together runs April 7 through May 6, 2023.
Tickets available: https://tickets.thecolonialplayers.org/eventperformances.asp?evt=317
Jim talks to Richard Atha-Nicholls, the director of The Book of Will.
Richard discusses the history, the comedy, and the tragedy of directing in the round.
The show runs February 24 through March 19, 2023.
https://tickets.thecolonialplayers.org/
Livestream available on select dates:
https://www.stellartickets.com/o/the-colonial-players-inc/events/the-book-of-will?aff=soc
Jim talks to Robin Schwartz, the director of Crimes of the Heart.
Robin talks about her background in theater, the show and it's cast.
The show runs January 6 through January 28, 2023.
https://tickets.thecolonialplayers.org/
Jim talks to Bob Bartlett about his new site specific play Lýkos Ánthrōpos as well as other site specific theatre, playwriting, and teaching.
Lýkos Ánthrōpos runs October 21 - November 6, 2022, 8:00 PM (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays)
https://www.bob-bartlett.com/
Jim talks to Estelle Miller, the director of The Lifespan of a Fact.
Estelle talks about her history in community theater, and her love of directing - especially plays that make you think.
The show runs October 21 through November 12, 2022.
https://tickets.thecolonialplayers.org/
Livestream available on select dates:
https://www.stellartickets.com/o/the-colonial-players-inc/events/the-lifespan-of-a-fact
Jim talks to the cast of Art (Sam Lunay, Tom Newbrough, and Jim himself), where they came from and where they're going.
The show runs September 9, 2022 to October 1, 2022.
https://tickets.thecolonialplayers.org/
Jim talks to Debbie Barber-Eaton who is directing Art. Debbie talks about her history with The Colonial Players and what it's like directing Art in the round.
The show runs September 9, 2022 to October 1, 2022.
https://tickets.thecolonialplayers.org/
Stage manager extraordinaire, Andy McLendon, and prodigious master of props, Charlotte Robinson, join Jim to talk about how they got involved with theatre and what keeps them coming back out to play with the Colonial Players.
Michelle Bruno, the president of the Children's Theatre of Annapolis, talks to Jim about their latest production, the importance of storytelling, and the joys of working with younger actors in the community.
Annie runs from May 6 - May 22, 2022.
CTA's Annual Fundraising Event "For the Love of CTA", June 4, 2022.
https://www.childrenstheatreofannapolis.org/
Jim talks to the two lead actors of Freaky Friday about being shut down in 2020 just before they moved to the theatre, and how grateful they are to bring Freaky Friday to fruition.
Freaky Friday runs from April 22 - May 15, 2022.
https://thecolonialplayers.org/
On this episode we learn the the ABCs of live streaming.
Jim talks to the Stream Team aka Richard Atha-Nicholls, Wes Bedsworth, and David Cooper. From inception to delivery, these guys have the tech knowledge.
https://tickets.thecolonialplayers.org/
Please note: There is no 3-hour podcast as mentioned. However, corner any one of the stream team and they'll talk to you for hours.
Apologies to Pandemic Players for not remembering your names correctly. Thank you Stephen Deininger, Paul Valleau, and Stuart Kazanow.
Jim talks to Jeff Sprague who is directing Agnes of God. Jeff talks about the background behind the show, the themes presented, and working with strong actors.
The show runs March 17, 2022 to April 2, 2022. Live stream available.
https://tickets.thecolonialplayers.org/
Episode 4 - A New Hope for Three Scrooges. Our host Jim Reiter talks to Duncan Hood and Gene Valendo about the joys of playing Scrooge, and this years production.
A Christmas Carol runs from December 2-12, 2021.
http://thecolonialplayers.org/
With our third very timely edition, Jim talks to Rick Wade and Sarah Wade about A Christmas Carol's history with The Colonial Players, and this years production.
Sidewalk Sale for tickets: Saturday November 20, 2021 at 9 a.m.
A Christmas Carol runs from December 2-12, 2021.
http://thecolonialplayers.org
Jennifer Cooper talks about serving on the Board of Directors and how she helps The Colonial Players fulfill its mission in entertaining, educating, and enriching the community.
https://thecolonialplayers.org/
We talk to Eleanore Tapscott who is directing By The Way, Meet Vera Stark. Eleanore talks about working with The Colonial Players for the first time, her background, and the history behind the show, and how black actors were treated in Hollywood, especially after the introduction of the Hay's Code.
The show runs October 22, 2021 to November 13, 2021.
https://tickets.thecolonialplayers.org/