Compass Rose Theater Marks 15th Anniversary

Compass Rose Theater, a critically acclaimed professional theater and educational nonprofit in Annapolis, will share its “Compass Rose Cabaret” this Friday through April 26. This musical revue, featuring live piano accompaniment, will showcase some of the theater’s most memorable songs since its founding in 2011.

Opening night, April 10, will include a special cabaret and soirée fundraiser honoring founder Lucinda Merry-Browne. Guests will enjoy drinks and dessert while mingling with the professional cast.

“Our founder, Lucinda Merry-Browne, had a bold vision to bring a professional teaching theater to the Annapolis area, and we’ve been gaining momentum for 15 years. Now, we’re regularly earning prestigious Helen Hayes Award nominations and recommendations,” said Barbara Webber, executive director of Compass Rose Theater. “We’ve expanded teaching opportunities — this season collaborating with Anne Arundel Community College for ‘Rent,’ and this August partnering on our youth production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ with Historic London Town & Gardens for an outdoor, interactive Shakespeare experience.”

Each year, Compass Rose Theater produces four to five professional shows and one student production, and it offers multiple camps and classes for all ages.

The “Compass Rose Cabaret” cast features audience favorites from Helen Hayes Award–recommended productions, including Baylor Cherneski (“Annie”), Jewel Freeman (“Annie”), Barrett Johnson (“Little Shop of Horrors,” “Annie”), Keila Mumphord (“Little Shop of Horrors”), James Toler (“Little Shop of Horrors,” “Annie”), and a 17-year-old newcomer to Compass Rose, Lily Glista.

Performers will present songs spanning the company’s history — from its first musical, “Oliver,” to its most recent, “Rent” — as well as selections from “The Sound of Music,” “A Chorus Line,” “Cats,” and other Broadway and Compass Rose favorites.

The production is directed by Artistic Director Madeline Austin, with musical direction, original arrangements, and accompaniment by Jack Benedict (“Little Shop of Horrors”). The original script is by Barrett Johnson, with choreography by Victoria Farnsworth (“Annie”).

Show dates are Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30pm–9:15pm, with a 3:00pm matinee on April 25, and Sundays from 4:00pm–5:15pm. Performances will be held at Unity by the Bay, located at 4 Pointless Forest Trail in Annapolis.

Tickets range from $25–$55 and are available until showtime while supplies last, except for the soiree fundraiser event. For tickets, visit www.compassrosetheater.org, browse InstantSeats, or call 410-980-6662.