Many people when they think of the Eastern Shore of Maryland it’s of recreational activities. Camping and the water activities on the rivers, Chesapeake Bay and the beach of Ocean City. Activities that begin in the spring and last through the fall.
During the winter while it may be much quieter, but it’s a great time to take a trip for the art and entertainment on the shore. There are five Art and Entertainment Districts, community theatres and other entertainment venues all within an hour trip from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
Easton’s Art and Entertainment District was approved in 2019 and joined Berlin A&E District, Cambridge A&E District, Chestertown A&E District, Crisfield A&E District, Denton A&E District, Elkton A&E District, Salisbury A&E District, Arts on the River (Snow Hill A&E District) and Historic Stevensville A&E District. Those highlight are the five closest to the Bay Bridge
The state’s smallest county, Kent County, has two performance venues. The Garfield Center for the Arts in Chestertown, and the Mainstay in Rock Hall whose “mission is to invigorate the cultural experience of Eastern Shore life by presenting outstanding musical programming and to provide a setting for creativity, inquiry and conversation.”
On MD 213, in Queen Anne’s County, between the towns of Centreville and Chestertown is Church Hill. The town is small, but on at least 15 weekends each year the town is full of theatre goers coming to see one of the five shows that Church Hill Theatre produces each year. Jon Robin Baitz’s Other Desert Cities is their first show for the 2020 season. The play was finalist for the 2012 Pulitzer Prize and nominated for five Tony Awards.
As described by the Press Release issued by Church Hill Theatre, “Lyman and Polly Wyeth are wealthy and respected from the movie industry, active in Republican politics, and comfortably retired in their beautiful Palm Springs home. The façade begins to crack as the family gathers for the Christmas holidays and daughter Brooke’s new book turns out to be a scathing memoir that blames her parents for the tragic loss of an older brother. Brooke’s younger brother Trip, a TV producer, tries to provide context and mediation but Polly’s sister Silda, a recovering (maybe) alcoholic, helps by stirring the pot. Like a dark cloud in the clear desert sky, the recently over Viet Nam War shades the family’s perceptions of reality.”
Before continuing, I should say that I am a small part of the production serving as Stage Manager and Photographer, both of which I have done for the theatre for quite a few of their productions for several years.
Michael Whitehill is the show’s Director. Since my involvement with the theatre beginning in late 2015, he has directed a show each year. I am always amazed with the vision he has for his shows. From directing, set construction and working with Doug Kaufmann with the light designs.
In the last 4 years I have seen or worked with some amazing actors. The ones in this cast can be consider the cream of the crop.
Brian McGunigle, most recently seen in The Importance of Being Earnest, is Lyman Wyeth, a B-list movie star who served as an ambassador for President Reagan. A really nice guy, Lyman likes to keep the drama on the screen and not in his living room.
Colleen Minihan, who played Sara in The Sisters Rosensweig, plays Polly, the brains and central force of the Wyeth family.
Kathy Jones, last seen in 33 Variations, plays Polly’s sister Silda, who is just out of rehab. In earlier years, the sisters worked together as successful screenwriters.
Their lost brother Henry still hovers in the wings, never talked about, but never forgotten.
Sylvia Maloney is the show’s producer. As stated before I am the stage manager and Debra Ebersole is in charge of costumes.
Other Desert Cities opens on January 17, 2020, and runs through February 2. Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 pm and Sunday afternoons at 2 pm. Reservations can be made on line at churchhilltheatre.org or by calling (410) 556-6003. Special two-for-one tickets are available on opening night only by calling the office or at the box office.
I would suggest seeing the show as the end of your trip to the shore. Take an adventure on the mid-shore for a day of Art and Entertainment. Visit the Art and Entertainment Districts on Kent Island, Easton, Denton or Chestertown. There’s also plenty of history in these locations as well as the town of Centreville. Enjoy a meal at one of the area’s restaurants. Just make sure if you are planning on attending the show in Church Hill to leave enough time to get to Church Hill. The town is about 20 minutes from Centreville and Chestertown, 40-45 minutes from Easton or Kent Island.