When you think Broadway, you think Times Square, bright lights and crowded streets. You don’t necessarily think Old Bay, crabs and Natty Boh. But Baltimore’s performing arts scene is emerging now more than ever, and it’s time to realize that we have access to some of the best performances, right in our backyard.
As a native New Yorker who has always been passionate about theater, I have attended many performances on Broadway. When I moved to Baltimore three years ago for college, this was a passion that I thought I would be leaving behind. However, I recently discovered the Hippodrome Theatre and realized that Baltimore has so much more to offer than I ever thought.
When I went to the Hippodrome Theatre for the first time, it felt so alive. I could have easily been in a New York venue. There were people everywhere, filled with excitement about the performances they were waiting to see (or had just seen), or getting drinks and snacks at the Hipp Cafe. The Theatre itself is extraordinary. The gilded decorations were luxurious and gave the state-of-the-art venue a more historic and even royal air. I was seated in the orchestra section for Chicago, which gave me an amazing view. I loved how the orchestra itself was incorporated into the show and was a part of the set. I had a wonderful night that left me eager to return to the theater.
The Hippodrome has a rich and storied history as a Maryland landmark. Opened in 1914, the legendary theater was a social experience for almost century before closing to conduct a large-scale renovation. The curtain rose on the new and improved venue in 2004. Since then, the Hippodrome has been serving Baltimore and its lovers of performance art and giving them memories that they will treasure forever.
After returning home from Chicago, I realized that my experience at the Hippodrome had exceeded my favorite experiences at Broadway shows in New York. At the Hippodrome, I had an intimate connection with the historic theater, the performers, and the city I now call home. I felt like I had made an amazing discovery, a hidden gem, and want to share this amazing experience with my friends. New York in comparison is big, bustling, and pricey. It feels commercial. It doesn’t give you the same close connection with the stars
Now when I think of Baltimore I don’t just think of Old Bay, crabs and Natty Boh; I think of friends, great times, and the Hippodrome Theatre. I am thrilled that I found a new way to enjoy Baltimore and look forward to seeing many more amazing shows.
Join AdHop Strategies, a Hopkins undergraduate student-run marketing agency, for events around campus to learn more about the Hippodrome and get great giveaways! You can also enter contests for the chance to win a free pair of tickets to Dirty Dancing! The schedule and description of events is as follows:
Dance Your Way to Levering: Thursday, April 2 (1:00 p.m – 3:00 p.m). Patio in front of Levering Hall, Johns Hopkins University, Homewood Campus.
To kick off the second week of the campaign, students can visit AdHop Strategies on the Levering Patio for refreshments and giveaways. Student will be able to take a break from their Thursday classes by enjoying to music from the performance.
Just Dance with JOSH and Jaywalk: Friday, April 3 (6:30 pm – 7:30 pm), Shriver Hall Entrance, Johns Hopkins University, Homewood Campus.
Students can come enjoy a night highlighting some of JHU’s most talented dance groups. Visit the AdHop Strategies table at this spring showcase for exciting giveaways.
Friday Night Films & AdHop Strategies Present: Into the Woods: Friday, April 3 (6:30 pm – 7:30 pm) Gilman Hall Room 50, Johns Hopkins University, Homewood Campus.
Love musicals? So do we! Come join us to watch another wonderful musical, Into the Woods. AdHop Strategies will be giving out popcorn to students to enjoy as they watch the film.
Step Out to the Baseball Game: Wednesday, April 8 (3:30 pm – 5:30 pm) Baseball Field, Johns Hopkins University, Homewood Campus.
Students can watch the JHU Baseball team play in their newly refurbished stadium and see our Broadway characters running the bases! Come by the AdHop Strategies table for free giveaways.
Keep Us “Company” at the Barnstormers’ Company: Friday, April 10 (7:00 pm- 8:15 pm) Swirnow Theater in the Mattin Center, Johns Hopkins University, Homewood Campus.
AdHop Strategies will be at the Barnstormers production of “Company.” Stop by and visit for fun handouts and free swag before seeing an amazing performance!
Hop to the Men’s Lacrosse Game: Saturday April 11 (4:00 pm – 6:00 pm) Homewood Field, Johns Hopkins University
AdHop Strategies will be cheering on the Johns Hopkins Blue Jays as they face-off against the Penn State Nittany Lions. Come find our characters in the stands and take a selfie with the Phantom of the Opera or Glinda from Wicked!
Senior Week Cocktail Party and Night at the Theatre: Thursday, May 13 (10:45 p.m. – Closing). Forno, 17 N Eutaw St
Reward yourself by joining AdHop Strategies for its Night at the Theatre Cocktail Party which will take place at Forno and offers a package deal for seniors including show tickets and a happy hour deal for food and post-show drinks. Dirty Dancing-themed beverages will be featured as the drink of the night! Grab your friends and get excited to experience Baltimore Broadway in a way you never have before!
All images courtesy of Emily Glickman.