Baltimore Center Stage (BCS) is debuting a brand‑new holiday musical, CHARMZ: The Other Reindeer, with performances scheduled from Friday, Nov. 13 through Thursday, Dec. 27. The official opening night is set for Saturday, Nov. 21, following a series of preview shows during the week leading up to the premiere.
Local creators bring a fresh holiday story
Developed specifically for Baltimore audiences, the world‑premiere blends Motown‑style music with a heart‑warming tale. BCS executive director Ken‑Matt Martin serves as book writer and director, while composer‑lyricist Nygel D. Robinson provides the original score and lyrics. The story follows a young reindeer named Charmz who, lacking Rudolph’s famous red nose or any obvious distinguishing trait, searches for what makes him special. Through friendship, music, and self‑discovery, Charmz learns that extraordinary qualities often look different than we expect.
“CHARMZ: The Other Reindeer is an opportunity to collaborate with Nygel on a new musical that we believe can change the world with its powerful message of remembering your roots and where you come from,” Martin said. “It’s a reminder that everyone has a little bit of magic inside of them.”
Cast highlights local talent
The production stars Tyrese Shawn Avery as Charmz, with Davon Fleming playing Santa and Avoince Hoyles as Rudolph. Becky Mossing, head of theatre at the Baltimore School for the Arts where she has taught for more than two decades, appears as Elley. Fleming, a Baltimore native and former semifinalist on NBC’s The Voice, brings a familiar local face to the stage. Antonio Michael Woodward, a two‑time Helen Hayes award nominee who appeared in the pre‑Broadway run of Purple Rain, portrays Comet. Hoyles adds experience from productions such as A Strange Loop, Titanique, and the TV series FBI: Most Wanted.
Robinson, who previously worked with Martin on the acclaimed production Mexodus, praised the collaboration: “Ken‑Matt is a dear friend, and after the incredible experience we shared in Baltimore and beyond with Mexodus, I was extremely honored to come back together to create something new for this community. CHARMZ is full of heart and joy, and I’m excited to bring that energy to Baltimore audiences and hopefully create a new holiday tradition along the way.”
Special themed nights and community involvement
Throughout the run, BCS will host themed evenings featuring local and state officials, media personalities, and other guests. Confirmed events include Family First Night (Nov. 13), Baltimore Creatives Night (Nov. 14), Baltimore School for the Arts Day (Nov. 15), D9/HBCU Night (Nov. 18), Radio One Night (Nov. 19), Kaiser Permanente Community Night (Nov. 21) and BSA Alumni Night (Dec. 23). Additional guest appearances and dates will be announced as the season progresses.
Tickets and further information are available on the Baltimore Center Stage website.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
