Curtain Up in Charles County: A Live Entertainment Journey for Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Fans
From the dugout to the drama of the stage, the Southern Maryland region offers a dynamic spectrum of entertainment for fans of the Blue Crabs. Whether you’re catching a Broadway blockbuster, laughing with nationally touring comedians, or enjoying regional productions in historic venues, this guide dives into the must-see shows and stars lighting up the area. Here’s your all-access pass to musicals, comedy acts, and the vibrant theaters near Waldorf, Maryland.
Since its Broadway debut in 2003, Wicked has become one of the most beloved musicals of the 21st century. With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, it explores the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. Songs like “Defying Gravity” and “Popular” have become iconic, helping the production rake in over $1.4 billion on Broadway. The musical earned three Tony Awards, including Best Scenic Design and Best Actress for Idina Menzel.
Beetlejuice – The Musical Tickets
Adapted from Tim Burton’s cult classic, Beetlejuice exploded onto Broadway in 2019. Known for its outrageous humor and quirky visuals, the musical blends dark comedy with high-energy tunes like “Dead Mom” and “Say My Name.” Written by Scott Brown and Anthony King with music by Eddie Perfect, it quickly developed a passionate fanbase. It earned eight Tony nominations and is celebrated for its unique stage design and devoted goth-theatre crossover appeal.
Hairspray burst onto Broadway in 2002, with infectious ’60s rhythms and a powerful message of inclusion. With unforgettable numbers like “You Can’t Stop the Beat” and “Welcome to the 60s,” it earned eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score. Based on John Waters’ 1988 film, it follows Tracy Turnblad’s quest to integrate a local TV dance show in Baltimore—just a short drive from Southern Maryland. The show remains a staple of touring productions across the country.
Benj Pasek and Justin Paul’s emotionally stirring Dear Evan Hansen opened on Broadway in 2016 and swept the Tony Awards the following year. The story of a socially anxious teen who becomes a viral sensation by accident, it dives deep into grief, identity, and connection. The hit songs “Waving Through a Window” and “You Will Be Found” helped the original cast recording win a Grammy Award. It also claimed the Tony for Best Musical in 2017.
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s genre-defying Hamilton premiered Off-Broadway in 2015 and transferred to Broadway shortly after, becoming a cultural phenomenon. With a score that fuses hip-hop, R&B, and traditional show tunes, it tells the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton. The musical won 11 Tony Awards, a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album. Songs like “My Shot” and “The Room Where It Happens” have embedded themselves in modern music history.
The first Disney animated feature adapted for the stage, Beauty and the Beast premiered on Broadway in 1994 and ran for 13 years. With timeless songs like “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast,” it brought a magical fairy tale to life with rich costumes and opulent set design. The Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice score received a warm welcome, earning nine Tony nominations. It remains one of the most popular touring family musicals.
A celebration of Michael Jackson’s artistic legacy, MJ – The Musical debuted on Broadway in 2022. Centered around the rehearsal for his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, it blends biographical storytelling with hits like “Thriller,” “Billie Jean,” and “Smooth Criminal.” Myles Frost’s performance as MJ earned him a Tony Award for Best Actor. The production also won Tonys for choreography and lighting design.
Les Miserables, based on Victor Hugo’s novel, first hit the West End in 1985 and Broadway in 1987. This epic saga of redemption and revolution includes legendary songs such as “I Dreamed a Dream” and “One Day More.” With music by Claude-Michel Schönberg and lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer, it’s one of the longest-running musicals in history. It won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical and continues to draw standing ovations on tour.
Moulin Rouge The Musical Tickets
Baz Luhrmann’s dazzling 2001 film received the Broadway treatment in 2019 with Moulin Rouge The Musical. Combining over 70 pop songs—from “Lady Marmalade” to “Chandelier”—the show won 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The jukebox spectacle brings the Parisian cabaret to life in glittering fashion. Its bold visuals and powerful ensemble numbers like “El Tango de Roxanne” keep audiences captivated.
In this modern reimagining of Henry VIII’s six wives, Six The Musical premiered on Broadway in 2021 following success in the UK. Each queen takes the mic in a pop concert-style competition to tell her story. With songs like “Don’t Lose Ur Head” and “All You Wanna Do,” it’s a feminist, funny, and catchy retelling of history. It won two Tony Awards: Best Original Score and Best Costume Design.
Chicago is one of Broadway’s longest-running revivals, having debuted in 1975 and been revived to great success in 1996. Its sharp satire of celebrity crime features enduring numbers like “All That Jazz” and “Cell Block Tango.” Written by John Kander and Fred Ebb with choreography by Bob Fosse, it remains a standard bearer for musical theatre excellence. It has won six Tony Awards and continues to tour with updated staging.
A pioneer of modern ventriloquism, Jeff Dunham gained national attention through appearances on Comedy Central and his Netflix specials. His cast of puppets—including Peanut, Walter, and Achmed the Dead Terrorist—brings absurd hilarity to live shows. Dunham holds the record for most tickets sold for a stand-up act in North America. His family-friendly and globally touring comedy makes him one of the most consistent names in the industry.
Taylor Tomlinson rose through the comedy circuit in her early 20s and quickly became one of Netflix’s top headliners with specials like Quarter-Life Crisis and Look At You. Her humor blends personal vulnerability with millennial observations on dating, anxiety, and family dynamics. She has performed on The Tonight Show and Conan, gaining critical praise for her introspective punchlines. Tomlinson is currently touring arenas nationwide.
Often dubbed “The Nicest Man in Stand-Up,” Nate Bargatze is known for his clean, observational humor. With specials on Netflix like The Tennessee Kid and The Greatest Average American, he’s become a staple of lighthearted stand-up. Bargatze performed at the Grand Ole Opry and was nominated for a Grammy in 2022. His down-home delivery and universal themes have broad audience appeal.
Jim Gaffigan’s jokes about food, family, and Catholic guilt have made him a favorite on the global comedy stage. With seven Grammy-nominated comedy albums and numerous specials, he’s one of the most prolific comics in recent decades. His “Hot Pockets” bit is one of the most quoted in modern comedy. He’s also been featured in films, on television, and as a guest on every major late-night show.
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Regional Theatre Venues Near Southern Maryland
Port Tobacco Players Theatre
Built in the early 1970s in La Plata, Maryland, the Port Tobacco Players Theatre is a community gem with a 200-seat auditorium. It has hosted hundreds of local productions ranging from Shakespeare to Disney classics. The venue also serves as a hub for acting classes and youth workshops.
College of Southern Maryland Fine Arts Center
Located in La Plata, the College of Southern Maryland’s Fine Arts Center houses a 400-seat theatre that features concerts, guest speakers, and musical performances. The facility opened in 1997 and has become a cultural mainstay in Charles County. It regularly partners with regional troupes to showcase Broadway hits and classical plays.
Indian Head Black Box Theatre
Nestled inside the Indian Head Center for the Arts, this 100-seat black box space opened in the 2000s and offers intimate productions and experimental theatre. Known for its interactive audience experience, it has hosted local improv nights and touring solo acts.
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Exclusive TicketSmarter Savings for Blue Crabs Fans
As a thank you to Southern Maryland Blue Crabs supporters, TicketSmarter is proud to offer an exclusive discount on all theatre and comedy events mentioned in this guide. Use promo code
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From musical magic to comic genius, your Southern Maryland nights out just got more thrilling—go ahead and secure your seats today.