Hot L Baltimore

Written by Lanford Wilson
Directed by Peter Jenson
Produced by T. Schreiber Studio

Nominated for: Outstanding Set Design, George Allison; Outstanding Costume Design, Mary Cann; and Outstanding Revival of a Play


About the Production
Winner of the Drama Desk and Obie awards for best play in 1973, tells the compelling tale of misfits living in a once elegant hotel ( the hookers are hot the waters not), now so derelict that the "e" in "Hotel" is missing on the hotel's sign. When they learn the hotel is scheduled for demolition, the residents and employees must contemplate the loss of their home, the family they have become, and consider their future.


Costume DesignerMary Cann and Producing Director Halley Morse talk about reviving this OOB original and Landford Wilson classic.

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What attracted you to this production?

Mary: Though I have worked a lot with fashion and costume, I had never worked on a stage production. Peter Jensen asked me if I wanted to do it, and I jumped at the opportunity. It was really fun to collaborate with Peter and the actors; They all had thoughtful ideas about their characters to contribute and  that helped me form my ideas.

Halle: I have done several Lanford Wilson plays and love his writing. He finds the heart, compassion and tremendous humor in the small moments of life lived through the lives of the underdogs and disenfranchised of this world.

What did you want the Audience to come away with after watching this production of Hot L Baltimore?

Halle: To feel how important it is have the belief, passion and commitment for something /anything! The play asks us to recover our loss of culture, spirit, and imagination, and thereby recover ourselves

What was your favorite part of working on this production?

Mary: I enjoyed the research aspect of working on Hot L. The 70s was a very distinct era that I had never researched in detail before, and I enjoyed finding inspiration that was more in line with the lives of the characters than the exaggerated idea of the 70s we're used to seeing.

Halle: I had a wonderful group of very talented and well trained actors who took the ball and ran with it, I was blessed. They made my job easy.

What was the most challenging part of working on this production?

Halle: The play has lots of overlapping dialogue and a large cast, sometimes all on stage at once, all talking at the same time! Like an orchestra piece.

Was there anything noteworthy that happened during the production?

Halle: The original lead actress and director from the first off Broadway run came to see it and partied with us! It was wonderful to share experiences and insights with them about working on Lanford’s landmark play.

What was it like working with T. Schreiber Studio?

Mary: I had a great time working with Peter Jensen and the rest of the crew and cast. He brings together a community of talented, collaborative people excited to work, and it makes the experience fulfilling and fun. It’s reflective of T. Schreiber and the way they operate as a whole.

What was it like working with Mary and George?

Halle: Mary Cann had amazing taste and feel for the period and brought a subtle feel to what could have been an over the top 70’s feel.

George Allison made a beautiful, incredibly detailed so easy to move around, live and inhabit set for 18 people! And a great cast, director, and crew to make it the best revival ever!!

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