It's almost routine to hear about new theater troupes popping up in Baltimore City. Not so much in Baltimore County. So the arrival of Gunpowder Repertory Theatre and its associated venture, the Later Acting Company, is newsy, as well as welcome.
Gunpowder Rep was formed by two alumni of Loyola Blakefield, the Catholic prep school in Towson:
-- Lance Baldwin (class of 1992), who studied at the well-established William Esper Studio in New York, and also collaborated with his father and others on creating An Poitin Stil, the Irish pub in Timonium.
-- and Bernd Linhart (class of 1987), son of the late Baltimore Colts kicker Toni Linhart and former student of Roy London, a major acting coach in Los Angeles.
They found a friendly home at their alma mater, which provided a venue and support for an alumni theater group.
The Later Acting Company's inaugural production is Yasmina Reza's "Art," the 1990s, Tony Award-winning comedy about three friends and how their bond is threatened when one of them buys an all-white painting. Baldwin and Linhart are joined in the show by a more recent Loyola Blakefield alum, Joe Miller.
"Art" continues through July 16 at the Creaghan Library Stage of Wheeler Hall, Loyola Blakefield, 500 Chestnut Ave. Tickets are $25.00.
The Gunpowder Rep founders envision a three-play season, including an original work each year, and projects for young performers and audiences.