"The Mad Ones" Theatre Review- Lexington Park, MD

I prefer to go into shows I’ve never heard of completely blind. I don’t go out of my way to read a show description. I prefer being surprised by the performance I’m about to see; that way I don’t have any preemptive thoughts about how the production “should” be since I have nothing else to compare it to.

I was in my hometown for work purposes, but wanted to also spend some time with my dad (a fellow theatre lover/performer) James LePore. We decided to go see the latest show at the Three Notch Theater in Lexington Park, MD, performing March 6-15, 2026

We had never heard anything about the show and only knew that it had music and that we knew people involved with the production. I think I was told it had “something to do with a high school student making life decisions.” I wasn’t sure what to expect.

The 4 actors chosen to play the roles in this show were brilliantly cast. I believed that each of them WERE their characters. The main character Samantha Brown (played by Danielle Baker) is trying to figure out what she wants out of life when she graduates high school. Does she want to settle down with her boyfriend Adam (played by Chris Limjuco)? Does she want to follow in her mother Beverly’s (played by Meg Freese) footsteps and go to an Ivy league school? Does she want to be more of a rebel and experience freedom like her best friend Kelly (played by AK True)?

First off, I need to just say WOW! I both laughed and cried throughout the production. Director Shelby Tyler and assistant director Elinor Hughes did an excellent job bringing their vision to life. Baker commanded the stage with strong vocals and a powerful presence. True’s excellent comedic timing and facial expressions had me cracking up, but she also knew when to pull it back for the emotion of the scene. Her harmonies were great as well. Limjuco also had great comedic timing, as well as great chemistry with Baker. Freese was able to take a serious character and make her entertaining and funny; she did not break character once while there were hilarious actions happening around her.

I loved the use of the steering wheel mechanism that showcased when driving is involved without needing an entire car. The set itself was pretty minimalist (designed by Dave Kyser), which I thought worked well since the show did not require anything elaborate (just to showcase different houses Sam spends time in). The lighting (designed by Brandan Maher) and sounds (designed by Will Frech) were just enough to emphasize the actors onstage. Music Director Pateley Bongiorni did a great job bringing out the musical talents of these actors.

Unfortunately, this show only has TWO weekends. At the time of this posting, you have one more weekend to see the show. Don’t miss your chance!

https://www.newtowneplayers.org/the-mad-ones.html

Show Times: Thursdays-Saturdays 8:00 PM, Sundays 3:00 PM

Doors Open Thirty Minutes Before Curtain

​​Ticket Pricing:

Adult General Admission: $20

Senior (65+) / Students / Military: $17

Children (12 and Under): $15

Children (5 and Under): FREE

Thursday Performances: $15

Special Discount Group: $17

NTP Members: $18

The sensory friendly performance of this show will be taking place on Thursday, March 12, 2025

“The Mad Ones” is written by Kait Kerrigan and Bree Lowdermilk.

“Mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved... Samantha Brown balances on the edge of her future, car keys in hand. As she sits in the driver's seat, she faces a choice: will she follow in her mother's footsteps, or take the dare of her impetuous best friend and chart a new path? This contemporary and compelling score immerses audiences in the complex inner life of a young woman on the brink of change. When every choice feels like life and death, how do you turn the key?” (Show description from the Newtowne Players’ website).