Through methods that seem illogical and almost mystical, diviners or dowsers seek sources of water that lie hidden from sight or scrutiny. The Diviners now playing at Colonial Players of Annapolis uses this metaphor to offer a lyrical vignette on sources of strength and faith that lie hidden from sight but whose power is undeniable. Director Edd Miller [read about his other life in this week’s feature story] has assembled a strong cast whose ensemble work is exemplary. Individually the...

Murder, mayhem, lies and double-crossing; good gals, bad guys, gangsters, thugs, hard-boiled detectives and hapless bartenders — Earth and Sky has all the elements of film noir. But can the atmospheric genre translate to the stage? Do the intricate and often confusing plot lines of the mid-20th century film style make sense in live theater? Yes and no. Colonial Players goes after noir atmospherics with dark lighting and dramatic musical flourishes. Sometimes, however, it is simply too...

Noel Coward was witty, erudite, classy and provocative. His playwriting gifts continue to make Private Lives — a play he wrote in four days 80 years ago — compelling. Colonial Players of Annapolis’ choice to begin its 61st season, Private Lives displays classic Coward irreverence towards marriage and social conventions. The plot line is simple: Sibyl and Elyot are on their honeymoon, as are Victor and Amanda. The complicating factor? Elyot and Amanda used to be married to each...