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THROUGH MARCH 30: MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

Immigration causes an intensely mixed response today. ZooNation (Kate Prince’s Narrative Dance Production company) through the art of dance, brings the audience on a stunning and unforgettable journey as this incredible dance troupe tell the tale of people who have no choice but to leave their home in order to survive. This production brilliantly aides in humanizing the issue, invoking empathy and providing an all new focus toward understanding the plight of those who have been forced into this situation. The stage of the Emerson Colonial Theatre, 106 Boylston Street in Boston brings this exciting production that has been splendidly choreographed and directed by five-time Olivier Award nominee, Kate Prince. She has blended, with amazing precision, impressive  dance movements that are perfectly coordinated with newly recorded and reworked versions of pop music star Sting’s evocative music and lyrics. Extraordinarily stunning, contemporary dancing, along with Sting’s music, propels a story about three members of a family who are violently separated by the circumstance of war and then forced to not only survive but also individually forge new lives in foreign lands in a sea of languages and customs unknown to them.
Facing assault: Photo credit: Helen Maybanks  The music and lyrics from the 17-time Grammy Award-winning musical icon, Sting, surprisingly provide an ideal Score for the production. It is a profoundly distinctive mix of gravity-defying, jaw-dropping, lyrical hip hop dance integrated with 27 of Sting’s often resonant songs. This outstandingly creative blend along with fabulous lighting effects by Natasha Chivers and projections by Video Designer Andrzej Fleiscie, carefully integrated within a moveable set Design by Ben Stone culminates in a spectacular visual performance that narrates this heartfelt story filled with  resilient humanity along with  inspirational hope. At its 2020 world premiere at Sadler’s Wells’ Peacock Theater in London’s West End, MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE became an immediate hit.
In this intense jukebox musical tale, the story focuses on the harsh results of civil war and the painful plight of refugees…but done without preachiness . It is exquisitely designed to carefully touch the heart. The story initially opens in a village that is alive with a joyous celebration. But suddenly, the villagers come under siege.by a violent faction. Three young adults, Leto, Tana and Mati, lives filled with strength and joy, are abruptly separated from their parents, their other loved ones, and each other. They are forced on perilous journeys to escape from persecution and certain death. They endure the loss of loved ones before and attempt to flee on a precarious boat trip, mindful of the catastrophes suffered by many publicized “boat people.” They are confronted by predators with women often suffering rape at the hands of their captures, who then may traffic them into prostitution. They endure continuous oppression during and even after imprisonment in efforts to flee from captors…even bartering any personal valuable item they may have secreted during their flight.
Boat survivors appealing for help: Photo credit: Helen Maybanks  But these are stories of hope. As each progress, they begin to find love, ultimately reconnecting and attaining renewed peaceful lives. Nearly two dozen songs, written by Sting and made famous through his solo career and through his previous time with his band, “The Police”, propel the show in often surprising and unusual ways. “Every Breath You Take,” “Roxanne,” “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic,” “Walking On The Moon,” “Englishman In New York,” “Fields Of Gold” and “Message In A Bottle” are among the songs which in many cases have been rearranged by Grammy and Tony Award winner Alex Lacamoire (Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, The Greatest Showman). These songs have been recorded in a special sound track for the show by Sting. Additional vocals are performed by guest vocalists Beverley Knight and Lynval Golding of the “Specials”. 
Imprisoned: Photo Credit Helen Maybanks  Kate Prince’s choreography is a stunning and challenging showcase of a wide variety of dance forms. The incredibly talented Twenty-two professional dancers flawlessly perform breakdance, hip hop, contemporary street and Jazz dance, as well as gestural movement coupled with a hint of balletic partnering…all the while perfectly interpreting the amazing story through their richly, non-stop movement as well as intensely muscular athleticism. Stated Prince, “I love watching audiences watch Message In A Bottle.”  “They have this double reaction of loving the music, loving Sting’s work, and also realizing how much of the music they do know and how much it’s been in their lives. ” She continues, “Then, watching the audience watching those dancers, you get the sense of (their wondering) ‘How are they doing that?’ ‘How are they still going?” Performers in the touring company include dancers Oliver Andrews, Lindon Barr (Dance Captain), Deavion Brown, David Cottle, Harrison Dowzell, Nestor Garcia Gonzalez, Natasha Gooden, Lizzie Gough (Resident Director), Anna Holmstrom, Megan Ingram, Ajani Johnson-Goffe, Charlotte Lee, Daniella May, Dylan Mayoral, Lukas McFarlane (Associate Choreographer), Robbie Ordona, Lara Renaud, Hannah Sandilands (Dance Captain), Jessey Stol, Steven Thompson, Gavin Vincent, Malachi Welch, Serena McCall, and Nethra Menon. Tickets for this not-to- be missed outstanding performance are available at www.emersoncolonialtheatre.com
 

THROUGH MARCH 30: COST OF LIVING Everything in life comes with a cost. As long as we are related to someone, not just in a  familial way, but also socially or even in an employment situation, we, as humans, by our very nature, are compelled to give something to others. Not money, but time, energy, love…a proverbial, “piece of ourselves.” SpeakEasy Stage Company brings the Boston Premiere of this 2018 Pulitzer Prize Winner for Drama to their stage in the Roberts Studio Theatre at the Calderwood Pavilion, inside the Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont St. in Boston. Written by Polish-born playwright Martyna Majok, the production is directed by Boston-based director, producer, and accessibility advocate  Alex Lonati. The story surrounds four unique, yet for some, possibly familiar individuals that could easily have been randomly plucked, with no deliberate emphasis on genetic make up. They are then, essentially placed under a proverbial spot light. Eddie, brilliantly played by Lewis D. Wheeler*, is an unemployed truck driver, whose one night stand landed him in an unwanted divorce along with his resulting drinking that caused him to lose his CDL license. His estranged ex-wife, Ani, convincingly played by Stephanie Gould* while helplessly strapped in a wheel chair, had experienced a devastating car crash that shattered her spine and left her paralyzed from the neck down. An action that abruptly and so permanently cut her off from ever being able to enjoy some of the most simplest of “should haves” in her life like just going to see Maine. This places her, justifiably angry about her situation but also at Eddie. She finds herself completely helpless in the hands of her ex who had failed her in their marriage.Stephanie Gould (in bathtub) and Lewis D. Wheeler: Photo by Nile Scott Studios  But now, he seems so eager to care for her. Is he searching for redemption while he repeatedly empties her bedpan, feeds her, and tenderly bathes her in the bathtub? Or, does he truly love her? Meanwhile, unfolding on stage, John, played by Sean Leviashvili, who lends his personal experience as someone who with Cerebral Palsy at birth, is a brilliant PhD student physically limited by cerebral palsy. The character John is also a wheel user, and needs a caregiver. He hires as his new aide, Jess, played by Gina Fonseca*. She is a first-generation Hispanic girl with a degree from Princeton.Gina Fonseca (left) showers Sean Leviashvili: Photo Nile Scott Studios   She tenaciously guards her own story as John struggles to get to know her, especially important to him being mobility challenged and must rely on intimate areas of care that include bathing and shaving. As the action quietly unfolds between the four people, it reveals the true relevancy of this theatrical work as we see how unexpected and unusual life circumstance can inadvertently thrust, at times, the least likely of people together into extremely emotional and physically intimate situations. It artfully enlightens the audience how important for us, as humans, to truly listen to the wants, needs and frustrations of not only those being cared for but also for those who are expending their heart and soul toward those needing the care. Also, it calls into question, what happens to the care giver when the one they cared for is gone?  This becomes even more evident once the memory of Eddie’s opening monologue becomes so startlingly relevant. He was mourning the sudden loss of his wife after caring so tenaciously for he. The loneliness that followed after becoming so close through her extended care was overwhelming.

Lewis D. Wheeler: Photo by Nile Scott Studios   And too, the discovery of the truth behind the cost of Jess’ life of working multiple jobs was the revelation that she had actually been taking care of not only John but also her mother who was back in her home country, quite ill. Jess was literally sacrificing her own personal needs, sleeping in her car, in the winter, so she could send all the money she earned from multiple jobs for her mother’s care.  No one’s life is simple! No one is without needs! And this production helps us remember that everyone needs to be cared for by someone. In this world that provides no guarantees for which direction our life will take, Martyna Majok’s play provides an understanding of how caring for someone or being cared for can clearly alter our direction. Tickets for this very soulful and thought provoking production may be obtained at www.speakeasystage.org

APRIL 2 – 14: COMPANY

                Originally written in 1970, COMPANY and its colorful cast of characters have now come gloriously into the 21st Century! .The 2023/24 Lexus Broadway In Boston Season brings to the stage of the Citizens Bank Opera House at 539 Washington St. this 2022 Broadway the hit revival of Stephen Sondheim’s and George Furth’s musical comedy. It captured five Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival. Directed by three-time Tony Award winner Marianne Elliott (War Horse, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Angels in America), Elliott was one of the impetus behind Sondheim revisiting the key role in this musical production. Their collaboration resulted in flipping the original 35 year old bachelor, Bobby into Bobbie, a 35 year old bachelorette that also shared the love of Makers Mark, dating and the NY lifestyle. Friends, mostly married and one even divorced, who come to celebrate Bobby’s birthday, always harangued him to settle down and commit to marriage. In this age that rhetoric seems to fall flat. But with Bobbie, visions of a clock ticking in regard to settling down and raising a family seems more prudent…maybe. With Sondheim’s agreement, the final revisited production was the last show Sondheim saw before his death at 91. This popular musical comedy has uniquely ever had a specific story line. Instead it is uniquely strung together with a series of memorable vignettes that surround the search for love and cocktails in New York by cast members.
 
With Elliott’s revelatory staging, the 35th birthday party for Bobbie, has all her friends realistically wondering why she isn’t married? Why she can’t find the right man, especially with three currently on the hook? And, why she can’t just settle down and have a family? The production introduces the characters own stories. Paul is frantic with wedding day jitters while his fiancée Jamie patiently endures. Sarah and Harry boast various couples activities like jujitsu to keep their marriage alive. Wrestles Joanne is on her third husband with the younger man, Larry. Peter and Susan seem to have the perfect marriage, that is until perfection is proved to be impossible. Jenny and her rigidly square husband David can’t understand Bobbie’s perpetually single status and are quite vocal about it. All the while, Bobbie is juggling three men. These include the sexy flight attendant, Andy. The small-town boy, Theo who is also trying to find his way in the big city. And then here is P.J., the native New Yorker who is annoyingly more in love with his hometown than Bobbie! The production still features many of Sondheim’s best loved songs, including “Company,” “You Could Drive a Person Crazy,” “The Ladies Who Lunch,” “Side by Side,” and the iconic “Being Alive.” This show stars, Britney Coleman (First tour company of Beetlejuice) as Bobbie. She is joined by Judy McLane, (Drama Desk Award nominee and Outer Critics Circle Award winner) as the iconic Joanne, They are supported by Kathryn Allison as Sarah, Matt Bittner as David, Ali Louis Bourzgui as Paul, Derrick Davis as Larry, Javier Ignacio as Peter, James Earl Jones II as Harry, Marina Kondo as Susan, Matt Rodin as Jamie, Emma Stratton as Jenny, Jacob Dickey as Andy, Tyler Hardwick as PJ and David Socolar as Theo. The additional supporting cast members are Matthew Christian, Christopher Deangelis, Kenneth Quinney Francouer, CJ Greer, Elysia Jordan, Beth Stafford Laird and Christopher Henry Young. The creative team for COMPANY includes Liam Steel (choreography), Joel Fram (musical supervisor, additional vocal arrangements), Tony Award winner Bunny Christie (set and costume design), Tony Award nominee Neil Austin (lighting design), Tony Award nominee Ian Dickinson (original sound design), Keith Caggiano (tour sound design), Tony Award nominee David Cullen (orchestrations), and Sam Davis (dance arrangements). Producer Chris Harper boasted, “This exhilarating production of COMPANY was a huge success in the West End and on Broadway….and I’m so excited for audiences around the country to share the joy. I know they will have so much fun!” Tickets are currently available at www.BroadwayInBoston.com
 
APRIL 2 – 14: WITHOUT YOU
 
Based on Anthony Rapp’s New York Times bestselling memoir, Rapp brings his solo musical to the intimate, 370 seat Wimberly Theatre at the Calderwood Pavilion in the Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont Street in Boston’s South End. This one man show previously played over 100 performances at Off-Broadway’s New World Stages where it received praise from audiences and critics alike. This autobiographical musical is a story of love, loss, and the phenomenon that is RENT – told by the man who was there from the start. In 1994, Rapp was twenty-two, out of money and working at a Starbucks. He was about to audition for a new musical by a young writer named Johnathan Larson. That musical was the soon to become global phenomenon, Rent. This is where the story begins. Backed by a 5-piece rock band, Rapp shares his unimaginable real-life story of the early years of Rent in this intimate evening of unsurpassed joy and unspeakable loss.“ I’m thrilled to return to Boston where the earliest incarnations of this show were honed – to share this personal and emotional story.” says Rapp. “WITHOUT YOU honors the life and legacy of two greats: Jonathan Larson and my mother. This show and its message changed my life, and I hope Boston audiences will leave WITHOUT YOU with a new sense of hope and joy. WITHOUT YOU is written and performed by Rapp and directed by Steven Maler (artistic director of Boston’s Commonwealth Shakespeare Company). Musical
direction is by Daniel A. Weiss. The production is presented by Colonial Ambassador Theatre Group and features the music of Jonathan Larson’s Rent along with original songs and compositions by Anthony Rapp, David Matos, and Joe Pisapia. The orchestrations, original compositions., and musical direction are by Daniel A. Weiss, with additional arrangements by Tom Kitt. The creative team includes Eric Southern Lighting and Scene Design), Angela Vesco (Costume Design), Elisabeth Weidner
(Sound Design), and David Bengali (Projection Design). Lisa Dozier Shacket is the producer, produced in association with Royal Family Productions. The show runs 90 minutes without an intermission. Tickets may be purchased online at www.BostonTheatreScene.com.
 
APRIL 3 – 21: THE PORCH ON WINDY HILL
 
 The Merrimack Repertory Theatre, located in the The Nancy L. Donahue Theatre at Liberty Hall (adjacent to Lowell Memorial Auditorium) at 50 E. Merrimack Street in Lowell brings to their stage this unique presentation that was written by Sherry Stregack Lutken, Lisa Helmi Johanson, Morgan Morse, and David M. Lutke Conceived and directed by Sherry Stregack Lutken, it tells the tale of a bi-racial Korean classical violinist, Mira, and her music history/ folk song collector, grad-student boyfriend, Beck. They have escaped for
months of Covid-isolation to the mountains of North Carolina. Their journey takes a surprising turn when they meet Edgar and Mira is struck by a flood of memory, and pain, followed by discovery. It is a moving, modern American play about family with enough music for a real ‘hoot ‘n’ holler’ as the cast, Lisa Helmi Johanson, Morgan Morse, and David Lutken perform a dozen traditional and bluegrass gems. The quintessentially American melodies running through The Porch on Windy Hill
illuminate a young woman’s complex, and very contemporary tale of healing. Tickets may be obtained at www.mrt.org
 
APRIL 5 – 20: WHERE WE STAND
 
As part of the Foundation Trust Giving Voice Series, Greater Boston Stage brings to the Stoneham Public Library’s Marcy Room at 431 Main St. in Stoneham (note venue change), Donnetta Lavinia Gray’s solo play. It is a magically engaging blend of storytelling, fable, music, and immersive theater. In this 21st Century “Our Town”, community becomes the theme and the character. Voiced by the playwright the tale begins to resonate with audience members. The story surrounds a lonely soul who is presented with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to improve their own life and the lives of those in the town. The offer comes from a cunning stranger. Is it a devil, a genie, or a manifestation of our inner selves? No matter what, the bargain comes with strings attached. As numerous questions arise about the mysterious figure, the cost becomes an increasing web of possibilities. Imagine having the power to shape your community to fulfill your own desires. What stays? what goes? The choices are yours to make. Tickets for this opportunity to discover a unique experience like never before may be obtained at www.greaterbostonstage.org
 
APRIL 5 – MAY 12: THE DROWSY CHAPERONE
 
          The Lyric Stage Company, 140 Clarendon Street in Boston invites you to join the “Man in Chair” who is comfortably seated in his living room, listening to the crackling sound of a well played record…a cast album from a long forgotten show from the Jazz Era., but always one of his favorites. As he listens, he loses himself, immersed in his own personal reverie
and the audience is taken along with him. This show-within-a-show provides a refreshing musical cocktail that allows us to pass through the veiled imagery that surrounds this lonely but ever so charming man. We are treated to vignettes of a fizzy life that is complete with a self-admiring showgirl, her gin-soaked chaperone, a saucy Latin lover, a bumbling best man, a clueless soon-to-be groom, and a cornucopia of characters that include a befuddled producer, a dippy hostess and some gangsters
posing as pastry chefs. Directed and Choreographed by Larry Sousa° with Music Direction by Matthew Stern, the original Music and Lyrics are by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison with Book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar. With a cast of 18 top dancers and singers, it becomes a “bubbly” homage to musical theater as we are treated to one show-stopping tap dance and songs along with a tale that includes marvelous mix-ups, mayhem and even a wedding or two. Celebrate Spring with love, laughter and the magic of a good musical. Tickets for this absolutely delightful tribute to the 1920″s Jazz age musicals may be purchased at www.lyricstage.com
 
THROUGH APRIL 6: DRIVING IN CIRCLES

Boston Playwrights’ Theatre (BPT) brings this unique, tour-de-force musical to their theater this 2023-23 season. Written, composed and performed by Jay Eddy, a current Artistic Research Fellow with the Folger Theatre and a recent New Jewish Culture fellow. Returning to BPT after appearing in Alligator-a-Phobia in last spring, Sam Plattus directs this production. Features musicians Zach Fontanez, who appeared at BPT in last season’s Alligator-a-Phobia in 3D!, and Jordan Palmer, the darkly funny, solo-ish folktronica musical about how we recover from trauma chronicles the main character’s winding journey to metabolize, heal, and love as an adult who experienced childhood sexual abuse. Stylistically, it is a cross between a rock concert, confessional monologue, and stand-up comedy as it is an interwoven, live performance coupled with video projection, as well as live music and tracked sounds. It thereby artfully crafts a kaleidoscope of past and present, memory and meaning. BPT Artistic Director Megan Sandberg-Zakian says. “Driving is somehow a show about recovery without being a show about trauma. It is a beautiful, wrenching, funny piece that considers the long view of the aftermath of devastating abuse, lifting up love and community—including the kind built through storytelling and in a night at the theater—as the essential forces that allow us to survive terrible things. And the music! Sophisticated, dynamic, catchy, and like nothing I’ve heard before.” As Eddy and the creative team concentrated on how to invite audiences into the work in the most welcoming and exciting way by asking themselves, ““How do we take this deeply personal, intimate piece and make it feel like magic?” “How can we preserve the feeling that I’m sharing a secret with the audience, while also transporting them to a place where real change—love, community solutions, restorative justice, hope for the future—feels possible?” Eddy, along with the creative team that include Scenic Designer Danielle DelaFuente, Costume Designer Eric Tran, Lighting Designer Kevin Fulton, Projection Designer Maria Servellon, Sound Designer Gage Baker, Production Stage Manager Fanni Horváth and Associate Director Pamela Ross along with Ashleigh Reade serving as vocal and text coach, have worked hard to succeed in solving those questions. This show has already received numerous awards and honors, including the prestigious Richard Rodgers Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival’s (KCACTF) Jean Kennedy Smith Playwriting Award, as well as KCACTF’s Musical Theatre Award. Tickets may be obtained at www.bu.edu/bpt/tickets

APRIL 6 – 21: BURN THIS

Hub Theatre Company of Boston kicks off their 11th season of award-winning productions at the Black Box Theatre in the Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St. in Boston’s South End with the presentation of Pulitzer Prize-winning American playwright Lanford Wilson’s electrifyingly dramatic love story. The critically acclaimed and local favorite Daniel Bourque directs four of the area’s finest actors: Norton and IRNE nominee, Steve Auger; IRNE nominee, Tim Hoover; Norton and IRNE winner, Kiki Samko; and Norton and IRNE winner, Victor Shopov. In this tale that, at times can be caustically funny, there is an exploration of facets of life, loss, mourning and moving on in the lives of four young adults. The play begins shortly after the funeral for Robbie, a gay dancer who drowned in a boating accident, along with his lover Dom. First of the four is Anna, who was one of Robbie’s roommates. She is also a dancer and a choreographer. His death leaves her devoid of Robbie’s often artistic and personal inspirations. The second, character, who also resides in the Soho flat is the gay, usually ever so confident, advertising executive, Larry, He is now besides himself with emotional grief by Robbie’s loss. Soon the pair are joined in the apartment by number three, the screenwriter, Burton, who has been Anna’s longtime lover. Lastly, and number four, is Robbie’s, larger than life, less than suave, cocaine-snorting, hyperactive restaurant manager brother, Pale. This shared tragedy begins to foster within each of the totally diverse personalities opportunities to reflect on their own lives and reconsider the directions they have been taking. Their resulting self-revelations become a bubbling energy of love and laughter within the cluster of their seemingly incompatible souls. Out of sadness comes a delightful tale of new beginnings! The play originally opened in 1987 and enjoyed a history of popular productions including the 2019 Broadway production that took multiple Tony nominations. Hub Theater Company of Boston, founded in 2012 to foster creativity among Boston’s theatre artists is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, professional non-Equity theatre company committed to presenting entertaining and captivating socially aware and emotionally engaging theatre in intimate settings. As is the  of tradition of Hub, donations of non-perishable food items are accepted at each show to be distributed to local charities. All tickets to all performances are Pay-What-You-Can. For tickets to this Tony-nominated masterpiece visit here by clicking onto www.hubtheatreboston.org
 
THROUGH APRIL 7: MRS. KRISHNAN’S PARTY

ArtsEmerson brings this delightfully fun and and over-the-top, uniquely different, production by the Indian Ink Theatre Company from New Zealand. The Jackie Liebergott Black Box in the Emerson Paramount Center at 539 Washington St. in Boston hosts this wild and crazy, intimate party for all ages. Mrs. Krishnan is renting an apartment to the larger-than-life, DJ wannabe, James who greets every guest individually, asking them their names while reintroducing them to those already seated.

James has decided to invite just a few friends into the back room of Mrs. Krishnan’s corner shop as a special surprise for her to celebrate Onam—an ancient Hindu festival of Kerala that celebrates the rice harvest. She is also celebrating the return of her son back home to share in the celebration. But when dozens and dozens of strangers turn up (you, the audience), after Mrs. K’s initial shock to see so many faces, has no choice but to start cooking, share in the story surrounding the Indian holiday and throw the party of her life!

This immersive experience, suitable for all ages, color or creed…as James keeps reminding us, is  like no other we have probably ever experienced as everyone is drawn into the party atmosphere wearing colored scarfs, blowing up balloons, and helping prepare the feast. James keeps the music going while getting the guests up dancing. As the cast juggle cooking, music, and welcoming guests, a drama involving James and Mrs. Krishnan unfolds. The two person cast  are stellar improve comedians that feed off their interaction with numerous audience members. Obviously,  no two performances are ever the same. Performers Kalyani Nagarajan as Mrs. Krishnan and Justin Rogers, as James have reviewers and audiences enchanted by their performances and singing their praises at the end of the party. This utterly disarming new comedy celebrates life, loss, human imperfection, death and new beginnings. It’s joyously heart-warming. It’s Mrs. Krishnan’s Party. Its popularity has resulted in Sold Out performances but still access the box office at (617) 824-8400) to be placed on the waitlist. Maybe Mrs. Krishnan will still be able to find room for you at her party. For more information, visit www.artsemerson.org

APRIL 11 – 28 : THE BIRTHDAY PARTY

Praxis Stage presents Harold Pinter’s dark, absurdist tragicomedy in the Black Box Theater of the Chelsea Theatre Works, 189 Winnisimmet St. in Chelsea (home of the Apollinaire Theatre Company) Directed by James Wilkinson, the tale is set at a boarding house in a seaside town. Two men arrive from places unknown to carry out “a job”. There is a resident at this boarding house who needs to be interrogated and these two will not be deterred from following their orders. Their methods are rather unconventional and only they, being totally focused, seem to be undaunted. Meanwhile, the residents of this boarding house and their guests, enjoying a birthday celebration, may discover it morphs into something else as things turn unsettling. Harold Pinter’s thrilling and darkly comic play brilliantly explores the sinister aspects of human interaction as an ordinary living room becomes a gladiatorial arena. 
Cast of THE BIRTHDAY PARTY: Photo by Nile Scott Studios
For tickets to this excitingly unique examination of what we choose to see, what we choose to accept, and how we choose to fight, may be obtained at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6262364
 
APRIL 13 – MAY 12: A WRINKLE IN TIME
 
Wheelock Family Theater at 180 Riverway in Boston brings to their stage this marvelous adaptation by John Glore of Madeleine L’Engle’s much-loved classic tale. Directed by Regine Vital, the story surrounds one of literature’s most enduring young heroines, Meg Murry. One dark and stormy night, the eccentric Mrs. Whatsit arrives at the home of Meg Murry, a young teen who doesn’t fit
in at her New England high school. Under mysterious circumstances, Meg’s scientist Father vanished over two years ago,. Encouraged by Mrs. Whatsit, Meg enlists the help of her gifted brother Charles Wallace, and her friend and neighbor Calvin O’Keefe. Despite her back–brace and overt stubbornness, Meg is guided by celestial
forces in the bodies of, not only Mrs. Whatsit but also by Mrs. Who and Mrs. Which. The trio are propelled through time and space on a mission to rescue Meg and Calvin’s father from the evil forces that hold him prisoner on another planet. As they battle strange entities, they discover they must succeed to save all humanity. Throughout it all, Meg comes to discover the strength that lies within herself. Tickets for this exciting, adventurous and magical production may be obtained at www.wheelockfamilytheatre.org
 

THROUGH APRIL 14:BEYOND WORDS: INSPIRED BY THE LIFE STORY OF IRENE PEPPERBERG AND ALEX

Central Square Theater at 450 Mass. Ave in Cambridge. brings this Catalyst Collaborative@MIT Production to their stage. Written by Laura Maria Censabella, the play is directed by Cassie Chapados and features a cast that includes The cast includes Karina Beleno Carney, Stephanie Clayman, Bill Mootos, Jon Vellante, Kandyce Whittingham, Ken Yotsukura, and Matthew Zahnzinger. The design team includes Qingan Zhang (scenic), Sandra Zhihan Jia (costumes), Amanda Fallon (lighting), Anna Drummond (sound), Julia Wonkka (props),  Grant Abbott (Movement Director), Olivia Dumaine (Intimacy Director), and Kai Bohlman (sound engineer). The  unique and poignant story is inspired by real life characters. It follows the 30 year relationship that evolved with Alex, an  African Grey parrot and his friend and mentor, Irene Pepperberg, a researcher at Harvard University.

Dr. Irene Pepperberg with Alex That unusual relationship resulted in groundbreaking research that surrounded animal cognition and communication. Pepperberg and her parrot Alex were chronically ridiculed by the researcher in her all male colleague laboratory at Harvard University. Despite it, the loving duo conclusively proved that birds can understand complicated concepts which was once thought to be only possible in humans. Alex understood analogies, numbers, colors, and shapes with similar acuity as a five year old . He knew about 150 words, and could place them into categories. Irene discovered that Alex could actually perceive optical illusions similar to the way humans do. In fact, testing has concluded that African Grays have intellects on par with human children! Tickets for this surprisingly educational, soul searching and even poignant production may be obtained at www.centralsquaretheater.org

APRIL 19 – 21: BOOK OF MOUNTAINS AND SEAS
 
 
ArtsEmerson brings to the Robert J. Orchard Stage in the Emerson Paramount Center at 559 Washington St. this exciting work supported by Beth Morrison Projects. Composer Huang Ruo and MacArthur Fellow puppeteer/artist Basil Twist reinterpret Chinese creation myths for the 21st century with their fantastical world of sunbirds, demons and hairy giants. Basil Twist is a third-generation puppeteer and object theater artist, renowned globally for his visionary adaptations of opera, dance, and theater. Chinese-born American composer Huang Ruo has been called “one of the world’s leading young composers” and was formerly Composer in Residence at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. They have  created a fascinating work of vocal theater for 12 singers, two percussionists and six puppet masters. Composer/librettist Huang Ruo took his inspiration from a classic compilation of Chinese mythology first transcribed in the fourth century B.C. Over the years, these stories have become part of Chinese written and oral history and now have been shifted and reshaped to match contemporary times.  Ironical, these myths are strikingly relevant to our current climate change emergency. Huang Ruo’s compelling new adaptation of these tales came to the Broad Stage as LA Opera’s 12th collaboration with the groundbreaking Beth Morrison Projects. Told through the lens of our modern-day relationship with the natural world, the ancient stories of creation and destruction conjure a sense of respect and awe for the environment while the water stories challenge us to be good stewards of the natural resources we have been given. Book of Mountains and Seas contains timeless codes about the universe, creation, planet, nature, life, human ambition and fate, the relationship and interaction between mankind and the world we live in. An ensemble of massive puppets, as beautiful as they are intimidating, and the chorus of Ars Nova Copenhagen merge the music to create a stunning visual tableaux that offers an exquisite portrait of the natural world and our vital, yet tenuous, relationship to it. Tickets for this stunning production may be obtained at www.artsemerson.org
 
APRIL 23 – 28: HADESTOWN
 
The Boch Center Wang Theatre brings to their stage the return of this Winner of eight
2019 Tony Awards® including Best Musical as well as the 2020 Grammy® Award for
Best Musical Theater Album. From celebrated singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and
innovative director Rachel Chavkin (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812) this
acclaimed show surrounds the mythological and enduring love story. HADESTOWN
actually takes it all one step further by intertwines two tales of mythic characters. That
of the young dreamers, Orpheus and Eurydice and too, that of King Hades and his
wife Persephone. Set to beguiling melodies and poetic imagination, the audience is
invited on this literal, hell-entering journey to the underworld and back as the two
couples must pit industry against nature, doubt against faith, and fear against love.
Performed by a vibrant ensemble of actors, dancers and singers, HADESTOWN is
a haunting and hopeful theatrical experience that grabs audiences and never lets go.
Tickets for this exciting adventure into the Underworld may be obtained at
 
APRIL 26 – MAY 5: A STRANGE LOOP
 
Co-Produced by SpeakEasy Stage Company and the Front Porch Arts Collective, Michael R. Jackson’s blisteringly funny meta musical is the winner of the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 2022 Tony Award for Best Musical comes to the stage of the Wimberly Theatre in the Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont St. in Boston’s South End. Directed by Maurice Emmanuel Parent, the lead character, Usher, is based loosely on Jackson’s own life and work exposes the heart and soul.“ A Strange Loop” exposes the heart and soul of a young artist grappling with desires, identity and instincts that he equally loves and loathes. He is a Black, queer writer composing a musical about a Black, queer writer composing a musical about a Black, queer writer. Hell-bent on breaking free of his own self-perception, Usher wrestles with the thoughts in his head and lays it all out onstage. The Music Direction is by David Freeman Coleman with Choreography by Taavon Gamble. The New York Times stated the production to be a “A dazzling ride. No measure of praise could be too much.” Tickets for this blisteringly funny masterwork are available here at www.bostontheatrescene.com
 
APRIL 26 – MAY 19: MERMAID HOUR
Moonbox Productions brings David Valdes powerful new play to the stage of the Arrow Street Arts, theater at 2 Arrow St. in Cambridge. Directed by Bridget Kathleen O’Leary, the production boasts that it is a coming-of-age story in which the parents, not the teenager, need to learn how to evol with life’s changes. Pilar and Bird, find themselves forced to navigate their tween daughter Violet’s transition. It is tricky as they juggle not only their own opposing parenting styles, but also her impulsive act. Meanwhile, Violet is just as concerned about her best friend Jacob, who she wishes was her boyfriend, and when nothing is going as she wants, she makes a YouTube video that pushes everyone’s buttons. As her parents wrestle with all of Vi’s choices, they confront the gaps between them as a couple which they’ll have to overcome to see the family through all his turmoil. They are just desperately trying to guess how to get it right even though they are not sure what any of it means. and it doesn’t help that they’re not on the same page. Vi just wishes they would keep up she’s busy navigating her first crush on super-cool Jacob, obsessing over her favorite YouTube vlogger, and just about ready to make herself into an internet sensation. This is a uniquely fast-paced, funny, and heartfelt play about the perils of parenting a trans tween and highlights all the juggling necessary for the three individuals to confront the gaps between who they are and who they wish to be. Tickets may be obtained at www.moonboxproductions.org
 

THROUGH APRIL 28: AUGUST WILSON’S FENCES

After three decades and many requests, Trinity Repertory Theatre at 201 Washington Street in Providence RI. brings the return of this American classic play to the stage of their Dowling Theater. The Pulitzer Prize-winning FENCES, is often considered Wilson’s magnum opus. It is perhaps August Wilson’s most well-known play as well as his most powerful. Directed by Christopher Windom, the play is set In segregated 1957 Pittsburgh which was a pivotal year for the Civil Rights Movement. Much of the Black community felt trapped between a violent and oppressive past of prejudice and abuse and the possibility of a brighter future for them. The story surrounds Troy Maxson who was a former Negro League baseball player and a towering figure in his community. But those days of glory are gone and he is now scraping by as a sanitation worker. But now he feels stripped from any control in his life except over his wife and two sons. The play is reflective of many struggles faced by Black Americans during that era. They included discrimination, racism, lack of opportunity, and much more. Troy becomes increasingly obsessive, warped with stubbornness and pride with how he can protect his loved ones from all that oppression. Wilson provides a devastating look at a man and his family’s struggling relationships. Fences is a must-see. 
For tickets visit www.trinityrep.org

 
APRIL 30 – MAY 4: CLUE
    Lexus Broadway in Boston brings to the stage of the Emerson Colonial Theatre at 106 Boylston St. in Boston this all new version of CLUE. The still popular family board game by Hasbro originaly inspired Jonathan Lynn to create the screen play for Paramount Picture’s 1985 film. Now, Sandy Rustin’s writing, along with additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price brings this masterfully memorable tale of murder, maddness and mayhem to the stage. The action is additionally propelled along by an original score by Michael Holland. Directed by Casey Hushion, the tale is set in 1954 in a remote mansion on a dark, rainy and windy night. Six, seemingly unrelated guests have been invited to Boddy Manor by John Boddy. They are initially greeted by Wadsworth, Mr. Boddy’s Butler, along with Yvette, the French maid and Mr. Boddy’s cook. He introduces the guests to each other, assigning each with an alias while revealing to the group that they all have been blackmailed by Mr. Boddy, including a description of each person’s issue.Professor Plum lost his medical license for having an affair with a patient. Mrs. Peacock took bribes for her U.S. senator husband. Miss Scarlet runs a brothel. Colonel Mustard is a war profiteer who sold plane parts on the black market. Mrs. White has had multiple husbands, all of whom went missing or turned up dead, and Mr. Green is a homosexual, which could cost him his job at the State Department. But, Mr. Boddy suggests to the gathered group that Wadsworth is the black mailer and distributes weapons, one to each guest, to protect themselves.
  A candlestick for Miss Scarlet, a noose for Mrs. White, a lead pipe for Mr. Green, a wrench for Colonel, a revolver for Professor Plum, and a knife for Mrs. Peacock. Suddenly the lights go out and when they come back on, Mr. Boddy is found dead. Traditionally, instinct tells us, “the butler did it!” But not in this raucus filled comedy, everyone becomes suspect as Wardsworth leads a frantic collection of guests around the rooms of the mansion in hopes of revealing the true murderer while managing to stay alive themselves before the police can arrive. It is a raucus, slapstick, who-dun-it comedy that has adiences on the edge of their seats througout. The stellar cast conisits of Mark Price as Wadsworth. John Treacy Egan as Colonel Mustard, Michelle Elaine as Miss Scarlet, John Shartzer as Mr. Green, Tari Kelly as Mrs. White, Jonathan Spivey as Professor Plum, Joanna Glushak as Mrs. Peacock, Elisabeth Yancey as Yvette, Alex Syiek as Mr. Boddy, Mariah Burks as the Cook, and Teddy Trice as the Cop. The spectacular scenic design that allows movement throughout the mansion is by Lee Savage.Costume Designs are by Jen Caprio, and Lighting Designs by Ryan J. O’Gara. Tickets for this fun, funny and fabulous mysterious theatrical romp may be purchased at www.BroadwayInBoston.com

MAY 8 – 26: SPIRITUS/VIRGIL’S DANCE
The Merrimack Repertory Theatre The Nancy L. Donahue Theatre at Liberty Hall (adjacent to Lowell Memorial Auditorium) at 50 E. Merrimack Street in Lowell brings to their stage Dael Orlandershmith’s poignant production. Written and performed by Dael Orlandersmith, the show is directed by Neel Keller. Latin for breath, “Spiritus” is often used figuratively to mean spirit. In Dael Orlandersmith’s solo piece Spiritus/Virgil’s Dance the word takes on a metaphorical meaning for a soul on a quest. In conversation with Dante’s Divine Comedy, we meet Virgil in the middle of an ordinary life. With their father’s passing, Virgil reframes death and finds the extraordinary he has been searching for.
It is a memorable and sensitive exploration of the realities of death through the eyes of a watchful and troubled individual. Virgil, when a kid, used to hang out in cemeteries with friends. As an adult, he now finds himself pondering what does it mean to live a fulfilled life? In the midst of the ordinariness of our every day life, Spiritus/Virgil’s Dance becomes an extraordinary meditation on finding purpose. Tickets for this touchingly heartfelt, amusing and deeply reflected production may be obtained at www.mrt.org
 
JULY 16 – AUG. 18: THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES
 
This all new musical debuts its world premiere at Boston’s historic Emerson Colonial Theatre, 106 Boylston St. in Boston. Based on Lauren Greenfield’s award-winning 2012 documentary The Queen of Versailles surrounding the life of beauty queen, socialite and TV personality Jacqueline “Jackie” Siegel, this Broadway-bound musical features music and lyrics by  celebrated, 3 time Oscar-winning composer and lyricist, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked,
Godspell, Pippin, The Magic Show, The Baker’s Wife, Working, Rags, and Children of Eden as well as Disney’s Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Enchanted, and Disenchanted, and for DreamWorks animated feature The Prince of Egypt). The production stars the incomparable, stage and screen, Tony and Emmy Award winning
actress and singing sensation, Kristin Chenoweth as Ms. Siegel. Joining Ms. Chenoweth for the pre-Broadway Boston engagement is the Academy Award-winning actor F. Murray Abraham as David Siegel. In addition, the seasoned stars of both stage and screen, Melody Butiu (Broadway’s Here Lies Love) plays Sofia Flores, while Nina White (Broadway’s Kimberly Akimbo) plays Victoria Siegel. Directed by
Tony Award winner Michael Arden (Parade, Once on This Island) and book by Lindsey Ferrentino (Ugly Lies the Bone, Amy and the Orphans), this story follows the true story of Jackie Siegel who went from computer engineer to Mrs. Florida to billionairess. Jackie Siegel sees herself as the embodiment of the American Dream. As the wife of David “The Timeshare King”, Jackie Siegel, mother of their eight children, invite us to behold their most grandiose venture yet. They are building the
largest private home in America in Orlando, Florida! It is a $100 million house that is big enough to hold her dreams and was actually inspired by the Palace of Versailles.
Do two adults plus 8 children really need a 35 car garage and 2300 rooms to literally get lost in, along with a ball room that would hold 1000.. But with the Great Recession of 2008 looming, Jackie and David’s dreams begin to crumble, along with their lavish lifestyle. The Queen of Versailles explores the true cost of fame, fortune, and family. The Queen of Versailles is produced by Kristin Chenoweth through her production
banner “Diva Worldwide Entertainment” along with Bill Damaschke, who also produced  Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Tickets for this not-to-be-missed production’s world premiere at Boston’s Emerson Colonial Theatre are now on sale at www.emersoncolonialtheatre.com
 

ONGOING…THE ALL NEW BLUE MAN GROUP

The joyous, most uniquely entertaining and enduring venue in Boston, Blue Man Group, has had a proverbial face lift. They still have those vibrant blue faces but their popular show has recently been updated and reimagined with additional new acts that include an all new, unforgettable and awe-inspiring, mega-finale. They have been a theatrical sensation in Boston for close to 30 years, but this great show has become even more exciting with its spectacular transformation. Since its debut in 1995, the show’s home remains at the Charles Playhouse, located at 74 Warrenton St., a diminutive way that is located just off 201 Stuart St. in Boston. Although there have been various alterations in the program throughout the years, the magnitude of this new theatrical restructure is over the top wonderful. The program still retains the same quirky trio of blue bald men who manage to say so much without actually saying anything at all. They exude a sense of wide eyed innocence in their static faces, but, demonstrate, through their wild actions and absurdly funny activates, the abandoned curiosity reminiscent of young children left alone in their house. They hurl marshmallow into their mouths at mind boggling distances and at the audience. They also hurl paint balls across the stage that are caught in the mouth and used to spit/create a work of art.

Their love of paint results in colorful spin art or out and out messes as they enthusiastically beat drums that paint has been poured on them. They even spray paint people. They walk, unabashedly through the audience across the arms of the audience’s’ seats, showing no emotion, in search of unwitting candidates for their next on stage, hilariously funny scenario. 

Through music and perfectly timed subtle facial expressions, these guys manage to hone in on their topics. They are comedic geniuses that have mastered their art at crafting a uniquely fabulous, intensely ludicrous comedic performance. They continue to magically bring to the audience, without any verbiage, a state of understanding that easily defines the connection to the human condition. This is a technique the Blue Men have always been noted for. The best laughter is when we find ourselves laughing at ourselves. The Blue Men are still utilizing much of the fan favorite music and audience interactions that garnered their award-winning popularity. But, there are delightfully energetic new surprises to discover throughout this new adaptation. Gone is the electronic board that was utilized throughout the show that one had to read to understand what was going on. Now the Blue Men engage with a robotic voice along with fabulously colorful and high energy projections.

Original fans, are rapidly being joined with a whole new generation of all new fans who all find themselves captivated by the newly created score, pounded out with the traditional stellar accuracy by the Blue Men on their tuned PVC pipes. They are backed by an overhead trio of hot, rock musicians.  Managing Director, Jack Kenn stated, “Blue Man Group is thrilled (with) this revolutionary new show content…(as) we…transport audiences with new music and new visuals through our partnership with renowned creative agency Pretty Damn Sweet…(along with)…the all-new show finale…that… leaves crowds on their feet.” Blue Man Group debuted at New York’s Astor Place Theatre in 1991. Duplicate versions of the live show expanded to long lived residencies in Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, and internationally to Berlin, Germany. In addition, multiple North American and World tours have reached move than 50 million people worldwide.

The entire family can come get ‘blued’ as these guys  enchant young and Children in the audience are often enthusiastically heard anxiously responding, excitedly anticipating the next silly action by the Blue Men. Note: children under 5 will not be admitted. Since Blue Man Group is owned and operated by Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, an audience can always be guaranteed a truly especial experience. Tickets for this beyond belief engaging as well as electrifying, and extremely fun performance  may be obtained here by clicking on www.blueman.com/boston

(*) Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the U.S                (**) Represented by United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829 of the IATSE
(° )Stage Directors and Choreographers Society

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Actors Shakespeare Project:         www.actorsshakespeareproject.org 

American Repertory Theatre: www.americanrepertorytheater.org   

Apollinaire Theatre:  www.apollinairetheatre.com

Arlekin Players:     www.arlekinplayers.com

Arts Emerson:  www.artsemerson.org

Big Apple Circus: www.BigAppleCircus.com

Blue Man Group:  www.blueman.com/boston  

Boch Center:   www.bochcenter.org

Boston Children’s Theatre: www.bostonchildrenstheatre.org

Boston Playwrights:   www.bostonplaywrights.org

Boston Theatre Scene: www.bostontheatrescene.com

Broadway In Boston:  www.boston.broadway.com

Brown Box Theatre Project: www.brownboxtheatre.org

Cape Playhouse: www.CapePlayhouse.com

Cape Cod Theatre: www.capecodtheatrecompany.org

Celebrity Series:   www.celebrityseries.org

Central Square Theater:  www.centralsquaretheater.org

Cirque du Soleil:    www.cirquedusoleil.com

Commonwealth Shakespeare Co.: www.commshakes.org

Company One Theater:  www.companyone.org

Company Theatre:   www.companytheatre.com

Emerson Colonial  Theatre: www.emersoncolonialtheatre.com

Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre: www.cutlermajestic.org  

Flat Earth Theatre:  www.flatearththeatre.com

Footlight Club: www.footlight.org

Fort Point Theatre Channel:    www.fortpointtheatrechannel.org

Fresh Ink Theatre:  www.freshinktheatre.org

Gloucester Stage:  www.gloucesterstage.com

Greater Boston Stage: www.greaterbostonstage.org

History At Play:     www.masshist.org/calendar 

Hub Theatre :   www.hubtheatreboston.org

Huntington Theatre: www.huntingtontheatre.org

Improve Boston:  www.improvboston.com

Israeli Stage:  www.israelistage.com

Lyric Stage:    www.lyricstage.com

Merrimack Repertory Theatre: www.mrt.org

Moon Box Productions:  www.moonboxproductions.org  

New Repertory Theatre:  www.newrep.org

Nora Theatre Company: www.centralsquaretheater.org

North Shore Music Theatre:    www.nsmt.org

Oberon: www.cluboberon.com

Ogunquit Playhouse:   www.ogunquitplayhouse.org

Praxis Stage Co.:     www.praxisstagecompany.com

Reagle Music Theatre:  www.reaglemusictheatre.org
 
Regent Theatre:    www.regenttheatre.com
 
Regis College:   www.regiscollege.edu/fa
 
Speakeasy Stage Co.:  www.speakeasystage.com
 
Suffolk University Theatre Department: www.moderntheatre.com 
 
Suffolk University Theatre: www.inyurl.com/Suffolk
 
Theatre By The Sea:  www.theatrebythesea.com
 
Theater Uncorked:   www.theateruncorked.com

Trinity Repertory Theatre: www.trinityrep.com

The Umbrella Arts: www.theumbrellaarts.org

Underground Railway Theatre: www.centralsquaretheater.org

The Underlings Theatre: www.underlingstheatre.com

Wellesley College Theatre:  www.wellesley.edu/theatre  

Wellesley Repertory:  www.wellesleyrep.org 

The Wilbur:    www.thewilbur.com

Wheelock Family Theatre: www.wheelockfamilytheatre.org

RE: FUTURE PROGRAM LISTINGS         PRODUCTIONS ARE INITIALLY LISTED CHRONOLOGICALLY BY ‘OPENING  DATE’…WHEN THE OPENING IS PAST, THEY ARE THEN  MOVED DOWN THE LIST CHRONOLOGICALLY,.. INDICATING ‘END DATE’ BY THE NOTATION, “THROUGH”…AND THEN IS REMOVED WHEN SHOW HAS ENDED. SO EXPLORE AND MAKE PLANS……………………………….(FYI: * Connotes that a performer is a Member of Actors’ Equity Association)