THROUGH JULY 30: PARANORMAL ACTIVITY…Live On Stage

Boston’s Emerson Colonial Theatre at 106 Boylston Street brings to their stage this “Melting Pot” production  in association with Jason Blum, founder and CEO of Blumhouse, the original producer of the Paranormal Activity film franchise and Paramount Pictures. The show was written by Levi Holloway (Grey House) and is directed by Felix Barrett (Sleep No More). Based on the Paranormal Activity films, first written and directed by Oren Peli and brought to the screen by Blumhouse and Solana Films and was released by Paramount Pictures in 2009, it was “a master class in psychological terror” that ultimately fostered seven films and grossed close to $200 million worldwide. That legacy of fear has now been brought to the intimate stage that has resulted in sold out performances in the U.S. and also in he UK where it received a 2026 Laurence Olivier Award nomination for Best Entertainment.

It is a disquieting psychological thriller that surrounds James and Lou who have move from Chicago to London to escape their past. But they soon discover that places aren’t haunted, but people are. Lou seems to be struggling with some emotional issues while the house they are living in seems to have a personality all its own!.  With an original story inspired by the film franchise, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY  has elevated the modern ghost story with a chilling intimacy that only live theatre can provide. So be prepared to scream and have a companion who does not mind you grabbing their arm in utter panic periodically. 

The cast features Cher Álvarez as Lou, Travis A. Knight as James, Shannon Cochran as Carolanne, who are all reprising their roles while  Andrea Syglowski as Etheline Cotgrave makes her PARANORMAL ACTIVITY debut. The understudies Caron Buinis, Caroline Hendricks, and Michael Holding are also reprising their roles from previous productions across North America. The scenic and costume designs are by Tony Award Nominee Fly Davis (Caroline, Or Change 2021) while the illusions designs are by Tony Award Winner Chris Fisher (Stranger Things: The First Shadow). The lighting design is by Anna Watson (Giant) with the sound design by Tony Award Winner Gareth Fry (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child). The video and projections designs are by Drama Desk Award Winner Luke Halls (The Lehman Trilogy). General Management by Samuel Dallas/Envoy Theatricals. On August 14^th it makes a giant leap to Broadway so catch it now. The Chicago Tribune stated, “A lesson in live, minimalist terror. The one thing most people will want to know: Will I be scared? Yes. Very. Cleverly, too.” Tickets for this roller coaster ride of terror may be obtained at www.emersoncolonialtheatre.com

THROUGH AUG. 1: BUYER AND CELLAR

Hub Theater Company brings to Club Café, 209 Columbus Ave. in Boston’s Back Bay,  Jonathan Tolins’ hilarious tale about the delightfully absurd world of Alex Moore, a struggling actor who cant seem to even hang onto a role at Disneyland. He gets hired for a secret gig where he will run the private shopping mall in Barbra Streisand ‘s basement. And yes, although this play is deliciously fictitious, Streisand has built a mini mall, replete with various stores that range from clothing to antiques in her basement. She did this rather than boxing away all her costumes, collectibles and keepsakes. But back to the character of Alex Moore. When your boss is a celebrity, who likes to pretend to shop and you must become the sales person then retail therapy takes on a whole new dimension plus a whole new set of rules. Directed by local favorite Daniel Bourque, this one man play stars the incomparable, multi-Elliot Norton and IRNE award winner Victor L. Shopov. He brilliantly takes on the role of Alex, but also the Diva herself…Barbara Streisand, along with her husband, James Brolin, as well as Alex’s catty and vindictive boyfriend who is hell bent on taking the luster off Streisand that is in Alex’s eyes. Hub Theater Company of Boston was founded in 2012 to foster creativity among Boston’s theatre artists. Hub is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, professional non-Equity theatre company committed to entertaining, captivating, socially aware and emotionally engaging theatre in intimate settings. In the interest of cultivating a diverse audience and breaking down barriers between audience and art, all tickets to all performances are Pay-What-You-Can. For tickets and information please visit our webpage at www.hubtheatreboston.org

Just in time for America’s 250th birthday, Company One Theatre brings to The Strand Theatre at 543 Columbia Road in Dorchester this world premiere by Miranda Austen ADEkoje. Directed by Summer L. Williams, the story surrounds seven formidable women who gathered right here in Boston for an unprecedented national conference. With liberation and Black Lives at stake, they have journeyed across a divided America. Can they get in formation, navigate their political differences, and organize together to criminalize lynching? The year might be 1895, but the fight is very much our own.  A New Era is a real-life story of politics, passion, and perseverance. It is a powerful celebration of Boston’s Black suffragist movement and a call to build upon that legacy today.  A New Era centers on the critical role Black women have played in the fight for civil rights, abolition, and Black liberty. Today, Black women are still pushing movements forward, yet they remain largely obscured in American history books due to both racism and sexism. A New Era celebrates a transformative part of Black history hosted right here in our city, and demonstrates the importance of organizing and strategizing toward collective liberation. Tickets for this stirring production may be obtained at www.companyone.org

THROUGH AUG. 9: MOULIN ROUGE!..THE MUSICAL

This is a magical and completely majestic production that enchants the audience with the magnificent sets, costumes, and choreography that includes the famous and notoriously fun and colorful Can Can. The leading stars in the roles of the ill fated lovers are Gabriela Carrillo as Satine and Luke Monday, as Christian. They are both reasonably new to the touring stage…but, they provide jaw-dropping and memorable  performances, both with their passionate acting skills along with their most stunning, powerful and varied vocals that have been extracted from the hugely clever blend of integrated pop hits that this show requires.

Satine (Gabriela Carrillo): Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for Murphy Made  & Chritian (Luke Monday)     Their chemistry is amazing as well as it leaves audiences wanting to see more of them in future stage productions.  Lexus Broadway In Boston brings this iconic jukebox musical to the stage of the Citizens Bank Opera House at 539 Washington St. in Boston. This stage musical was inspired by the 2001 Baz Luhrmann hit film and was originally nominated for 14 Tony Awards ultimately capturing 10 Tonys, including for Best Musical . In addition it  received 5 Drama Desk Awards and 10 Outer Critics Circle Awards. The music for the tale is a delightful pop-music mashup featuring over 70 songs from 161 writers including  a number of memorable hits from the original Baz Luhrmann film such as “Come What May,” “Your Song,” and “Roxanne”. It also includes decades of recognizable songs extracted from a contemporary music lexicon from the 1940s to the 2010s. The story is set in 1899 in the Bohemian artists community of the Montmartre Quarter of Paris in France. Christian, a young, hopeful, and naive American songwriter arrives from Lima, Ohio to Montmartre believing he will find creative inspiration there. He meets Bohemians Toulouse-Lautrec and the Argentinian Santiago. They have been attempting to create a play with songs in it and become impressed by Christian’s musical and songwriting talents and ask him to help them get their work produced at the famous Paris nightclub, the Moulin Rouge.

Harold Zidler (Robert Petkoff) and Cast: Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for Murphy Made The club is owned by Harold Zidler, the over the top, ringmaster and manipulative puppeteer of the lives of all his staff. …especially the star of the club, the exquisitely beautiful Satine. He utilizes her to seduce the very wealthy Duke of Monroth, hoping he will invest in his failing Moulin Rouge. Only a mistaken identity occurs ultimately placing Satine, who assumes she is seducing the Duke, temporarily into the arms of Christian who falls hopelessly in love with her. And so the passionate plot thickens with a possessive and dangerously greedy Duke, Christian blinded by his love for her, Toulouse- Lautrec’s long unspoken love for Satine, the possible success of the trios new show at the club, and a sad, deep secret bravely held by Satine.  Directed by Tony Award® winner Alex Timbers,

Cast of Moulin Rouge: Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for Murphy Made    Performed with a live orchestra, the impressive cast of thirty five seasoned performers led by Gabriela Carrillo (Satine), and Luke Monday (Christian), also include Robert Petkoff (Harold Zidler), Alex Nicholson (Toulouse-Lautrec), Aaron C. Finley (The Duke of Monroth), and Danny Burgos (Santiago). Moulin Rouge! The Musical exudes the bohemian ideals of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and — above all — Love! With a book by Tony Award® winner John Logan; music supervision, orchestrations, and arrangements by Tony Award® winner Justin Levine; and choreography by Tony Award® winner Sonya Tayeh.  Moulin Rouge! The Musical! is so engaging that it melds into a state of mind as it surrounds us with the central theme…..“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.”  Come and be immersed in the live, on stage, outstandingly spectacular world that Baz Luhrmann’s film first introduced to the world. Tickets for this unforgettable theatrical event may be obtained at www.BroadwayInBoston.com

Commonwealth Shakespeare Company (CSC), the widely noted, stellar non-profit acting company is best know for its annual free summer performance on Boston Common. Founded in 1996, the organization has been dedicated to artistic excellence, accessibility, and education. Directed by CSC Founding Artistic Director Steven Maler, this summer (CSC) for their 30th production of FREE Shakespeare on the Common at the Parkman Bandstand brings the return of one of Shakespeare’s most delightful comedies. So pack a picnic, bring your blankets or chairs and come and enjoy this marvelously funny tale that surrounds four young Athenians, Hermia, Lysander, Helena, and Demetrius. It starts when Egeus brings his rebellious daughter Hermia in front of the Duke. He wants his daughter to marry Demetrius but Hermia refuses, because she’s in love with Lysander. The Duke orders Hermia to obey her father or, according to Athenian law, she must face a death penalty or enter a convent. So Hermia and Lysander decide to elope that night. They confide in their friend Helena. However, she’s secretly in love with Demetrius so, hoping to win his affection, she tells him of Hermia’s plan. That night, all four lovers flee into the magical forest. Elsewhere in the forest, a troop of actors including a man named Bottom are planning to perform a play in celebration of the Duke’s wedding so they are there rehearsing. Meanwhile Oberon and Titania, King and Queen of the Fairies are quarreling so Oberon summons his servant Puck to find a magic plant, the juice of which when squeezed onto the eyes of someone asleep, causes them to fall in love with the first creature they see when they wake up. Oberon uses the juice on Titania as she sleeps in her bower. But Puck playfully has turned one of the actors head into the head of a donkey so when Titania wakes, she falls madly in love with Bottom, the now donkey headed actor. Helena chases Demetrius in the forest and their fighting disturbs Oberon. He tells Puck to use the magic plant on Demetrius too, so that he will fall in love with Helena. However Puck muddles up the two Athenian men and uses it on Lysander instead, who promptly falls in love with Helena. Both women are confused and Hermia furiously attacks her friend. Thus everyone becomes entangled in the confusion that leads to chaotic romantic mayhem caused by a love potion. Come and enjoy this Free story and find out if all turns our well for everyone in the forest. In partnership with Think Outside the Vox, CSC provides an array of accessibility services, including open captioning, assistive listening devices, and large-print and Braille programs at every performance, with ASL interpretation and audio description at selected performances. For complete Information on dates, times, and services visit www.commshakes.org

AUG. 12 – 25: ROCK OF AGES  

Break out the neon spandex and tune up your air guitar! Bill Hanney’s award-winning North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) at at 54 Dunham Rd. in Beverly is bringing this smash-hit, five-time Tony Award-nominated musical to their award-winning theatre-in-the-round.  NSMT owner and producer Bill Hanney states, ““Few musicals capture the 1980s like Rock of Ages, a worldwide hit blending comedy, romance, and iconic rock anthems, We’re excited to present a dynamic new production at NSMT directed by Kevin P. Hill. With a standout cast including EJ Dohring as Drew and Chelsea Williams as Sherrie, and a soundtrack featuring Journey, Bon Jovi, Styx, Poison, and Pat Benatar, this show promises audiences will enjoy every moment singing along.” It is 1987 and small-town girl Sherrie and city boy Drew are fighting greedy developers to hopefully save the legendary Bourbon Room on Hollywood’s wild Sunset Strip. The show is packed with hilarious comedy and wrapped up with explosive heart! The musical is a mash up of iconic rock anthems from that decades biggest hit-makers. These include hits by Bon Jovi, Journey, Def Leppard, Foreigner, Poison, Whitesnake, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Styx, REO Speedwagon, and Joan Jett. This high-octane celebration will have you cutting loose and rock’n the night away. The 24 member cast is lead by  EJ Dohring (Drew), Chelsea Williams (Sherrie), and Nathaniel Hackman (Stacee Jaxx/ Father). The production will also features Evan Harrington (Dennis), Matt DaSilva (Lonny),Toneisha Harris (Justice/ Mother), Lily Kaufmann (Regina), Tom Galantich (Hertz), and Michael Schimmele(Franz). In addition, the cast includes Bryndal Braithwaite, Greta Cardoza, Tony Carrubba, Ellie Chancellor(Constance), Milena Comeau, Audrey Curdo, Kyle Estrada, Joshua Griffin, Juan Camilo Laverde, Julian Mendoza, Meadow Nguy, Celina Nightengale, Evan Owen (Joey Primo/ Producer), Kevin Raponey (DJ), and Kristopher Stanley Ward (Mayor/ Ja’Keith). The creative team for ROCK OF AGES includes Kevin P. Hill (Director), Sara Andreas (Choreographer), Peter Leigh-Nilsen (Music Director), Jeffrey Kmiec (Scenic Design), Rebecca Glick (Costume Coordinator), José Santiago (Lighting Design), Ryan Marsh (Sound Design), Rachel Padula-Shufelt (Wig & Hair Design), Tom Galantich (Associate Director), Marshall Lee Smith Jr. (Production Stage Manager), Robert L. Rucinski (Assistant Music Director), Kyra Meagher (Assistant Stage Manager), and Maria Papadopoulos (Assistant Stage Manager). Tickets for this fun, upbeat time may be obtained at www.nsmt.org

AUG. 14 – SEPT. 27: RHINOCEROS

The American Repertory Theater brings to the stage of the Loeb Drama Center at 64 Brattle Street in Cambridge Eugène Ionesco’s l1959 absurdist, landmark play. The story follows the residents of a small French town as they inexplicably transform into rhinoceroses, The protagonist is a flawed “everyman” named Bérenger, played by John Turturro. Finding himself thrust into the chaos of this irrational situation, he is faced with the struggle to maintain his individuality as friends, colleagues, and eventually even his love interest succumb to the mass hysteria. What happens when one becomes the last human resisting the epidemic. This play is a marvelous reminder of the destructiveness surrounding social pressure and the dangers of mob mentality as the towns people were initially afraid of the first Rhino but joyously rationalize the power and simplicity of the beast. Just like when Hitler or other authoritarian leaders have controlled the populace.The cast also includes Harriett D. Foy (Housewife), Paul Giamatti (Jean), Peter Francis James (Grocer / Papillon), Tatiana Maslany (Daisy),  Kristine Nielsen (Grocer’s Wife / Mrs. Boeuf), Alex Ross (Dudard), and Clay Singer (Botard / Waiter). Britt Faulkner, David Mason, and Scott Stangland are understudies. The production features a scenic design by Obie Award winner Riccardo Hernández (Carmen at the Glyndebourne Opera UK; Jagged Little Pill; The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess; others at A.R.T.). The costume design is by Drama Desk Award winner Anita Yavich (Floyd Collins on Broadway; Snow in June at A.R.T.). The lighting design is by Tony Award winner Jen Schriever (Romeo and Juliet; 1776; others at A.R.T.), and the special effects design is by Markus Maurette (The Lost Boys, Stranger Things: The First Shadow on Broadway). Hair and wig designs are by Tom Watson. Drama Desk Award winner.  Thomas Schall (Romeo and Juliet; 1776 at A.R.T.) is the fight director; and Jill Johnson (Crossing at A.R.T.) is the movement advisor. Ryan Gohsman is the Production Stage Manager. Casting is by ARC Casting/Duncan Stewart, CSA & Jarrett Reiche, CSA. Karina Cowperthwaite is the associate director, Omid Akbari and Jessie Baldinger are the associate scenic designers, Andrew Wehling is the associate costume designer, Aaron Tacy is the associate lighting designer, and Bailey Trierweiler is the associate sound designer. Tickets for this effective warning for today may be purchased at www.AmericanRepertoryTheater.org/Rhinoceros

SEPT. 10 – OCT. 4: ELEANOR

Central Square Theater 450 Mass Ave. in Cambridge brings this unique perspective of the mighty Eleanor Roosevelt. She became the wife of Frankline D. Roosevelt in 1905 and she became the first First Lady of an elected president to move into the White House. Directed by Elliot Norton Award recipient for Outstanding Director, Bryn Boice, the production stars the four time IRNE Award winner and three time Elliot Norton Award-winner, Paula Plumb. Written by the American playwright, author, film and television writer Mark St Germain, the audience is introduced to this complex public woman whose private doubts and convictions illuminate an enduring and lasting legacy of courage, empathy, and service. Eleanor revisits her marriage to Franklin, her activism, and her role in shaping modern human rights with a magical blend of warmth, wit, and candor. TheWall Street Journal praised Eleanor as, “A great show, period.” Tickets for this intimate look at the heart and mind of this stunning historical figure may be obtained at www.centralsquaretheater.org.

SEPT. 10 – OCT. 11: PURPOSE

The Huntington at the Wimberly Theatre in the Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont St. in Boston’s South End presents this Tony Award WINNER for Best Play as well as the 2025 Pulitzer Prize WINNER for Drama that was written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. This explosive and wildly entertaining new play is directed by Josiah Davis. The story dives headlong into the life of the Jasper family, a prominent and influential political dynasty. Their life has been filled with prominent civil rights leaders, pastors, and congressmen for decades making them the foundational pillar of Black American society. That is, until their youngest son returns home with an unexpected dinner guest, and their carefully curated existence begins to fracture. Huntington Artistic Director Loretta Greco states, “There is no better way to launch this thrilling new season than with the brilliant Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, whom we are welcoming to The Huntington for the first time, with his stunning play Purpose! Branden has conjured a richly layered family in the throes of a seismic generational reckoning — one worthy of the greatest family dramas. Experiencing Purpose had me constantly trying to catch my breath I was laughing so hard — until its complex truths hit home. The play’s beating heart: a compelling reminder that we all need something larger and more impactful than ourselves to strive towards in community with others. Perhaps now more than ever.” Director Joseph Davis states,  “Legacy is hard to build. But it’s even harder to escape. The journey of finding yourself is difficult when expectations of who you ought to be, who you were raised to be looks over your head. Is it possible to escape familial demands and carve out a space of your own?” From playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins: “For me, Purpose is a family story that’s trying to transcend, to be about the universal. It’s a play that’s really trying to connect people… it’s about taking stock of the community immediately around you and figuring out how to love deeper and better.” The New York Times stated that PURPOSE was, “A merciless dissection of hypocrisy – you may have trouble catching your breath from laughing so hard.” Tickets for this searing as well a hilarious exploration of faith, class, ambition, and heritage my be obtained at www.huntingtontheatre.org

SEPT. 18 – OCT. 18: ALL MY SONS

 The Lyric Stage Boston at 140 Clarendon Street, 2^nd Floor, in Boston brings Arthur Miller’s famed tragedy about post-war guilt and moral responsibility. It was inspired by a 1940s Ohio newspaper story about a young woman who reported her own father to the FBI for manufacturing and shipping defective aircraft engines to the U.S. military during World It is set in the Midwestern backyard of the Keller family that includes the successful business entrepreneur, Joe Keller, his wife Kate, his son Chris and his girlfriend Ann. Chris is about to ask Ann to marry him but domestic tensions abound. Ann, was his brother Larry’s fiancé who was missing in action. Kate becomes furious and forbids Chris as she refuses to believe that her son is dead. Ann’s father, Steve Deever was Joe’s business partner. Joe was once arrested for shipping defective airplane parts to the military, which caused the crash of 21 fighter planes but Joe deferred the entire blame on Steve who was convicted and sent to prison while Joe was exonerated. Ann’s brother, George, arrives after visiting their father in prison. He now having realized that Joe was equally guilty and attempts to stop his sister marrying Chris. Chris is horrified at his father choice of money and family over pilots lives and a letter Kate had from her so Larry further reinforces the true scope of Joe’s actions. How will Joe attain retribution? Tickets for this intense tale may be obtained at www.lyricsage.com

SEPT. 25: JOHN CRIST LIVE TOUR

The Boch Center Shubert Theatre at 265 Tremont Street in Boston hosts this popular comedian as he makes a stop on his Live tour. Crist continues selling out venues nationwide on this tour that kicked off on January 23rd in Joliet, IL. Drawing more than 8 million online fans, signature brand of comedy is known for its “unique ability to get people laughing at themselves” (The Tennessean). Fresh off a recent sold-out homecoming show at the Grand Ole Opry House, which featured a surprise appearance from fellow comedian Nate Bargatze, Crist continues his Spring tour run with upcoming shows in Houston, Milwaukee, Anaheim, Cedar Rapids and beyond. With more than 1 billion views across social platforms, Crist’s unmistakable comedy has appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, ESPN’s SEC Network and more. His latest special, John Crist: Emotional Support, has garnered more than 3.9 million views, and he recently celebrated the 200th episode of his Net Positive with John Crist podcast, which has featured celebrity guests like Tim Tebow, Matt Rife, Leanne Morgan, Dave Ramsey, ERNEST, Lauren Diagle, Creed’s Scott Stapp, Michael W. Smith and Kirk Herstreit. Fans can catch new episodes weekly,“Y’all keep filling up these theaters, and I’ll keep coming to town!” Crist said. “Especially the new cities! Huntington WV and Torrington, CT, I’ve literally never been to. Those types of shows are always a blast!” To purchase tickets, visit www.bochcenter.org

(*) Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States