Boston Theatre + Broadway News

Opera House Players Announce MA Critics Circle Nominations

(5/20/2013) - Opera House Players, Inc. has announced it has received the following nominations for the MA Critics Circle Awards:

WAM Theatre Benefit Set for 6/30

(5/20/2013) - WAM Theatre is delighted to announce Claiming Her Place, a benefit for WAM to be held Sunday, June 30 at 7pm at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington. Co-produced and hosted by Tony nominee Jayne Atkinson, recently cast in The Lion in Winter at Berkshire Theatre Group, the evening will feature a celebrity panel discussing the challenges women face in the entertainment industry. The panel includes:Lauren Ambrose (Six Feet Under), Michel Gill (House of Cards), Marin Mazzie (Tony Nominee), Linus Roache(Law & Order) and Debra Jo Rupp (That 70's Show).

Matt Cusson to Play The Garage, 6/13

(5/20/2013) - Matt Cusson will play a show at The Garage on June 13 at 7pm.

Now Playing Onstage in Boston - Week of 5/19/2013

(5/19/2013) - Upcoming Shows - Week of 5/19/2013 for Boston

Franklin School for the Performing Arts Presents 2013 Spring Concert Today

(5/18/2013) - Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) presents its annual Spring Concert today, May 18 at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday, May 19 at 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. at Franklin's Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium, 224 Oak Street.

Commonwealth Shakespeare Holds Contest for Role of 'Crab' in THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA Today

(5/18/2013) - Does your dog dream of a life on the stage, performing for tens of thousands of people? Does your pup have what it takes to tackle Shakespeare? Is s/he easy-going, able to take direction, and comfortable around strangers? Bring your pooch out to Bark Place today, May 18th to audition with Larry Coen, playing Launce in our 2013 Free Shakespeare on the Common production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona. We're looking for medium to large-sized dogs to interview with Larry to determine which barkers have that special 'it' quality that we know will make a successful 'Crab.'

Over 50 Artists Set for WAM and MopCo's 24HR THEATRE PROJECT Today

(5/18/2013) - For the third year in a row, WAM Theatre and The Mop & Bucket Improv Company (MopCo) will bring together over 50 theatre artists from the Berkshire and Capital Region areas to produce the 24hr Theatre Project. Together, these artists will mount five short works; all written, rehearsed, and performed in 24 hours. The 3rd Annual 24hr Berkshires/Capital Region Theatre is hosted by Proctors Theatre in Schenectady, NY, with a public performance taking place tonight, May 18 at 8pm.

Berkshire Theatre Group Holds 8th Annual Richie duPont Award Event, 6/8

(5/17/2013) - Berkshire Theatre Group will hold the 8th Annual Richie duPont Award Event on June 8 at 8pm at Firefly Restaurant in Lenox.

BWW Reviews: Lots Happening in Central Square Theater's DISTRACTED

(5/17/2013) - A show about how complicated raising a child now seems to be with the constant presence of technology, the media, new learning disabilities and disorders, and the fact that everyone is always on the move. Everything is much more complicated, and pure familial values are not always easy to find anymore.

BWW Review: High Seas Highbrow For The Lowbrow

(5/17/2013) - PIRATES OF PENZANCE at the American Repertory Theater's Loeb Drama Center is tantamount to a three-ring circus being held at a beach volleyball tournament. There are beach balls, kiddie pools, beach chairs, and a grass cocktail shack. The cast performs as roving troubadours, each proficiently playing an instrument. The singing voices are good across the board and the songs are delivered with brio. As an acting troupe, The Hypocrites fit nicely with the A.R.T. aesthetic, making a strong connection with the audience both physically and emotionally. Director Sean Graney's vision serves as an introduction to the great work of Gilbert and Sullivan, albeit equivalent to a 'Reader's Digest' abridgement, and one might hope that it would motivate the previously uninitiated to learn more about them.

Liars & Believers Debut ICARUS at the Cambridge YMCA Tonight

(5/17/2013) - Greek mythology meets burlesque, puppetry, and a modern Americana score in the latest original piece from acclaimed ensemble Liars & Believers, creators of last year's gritty hit, 28 Seeds. Minnie's Menagerie, a peculiar Depression-era sideshow, is raking it in with the help of Daedalus's whimsical technology. But when Daedalus's son falls in love with Minnie's daughter, the star attraction, their passion and plans to escape threaten to bring it all crashing down.

BWW Review: Tap Legend Hines Sings and Tells His Story

(5/16/2013) - Maurice Hines puts his passion for tap, his late brother Gregory, and classic Big Band music on display in TAPPIN' THRU LIFE: AN EVENING WITH MAURICE HINES. Backed by the Berklee College of Music Select Big Band, under the direction of drummer Sherrie Maricle, Hines tells his story, shows off his vocal chops, and delights the audience with his warm, relaxed presence. The program is stingy with his dancing, but The Manzari Brothers ratchet up the excitement and kick up a lot of dust in their turn in the spotlight.

YO GABBA GABBA! to Headline Kids' Lineup at Life is good Festival

(5/16/2013) - Life is good, the Boston-based lifestyle brand committed to spreading the power of optimism and helping kids in need, today announced YO GABBA GABBA! will headline the kids' lineup at the 2013 Life is good Festival on Sept. 21-22 at Prowse Farm, Canton, Mass.

Fort Point Theatre Channel Present s Jessica Litwak and Amir al-Azraki's THE LAND, Now thru 5/18

(5/16/2013) - Fort Point Theatre Channel presents The Land, a new play written by Jessica Litwak, with Amir al-Azraki. Directed by Marc S. Miller, production design by Anne Loyer. Workshop performances: tonight, May 16-18, Thurs.-Fri. at 8 pm; Sat. 7 & 9 pm.

North Shore Music Theatre Announces 2013 Schedule

(5/15/2013) - The award-winning North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT), under the leadership of owner and producer Bill Hanney, has announced an exciting schedule of popular musicals, celebrity concerts and entertaining children's shows. Five-show Subscription packages, three-show Trio packages and individual tickets for all musicals, celebrity concerts and kids' shows are currently on sale.

The 2013 StageSource Theater Conference Set for 6/29

(5/15/2013) - June 29th at the A.R.T.'s Loeb Drama Center StageSource will host its 5th bi-annual theater conference for the greater New England Area. The Conference brings together hundreds of working theater professionals and organizations to discuss the issues that face the theater making sector. The 2013 focus is Reframing Success where we as a community will confront the idea of success in the 21stcentury and how redefining success on our own terms is a can benefit both individual artists and area producers and lead to a more fulfilling career.

BWW Review: Lyric Stage Company: It's a Helluva ON THE TOWN

(5/14/2013) - From stem to stern, the crew of Lyric Stage Company's ON THE TOWN serves up a boatload of thrills. Leonard Bernstein's glorious score, book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, and Jerome Robbins' idea fuse into a terrific voyage to end the season. Director Spiro Veloudos, Choreographer Ilyse Robbins, Music Director Jonathan Goldberg, a creative design team, and a shipshape ensemble put on one helluva show.

Berkshire Theatre Group Celebrates its 85th Summer Season this Year

(5/14/2013) - Berkshire Theatre Group will celebrate its 85th Summer Theatre Season this year, making it the third oldest regional theatre in the country.

Massachusetts State Representative Sarah Peake to Auction Items at Wine Women and Williams Gala

(5/14/2013) - Massachusetts State Representative Sarah Peake, who represents Cape Cod's 4th Barnstable District, from Harwich to Provincetown, has been a leader in the fight for tourism funds for many years, most recently as Chair of the Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development.

Donna McKechnie and More Star in Boston Pops' ONE SINGULAR SENSATION Hamlisch Tribute, Now thru 5/18

(5/14/2013) - Tony Award Winner Donna McKechnie, Tony Award Nominee Jodi Benson and Broadway veteran Doug LaBrecque will star with the Boston Pops in One Singular Sensation: A Tribute to Marvin Hamlisch conducted by Keith Lockhart.

2013 Elliot Norton Award Winners Announced - A.R.T.'s PIPPIN, Andrea Martin, John Tiffany and More!

(5/13/2013) - The 31st Annual Elliot Norton Awards ceremony took place tonight, May 13 at ArtsEmerson's Paramount Center in Boston. Scroll down for the full list of winners!

Angie Schworer, Sara Gettelfinger and Rick Pessagno to Lead Reagle Music Theatre's CHICAGO, 6/13-23

(5/13/2013) - A dazzling new production of the long-running Broadway revival CHICAGO directed and choreographed by Broadway veteran Gerry McIntyre opens Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston's 45th anniversary season June 13-23. Starring Broadway's Angie Schworer as Roxie Hart, Sara Gettelfinger as Velma Kelly, and Rick Pessagno as Billy Flynn, CHICAGO gets Reagle's spectacular summer season off to a bang with all-new staging and exciting choreography in the style of Bob Fosse.

Merrimack Repertory Theatre Announces Changes to 2013-14 Season

(5/13/2013) - Merrimack Repertory Theatre's (MRT's) Artistic Director Charles Towers has just announced an updated schedule for the 2013-2014 Season. Due to rights availability, MRT is pleased to announce next season will now include Lanford Wilson's classic American love story Talley's Folley. An updated schedule of the 2013-2014 Season is included below. Subscriptions to MRT's 2013-2014 Season are on sale now. Discounted season tickets are available in a full 7-play subscription or 3-6 play customizable packages and can be purchased online at MRT.org or at the box office by calling 978-654-4678.

The Mavericks to Play Live at Indian Ranch, 8/18

(5/13/2013) - The Mavericks are back. The country-steeped garage band with a Cuban American lead singer that had emerged from Miami in 1989 with their sultry debut that was equal parts innocence, intensity, and vintage influences reunited this past year after an eight-year hiatus and is coming to Indian Ranch on Sunday, August 18. Time has a way of melting when you're busy living life - and two decades have passed since their polyrhythmic brand of post-modern country has given the world "All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down," "Here Comes The Rain," and "Dance The Night Away." Tickets for The Mavericks at Indian Ranch go on sale Saturday, May 18 through Ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

Jim Breuer Performs Standup at The Colonial Theatre, 6/6

(5/13/2013) - Jim Breuer of Saturday Night Live and Half Baked will perform standup live at The Colonial Theatre on June 6 at 8pm.

Boston Theater Critics Association Hosts 2013 Elliot Norton Awards Ceremony Tonight

(5/13/2013) - The Boston Theater Critics Association previously announced its nominations for the 31st Annual Elliot Norton Awards. The awards, which recognize excellence in Greater Boston theater, will be presented tonight, May 13, at 7 p.m. at the Paramount Mainstage, 559 Washington Street, Boston.

Chita Rivera Receives 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award from Boston Theater Critics Association Tonight

(5/13/2013) - The Boston Theater Critics Association (BTCA) previously announced that Broadway icon Chita Rivera will be the recipient of the 2013 Elliot Norton Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's awards ceremony set for tonight, May 13 (7pm) at the Paramount Center, 559 Washington Street, Boston.

Now Playing Onstage in Boston - Week of 5/12/2013

(5/12/2013) - Upcoming Shows - Week of 5/12/2013 for Boston

BWW Review: Bond Meets the Bard at Vaquero Playground

(5/12/2013) - FROM DENMARK WITH LOVE: A 007/HAMLET MASH-UP may be your poison if you know your James Bond movies and the crux of the Shakespeare tragedy. At times difficult to follow, the two vehicles blend better than you might think, thanks to clear direction and an energetic, fun-loving ensemble. Daniel Jones has enough good looks to play both leading men and has his hands full with the Bond girls. Playwright John J. King fulfills his mission to provide mirth while helping to save the earth.

Obie Winner David Drake Directs NY Premiere of THE WEIGHT OF WATER, Now thru 5/16

(5/12/2013) - Nine days after Hurricane Katrina, two rescue workers wash up on the doorstep of a woman by the name of Pearl Haynes, wreaking more havoc than any force of nature can conjure. As these lives collide, all of the faith that she can muster and all of the Bible that Pearl can quote can no longer distance her from her haunted past.

BWW REVIEW: 'AMADEUS' BORDERS ON DIVINE AT NEW REP

(5/11/2013) - Virtuosic performances, perfectly orchestrated direction and exquisite period detail render the decadence and divinity beautifully in Peter Shaffer's Tony Award-winning 'Amadeus' at New Repertory Theatre in Watertown, Mass.

MASTER CLASS to Open Shakespeare & Company's 36th Season, 5/24

(5/11/2013) - Artistic Director Tony Simotes and Shakespeare & Company will present celebrated playwright Terrence McNally's powerful Master Class, officially kicking off its 36th Performance Season. This riveting production directed by Daniel Gidron stars Elliot Norton and IRNE award-winning actress Annette Miller as Maria Callas. Master Class runs from May 24th through August 18th in S&Co.'s Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre.

Boston Playwrights' Theatre Hosts BOSTON THEATER MARATHON XV, Beg. Today

(5/11/2013) - Boston Playwrights' Theatre presents the 15th annual Boston Theater Marathon and the fifth year of The Warm-Up Laps. The Boston Theater Marathon features 53 ten-minute plays, by 54 New England playwrights, produced by 53 New England theatres in 10 hours.

BWW Review: PUNK ROCK Packs a Punch

(5/10/2013) - Zeitgeist Stage Company's production of Simon Stephens' play, inspired by the Columbine shooting, hits very close to home on the heels of the Newtown and Boston Marathon tragedies. Director David J. Miller and an outstanding cast of teens and young adults handle the material responsibly and realistically. PUNK ROCK is an important play with an articulate message that needs to be heard over and over and over again.

Gloucester Stage Announces 34th Season, Beginning 6/20

(5/10/2013) - Gloucester Stage Artistic Director Eric C. Engel recently announced Gloucester Stage's 34th season of producing professional theatre in Gloucester Massachusetts to begin on June 20 with the award winning musical Spring Awakening directed by Engel.

FROM DENMARK WITH LOVE Makes World Premiere with Vaquero Playground, Now thru 6/1

(5/10/2013) - Vaquero Playground has announced its May production: the World Premiere of From Denmark With Love by John J King, a mash-up parody of Shakespeare's Hamlet and Ian Fleming's Bond...James Bond.

Lyric Stage Presents ON THE TOWN, Now thru 6/8

(5/10/2013) - The Lyric Stage Company of Boston presents ON THE TOWN, tonight, May 10 - June 8, 2013, featuring Book & lyrics by Betty Comden & Adolph Green, Music by Leonard Bernstein, Based on an idea of Jerome Robbins. Directed by Spiro Veloudos, the production will feature music direction by Jonathan Goldberg and choreography & musical staging by Ilyse Robbins.

A.R.T.'s PIRATES OF PENZANCE Begins Tonight

(5/10/2013) - American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.), in association with the Loeb Drama Center, begins performances of the runaway hit of the 2012 Emerging AmericaFestival, Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance, in a new adaptation by Sean Graney and Kevin O'Donnell, arranged by Kevin O'Donnell and the Cast. Performances begin tonight, May 10, 2013 with press opening on Wednesday, May 15, and runs through June 2, 2013.

SPANK! THE FIFTY SHADES PARODY Debuts at The Hanover Theatre Tonight

(5/10/2013) - SPANK! THE FIFTY SHADES PARODY is the hilarious new musical that brings all the naughty fun of the bestselling book to life. SPANK! makes its seductive debut at The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts in Worcester for two performances, tonight, May 10 and the 11th at 8pm. Your inner goddess will be laughing out loud with this clever re-imagining of the characters as they come alive with hysterical comedy, musical numbers, sexy and fun performances from the hunky leading man, plus lots of surprises!

BWW Reviews: One for the Kids with Wheelock Family Theatre's PIPPI LONGSTOCKING

(5/9/2013) - Pippi Longstocking, a story that has been around since the 1940s, tells of a little girl who is left by her pirate father alone with her horse and pet monkey, Mr. Nilsson, to fend for herself and teach the meaning of fun to the rule-following children of the town. Along the way, Pippi fights burglars and policemen alike, shows off her unmatchable strength at the fair, throws cake at a dinner party, and brings happiness and friendship to her peers