Boston Theatre + Broadway News

BWW Review: Reagle's CHICAGO is Splendiforous!

(6/18/2013) - Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston celebrates its 45th anniversary season with Fosse-style high kicks, hip thrusts, and splayed hands in Director/Choreographer Gerry McIntyre's delightful production of the longest-running American musical in Broadway history. Sara Gettelfinger, Angie Schworer, and Rick Pessagno lead an ensemble of triple threat performers under the musical direction of Dan Rodriguez.

Shakespeare & Co Holds Special Benefit Performance of BROADWAY IN THE BERKSHIRES, 7/8

(6/18/2013) - Shakespeare & Company Artistic Director Tony Simotes announces a special one-night-only Benefit Performance of BROADWAY IN THE BERKSHIRES Monday, July 8th at The Tina Packer Playhouse, 70 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA. Proceeds from the event will benefit Shakespeare & Company's internationally-acclaimed Education and Training Programs.

PETER PAN Flies to Steps Off Broadway, Kicks Off Summer Stage Season, 7/6

(6/18/2013) - Steps off Broadway Productions, Inc., will be performing the stage production of Peter Pan on July 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 (call for times).

Berkshire Theatre Group to Present OKLAHOMA!, 7/1-20

(6/18/2013) - Berkshire Theatre Group presents Rodgers and Hammerstein'sOklahoma! at The Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield opening on July 6 at 8pm. Previews begin July 1 at 8pm and closing is on July 20 at 8pm.

STAGE TUBE: Highlights from Barrington Stage Company's ON THE TOWN

(6/18/2013) - Barrington Stage Company, the award-winning theatre in downtown Pittsfield, MA, under the leadership of Julianne Boyd Artistic Director and Tristan Wilson Managing Director, presents the Bernstein/Comden/Green musical On the Town now through July 13 on the Boyd-Quinson Mainstage, 30 Union Street, Pittsfield. Check out highlights from the production below!

Photo Coverage: Inside Opening Night of Barrington Stage Company's ON THE TOWN

(6/18/2013) - Barrington Stage Company, the award-winning theatre in downtown Pittsfield, MA, under the leadership ofJulianne Boyd Artistic Director and TriStan Wilson Managing Director, presents the Bernstein/Comden/Green musical On the Town now through July 13 on the Boyd-Quinson Mainstage, 30 Union Street, Pittsfield. The show just opened and you can check out photos from opening night below!

Franklin School for the Performing Arts to Present SHREK THE MUSICAL, 7/13

(6/17/2013) - Franklin School for the Performing Arts SummerStage presents Shrek the Musical on Saturday, July 13 at 2 and 6 p.m. at Showcase Live, Patriot Place in Foxboro. The full-length production is a stage musical adaptation of the 2001 Academy Award-winning, smash-hit animated movie. Based on the children's book by William Steig about a green ogre who saves a princess, the musical comedy spoofs fairy tale characters and themes and playfully pokes fun of pop culture. With sight gags, slapstick and tongue-in-cheek humor, Shrek offers nonstop family entertainment.

Photo Flash: Meet the Cast of SPRING AWAKENING, Opening Gloucester Stage's 2013 Season

(6/17/2013) - Gloucester Stage kicks off the 2013 season with Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik's Spring Awakening from June 20 through July 14 in the air-conditioned comfort of Gloucester Stage Company at 267 East Main Street, Gloucester, MA. Spring Awakening is directed by Gloucester Stage Artistic Director Eric C. Engel with musical direction by Catherine Stornetta and choreography by Jodi Leigh Allen. Scroll down for a first look at the cast!

Jayne Atkinson to Host WAM Theatre Benefit at Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, 6/30

(6/17/2013) - WAM Theatre, recently announced as a finalist in the Creativity/Innovation category of the Berkshire Trendsetter awards, is delighted to present 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).

BWW Reviews: It's one Helluva ON THE TOWN at Barrington Stage

(6/17/2013) - The full Bernstein score honors ON THE TOWN, not the truncated movie version, on stage with a great cast, stunning choreography and a fresh new approach under the artful hand of John Rando, director.

The Hub to Present Boston Premiere of LOVE, LOSS, AND WHAT I WORE, 7/19-8/3

(6/17/2013) - Proving that great entertainment never goes out of style, Hub Theatre Company of Boston, Inc., will continue its debut season with the Boston premier production of Love, Loss, and What I Wore by award-winning screenwriters and authors Nora & Delia Ephron (based on the book by Ilene Beckerman).

Photo Coverage: Amanda Green and William Finn Give Talk-Back at BSC's ON THE TOWN

(6/17/2013) - Barrington Stage Company, the award-winning theatre in downtown Pittsfield, MA, under the leadership of Julianne Boyd Artistic Director and TriStan Wilson Managing Director, presents the Bernstein/Comden/Green musical On the Town now through July 13 on the Boyd-Quinson Mainstage, 30 Union Street, Pittsfield. The press opening was last night, June 16 at 5pm. The show just held a post show talk-back with Amanda Green and William Finn and you can check out photos from the event below!

BWW Reviews: A Bit in the Dark in Happy Medium Theatre's BLACK COMEDY

(6/17/2013) - Sir Peter Shaffer's Black Comedy is a classic example of British farce, with abundant physical humor, extreme politeness, mistaken identities, and hidden passions. The story concerns a sculptor who aims to impress his fiance's father and a potential buyer by borrowing his neighbor's fancy furniture; however, all his plans go awry when a fuse is blown and the entire building is plunged into darkness. Shaffer's hilarious concept allows the audience to see what everyone in the play cannot, and classical British hijinks ensue.

Now Playing Onstage in Boston - Week of 6/16/2013

(6/16/2013) - Upcoming Shows - Week of 6/16/2013 for Boston

BWW Reviews: Stirring HEROES Arrives at Shakespeare & Company

(6/15/2013) - When three veteran actors from Shakespeare & Company set out to play 'Heroes,' there's no lack of excitement on stage, and even a little warfare.

F.U.D.G.E. Theatre Company to Present ASSASSINS July 12-20 at Arsenal Center

(6/15/2013) - The F.U.D.G.E. (FRIENDS UNITED DEVELOPING GENUINE ENTERTAINMENT) Theatre Company will present their 12th Anniversary Season's production of Stephen Sondheim (Music & Lyrics) and John Weidman's (Book) award-drenched, internationally acclaimed musical, "ASSASSINS," 'which will open on Friday, July 12 at The Arsenal Center for the Arts Black Box Theatre (321 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA) where it will play through Saturday, July 20.

Photo Flash: First Look at Shakespeare & Company's HEROES

(6/15/2013) - Leave it to Artistic Director Tony Simotes and Shakespeare & Company's irreverent 'master of wit' Kevin G. Coleman to bring audiences one the funniest plays Stoppard has put his pen to in the Company's 36th Performance Season with HEROES. Written by Gerald Sibleyras and translated by Tom Stoppard, the show, directed by Coleman, boasts a stalwart trio of actors including Jonathan Epstein, Malcolm Ingram and Robert Lohbauer in this auspicious comedy. Heroes runs now through September 1, in S&Co.'s Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

RICHARD II to Launch History Cycle at Shakespeare & Company, 7/5

(6/15/2013) - How does a state contend with a barbarous ruler who is perceived to be appointed by God? King Richard II, portrayed by three-time OBIE Award winner Rocco Sisto, has designed the murder of his uncle, wasted public funds, and used the influence of his crown to misrule a nation. When Richard banishes Henry Bolingbroke (played by Tom O'Keefe, The Taster 2010), he unwittingly fashions an enemy who is intent on orchestrating the King's demise.

Apollinaire Theatre to Present THE CAUCASIAN CHALK CIRCLE in English and Spanish, 7/10-27

(6/15/2013) - Apollinaire Theatre Company's 10th year of offering free bilingual productions on alternating nights in English and Spanish in Chelsea's Mary O'Malley Park features Brecht's parable of right and wrong.

Audra McDonald Performs Berkshire Solo Concert at The Colonial Theatre Tonight

(6/15/2013) - Audra McDonald will perform her only Berkshire solo performance tonight, June 15 at 8pm at The Colonial Theatre accompanied by pianist Andy Einhorn.

Photo Flash: First Look at Jay Armstrong Johnson, Alysha Umphress and More in Barrington Stage's ON THE TOWN

(6/14/2013) - Barrington Stage Company, the award-winning theatre in downtown Pittsfield, MA, under the leadership of Julianne Boyd Artistic Director and Tristan Wilson Managing Director, presents the Bernstein/Comden/Green musical On the Town now through July 13 on the Boyd-Quinson Mainstage, 30 Union Street, Pittsfield. The press opening is Sunday, June 16 at 5pm. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast onstage below!

BroadwayWorld Special Coverage: SUMMER STAGES - Our Picks for Summer's Best Around the World!

(6/14/2013) - As the summer days near, BroadwayWorld rounded up our worldwide community - from Australia to Spain, California and beyond! - to bring you our top picks for the best of summer theater in each of our main markets! Looking for the best of the summer venue and production offerings in your area? Let's hear from a sampling of the BroadwayWorld experts!

Summer Stages: BWW's Top Summer Theatre Picks in Massachusetts

(6/14/2013) - Summer Stages: BWW's Top Summer Theatre Picks in Massachusetts

Theater Offensive's Joan Parker Passes Away

(6/14/2013) - Theater Offensive has received news that Joan Parker died on June 12th at Massachusetts General Hospital. A notice from The Boston Globe is copied at the end of this post.

STAGE TUBE: Sneak Peek at Angie Schworer, Sara Gettelfinger, Rick Pessagno and More in Highlights of CHICAGO

(6/14/2013) - 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. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek of highlights and interviews below!

Railway Theater Presents CAR TALK, Now thru 8/12

(6/14/2013) - Beginning tonight, June 14, Underground Railway Theater and Suffolk University present the World Premiere of Car Talk: The Musical!!! with books, lyrics, and direction by Wesley Savick, and original music by Michael Wartofsky. The production runs from tonight, June 14 through August 12, 2012.

Happy Medium Presents BLACK COMEDY, Now thru 6/22

(6/14/2013) - Brindsley Miller, a young sculptor, and his debutante fiancee Carol Melkett have borrowed some expensive, antique furniture from his neighbor Harold's flat without his permission in order to impress an elderly millionaire art collector coming to view Brindsley's work, and Carol's father Colonel Melkett. When the power fails, Harold returns early, and Brindsley's ex-mistress Clea shows up unexpectedly, things slide into disaster for him.

Boys Like Girls, Siobhan Magnus & More Set for OUTSIDE THE BOX Summer Music Festival

(6/13/2013) - Outside The Box proudly announces today the official schedule for its free nine day summer performing arts festival on Boston Common and City Hall Plaza (July 13-21). The inaugural festival will kick off at noon on Saturday July 13th on Boston Common with a special performance by the Boston Children's Chorus followed by Los Lonely Boys and Los Lobos. Festival headliners Buffalo Tom, The Lemonheads and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones will perform live on Boston Common on Saturday July 20th beginning at 5pm.

Angie Schworer, Sara Gettelfinger and Rick Pessagno Lead Reagle Music Theatre's CHICAGO, Now thru 6/23

(6/13/2013) - 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 tonight, 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.

Giovanna Sardelli Directs Barrington Stage's World Premiere of MUCKRAKERS, Now thru 7/6

(6/13/2013) - Barrington Stage Company (BSC), the award-winning theatre in downtown Pittsfield, MA, under the leadership of Artistic Director Julianne Boyd and Managing Director TriStan Wilson, presents the world premiere production of Muckrakers, a new play by Zayd Dohrn, directed by Giovanna Sardelli (BSC's The North Pool and Lord of the Flies). Muckrakers begins previews tonight, June 13, opens Wednesday, June 19 and will run through Saturday, July 6 at the St. Germain Stage, at the Sydelle and Lee Blatt Performing Arts Center, 36 Linden Street, Pittsfield.

Photo Flash: First Look at Angie Schworer, Sara Gettelfinger and More in Reagle Music Theatre's CHICAGO

(6/12/2013) - 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. BroadwayWorld has a first look below!

Dermot & Ellen Mulroney to Lead Cape Rep Theatre's PETER PAN'S MOTHER Reading, 6/15

(6/12/2013) - Cape Rep Theatre presents Summer Starlight an Evening with Ellen and Dermot Mulroney benefitting Cape Rep Theatre. Cape Rep is honored to have acclaimed film actor Dermot Mulroney and his mother, actress Ellen Mulroney one night only in the reading of a new, short play Peter Pan's Mother written by Christine Emmert, followed by a conversation with Dermot Mulroney on Monday, July 15 at 6:00 PM.

Photo Flash: First Look at Lisa O'Hare, David Andrew Macdonald and More in NSMT's THE SOUND OF MUSIC

(6/12/2013) - Let's start at the very beginning... the award-winning North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) is alive with THE SOUND OF MUSIC as the treasured musical takes the stage for the first time since 1989, now playing through Sunday, June 23. BroadwayWorld has a first look below!

BWW Interviews: Angie Schworer and Sara Gettelfinger Talk Reagle Music Theatre's CHICAGO

(6/11/2013) - This afternoon, I was given the opportunity to speak with Broadway veterans Angie Schworer and Sara Gettelfinger, stars of Reagle Music Theatre's upcoming production of CHICAGO, about their introduction to the world of acting, their experiences with the greats of Broadway, and their complete love and devotion to the theatre world.

Peter Cambor and More Join Commonwealth Shakespeare's TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA; Full Cast Announced!

(6/11/2013) - One of Greater Boston's most beloved traditions, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's 'Free Shakespeare On The Common' celebrates its 18th season with the comedy The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Inspired by Rat Pack-era Vegas, this production brings together the talents of CSC's Artistic Director Steve Maler, music director Colin Thurmond and choreographer Yo-el Cassel. Playing July 6 - 28, 2013, performances are free and open to the public.

LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST to Open 6/29 at Shakespeare & Company

(6/11/2013) - In just a few weeks, the beauty and magic of Shakespeare's romantic comedy Love's Labour's Lost arrives at Shakespeare & Company's Tina Packer Playhouse for a fast-paced, hilarious and moving production delivered by long-time Company artist and director Lisa Wolpe. Featuring a cast of 16 Company favorites and new-comers, Love's Labour's Lost runs June 22-September 1. Press Opening is Saturday, June 29 at 7:30PM.

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR Plays Boston Midsummer Opera, 7/24-7/28

(6/11/2013) - Falstaff in love? Is the world his oyster? Not if these quick-witted housewives have their way, as Boston audiences will discover when Boston Midsummer Opera (BMO) presents its eighth season production, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Otto Nicolai's tuneful 1849 version of Shakespeare's humorous tale. This popular European opera, rarely seen in the United States, will be fully staged and costumed and presented at the Tsai Performance Center, Boston University for three performances only, July 24, 26 and 28.

North Shore Music Theatre Presents THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Now thru 6/23

(6/11/2013) - Let's start at the very beginning... the award-winning North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) is alive with THE SOUND OF MUSIC as the treasured musical takes the stage for the first time since 1989. Opening tonight, June 11 and playing through Sunday, June 23.

Richard Schiff to Star in Barrington Stage's THE CHOSEN; Gretchen Egolf Set for MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

(6/10/2013) - Barrington Stage Company (BSC), the award-winning theatre in downtown Pittsfield, MA, under the leadership of Julianne Boyd Artistic Director and Tristan Wilson Managing Director, has announced casting for Chaim Potok's The Chosen, adapted and directed by Aaron Posner, and Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Julianne Boyd at the Boyd-Quinson Mainstage, 30 Union Street, Pittsfield.

Berkshire Playwrights Lab to Present Anna Ziegler's LIFE SCIENCE, 6/19-30

(6/10/2013) - Berkshire Playwrights Lab will present its first full workshop production, Anna Ziegler's Life Science directed by Joe Cacaci, June 19 through June 30 (press opening June 21) at Bard College at Simon's Rock Daniel Arts Center (84 Alford Road, Great Barrington, Mass.). The production will run Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 2:00pm, with the exception of the Saturday, June 22 performance, which will begin at 9:30pm.