Theatre
Updated May 7, 2012
Xanadu at Speakeasy in the South End May 11- June 9
Based on the cult film of the same name, this riotous new musical follows the efforts of a magical Greek muse named Kira who descends to Earth to help a struggling artist achieve his dream of opening a roller disco. Featuring an ingenious book by Douglas Carter Beane (The Little Dog Laughed) and a score full of chart-topping tunes (Magic, Suddenly, Evil Woman), Xanadu is hilarity on wheels.
Hershey Felder in Maestro: Leonard Bernstein A masterful Tour de Force now-May 20
Paramount Theatre
ArtsEmerson:The World on Stage presents Hershey Felder in Maestro: Leonard Bernstein. Take an extraordinary journey through Leonard Bernstein’s life and career. Rooted in Boston history, this longtime music director of the New York Philharmonic, composer of acclaimed works like Candide, West Side Story, On the Town and Mass and Tanglewood icon broke through every artistic ceiling possible to become the world's musical ambassador. Award-winning actor, playwright and concert pianist Hershey Felder (George Gershwin Alone) returns to Boston with his latest composer creation, Maestro: Leonard Bernstein. Conductor, composer, pianist, author, teacher, librettist, television star...for Leonard Bernstein, boundaries simply did not exist. I was lucky enough to catch Felder as Gershwin at the ART last season, but missed his one-mn shows on Beethoven and Chopin. Bernstein has been gone just 20 years, but in this newest one-man tour de force, Felder capture's Bernsteins's personna--his voice, his urbane slouch and best of all we get a sense into his multiple faceted, complex personality. his frustrations, his personal relationships, his involvement with family. Felder sings, plays the piano and with an effective use of rear screen projection gives us Bernstein , the musician, the composer, the conductor., the man. This Emerson Stage production is a gem.
Avenue Q at Lyric Stage May 11- June 9
Part flesh (humans), part felt (puppets), and packed with heart (universal), Avenue Q is a laugh-out-loud musical that tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. There, he meets the girl next door, a Republican, an internet sexpert, and Gary Coleman (need we say more?), along with other colorful types who help Princeton finally discover his purpose in life. Warning: contains adult language and puppet nudity. Not for the kiddies, but your teenagers will think you’re cool if you take them!
Winner of the Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Book.
Little Shop of Horrors at Watertown's New Rep Now - May 20
In this Award-Winning musical with the melodious styles of 1960’s rock and roll, doo-wop, and early Motown, a hapless florist shop worker, Seymour, finds a mysterious plant. As the plant begins to flourish and thrive, so does the flower shop’s business. Seymour quickly develops the confidence needed to successfully court the woman he desires, his co-worker Audrey, and together they begin to pursue their dreams. However, we soon realize Seymour is just a pawn in this paranormal plant’s diabolical scheme. Don’t miss this fun cult classic with beloved and well-known songs, such as “Suppertime,” “Somewhere That’s Green,” and “Suddenly Seymour.”
The Miracle Workerat Wheelock Family Theatre Now - May 13
Imagine yourself imprisoned in a foreign land where no one speaks your language, you understand no one, and everyone assumes you are ignorant, possessed or insane. Imagine your frustration if you couldn't communicate. Imagine how your fear could turn to rage, especially at 8 years old.
"The Miracle Worker" is a remarkable true story of strength, courage, dedication and love. It's the story of how in desperation, Helen Keller's parents seek help from a Perkins Institute staff member, Annie Sullivan, to tutor their daughter. Most of all, this play by William Gibson, is a celebration of a child's rebirth into the world around her. Annie Sullivan fed Helen Keller the universe through her hands and reawakened the limitless possibilities of being alive.
"The Miracle Worker" stars 8-year-old accomplished actor Audree Hedequist in the role of Helen Keller. Audree won over the Director and Casting Agent with her determination and drive to play Helen Keller; having isolated herself at home with ear plugs and a blindfold. Since then, Audree has been researching both Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan, and has been working regularly with Jaimi Lard, a Deaf-Blind consultant at the Perkins School.
Huntington Theatre Closes season with Coward's "Private Lives" May 25- June 2
Lifetime Tony Award-winning playwright Noël Coward’s beloved sparkling comedy Private Lives is filled with unforgettable dialogue and sparkling sophistication, Private Lives is a joyful romp of a good time. Newlyweds Elyot and Sibyl are honeymooning at a hotel in northern France where they unexpectedly encounter Elyot’s ex-wife Amanda and her new husband Victor on the adjacent balcony celebrating their recent nuptials. The romance between Elyot and Amanda is quickly revived, and the two desert their new spouses and flee to Amanda’s Paris flat. There, the stormy rivalry that first divided them rekindles in time for Sibyl and Victor to rediscover the pair in the throes of a passionate fight. One of the most shining examples of Coward’s trademark wit, The New York Times calls this stylish and savvy play, “one of the funniest comedies of the 20th century.”
Long-Running Hits
Shear Madness
Boston's and the country's longest-running non-musical has been playing to full houses ever since it opened in 1980. A murder mystery set in a unisex hair salon, it is a unique theatrical experience. It started in Boston and has played all over the world, including Budapest, Rome, and Mexico City. The audience gets involved in this interactive whodunit. The actors keep it fresh and topical and in the cozy atmosphere of the Charles Playhouse, it makes for a fun, lighthearted evening's entertainment. Through the years, it has developed a cult-like following, and many have seen it numerous times. The ending changes depending on the audience. In honor of its 20th anniversary here in Boston, there will be special fundraising activities to benefit Rosie's Place in its efforts to create a Wellness Center at its South End facility.
Tuesday - Friday 8 p.m.
Saturday 6:30 and 9:30 p.m.
Sunday 3 and 7 p.m.
Tickets: (617) 426-5225
Charles Playhouse, Warrenton Street, Boston
Blue Man Group
Upstairs at the Charles, this is another long-run hit that takes theatre to another level.It's new. It's cool. BLUE MAN GROUP has updated the wildly popular theatrical show in Boston! Taking a closer look at the technology that both surrounds and isolates us, BLUE MAN GROUP showcases technogeek ingenuity while uniting the audience in primal, collective exhilaration. Signature BLUE MAN GROUP moments combine with breathtakingly fun new pieces for an explosive evening of entertainment It's a happening . . . ninety minutes of non-verbal mayhem. Actors painted blue from head to toe play drums, mime and most of all amuse. Their look at life is totally off the wall. The ultimate "theatre of the absurd." A must-see-to-believe event.
Tues.-Fri 8 p.m.
Sat 6:30 and 9:30pm.
Sun at 3 & 7 p.m.
Tickets: $35 and $45.
Upstairs at the Charles Playhouse, 74 Warrenton St., Boston
Tips for the Bargain Bunch!
You may be able to catch theatre in Boston for half price. Here are places where you can get discounted tickets:
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BosTix sells tickets to a good variety of shows at their locations in Copley Square and Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston, and the Holyoke Center in Harvard Square, Cambridge. BosTix is also a Ticketmaster outlet. Hours are 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Not all shows offer tickets through BosTix.
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The Huntington Repertory Theatre sells half-price tickets within two hours of showtime for Tuesday through Thursday performances.
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The American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge offers discounts to students for unsold tickets 30 minutes before showtime, and at 11 a.m. Monday, and "pay what you can" tickets are sold for available Saturday matinees.
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The Charles Playhouse on Warrenton Street in Boston is offering free admission for volunteer ushers needed for its current long-run production of "Blue Man Group." Arrive one hour before showtime, and stay 15 minutes after to help clean up. You need to wear all black. If you're interested, call (617) 426-6912 for more information.