Frank Avruch: Boston's Man About Town

 

Boston Theatre

Updated June 30, 2009

 

Now Playing

Coming Soon.

 

Upcoming:

Jersey Boys at Shubert Theatre - July 23- Aug 30
The 2006 Tony Award-winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. This is the story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history.

The Comedy Of Errors, Commonwealth Shakespeare Co.
July 31- Aug 16

The company’s 14th annual free Shakespeare on the Common will be performed outdoors at the Parkman Bandstand on Boston Common, in partnership with the City of Boston and Mayor Menino

 

Long-Running Hits

"Shear Madness"

Shear Madness ImageBoston'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"

Blue Man Group ImageUpstairs at the Charles, this is another long-run hit that takes theatre to another level. 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.-Thurs. 8 p.m.
Fri-Sat 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Sun at 4 p.m.
Tickets: $35 and $45. (617) 426-6912
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:

  • 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.

  • The Huntington Repertory Theatre sells half-price tickets within two hours of showtime for Tuesday through Thursday performances.

  • 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.

  • 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.