Theatre

Updated February 1, 2012

Speakeasy Stage "Red" January 6 - February 4, 2012
Winner of six 2010 Tony Awards including Best Play, Reds by John Logan is a searing  spellbinding portrait of an artist's ambition and vulnerability.  After he lands the biggest commission in the history of modern art,(a series of mura;ls to be hung in the new Seagram's building's Four Seasons restaurant) abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko, working in his Bowery loft studio with the help of a new young assistant gives us  a master class on the methods and purpose of art. Boston actor Thomas Derrah is mesmerizing as he captures the painter's volatile peronality. His explosive nature contrasts with Karl Baker Olson's more subdued personality. as they spend time together painting and philosophizing.  Director David  R. Gammons keeps the dramatic tension churning with effective lighting and music. This is not an intellectual discussion of art as it exists in the commercial world, but a real heartfelt exchange of ideas between a great artist and a young novice painter and what role  art plays in our society. A must-see at the Speakeasy.

God of Carnage at Huntington Jan 6 - Feb 5
The Tony and Olivier Award-winning New York smash hit by the author of Art,Yazmina Reza, starts off simply enough with two sets of parents meeting  for the first time to settle their sons' nasty schoolyard tangle. But all attempts at civilized discussion quickly desolve into childlike behavior. Director Daniel Goldstein  is in charge of the chaos that evolves as the couples' personal lives erupt. Talk about tantrums, this 90 minute exercise in bad social behavior  is fast and funny. The posh set is left in shambles , the furniture, the props are in disarray. The adults become children. "God of Carnage"  lights up the Huntington's season with a brilliant display of theatrical genius. A definite winner!

Lyric Stage "Superior Donuts" by Tracey Letts  Jan 6 - Feb 4
In a shabby Chicago neighborhood, a downtrodden donut shop owner (Will LeBow) hires a street-savvy aspiring young writer (Omar Robinson) with hustle and bright ideas. Full of laughs and compelling characters, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of August: Osage County mixes the challenge of embracing the past with the redemptive power of friendship in this satisfying comedy-drama.
For tix and more info: 617 585 5678

 

"The Addams Family"  at Wang Center  Feb 7 - 19

The weird and wonderful family comes to devilishly delightful life in THE ADDAMS FAMILY. This magnificently macabre new musical comedy is created by Jersey Boys authors Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, Drama Desk-winning composer/lyricist Andrew Lippa (The Wild Party), choreographer Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys) and Olivier Award-winning director/designers Phelim McDermott & Julian Crouch (Shockheaded Peter) with creative consultation by four-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Zaks.

This is definitely not the same old song and dance. It’s every parent’s nightmare. Your little girl has suddenly become a young woman, and what’s worse, has fallen deliriously in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. Yes, Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has a “normal” boyfriend, and for parents Gomez and Morticia, this shocking development will turn the Addams house downside up. It’s a family portrait that’s completely off the wall.

The Wizard of Oz at Wheelock Family Theatre  Through February 26                      
 The Wizard of Oz is an enchanting musical adaptation of the all time classic fantasy of children's literature. Containing all the much-loved songs from the Oscar winning movie score, and all the favorite characters and iconic moments that are sure to captivate the entire family.

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