Boston Theatre

Updated May 13, 2008

Now Playing

New Rep wraps up season with new musical "Dessa Rose," April 22 - May 18
They scored well with "Ragtime," and now the adventurous New Rep in Watertown presents a new musical, "Dessa Rose.". With music by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, the show features Uzo Aduba, Leigh Barrett and Todd Alan Johnson. The story of two outcasts, one a fallen lady of society abandoned by her husband, the other a pregnant slave sentenced to death on the gallows, are thrust together. They forge a true friendship that makes them realize they have far more power together than they ever would alone.

SpeakEasy Stage N.E premiere of The History Boys, now - June 7
Set in a British boarding school during the 1980s, the play chronicles the struggle for the hearts and minds of a group of sixth-form (senior) boys. At odds are two teachers: Hector, a maverick English professor who uses somewhat unorthodox methods to educate his pupils; and Irwin, a young upstart who sees education more as a means to an end, rather than an end in itself.

Norton Award-winning director Scott Edmiston will helm the project, which features Trinity Repertory Company veterans Bob Colonna, who will play Hector, and Timothy Crowe, who will play the Headmaster. Also on the “History Boys faculty” are popular Boston actress Paula Plum as history teacher Dorothy Lintott and Boston University alumnus Chris Thorn as Irwin. The eight men cast as the “Boys” are current students or alumni of four area colleges.
For tickets and more information: (617) 933-8600 or www.SpeakEasyStage.com.

The Importance of Being Earnest, Lyric Stage, now - June 7
Oscar Wilde's stylish comedy of manners is the story of assumed names, mistaken lovers, and preposterous enchantment - a delightfully witty and light-hearted romp through Victorian society.

World Premiere at American Rep "Cardenio," now - June 8
Shakespeare scholar Stephen Greenblatt and playwright Charles Mee have joined forces to produce a midsummer comedy of love based on Cardenio, a play by Shakespeare that was lost soon after its first performance. Fragments survive, which have been woven into a contemporary reconstruction of the story, now set at a wedding party on the terrace of a villa in the Umbrian hills
For tickets and more information: www.amrep.org or (617) 547-8300

Opening this week:
Ennio! at the Calderwood's Wimberly Theatre May 13-June 1
Back in Boston after 14 years, this is a most unique stage presentation.
 Ennio Marchetto is the original quick-change artist who turns origami into hilarious theatrical magic. Watch in amazement as a world of celebrity icons unfolds before your eyes, where Pavarotti becomes all three tenors, Eminem morphs into a disco diva, and an ancient mummy’s unraveling reveals the secret to Cher’s eternal youth.
For more info and tix: 617 266 0800

She Loves Me at the Huntington  May 16- June 15
This delightful romantic comedy is the story of two lovesick, anonymous pen pals who work together during the day, blissfully unaware that they are writing to each other at night. An endearing musical that inspired The Shop Around the Corner and You've Got Mail, She Loves Me is the perfect Broadway hit.

The Producers AT NORTH SHORE MUSIC THEATRE NOW - MAY 31

Based on the hit 1968 film, this Mel Brooks masterpiece is the story of a washed-up Broadway producer and his timid accountant who hatch a scheme to get rich quick by producing a sure-fire flop. It's a comic tour-de-force that spoofs the big, old-fashioned Broadway musical while paying tribute to it at the same time. The Producers, was originally directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman.

Dames at Sea at Turtle Lane Playhouse, Newton Now= June 1
This affectionate send-up of 1930's Hollywood musicals is a good-natured romp and spoof of Busby Berkeley, Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler movies.

 FINAL WEEK!
Menopause the Musical at Stuart  StreetPlayhouse, Boston
This joyful musical parody set to 26 classic hit songs from "Puff, My God I'm Draggin'" to the disco favorite "Stayin' Awake, Stayin' Awake" will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles!
 

COMING SOON :
    
Late Night Catechism at Stoneham Theatre June12-29
Catholics and non-Catholics alike will be rolling in the aisles during this uproarious question-and-answer session with the tough-as-nails nun who engages the audience in a catechism class like no other!

Les Misérables At New Bedford's Zeiterion Theatre July 25 -Aug 3
Based on Victor Hugo's classic novel, Les Miserables is a sweeping epic filled with romance, adventure and dramatic scenes set against the backdrop of the French Revolution. Winner of 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Score, Les Miserables has thrilled audiences around the world and features the memorable songs "I Dreamed A Dream," "Master of the House," "Bring Him Home" and "On My Own."   

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 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