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The Contemporary American Theater Festival to Present Five New Plays, Four World Premieres, and More in 2026

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 16:49:06 PST

The Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF) has announced the full casts and creative teams for its 2026 mainstage season.

This summer's lineup features five new plays by acclaimed playwrights, including four world premieres: The Smoker, Refugee Rhapsody, Best Line Wins: A Play Inspired by the Improvised Lives of Elaine May & Mike Nichols, ¡VOS!, and My Favorite Sociopath. Bringing these stories to life is a company of actors, directors, designers, and stage managers whose work spans leading theater communities across the country. Throughout the summer, these artists will make Shepherdstown their creative home, developing and performing new work while engaging with the local community.

The Smoker by Pulitzer Prize finalist Lisa D'Amour depicts an unlikely cohort of under-employed, underinsured dreamers on a New York street corner who have one thing in common: their need for a cigarette. The cast features Brad Fleischer (Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo on Broadway, The Walking Dead on AMC) as The Smoker, Orlando Arriaga (The Lehman Trilogy at Stages Houston, American Mariachi at Alley Theatre) as Roberto, Danielle Davenport (Julius Caesar at The Public Theater/Shakespeare in the Park, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt on Netflix) as Tonya, Regina Gibson (The Golden Bride at the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene) as Kim, and Vivia Font (The Art of Burning at Hartford Stage, Recent Alien Abductions at PlayCo/SoHo Rep) as The Lady Who Walks Sammy/Ruthie/Miranda. The production includes direction by Shelley Butler, dramaturgy by Bradley Michalakis, sound design by Christian Frederickson, scenic design by Michael Raiford, lighting design by Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew, and costume design by Lex Liang and Sydney Dufka. Deb Acquavella is Stage Manager, Esther Chilson is Assistant Stage Manager, and Vee Romano is Stage Management Intern. The technical director is Michael Strickland.

In Yussef El Guindi's Refugee Rhapsody — 2025 recipient of the Laurents/Hatcher Foundation Citation of Excellence — a chance meeting of a pair of young Arab Americans and an impossibly rich patroness sets in motion a chain of events that leads to a violent crime. The cast features Ellena Eshraghi (Hound Dog at Ars Nova, Mean Girls on Paramount) as Sakinah, Jada Alston Owens (Romeo and Juliet at Oregon Shakespeare Festival, to the yellow house at La Jolla Playhouse) as Jenny, Revon Yousif (Blue Stockings at Promethean Theatre Ensemble, Layalina at Goodman Theatre) as Fouad, Joshua David Scarlett (Julius Caesar at The Public Theater/Shakespeare in the Park, Big Man at Studio Tisch/Cherry Lane Theatre) as Richard/Walled, and Shelby Alayne Antel (Giovanni's Room at Quintessence Theatre, Wu-Tang: An American Saga on Hulu) as Emily. The production includes direction by Zi Alikhan, dramaturgy by Naysan Mojgani, lighting design by Venus Gulbranson, costume design by Lux Haac, scenic design by Afsoon Pajoufar, and sound design by Sinan Refik Zafar. Genevieve Dornemann is Stage Manager and Jake Vollmar is Assistant Stage Manager. The technical director is Brodie Steele.

Best Line Wins: A Play Inspired by the Improvised Lives of Elaine May & Mike Nichols, by USA Today bestselling author Beth Kander, follows the real-life comedy duo of Nichols & May, who existed within a system that rewarded “charming” men and punished “difficult” women. The cast features Lori Vega (Babel at CATF, And Just Like That on HBO Max) as Elaine and Riley Shanahan (Jane Eyre, A Christmas Carol, and Misalliance at A Noise Within and Doom Patrol on HBO Max) as Mike. The creative team includes direction by Jessica Kubzansky, dramaturgy by Jackie Goldfinger, sound design by Christian Frederickson, projections design by Mona Kasra, scenic design by Michael Raiford, lighting design by Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew, and costume design by Ann Closs Farley. Lindsay Eberly is Stage Manager and Jessie Flam is Production Assistant. The technical director is Michael Strickland.

¡VOS! by Christina Pumariega, the 2025 winner of the Edgerton Foundation New Play Award, follows Annie as she returns to her estranged birthplace of Buenos Aires to undergo IVF treatments with the renowned Dr. Cossi — a journey toward motherhood that unexpectedly uncovers the lives of two women who vanished during Argentina's Dirty War. The cast features Francesca Santodomingo (Rebel Verses at Vineyard Theatre, Lady Power Project at Dixon Place) as Annie and Sofia and Maggie Bofill (Public Charge at The Public Theater, Laughs in Spanish at Hartford Stage) as Dr. Cossi, Ana & Others. The creative team includes direction by Kimberly Senior, dramaturgy by Sarah Rose Leonard, scenic design by Afsaneh Aayani, lighting design by Anshuman Bhatia, sound design by Caroline Eng, projections design by Kelly Colburn, and costume design by Shahrzad Mazaheri. Brandon Clark is Stage Manager and Nathan A. Hernandez is Production Assistant. The technical director is Andrew Neal.

My Favorite Sociopath by Aurin Squire — winner of the 2017 Helen Merrill Prize for Emerging Playwrights — is a biting comedy set at the dawning of the 24-hour news cycle era, portraying three journalism students whose friendship spirals into a dangerous game of ambition, seduction, and betrayal. The cast features Nick Saxton (Valor, Macbeth, and Master Butchers Singing Club at Guthrie Theater) as Miles, Brooke Turner (Dial M for Murder at Pittsburgh Public Theatre, Pamela on Amazon Prime) as Gina, and Kennedy Kanagawa (Into the Woods on Broadway, Gold Mountain at Utah Shakespeare Festival) as Evan. The production includes direction by Céline Rosenthal, dramaturgy by Paul Adolphsen, scenic design by Afsaneh Aayani, lighting design by Anshuman Bhatia, sound design by Caroline Eng, projections design by Kelly Colburn, and costume design by Shahrzad Mazaheri. Ingrid Pierson is Stage Manager and Austin Meadows is Stage Management Intern. The technical director is Andrew Neal.

In addition to the festival's mainstage productions, CATF also hosts over 30 talktheater events, where audiences come together to explore the themes of the shows, as well as meet with the artists to discuss the new play development process. More information about the 2026 talktheater events is available on the CATF website.

Casting for all 2026 productions is by Pat McCorkle Casting, Ltd, CSA.

For more information and the CATF 2026 performance schedule, visit catf.org.

The Contemporary American Theater Festival to Present Five New Plays, Four World Premieres, and More in 2026

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 16:49:06 PST

The Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF) has announced the full casts and creative teams for its 2026 mainstage season.

Casting for all 2026 productions is by Pat McCorkle Casting, Ltd, CSA.

For more information and the CATF 2026 performance schedule, visit catf.org.

Outdoor Exhibit to Trace 250 Years of American History at Rock Harbor

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 16:35:43 PST

The Church of the Transfiguration in Orleans will present a free outdoor exhibition exploring 250 years of American history from June 22 through July 12.

Installed throughout the church's Common at Rock Harbor, the self-guided walk-about tour invites visitors to explore milestones in American culture, science, faith, politics, commerce and constitutional rights while highlighting both well-known and lesser-known figures who helped shape the nation.

The outdoor exhibit is designed as a stroll through key moments in the country's history, tracing the people and ideas that contributed to the development of the United States.

The exhibition will be open Monday through Saturday, except Wednesdays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to noon.

Admission is free. The Church of the Transfiguration is located at Rock Harbor in Orleans. For more information, call 508-240-2400 or visit artsempoweringlife.org.

Tony V to Headline Comedy Night at Samuel Slater's in Webster, MA

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:11:18 PST

Comedian Tony V will headline an evening of stand-up comedy featuring special guest Emily Ruskowski and host Ryan Ellington on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Samuel Slater's Restaurant at Indian Ranch in Webster, MA.

Tony V is a Boston comedy legend who began his stand-up career in 1982 after discovering Boston's famed Comedy Connection. Known for his street-wise humor and sharp take on everyday life, he quickly rose to headliner status nationwide.

In 1986, Showtime named him "Funniest Person in Massachusetts," leading to appearances on HBO, A&E, Comedy Central, and MTV. He was also the voice of the famous American Tourister gorilla in the iconic luggage commercials.

Tony has appeared on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Seinfeld, Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist, and Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn, along with films including State and Main, Celtic Pride, and Shakes the Clown.

A favorite on the Boston comedy scene, Tony has performed with Jay Leno, Dennis Miller, Steven Wright, Adam Sandler, and famously opened for Bill Burr at the first stand-up comedy show ever held at Fenway Park.

Emily Ruskowski is a Boston-based standup comedian. She has performed across the country and participated in several comedy festivals. In 2015, she was named one of the Comedy Studio's Comics in Residence and opened for Maria Bamford at the Wilbur.

Growing up, Ryan Ellington was the kid always cracking jokes with his friends.

"I always felt the most comfortable when I was being funny," said Ellington, who grew up in Wilbraham and attended Minnechaug Regional High School. "Whether it was just trying to have good time with friends or trying to mask my insecurities, that was just kind of my role."

Ellington is now a successful comedian living in the Boston area, but before he started writing his own material, and later, headlining shows, he was drawn to popular shows on TV.

Samuel Slater's Restaurant at Indian Ranch offers a variety of events year-round, along with seasonal concerts at Indian Ranch Amphitheater, the Indian Princess paddlewheel, and Indian Ranch Campground.

Other upcoming events at Samuel Slater's include America 250: The Live Band Musical Game Show on July 10 and Comedy Night with Christine Hurley & Guests on July 31. More events will be announced soon.

Tickets for Comedy Night at Slater's with Tony V & Guests on Friday, June 26, 2026, are on sale now at samuelslaters.com.

Doors open at 6:30 PM; the show starts at 7:30 PM.

Samuel Slater's Restaurant is located at 200 Gore Road in Webster, MA, outside of Worcester and less than an hour's drive from Boston, Providence, Hartford, and Springfield.

ROLLING TOGETHER REVUE TOUR to Bring G. Love, Donavon Frankenreiter & Moon Taxi to Virginia

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 20:09:24 PST

G. Love, Donavon Frankenreiter, and Moon Taxi will bring the Rolling Together Revue Tour to the SERVPRO After Hours Concerts series at Innsbrook Pavilion in Glen Allen, Virginia, on June 18.

The Rolling Together Revue Tour will feature a full performance by Moon Taxi, followed by a collaborative set featuring G. Love and Donavon Frankenreiter sharing the stage with backing from Moon Taxi.

G. Love is known for blending hip-hop, blues, funk, and soul. Since emerging from Philadelphia in the 1990s, he has built a devoted following through albums including Coast to Coast Motel, Yeah, It's That Easy, The Electric Mile, and the Grammy-nominated The Juice. His signature style combines blues-inspired musicianship with hip-hop influences and laid-back vocals.

For nearly two decades, Donavon Frankenreiter has balanced careers as both a professional surfer and musician. The Southern California native released his first studio album in nine years, Get Outta Your Mind, in 2024, marking the 20th anniversary of his self-titled debut album.

Nashville-based band Moon Taxi will perform selections from across its catalog, including material from its 2023 album Set Yourself Free. The group consists of Trevor Terndrup, Spencer Thomson, Tommy Putnam, Wes Bailey, and Tyler Ritter.

Performance Information

Rolling Together Revue Tour

Featuring G. Love, Donavon Frankenreiter, and Moon Taxi

Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026

Venue: Innsbrook Pavilion

4901 Lake Brook Drive

Glen Allen, VA 23060

Gates Open: 5:30 p.m.

This event will take place rain or shine.

Ticket Information

Tickets are on sale now through the SERVPRO After Hours Concerts box office and ETIX.

Additional upcoming performances in the series include 38 Special, KC and The Sunshine Band, The Marshall Tucker Band, Little River Band, Hanson, Indigo Girls, Brothers Osborne, Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms with Spin Doctors, Lee Brice, Little Feat, and Clint Black and Midland, among others.

ALL THE MUSIC IN THE WORLD Documentary on Emanuel Ax to Have World Premiere at Mahaiwe

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:49:02 PST

Tanglewood, the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, and DOC NYC will present the co-world premiere of All the Music in the World, a new documentary about pianist Emanuel Ax, on July 19 in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.

Directed by Joseph Levy, the feature-length documentary follows Ax as he enters his 50th year as a concert pianist while reflecting on the future of his career. The film explores the life of the acclaimed musician as he continues to perform internationally while grappling with stage fright and the prospect of stepping away from the spotlight.

The screening will take place on Sunday, July 19 at 7 p.m. at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center and will be followed by a talkback featuring Ax and Levy.

Filmed over a three-year period from 2023 to 2026, All the Music in the World offers an intimate portrait of the pianist's life and career. The documentary features appearances by several of Ax's longtime collaborators and friends, including Yo-Yo Ma, John Williams, Itzhak Perlman, Leonidas Kavakos, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Alisa Weilerstein, Rafael Payare, and Boston Symphony Orchestra Music Director Andris Nelsons.

A central storyline follows Ax's preparation for the world premiere of John Williams' Piano Concerto with Nelsons and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The film documents Ax's first encounter with the score through the concerto's premiere at Tanglewood on July 26, 2025.

The documentary will also be presented later this year at DOC NYC during the festival's November 2026 edition.

Born to Polish parents in what is now Lviv, Ukraine, Ax moved to Canada as a child before launching an internationally acclaimed career. A Grammy-winning recording artist and longtime Sony Classical artist, he has received numerous honors, including Musical America's 2026 Artist of the Year designation.

Levy is an award-winning filmmaker whose credits include the documentary Spinning Plates and the short film George Lucas in Love.

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT to Open at North Shore Music Theatre

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:36:58 PST

This summer, Bill Hanney's North Shore Music Theatre will mount a new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's celebrated musical, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. The production is scheduled to begin performances on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, and will run through Sunday, July 19, 2026. This original production will bring the renowned family musical back to the North Shore with a cast of 49 talented performers and NSMT's signature theatre-in-the-round presentation.

What originally premiered as a modest, 20-minute school choir concert quickly captivated audiences across the globe, sparking a theatrical phenomenon that carried the show to highly acclaimed runs in London's West End and on Broadway. This summer, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT bursts onto the stage, offering a vibrant, high-energy celebration of music, storytelling, and imagination. This fun, fast-moving family masterpiece paints a vivid picture of the biblical tale of Joseph. This high-energy production, filled with humor and heart, brings the story to life with a kaleidoscope of music, dance, and unforgettable songs like "Any Dream Will Do" and "Close Every Door." This high-octane musical is sure to show audiences of all ages the joys of living life in full color.

The cast of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT will be led by Nikita Burshteyn as Joseph. Nikita won notable acclaim for originating the leading role of Romeo in the Off-Broadway musical comedy Romeo & Bernadette: A Musical Tale of Verona and Brooklyn. He will be joined by Olivia Valli (Broadway/National Tours: Wicked, Pretty Woman) as the Narrator, Brent Thiessen (Broadway/National Tours: Beaches, Pretty Woman) as Pharaoh, and Eric Jordan Young (Broadway: Chicago, Ragtime, Seussical, Look if Love, Dessa Rose) as Jacob/Potiphar.

The adult company also includes: Jonah Barricklo, Sylvia Blaise Taylor, Bennett Cooper, Nicholas Cunha (Simeon), Rendell A. DeBose (Judah), Claire Flynn, Benji Godley-Fisher (Dan), Michael Corey Hassel (Benjamin), Kai Horvit (Zebulun), Naomi Kakuk (Mrs. Potiphar), Stephen C. Kallas (Gad), Alex Kennedy, Evan Latta (Napthali/Apache Dancer), Mandy McDonell (Apache Dancer), Brady Miller (Reuben), Henry H. Miller (Issachar/Butler), William Mosier (Asher), Naderah Munajj, Linda Neel, Emma Sucato, and Michael Anthony Sylvester (Levi/Baker).

Additionally, the production will also feature 2 rotating casts of local youth actors including: Quinn Briere, Nora Celesk, Adalyn Daly, Alex D'Onofrio, Maya Feldman, Yuma Feldman, Gilda Fitzpatrick, Daniella Frink, Keira Gasson, Cassidy Linsky, Brendan Mackenzie, Ava Morin, Ella Morin, Evelynn Neves, Roselee Neves, Norah Pritchard, Olivia Riley, Madalene Rodrigues, Emerson Rose, Ronika Salehian, Alysha Sandaire, Alexia Towne, Ella Tugender, and Eli Wettengel.

The creative team for JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT includes Gerry McIntyre (Director/Choreographer), Robert L. Rucinski (Music Director), Baron E. Pugh (Scenic Design), Rebecca Glick (Costume Coordinator), José Santiago (Lighting Design), Alex Berg (Sound Design), Rachel Padula-Shufelt (Wig & Hair Design), James O. Hansen (Production Stage Manager), Spencer Stanley (Assistant Music Director), Elena King (Assistant Stage Manager), and Maria Papadopoulos (Assistant Stage Manager).

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT is produced for North Shore Music Theatre by Bill Hanney (Owner/Producer), Kevin P. Hill (Producing Artistic Director), and Matthew Chappell (Associate Producer/Casting Director). JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT is presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

Tickets for JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT start are $85 - $105. Performances are July 8 – July 19, 2026, Tue - Thurs at 7:30 pm, Fri & Sat at 8 pm, matinees Wed, Sat and Sun at 2 pm. Group discounts are available for purchases of 10 or more tickets. Kids 4 - 18 save 50% at all performances. Limited $45 Rush Tickets are available 90 minutes prior to each show. $25 Student Rush tickets are available one hour prior to each show. For tickets and information call 978-232-7200, visit www.nsmt.org, or visit the box office in person at 54 Dunham Rd., Beverly, MA.

Additional Free Audience Enrichment events: Meet the Theatre: post-show audience discussion with the artists on July 14 after the 7:30 pm performance and July 18 after the 2 pm performance; OUT at the North Shore, an evening for the Gay and Lesbian Community with a post-show reception (sponsored by North Shore Pride) on July 16 after the 7:30 pm performance.

The 2026 mainstage season will continue with Rock of Ages (August 12 - 23), Come From Away (September 16 - 27), Yeston & Kopit's Phantom (October 21 - November 1), and will conclude with the annual production of A Christmas Carol (December 3 – 23).

2026 Children's Shows will include Disney's High School Musical Jr. and Disney's High School Musical 2 Jr. (July 23 & 24) and Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella Youth Edition (August 21) both performed by the students of our Summer Education Programs.

Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival to Open 94th Season with Paul Taylor Dance Company

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:35:18 PST

Jacob's Pillow will begin its 94th annual summer season by presenting the renowned modern dance company Paul Taylor Dance Company, performing Esplanade (1975), Brandenburgs (1988), and Company B (1991) Wednesday, June 24 through Sunday, June 28 in the historic Ted Shawn Theatre. A trailblazer of modern dance from the mid-20th century to today, Paul Taylor Dance Company brings a program of work spanning 20 years, emphasizing the signature character and virtuosity of Taylor's repertoire.

The newest performance venue at Jacob's Pillow, the reimagined Doris Duke Theatre, will feature Shamel Pitts | TRIBE during Festival Week 1. In their Pillow debut, the company will perform Touch of RED, a work developed in part during the Pillow Lab,on Wednesday, June 24 through Sunday, June 28. A duet inspired by the rapid-fire footwork of boxing, the African American jazz dance style Lindy Hop, Gaga movement language, and nightlife culture, Touch of RED examines the way Black men are perceived and perceive themselves in contemporary society.

On Thursday, June 25 from 6-7pm at the lawn in front of the Doris Duke Theatre, Jacob's Pillow will proudly present Shamel Pitts with the 2026 Jacob's Pillow Men Dancers Award. The Jacob's Pillow Men Dancers Award is presented biennially to a choreographer of any gender who has created an innovative work danced by men dancers at Jacob's Pillow. Intended to honor the spirit of Jacob's Pillow founder Ted Shawn and his groundbreaking company, Ted Shawn and His Men Dancers, this $25,000 award is given to choreographers of exceptional vision and achievement in this category. Audiences are invited to attend the award ceremony.

The outdoor Henry J. Leir Stage will feature the U.S. debut of Denmark-based Uppercut Dance Theater, presenting their striking and energetic work BENCHED Thursday, June 25 through Friday, June 26. Featuring five dancers, BENCHED navigates a set of moving benches while merging dance with capoeira, acrobatics, and physical theater. The following evening, The School at Jacob's Pillow Contemporary Ballet Performance Ensemble will premiere new works by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and Claudia Schreier on Saturday, June 27 at 5:30pm.

Audiences are invited to attend the summer's first PillowTalk, featuring guest Shamel Pitts, on Saturday, June 27th at 4pm in Blake's Barn. Attendees will hear directly from Pitts in conversation with Scholar-in-Residence Melanie George, giving an inside look into the background of his work as well as his inspirations in his own words. This event is free of charge, open to any visitor.

Boston Landmarks Orchestra to Mark 25th Anniversary With Free Summer Concert Series

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 18:19:17 PST

Boston Landmarks Orchestra has announced its 25th anniversary season of free summer concerts, bringing live orchestral music to some of the city's most beloved outdoor and neighborhood spaces from June 20 to August 12, 2026.

The concerts and events celebrate community and the joy of music-making with a lineup of performances at the DCR Hatch Memorial Shell on the Esplanade and throughout Boston's neighborhoods.

Highlights include the Orchestra's fourth annual Juneteenth Celebration on June 20, featuring a collaboration with young musicians from the Sphinx Performance Academy and music by Florence Price, Jessie Montgomery, Michael Abels, and Tchaikovsky; "Best of Boston" opens the Hatch Shell series on July 22, celebrating the city's musical spirit with gospel and orchestral favorites in partnership with Everyone250, Embrace Boston, and Reverence Gospel Ensemble of Berklee College of Music; performances of Max Richter's reimagining of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons paired with Mozart's Symphony No. 40 from July 29-August 1; Verdi's monumental Requiem on August 5 in partnership with Cantata Singers and our own One City Choir; and the 25th Anniversary Concert on August 12 featuring Saint-Saëns' "Organ Symphony" and Respighi's Fountains of Rome.

New this year, Boston Landmarks Orchestra has launched the Music Circle, a year-round community for people who love great music and believe it should be free and accessible to everyone. It's a welcoming way to stay connected beyond the concerts through behind-the-scenes stories, learning opportunities, and special experiences with the musicians.

Everyone is welcome at Landmarks Orchestra concerts. On the Esplanade, audiences are encouraged to bring a picnic-and even dogs are invited. Join us to celebrate another summer of music-making under the stars!

Music Director Christopher Wilkins says, "For 25 years, Boston Landmarks Orchestra has brought people together through the shared experience of live music. Whether someone is hearing a symphony orchestra for the first time or returning year after year with family and friends, these concerts create a sense of joy, connection, and belonging that feel uniquely Boston. This 25th anniversary season celebrates both extraordinary music and the community that has made this orchestra possible."

Board Chair Emmett G. Price III adds, "Boston Landmarks Orchestra reflects the very best of what public arts can achieve: excellence, accessibility, and community. As we celebrate 25 years of free concerts, we also celebrate the audiences, partners, musicians, and supporters who believe that great music should be available to everyone. This season honors our history while looking ahead to an even more vibrant future."

A full concert schedule, program notes, and accessibility details may be found at landmarksorchestra.org.

*****

2026 Summer Concerts and Events

All performances and events are free and open to the public.

ASL interpreters from Think Outside the Vox (thinkoutsidethevox.org) will be present at all Hatch Shell performances; haptic vests from Tactus Music (tactusmusic.com) providing tactile experience of the music for the Deaf community will be available on July 29 and August 5, see the website for current details.

A Juneteenth Celebration

Saturday, June 20 at 3pm
The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center | 650 Dudley Street, Boston
RSVP: https://www.landmarksorchestra.org/events/2026-season/a-juneteenth-celebration/

Landmarks' fourth annual Juneteenth concert celebrates music of Scott Joplin, Florence Price, Jessie Montgomery, Michael Abels, Julia Perry, and P.I. Tchaikovsky. This year, we are thrilled to collaborate with talented young musicians from the Sphinx Performance Academy intensive summer program, which will be in residence at Boston Conservatory in June.

Boston Landmarks Orchestra | Christopher Wilkins, conductor
String students from the Sphinx Performance Academy

Scott Joplin Treemonisha Overture
Carlos Gomes Sonata para Cordas: "O Burrico de Pau"
Julia Perry Prelude for Strings
Florence Price Andante moderato from String Quartet No. 1
Jessie Montgomery Strum
Michael Abels Delights and Dances
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings: Finale (Tema Russo)

*****

Best of Boston

Wednesday, July 22 at 7pm | DCR Hatch Shell
in partnership with Everyone 250 & Embrace Boston

Landmarks celebrates America 250 and Boston's rich and diverse musical heritage with a program featuring Bernstein's beloved Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, William Grant Still's multi-faceted portrait of America in his Symphony No. 4, and several sparkling miniatures by Leroy Anderson. Partners include Marcus Santos and his Grooversity Brazilian drumming ensemble, members of Berklee's Reverence Gospel Ensemble, and Everyone250.

Boston Landmarks Orchestra, Christopher Wilkins, conductor
Members & Alumni of the Reverence Gospel Ensemble of Berklee College of Music
Marcus Santos and Grooversity

Dudley S. Buck Festival Overture on the American National Air
Omar Thomas Of Our New Day Begun
Members of the Reverence Gospel Ensemble of Berklee
Leonard Bernstein Symphonic Dances from West Side Story
William Grant Still Symphony No. 4 "Autochthonous"
Leroy Anderson selections to include Serenata; The Last Rose of Summer; The Rakes of Mallow; Fiddle Faddle; plus one selection chosen by members our Music Circle

*****

Four Seasons Recomposed & Mozart's 40th

Wednesday, July 29 at 7pm | DCR Hatch Shell
Friday July 31 at 7pm, Bethel AME Church, Jamaica Plain
Saturday August 1 at 3pm location TBA

Concert and film composer Max Richter's stunning reimagining of Vivaldi's iconic Four Seasons has become a viral hit since its 2012 premiere. Another perennial favorite, Mozart's 40th symphony, has long been heard as a gateway to the Romantic age. Its conflicts and turbulence are illuminated through a dark beauty that listeners have always found deeply consoling.

Boston Landmarks Orchestra, Christopher Wilkins, conductor
Michael Jorgensen, violin

Florence Price (orchestrated by William Grant Still) Nimble Feet from Dances in the Canebrakes
William Grant Still Summerland
Max Richter Recomposed Antonio Vivaldi's The Four Seasons
Wolfgang Amadè Mozart Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K. 550

*****

Verdi Requiem

Wednesday, August 5 at 7pm | DCR Hatch Shell
in partnership with Cantata Singers

Verdi's electrifying Requiem-with its blazing choruses, dramatic operatic solos, and powerful orchestra-marks the return of our One City Choir, in partnership with Cantata Singers, led by Noah Horn. Randall Thompson's The Testament of Freedom, with texts of Thomas Jefferson, continues our celebration of America 250.

Boston Landmarks Orchestra, Christopher Wilkins, conductor
One City Choir and Cantata Singers, Noah Horn, chorusmaster and conductor
Felicia Moore, soprano
Erica Brookhyser, mezzo-soprano
Jonghyun Park, tenor
Donnie Ray Albert, baritone

Randall Thompson The Testament of Freedom (excerpts)

Giuseppe Verdi Messa da Requiem

*****

Organ Symphony & Fountains of Rome

Wednesday, August 12 at 7pm | DCR Hatch Shell
25th Anniversary Concert
in partnership with the Esplanade Association

Landmarks' 25th Anniversary season concludes with a celebratory program featuring Saint-Saëns' majestic Organ Symphony and Beethoven's triumphant Leonore Overture No. 3. Presented in partnership with the Esplanade Association, the concert also includes Respighi's Fountains of Rome and Mendelssohn's The Hebrides, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening of music in this jewel of a public park.

Boston Landmarks Orchestra, Christopher Wilkins, conductor

Felix Mendelssohn The Hebrides
Anna Clyne Wild Geese
Ottorino Respighi Fountains of Rome
Ludwig van Beethoven Leonore Overture No. 3
Camille Saint-Saëns Symphony No. 3 in C minor, op. 78 "Organ Symphony"

*****

About Boston Landmarks Orchestra

Boston Landmarks Orchestra was founded in 2001 by conductor and community advocate Charles Ansbacher. The orchestra comprises many of the area's finest professional musicians. In its earliest years, the orchestra performed in such historically important settings as Fenway Park, the USS CONSTITUTION pier, Jamaica Pond, Franklin Park, Copley Square, Boston Common, and other landmark locations. Since 2007, its principal home has been at the DCR's Hatch Memorial Shell. For more history visit landmarksorchestra.org.

Major funders of Boston Landmarks Orchestra include Liberty Mutual, the Klarman Family Foundation, and the Yawkey Foundation. These programs are supported in part by grants from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, WCVB Channel 5 and CRB Classical 99.5 are proud media sponsors.

Puppet Showplace Theater to Present Summer 2026 Season of Family Shows, Free Outdoor Events, and Adult Puppetry

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 17:52:45 PST

Puppet Showplace Theater, New England's center for puppetry arts, has announced its Summer 2026 season, featuring a vibrant lineup of family performances, free outdoor events, evening puppetry for adults and teens, and hands-on educational programs for youth.

Highlights include the return of the theater's popular Pay-What-You-Can Summer Sundays series, the Summer Outdoor Series, which includes 8 consecutive weeks at Emerson College's Stage at UnCommon Corner, the "Amplify: The Creative Residency for Black Puppeteers Showcase," "Death & The Fool: A Tarot-Inspired Medieval Folly" by Happenstance Theater, and two week-long Summer Puppet Adventure programs for rising 2nd-7th graders.

Family programming includes beloved productions such as "Jack and the Beanstalk" by Dream Tale Puppets, "The Fairy Circus" by Tanglewood Marionettes, "Party Animals" and "Judy Saves The Day" by Resident Artist Sarah Nolen of Puppet Motion, and additional performances from Peanut's Playhouse, CactusHead Puppets, and Carole D'Agostino.

The season also features Puppets at Night programming for adults and teens, including the one-night-only "Amplify: The Creative Residency for Black Puppeteers Showcase" at Boston University's Joan & Edgar Booth Theatre and the popular Summer Puppet Slam, featuring short-form puppetry acts ranging from hilarious to experimental.

"This summer's lineup celebrates the incredible range of what puppetry can be: joyful, imaginative, thought-provoking, and deeply community-centered," says Veronica Barron, Executive Artistic Director of Puppet Showplace Theater. "Summer is all about joy and access! Summer brings us out of Brookline and to different neighborhoods of Boston, and all summer shows are free or pay-what-you-can. This summer, we're shining a spotlight on puppeteers from Boston and New England, with shows that celebrate the joy of backyard birdwatching, furry creatures who have big feelings, pirates and sea creatures, juggling and circus stunts, and more. For adults, we've got some special evenings in store this summer, including the culmination of the Creative Residency for Black Puppeteers, the return of the brilliant Happenstance Theater from the D.C. area, and the long-awaited return of our popular Puppet Slam."

Learn more about summer performances and workshops at puppetshowplace.org.

Programming for Families

"Jack and the Beanstalk" by Dream Tale Puppets

June 6 (Sat) 2026: 10:30 am | 1:00 pm

June 7 (Sun) 2026: 10:30 am | 1:00 pm

https://www.puppetshowplace.org/calendar/2026/06/06/jack-and-the-beanstalk-by-dream-tale-puppets

When Jack sells the family cow for some magic beans, he launches his family on a GIANT adventure. This joyous, funny, and imaginative production transports the audience up the beanstalk with Jack using multiple styles of puppetry - from hand puppets to masks to marionettes! Lively narration, beautiful design, and physical comedy make this an audience favorite at Puppet Showplace year after year.

Stay after the show to meet the artists and see the puppets up close - the artists speak English and Polish! Plus, enjoy a dress-up station, coloring sheets, bubbles, and sidewalk chalk! These activities are available after every performance, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm.All ages welcome, especially enjoyed by 3 - 9

"The Fairy Circus" by Tanglewood Marionettes

June 21 (Sun) 2026: 10:30 am | 1:00 pm

https://www.puppetshowplace.org/calendar/2026/06/21/the-fairy-circus-by-tanglewood-marionettes

Join us for a dazzling display of circus acts performed in an enchanted garden. "The Fairy Circus" is a showcase for turn-of-the-century style trick puppetry, performed by over 20 beautifully handcrafted marionettes. Fairies, field mice, and other small critters dance, play instruments, juggle, contort, transform, and fly through the air with the greatest of ease, all to the music of favorite classical composers.

Stay after the show to meet the artists and see the puppets up close! Plus, enjoy a dress-up station, coloring sheets, bubbles, and sidewalk chalk! These activities are available after every performance, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm. All ages welcome, especially enjoyed by ages 4 - 8.

"Judy Saves The Day" by Sarah Nolen of Puppet Motion

July 12 (Sun) 2026: 10:30 am
https://www.puppetshowplace.org/calendar/2026/07/12/judy-saves-the-day-by-sarah-nolen-of-puppet-motion

After being pushed around for over 400 years, the famous hand puppet heroine Judy has had enough! Cheer her on as she goes on a quest for respect, justice, and a well-deserved nap.

This modern interpretation of the traditional "Punch and Judy" show is a hilarious, timely, hand-crafted farce that the whole family will enjoy!

Stay after the show to meet the artists and see the puppets up close! Plus, enjoy a dress-up station, coloring sheets, bubbles, and sidewalk chalk after the performance, from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm! All ages welcome, especially enjoyed by ages 4 - 10.

"Party Animals" by Sarah Nolen of Puppet Motion

July 19 (Sun) 2026: 10:30 am

https://www.puppetshowplace.org/calendar/2026/07/19/party-animals-by-sarah-nolen-of-puppet-motion

Party Animals follows five furry friends as they navigate the biggest social hurdle of their young lives - throwing their first party! Meet a bunny with boundless energy, a sloth with social anxiety, a hedgehog wrestling with wrapping, and a skunk who's trying to keep everything cool and under control. Through song, dance, and original rock 'n' roll music by Boston local Phil Berman (of Puppet Playtime & The Holiday Sing-Along), these little stars discover that music can be an exuberant and healthy way to express their inner selves.

Party Animals comes from Sarah Nolen (of Puppet Motion) - creator of Judy Saves the Day and Lisa the Wise; and our beloved Resident Artist! The show balances silly antics with deeper truths, all conveyed through traditional hand puppetry performance: the life of the party!

A Pirate's Great Adventure by Peanut's Playhouse

Jul 26 (Sun) 2026: 10:30 am

https://www.puppetshowplace.org/calendar/2026/07/26/a-pirates-great-adventure-by-peanuts-playhouse

Join Pirate Kasandra and her puppet pals for an interactive high-seas adventure full of surprises, laughter, and treasure hunting! The audience will help the Peanuts crew search for hidden treasure, while meeting colorful puppet friends along the way, including a plush sea turtle, blue elephant, and more! As the journey unfolds, the pirates discover that the greatest treasure of all is friendship - especially the new friends we make on our adventures together

"Magnificent Monster Circus" by CactusHead Puppets

Aug 2 (Sun) 2026: 10:30 am

https://www.puppetshowplace.org/calendar/2025/08/02/magnificent-monster-circus-by-cactushead-puppets

Come one, come all, to a circus like no other! Encounter magnificent creatures from the wilds of your imagination as their quirky human caretaker tries to teach them new tricks. Kids can lend a hand to Eustace the Unicycling Unimonster, make friends with a Fiery Fanged Worm, cheer for Agnes the many-legged Acropod, and more! This colorful, silly, multi-sensory show is a perfect match for our youngest audiences.

"The Tiny Bird Show" by Carole D'Agostino

Aug 9 (Sun) 2026: 10:30 am

https://www.puppetshowplace.org/calendar/2026/08/09/the-tiny-bird-show-by-carole-dagostino

The Tiny Bird Show is a small-but-mighty show about the joy of backyard birds! Learn fun facts about each bird - including their songs, what they eat, and how you can bring them to your feeder. Help find a mystery bird, a pesky squirrel, and some artful insects. There's even a special spotlight on the state bird of Massachusetts!

This interactive, toy theater-style show uses colorful rod puppets that showcase clever ways to identify new feathered friends. For example, did you know that the American Woodcock, or Timberdoodle, has a special little dance and some very silly sounds? Discovery and delight await you at The Tiny Bird Show!

Summer Outdoor Series

This summer, we're bringing puppetry to an outdoor location near you!

"Judy Saves The Day" by Sarah Nolen of Puppet Motion at Uncommon Corner

July 11 (Sat) 2026: 12:00 pm at Emerson College's Stage at UnCommon Corner in the Boston Common, corner of Boylston Street & Tremont Street

FREE - no tickets necessary!

https://www.puppetshowplace.org/calendar/2026/07/11/judy-saves-the-day-by-sarah-nolen-of-puppet-motion-at-uncommon-corner

After being pushed around for over 400 years, the famous hand puppet heroine Judy has had enough! Cheer her on as she goes on a quest for respect, justice, and a well-deserved nap. This modern interpretation of the traditional "Punch and Judy" show is a hilarious, timely, hand-crafted farce that the whole family will enjoy! All ages welcome, especially enjoyed by ages 4 - 10.

"Party Animals" by Sarah Nolen of Puppet Motion

July 18 (Sat) 2026: 12:00 pm at Emerson College's Stage at UnCommon Corner in the Boston Common, corner of Boylston Street & Tremont Street

FREE - no tickets necessary!

https://www.puppetshowplace.org/calendar/2026/07/18/party-animals-by-sarah-nolen-of-puppet-motion-at-uncommon-corner

A Pirate's Great Adventure by Peanut's Playhouse

Jul 25 (Sat) 2026: 12:00 pm at Emerson College's Stage at UnCommon Corner in the Boston Common, corner of Boylston Street & Tremont Street

FREE - no tickets necessary!

https://www.puppetshowplace.org/calendar/2026/07/25/a-pirates-great-adventure-by-peanuts-playhouse-at-uncommon-corner

Join Pirate Kasandra and her puppet pals for an interactive high-seas adventure full of surprises, laughter, and treasure hunting! The audience will help the Peanuts crew search for hidden treasure, while meeting colorful puppet friends along the way, including a plush sea turtle, blue elephant, and more. As the journey unfolds, the pirates discover that the greatest treasure of all is friendship - especially the new friends we make on our adventures together! All ages welcome, especially enjoyed by ages 5 - 8

"Magnificent Monster Circus" by CactusHead Puppets

Aug 1 (Sat) 2026: 12:00 pm at Emerson College's Stage at UnCommon Corner in the Boston Common, corner of Boylston Street & Tremont Street

FREE - no tickets necessary!

https://www.puppetshowplace.org/calendar/2025/08/01/magnificent-monster-circus-outdoor-summer-series-at-uncommon-stage

"Word Play" by Good Hearted Entertainment

Aug 8 (Sat) 2026: 12:00 pm at Emerson College's Stage at UnCommon Corner in the Boston Common, corner of Boylston Street & Tremont Street

FREE - no tickets necessary!

https://www.puppetshowplace.org/calendar/2026/08/08/word-play-at-uncommon-corner

Word Play uses clowning, puppetry, and live original music to take audiences on an adventure through the alphabet. Words come to life in the hands of Honey Goodenough and Harry LaCoste, who clown around with sounds and letters to create dozens of interactive characters and imaginative scenes. With an array of instruments by his side, Paul Watkins sets the stage with live music for every magical moment. It's the perfect blend of education and entertainment - a play on words, literally!

Word Play was inspired by creator Honey Goodenough's experience learning to manage her own dyslexia and literacy challenges. Audiences can make friends with vowels, teach tricks to a "C-A-T" and "D-O-G," and visit a whole "Z-O-O" full of surprises.

"Magnificent Monster Circus" by CactusHead Puppets

Aug 13 (Thu) 2026: 10:30 am at TADPole10, at the Tadpole Playground in the Boston Common

FREE - no tickets necessary!

https://www.puppetshowplace.org/calendar/2025/08/13/magnificent-monster-circus-outdoor-summer-series-at-tadpole10

"SpinS" by Janoah...anygoodjokes?

Aug 15 (Sat) 2026: 12:00 pm at Emerson College's Stage at UnCommon Corner in the Boston Common, corner of Boylston Street & Tremont Street

FREE - no tickets necessary!

https://www.puppetshowplace.org/calendar/2026/08/15/spins-spins-by-janoahanygoodjokes-at-uncommon-corner

A pajama-clad unicyclist careens on stage, suitcase in tow. Unpacking, ze introduces the audience to a whimsical world of clothes-pin towers, erratic toothbrushes & gargantuan grins. Juggling with energy & presence, Janoah...anygoodjokes? constructs a playful performing-partner puppet from piles of props.

SpinS frames skill through physical challenge, fashioning hilarious precariousness that is joyful and open. Objects and audience swirl into chaotic creation in this solo circus, recounting the learning and laughter of an itinerant performer.

"Magnificent Monster Circus" by CactusHead Puppets

Aug 22 (Sat) 2026: 12:00 pm at Emerson College's Stage at UnCommon Corner in the Boston Common, corner of Boylston Street & Tremont Street

FREE - no tickets necessary!

https://www.puppetshowplace.org/calendar/2025/08/22/magnificent-monster-circus-outdoor-summer-series-at-uncommon-corner

"The Loose Caboose" by Harry LaCoste

Aug 29 (Sat) 2026: 12:00 pm at Emerson College's Stage at UnCommon Corner in the Boston Common, corner of Boylston Street & Tremont Street

FREE - no tickets necessary!

https://www.puppetshowplace.org/calendar/2026/08/29/the-loose-caboose-by-harry-lacoste-at-uncommon-corner

A train engineer finds his caboose has disconnected and is stranded without an engine! To pass the time while waiting for the engine's return, the engineer peeks through the suitcases left behind to discover delightful puppet characters and enchanting musical stories. Join puppeteer, ukulele rockstar, and all around funny guy Harry LaCoste for this interactive family-friendly show that is sure to make you giggle! All ages welcome, especially enjoyed by ages 3 - 7.

Puppets at Night Programming for Adults & Teens

Amplify: The Creative Residency for Black Puppeteers Showcase

June 13 (Sat) 2026: 8:00 pm

Tickets: $28-$50

https://www.puppetshowplace.org/calendar/2026/06/13/amplify-the-creative-residency-for-black-puppeteers-showcase

Discover innovative works at a one-night-only finale to the 6th edition of the Creative Residency for Black Puppeteers (CRBP) - at Boston University's Joan & Edgar Booth Theatre. The evening will feature "puppet slam"-style performances by the five artists of the 2026 cohort, plus performances by other artists from the CRBP community.

The Creative Residency for Black Puppeteers (CRBP) is a national initiative of Brookline's Puppet Showplace Theater that supports the development of original works by Black artists. It amplifies diverse voices in puppetry arts and centers the creation of new narratives by supporting artists at the earliest stages of development. The residency provides fellows with mentorship, skill-building opportunities, community connection, and a $1000 grant. This program is about representation, storytelling, and creating space for voices that aren't always heard. Come experience the future of puppetry! Recommended for adults & teens.

"Death & The Fool: A Tarot-Inspired Medieval Folly" by Happenstance Theater

June 22 (Mon) 2026: 7:00 pm

June 23 (Tue) 2026: 7:00 pm

Tickets: $28-$50

https://www.puppetshowplace.org/calendar/2026/06/22/death-and-the-fool-a-tarot-inspired-medieval-folly-by-happenstance-theater

A Tarot-inspired mystery play full of slapstick comedy, music from the middle ages, puppetry, and whimsy to drive away fear and offer relief from impending doom - just as folly brought light to the Dark Ages. As the Fool faces Death and seeks guidance, you too can consult the Oracle, be comforted by the High Priestess, trust in the Doctor if you dare, and give your troubles to the Crone. Don't miss the laugh-out-loud fun, fit for both adults and kids, ages, 3 - 103!

Summer Puppet Slam

Aug 15 (Sat) 2026: 8:00 pm

https://www.puppetshowplace.org/calendar/2026/07/15/summer-puppet-slam

Ever seen shower curtain shadow puppetry? Or sex ed from a mole? No? Well, you should - these are just a few examples of past Puppet Slam acts! A couple times a year Puppet Showplace Theater stays open late to showcase the region's finest short-form puppetry acts... for adults! Each piece is performed by a different artist, and the content ranges from the hilarious to the profound. Performers include veteran professionals and first-time puppeteers, and acts often feature musicians, dancers, circus performers, and other artists.

So, what are you waiting for? Join us for an evening of short-form puppetry for adults, featuring a range of puppetry styles, beer and wine, and a guaranteed good time. Recommended for adults and teens 16+

Puppetry Classes

Summer Puppet Adventure Program for Rising 2nd - 7th Graders

Instructor: Sarah Nolen of Puppet Motion, and Resident Artist of Puppet Showplace Theater

Session 1: Aug 17 (Mon) - Aug 21 (Fri) 2026 | 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Featured puppet style: fleece, Muppet-style moving-mouth puppets

Session 2: Aug 24 (Mon) - Aug 28 (Fri) 2026 | 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Feature puppet style: glow-in-the-dark UV blacklight puppets

Location: Brookline Teen Center & Puppet Showplace Theater

Aftercare available Monday - Thursday!

https://www.puppetshowplace.org/kids-vacation-programs

This full-day program is the ultimate creative adventure for kids during summer vacation! Each week, they'll dive into one exciting style of puppetry while exploring a variety of others - shadow puppets, sock puppets, marionettes, and more! Kids will roll up their sleeves to learn hands-on techniques like sewing, cutting, and gluing to craft their very own puppets, while honing their puppeteering and performance skills. The fun continues with group games, outdoor play, daily creative challenges, and (depending on availability) a field trip to see a show at Puppet Showplace Theater. The week wraps up with a special performance for families on Friday afternoon!

About Puppet Showplace Theater

Founded in 1974 by visionary educator and puppeteer Mary Churchill, Puppet Showplace Theater is New England’s center for puppetry arts. Since opening its doors, the organization has served as a home for touring puppet companies from across New England and beyond, while remaining dedicated to presenting outstanding professional puppetry through performances, workshops, and community outreach.

Each year, Puppet Showplace presents more than 300 performances by professional puppet companies for audiences of all ages at its intimate theater in Brookline Village. Its touring productions reach thousands more at schools, libraries, theaters, and cultural centers throughout the Northeast and beyond.

In addition to performances, Puppet Showplace offers workshops, classes, summer programs, and training opportunities for both children and adults. The organization also partners with local and emerging artists to develop new and innovative puppetry productions. From children's birthday party performances to its late-night Puppets at Night series, Puppet Showplace's programming is designed to engage a diverse audience of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

OEDIPUS EL REY & More Lead Boston's Summer 2026 Top Theatre Shows

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:08:38 PST

Boston is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month.

We understand the importance of choosing the perfect show, especially for new theatregoers. That's why our experienced editorial team meticulously reviews a wide range of productions each month. We consider various factors including a producer's track record, audience reviews, and overall production value, to bring you the very best recommendations for the following month.

See what the experts recommend! Check out our editorial team's top picks for the best shows to see in Boston for Summer 2026.

Oedipus el Rey

Huntington Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA, Roberts Theatre - Now through June 07, 2026

Luis Alfaro reimagines Sophocles’ classic in his acclaimed and electrifying Oedipus El Rey,set in the heart of Los Angeles. Oedipus dreams of rewriting his own story — but liberation comes at a price: can he truly escape the destiny laid out before him? What’s fate, and what’s just the system? A searing tale of love, family, and prophecy, Oedipus El Rey blends ancient myth with modern urgency and Chicano swagger with swaths of sly humor. Artistic Director Loretta Greco, who led the acclaimed premiere ofOedipus El Rey at The Magic Theatre, creates a production especially for Boston.

For tickets: click here.

John & Jen

The Unicorn Theatre - Now through June 07, 2026

John & Jen is an intimate and deeply moving musical by Andrew Lippa (The Addams Family, Big Fish, The Wild Party) that traces the evolving bond between siblings—and later between mother and son—across three decades. Told through a soaring contemporary score that blends pop, folk and musical theatre influences, the story follows Jen as she reflects on her childhood with her younger brother John. Their connection, shaped by youthful rebellion, family expectations and unspoken love, is marked by small but powerful touchstones—including a well-worn baseball glove that becomes a quiet symbol of memory, loss and enduring devotion. As Jen grows into adulthood and raises her own son, the echoes of her past shape her hopes, fears and fierce love as a parent.

For tickets: click here.

BLACK SWAN: A New Dance Thriller

American Repertory Theater - Now through June 28, 2026

Tony Award winner Sonya Tayeh (Gatsby at A.R.T., Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Broadway) returns to the A.R.T. to bring the Academy Award-nominated psychological thriller BLACK SWAN to the stage. Pressure builds, boundaries blur, and reality begins to slip as Nina strives to rise from the ballet corps to the lead role in Swan Lake. This bold new musical adaptation is a haunting exploration of ambition, power, and the cost of perfection.

Performed with Tayeh’s high-octane, genre-breaking choreography, BLACK SWAN features a contemporary book by Guggenheim Fellow Jen Silverman and a score by Obie Award winner Dave Malloy that blends the melodies of Tchaikovsky with a throbbing electronic soundscape.

For tickets: click here.

Thru Hike the Musical

Boston Center for the Arts - Now through June 07, 2026

A new musical workshop production, based on a true story. Written by Adrienne Burke-Moran about the year she and her husband Erin, formerly of the rock band Caspian, walked the Appalachian Trail to outrun the lives they had built and discovered they had to choose who they actually wanted to become. Erin was a guitarist with the band Caspian for years, performing in over 800 concerts, to fans in more than 40 countries. Along with original songs composed while on the Trial, THRU HIKE will feature some music from Erin’s time with Caspain.

For tickets: click here.

Eureka Day

Huntington Theatre - Now through June 28, 2026

Hot from celebrated productions on Broadway and in London, Eureka Day is a new, wildly funny, on-the-pulse satire which asks if parents at a progressive, welcoming private school can uphold their harmonious shared values when Eureka Day faces an outbreak of the mumps. Jonathan Spector’s sharp comedy explores in surprising turns what happens when facts become subjective, when inclusivity turns performative, and a “community activated conversation” turns into an all-out brawl — with uproarious, fresh, thought-provoking results. Margot Bordelon returns to direct following her hit production of John Proctor is the Villain.

For tickets: click here.

Ben Folds

Boston Symphony Hall - Now through June 03, 2026

Ben Folds shares his remarkable gift of rich storytelling and making human connections. Creating moments both intimate and grand, Folds captivates listeners with his hits, clever lyrics, and vivid arrangements.

This concert also features the winners of the Fidelity Investment Young Artist Competition. These incredible young artists will be coached by Ben Folds and Keith Lockhart and will be performing live with the Boston Pops

For tickets: click here.

On Your Feet!

North Shore Music Theatre - Now through June 14, 2026

Get ready to feel the rhythm in ON YOUR FEET!, the electrifying musical that tells the inspiring true story of Gloria and Emilio Estefan, two trailblazing artists who defied the odds with their talent, determination, and unwavering belief in each other. From their humble beginnings in Cuba to achieving international superstardom, their story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the universal language of music. Bursting with heart, passion, and the infectious pulse of Latin rhythms that reshaped pop forever, this high-energy hit features chart-toppers like “Conga,” “Get On Your Feet,” and “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” ON YOUR FEET! is a vibrant celebration of love, family, heritage, and the music that broke barriers around the world.

For tickets: click here.

SOMETHING ROTTEN!

Lyric Stage Company of Boston - Now through June 07, 2026

Something Rotten! is a clever musical comedy that follows brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom as they grapple with the overwhelming success of Shakespeare. Misguided by a soothsayer, they embark on a quest to create the world's first musical, leading to a hilarious series of misadventures. This inventive story combines elements of 16th-century England with 21st-century Broadway flair, delivering a whimsical homage to musical theater. Directed by Ilana Ransom Toeplitz, this production promises to entertain with its outrageous characters and memorable showstoppers.

For tickets: click here.

Looking to include your shows? Submit them to our listings here.

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Review: Emilio and Gloria Estefan Musical Will Have You ON YOUR FEET! in Beverly

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 12:34:43 PST

Whether autobiographical like “Jersey Boys,” “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” and “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical,” or fictionalized like “Mamma Mia!,” jukebox musicals often rely on the drama of their source material as much as their familiar scores for success.

Such is the case with the jukebox musical “On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan” with a book by Alexander Dinelaris Jr. (“Birdman’) – now at Bill Hanney’s North Shore Music Theatre through June 14 – deals with Gloria’s estrangement from her mother, Emilio’s separation from his family, the Cuban-American couple’s journey from struggling performers to music royalty, and the tour bus accident that almost claimed Gloria’s life.

The Cuban-fusion pop score by the 26-time Grammy Award-winning Estefans - 19 for Emilio and seven for Gloria - and Miami Sound Machine, includes hits like “Conga,” “Anything for You,” “Coming Out of the Dark,” “Don’t Wanna Lose You,” “Get On Your Feet,” and “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You” which helped make Gloria Estefan – first with Miami Sound Machine and later as a solo artist – the most successful Latin crossover performer in the history of pop music.

In Beverly, Isabel Leoni captures Gloria’s familiar style and spunk, but while she’s got the look, she doesn’t always quite have the sound. Leoni is well-matched, however, with scene partner Marcello Audino as husband Emilio. Terrific work is also done by Karmine Alers as Gloria’s fierce mother Gloria Fajardo, Sydia Cedeño-Genat as Consuelo Garcia, her spirited grandmother, and Henry Gainza as Jose Fajardo, her often abent father. Olivia A. Cruz is a pleasant, if ill-defined presence as Rebecca Fajardo, Gloria's sister.

Ipswich seventh-grader Sebastian D. Harvey does double duty as Young Emilio, and Nayib, Gloria and Emilio’s son, while Cohasset resident Kendall Rivera, a sixth-grade honors student at Derby Academy in Hingham, brings youthful charm to young Gloria.

Director/Choreographer Marcos Santana, a two-time Elliot Norton Award nominee for last season’s acclaimed NSMT production of “Rent,” once again leads a stellar ensemble – this time majority Latino – through one high-energy dance number after another. Gloria and Emilio’s extensive song catalogue, under the music direction of Jose Delgado and with ample percussion and drums, provides most of the show’s soundtrack.

Disco fans, however, will delight in hearing the Gerald and Peter Jackson classic “Turn the Beat Around,” a 1976 Billboard Top 10 pop hit for Vickie Sue Robinson, rerecorded and released by Laura Branigan in 1990, and in 1994 by Gloria for the soundtrack of the feature film “The Specialist.” That tune and the oft-covered Buzz Cason and Max Gayden song "Everlasting Love" are both excerpted in a dazzling mega-mix that serves as the show's dance-infused coda.

The score is joyous, but emotions run high in “On Your Feet!” – which opened at Broadway’s Marquis Theatre on November 5, 2015 – especially when scenes depicting the singer’s 1990 tour bus collision with a semi-truck outside Scranton, Pennsylvania leave Gloria critically injured with a fractured spine and an uncertain future.

While on a medical transport helicopter the next day with Gloria and their then 10-year-old son, Nayib, flying from a hospital in Pennsylvania to the NYU Langone Medical Center in Manhattan. When the sun broke through the clouds, Emilio wrote “Coming Out of the Dark” on a slip of paper.

At his wife’s side while she recovered from surgery and endured intensive physical therapy, Emilio monitored her progress closely. About six months into her recovery, Dick Clark started calling regularly. Clark wanted Gloria to make her return to performing on the American Music Awards.

Once Gloria agreed, the pair decided it should be a new song with Emilio remembering the words he’d scribbled down during that helicopter ride months earlier. And together with Gloria and Jon Secada, a onetime member of Miami Sound Machine, writing ‘Coming Out of the Dark.’ With that ballad, and her triumphant return to performing, Gloria proved once again that to come out of hard times, you have to believe.

This emotioinally affecting and wonderfully performed production of “On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan” will have you doing just that.

Photo caption: The company of the Bill Hanney’s North Shore Music Theatre production of “On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan.” Photo by Paul Lyden.

JB Smoove & Colbie Caillat Join Nantucket Performing Arts Center Summer Lineup

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 13:37:05 PST

Nantucket Performing Arts Center revealed two more additions to the Summer 2026 season, adding Emmy Award-winning comedian JB Smoove and a performance from Grammy Award winner Colbie Caillat.

These newly announced events join the previously announced Summer 2026 lineup that already includes performances from Seth Meyers, Chelsea Handler, John Mulaney, Mike Birbiglia, and Audra McDonald, alongside a robust theater slate that includes Jaclyn Backhaus’ Men on Boats, featuring Obie Award winner Nina Hellman; First, a new solo work by Kate Walbert starring two-time Tony Award winner Judith Ivey and directed by Carolyn Cantor; the groundbreaking original 300 Paintings by Australian actor/writer/comedian Sam Kissajukian; and Craig Lucas’s Prelude To Kiss, continuing NPAC's first full season in its newly reimagined theater at 5 North Water Street.

Together, the season brings a wide range of artists and experiences to Nantucket, spanning comedy, music, theater, and special events. Presented in an intimate setting designed to foster a closer connection between artist and audience, the lineup reflects NPAC's commitment to creating memorable shared experiences while contributing to the island's vibrant cultural life.

NEWLY ANNOUNCED:

Colbie Caillat

July 24 at 7:30 PM

Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat brings her acclaimed catalog of hits to NPAC for an intimate evening of music. Known for songs including "Bubbly," "Realize," and "Try," Caillat's warm, unmistakable voice and deeply personal songwriting have made her one of the most celebrated artists of her generation.

JB Smoove: LIVE

August 14 at 6:00 PM & 8:30 PM

Actor, comedian, and writer JB Smoove brings his signature improvisational style and infectious energy to NPAC for two performances. Best known for his scene-stealing role as Leon on HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm, Smoove has become one of comedy's most distinctive and unpredictable performers.

SUMMER 2026 SEASON

HEADLINERS:

JUNE 28 - Chelsea Handler: The High and Mighty Tour
JULY 23 - John Mulaney: Mister Whatever
JULY 24 – Colbie Caillat
JULY 30 - Mike Birbiglia and Friends: Working It Out
AUGUST 14 – JB Smoove: Live
AUGUST 21 - Audra McDonald
AUGUST 27 - Seth Meyers: Live

THEATER & SPECIAL EVENTS:

MEN ON BOATS
By Jaclyn Backhaus
Directed by Carsen Joenk
JULY 15–29

FIRST
By Kate Walbert
Directed by Carolyn Cantor
Starring Judith Ivey
AUGUST 4–13

300 PAINTINGS
Created and Performed by Sam Kissajukian
AUGUST 17–23

PRELUDE TO A KISS
By Craig Lucas
Directed by Mark Shanahan
SEPTEMBER 6–20

Review: EUREKA DAY is a Tempest in a Vaccination Teapot

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 13:40:30 PST

A mumps outbreak at a private day school, anti-vaccine activism, and veiled racism are serious subjects for sure.

But in playwright Jonathan Spector’s “Eureka Day” – now being given a cleverly funny production by The Huntington at the Huntington Theatre through June 28 – they are also comic fodder for a trenchant story about a tempest over vaccination in a hyper-woke teacup.

First produced at Aurora Theatre Company in Berkeley, California, in pre-pandemic 2018, before moving off-Broadway the following year, Manhattan Theatre Club subsequently presented the play at Broadway’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre in a production that won the 2025 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play.

The story focuses on a small group of activist parents and the even-keeled principal at the exclusive Eureka Day School in Monterey, California, as they walk on tenterhooks around each other while seeking unanimity. These are the kinds of people who want snacks made only of locally sourced ingredients and who debate the use of paper plates for said snacks even when they are biodegradable.

As played here by the always interesting Ken Cheeseman, Don, the principal, who often opens the meeting with passages by 18th-century mystic poet Rumi, whom he delights in quoting. The class-conscious Suzanne (Nancy Lemenager) is older than the other parents and jokes that she and her husband had six children, far apart in age, so that Suzanne could continue her involvement with the school. Late in the play, Suzanne sets the humor aside, however, to make a jarring revelation that stills the action by providing the story with perhaps its most sobering moment.

Eli (Japhet Balaban) achieved enormous wealth as one of the first employees at a Silicon Valley behemoth and is now a stay-at-home dad in an open marriage with too much free time on his wandering hands. Those hands find their way to Meiko (Sasha Diamond), his mistress and a single mother who knits during the meetings and unwittingly finds herself at the center of the debate.

The newest council member, and only black member, is Carina (Eunice Woods), a calm and collected businesswoman whose child is new to Eureka Day and who navigates the fraught meetings with impressive comportment and dignity.

Under the layered direction of Margot Bordelon, the ensemble is as good as it gets in bringing Spector’s characters to life and the humor in his writing to full bloom. The pro-vaxxers have the better of the argument through most of the show but Spector gives the anti-vaxx side its moment as well in this story of a school year of council meetings where consensus is the mandate but class distinctions, subtle acts of exclusion stemming from discussions of whether students are full-pay or on financial aid, and various other forms of prejudice permeate the air.

While there is a lot to think about in the play – especially because it is now being seen through the prism of the dangers to public health posed by the current presidential administration and its dubious Secretary of Health and Human Services – there is a lot to laugh about, too.

In one of the production’s funniest scenes, the council invites parents to participate in a live-streamed Zoom meeting. As the principal and the members gather around a laptop, the chat – scrolling on a large rear screen created by projection designer John Horzen and UptownWorks – soon fills with insults, falsehoods, irrelevancies, misunderstandings, and misinformation. Increasingly inane emojis only heighten the humor that, at a recent performance, had the audience convulsing in laughter.

The production has an authentic feel, too, thanks to scenic designer Luciana Stecconi's realistic elementary school classroom. Also enhancing the proceedings are Zoe Sundra's character-specific costumes - includng Suzanne's Ann Taylor-inspired attire, Don's rumpled shirt and timeworn trousers, and Carina's stylish pants ensembles.

Photo caption: Left to right, Eunice Woods, Nancy Lemenager, and Ken Cheeseman in The Huntington’s production of “Eureka Day.” Photo by Liza Voll.

Around The BroadwayWorld: Top News, Reviews, Interviews & More from May 2026

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:03:21 PST

Around the BroadwayWorld is our monthly snapshot of the biggest stories making waves across the global theatre community. In this May 2026 edition, we're bringing you a fresh batch of standout reviews from regional stages across the country - from Brigadoon at Pasadena Playhouse in Los Angeles to The Phantom of the Opera at Seattle's Paramount Theatre and Pippin at Signature Theatre in DC.

Diane Paulus directs an immersive, David Bowie-inspired Life on Mars at American Repertory Theater, the producers of Japan's Gypsy revival walk back a planned title change, and we go behind the scenes with interviews spanning Adam Fields of the Beetlejuice national tour, The Muny's casting director Michael Baxter, Richard Kind on finally taking on Edna in Hairspray, and BWW's Kid Reporters chatting with the touring Von Trapp kids of The Sound of Music. Plus, get a first look at exciting new productions through performance videos and photos, including Anastasia at La Mirada Theatre, Dear Evan Hansen at Arden Theatre, Pippin at Signature Theatre, and the Manila cast of Jesus Christ Superstar - and so much more from across the BroadwayWorld.

Diane Paulus Will Direct Immersive David Bowie Inspired LIFE ON MARS at American Repertory Theater

Joshua Wright | Boston

Diane Paulus will direct Life on Mars, an immersive theatrical production set to David Bowie's music, as the inaugural production at the Goel Center for Creativity & Performance in May.

GYPSY in Japan: Producers Walk Back Title Change Ahead of 2026 Revival

Joshua Wright | Japan

The Japanese revival of GYPSY will retain its original title when it returns to the stage in 2026, reversing an earlier decision to present the production under the name 'Rose.'

Interviews

Interview: Adam Fields of BEETLEJUICE National Tour

Brock Mills | Jacksonville

For Adam Fields, returning to Jacksonville with the national tour of Beetlejuice the Musical isn’t just another stop, it’s a full-circle moment. The production will play in Jacksonville from May 12–17 at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts.

Interview: BWW’s 'Kid Reporters' Chat With THE SOUND OF MUSIC’s Touring Von Trapp Kids

Melissa Heckscher | Los Angeles

BroadwayWorld Los Angeles' kid reporters talk with the young touring cast of THE SOUND OF MUSIC to find out what it's like to be part of one of Broadway’s most iconic shows and what actually happens behind the curtain.

Interview: Chatting with The Muny's Casting Director Michael Baxter

James Lindhorst | St. Louis

Michael Baxter’s work will shine on The Muny stage during all 50 performances this summer. He led the efforts and had a hand in hiring every one of the 194 actors who will fill the principal and ensemble roles.

Interview: Richard Kind Talks Finally Taking on Edna in The Muny's HAIRSPRAY

James Lindhorst | St. Louis

When The Muny opens their production of Hairspray on June 15, 2026, the legendary Richard Kind will don Edna Turnblad’s housecoat and step into her fuzzy house slippers. Kind, star of stage, screen and film, calls it bucket list moments to get to perform at The Muny and play Edna all at the same time.

Reviews

Review: BRIGADOON at Pasadena Playhouse

Andrew Child | Los Angeles

Brava to Alexandra Silber for capturing all the heart and humor of Lerner’s original book with her thoughtful new adaptation and brava to Katie Spelman for dreaming up a Brigadoon that is as ebullient and spirited as it is deeply human.

Review: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at Paramount Theatre

Shelley Dean | Seattle

It’s almost unbelievable for me to admit that this was my first time seeing The Phantom of the Opera. Of course, I knew the iconic songs and had seen countless clips over the years, but experiencing the production live on stage for the first time was entirely different, haunting, and spine-chilling in the best way possible. From the chandelier drop to the monumental set pieces, the show truly lives up to its legendary reputation. The 2026 tour, directed by Harold Prince, serves as a revitalized version of the original production, featuring Maria Björnson’s iconic designs, musical staging, and choreography by Gillian Lynne. It is absolutely ravishing, and Seattle audiences are lining up hours early to witness the spectacle for themselves.

Review: PIPPIN at Signature Theatre

Aidan O'Connor | Washington, DC

Certain facets of the human condition are foundational to our very existence – change, connection, desire. One such particularly toxic universal truth is a constant need to be something more than we currently are. To search for happiness in external achievement rather than within ourselves, in our simple joys. Pippin at Signature Theatre breathes within that precise virulence, relatively orchestrated by a troupe of impeccably costumed and choreographed players. A feast for the eyes in all senses, Matthew Gardiner’s production surpasses even the highest of expectations.

Videos

Video: Watch La Mirada Theatre's ANASTASIA Star Lena Ceja Perform 'Journey to the Past'

Michael Major | Los Angeles

La Mirada Theatre has released new video footage of Lena Ceja rehearsing 'Journey to the Past' from their upcoming production of Anastasia. The production features Dillon Klena as Dmitry, a role first played on Broadway by his brother Derek Klena.

Photos/Video: DEAR EVAN HANSEN At Arden Theatre

A.A. Cristi | Philadelphia

Arden Theatre Company is now presenting DEAR EVAN HANSEN as the final production of its 2025/26 season, with performances continuing through July 5. New production photos and video have been released from the Philadelphia production, including footage of Evan A. Kaushesh performing “Waving Through a Window.”

Video: Watch 'Corner of the Sky' From Signature Theatre's PIPPIN

Michael Major | Washington, DC

Watch a video of Brayden Bambino performing 'Corner of the Sky' in Signature Theatre's production of Pippin. The in-the-round production is now running through July 26 with tickets available now.

Photos

Photos: Get a First Look at JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR in Manila

Oliver Oliveros | Philippines

The 2017 Olivier Award winner for Best Musical Revival, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' has officially opened at The Theatre at Solaire.

Plymouth's Spire Center Reveals Three New Shows For September and October

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 09:08:43 PST

Plymouth's Spire Center has announced three new shows going on sale Saturday, June 13 at 6:00 AM. September 17 The Young Fables perform as part of The Lobby Series; Fat City Band plays the main stage October 3; and Quinn Sullivan returns October 23.

Tennessee based country pop and roots duo The Young Fables, featuring vocalist Laurel Wright and guitarist songwriter Wesley Lunsford, will be playing September 17 as part of the Spire Center's Lobby Series. Presented by The Antonia and Vladimir Kulaev Cultural Heritage Fund, this series showcases local and regional musicians in a relaxed and intimate setting.

Known for their emotionally honest songwriting and captivating live performances, the duo blend timeless storytelling with modern pop sensibilities to create music that resonates deeply with audiences. Advocates for mental health awareness, The Young Fables use their platform to encourage openness, healing, and connection. Their feature documentary, The Fable of a Song, earned the Audience Choice Award at the Nashville Film Festival, and the duo received the Troy Gentry Compassion Award for their work promoting mental health and wellness., The Young Fables have shared stages with Vince Gill, Amy Grant, and Rascal Flatts, and were personally invited by Shania Twain to perform on CBS's Real Country.

With a unique blend of musicianship and showmanship, The Fat City Band returns to The Spire Center on October 3, bringing its own brand of jump blues, swing, New Orleans, and roots style music to Plymouth. Now in its fifth decade, this seven piece Boston outfit continues to pack a punch, following a credo that music should be fun, delivering a high energy and entertaining performance every show. Over the years, the band has shared the stage with such musical luminaries as B. B. King, James Brown and the legendary Ray Charles. In 2018 The Fat City Band was inducted into the New England Museum Music Hall of Fame.

Acclaimed singer, songwriter and guitarist and a Spire Center favorite, Quinn Sullivan rose to prominence in the early 2000's and takes over the stage at The Spire Center on October 23. Born and raised in New Bedford, MA, Quinn grew up in a musical household listening to classic rock, jazz and blues. He credits his early obsession with The Beatles as the impetus for him to pursue music as a career. He gained national attention with appearances on afternoon and late-night television shows such as Tonight Show, Ellen, Jimmy Kimmell, and Conan O Brian. In 2007, Quinn met music legend Buddy Guy who invited him onstage, which led to him touring and recording with Guy throughout the next decade.

Other upcoming events at the Spire include Flagship Romance June 11; Carbon Leaf Friday June 12, The Reckoners June 13; Comedian Don McMillan June 19; Paul Thorn June 20, Albert Cummings June 26, and An Evening with Livingston Taylor June 27; Welcome Back Cotters July 3; Dad Bods Comedy Tour July 31; Karla Bonoff August 1; THE MUSIC OF The Beach Boys featuring PET SOUNDS LIVE August 7; and Tom Rush August 9; Larry McCray August 14; Hey 19!-Steely Dan Tribute August 15; Ruthie FosterAugust 21; CountryFest August 22; Time in a Bottle: Songs of the '70s with Swearingen & Kelli August 28; Improv Asylum Aug 29; Cantrip and Low Lily September 5; and Chris Knight September 10.

MORPHOLOGY to Make New England Premiere at Boston Playwrights Theatre

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 08:14:22 PST

52 Hertz Productions has announced the New England premiere of Morphology from award-winning MA-based writer Jillian Blevins. Selected for Boston Playwrights Theatre's inaugural New Play Incubator Program, Morphology is a family drama spotlighting Autism and caregiving that draws us into a fantastical world. Written in a mix of verse and prose, the play explores the power and inadequacy of language, what it means to know one another, and what we can learn from deep sea biology The play will run from July 23-26th and will feature AEA actors Alexander J. Stuart, Blythe de Oliveira Foster, and Shauna Bloom.

Morphology is the story of Nico, a nonverbal Autistic teenager who loves creatures of the deep sea and longs to be understood by his mother Claudia, a former academic who longs most for him to speak. When Claudia's own mother Arlene intervenes and tries to convince Claudia to place Nico in a group home, their attempts to reach each other grow more desperate, Nico cries out to one being he thinks might understand him, and their carefully balanced world starts coming undone.

The mother of an Autistic child, playwright Blevins hopes that the mother and son in the play evoke "all people who love each other but struggle to communicate." In Morphology, Nico speaks in poetic soliloquies only the audience can hear. Autistic actor Alexander Stuart, who plays Nico, says that the play's use of heightened language "helps him stand out among the Autistic characters I've played in the past, in that it gives the audience an opportunity to connect to one non-verbal child's rich, complex internal life."

Blevins wrote the play after conversations with fellow playwright and Autism advocate Dave Osmudsen, about how communication between Autistic children and their parents can be a microcosm of the communication gap between all people who love each other but don't "speak the same language".

"I wrote Morphology to explore the ways learning to communicate differently for my child has cracked me open and made me better." shares Blevins.

The "war on Autism" waged by RFK's "Make America Healthy Again" initiative has made the play increasingly relevant, as misinformation about neurodivergence and institutionalized ableism have resurged. Morphology is, in part, about Autism acceptance. Now more than ever, it's important to protect the autonomy of neurodivergent children and recognize both the challenges and gifts that they can possess.

Boston Playwrights Theatre, located at 949 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, MA 02215, will host 6 performances between Thursday July 23rd through Sunday July 26th. Advance tickets are $25 (student discount $15).

Tickets to OPERATION MINCEMEAT: A NEW MUSICAL On Sale at Boston's Emerson Colonial Theatre

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 16:42:34 PST

Single tickets for Tony and Olivier Award-winning OPERATION MINCEMEAT: A NEW MUSICAL, are now on sale to the public. OPERATION MINCEMEAT: A NEW MUSICAL, will play the Emerson Colonial Theatre from October 13 – 25, 2026 as part of the 26/27 Broadway In Boston Season.

In OPERATION MINCEMEAT: A NEW MUSICAL, it's 1943, and the Allied Forces are on the ropes. Luckily, they've got a trick up their sleeve. Well, not up their sleeve, per se, but rather inside the pocket of a stolen corpse. Equal part farce, thriller, and Ian Fleming-style spy caper (with an assist from Mr. Fleming himself), OPERATION MINCEMEAT tells the wildly improbable and hilarious true story of the covert operation that turned the tide of WWII.

Written by triple Tony Award nominees SpitLip (comprised of David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, and Zoë Roberts), OPERATION MINCEMEAT began performances on Broadway on February 15, 2025, and continues to play at the historic Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street), where it has been extended eight times and will soon celebrate its 500th performance. The West End production, which has been playing at the Fortune Theatre since March 29, 2023, is widely recognized as one of the best-reviewed shows in West End history, holding the record for the most five-star reviews for a new musical, with a tally of 131. OPERATION MINCEMEAT has just launched its world tour, beginning with a UK leg before heading across the pond.

How to Purchase Tickets

Review: DRIVING MISS DAISY at Barrington Stage Company

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 16:16:20 PST

Ray Anthony Thomas,, Debra Jo Rupp, Matthew W. Korinko
Photo by Roman Iwasiwka

Barrington Stage Company (BSC) kicks off its 2026 season on the St. Germain Stage with DRIVING MISS DAISY by Alfred Uhry about the relationship of an elderly Southern Jewish woman, Daisy Werthan, and her African-American chauffeur, Hoke Coleburn, from 1948 to 1973. The play was the first in Uhry's Atlanta Trilogy, which deals with Jewish residents of the city in the early 20th century. The play won the 1988 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Debra Jo Rupp, Matthew W. Korinko
Photo by Roman Iwasiwka

Presented in collaboration with Palm Beach Dramaworks, the production is directed by BSC's founding and former Artistic Director Julianne Boyd and stars Debra Jo Rupp as Daisy Werthan, Ray Anthony Thomas as Hoke Coleburn, and Matthew W. Korinko as Boolie Werthan. Each of the performers is well suited for and displays a deep level of knowledge and comfort with their character. The action plays out in a series of vignettes presented over 80-minutes in one act without intermission on a handsome and functional set designed by Bert Scott. With lighting designed by David Lander, Men’s Costumes designed by Brian O’Keefe, Daisy’s Costumes Designed by Sara Jean Tosetti, Sound designed by Alexander Sovronsky, Projection Design by Tim Brown, and Production Stage Management by Renee Lutz. Cast and Crew deliver a high-quality production that is both simple and sublime; historically accurate, topically relevant; and well worth seeing.

Debra Jo Rupp, Photo by Roman Iwasiwka
Photo by Roman Iwasiwka

Uhry wrote his Atlanta Trilogy based on his own experience. He set his three plays in the context of major events that happened in Atlanta: PARADE, based on the 1913–1915 trial and eventual lynching of Leo Frank; THE LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO, following the events at the city's 1939 GONE WITH THE WIND premiere; and Driving Miss Daisy, addressing the impacts associated with the 1958 Hebrew Benevolent Congregation Temple bombing and the city’s dinner honoring Martin Luther King Jr.'s October 1964 Nobel Peace Prize.

Debra Jo Rupp
Photo by Roman Iwasiwka

Barrington Stage Company (BSC) Artistic Director, Alan Paul said: "When Debra Jo and Julie approached me about doing DRIVING MISS DAISY, my interest was piqued. It's fair to say that Daisy has become an American classic, and when you watch the show, you will see how contemporary and relevant its themes still are. This play endures because it speaks to the best of who we can be. Alfred Uhry's beautifully observed characters remind us that empathy, respect, and friendship can emerge in the most unexpected places.

DRIVING MISS DAISY continues on the St. Germain Stage in the Sydelle and Lee Blatt Performing Arts Center in Pittsfield through June 21. The production moves to The 62 Center for Theatre and Dance on the campus of Williams College in Williams where it will play from June 26 through July 5.

Review: DRIVING MISS DAISY at Barrington Stage Company

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:46:53 PST

Debra Jo Rupp, Ray Anthony Thomas
Photo by Roman Iwasiwka

Debra Jo Rupp, Matthew W. Korinko
Photo by Roman Iwasiwka

Barrington Stage Company (BSC) Artistic Director, Alan Paul said: "When Debra Jo and Julie approached me about doing DRIVING MISS DAISY, my interest was piqued. ––––

DRIVING MISS DAISY continues on the St. Germain Stage in the Sydelle and Lee Blatt Performing Arts Center in Pittsfield through June 21. The production moves to the 62 Center for Theatre and Dance on the campus of Williams College in Williams where it will play from June 26 through July 5.

ON YOUR FEET! Highlight Reel Released for North Shore Music Theatre's 2026 Production

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 15:41:08 PST

North Shore Music Theatre has released a highlight reel for its upcoming production of ON YOUR FEET!, offering audiences an early look at the Latin-infused energy the Beverly, Massachusetts company is bringing to its 2026 musical season opener.

ON YOUR FEET! traces the remarkable true story of Gloria and Emilio Estefan, following the couple from their roots in Cuba through their rise to international pop stardom. The musical weaves together their personal journey — including the challenges they overcame as immigrants building careers in the American music industry — with a score drawn from the Estefans' catalog of chart-topping hits, among them "Conga," "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You," and "Get On Your Feet," songs that helped bring Latin rhythms into the mainstream pop landscape of the 1980s and beyond.

As previously reported, the production is directed and choreographed by Marcos Santana and features a 23-member cast. ON YOUR FEET! opens the theatre's 2026 musical season, with performances running June 3 through June 14 at North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly.

Production photos from the show are also available, giving a closer look at the staging and design of this high-energy celebration of heritage, perseverance, and the music that defined a generation. Tickets and information are available at nsmt.org.

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Photos: Inside BLACK SWAN World Premiere Celebrates Opening Night at American Repertory Theater

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 19:54:20 PST

Tony Award winner Sonya Tayeh (Gatsby at A.R.T., Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Broadway) returns to the A.R.T. to bring the Oscar-nominated psychological thriller BLACK SWAN to the stage. Go inside opening night in new photos!

Pressure builds, boundaries blur, and reality begins to slip as Nina strives to rise from the ballet corps to the lead role in Swan Lake. Performed with Tayeh’s high-octane, genre-breaking chorography, this bold new musical adaptation explores ambition, power, and the cost of perfection. BLACK SWAN features a contemporary book by Guggenheim Fellow Jen Silverman and a haunting score by Obie Award winner Dave Malloy that blends the melodies of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake with a throbbing electronic soundscape.

BLACK SWAN features music, lyrics, and orchestrations by Obie Award winner Dave Malloy (Moby-Dick, The Great Comet, and others at A.R.T.), a book by Guggenheim Fellow Jen Silverman (The Roommate, Collective Rage: A Play in 5 Betties), music supervision, music direction, and additional arrangements by Or Matias (Moby-Dick, The Great Comet), and direction and choreography by Tony Award winner Sonya Tayeh (Gatsby, Moulin Rouge! The Musical). BLACK SWAN is based on the Searchlight Pictures Film BLACK SWAN, story by Andres Heinz.

The BLACK SWAN cast includes Kyle Brown (Ajay/Ensemble), Jada Simone Clark (Lily), Karli Dinardo (Glory/Ensemble), Kate Jennings Grant (Barbara), Gabriel Hyman (Ensemble), Amber Iman (LeRoy), Charizma Lawrence (Ensemble), Adrian Lee (Ensemble), Caleb Marshall (Dylan/Ensemble), Melanie Moore (Nina), Ava Noble (Ensemble), Martell Ruffin (Ensemble), Ida Saki (Doppel), Anthony Santos (Ensemble), Thom Sesma (Jacques/Rothbart), Sarah Sigman (Morgan/Ensemble), Chelsea Thedinga (Ensemble), Tory Trowbridge (Beth), and Valeria Yamin (Ensemble). Alex Aquilino, Cameron Burke, Mia DeWeese, and Johanna Moise are swings. Mehry Eslaminia is an understudy.

BLACK SWAN features scenography by AMP, featuring Marissa Todd; costume design by Shiona Turini; lighting design by Isabella Byrd; sound design by Kai Harada; hair and wig design by Mia Neal; and makeup design by Sarah Cimino. Illusion design is by Chris Fisher and Skylar Fox, blood design is by Lillis Meeh, and fight and intimacy direction is by Rociìo Mendez. Benita de Wit serves as the associate director, Camden Gonzales is the associate choreographer, James Nguyen and AC Gottlieb are the associate costume designers, Paul Toben is the associate lighting designer, and Owen Meadows is the associate sound designer. Genevieve Kersh is the production stage manager, Amy Marsico is the stage manager, and Elizabeth Emanuel is the assistant stage manager. Casting is by C12/ Stephen Kopel and Jillian Cimini.

Tickets from $43 (including fees) are available at AmericanRepertoryTheater.org/BlackSwan. Discounts are available to full-time K-12, college, or university students and anyone under age 25; Blue Star families; NAP/EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders; seniors, Harvard faculty and staff; and others.

Photo Credit: Hawver and Hall

Sonya Tayeh, Melanie Moore

Sarah Sigman, Johanna Moise, Shiona Turini, Karli Dinardo, Charizma Lawrence

Sonya Tayeh

Skylar Fox, Chris Fisher

Kyle Brown, Karli Dinardo, Caleb Marshall, Sarah Sigman

Dave Malloy, Or Matias

Benita de Wit, Camden Gonzales, Sonya Tayeh

Members of the BLACK SWAN band

Darren Aronofsky, Maura Healey

Maura Healey, Diane Paulus

Melanie Moore

BLACK SWAN merch

Patriotic Hymn Sing to Celebrate America's 250th Birthday in Brewster, MA

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 17:29:24 PST

The Patriotic Hymn Sing will take place on July 5 from 3:30–4:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center in Brewster, Massachusetts. As part of the celebration of America's 250th Birthday, the event invites community members to come together for an afternoon of music and reflection.

Guests will enjoy singing beloved patriotic and traditional favorites, including America the Beautiful, God of Our Fathers, Simple Gifts, and more. The event is free and open to all, with refreshments provided.

The Performing Arts Center is located at 95 Southern Eagle Cartway, Brewster, MA 02631. For more information, call 508-240-2400 or visit artsempoweringlife.org.

Interview: Brockton Native Alex J. Gould Talks Broadway Debut in DOG DAY AFTERNOON

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 18:24:36 PST

Brockton-born actor Alex J. Gould is currently making his Broadway debut in Tony-nominated “Dog Day Afternoon,” appearing alongside Emmy Award-winning actors Jon Bernthal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach from Netflix's "The Punisher" and FX's “The Bear.”

Based on the 1975 film of the same name, a crime drama which starred Al Pacino and the late Revere native John Cazale, the play – written for the stage by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Stephen Adly Guirgis (“Between Riverside and Crazy”) and directed by Rupert Goold (“King Charles III”) – is set in New York City in the summer of 1972, when one man’s attempted bank robbery and resulting hostage situation made front-page news alongside the Vietnam War.

Gould, who plays FBI Agent Walsh – appearing in ensemble scenes and understudying both Bernthal and Moss-Bachrach in their respective roles of Sonny and Sal – is not only an actor but also an educator and fight/intimacy director. Gould has been seen off-Broadway in shows including “Wake” (59E59) and “The Woodsman” (New World Stages). His regional-theater credits include “Mary’s Wedding” (Portland Center Stage), “Whaddabloodclot!!!” by Katori Hall (Williamstown Theater Festival), and “Stockade” (Local Theater Company).

The Brockton High School graduate, who studied at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, was at home in New York recently when he spoke by Zoom about “Dog Day Afternoon” – which runs through July 12 at the August Wilson Theatre – what it’s like to be on Broadway, and more.

What is it like to be making your Broadway debut?

I was just thinking about this recently because somebody else asked me that same question, and I think for me what my Broadway debut means is that it’s the result of all the work I’ve put in to get here. I wouldn’t say that it’s confirmation or proof that all the work mattered – that’s not the thing for me. It’s not like because I’m on Broadway, I can now say I’m an actor. I let that go a long time ago. If I call myself an actor, I’m an actor. But to be here is how I can now chart my journey. My whole path from years and years ago has led me to Broadway so, for me, it feels like what was meant to happen at this point in my life.

Do you remember when you first realized that you wanted to appear on Broadway?

I feel like it was always a part of what I wanted to do. I always wanted to appear on Broadway. I saw that it was possible when I was in school in New York and saw Daniel Radcliffe in the 2008 “Equus” revival. It made an impression on me that I was seeing somebody my age. Daniel, of course, had already built a career with the Harry Potter films, but outside of that, I was looking at somebody who was my age doing Broadway, and I remember going back to class and feeling a sense of invigoration. I thought, “I can do it.” So, I always knew that I could get here.

From there, the path got foggier, but I never let go of the idea. I just kept saying to myself, “This is how I’m going to make it happen, and I’m just going to trust in everything that I say yes to.”

Before landing this show, did you go on many earlier Broadway auditions?

I have a great memory and I remember a lot, but I haven’t kept that number in my head. I would say it’s not the largest number, maybe six or seven. I’ve gone on a lot of auditions in my career so far and I’ve also worked a lot. It’s funny that you ask that, though, because “Dog Day Afternoon” was probably my worst.

I first auditioned for another role – the part of Ray Ray, who appears very early in the play, which eventually went to Christopher Sears. The experience reminded me of when I auditioned for the 2013 revival of “Orphans,” that Ben Foster was in with Tom Sturridge and Alec Baldwin, and feeling like I could do that. I was so young and just thought, “I’ve got it” – and I didn’t. I was so nervous. I thought I did pretty well, but I wasn’t there yet. With “Dog Day Afternoon,” I was also very nervous because it was my first big, in-person audition since Covid. But thankfully, I got another part and landed the show.

Did you think you would get another part in this show after Ray Ray went to another actor?

I thought it could happen, but so much of Broadway is about getting butts in the seats that you have a lot of celebrities. Without having TV credits or being in a big film, I had to wonder, how could I do it? That’s one of the things I love about Stephen Adly Guirgis, though. He’s so communal, so brought up in downtown theater where it’s so familial. I’ve gotten to know Stephen over the past few years and so when they brought me in for Ray Ray, I thought I could do it, but then I went in for the first audition, and I sucked. I really sucked.

I get dry mouth when I get nervous, and I didn’t have my water with me, but I thought, “Okay, it’s okay, because it’s a robbery, so just use it, just use it.” And then I got the note, “Don’t show the anxiousness or the nervousness,” which is what I’d done.

How did you feel when you left the audition that day?

When I got home, close friends reached out to ask how things went and I was like, “I’m done! I’m done! I’m done! I’m out!” Then, a couple of months later, I got an email asking me to put myself on tape for the onstage cover of Sonny.

What was your initial reaction to that request?

I knew Jon Bernthal was going to play Sonny and I was like, Jon Bernthal? What are you talking about? Jon and I are nothing alike. But then I thought about the movie, and I remembered watching it and honestly feeling very close to what Al Pacino did in the film, in terms of being scrappy, and just trying to make everything okay. I understood that part of Sonny.

After reading Stephen’s version, I put myself on tape. I was nervous, but once I did, I felt it was one of the smoothest and best audition tapes I’ve ever made. It was with that sense of confidence that I sent it in. And I got the show.

You understudy Sonny, Sal, and a few other characters, but your main role is FBI Agent Walsh. Have you given him a backstory?

As I see him, he’s a young guy with a girlfriend. He’s quite serious about his job, and very quiet. He’s a man of very few words, but he gets the job done. The place where he probably talks the most is at home, which we don’t see in the play.

Is acting on Broadway different from the other stage work you’ve done?

At first, I was like, “Oh, this is Broadway,” but as soon as I started rehearsals it was all the same. Everything was the same – you deal with the same excitement and the same difficulties.

What about the stage door crowds, what are they like to deal with?

They are mostly there for Jon and Ebon, of course, and some for Jessica Hecht, who plays Colleen, too, so I don’t have to worry too much about all that at the August Wilson stage door. I’ve done a lot of regional theater, though, and that has its own brand of fan interaction. In those situations, I often walk down the street, and people call out, "Hey, you were in that show!”

Photo captions: Ebon Moss-Bachrach, at left, and Jon Bernthal in a scene from the Broadway production of “Dog Day Afternoon.” Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman. Head shot of Alex J. Gould courtesy of Polk & Co..

Dr. Leonard Horowitz to Speak on 528 Hz Frequency and Healing at Cape Cod Arts Lecture

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 17:13:24 PST

Award-winning author, natural medicine pioneer, and humanitarian Dr. Leonard G. Horowitz will present You Are the Music! Healing Your Body with the Resonance Frequency of 528.

The event will be presented as part of the Arts Speak Lecture Series on June 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center in Brewster, Massachusetts.

In this lecture, Horowitz will explore his theory that humans are the "Music of Creation"—living instruments animated by divine mathematics and the "LOVE 528" frequency, which he associates with healing, cellular rejuvenation, and spiritual transformation. Admission is free; for more information, call 508-240-2400 or visit artsempoweringlife.org.

LOWELL FOLK FESTIVAL to Feature Global Performers at 39th Annual Free Event

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 22:35:25 PST

The Lowell Folk Festival has announced additional performers for its 2026 lineup, expanding the roster for the 39th annual event, which will take place July 24–26 in downtown Lowell, Massachusetts. The free festival will feature artists representing a wide range of musical and cultural traditions from around the world.

Among the newly announced performers are members of Alash, who will present the traditional Tuvan throat-singing style known as xöömei; bluegrass ensemble Authentic Unlimited; jazz vocalist Catherine Russell; Peruvian scissors dance troupe The Chankas of Perú; New Hampshire polka group Eastern Sound Orchestra; zydeco musician Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie; Indian classical musicians Kunal Gunjal and Amit Kavthekar; Sicilian folk ensemble Michela Musolino & Rosa Tatuata; the Middlesex County Volunteer Fife & Drum Band; the Northern Kentucky Brotherhood Singers; Haitian dancer and choreographer Peniel Guerrier; Mexican trio Tres en Punto; and the Wampanoag Nation Singers & Dancers.

These artists join previously announced performers including Elida Almeida, Melissa Carper & Emily Gimble, Dat Mighty 9, John Doyle & Friends, Fabiola Mendez, and Super Chikan & the Fighting Cocks.

In addition to musical performances across multiple stages, the festival will feature family programming through the Discovery Lowell Playspace, international food vendors presented through Global Foods, and local artists and organizations showcased in the Experience Lowell Marketplace.

The Lowell Folk Festival is produced by the Lowell Festival Foundation, the City of Lowell, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, Lowell National Historical Park, the National Council for the Traditional Arts, and Revolutionary Valley.

Newly Announced Performers

Alash

The ensemble performs the traditional Tuvan throat-singing style known as xöömei, a vocal technique in which singers produce multiple pitches simultaneously.

Authentic Unlimited

Formed by former members of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, the award-winning bluegrass group has earned a Grammy nomination and multiple International Bluegrass Music Association honors.

Catherine Russell

The acclaimed jazz vocalist and daughter of Louis Armstrong collaborator Luis Russell will bring selections from her acclaimed solo recording career.

The Chankas of Perú

The group preserves and performs the UNESCO-recognized danza de las tijeras (scissors dance), a traditional Andean performance practice.

Eastern Sound Orchestra

The long-running New England ensemble specializes in East Coast-style Polish polka music.

Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie

The Louisiana accordionist and bandleader brings his blend of zydeco and Creole traditions to the festival.

Kunal Gunjal & Amit Kavthekar

The duo will present Indian classical music featuring the santoor and tabla.

Michela Musolino & Rosa Tatuata

The ensemble performs traditional folk music from Sicily and southern Italy.

Middlesex County Volunteer Fife & Drum Band

The Massachusetts-based ensemble will lead the festival's opening parade.

Northern Kentucky Brotherhood Singers

The vocal group performs unaccompanied gospel harmony traditions rooted in the American South.

Peniel Guerrier

The Haitian dancer, choreographer, drummer, and educator will present performances rooted in Haitian cultural traditions.

Tres en Punto

The Texas-based trio performs trío romántico, a romantic musical tradition from northern Mexico and the Rio Grande Valley.

Wampanoag Nation Singers & Dancers

Representing Indigenous communities from southeastern Massachusetts, the group shares music, dance, and cultural traditions of the Wampanoag people.

Ticket Information

The Lowell Folk Festival will take place July 24–26, 2026, in downtown Lowell, Massachusetts. Admission is free. Additional information and schedules are available through the festival website.

Photos: MOZART TO POP CHART Now Playing at The Cape Playhouse

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 21:14:12 PST

The Cape Playhouse has released production photos from MOZART TO POP CHART, now playing through June 20 in Dennis, Massachusetts. Check out photos from the production below.

The production stars Nat Zegree, who previously appeared at The Cape Playhouse in Million Dollar Quartet and The History of Rock 'n' Roll. In this theatrical concert event, Zegree and a cast of Broadway singers and musicians trace the connections between classical music traditions and contemporary popular music.

Combining live performance, storytelling, and a wide-ranging musical repertoire, MOZART TO POP CHART explores the influences that have shaped modern music, highlighting the evolution of styles and sounds across generations.

The concert features musical performances by Zegree alongside a company of vocalists and musicians, creating an evening that blends historical context with contemporary hits.

Photo Credit: Maggie Hall

Nat Zegree and the company of Mozart to Pop Chart

Matthew Spencer, Bithyah Israel, Olivia Dorschel, Nat Zegree, Tora Nogami Alexander, Iliana Garcia, Jamie Mohamdein, Lisa Helmi Johanson, Ryan Guerra, and the company of Mozart to Pop Chart

Nat Zegree and the company of Mozart to Pop Chart

Iliana Garcia, Nat Zegree, and the company of Mozart to Pop Chart

Tora Nogami Alexander, Lisa Helmi Johanson, Iliana Garcia, Nat Zegree, and the company of Mozart to Pop Chart

Nat Zegree and the company of Mozart to Pop Chart

Javier Munoz, Julia Murney, Nick Adams and More Join The Cape Playhouse Productions This Summer

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 16:44:11 PST

For their 2026 season, The Cape Playhouse enters its historic centennial year. Some of the brightest stars of Broadway and the entertainment industry are set to take the stage at the Cape Cod Center for the Arts in Dennis, MA this summer.

Into the Woods

Directed by Artistic Director Eric Rosen, the cast of Into the Woods will be led by Javier Muñoz (Hamilton, In the Heights) as The Baker, alongside Nick Adams (Priscilla Queen of the Desert) as Cinderella's Prince / The Wolf, Delphi Borich (Camelot) as Cinderella, Alex Finke (Come From Away) as The Baker's Wife, Christine Toy Johnson (The Music Man) as Jack's Mother, Erik Lochtefeld (King Kong) as The Mysterious Man / Narrator, Madison Marie Mosley(Beetlejuice) as Little Red Riding Hood, Joe Serafini (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series), Pearl Sun (Come From Away) as The Witch, and J Savage (Smash) as Rapunzel's Prince, with many more to be announced.

Hairspray

Next is a flashback to the '60s and the iconic world of John Waters with Hairspray, starring “RuPaul's Drag Race” fan favorite Alex Michaels as Edna Turnblad, alongside Michael Brian Dunn (Amazing Grace) as Wilbur Turnblad, Laura Jordan (Cry-Baby) as Female Authority Figure, Kevin B. McGlynn (All Shook Up) as Male Authority Figure, Keisha Gilles (Aladdin) as Motormouth Maybelle, Kate Marilley (The Prom) as Velma Von Tussle, and Ben Jackson Walker (& Juliet) as Link Larkin, with many more to be announced.

Mean Girls

From the brilliant creative mind of Tina Fey, the next stop is North Shore High School with Mean Girls, featuring Scarlett Diaz (Shrek The Musical) as Karen Smith, Danielle Kelsey (Funny Girl) as Ms. Norbury / Mrs. George / Mrs. Heron, Jody Reynard (Summer: The Donna Summer Musical) as Mr. Duvall, Caroline Siegrist (SIX The Musical on Tour) as Regina George, and Lizzy Tucker (BOOP! The Musical) as Janis Sarkisian, among others to be announced.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

The season closes with a production of the beloved 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, directed by Broadway favorite and “The Gilded Age” star Claybourne Elder, featuring Julia Murney (Wicked) as Rona Lisa Peretti, Viveca Chow (Miss Saigon) as Marcy Park, and Matthew Wilkas (Ginger Twinsies) as Vice Principal Douglas Panch, with many more soon to be announced.

Full casting and creative teams for all 2026 Summer Season productions will be announced at a later date.

Now playing: Nat Zegree's Mozart to Pop Chart (June 3–20), directed by Kenneth Ferrone.

LOVE BOAT Star Jill Whelan Joins Adam Pascal-Helmed DEAR EVAN HANSEN at Harbour Lights Theatre

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 16:38:31 PST

Jill Whelan will join Harbour Lights Theatre's upcoming production of Dear Evan Hansen as Cynthia Murphy, the mother of Connor and Zoe Murphy.

Directed by Tony Award nominee Adam Pascal and Associate Director Trent Soyster, the Tony Award-winning musical will run August 6–9, 2026 at the Carr Amphitheater in Hingham, Massachusetts.

Whelan is best known for playing Vicki Stubing, the daughter of Captain Stubing, on the hit television series The Love Boat. She appeared on eight seasons of the beloved series and later reprised the role on Love Boat: The Next Wave.

In Dear Evan Hansen, Cynthia Murphy is a mother struggling to hold her family together in the wake of an unimaginable loss. As Connor and Zoe's mother, she becomes one of the story's emotional anchors as she searches for connection, understanding, and a path forward.

"One of the reasons Dear Evan Hansen has resonated with so many people is that every character is deeply human," said Whelan. "Cynthia is a woman trying to make sense of something no parent should ever have to face, and I feel honored to step into her shoes. I'm excited to join Adam and this talented cast to tell a story that continues to connect with audiences around the world."

"Jill brings warmth, compassion, and tremendous heart to this role," said Pascal. "Cynthia carries so much emotional weight in the story, and Jill has a natural ability to connect with audiences. I'm thrilled to welcome her to the company."

Whelan joins the previously announced cast, including Mickey White as Evan Hansen, Tony Award nominee Orfeh as Heidi Hansen, America's Got Talent semifinalist Tory Vagasy as Zoe Murphy, Dillon Klena as Connor Murphy, Chris Medlin as Jared Kleinman, and Kayla Louison as Alana Beck.

Harbour Lights Theatre's production of Dear Evan Hansen will run August 6–9, 2026, with evening performances at 8:00 PM Thursday through Sunday and a 2:00 PM matinee on Saturday, August 8.

BroadwayWorld Launches Producer Fantasy Game

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:00:05 PST

Ever watched the weekly Broadway grosses roll in and thought you could pick the winners? Now you can put it to the test. BroadwayWorld has launched the Producer Fantasy Game, a free, season-long competition that lets theatre fans build a roster of Broadway shows and earn points based on how those productions actually perform at the box office. The draft window is open now.

How It Works

The setup is simple. During the draft window, you pick any six Broadway productions that opened this season. Drafting is non-exclusive, so there is no need to race a rival for a hot title. Any number of players can roster the same show.

From there, your shows go to work for you. Every week, each production on your roster earns fantasy points based on its reported box office grosses and capacity percentages. When Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle nominations and wins are announced, your shows bank bonus points on top of that. And each week you can answer our Fantasy Forecast prediction questions for up to five bonus points per correct call.

Weekly Scoring

Each week, a show earns one base point for every $50,000 it grosses, so a $1 million week is worth 20 base points. On top of that, shows can earn bonuses: up to five points for filling seats (based on how close to full capacity the house ran), six points for grossing $2 million or more (or three points for grossing between $1 million and $2 million), and eight points if its gross jumped at least 15 percent from the week before. A show loses four points if its gross dropped at least 15 percent. If a show goes dark and reports no gross for a week, it scores zero for that week with no penalty.

The Fantasy Forecast

The Producer Fantasy Game is really two games in one. The first is the box office game: drafting shows and earning points from their weekly grosses and awards. The second is the Fantasy Forecast, a weekly set of prediction questions about what's happening on Broadway, where each correct answer is worth up to five points. You can play one or both.

We track them separately so you can shine at either. Your Producer score covers the box office game, your Forecast score covers your prediction results, and your Combined score adds the two together for the overall championship ranking. The leaderboard lets you toggle between Overall, Producers, and Forecasters, so a sharp predictor can top the Forecasters board even during a rough season for their roster, and a roster powerhouse can lead the Producers board without answering a single question.

Managing Your Roster

Your lineup stays at six shows all season, and you have plenty of room to maneuver. You get one free drop every week, three additional season drops to use anytime before the trade deadline, and free replacements whenever a show on your roster closes. New productions open throughout the season and become available the moment they start reporting grosses, so it pays to keep a transaction in your pocket for that buzzy new opening.

Join the Game

The Producer Fantasy Game is free for all BroadwayWorld users, and you can join any time the draft window is open. Draft within the first two weeks of the season and your roster is scored from opening week, so the earlier you get in, the more weeks you bank. Build your roster, make your predictions, and start climbing the leaderboard today.

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Tony V to Headline Comedy Night at Samuel Slater's in Webster, MA

ROLLING TOGETHER REVUE TOUR to Bring G. Love, Donavon Frankenreiter & Moon Taxi to Virginia

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Rolling Together Revue Tour

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ALL THE MUSIC IN THE WORLD Documentary on Emanuel Ax to Have World Premiere at Mahaiwe

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Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival to Open 94th Season with Paul Taylor Dance Company

Boston Landmarks Orchestra to Mark 25th Anniversary With Free Summer Concert Series

2026 Summer Concerts and Events

A Juneteenth Celebration

Best of Boston

Four Seasons Recomposed & Mozart's 40th

Verdi Requiem

Organ Symphony & Fountains of Rome

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Puppet Showplace Theater to Present Summer 2026 Season of Family Shows, Free Outdoor Events, and Adult Puppetry

Programming for Families

"Jack and the Beanstalk" by Dream Tale Puppets

"The Fairy Circus" by Tanglewood Marionettes

"Judy Saves The Day" by Sarah Nolen of Puppet Motion

"Party Animals" by Sarah Nolen of Puppet Motion

A Pirate's Great Adventure by Peanut's Playhouse

"Magnificent Monster Circus" by CactusHead Puppets

"The Tiny Bird Show" by Carole D'Agostino

Summer Outdoor Series

"Party Animals" by Sarah Nolen of Puppet Motion

A Pirate's Great Adventure by Peanut's Playhouse

"Magnificent Monster Circus" by CactusHead Puppets

"Word Play" by Good Hearted Entertainment

"Magnificent Monster Circus" by CactusHead Puppets

"SpinS" by Janoah...anygoodjokes?

"Magnificent Monster Circus" by CactusHead Puppets

"The Loose Caboose" by Harry LaCoste

Puppets at Night Programming for Adults & Teens

"Death & The Fool: A Tarot-Inspired Medieval Folly" by Happenstance Theater

Summer Puppet Slam

Puppetry Classes

About Puppet Showplace Theater

OEDIPUS EL REY & More Lead Boston's Summer 2026 Top Theatre Shows

Oedipus el Rey

John & Jen

BLACK SWAN: A New Dance Thriller

Thru Hike the Musical

Eureka Day

On Your Feet!

SOMETHING ROTTEN!

Review: Emilio and Gloria Estefan Musical Will Have You ON YOUR FEET! in Beverly

JB Smoove & Colbie Caillat Join Nantucket Performing Arts Center Summer Lineup

JB Smoove: LIVE

SUMMER 2026 SEASON

THEATER & SPECIAL EVENTS:

Review: EUREKA DAY is a Tempest in a Vaccination Teapot

Around The BroadwayWorld: Top News, Reviews, Interviews & More from May 2026

Editor's Picks: Top News Stories

Diane Paulus Will Direct Immersive David Bowie Inspired LIFE ON MARS at American Repertory Theater

Interviews

Interview: Adam Fields of BEETLEJUICE National Tour

Interview: Richard Kind Talks Finally Taking on Edna in The Muny's HAIRSPRAY

Reviews

Videos

Photos

Plymouth's Spire Center Reveals Three New Shows For September and October

MORPHOLOGY to Make New England Premiere at Boston Playwrights Theatre

Tickets to OPERATION MINCEMEAT: A NEW MUSICAL On Sale at Boston's Emerson Colonial Theatre

How to Purchase Tickets

Review: DRIVING MISS DAISY at Barrington Stage Company

Review: DRIVING MISS DAISY at Barrington Stage Company

ON YOUR FEET! Highlight Reel Released for North Shore Music Theatre's 2026 Production

Photos: Inside BLACK SWAN World Premiere Celebrates Opening Night at American Repertory Theater

Patriotic Hymn Sing to Celebrate America's 250th Birthday in Brewster, MA

Interview: Brockton Native Alex J. Gould Talks Broadway Debut in DOG DAY AFTERNOON

Dr. Leonard Horowitz to Speak on 528 Hz Frequency and Healing at Cape Cod Arts Lecture

LOWELL FOLK FESTIVAL to Feature Global Performers at 39th Annual Free Event

Newly Announced Performers

Alash