BOSTON THEATER REVIEWS

William Shakespeare no doubt changed the world of theatre and helped to shape it into the art form that it is today. In his short fifty-two years of life, he wrote at least thirty-seven plays and collaborated on more. Without the work of two of his friends, those plays could have been long lost and ...

When I walked into the ART for OCEAN FILIBUSTER, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew that this was going to be a performance about the climate crisis. However, I don’t think anything could have prepared me for the two hour and fifteen minute spectacle I was about to witness. ...

Although no theme is clearly communicated in the promotional materials, the common thread that seems to be woven throughout the collection this year is comedy and perhaps seeing things from a differing perspective.  Think – do not judge a book by its cover.  ...

Life is full of challenges. It is impossible to make it throughout the day without facing some sort of challenge. It can be as small as you’ve run out of cream for your morning cup of coffee or as large as you’ve become addicted to alcohol and/or drugs. In PEOPLE, PLACES, & THINGS, Duncan Macmil...

MR PARENT tells the story of a teacher struggling to find the balance between doing what you love and doing what you feel like you need to be doing....

American Repertory Theater’s WILD: A MUSICAL BECOMING does not hold back in its message, and truth be told, it shouldn’t. With a book by V and a score by Justin Tranter and Caroline Pennell (with contributions by V and Idina Menzel), WILD forces its audiences to think about the choices they make...

There is much to enjoy in this stage adaptation of the 1954 American Musical film. This production features David Adkins as General Henry Waverly; Allison Briner Dardenne as Martha Watson; Alanna Saunders as Judy Haynes; Claire Saunders as Betty Haynes; Michael Starr as Phil Davis and Michael Wart...

“What’s the difference between what you’re taught and what you know?” are the first words the audience hears in Whitney White’s “Macbeth in Stride.” This rock concert meets Shakespearean play invites the audience to reflect on this question....

THE CHAIRS is an absurdist 'tragic farce' by Eugène Ionesco. It was written in 1952 and debuted the same year. THE CHAIRS concerns two characters, known as Old Man and Old Woman, frantically preparing chairs for a series of invisible guests who are coming to hear an orator reveal the Old Man's ...

In the hands of Hill and May audiences sit back, relax, and fall spellbound as she shares stories of her very average ordinary daily existence. May’s command of the stage for two hours is impressive. Her Shirley is comfortable, relaxed, and easy to get familiar with. She evolves into a wise and...

As we filed out of the theatre following the performance of the World Premiere Musical, A CROSSING, I leaned in toward BSC Artistic Director Julianne Boyd and said, “I am torn between two words - magnificent and gorgeous”. She replied, “I will take them both”, and I assure you deservedly so...

You likely have little to no knowledge or information about this new play that enjoyed a successful run at the Royal Court in London and now makes its regional debut at Shakespeare & Company in Lenox.  I will cut to the heart of the matter and state that both those who enjoy intrigue as well as goo...

I found myself with an overwhelming sense that what I was watching play out could easily have been an episode of television’s Law and Order or perhaps, more appropriately, the Broadway production of EQUUS from the 1970s. ...

Director and Choreographer, Gerry McIntyre says, “At a time when people are feeling the need to do something in our hurting world but don’t know how to start, this production is an incredible reminder that you just need to take the first step. Or write the first note. Nina Simone: Four Women med...

In BOCA, we follow a group of retirees who, between rounds of golf, bridge and Botox, can be found bickering, gossiping and living it up like they’re teenagers all over again. Don’t worry, Sophia, this is NOT Shady Pines. The residents of the Royal Palm Polo Club, a gated community that offers ...

Allyn Burrows, became aware of the piece by Yasmina Reza when it ran in New York in the late 1990’s and it has been with him ever since.  Given that the play was translated into English by Christopher Hampton twenty-five years ago, along with the current common need for something to laugh about -...

Every aspect of this production works together seamlessly and synergistically.  What's more, the team deploys seemingly simple techniques and tactics with very positive results.  The scenery consists of a park bench and a few sheets of fabric.  There is one actor in only one costume with no cha...

Provides a tasty smorgasbord comprised of the layers contributing to the woman, as well as her depth, dynamism, energy, and intensity. The performance is primarily, a recounting of Byrd’s life and experiences. Like the woman, herself, the piece is an amalgamation of myriad events, issues, topics...

The return of the performing arts across the region over the past few weeks has given Berkshire theatre goers much to celebrate.  With the opening production of KING LEAR, Shakespeare & Company increases the list of reasons, “when power to flattery bows”....

Oscar Wilde's much-loved and enduring masterpiece, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST tells the story of two bachelor friends, dandy Algernon Moncrieff and reliable John (Jack) Worthing, as they take on double lives to court the attentions of the desirable Gwendolyn Fairfax and the romantic Cecily Card...

Sharing details regarding the plot would be a disservice to the piece and those who will accept my encouragement to experience it for themselves. During the roughly 90 minutes (with no intermission) the pair of skillful actors present two broadly disparate seeming individuals mostly in a series of i...

The Roxbury International Film Festival, New England’s largest film festival celebrating works by and about people of color is happening through June 26 with in-person screenings, online viewing options, and plenty of exciting events. I was able to catch three of the documentary highlights from th...

BSC Artistic Director, Julianne Boyd, who directs this production, said that WHO COULD ASK FOR ANYTHING MORE? Is a tribute to Gershwin’s indominable spirit and love-for-life.  It is also a joyous and triumphant return of live theatre to the Berkshires following the bleakness of the pandemic....

Guerilla Opera’s artistic director, Aliana de la Guardia, hosted a warmly informal Zoom preview of the company’s current work in progress, Island of Hope, Island of Tears (working title) which served effectively as a promotion of a planned in-person workshop as well as an opportunity to engage i...

As long as the current standard theatrical canon is taught in schools, young artists will continue to riff on the sanctified artists from their syllabi. Thus, America has seen a recent trend in irreverence toward the works of Anton Chekhov....