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By C.E.E.K. for BCN #134
April 3, 2021
As vaccinations continue to roll out and the end of the pandemic begins to come into focus, theater’s continue to operate in survival mode with virtual programming now and outdoor performances planned for this summer. This month marks the 23rd season of the Boston Theatre Marathon, a smorgasbord of New England talent to feast on every Monday through Saturday at noon for free from April 1st to May 28th. Get to know the New England scene with a new 10-minute play each day of the fest and get a feel for the faces making theatre possible. While it’s entirely free, donating a little something is recommended during these difficult times.
This month, some important past productions are returning and are not to be missed, including New Rep’s Unveiled and Company One’s Hype Man. At the top of our along with some promising new shows and workshops which we’ve included in our listings below.
More times than not, viewers need to be ahead of the game to score tickets to the best upcoming shows. So keep your eyes peeled for another installment of the Arlekin Players’ new media workshop for The Cherry Orchard and also for some promising outdoor programming this summer at the Central Square parking lot turned pop-up venue, Starlight Square. Among Starlight’s collaborators are the Central Square Theater, ImprovBoston, Global Arts Live, and Studio at 550 for dance. Stay tuned at starlightsquare.org.
Here are our listings for April 2021. Anything we’re missing? Email TheatrescapeBoston@gmail.com
-CEEK
TBA
The Arlekin Players are hard at work redefining virtual theater with this workshop for their upcoming interactive production of Chekhov’s Cherry Orchard. A classic play experienced like never before as the company fine tunes their blending of cinema, theatre and even video games to engage audiences in an entirely new way. This sold out quickly in February but more dates are forthcoming. Join their mailing list so you don’t miss the next opportunity to catch this.
WHERE: ArlekinPlayers.com
4/1-5/28
A New England tradition and a great opportunity to sample new works by our local artists, thanks to the Boston Playwrights Theatre at BU. Check out a show while you have your lunch any Monday thru Saturday at noon with 10-minute plays available via Zoom. Totally free and totally worth it.
WHERE: Schedule and tickets at http://www.bu.edu/bpt/
4/2-4/18
This digital one-woman show written & performed by Rohina Malikvia tells the story of 5 Muslim women living in a post-9/11 America. A powerful perspective on racism and the strength to remain true to one's own culture and beliefs. Originally a 2018 co-production from New Repertory Theatre and the Greater Boston Stage Company.
WHERE: NewRep.org
4/8-5/8
Company One’s 2018 show is cinematically reimagined for the virtual A.R.T. stage. Break beat poet and playwright, Idris Goodwin tells the story of two childhood friends and partners in hip-hop facing success together as they are confronted by social injustice. As black lives continue to be lost at the hands of the police, the lines become drawn between dormant bystanders and those compelled to engage. Too timely to miss.
WHERE: $25 tickets or pay-what-you-can at americanrepertorytheater.org
4 /5-18 & 4/26-5/9
Actors Shakespeare Project brings a virtual version of this play to life, adapted by Mfoniso Udofia. This timeless tragedy stirs up racism, jealousy and manipulation in one pot then watches it all boil over.
WHERE: ActorsShakespeareProject.org
4/16-22
SpeakEasy Stage Theatre presents playwright James Ijames’ new comedy about a young black college student navigating advances from her school’s Dean of Students.
WHERE: SpeakEasyStage.
Ongoing
Check out the first two short audio plays in this new series from the Lyric Stage Co featuring playwrights David Valdes and Ginger Lazarus.
WHERE: LyricStage.com
The Huntington Theatre’s 2016 show is back and has gone audio for its radio debut. This hilarious confrontation of Asian stereotypes and family by Mike Lew will also be streaming via podcast in four half hour episodes.
Where: Huntingtontheatre.org
Ongoing
This ongoing online series of short audio plays features a gaggle of local playwrights imagining a future scene in their favorite Boston spots. Talents include local theatre mainstays like John Kuntz, Melinda Lopez, Kirsten Greenidge and more.
WHERE: Free to listen at HuntingtonTheatre.org
Ongoing
Free online every tues at noon via ART. Talk show with artists, activists and civic leaders
WHERE: https://americanrepertorytheater.org/shows-events/the-lunch-room/
As theatre evolves through all this uncertainty, navigating a new medium is a daunting task for many theatre companies. Cue StageSource, a local non-profit resource for the New England theatre community. This event series covers monetizing virtual theatre, tracking viewership/engagement, contracting, livestreaming, union guidelines and partnerships. Join the conversation with their panel of professionals. $5-20 tickets.
WHERE: Register at StageSource.org