Exiled Theatre’s ‘Hauntings’ Reveals the Evil Within

November 17, 2023November 17, 2023 michaelhobanLeave a comment

“Hauntings I Have Lived Through” – Written and Directed by James Wilkinson. Presented by Exiled Theatre at Boston Playwrights’ Theatre, 949 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, through November 19.

by Mike Hoban

Halloween may be over, but that doesn’t mean our love of horror has abated. No, we’re not talking about REAL horrors, like the horrific attack on Israel or the war in Gaza that is now raging, or even Donald Trump’s plans for bringing back early 20th-century European fascism to America if re-elected. The horror we speak of resides where it always does – between our ears, and it’s jolted back to life in Exiled Theatre’s compelling Hauntings I Have Lived Through, now playing at the Boston Playwrights Theatre. Written and directed by Exiled’s co-founder James Wilkinson, Hauntings is three monologues delivered by female narrators, weaving tales from the realm of the supernatural.

A Gritty, Rollicking, ‘Rocky Horror’ at Central Square

November 12, 2023November 12, 2023 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Nico Ochoa, Emma Na-yun Downs, Michael J. Mahoney, and Matti Steriti in “The Rocky Horror Show” at Central Square Theatre Photo by: Nile Scott Studios

By Michele Markarian

“The Rocky Horror Show” by Richard O’Brien. Directed by Lee Mikesha Gardner and Jo Michael Rezes. Music Director, Sandy Sahar Gooen; Choreographer, Ilyse Robbins. Presented by Central Square Theater, 450 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, through November 26.

Most people are introduced to “The Rocky Horror Show” by its film version, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” which dominated the Exeter Street Theater with frequent midnight showings back when I was in college. The film celebrated sexuality, gay, straight, whatever, which was probably why it was such a big hit with college students. Tim Curry was charming, abusive, and on the prowl. I loved him.

ASP’s Not-to-Be-Missed “How I Learned to Drive” Explores Abuse and Memory in a Tour de Force Production

November 9, 2023November 18, 2023 michaelhoban2 Comments

Dennis Trainor, Jr. and Jennifer Rohn in Actors’ Shakespeare Project’s *‘How I Learned to Drive’*
(Photo Credit: Nile Scott Studios)

‘How I Learned to Drive’ — Written by Paula Vogel. Directed by Elaine Vaan Hogue. Scenic Design by Baron E. Pugh; Lighting Design by Marcella Barbeau; Costume Design by Marissa Wolf; Sound Design by Mackenzie Adamick. Presented by Actors’ Shakespeare Project at the Roberts Studio Theatre, Calderwood Pavilion, 527 Tremont St., Boston through November 25.

By Shelley A. Sackett

“You and Driver Education — Safety First,” a voice announces as the lights dim. A middle-aged woman steps onto a bare set, composing herself. She turns to face the audience, addressing them as though mid-conversation.

“Sometimes, to tell a secret, you first have to teach a lesson,” she says. “We’re going to start our lesson tonight on an early, warm summer evening.”

So begins Paula Vogel’s brilliant Pulitzer Prize Award-winning play, “How I Learned to Drive,” in which she examines the complicated ways in which we process the trauma, shame, and blame associated with pedophilia and family complicity. If the topic sounds heart-wrenching and heavy, that’s because it is.

ELVIS Is Another NSMT Crowd Pleaser

November 6, 2023November 6, 2023 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Dan Berry in “Elvis” at the North Shore Music Theatre. Photo © David Costa Photography

‘Elvis: A Musical Revolution’ at North Shore Music Theatre. Book by Sean Cercone and David Abbinanti. Based on a concept by Floyd Mutrux. Direction and Choreography by Kevin P. Hill. Co-Music Direction by Milton Granger and Robert L. Ruckinski. Scenic Design by Kyle Dixon. Costume Design by Travis M. Grant. Lighting Design by Jack Mehler. Sound Design by Alex Berg. Wig and Hair Design by Rachel Padula-Shufelt. At the North Shore Music Theatre through November 12.

By Shelley A. Sackett

Who can resist the charm, energy and smoldering heat of that hip-swinging, pelvis-grinding consummate crooner and actor known as Elvis? At Bill Hanney’s award-winning North Shore Music Theatre, fans and fans-to-be of the “King of Rock and Roll” can spend a toe-tapping two and one-half hours (one intermission) as over 40 of Elvis’ most famous songs are belted out by talented Dan Berry while a cast of 29 sings and dances their hearts out to a live orchestra of nine.

Throw in the theater-in-the-round setting with its intimacy and excitement, and you’ve got all the ingredients for an evening of sheer entertainment.

Blue Man Group Presses the Refresh Button while Keeping the Best of Its Core

November 6, 2023November 6, 2023 michaelhobanLeave a comment

‘Blue Man Group’ – Created, Written and Directed by Matt Goldman, Phil Stanton and Chris Wink. Lighting Design by Matthew McCarthy; Set Design by David Gallo; Video Design by Caryl Glaab. Presented by Blue Man Productions at The Charles Playhouse, 74 Warrenton St., Boston. Ongoing.

By Shelley A. Sackett

Blue Man Group is a global entertainment phenomenon known for its award-winning theatrical productions, unique characters and multiple creative explorations. With its all-new 2024 show at The Charles Playhouse, it has upped the ante on its high-energy production with new music, two new acts and a finale that feels like a Las Vegas New Year’s Eve celebration, complete with streamers, confetti and bubbles.

At NSMT, Elvis Lives!

November 3, 2023November 4, 2023 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Cast of “Elvis” at the North Shore Music Theatre. Photo © David Costa Photography

Elvis: A Musical Revolution at North Shore Music Theatre. Book by Sean Cercone and David Abbinanti. Based on a concept by Floyd Mutrux. Direction and Choreography by Kevin P. Hill. Co-Music Direction by Milton Granger and Robert L. Ruckinski. Scenic Design by Kyle Dixon. Costume Design by Travis M. Grant. Lighting Design by Jack Mehler. Sound Design by Alex Berg. Wig and Hair Design by Rachel Padula-Shufelt. At the North Shore Music Theatre through November 12

by Linda Chin

Whether, like me, you’ve seen Elvis Presley perform his hip-gyrating hits on archival footage, or like my plus one, saw him perform ‘live’ on the Ed Sullivan Show on black and white TV in 1956, you’re in for a fun time at NSMT. Their current production of Elvis: A Musical Revolution features over 40 of his songs, a terrific 9-piece orchestra, a 29-member company of triple-threats, and a breakout performance by Dan Berry as the King. And unlike watching Elvis on the screen, in this theater-in-the-round – where you’re never more than 15 rows from the stage – you’ll see the actors in full form, live and up close – and not just visible from the waist up.

“A Christmas Carol” Returns to Trinity Rep

November 1, 2023November 17, 2023 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Cast of “A Christmas Carol” at Trinity Rep. Photos by Mark Turek.

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

Trinity Repertory Company ushers the holiday season in with their presentation of their 47th production of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, adapted by Adrian Hall and Richard Cumming. This is Trinity’s third show of its 60th season. This show’s underlying themes of charity, forbearance, and benevolence are universal. They are equally relevant to people of all religions and backgrounds, especially now with the upcoming 2024 election being upended by the former, four times indicted and arrested, as well as twice impeached ex-president. Also, because of his impending and ongoing trials about the Insurrection of the Capital on January 6th, of the stolen top-secret documents and being found guilty of assault and defamation as well as being found guilty of fraud and the still contentious climate of this country and disorder in the congress about the debt ceiling limit. “A Christmas Carol” is about the curmudgeonly miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by the ghosts of Marley, Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come who hope to change his destiny and save his soul to ultimately discover the true meaning of Christmas.

MRT’s Psychological Thriller ‘Gaslight’ a Portrait of Courage in the Face of Evil

November 1, 2023November 1, 2023 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Jim Hopkins, Kristin Yancy, and Karen MacDonald in MRT’s ‘Gaslight’

‘Gaslight’ – Based on the play by Patrick Hamilton. Adapted for the stage by Steven Dietz. Directed by Courtney Sale; Scenic Design by Samantha Reno; Lighting Design by Laura Glover; Costume Design by Rainy Edwards; Sound Design by Robert Carlton Stimmel. Produced by Merrimack Repertory Theater in partnership with the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company at the Nancy L. Donahue Theatre at Liberty Hall, 50 E. Merrimack St., Lowell, through November 5.

By Mike Hoban

There could hardly be a more fitting time for a play entitled Gaslight, given that we are now living in a world that asks us to bend reality to suit our own cultural and political beliefs rather than to believe what we see and hear with our own eyes and ears. This engaging production is also a reminder of the courage it takes to fight back against the forces of evil, whether it’s on a personal or global scale, and that fight is vital to our very survival.

Exotic “Grupo Corpo” Troupe Combines Exceptional Dancing with Brazilian and African Rhythm for a Spectacular Evening of Excitement and Adventure

October 30, 2023November 15, 2023 michaelhobanLeave a comment

“Grupo Corpo” Artistic Director – Paulo Pederneiras; Choreographer – Rodrigo Pederneiras; Presented by Celebrity Series at Boch Center Shubert Theatre. Run has ended.

By Shelley A. Sackett

Founded in 1975 by Paulo and Rodrigo Pederneiras, the Brazilian dance company Grupo Corpo (meaning “Body Group” in Portuguese) is renowned for its unparalleled blend of popular Brazilian culture, African rhythms, and classical technique.

At last Saturday night’s performance, the troupe treated its audience to a mesmerizing evening of ingenious choreography, tireless, virtuoso dancers, inventive lighting and stage design, and pulsating, tribal-tinged music by Bahian songwriter Gilberto Gil and the Brazilian jazz band, Metà Metà.

The concert was as thrilling, riveting and entertaining as it gets.

Hands Together, Thumbs Up, And Snap Twice For Wheelock’s ‘The Addams Family’

October 20, 2023November 15, 2023 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Cast of ‘The Addams Family’ at Wheelock Family Theatre

Wheelock Family Theatre at Boston University presents ‘The Addams Family’. Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa. Nick Vargas (Director), David Freeman Coleman (Music Director), Larry Sousa (Choreographer), Jimmy Rotondo (Scenic Designer), Frank Meissner, Jr. (Lighting Designer), Zoë Sundra (Costume Designer), Jenn Butler (Props Designer), Jon King (Sound Designer), Akeem Celestine (Makeup Designer). At WFT@BU, 180 Riverway, Boston, through November 19, 2023.

by Linda Chin

After a warm pre-curtain welcome by Jeri Hammond (Director of Education) and Nick Vargas (Interim Artistic Director) the house lights dim, and the audience is abuzz with anticipation. Yet before the red velvet curtain opens to reveal the world of the show (and its sensational set by Jimmy Rotondo and lighting by Frank Meissner, Jr.) is another surprise. A disembodied hand emerges through the split in the curtain, eliciting some gasps from the crowd (from the younger, middle-aged, or senior patrons – or all three?). But the hand seems more shy, lost, and friendly than scary, lecherous, and frightening and happily finds its place in the spotlight center stage. When the first strains of music from the theme song, the “Buh-buh-buh-bump,” rise from the pit, the hand – right on cue – snaps its fingers twice, then the phrase repeats. The hand is noticeably happier when more of its new friends in the audience join in. Which many of us baby boomers (who grew up with the television show and this opening number on our black-and-white sets) do while giggling and singing along with kooky, ooky, childish glee.