Theater Mirror’s Reviewers ‘Top 10’ Lists for 2023

December 30, 2023December 30, 2023 michaelhobanLeave a comment

‘The Band’s Visit’ appeared on all four reviewers Top Ten lists for 2023

2023 was not only the year that the COVID masks literally came off in theaters (although with the recent spike in cases, they’re wisely coming back on in some venues), it also saw a minimizing of COVID-related cancellations thanks to a downturn in cases and an explosion of understudies for critical roles. It was also a year when theaters realized they could offer quality programming instead of well-intentioned but artistically weak messaging plays and still achieve diversity goals. Not surprisingly, that meant bringing back works by masters like Lorraine Hansberry, August Wilson, and Tony Kushner while still presenting new works by talents like Josh Harmon and newcomers Lenelle Moïse (K-I-S-S-I-N-G) and LaDarrion Williams (Boulevard of Bold Dreams). Here are the Top 10 picks for 2023 by our reviewing staff:

Theater Mirror Editors Favorite Theatrical Experiences of 2019

January 1, 2020January 10, 2020 michaelhobanLeave a comment

By Michele Markarian and Mike Hoban

2019 was another banner year for theater in Boston, with the widest range of themes and offerings we’ve seen in a while. Fresh new theater companies and faces surprised us this year, so it’s energizing to see so much burgeoning talent bursting out in one small city. Theater Mirror Co-Editors Michele Markarian and Mike Hoban had a hard time pulling their respective lists of favorites from 2019, as there were so many deserving theatrical events, but here goes:

Theater Mirror’s Favorite Productions of 2018

December 31, 2018January 20, 2019 michaelhoban2 Comments

By Michele Markarian and Mike Hoban

Looking back, 2018 was a pretty eclectic year for Boston-area theater, with something for everybody – whether it be “serious” theatergoers or newcomers checking out the latest jukebox musical. So Theater Mirror Co-Editors Michele Markarian and Mike Hoban reflected on some of the more noteworthy theatrical events of 2018 and created their year-end lists. There are four overlaps – which says a lot about the strength of the productions in a year full of quality offerings – but there were also a lot of shows that could have made the lists that we just didn’t have room for.