New Rep’s “1776” Brings History Wonderfully to Life

December 4, 2018December 4, 2018 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

The winter spectacular at New Rep Theatre is the 1969 smash musical “1776” with music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and a book by Peter Stone. This rousing piece of legendary musical theatre puts a human face on the pages of history. New Rep’s version of the show is an exciting inclusive reimagining of this classic musical. It’s the summer of 1776, and the nation is ready to declare independence, if only our founding fathers could agree to do it. The show covers the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This musical ran on Broadway for 1217 performances, won the Tony Award for Best Musical. It was made into a film by the same name in 1972 and the revival starring Brent Spiner, won the Drama Desk Award for Best Revival in 1997. Hard working directors Austin Pendleton and Kelli Edwards cast the best performers in these roles while musical director Todd C. Gordon taught the cast these intricate songs and conducts a fabulous seven piece orchestra. Kelli is also the choreographer and she creates some inventive dances for them to perform. Their combined expertise produces another stunning epic musical masterpiece for New Repertory Theatre. The signing of the Declaration is a breathtaking and stops the show with its majestic power and punch. A thunderous standing ovation is their reward for one of the must see shows this winter season.

A Sobering “Statements After An Arrest Under the Immortality Act”

January 31, 2018 michaelhobanLeave a comment

By Michele Markarian

‘Statements After An Arrest Under the Immortality Act’ – Written by Athol Fugard. Directed by Jim Petosa. Presented by New Repertory Theatre, co-produced with Boston Center for American Performance. At the Blackbox Theater, Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA through March 3.

All affairs end, and most of them end badly. One or both partners are usually married, so the possibility of happily ever after is slim. In due time, affairs run their course and with any luck, both parties escape moderately unscathed. Unless the affair itself is against the law.

Flat Earth’s “Fat Pig” Artfully Combines Pain, Laughter

June 19, 2017June 24, 2017 michaelhobanLeave a comment

by Mike Hoban

“Fat Pig” Written by Neil LaBute. Directed by Juliet Bowler. Presented by The Flat Earth Theatre at the Mosesian Center for the Arts, Watertown, through June 24.

Flat Earth Theatre follows up their luminous (and Elliot Norton Award–winning) Silent Sky with another first-rate production, Neil LaBute’s Fat Pig, playing through next weekend (June 24). This dark dramedy details the unlikely romance between plus-sized librarian Helen, and Tom, a handsome (and thin) up-and-coming corporate guy. The two meet by chance in a crowded restaurant and the mutual attraction is evident early on, as Helen’s disarming and sexually-tinged wit draws Tom in, and he quickly finds himself smitten.