Boston Stage Preview: Thirteen Boston Performances To See In 2014
Emily White ’16 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer
Boston theatre has been rapidly growing in both diversity and excellence these past few years, and 2014 is no exception. Perhaps this is the year of the Russian, with Chekhov’s plays being highly popular around the city, from Russian legend Man in a Case, starring Mikhail Baryshnikov to the Seagull. But if you’re not into the Russian classics this year, fret not! From fringe to foreign to Shakespearean theatre, Boston has enough “something” for every curious audience member.
House/Divided
Company: The Builders Association (ArtsEmerson)
Run Dates: January 30 – February 2
Venue: Cutler Majestic Theater
This show uses an innovative and highly technical set built from the remains of an actual foreclosed house. This construction helps to juxtapose the recent mortgage crisis in America with John Steinbeck’s portrayal of The Great Depression in his novel, The Grapes of Wrath. This “modern theatrical allegory” is expected to be an interesting and worthwhile performance.
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The Cherry Orchard
Company: Actor’s Shakespeare Project
Run Dates: February 12 – March 9
Venue: The Dane Estate at Pine Manor College
Directed by Emerson Performance Art Faculty member, Melia Bensussen, this play explores themes of isolation and confusion prevalent in today’s society through Chekov’s text. A stunning cast and crew rounds out the production which seeks to find “the silliness and sadness of recognizing [them]selves on stage.”
The Flick
Company: Company One
Run Dates: February 20 – March 15
Venue: Suffolk Univeristy Modern Theatre
This award-winning play makes its New England debut under the direction of Shawn LaCount, winner of the prestigious Boston-based Elliot Norton Award. The show realizes the trials and tribulations of an independent movie theater as it shifts from film to digital showings. Set in Massachusetts, The Flick will hit close to home and deliver solid performances throughout.
Man in a Case
Company: Baryshnikov Productions (ArtsEmerson)
Run Dates: February 25 – March 2
Venue: Cutler Majestic Theatre
Starring the legendary Mikhail Baryshnikov, this show combines two of Chekov’s plays, The Man in a Case and About Love. The production combines dance, theatre, music, and video to fuse contemporary society with the 19th century world of Chekov.
The Seagull
Company: Huntington Theatre Company
Run Dates: March 7 – April 6
Venue: BU Theatre
A classic Chekhov piece, the Huntington Theatre Company will provide a traditional interpretation of this masterpiece, exploring what it means to be an artist in the presence of difficult love.. Despite tradition, these themes still resonate today.
Stupid F**king Bird
Company: Apollinaire Theatre Company
Run Dates: March 28 – April 27
Venue: Chelsea Theatre Works
Try to see the Huntington Theatre Company’s production first, and then catch a viewing of this one soon thereafter. Aaron Posner’s adaptation of Chekov’s The Seagull, turns the classic upside down and reimagines the relationship between main characters Nina and Konstantin in several innovative ways. Posner is also co-directing The Tempest at the A.R.T., another must-see this year!
Not By Bread Alone
Company: Nalaga’at Theater Deaf-Blind Acting Ensemble (ArtsEmerson)
Run Dates: April 1 – April 6
Venue: Paramount Center Mainstage
This Israeli ensemble, based in Tel-Aviv, is the only one of its kind in the world. Deaf and blind actors take the audience on a sensory journey through their world. The actors bake bread in real time onstage, and as it rises, they tell their stories in a magical and beautiful way. The run is short, but it may be one of the most groundbreaking shows of the season, so get those tickets!
The Shape She Makes
Company: American Repertory Theater
Run Dates: April 5 – April 27
Venue: OBERON
Created by choreographer Susan Misner and writer/director Jonathan Bernstein, this new work was workshopped over the summer and will be making its world premiere this April. Combining dance and theatre, it tells the story of an 11-year-old girl, and how her life is shaped by “the echoes of childhood.”
As You Like It
Company: Actor’s Shakespeare Project
Run Dates: April 17 – May 18
Venue: TBA
No year is complete without a traditional Shakespearean comedy. As You Like It is a pastoral romp of mistaken identity and who better to handle the master of words than those who love Shakespeare so well? The Actor’s Shakespeare Project, of course. Also of note will be Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s free “Shakespeare on the Commons” play which, as of yet, remains unannounced.
Carrie the Musical
Company: SpeakEasy Stage Company
Run Dates: May 9 – June 7
Venue: Calderwood Pavillion at the Boston Center for the Arts
Based on the classic Stephen King novel, Carrie was originally adapted for the stage in 1988, and after an unsuccessful run was revised then, in 2012, revived off-Broadway. With killer pop-rock anthems such as “Carrie” and several strong female roles, it is a very apt show for today’s audience.
The Tempest
Company: American Repertory Theater
Run Dates: May 10 – June 15
Venue: Loeb Drama Center
Adapted and directed by Aaron Posner and Teller (of magic duo Penn & Teller), this adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic utilizes the music of Tom Waits with the innovative movement work of Pilobolus, and Teller’s performance magic. This show is definitely not one to be missed.
Eugene Onegin
Company: Vakhtangov State Academic Theatre of Russia (ArtsEmerson)
Run Dates: June 6 – June 7
Venue: Cutler Majestic Theatre
This adaptation is the winner of the Crystal Turandot, Russia’s most prestigious theatrical award. It brings a cast of 45 actors together and uses both the original text and French song to create a modern adaptation. It has been considered a “modern masterpiece.” This legendary theatre group rarely performs in Boston, so this brief run is a real treat.
XX PlayLab
Company: Company One
Run Dates: June 6 – June 8
Venue: Plaza and Black Box Theatres at the Boston Center for the Arts
A festival of female Boston playwrights, this showcase features three new works by talented women writers. Miranda Craigwell’s Shelter deals with the power of water in a mixed community in New Orleans. Obehi Janice’s Fufu and Oreos explores the craziness of life for a twenty-something Nigerian American. Lastly, Natasu Onoda Power’s Astro Boy and the God of Comics will be performed as a full production from July 18 – August 16 at the BCA.