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REVIEW: Featuring John Williams’s multi-faceted score, ‘Home Alone in Concert’ made a bustling, merry return to Symphony Hall

Posted on January 9, 2019 by The Sleepless Critic

Kicking off with the familiar drumbeat of the 20^th Century Fox fanfare performed live before the film’s opening credits, The Boston Pops presented Home Alone in Concert with style and a few surprises as this popular 1990 Christmas comedy film returned to Symphony Hall from December 29 and 30. Much like the Boston Pops’ ‘in concert’ predecessors featuring classic films such as West Side Story, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Nosferatu, Singin’ in the Rain, and Psycho, the Boston Pops enhances the unique tone of each film from score to sound effects, making it an unforgettable cinematic experience. Led by Keith Lockhart, it doesn’t get much better than watching a feature film on the big screen alongside the Boston Pops’ clever orchestration. Click here for more information on the Boston Pops.

It was a particular treat to be greeted by the Wellesley High School Keynote Singers and Rice Street Singers who performed a few lighthearted a capella holiday hits as the audience filed into the Symphony Hall lobby before the film started. The anticipation of Home Alone in Concert was palpable, heightened by an uproarious applause as the film started and enthusiasm that continued throughout the performance.

A heartwarming film full of high jinks and relatable family humor, Home Alone features the McAllister family as they prepare to embark on a Christmas trip to Paris and through a series of unforeseeable circumstances, leave their youngest child, Kevin, portrayed by Macaulay Culkin, home alone. Directed by Christopher Columbus, Home Alone features a hilarious cast that includes the late, great John Candy, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Catherine O’Hara, and John Heard.

From heartwarming to hectic to haunting, Academy award-winning composer John Williams offers a bit of everything in Home Alone’s multi-faceted score. Songs from the film’s soundtrack such as Run Run Rudolph by Chuck Berry and I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas by the Drifters are left to the original artists, but John Williams’s compelling score featuring the Academy Award-nominated song, Somewhere in My Memory were performed by the orchestra.

Home Alone writer John Hughes was gifted with the ability to capture the voice of a young generation and he does a remarkable job depicting the perspective of mischievous and utterly adorable Kevin McAllister as he attempts to fend for himself. Though some of the movie is a bit far-fetched, it remains as enjoyable as it was close to 30 years ago before cell phones were a daily part of life.

Holiday Pops presents ‘Home Alone in Concert’ Photo courtesy of Jeanne Denizard

Not only is Home Alone on the verge of celebrating its 30^th anniversary since its release, but Macauley Culkin is all grown up and has reemerged recently in a reenactment of pivotal scenes from the original film to demonstrate the magic of Google Assistant. With the same twinkle in his eye, Culkin adds a new dimension to those film scenes while keeping the spirit of the original film intact.

Home Alone in Concert was produced by Film Concerts Live! In August, Keith Lockhart will conduct the Boston Pops to perform Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert at Tanglewood. Click here for more information on the Boston Pops and upcoming Boston Symphony Orchestra events.

REVIEW: Captivating and lighthearted, Boston’s annual Holiday Pops as festive as ever

Posted on December 19, 2018 by The Sleepless Critic

In its 23^rd year, The Holiday Pops are in full swing and as festive as ever! Illustration and illumination dominated this year’s performances woven into a wide spectrum of Christmas carols, spiritual hymns, and holiday traditions. Whether it’s the excitement of the all-volunteer Tanglewood Festival Chorus, the Boston Pops adding their own unique, personal flair, or their highly anticipated sing-along, The Holiday Pops makes it easy to alleviate the stress of the season and happily embrace what truly matters. Sponsored by Fidelity Investments and led by Keith Lockhart, The Holiday Pops at Boston Symphony Hall continues through Christmas Eve. Click here for more information and tickets.

Elegantly adorning the intrinsically-detailed gold balconies are twinkling lights on thick, festive wreaths, just a sampling of the stunning surroundings inside Symphony Hall. During the show, the stage spontaneously came to life with a variety of scenery illuminated above the stage from flickering candles to colorful, dancing snowflakes.

This beautiful performance of Holiday Pops delivered equal doses of reflective material and lightheartedness, the first half playful and spiritual. Leroy Anderson’s A Christmas Festival which included Deck the Halls, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, and Silent Night kicked off a memorable first half. The Boston Pops orchestra performed a harmonious and airy rendition of Parade of the Wooden Soldiers accompanied by a bright, festive short film created with original artwork and animation by FableVision Studios.

The Holidays Pops reflected on the revelation of Jesus during Shepherd’s Chorus as well as The Festival of Lights in an increasingly uplifting Songs of Freedom: A Celebration of Chanukah featuring detailed portraits illustrated by children’s book artist, Judith Clark. With stirring excerpts from O Little Town of Bethlehem, What Child is This, Go Tell it On the Mountain, and more, acclaimed baritone David McFerrin narrated The Christmas Story illustrated with Tomie dePaola’s original artwork.

Brimming with beloved classic Christmas carols and guest appearances by Santa and more, the second half of Holiday Pops was a vibrant, yuletide spectacle. While bulbs glowing to the beat, the jolly Tanglewood Festival Chorus delivered a string of Christmas waltzes, singalongs, and more including the annual reading of Clement Charke Moore’s Twas The Night Before Christmas, read enthusiastically by special guest, Boston journalist Janet Wu.

Boston’s charming signature versions of Sleigh Ride and the always clever and amusing 12 Days of Christmas were welcome additions to the mix as Santa Claus made his grand entrance. Holiday Pops concluded with Let There Be Peace on Earth, as Earth shone overhead, brilliantly conveyed the quiet hope for the coming New Year.

The Boston Pops presents the beloved holiday film, ‘Home Alone in Concert’ with live orchestra December 29 and 30. Photo credit to Twentieth Century Fox/Boston Pops

Before ringing in the New Year, The Boston Pops will offer special presentations of Christmas film favorite, Home Alone featuring the music of John Williams with live orchestra at Symphony Hall on December 29 and 30. The Boston Pops will cap off the year with their annual New Year’s Eve concert led by actor, animator, singer, and filmmaker, Seth McFarlane.

All performances take place at Boston Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave in Boston, Massachusetts. Click here for more information and tickets, through SymphonyCharge at 888-266-1200, and at the Symphony Hall Box Office, 301 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, Massachusetts. The Holiday Pops are also available at home with A Boston Pops Christmas: Live from Symphony Hall album through ITunes, Amazon, and Amazon MP3.

REVIEW: Company Theatre’s enhanced, lively production of Lionel Bart’s ‘Oliver! ‘kicks this classic up a notch

Posted on December 8, 2018 by The Sleepless Critic

It was a nostalgic night witnessing Company Theatre’s livelier version of Lionel Bart’s musical, Oliver! having performed in the musical production in high school. While my part was limited to selling roses on a busy London street, the Company Theatre opened up an entire world for the holidays with enhanced flair for Lionel Bart’s Oliver! continuing through Sunday, December 16 at The Company Theatre in Norwell, Massachusetts. The production has recently sold out. Click here for more information on the Company Theatre and their future productions.

Directed by Zoe Bradford and Jordie Saucerman and musically directed by Steve Bass with choreography by Sally Ashton Forrest, Lionel Bart’s Oliver! is the latest version of this Charles Dickens’ classic. This family production has enjoyed several tours and revivals in different parts of the world in its close to 60-year history.

It’s is the tale of a workhouse orphan who get entangled in a series of unfortunate events that lead him to face many adversaries, but stays strong in his search for hope and love. With a large cast featuring memorable numbers such as Consider Yourself, As Long as He Needs Me, I’d Do Anything, and the title song, Oliver, this tale has its share of dark and humorous moments while delivering an important message about humanity that is especially relevant during the holidays.

Matthew O’Connor as Oliver Photo courtesy of Company Theatre

During the holiday season, the Company Theatre tends to make whichever production they have chosen bigger and more spectacular in line with the spirit of the season. Lionel Bart’s Oliver! stays consistent with that tradition featuring extended, more upbeat musical numbers, grander sets, and sharper choreography, especially during the sweeping numbers and quicker pacing of Food, Glorious Food and Consider Yourself.

From the humble, stone-lined workhouse surroundings with a single banner that reads, ‘God is Love’ to a bright street setting, Ryan Barrow’s impressive, rolling set design details the diversity of 1840’s London. Set pieces dropping from the ceiling was a particular highlight.

The musical’s classic line, ‘I want some more’ has never sounded more humble than from the adorable countenance of Matthew O’Connor as Oliver, a sweet, naïve, but daring workhouse orphan boy who, by uncontrollable circumstances, has an opportunity to see life beyond the workhouse walls. He shares some amusing camaraderie with Colin Paduck as the Artful Dodger, portrayed with a thick, regional accent and a charismatic grin. They stay in time with the children’s ensemble’s compelling choreography, an energetic bunch light on their feet during some of the production’s most challenging numbers.

The Sowerberrys Christopher Spencer as Mr Sowerberry and Christa Dunn as Mrs. Sowerberry Photo courtesy of The Company Theatre

Mr. and Mrs. Sowerberry are wonderfully wicked together. With a nasal voice and prominent sideburns, Christopher Spencer is quite comical as dour Mr. Sowerberry and Christa Dunn as stern and maybe a bit tipsy Mrs. Sowerberry. With a prominent stance and a great voice, Francis Sheehan takes on the gruffly bombastic parish beadle Mr. Bumble.

Company Theatre's Oliver - Oliver Fagin and Artful Dodger

Colin Paduck as The Artful Dodger, Christopher Hagberg as Fagin, Matthew O’Connor as Oliver and the children’s ensemble Photo courtesy of Company Theatre

With a white beard, black hat, and flowing overcoat, Christopher Hagberg delivers a limber, stealthy performance as Fagin. Hagberg captures the magic of Fagin, his deceptively good nature and comic greediness put on display in the number, You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two and the fiddle-infused Reviewing the Situation.

Company Theatre's Oliver- Nancy, Oliver, Bet, and Artful Dodger

Brittany Rolfs as Nancy, Matthew O’Connor as Oliver, Aliyah Harris as Bet, and Colin Paduck as the Artful Dodger Photo courtesy of the Company Theatre

Brittany Rolfs brings sass and saavy to the role of Nancy, a sweet but tough woman who has mixed with the wrong crowd. From her passionate, tenacious version of As Long as She Needs Me to the catchy harmony of the playful, rollicking number, Oom-Pah-Pah, Nancy is a force of her own onstage, sweet with the children, but always certain of what she wants.

With a deep seated growl and a menacing stare, Damian Smith steps into the role of troubled Bill Sikes. In this production, The Company Theatre brings a new dimension and lesser known angle to this character as he stalks the city streets. Remington is a welcome addition to the cast as scene stealing Bullseye, Bill Sikes’s dog.

The Company Theatre’s Renovation fund Photo credit Jeanne Denizard

Company Theatre celebrates 40 years Photo credit Jeanne Denizard

The Company Theatre is capping off its 40th season with Lionel Bart’s Oliver! continuing through Sunday, December 16. Click here for how to support the Company Theatre and here for more on their 2019 season.

REVIEW: Reagle Music Theatre’s 35th anniversary of ‘ChristmasTime’ is most wonderful

Posted on December 8, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

Brimming with holiday cheer while celebrating two milestone anniversaries, Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston is offering a season more spectacular than ever before. Not only is Reagle celebrating its 50^th anniversary, their beloved annual holiday music revue, ChristmasTime is marking 35 magnificent years. These special ChristmasTime anniversary performances are dedicated to Reagle’s Christmas Angel, Natalie L. Durkin. ChristmasTime continues through Sunday, December 10. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Raggedy Ann Photo courtesy of Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston

Just walking into Robinson Theatre before the performance, attendees are greeted by iconic holiday characters and Victorian carolers as the Robinson halls are decked out onstage and off with brightly lit snowflakes, richly designed Christmas trees, gold embossed wreaths, and the stage festively framed with wooden embroidered angels. Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston annually features the memorable performances that transformed ChristmasTime into a holiday tradition as well as additional scenes that keep the show fresh each year.

ChristmasTime stage Courtesy of Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston

From touching, candlelit hymns to joyous rollicking Christmas carols for the entire family including a sing-along, Reagle Music Theatre’s production of ChristmasTime never loses steam even in its quietest of moments. During the holiday season, spend the afternoon witnessing a unique musical revue seeped in a variety of iconic Christmas scenes expertly narrated with the warm, inviting vocals of R. Glen Mitchell and a live orchestra led by Jeffrey P Leonard and Paul S. Katz. Featuring an enormous, impressive cast of all ages with some performances offered with special permission from Radio City Music Hall, Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston travels to distant lands and different time periods from the North Pole to New York City in landscapes painted with picturesque flair by Robert Moody of Santa’s Workshop, Rockefeller Center, Boston’s duck statues, a candlelit church with sunburst stained glass windows, and the stunning, sprawling city of Jerusalem.

Christmas Time Photo 7 - Fred Van Ness Soloist

Renowned Tenor Fred C. VanNess Jr in The Living Nativity

The afternoon also featured an array of special, surprise guests with the returning, suburb talent of renowned tenor, Fred C. VanNess Jr and Mara Bonde’s gorgeous vocals. Famous scenes of the season include a lively version of The Nutcracker, appearances from Reagle’s Rockettes, a humorous scene from Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, and the suburb The Living Nativity highlighted by popular carols like Little Saint Nick, Jingle Bells, Twelve Days of Christmas, and Christmas medleys capture the Christmas spirit in an unforgettable way. Scenes are also peppered in performances from toys to trees coming to life dancing to rock, gospel, and much more. ChristmasTime, through its delightful, stunning vignettes of the season, exhibits a captivating depiction of the meaning of Christmas.

Teddy Bears Ballet Photo courtesy of Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston

Carolers Photo courtesy of Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston

Photo courtesy of Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston

As part of Reagle’s 50^th anniversary celebration, Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston is holding a limited raffle to win a new Honda Civic. Click here for further details.

This annual, interactive celebration, which is appropriate for all ages, has a strong following so purchase tickets now. Each show is held at Reagle Music Theatre, 617 Lexington Street in Waltham, Massachusetts through December 10. Call 781-891-5600 or Click here for tickets and for more information and upcoming events in 2018 such as Night Fever: An Evening With the Bee Gees and A Little Bit of Ireland. Tickets are also available at the theatre box office.

Americana Theatre Company’s David Friday and Nick Mitchell talk ‘It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play’

Posted on December 6, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

Over 70 years ago, despair, hardship, hope, and generosity encompassed a holiday tale that quickly became a film classic. Based on Philip Van Doren Stern’s short story, The Greatest Gift, Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life became an annual family tradition for generations and The Americana Theatre Company is bringing back this popular, unique retelling of this beloved story suited to the film’s time period. With a small cast inhabiting over 40 roles with a Christmas Eve setting, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is performed as a 1940s radio play with a cast of just five actors. The show runs from Wednesday, December 6 through Saturday, December 16 at Plymouth Center for the Arts in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Click here for more information and tickets.

A few cast member from Americana Theatre Company’s ‘It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play’ through December 16 Photo courtesy of Americana Theatre Company

Managing Director of the Americana Theatre Company David Friday and Director Nick Mitchell discuss the inspirational transformation of It’s a Wonderful Life into an interactive, onstage, and in-studio live radio show.

Sleepless Critic: What I like so much about It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is the nostalgic 1940s setting fits right in line with the time period of the film. How did this idea come about?

Nick Mitchell: Radio plays have taken off and a lot of companies are doing live, mock radio plays by bringing in the effects and the different voices from the actors. It was only a matter of time before authors got a hold of pieces like It’s a Wonderful Life. Two different versions of the script are available for It’s a Wonderful Life that is a formatted radio play. The one we’re using is by Joe Landry who condensed it into anywhere from 40 actors, but five are recommended and five is what we are going with.

SC: Those five actors will play 40 roles as I understand.

NM: Yes, indeed. George Bailey is played by Jesse Sullivan, Emily Turner Marsland as Mary. They play just those roles, but Josh Nicholson, David Friday, and Erin Friday, the Director of Education for Americana Theatre, play everybody else.

SC: I understand your voices will be enhanced with microphones, sound effects, and there will also be an authentic ‘Applause’ sign.

NM: The ‘Applause’ sign is funny. David made this fully working sign. I kept thinking during the rehearsal process whether it is bright enough for the audience to see it. However, audiences have responded to it the minute that sign lit up. It was fun to watch.

Cast of It’s a Wonderful Life In Studio Photo courtesy of Americana Theatre Company

SC: It also makes it more interactive for the audience too.

DF: The opening speech of the show explains to the audience that the broadcast will be in a radio studio. Other performances of this show have to be done on a large stage and broadcast on the radio to a different venue. In the opening speech, the announcer says that people at home are going to be able to hear you so laugh, applaud, cry, and it will all be part of the show. It really tries to get everybody involved including our stage manager. He can be seen in the production booth window. We added that nice little twist.

SC: Have there been any surprises during this show’s run such as unexpected reactions to certain scenes?

DF: It’s one of my favorite movies of all time. I see it every year just like most people do and get a little misty when I watch it. At the end of one evening’s performance, quite a few audience members were crying or very close to it. It is good for us. It just tells us we’ve been able to capture the spirit of the original film.

It’s nice and I’ve actually seen a couple of online Facebook comments that people can’t wait to go home and watch it. They enjoyed the show and want to watch it because the show recaptured something in a way that they have never seen it and want to go back and relate it to what they know. People even thinking that way is a large victory for us.

SC: What is the best reason one should come see the production?

NM: In this digital age, we get entertainment where and when we want it with a push of a button. I think at this time of year, a show and format like this reminds us to set aside some time with people that mean something to us and be entertained. In the process, see how many lives we’ve touched in the meantime.

SC: It’s a live show so anything can happen.

NM: It will, believe me.

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play continues through Saturday, December 16 at Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North Street in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Reserve tickets by clicking here or call 1-508-591-0282. Tickets will also be available at the door. Follow the Americana Theatre Company of Facebook for more information about this amazing theatre company and future productions.

REVIEW: Festive and moving, Massasoit’s production of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ is time well spent

Posted on November 30, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

Soft, twinkling lights and vintage multi-colored bulbs frame the Buckley Performing Arts Center stage as beloved Christmas carols ring in the holiday cheer in anticipation of a beloved tale. That familiar sign, “You are Now in Bedford Falls” rings true as Massasoit Theatre Company opened a four show, two weekend run of It’s A Wonderful Life continuing through Sunday, December 3 at Buckley Performing Arts Center, part of Massasoit Community College in Brockton, Massachusetts. Craig O’Connor, who acts as part narrator and full-time aspiring angel, warmly recalls a beautiful and haunting tale of the value of a life well spent. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Curtis J. Bellafiore as George and Elizabeth Lovley as Mary Hatch and the cast Photo courtesy of Massasoit Theatre Company

Massasoit has an affinity for festive onstage caroling during annual holiday productions and We Wish You a Merry Christmas is just one of an array of classic tunes to set the mood. The rolling stage, designed impressively by Nathan Fogg DeSisto, hearkens not only to its vintage 1920s to 40s setting, but visually captures some of the tale’s most iconic moments from the cold, snow covered bridge to a wooden bench frequently shown in Bedford Falls, a setting inspired by Seneca Falls, New York. Jennifer Spagone’s distinct costume design make the cast looked sharp as women wore brightly colored dresses from polka dots to paisley in signature hairstyles of the period and the men in a variety of suits, ties, and winter coats faithful to the season.

Patricia Straight-McGrath as Mother Bailey and Curtis J. Bellafiore as George Photo courtesy of Massasoit Theatre Company

Told partly in vignettes and flashbacks, It’s a Wonderful Life focuses on a morbidly downtrodden George Bailey, portrayed with a unique charisma by Curtis J. Bellafiore, who reaches a pivotal moment in his life that makes him question the value of his existence. Enter mild-mannered Clarence Odbody, portrayed with warmhearted sincerity by Craig O’Connor, who questions whether he can produce a Christmas miracle.

Curtis J. Bellafiore as George and Danny Hannafin as Uncle Billy Photo courtesy of Massasoit Theatre Company

Director Tony Ruscio masters the challenging task of capturing the charm of this small town through the cast’s jocular and moving camaraderie. The children have small roles, but each engages the audience in their own distinct way. With a winning smile and apprehensive verbal style only mildly reminiscent of Jimmy Stewart’s portrayal, Curtis J. Bellafiore, embodies endearing dreamer George Bailey with a unique charisma. His instant chemistry with Elizabeth Lovley as jubilant, yet mysterious Mary Hatch is captivating to watch. Lovley’s real skill as Mary is not just in the scripted word, but in the subtlety of her performance. Lovley’s quiet serenity perfectly complements Bellafiore’s charming optimism. Craig O’Connor harnesses such a natural presence as lovable Clarence that it is difficult to imagine the actor himself any other way.

Chris DiOrio, last seen as grouchy but lovable Shrek in Hingham Civic Music Theatre’s fall production of the same name, takes a gloriously dark turn as the infamous Mr. Potter. As he makes his demands from a sitting position, his presence casts a constant shadow, his deep, gravelly, and well spoken demeanor brimming with unflinching practicality. His calculating exchanges with each cast member are riveting to say the least.

Chris DiOrio as Mr. Potter, Jim Gross, and Margaret O’Brien as Bank Examiner Photo courtesy of Massasoit Theatre Company

Massasoit Theatre Company’s festive and moving It’s A Wonderful Life continues through Sunday, December 3 at Buckley Performing Arts Center, One Massasoit Boulevard in Brockton, Massachusetts. Call 508-427-1234 or click here for tickets and further details. Follow Massasoit Theatre Company on Facebook for upcoming events and more.

Holiday Pops makes annual return to Symphony Hall with sing-a-long carols, holiday cheer, and Santa Claus

Posted on November 30, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

The spirit of the season comes knocking as the Holiday Pops make their way to Symphony Hall bringing sing-a-long carols and brimming with holiday cheer. For over 20 years, decking out Symphony Hall has become an annual Boston tradition, seeped in the luminous sights and sounds of the season and welcoming audiences from near and far. At the helm once again is renowned maestro Keith Lockhart to conduct Holiday Pops 2017 from Tuesday, December 5 and continuing through Christmas Eve. Cap off the year and return to Symphony Hall for a special New Year’s Eve Party featuring the Boston Pops led by returning bandleader Bo Winiker. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Keith Lockhart leads the Holiday Pops Photo courtesy of Stu Rosner/BSO

Holiday Pops features approximately 40 evening and matinee performances featuring an array of beloved carols, storytelling, and a traditional holiday sing-along. Morning kid matinees are also available which includes photos with Santa and much more. Children under 2 get in free. Kicking off on December 2, The Holiday Pops will also be on the road touring New England with Keith Lockhart and Santa in tow for The Boston Pops Holiday Tour. Click here for tour dates and locations.

Bring Holiday Pops home with the Boston Pops all-live CD. Savor the sounds of the season right in the living room with A Boston Pops Christmas: Live from Symphony Hall, virtually bringing the listener right through the Symphony Hall doors to enjoy a time-honored Christmas tradition for the entire family.

With Keith Lockhart leading the Boston Pops, A Boston Pops Christmas: Live from Symphony Hall features a gorgeous Christmas medley from American Idol finalist Melinda Doolittle along with audience favorites such as Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas, The Twelve Days of Christmas, Sleigh Ride, The Christmas Song, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Merrily We Sing Along.

Photo courtesy of Bo Winiker

Click here for tickets, call SymphonyCharge at 888-266-1200, and are also available at the Symphony Hall Box Office, 301 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, Massachusetts. A Boston Pops Christmas: Live from Symphony Hall CD is available through ITunes, Amazon, and Amazon MP3.

A beloved, annual musical tradition, Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston presents ‘ChristmasTime’

Posted on November 25, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

Photo courtesy of Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston

The Nativity Photo courtesy of Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston

Raggedy Ann Photo courtesy of Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston

Carolers Photo courtesy of Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston

Teddy Bears Ballet Photo courtesy of Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston

Adorned in brightly lit snowflakes, sparkling, emerald Christmas trees and wreaths around the Robinson Theatre stage and festively lined with wooden embroidered angels, Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston brings back their masterful, musical theatrical production of ChristmasTime for two weekends from Friday, December 2 through Sunday, December 10. Click here for more information.

With an enormous cast of nearly 200 consisting of adults and children from Massachusetts representing two dozen regional towns, ChristmasTime is a musical revue accompanied by a live orchestra. The sets and costumes are adorned with festive flair and audiences will witness classic family favorites come to life such as ‘Teddy Bears Ballet’ Radio City Music Hall’s ‘The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,’ and ‘The Living Nativity’ as well as captivating dance performances. The show blossoms into a sweet dedication to the Christmas season.

This annual celebration has a strong following, so purchase tickets now. Each show will be held at Reagle Music Theatre, 617 Lexington Street in Waltham, Massachusetts on Saturdays and Sundays December 2, 3, 9, and 10 at noon and 4 p.m. One Friday evening performance will be held on December 8 at 7 p.m.

‘Night Fever: An Evening of the Bee Gees’ January 14 Photo courtesy of Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston

Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston will kick off the New Year with Night Fever: An Evening With the Bee Gees for one day only on Sunday, January 14 at 2 p.m. Click here for more information and tickets or call 781-891-5600. Tickets are also available at the theatre box office and Reagle gift cards make a great present for the holidays. Make Christmastime a family holiday tradition. Follow Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston on Twitter and Facebook for all their upcoming events.

Jukebox rockin’ ‘Smokey Joe’s Cafe,’ epic musical, ‘Ragtime,’ and stirring musical, ‘Oliver’ part of Company Theatre’s stellar 40th season

Posted on November 21, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

A birdcage, jukebox, a group of kittens, and an orange pocket watch were just a few of the visual clues left on the Company Theatre’s Facebook page in reference to their upcoming 40^th anniversary season. This exciting new season was proudly unveiled at Company Theatre’s annual Open House at the Company Theatre in Norwell, Massachusetts on Saturday, November 18. As the Company Theatre is about to launch an original musical production, Company for the Holidays on November 25, audiences can also look forward to an excellent balance of classic and contemporary theatre productions in the new year. Click here for more information and tickets.

The Company Theatre will offer new holiday fare with Company for the Holidays on Saturday, November 25 through Sunday, November 26 and continuing Thursdays through Sundays through December 17. Shared in three parts with a large ensemble cast, this musical extravaganza includes a new take on a few classics such as All I Want for Christmas is You, White Christmas, and Santa Baby before venturing into a refreshing comedy about Christmas in ‘Bahston,’ and then closing out the show with nativity tale that will bring the audience to their feet.

Take a walk down memory lane with the Grammy award-winning Smokey Joe’s Café, a musical showcase that explores the most enduring songs in rock and roll and rhythm and blues history. From romantic ballads to uplifting rhythms, Smokey Joe’s Café brings remarkable tunes to life. Just a few of the songs featured on the Company Theatre stage includes Jailhouse Rock, Stand By Me, Hound Dog, Love Potion #9 and Fools Fall in Love. Smokey Joe’s Café heats up the Company Theatre for a limited time from February 8-11, 2018.

Robin Williams and Nathan Lane made an uproarious comedy team on the 1996 hit comedy film, The Birdcage, based on the Franco-Italian film, La Cage Aux Folles. The Tony award-winning show, La Cage Aux Folles focuses on a night club owner named Georges and his romantic partner, Albin. Upon learning Georges’ son is engaged to the daughter of an ultra-conservative politician, Georges and Albin may have to go to extreme measures to come off as a wholesome and normal family to hilarious results. La Cage Aux Folles takes the stage on Friday, March 16 through Sunday, April 8.

Earning multiple Tony Awards including best original score, watch three beautiful tales unfold about American life at the turn of the 20^th century with the epic musical, Ragtime. An immigrant, a wealthy family, and a Harlem musician all aspire for hope in the face of struggle to live the American dream. Ragtime opens Friday, July 27 and closes on Sunday, August 19.

The Company Theatre rounds out the season with the British Farce, Loot from Friday, October 5 through Sunday, October 21, and closes with Lionel Bart’s classic musical, Oliver! from Friday, November 23 through Sunday, December 16, about a young orphan who dreams of a better life.

The Company Theatre celebrates their 40th season. Photo courtesy of The Company Theatre

The Company Theatre also announced the new season of The Academy of the Company Theatre which includes Anything Goes, Cats, The Werewolves, The Rocky Horror Show, and Disney’s Mulan Jr. Don’t miss a moment of Company Theatre’s spectacular 40^th season. All performances take place at the Company Theatre, 30 Accord Park Drive in Norwell, Massachusetts.

Click here for more information and upcoming events or call 1-781-871-2787. Follow Company Theatre on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Music Director Jamie Kirsch talks Chorus pro Musica’s concert version of comedy musical, ‘Of Thee I Sing’

Posted on April 25, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

A spectacular evening of comedy, romance, and award-winning music is in store with Chorus pro Musica’s concert version of Gershwin Of Thee I Sing on Saturday, May 13 at Robbins Memorial Town Hall in Arlington, Massachusetts at 8 p.m. In the spirit of the show, concert attendees are encouraged to dress in 30s-inspired attire for a costume contest. Click here for full details and tickets.

Jamie Kirsch is in his fourth year as Music Director of Chorus pro Musica and loves his work. He offers a closer look into Of Thee I Sing, his incredible work with Chorus pro Musica, and more.

Chorus pro Musica’s Music Director Jamie Kirsch in action Photo courtesy of Alonso Nichols/Tufts University

Jeanne Denizard: What I absolutely love about Gershwin Of Thee I Sing is it is part concert and part theatrical production. It has comedy and romance as well.

Jamie Kirsch: Yeah, writers definitely have called it a work. It is a unified single where there’s no instantly recognizable tune in this show in the way one would recognize other Gershwin’s most famous songs from musicals that can be extracted and don’t have anything necessarily to do with the plot. They don’t appear in the best of Gershwin albums because for the most part, everything is tied to that story. There might be one or two songs that someone might recognize such as the title song of Of Thee I Sing and certainly people have recorded the song, Who Cares, but no song that would be on people’s top ten list of pieces they know because they bought a greatest hits album or a Michael Feinstein album. They are wonderful songs, but they are all tied to the book.

JD: I also understand that this is the first musical to win a Pulitzer Prize.

JK: It did win the Pulitzer Prize in 1932. Everyone won the Pulitzer except for George Gershwin because there was no Music Pulitzer at the time. Ira, Kaufman, and Ryskind got it. I think actually it was awarded to George posthumously where there finally was a music Pulitzer.

JD: Of Thee I Sing surrounds the election of John P. Wintergreen and deals with politics in a humorous and lighthearted way. I understand you really were excited about this particular piece to add to the season more for the music than for its political statement though we had a heated election just recently.

JK: Yes, it doesn’t make a political statement one way or another. There is no political party mentioned, making fun of both sides equally. We also picked the piece well over a year ago. The current players in the real world were still in the primaries and no one had any inkling of what was to transpire and how unexpected it would be.

Numerous colleges and universities did the show right around the election. It is remarkable how many across the entire country, even major schools of music. The University of Michigan did it in October and November knowing what was going on. We had the same idea, hoping it would be a relevant topic but we didn’t plan for any outcome either way. Separate from the political stuff, it happens to be a musical dominated by choruses and it made perfect sense to do it with our chorus.

JD: Now, are you going to be performing a lot of scenes from the show?

JK: Yes, it is a concert version. We’re doing most of it, just without the staging.

JD: I understand it has some comedy and a bit of romance as well.

JK: Absolutely, there are elements common to musical theatre. People talk about how different it is from anything else Gershwin wrote, but the other side of that coin is a love triangle. Certainly plenty of musicals have love triangles and also present is an element of the exotic where a French ambassador arrives in the second act and that happens throughout many other musicals. It’s new, but it has ties to the standard, more traditional musical theatre.

JD: It sounds like there will be lots of surprises.

JK: Yes, there will be musical surprises. It has a Gershwin, jazzy sound and Gershwin rhythms and syncopation, but it is really unique. There are scenes that go on and on and mostly music for a good ten minutes. It’s kind of like Gilbert and Sullivan in that way. That is an example of a piece of music that cannot be extracted. You are not going to perform that at a musical theatre cabaret as you would with another Gershwin tune.

JD: You will have featured artists such as Margot Rood, Christina English, and David McFerrin.

JK: They are three of the best singers around town and the city and I have worked with a couple of them before. They are just wonderful, so flexible, and able to handle this repertoire and style as easily as they are able to handle early and baroque music. They are so incredibly versatile, talented, and wonderful actors. Having them on board for this production is very special.

JD: You are also the sixth Music Director of Chorus pro Musica. The chorus has existed close to 70 years. What is it like to conduct this chorus?

JK: It’s a joy. The musicians are incredibly hard working, love challenging themselves, conquering major works, and striving for excellence. They are so supportive of each other, collegial, and just wonderful people. They care so much about the product and each other, the chorus, and its history.

Chorus pro Musica group shot Photo courtesy of Eric Antoniou

I’m very grateful to be able to do the things that we do with Chorus pro Musica. In this season alone, we have done maybe the greatest work by Beethoven and some of the greatest works by Mahler. Then we move on to Gershwin. We are dealing with pretty amazing people. I’ve written some amazing music and this chorus is up for the challenge to perform these pieces at an extremely high level while also keeping a good balance of fun while we do it.

JD: This is your fourth year with Chorus pro Musica, but I understand that you are involved in a lot of projects. You’re a busy man in music.

JK: Yes, I am fortunate enough to be on the music faculty at Tufts as my main job and finishing my seventh year there. It’s a wonderful job and I work with amazing colleagues who are at the tops of their field and teaching theory and musicology. I teach in a beautiful building with supportive faculty and administration and wonderful students. We recently did the Mozart C Minor mass. Yes, between Chorus pro Musica and Tufts, I’m a pretty lucky person.

Family Holiday Concert 2014 Boston City Singers Photo courtesy of Chorus pro Musica

JD: Do you have a favorite piece of music you like to conduct or a piece you are hoping to conduct with Chorus pro Musica?

JK: One of the great things about the Chorus is that they are able to handle everything from a candlelight Christmas concert to Beethoven’s greatest works to Gershwin to new, modern pieces. One of our strong suits is commissioning new works so we are commissioning brand new works by new composers. They are able to handle any style, genre, and that is what I like to do. It keeps things interesting for me and for the singers to switch gears from month to month. Just to be able to be flexible in that way so the chorus matches my strength and my wanting to keep exploring, pushing, challenging, finding new, undiscovered music, create new music, commission new music, so I think in that way, it’s a very good match.

Chorus Pro Musica NE Philharmonic and Providence Singers

Chorus pro Musica with the New England Philharmonic and the Providence Singers, performing Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem, March 14, 2012 in Boston’s Cathedral of the Holy Cross.

JD: You’ve also worked with a few Boston organizations and collaborated with them in the past.

JK: We collaborated with the Boston Philharmonic a number of times and we will continue to do so. We have a wonderful relationship with Ben Zander and the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and with Richard Pittman and the New England Philharmonic. We did a number of wonderful collaborations with Richard Pittman. We are always seeking out new collaborations because they are always great fun, enhance the groups, and work out well for everybody.

Click here for tickets to Gershwin Of Thee I Sing on May 13 at 8 p.m. It will be an exciting evening that includes a post-concert reception. Click here for more on Chorus Pro Musica and how to support their mission.