‘It’s easier to imagine the end of the world than the end of capitalism.’
This quote from philosopher Frederic Jameson is one of many reflections studied in this energetic and satirical experimental theatre work, Class Dismissed. This interactive work features a cast of students, teachers and volunteers from the audience. Some of the lighter topics include pillow fights and day drinking.
Director and performer Daniel Irizarry in ‘Class Dismissed’ Photo by Bronwen Sharp
This is no ordinary classroom and the production’s moments of seriousness resonate over the lighter ones. As director and performer Daniel Irizarry states, ‘Knowledge is painfully acquired’ and that resonates on many levels. As in any classroom, pearls of wisdom shine through.
Pepper Binkley in ‘Class Dismissed’ Photo by Bronwen Sharp
Written by Robert Lyons and imaginatively directed by Daniel Irizarry, La Mama Experimental Theatre Club presents ‘Class Dismissed’ live and in person at Ellen Stewart Theatre in New York City through Sunday, May 4. This work runs 95 minutes with one intermission and is also available to live stream. Please bring a book so you may donate it or swap it with an audience member. You can also be a consensual volunteer. Click here for more information and for tickets.
In high socks and pumpkin letterman jackets which is just a glimpse of Hayley Wallenfeldt’s vibrant costumes, these earnest, unconventional and adventurous teachers lend to Florian Stabb’s inventive sound design playing instruments and creating music including makeshift instruments like two skillets and sing a cappella ranging from dance to horn infused rhythms to Italian opera.
Yaraní del Valle Piñero and Rhys Tivey in ‘Class Dismissed’ Photo by Bronwen Sharp
Hallucinating a post-capitalist manifesto, Class Dismissed also focuses on two grad students portrayed by Yaraní del Valle Piñero and Rhys Tivey satirically and at times outlandishly reporting on the state of the world. This creative experimental work can be confusing at times but an intriguing concept and some elements work better than others. As this is interactive and experimental theatre, you won’t see the same show twice and a different artist is featured at every performance. Recent live stream performers were Ji-Young Kim from South Korea’s Seoul Institute of The Arts and Naz Göktan and Efe Çetinel from Bilkent University in Turkey.
Pepper Binkley in ‘Class Dismissed’ Photo by Bronwen Sharp
Lit-professors Pepper Binkley and Daniel Irizarry explain that they are using two different strategies for two different goals. This work recites as much poetry, prose and noir as it comments on consumerism, pleasure and the established order. You can expect the unexpected in this classroom and these teachers are willing to go to great lengths to deliver a high energy and memorable experience while the students dream about the future.
Photo by Bronwen Sharp
La Mama Experimental Theatre Club presents ‘Class Dismissed’ live and in person at Ellen Stewart Theatre in New York City through Sunday, May 4. Click here for more information and for tickets.
For one night only, a revered love story caught between impossible choices took shape set in a war-torn country.
With over 200 artists involved including the Back Bay Chorale as well as Boston Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus, Boston Lyric Opera (BLO) presented Verdi and Ghislanzoni’s stunning Italian opera, Aida for one gala benefit performance during Veteran’s Day weekend on Sunday, November 10 at 3PM at the Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts. All funds raised benefited Boston Lyric Opera’s education, youth and community programs. Part of BLO’s You’ll Never Walk Alone themed season, this epic production ran 2 hours and 50 minutes including one 20-minute intermission. Click here for more information.
David Angus conducts the BLO Orchestra and BLO Chorus (Brett Hodgdon, Chorus Director) including members of Back Bay Chorale) Photo by Nile Scott Studios
Prior to the start of the production, the Boston Lyric Opera celebrated a milestone for renowned bass-baritone opera singer Morris Robinson. Twenty-five years ago to the day on November 10, 1999, Robinson debuted onstage in the role of the King for Boston Lyric Opera’s Aida. Not only was he named the 2024 Artistic Honoree, but Mayor Wu named November 10th Morris Robinson Day. The honor was presented to him by his mentor Sharon Daniels. Once a Boston University college football player, a clearly moved Robinson delivered an inspiring and relatable speech about career pivoting and the stellar chance he received from Boston Lyric Opera.
Morris Robinson as Ramfis in Boston Lyric Opera’s AIDA – Photo by Nile Scott Studios
Robinson’s charismatic presence as well as his rich, deep and commanding vocals as Ramfis in the following production depicts why Morris has had a lasting presence with Boston Lyric Opera.
Having never seen Aida performed as an opera but twice before as the Elton John and Tim Rice’s musical, it was amazing to see Verdi’s version which is the foundation in which this story was told. With the Boston Lyric Opera orchestra center stage and the chorus situated behind them, Aida was treated as a gala event enlivened by Aja M. Jackson’s atmospheric lighting in pinks, reds, blues, and gold backdrop weaving in images and symbols from the Egyptian Book of the Dead. Jackson’s lighting had an encompassing effect creating a semi-panoramic view of images of multicolored Egyptian animals moving along the back of the theatre.
BLO Music Director David Angus leads the BLO Orchestra in Boston Lyric Opera’s AIDA – Photo by Nile Scott Studios
With trumpet accompaniment from the balconies, BLO conductor David Angus with Annie Rabbat, Brett Hodgdon, and Back Bay Chorale Music Director Stephen Spinelli navigates this complex orchestration of music to enrich this bold and compelling love story. Even with a brief pause during the production, Boston Lyric Opera handled the situation efficiently.
A fictional tale surrounding historical events, Aida explores a number of conflicted characters deliberating on love and loyalty during the Egyptian and Ethiopian war. Tenor Diego Torre delivers an impassioned performance as Radamès, an Egyptian commander in love with soprano Michelle Johnson as Ethiopian slave Aida while Aida’s father Amonasro, portrayed by baritone Brian Major, is a war prisoner. Mezzo-soprano Alice Chung delivers a multifaceted performance as resourceful Egyptian princess Amneris who wonders what it will take to win the love of Radamès .
Diego Torre as Radamès in Boston Lyric Opera’s AIDA – Photo by Nile Scott Studios
Adorned in gala attire rather than costumes, the cast’s powerhouse vocals exude despair, passion and desperation into characters facing impossible choices. Decked out in coat and tails, Torres evokes sympathy through his torment and soaring vocals as commander Radamès torn between his love for Aida and loyalty to his people. In a distinctive multicolored gown, Michelle Johnson illustrates the gravity of Aida’s rage, passion and despair over her decisions, torn between her secret love for Radamès and her own people. Johnson as Aida is bold, charming, and audacious while always carrying a heavy heart.
Michelle Johnson (l.) as Aida and Alice Chung as Amneris in Boston Lyric Opera’s AIDA – Photo by Nile Scott Studios
However, Alice Chung as shrewd and privileged Amneris has plans of her own and strategizes how to get what she wants. With dynamic range in a jeweled accented gown, Chung brings her own psychological warfare in a stunning duet with Johnson. Their intense and melodic vocals deliver gravitas in a suspenseful stand off as romantic rivals. Chung is confident and manipulative catching Aida at her most vulnerable, but also brings sympathy to her character in the looming fear of losing what she holds most dear.
(L.-r.) Stefan Egerstrom (King of Egypt), Brian Major (Amonasro) and Morris Robinson (Ramfis) in Boston Lyric Opera’s AID
Johnson’s Aida also shares a powerful scene with Major as Amonasro. Major is eloquent and stealthily convincing in a pivotal scene in which Aida is faced with the consequences of her decisions. This weighty exchange is filled with raw emotion and distress as she is backed into a corner.
The riveting harmonies, the fervent declarations, and the deeply romantic lyrical context of this production demonstrate why Boston Lyric Opera has returned to this memorable show over the years since first performing Aida at the Hatch Shell in 1981. Its rich exploration of passion, torment, war, and loss always has something new to say in a classic tale where love transcends everything.
Cast members and BLO Chorus (with members of Back Bay Chorale) in Boston Lyric Opera’s AIDA – Photo by Nile Scott Studios
Boston Lyric Opera (BLO) presented Verdi and Ghislanzoni’s stunning Italian opera, Aida for one gala benefit performance during Veteran’s Day weekend on Sunday, November 10 at 3PM at the Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts. All funds raised benefited Boston Lyric Opera’s education, youth and community programs. Click here for more information.
When I first witnessed the hit film Hidden Figures, I was absolutely amazed for a couple of reasons. In the early 60’s, a team of phenomenal NASA mathematicians were so talented that some astronauts including Neil Armstrong refused to board the space shuttle without their astute calculations. The other amazing and frustrating detail is that for all that these African-American women accomplished, I had never heard of them or worse, was never taught about them at school. Hidden Figures stayed with me. These genius mathematicians made such an indelible impact in the world and yet, I was learning about them for the first time in this film.
‘Young Nerds of Color’ cast and creative team Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios
The night before reviewing Young Nerds of Color, I attended an astronomy group meeting that featured a documentary about a rarely predictable phenomenon. A professor claimed he knew when the next supernova would occur. A supernova is when a star explodes and disperses its matter into the galaxy. It turns out the professor made a tragic miscalculation and the supernova never occurred in the documentary. However, Young Nerds of Color depicts two beautiful ones thanks to Andrea Sofia Sala’s innovative lighting while also symbolically illuminating some big and impactful ideas such as the discovery that matter from a supernova is directly connected to eyesight.
Lindsey McWhorter as Portia Long, Daniel Rios Jr as Reinaldo Herrera and DJ Lopez, and Alison Yueming Qu As Chloe Chen Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios
An educational and unconventional play full of discoveries, Young Nerds of Color translates like a flowing and collaborative academic dialogue among geniuses with performances so subtle and convincing that I had to glance back at the program to make sure they were actors and not the actual professionals they are depicting. A show gathered from 60 interviews with real life scientists, cast members deliver their point of view in their own unique style as they discuss the journey to make their ambitions come to life.
Ricardo Engermann as Jim Gates, DJ Thomas, Reinaldo Herrera and DJ Lopez Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios
Sponsored in part by MIT, Young Nerds of Color examines the lives of renowned scientists and engineers from diverse backgrounds whose career dreams were more difficult to achieve than they ever expected even before they discovered that dream. Living in pre-segregated Boston, racism and economic struggles was just a portion of the challenges they faced for being “young nerds of color.” They all collaboratively take on the role of scientist and educator as they share with the audience and usher in the next generation to proceed toward their dreams with cautious optimism.
Lindsey McWhorter as Portia Long and Karina Beleno Carney as Dr Maria Hernandez Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios
Shelley Barish’s straightforward and illuminated set features two double helixes that might also symbolize that long career ladder and periodic table while Nona Hendryx creates memorable compositions with catchy and cosmic-sounding rhythms and original music.
Some of the cast depicts multiple roles and have engaging chemistry as they portray the journey from childhood experiments fueled by curiosity to those dangerous discoveries that can change the world all while presenting themselves in a way that society might accept so they too might thrive. I should have learned about this astounding group before now.
Hidden Figures stayed with me and Young Nerds of Color sure does too.
Underground Railway at Central Square Theater presents Young Nerds of Color arranged by Melinda Lopez live in person through March 20 at Central Square Theater in Cambridge, MA and virtually through April 3. The show is approximately 75 minutes with no intermission. Click here for more information, tickets, and COVID-19 guidelines.
It is a production so engrossing that when it ends, you find yourself asking, “Then what happens?”
This is not to say that this insightful one man production, Mr. Parentis incomplete by any means, but the essence of this thought can be found in Maurice Emmanuel Parent‘s charismatic and absorbing storytelling. This autobiographical and semi-interactive recollection of a life-changing period in Parent’s compelling history features amusing and captivating characters that will keep you invested in his journey, eager to find out what is next.
Seamlessly directed by Megan Sandberg-Zakian, Lyric Stage Company continues the timely production Mr. Parent by Melinda Lopez through February 6 at Lyric Stage Company in Boston, Massachusetts. It will also be available for streaming from February 7 through February 20. This show runs 90 minutes with no intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.
Maurice Emmanuel Parent Photo by Mark S Howard
Within a colorful and empty classroom by Cristina Todesco, the aptly-named Mr. Parent manages to cover a great deal in its limited time frame from the state education system to struggling families to struggling teachers to desegregation during a pivotal time in Mr. Parent’s life approached with the kind of heart and humor that comes from experience. Inspirational, educational, and complex, Mr. Parent also begs a significant question that many people face every day: How do I pursue my passion while still making a decent living?
Working in the arts, this quest is close to my heart. In order to do what one loves, one may have to supplement that journey with additional job or jobs to make it all work. It is a journey of sacrifice, more than likely a lack of sleep, and an overwhelming desire towards that dream goal, however means it may take to get there. For some, taking this avenue may create another dream realized.
Maurice Emmanuel Parent Photo by Mark S Howard
Maurice Immanuel Parent as himself is a struggling actor hoping to find success, but quickly realizes that doing so requires supplemental income. He finds it in the form of teaching. Having seen him perform as Cardinal Richelieu in Greater Boston Stage Company and Front Porch Arts Collective’sThe Three Musketeers, Parent has a wealth of talent. He is a charismatic presence onstage and it is easy to see the drive and heart he puts into his work. Here, Maurice Emmanuel Parent’s personal account reflects that talent in spades.
Maurice Emmanuel Parent Photo courtesy of Mark S Howard
It has as much heart as adventure from hyena auditions to a sneaky hoodie to recollections of shows he encourages his parents not to see, Parent recounts the unsettled and unpredictable life of teaching and acting which includes plenty of realizations along the way with bite, humor, and in times of distress, unmitigated honesty. For example, in two particularly moving moments, Mr. Parent describes in anguish what it is like to see his bright students from low income families struggle for their basic needs and enduring the scare of a lockdown. He navigates scenario after scenario invoking an intensity and desperation to succeed in a job that he hopes will meet his needs, but wondering if he may be in over his head. Seemingly sterling opportunities almost always have its challenges and Mr. Parent shows that we all have much to learn.
Maurice Emmanuel Parent Photo by Mark S Howard
Lyric Stage Company continues Mr. Parent through February 6 live and in person at Lyric Stage Company in Boston, Massachusetts. Click here for more information and for tickets.
Urban Improv is celebrating its 25th anniversary and presenting their annual fundraiser, Banned in Boston, an evening of delicious food from top restaurants, celebrity improv, and much more on Friday, April 7 at House of Blues in Boston, Massachusetts at 6 p.m. This is a 21+ event.
Cissa Campion, Marketing Director of Urban Improv, offers a closer look at Urban Improv, its mission, and why their annual musical revue Banned in Boston is the funniest fundraiser of the year.
Jeanne Denizard: The annual Banned in Boston fundraiser provides educational workshops guiding youth on how to best deal with tough, real life situations such as racism, violence, and bullying. Please tell me more about the workshops.
Cissa Campion:Banned in Boston is Urban Improv’s only annual fundraiser. Urban Improv’s highly effective, interactive drama programs help young people explore challenging situations in their lives. We work with kids from 4th grade through high school. Whether it is peer pressure, cyber bullying, racism, homophobia, or violence, students role-play scenarios based on their own choices and experience the consequences of their actions in a safe environment.
Our atmosphere of openness and respect allows students to express themselves, leading to stronger self-esteem and improved conflict resolution, cooperation, and leadership skills. Urban Improv helps students grapple with issues they face every day and equips them with the skills they need to become leaders who communicate our messages of nonviolence, tolerance, and respect. We call it “A Rehearsal for Life.”
Urban Improv has presented to thousands of students at schools and community groups throughout Boston, New England, and beyond. It has been able to provide thousands of free workshops to Boston schools since its inception in 1992, 25 years ago.
JD: What would you say is the best reason one should attend Banned in Boston?
CC: Come for the laughs and because it’s such a good time. It’s a one-night-only event on Friday, April 7. We have this incredible roster of celebrities under one roof and all bets are off! No rubber chicken and boring speeches at this fundraiser and enjoy delectable food provided by the city’s top restaurants. Support a great cause that is having a powerful effect in this city.
Click here for more information and tickets to this hilarious, one night only event starting at Lansdowne Pub for a cocktail reception at 9 Lansdowne Street at 6 p.m. Banned in Boston musical revue at House of Blues, 15 Lansdowne Street kicks off at 7:45 p.m.
Urban Improv is located at 670 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. Click here for more information on Urban Improv, its upcoming events, and how to support this dynamic organization.
Music lovers unite! Zumix, East Boston’s non-profit organization geared toward empowering youth through music, has saved the best for last. Featuring 20 Boston DJs past and present, live performances, special guest sets, silent auction, and much more, Zumix brings their 25th anniversary year to a grand close with ‘Boston DJs for Zumix’ on Friday, March 31 at 8 p.m. This sensational benefit will be held at Zumix, 260 Sumner Street, East Boston, Massachusetts. Click here for tickets and more information.
New radio station 94.9 FM Zumix Radio Photo courtesy of Zumix
After streaming online for 10 years, the evening benefit will also celebrate their new, growing community station, 94.9 FM Zumix, a station that serves a bilingual audience and features a wide range of programming. All proceeds of ‘Boston DJs for Zumix’ support Zumix’s dynamic, free teen music programs in songwriting, community radio, creative technology, instrument instruction, and performance. Click here to make a donation.
Youth DJ on the mic Photo courtesy of Zumix
The featured DJs are as follows: Adam 12, Akrobatik, Baltazar, DJ Bean, Jim Braude, Julie Devereaux, Fast Freddy, Mike Gioscia, Lori Grande, Merilee Kelly, George Knight, Carolyn Kruse, John Laurenti, Dana Marshall, Jess Phaneuf, Matt Phipps, Morning Guy Tai, Nancy Quill, Neal Robert, Nomadik, and Zumix DJs.
Zumix accepting an award from Michelle Obama Photo courtesy of Zumix
Winner of the National Arts and Humanities Youth Programs Award from the White House and providing music lessons and other technology to lower income families, Zumix’s mission is to empower youth to express themselves through music and make positive changes throughout their community and the world. At first started as a songwriting program, Zumix students enjoy in-school and after school events throughout the year. Songwriting, radio, audio technology, and performance are among the renowned programs offered by Zumix for youth ages 7 through 18 and over 1,000 students attend classes.
Annual Walk for Music community event Photo courtesy of Zumix
For tickets to ‘Boston DJs for Zumix,’ click here or call (617) 568-9777. Click here for more information on their upcoming concerts, events, and festivals. Follow Zumix on Facebook and Twitter.
Sometimes waiting for a new life to start can be the most important thing in the world. Massasoit Theatre Company proudly presents A Raisin in the Sun, an award-winning, insightful play, and chosen for its poignant themes that speak to today’s society. Adapted into the 1961 film starring Sydney Poitier, a musical, a TV movie, and revived on Broadway in 2014, Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry has made a significant impact over the years since its Broadway debut in 1959.
Massasoit Theatre Company’s A Raisin in the Sun will take the stage for one weekend only from Thursday, March 9 through Saturday, March 11 at Buckley Performing Arts Center in Brockton, Massachusetts. A talk back will take place after the performances on Saturdays. Click here for more information and for tickets.
A Raisin in the Sun is hailed for its gripping insight on poverty, racism, and inner turmoil. Directed by Corinne Mason and produced by Mark Rocheteau, ‘Raisin in the Sun’ focuses on the Youngers, an African-American family who are struggling to survive, but dreams of better things to come. With the entire family living in a tiny apartment, Amber Smith as Ruth, Keion Lugay as Walter Lee, Kadisha Harris as Travis, and Arial Wigfall as Beneatha all have their own individual dreams of making a new start. However, life has its unexpected turns.
See A Raisin in the Sun for four performances only on March 9, 10, and 11 at 8 p.m. One Saturday matinee performance takes place on March 11 at 3 p.m. All performances will be held at Buckley Performing Arts Center, One Massasoit Boulevard in Brockton, Massachusetts. Discounted student, senior, and group rates are all available. Call 508-427-1234 or click here for tickets and further information. Follow Massasoit Theatre Company on Facebook for upcoming events and more.
