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REVIEW: North Shore Music Theatre’s ‘The Cher Show’ turns back time radiating with empowering style

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

This musical biopic seems by the numbers until three Chers materialize to infuse a clever and adventuresome twist.

Much like Cher herself, The Cher Show is a spotlight driven, bawdy, and spirited look at Cher’s upbringing and career and how Cherilyn Sarkisian overcame her shy demeanor to become what she proudly proclaims ‘a warrior goddess.’ 

Bathed in dazzling, spotlight-soaked flair and a marvelous rising and bejeweled spinning stage by Jack Mehler, Star, depicted with Cher’s absorbing dry humor and distinct husky contralto vocals by Sara Gettelfinger, emerges in sequined black donning signature high heels and risqué style, but she is definitely not alone.  Turning back time is a thrill when two other Chers share the spotlight and help navigate her life based on all she knows now.

The cast of THE CHER SHOW in the Tony Award-Winning costumes designed by Bob Mackie playing at North Shore Music Theatre from October 21 thru November 2, 2025. Photo©Paul Lyden.

With Kevin P. Hill’s vibrant direction and an array of slinky and dynamic choreography by Sara Andreas, North Shore Music Theatre presents The Cher Show live and in person through Sunday, November 2 at North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, Massachusetts.  The theatre-in-the-round production runs 2 hours and 45 minutes with one twenty minute intermission, the action is not limited to the stage and contains some adult themes.  Click here for more information and tickets.

Angie Schworer as (Georgia Holt) and Madeline Hudelson (Babe) in THE CHER SHOW at North Shore Music Theatre from October 21 thru November 2, 2025. Photo©Paul Lyden.

Cherilyn was not always one to bathe in the limelight and at nearly 80 years old, she has quite the story to tell.  As chatty and anxious Babe, depicted with mellifluous vocals and fretful naiveté by Madeline Hudelson, Cherilyn often felt like an outsider due to her dyslexia, half-Armenian heritage and unconventional looks.  Hudelson’s confidence appears only in bursts as self consciousness takes over.  However, Angie Schworer, fabulous as Cher’s confident firecracker mother Georgia, is a constant source of strength, sage advice and beauty.  Georgia advises, ‘The song will make you strong.’  To anyone who loves music, no truer words were ever spoken.

Charissa Hogeland (Lady) and the cast of THE CHER SHOW at North Shore Music Theatre from October 21 thru November 2, 2025. Photo©Paul Lyden

In feathers and sequins, Schworer also makes a grand cameo as a legendary celebrity that will not be revealed here.  Andrew Tufano also delivers a memorable performance as Rob Camilleti.

Cher fulfills most people’s two fondest wishes in this musical.  Not only can Gettelfinger’s Star turn back time, but accompanied by Hudelson as Babe and Charissa Hogeland as Lady, Star can turn to her other selves to revisit her past.  A trio of Chers who interact, are aware of each other, and support each other do not just provide a wealth of comedic and heartfelt moments, but breaks the pesky rules of a classic biopic in an inspired and spectacular way.  Gettelfinger, Hogeland, and Hudelson share an admirable bond where anything can happen which comes in handy as Cher was required to grow up fast in this sink-or-swim industry.

Brenton Cosier (Gregg Allman) with Sheila Jones in THE CHER SHOW at North Shore Music Theatre from October 21 thru November 2, 2025. Photo©Paul Lyden.

Mehler’s glitzy and sequin-fringed set displays an immersive array of projections which includes 60s petal-inspired illustrations, Vegas pizzazz, an opulent mansion, Broadway theatre, and western flair enhanced by chandeliers and authentic Sonny and Cher logos.

Starting out with her own sewing machine, Cher always set her own bold and risqué fashion standard before later joining forces with the legendary visionary and controversially-daring fashion designer Bob Mackie, who originates the Broadway and tour costumes seen in this musical.  Dan Fenaughty, who depicts a trio of roles in this production, is memorable as Mackie complete with clever quips and a mischievous gleam, especially during Ain’t Nobody’s Business.  Magnets are used to accommodate the numerous fashion styles and quick changes throughout the production. The Cher Show’s costume coordinator Rebecca Glick and wig and hair designer Rachel Padula-Shuflet presents these ostentatious costumes in all of its nostalgic, feathered, and sparkling runway glory.   

Dan Fenaughty (Bob Mackie), Charissa Hogeland (Lady) and Ben Broughton (Sid the Censor) in THE CHER SHOW at North Shore Music Theatre from October 21 thru November 2, 2025. Photo©Paul Lyden.

Frankie Marasa 5th is in on the joke as good humored Sonny Bono at first with self deprecating charm, a gradual magnetic charisma and a quirky sense of humor.  Fast talking with shrewd business sense, Marasa 5th shares endearing yet complicated chemistry and half of an impressive deadpan comedic duo with each Cher.  One of the best moments of the musical is with Hudelson’s Babe and their powerful rendition of I’ve Got You Babe which was met with a roar from the audience.  He also shines in Little Man and later for All I Ever Need is You. 

Frankie Marasa 5th (Sonny Bono) and Charissa Hogeland (Lady) in THE CHER SHOW at North Shore Music Theatre from October 21 thru November 2, 2025. Photo©Paul Lyden.

The Cher Show’s quick pace features a wide array of nostalgic hits over six decades including the catchy harmony of Da Doo Ron Ron, Be My Baby, and The Shoop Shoop Song as well as It’s All or Nothing, a poignant Bang Bang (He Shot Me Down), Believe and Heart of Stone.  Gettelfinger, Hogeland, and Hudelson form a powerhouse trio as they recall Song for the Lonely.  However, Gettelfinger truly shines with soaring vocals for The Way of Love.  The drum-infused and Fosse-inspired The Beat Goes On is also a sleek standout as well as the sultry and athletic chorography featuring Milena Comeau in The Dark Lady.

Madeline Hudelson (Babe) and the cast of THE CHER SHOW at North Shore Music Theatre from October 21 thru November 2, 2025. Photo©Paul Lyden.

You don’t have to be a fan of Cher to appreciate her journey. The Cher Show lightheartedly celebrates her remarkable career and variety of hits, but is also an honest and frank depiction of her insecurities, challenges, and fears within her failures and triumphs.  Through it all, Cher’s strength relentlessly shines through as the beat goes on.

Charissa Hogeland (Lady) and the cast of THE CHER SHOW at North Shore Music Theatre from October 21 thru November 2, 2025. Photo©Paul Lyden.

North Shore Music Theatre presents The Cher Show live and in person through Sunday, November 2 at North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, Massachusetts.  Click here for more information and tickets.

REVIEW:  Art in its luster in Boutcher Theatre’s multi-textured ‘Red’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Prepare to explore art from all angles.

There’s a moment in Boutcher Theatre’s Red that brings to mind a scene in the popular film, The Devil Wears Prada where Miranda Priestly is teaching her assistant a harsh yet valuable lesson about fashion.  Meryl Streep’s Priestly, who is loosely adapted from real life legendary and longstanding Vogue editor Anna Wintour, is tough and in some scenes intolerable, but her expert eye for fashion cannot be denied, even as she is hurling curt remarks and antagonistic slights.  In the scene, Priestly describes Anne Hathaway’s Andi’s blue sweater as not just blue nor lapis or turquoise, but cerulean representing an artistic and particular style of fashion. 

During an intense scene in Red which focuses on real life abstract impressionist and tough mentor Mark Rothko, Rothko, portrayed charismatically by Dan Kelly, is teaching his assistant, Chloe Olwell as Ken, about embracing art.   After Ken describes Rothko’s painting as red, Rothko urges Ken to ‘think more’ after an impassioned speech in which he suggests infusing magenta, crimson, burgundy, maroon and scarlet!  Rothko is rigid, arrogant, and mysterious, but knows art.  He urges Ken not to just see a painting, but to feel it, love it, and have it wash over you.

Chloe Olwell and Dan Kelly in Boutcher Theatre’s ‘Red ‘ Photo by Bradley Boutcher

Directed insightfully by Bradley Boutcher, Boutcher Theatre presents John Logan’s Red live and in person continuing at the Peabody Black Box Theatre in Peabody, Massachusetts through September 8.  The show delves into some adult themes including trauma.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

Photo by Bradley Boutcher

Littered with open art supplies, splattered paint and half done canvases, Boutcher’s red hued scenic design with some pieces from Jessica Algard, creates an authentically sprawling and lived in studio including a cozy couch and a vintage record player playing mostly classical music and occasionally setting the mood within the scene especially notable when the studio is bathed in a haunting blue light.  With a mix of formal and paint splotched casual attire, Boutcher’s symbolic costume design with some pieces from Maureen Festa, demonstrates each character’s unique style while also blending into Algard’s scattered and colorful setting.

 Red is somewhat of an evolution as Rothko shares his artistic vision with his assistant who admires his work.  Rothko candidly shares endless stories on art, literature, and his journey to becoming a successful artist occasionally breaking the fourth wall.  He is currently working on an elaborate mural project for a hefty paycheck to be created for a ritzy New York City hotel.  Olwell’s Ken is much more than meets the eye when at first attempting to make a good impression wearing professional attire that Rothko barely notices.

Photo by Bradley Boutcher

Smoking real cigarettes, drinking, and on little sleep in a windowless room, Dan Kelly engagingly infuses a mix of pessimism, rueful, and heady enthusiasm into Rothko and Olwell is a thoughtful, practical and a force not to be underestimated.  They share a mentor and assistant relationship and at times worthy adversaries, but as subjects become more personal, there is almost a romantic spark to their increasingly incendiary exchanges as both begin to realize the complexity within each other’s artistic minds to unexpected results.

Chloe Olwell and Dan Kelly in Boutcher Theatre’s ‘Red’ Photo by Bradley Boutcher

Logan’s script offers interesting, imaginative and relatable angles in which to appreciate and experience art.  At one point, Kelly as Rothko muses, ‘Art is a risky act setting it out in the world.’  What does it really mean to be an artist and what is truly important setting your vision out into the world?   The answer may bring new insight into your experience with art as well.

  Directed insightfully by Bradley Boutcher, Boutcher Theatre presents John Logan’s Red live and in person continuing at the Peabody Black Box Theatre in Peabody, Massachusetts through September 8.  The show delves into some adult themes including trauma.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW:  Full of flash and dry humor, ‘The Cher Show’ turns back time with empowering style

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

This musical biopic seems by the numbers until three Chers infuse an original and adventuresome twist.

Much like Cher herself, The Cher Show is a limelight driven, bawdy, and spirited look at Cher’s upbringing and career and how Cherilyn Sarkisian busted out of her shy demeanor to become as she proudly calls ‘a warrior goddess.’ 

Morgan Scott in ‘The Cher Show’ Photo credit Big League Productions

Bathed under dazzling spotlight-soaked florescent lights by Charlie Morrison, Star, depicted with Cher’s pitch perfect dry humor and rich vocals by Morgan Scott, emerges in sequined black donning her signature high heels and risqué style, but she is definitely not alone.  Turning back time is a thrill when two other Chers share the spotlight and help to navigate her life based on all she knows now.

Distinctively directed by Casey Hushion with a mix of slinky and wistful choreography by Antoinette Dipietropolo, Big League Productions presented The Cher Show for a limited time live and in person through Sunday, March 17 at the Boch Center Wang Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts, but it is also on a national tour.  Outside this production, MassArt showcased Cher’s legendary looks.  The production was 2 hours and 20 minutes with one fifteen minute intermission.  Click here for more information and here to see where The Cher Show national tour will next take the stage.

Catherine Ariale, Morgan Scott and Ella Perez in ‘The Cher Show’ Photo credit Big League Productions

Cherilyn was not always one to bathe in the limelight.  As chatty and anxious Babe, depicted with a powerful belt and discomfort in her own skin naiveté by Ella Perez, Cherilyn was often shy and felt like an outsider due to her dyslexia, half Armenian heritage and her dynamic looks.  However, Lucy Werner as Cher’s confident firecracker mother Georgia who was always a source of strength, sage advice and beauty said, ‘The song will make you strong.’  Cher’s unique qualities are actually what set her apart.

Cher fulfills most people’s two fondest wishes through this musical.  Not only can Star turn back time, but accompanied by Ella Perez as Cher or Babe and Catherine Ariale as Cher or Lady, Star can turn to her other selves to revisit her past.  Three Chers that interact, are aware of each other, and support each other is not just a source for a wealth of humorous moments, but it breaks the pesky rules of a classic biopic in a lighthearted and spectacular way.  Perez, Ariale, and Scott have a fascinating bond where anything can happen in a life where Cher was required to grow up fast.

The cast of ‘The Cher Show’ Photo credit to Big League Productions

Kelly James Tigne’s visually spectacular set is an array of glitter and glitz which includes the bright lights of Hollywood and Vegas but also beautifully nostalgic photos of 50s California before Cher sets her sights on stardom and the set develops a more classic sophistication in black and white as Cher’s star power matures.    

Starting out with her own sewing machine, Cher always set her own bold and risqué fashion standard before later joining forces with the legendary visionary and equally daring fashion designer Bob Mackie, who originates the Broadway and tour costumes seen in this musical.  Tyler Pirrung, who depicts a trio of roles in this production, is memorable as Mackie complete with clever quips and a mischievous gleam in his eye, especially during Aint Nobody’s Business.  Magnets are used to accommodate the numerous fashion styles and quick changes throughout the production.  The Cher Show’s costume coordinator Janine Loesch and wig designer Roxanne DeLuna presents all these ostentatious costumes in all of its nostalgic, feathered, and sparkling runway glory.   

Tyler Perrung as Bob Mackie, Ella Perez, Catherine Ariale, Morgan Scott and cast Photo credit Big League Productions

Lorenzo Pugliese is full of magnetic charm and quirky sense of humor as Sonny Bono.  Fast talking with shrewd business sense, Pugliese shares some amazing chemistry with each Cher and one of the best moments of the production is their wonderful rendition of I’ve Got You Babe which was met with cheers from the audience.  He also shines in Little Man and later for All I Ever Need is You.

Ella Perez and Lorenzo Pugliese in ‘The Cher Show’ Photo credit Big League Productions

The Cher Show’s quick pace features a wide array of nostalgic hits over six decades including the catchy harmony of Da Doo Ron Ron, Be My Baby, and The Shoop Shoop Song as well as It’s All or Nothing, a stirring Bang Bang (He Shot Me Down), Believe and Heart of Stone.  Perez, Ariale, and Scott form a powerhouse trio as they recall Song for the Lonely as Perez flaunts a distinctive belt.  The Fosse-inspired The Beat Goes On is a sleek standout as well as sultry chorography featuring Emma Jade Branson of The Dark Lady in candlelight.

Lorenzo Pugliese and Catherine Ariale in ‘The Cher Show’ Photo credit Big League Productions

The Cher Show celebrates her remarkable career and her variety of hits, but is also an honest and frank depiction of her insecurity, challenges, and fears within her failures and triumphs.  No matter what, Cher shows the beat goes on.

Catherine Ariale, Morgan Scott and Ella Perez and cast in ‘The Cher Show’ Photo credit Big League Productions

Distinctively directed by Casey Hushion with a mix of slinky and wistful choreography by Antoinette Dipietropolo, Big League Productions presented The Cher Show for a limited time through Sunday, March 17 at the Boch Center Wang Theater in Boston, Massachusetts, but it is also on a national tour. The production was 2 hours and 20 minutes with one fifteen minute intermission.  Click here for more information and here to see where The Cher Show national tour will next take the stage.

REVIEW:  Sisterhood is the new black in Hub Theatre Company of Boston’s vivacious ‘Love, Loss, and What I Wore’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Call this cast a girl squad and a sisterhood.

With potent direction by Paula Plum and based on the bestselling memoir by Ilene Beckerman, Hub Theatre Company of Boston presents Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron’s semi-interactive production of Love, Loss, and What I Wore live and in person at Club Café in Boston, Massachusetts through Saturday, August 5.  This show is 90 minutes with no intermission and pay-what-you-can tickets are available.  It occasionally contains adult and unfiltered language.  Purchase a drink during this show and Club Café also offers a full menu.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

Lauren Elisa, June Kfoury, Barbara Douglass, Evelyn Holley, and Nettie Chickering in Hub Theatre’s ‘Love, Loss, and ‘What I Wore’ Photo credit to Tim Gurczak

The name Nora Ephron must ring a bell.  She was a famous award-winning rom-com journalist, writer, and filmmaker best known for 1983’s Silkwood, 1989’s When Harry Met Sally as well as 90s rom com classics Sleepless and Seattle and You’ve Got Mail before co-writing the screenplay for Julie and Julia in 2009.  Ephron’s signature style tackled the seriousness of life with a lighthearted demeanor and always found some relatable humor along the way.  With her sister Delia, Nora lends that empowering humor and charm to Love, Loss, and What I Wore.

June Kfoury, Evelyn Holley, Nettie Chickering, Lauren Elias, and Barbara Douglass in ‘Hub Theatre’s ‘Love, Loss, and What I Wore’ Photo credit to Tim Gurczak

One of the greatest strengths of Love, Loss and What I Wore is the ensemble’s beautiful camaraderie.  Love Loss and What I Wore has a gift for eloquently associating fashion with life’s bittersweet challenges.  Portraying several ages while sharing that walk down memory lane is Nettie Chickering, Barbara Douglass, Lauren Elias, Evelyn Holley, and June Kfoury.  Dressed in chic black by Kat Lawrence, they allow their vibrant experiences to take center stage.  From fashion faux pas to that eternally favorite garment, five women lay bare their fondest memories and insecurities.  It is a love letter to growing up and growing older in all of its wonder and complications. 

Nettie Chickering in Hub Theatre’s ‘Love, Loss, and What I Wore’ Photo credit to Tim Gurczak

To an array of lighthearted club hits between scenes, this dynamic group share silly, sad, courageous and important stories with collaborative flair and wistfulness.  They dance, grieve, conspire, tease, support and relate to each other all while discussing everything from relationships to family to roommates to the trials and tribulations of being a woman in a fun loving and deeply personal manner.  A few lighter moments include witnessing Lauren Elias and her hilarious and empathetic comments about carrying a purse, Douglass’s wise and humorous motherly advice, and the sheer joy and supportive manner in which these women appreciate each other’s company.   However, what stirs the production the most is contained in this group’s most significant challenges.  The stories they share are raw, honest, at times rueful, and may seem familiar as well.

June Kfoury in Hub Theatre’s ‘Love, Loss, and What I Wore’ Photo credit to Tim Gurczak

With Talia Elise’s dazzling lighting powering a bright and cheerful set which includes glowing string lights, a luminous neon hanger, shimmering disco ball, multicolor boas, and an illustrated clothing rack by Justin Lahue and Maggie Shivers plus a wonderful dose of nostalgia, Love Loss and What I Wore is a captivating experience into life’s surprises and how to discover what is truly important.

Hub Theatre Company of Boston presents Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron’s semi-interactive production of Love, Loss, and What I Wore live and in person at Club Café in Boston, Massachusetts through Saturday, August 5.  This show is 90 minutes with no intermission and pay-what-you-can tickets are available.  It occasionally contains adult and unfiltered language.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW: Hub Theatre Company of Boston’s ‘Steel Magnolias’ boasts humor, heartache, and hairspray

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

A good story is usually rooted in truth.

Robert Harling’s ‘Steel Magnolias’ is partially based on a true story.  Harling wrote the play, ‘Steel Magnolias’ in 1987 and based it off of real people he knew in Louisiana.  In the popular 1989 film (which included a parade of famous actresses such as Dolly Parton, Olympia Dukakis, Daryl Hannah,  and Shirley MacLaine), the part of M’Lynn was portrayed by Sally Field and Julia Roberts was Shelby.  Harling based M’Lynn on his mother and Shelby (whose real name was Susan) on his sister.

Directed by Paula Plum, Hub Theatre Company of Boston celebrates the 30th anniversary of the 1989 film with comedy drama ‘Steel Magnolias’ continuing at Hub Theatre Company of Boston’s summer home, Club Cafe through Sunday, August 3.  This show is on a pay-what-you-can basis.  Click here for more information and tickets.

The Sleepless Critic also recently spoke to Hub Theatre of Boston Artistic Producing Director’s Lauren Elias about ‘Steel Magnolias,’ the future of Hub Theatre Company of Boston, and more.  Click here for the podcast.

Set entirely in Truvy’s Beauty Shop in Chinquapin, Louisiana in 1985, this bittersweet tale follows a group of vastly different women who find strength in each other through hardships and triumphs with a great deal of understanding, humor, and hairspray.  Though it has its share of serious themes, ‘Steel Magnolias’ offers more humor and relatable moments seeped in a wealth of 80s references that include mentions of Jane Fonda, and Elizabeth Arden.

Hub Theatre Company of Boston Steel Magnolias full cast 2

From L to R: Maureen Adduci as Ouiser, Liz Adams as M’Lynn, Oye Ehikhamhen as Shelby (center), Lauren Elias as Annelle, June Kfoury as Clairee, and Catherine Lee Christie as Truvy Photo courtesy of Hub Theatre Company of Boston

With bold costumes by Chelsea Kerl and Wig Master Caroline Clancy, the show impressively rewinds the clock into the 80s big hair era and memorable fashion sense while highlighting each woman’s distinct personality.  It is also refreshing to look at back at life at a time before the internet where people shared time, recipes, and hair tips in person.

Directed impressively by Paula Plum, ‘Steel Magnolias’ also thrives through its smart casting and the developing chemistry and growth between these primarily outspoken southern women, keeping this popular show fresh.  With a gift for gab and gossip, Catherine Lee Christie portrays Truvy Jones with charm and sass.  As a big fan of the movie, it is hard to imagine this part for anyone other than Dolly Parton, but Christie, in an array of distinct, sparkling, and mismatched fashion, rises to the occasion.  Her scenes with Lauren Elias as mysterious and humble Annelle make for some quirky, heartwarming moments.

Hub Theatre Company of Boston Steel Magnolias full cast

From L to Right: Maureen Aducci as Ouiser, Liz Adams as M’Lynn, Oye Ehikhamhen as Shelby (center), Lauren Elias as Annelle, June Kfoury as Clairee, and Catherine Lee Christie as Truvy Photo courtesy of Hub Theatre Company of Boston

Maureen Adduci’s sardonic, frank, and darkly amusing Ouiser delivers some of the most entertaining moments in the show.  Adduci’s exhausted scowl alone in Truvy’s cheery beauty salon is enough to crack a smile.  Her sarcastic facade rings true with the priceless line, “I don’t see plays because I can nap at home for free…and I don’t read books because if they are any good, they are going to make them into a miniseries.”  June Kfoury as Clairee, a stylish and gossip-driven widow with good intentions and a knowing smile, amuses herself by teasing Ouiser and their exchanges create their own spark.

However, the most captivating relationship is the family dynamic between Liz Adams as M’Lynn and Oye Ehikhamhen as M’Lynn’s daughter Shelby.  The push and pull between the two make it easy to see them as mother and daughter.  As in any mother-daughter relationship, one minute they exchange nagging barbs and the next, nurturing affection.

Hub Theatre Company of Boston Steel Magnolias Liz Adams as MLynn and Oye Ehikhamhen

Liz Adams as M’Lynn and Oye Ehikhamhen as Shelby Photo courtesy of Hub Theatre Company of Boston

Liz Adams portrays M’Lynn with a quiet, palpable tightness and a bundle of suppressed feelings.  It is easy to feel the weight of the world on her shoulders.  This M’Lynn has a bit of a tougher edge and a dry sense of humor as she meticulously looks after everyone but herself.  Though M’Lynn and Shelby are both dramatic and stubborn, Oye Ehikhamhen as Shelby is a ceaselessly optimistic force where happiness is a requirement, not an option.  With a broad smile and easy chemistry with the entire cast, Oye as Shelby shines in a charismatic, compassionate performance.

Club Cafe’s stage is an air-conditioned, intimate space that includes tables set up for food and drinks.  In honor of the production, Club Cafe offers themed specialty cocktails such as Truvy’s Twister, Blush and Bashful, Wack-A-Ouiser, and Chinquapin Parish Punch.

Directed by Paula Plum, rewind the clock and take a trip south to Truvy’s for Hub Theatre Company of Boston’s ‘Steel Magnolias’ at Club Café  at 209 Columbus Ave through Saturday, August 3. This show is on a pay-what-you-can basis.  Click here for more information about Hub Theatre and tickets.  Hub Theatre Company of Boston is also taking donations of beauty products and toiletries at every performance to be donated to Rosie’s Place and other charities.

Designer and CEO Sara Campbell talks giving bigger as she hosts Boston Women in Media and Entertainment charitable event on Giving Tuesday

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Sara Campbell Ltd. knows about giving.  They have donated to a long list of organizations nationwide over the years from the American Cancer Society in Atlanta, GA to the Young Women’s League of Canaan in Caanan, CT.  On Giving Tuesday on November 27, it was just another day for this shop to give back.

Dressed in a stylish blue and black dress is Sara Campbell, designer, founder and CEO of women’s clothing boutique shop, Sara Campbell Ltd.  She hosted Boston Women in Media and Entertainment (BWME) for Giving Tuesday, opening up her shop for great deals on her fashion line with 20 percent of the proceeds benefiting Cradles to Crayons, a local non-profit that fights childhood poverty.  On Giving Tuesday, attendees were encouraged to contribute a new coat for a child age 5 to 17 to be delivered to Cradles to Crayons.

This is Sara’s second time hosting BWME at this location and her sixth year hosting this event.  Designed in the USA, Sara Campbell Ltd. has 25 locations nationwide.  The Sleepless Critic and BWME co-founder and Magic 106.7’s Candy O’Terry spoke with this event and the act of giving.  Click here to learn more about BWME, how to join, and the opportunities they offer all year.  Click here to learn more about Sara Campbell, her collections, the company’s community involvement and much more.

Sleepless Critic:  You work a lot with Cradles to Crayons.  What does Giving Tuesday mean to you?

Sara Campbell:  Giving Tuesday means nothing to me because I don’t believe it should be one day a year.  As a shop owner, a manager to my employees, and all the people I am responsible for, our mission is to give back and serve our customers, our community, serve each other as a company, and everyone who works together.  It’s service.  I believe that is what small business is and should be.  It’s delivering that act of kindness that makes a difference in somebody’s life today.  Every day, I have my employees write up an act of kindness they did today in our stores.  When I get a blank, I am not happy.

I raised my business knowing I was supposed to give back, whether it’s buying someone a cup of coffee or paying a toll which could be 25 cents at the meter.  I was taught to give what you can and that’s your way of putting back what has been given to you.  It is what feeds our business, but it doesn’t mean it’s easy.  You have to have faith for whatever the journey is.

It’s getting more and more obvious these days how much we have to breed kindness, thoughtfulness, and empathy.  Faith is hard, especially when it’s eCommerce and it is Cyber Monday.  The tariffs in China are hugely impacting me.  I’m made in the USA and we don’t make zippers in the US.  I have to import supplies and it’s going to be passed to the consumer because my payroll is increasing.  My staff deserves raises, healthcare, insurance, everything.  As a strategy, the only way we are getting through it is hopefully to grow and have our bricks and mortars survive and prosper, but it takes our loyal customers to make that happen.

Candy O’Terry:  I’m a loyal customer!

Sara:  You are!  Giving Tuesday drives a lot of prosperity to different organizations that wouldn’t get it otherwise.  To that end, I am for Giving Tuesday.  The drive to get bigger is I can give bigger.  I can do more.  It’s not that we are getting bigger and getting a bigger house.  I’d like to get out of debt (laughs.)

BWME Candy O'Terry

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Candy:  The Sara Campbell brand is selling all across the country.

Sara:  It takes a village of friends, customers, team workers in this office, in the sample shop, and in our stores.  I’ve had this idea that I’m going to take a picture of all our stores and we’re going to cut out paper dolls.  They are all going to be holding hands around the building.  That’s what community and this wonderful night is all about.  It’s the women who are part of Boston Women and Entertainment.  So much camaraderie excites us and helps us get through the dark days.

Candy:  I met Sara about ten years ago.  I interviewed her for a show called Exceptional Women on Magic 106.7 and she became my friend.  As the years passed, it doesn’t matter if I do 50 or 60 events a year, if I can show up wearing a Sara Campbell dress and say in front of 1,000 people if they like my Sara Campbell dress.  I am so loyal to her because she is a local designer with a heart of gold.

Sara:  I will never say no to you.  I don’t care what you need or want because you are delivering the message through you to bigger places.

Candy:  See that is what Giving Tuesday is all about.  Good goes around.  That’s why we are here tonight because if I can introduce ten new people to the Sara Campbell brand and they buy Sara Campbell and they tell their friends, it’s a win-win all around.

We love local charity Cradles to Crayons so much and will leave this place with two giant bags for them.  Sara donated about ten jackets for children.  We’re going to write them a nice check and I’m going to show up with this stuff to our giving factory tomorrow.  We’re going to help local Boston kids walk to school with a beautiful, warm pink coat on looking like a million bucks.

Sara:  I learned the beauty of giving a brand new coat to a child from Kids Clothes Club, another local organization started in Brookline, MA.  We have had kids write us to say they slept in their new coat in the kitchen last night because they just didn’t want to take it off.  It’s so good for their self esteem.  I’m going to write Cradles to Crayons a check so they can go get the size for the exact kid they have in mind.

Candy:  When we walk out of here tonight because of the kindness of these women and Sara, we’ll be able to donate something to children in our own community and that means so much to us.

Sara:  We have to take care of each other.  Candy, thank you for orchestrating such a fun night.  You are a change maker.

Cohasset Youth Theatre proudly presents the romantic comedy, ‘Legally Blonde the Musical, Jr.’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

From fashion extraordinaire to law student, Elle Woods strives to show Harvard she is so much more than a blond in pink heels.  Based on the hit romantic comedy that shot Reese Witherspoon to stardom, Cohasset Dramatic Club’s partner, Cohasset Youth Theatre, proudly presents Legally Blonde the Musical Jr. for two nights only on Friday, April 28 through Saturday, April 29.  All performances will take place at Cohasset Dramatic Club’s Town Hall Theatre in Cohasset, Massachusetts at 7:30 p.m.  Call 617-852-0091 for more information and for tickets.

Legally Blonde the Musical Jr. is sure to dazzle audiences through its engaging tale about a perky California sorority girl with an indomitable spirit who sets her sights on Harvard Law School to win back her high school boyfriend.  She makes some surprising friends along the way and learns she is much stronger than she ever expected. Legally Blonde the Musical Jr. has all the frothy magic of the original movie including the musical numbers Omigod, You Guys, Serious, and Positive that will leave audiences with a happy heart.

Starring Halle Pratt as Elle Woods, catch Cohasset Youth Theatre’s Legally Blonde the Musical Jr. from Friday, April 28 through Saturday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m.  All performances take place at Cohasset Town Hall Theatre, 41 Highland Ave in Cohasset, Massachusetts. Call 617-852-0091 for further details and tickets.  Tickets are also available at the door and the show is suitable for all ages.  Follow Cohasset Dramatic Club on Facebook for updates and more information and details on their upcoming shows.