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REVIEW: A thrilling race against time in wondrous ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’

Posted on December 2 by The Sleepless Critic

This production boasts a great deal of elaborate presentation and what an amazing presentation it is!

John Tiffany’s innovative direction, Gareth Fry’s robust sound design and a gleaming set by Christine Jones paves the way for more than a little magic as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child continues live and in person at Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through Saturday, December 20. This exciting production runs two hours and 50 minutes with one intermission and some dark imagery may not be appropriate for children. Click here for more information and for tickets.

David Fine, Adam Grant Morrison, and Maren Searle in ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ Photo By Evan Zimmerman

Set Designer Christine Jones’s sterling and multi-dimensional set boasts gleaming wood and fine detail with stars and moons etched into a dome trim. Featuring spinning clocks, animated books, vaulted ceilings and swerving grand staircases, this sliding set follows its own meticulous rhythm integrating shadows which brilliantly capture the essence of Hogwarts and the iconic events of the beloved series and films. Capes swing in succession to its own mesmerizing beat in sharp and sweeping choreography that enhances the swift pace of this production.

The cast of ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ Photo By Matthew Murphy

The spellbinding and pulsating special effects by Jamie Harrison as well as the nostalgic return of beloved places and characters are the essential reasons why anyone, but especially Harry Potter fans, will delight in this show. As an avid Harry Potter fan having read the all the books including this screenplay and witnessed all the films, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’s Easter eggs and recognizable spells are all familiar and welcome territory. A wizard disappearing into a mailbox, characters drifting through walls, and haunting characters looming larger than life is just a glimpse into the stupendous magic that takes place live onstage.

‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ national cast Photo By Matthew Murphy

Seeing magic during recorded films is one thing, but to witness this magic materialize onstage is more than exciting. It is a thrill each and every time.

Starting during Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows epilogue, Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermoine are at King’s Cross Station sending their children on the Hogwarts Express as new students to Hogwarts much like when Harry, Ron and Hermoine embarked on the Hogwarts Express for the first time years ago.

Much like J.K. Rowling’s beloved book series, this topsy turvy plot contains themes of family love, enduring friendship, and coming of age love that materializes between Adam Grant Morrison as Albus and David Fine as Scorpius. It also focuses on parenting, reputation and the consequences of one’s actions. Its winding plot is just intriguing enough to revel in the appearances of these characters and goes to great lengths to stretch the plot for the purpose of justifying revisiting all these iconic places through a time turner.

David Fine and Adam Grant Morrison in ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ Photo By Evan Zimmerman

The production brings together both generations as Juliana Nightingale remarkably portrays mysterious Delphi Diggory and Larry Yando as sympathetic Amos Diggory urges Nick Dillenberg as Harry Potter to bring back Amos’s son Cedric using a time turner. When Harry refuses, Albus and Scorpius see it as an opportunity to prove themselves as great wizards.

Nightingale, Fine, and Morrison in ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ Photo By Evan Zimmerman

What I did feel like the production lacked is the amount of time given to other students at Hogwarts. So much time was dedicated to the OG characters that aside from acquaintances, Albus and Scorpius seem to be the only two people that truly connect in Hogwarts which is hard to believe at such a large university with numerous cast members. Perhaps this is due to the shortening of the production which was once divided into two parts and clocked in at over four hours.

Fine is exuberantly expressive, anxious and excitable as Scorpius Malfoy. Fine defines Scorpius with bursts of chatter and bravery infused with an occasional unhinged edge while Morrison as Albus Severus Potter is more introspective and resentful trying to live up to his father’s image.

David Fine in ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ Photo By Evan Zimmerman

Tom Felton may have returned in his OG role as Draco Malfoy on Broadway, but Ryan Hallahan is certainly up to the task in menacing and sarcastic ways punctuated by a delightfully upturned sneer and rich vocals as Draco. Hallahan’s Draco is an impressive adversary and protective father to David Fine as Scorpius while infusing traces of Draco’s own father, Lucius.

Dillenburg as Harry Potter is well suited for the role, though the character has become more egotistical and stubborn thinking he knows best which makes for fascinating scenes with Trish Lindstrom as softer spoken Ginny. Lindstrom amiably demonstrates Ginny’s maturity and bolder practicality, especially as she tempers Harry’s anxieties.

Matt Harrington amusingly captures quirky, outspoken, and underestimated Ron who provides more than a few playful moments. He also shares some sweet scenes with Rachel Leslie as shrewd and determined Hermoine.

David Fine, MacKenzie Lesser-Roy, and Adam Grant Morrison in ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ Photo By Evan Zimmerman

Some actors in this large cast take on multiple roles with finesse. MacKenzie Lesser-Roy as giddy, giggling, bold and flirtatious Moaning Myrtle is an over the top scene stealer and unrecognizable in a dual turn as serene Lily Potter. Katherine Leask closely exacts Maggie Smith’s glorious timbre and cadence as firm, yet compassionate Professor McGonagall with winking good humor before stepping into the shoes of one of Harry Potter’s perilously disdainful villains not to be revealed here. Larry Yando impressively takes on the challenge of triple roles though some land better than others.

Wands abaze in ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ Photo By Evan Zimmerman

Twists, turns, rumors and revelations abound in this elaborate production tailor made for Harry Potter fans and for those who truly enjoy onstage wizardry! Harry Potter and the Cursed Child continues live and in person at Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through Saturday, December 20. Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW: Wishing upon a ‘Soft Star’ at Boston Playwrights Theatre

Posted on November 24, 2024 by The Sleepless Critic

Somewhere in Minnesota, two best friends with a complex history each wish on what is deemed a soft star in the sky. What develops over time will test the limits of their friendship and much more.

Contemplatively directed by Bridget Kathleen O’Leary, Boston Playwrights Theatre presents Tina Esper’s supernatural drama Soft Star through Sunday, November 24 part of the Boston Playwrights Theatre’s Fall Rep Festival. This absorbing production runs 85 minutes with no intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.

The cast of Tina Esper’s ‘Soft Star’ Photo by Amelia Cordischi

Boston Playwrights Theatre’s Fall Rep Festival features two new productions from living authors taking place on one stage and scenic designer Maggie Shivers continues to make distinctive use of the space for these two vastly different productions. With fold out compartments that pose as couches, a barbecue grill and shelves, cast members transform the set and props between scenes from a beachside setting to a completely new landscape. Zachary Connell’s starlit and warm lighting adds an ethereal quality to the production featuring lanterns and luminous creatures boosted by Kai Bolman’s mystical sound design. Set within the span of the 70’s and 80s, E. Rosser’s colorful costumes depicts fashion trends of the time such as baby doll dresses, keds sneakers, and Henley shirts.

Annika Bolton and Mairéad O’Neill in Tina Esper’s ‘Soft Star’ Photo by Amelia Cordischi

A complex drama of jealousy, isolation, insecurity, secrets and longing, Soft Star is poignant and wistful as Jane and Belle search for a sense of belonging as they contemplate about the direction their lives have taken. There is a real sense of uncertainty from these individuals as the show progresses. Annika Bolton as Jane, Jesse Kodama as Dick, Mairéad O’Neill as Belle and Kamran Bina as Mitch make up a tightly woven group that also share building tension and passive aggressiveness, especially among Dick and Mitch who are best friends working together as well as a palpable chemistry between Mitch and Jane.

What is wonderfully fascinating about Soft Star is how best friends Annika Bolton as Jane and Mairéad O’Neill as Belle’s connection and priorities mature and evolve over time. From two coming of age girls to established women, Esper’s script explores the transforming interests of these individuals and at the same time, depicts how some reflections on their lives never change.

Annika Bolton in Tina Esper’s ‘Soft Star’ Photo by Amelia Cordischi

With an elements of magic and mysticism, Soft Star is an intriguing and imaginative drama fueled by Esper’s layered script which unfolds from a straightforward narrative to how life becomes immensely complicated through circumstances and when other emotions take hold. Emotions that linger and ripen even as people mature exasperated by a wish.

Boston Playwrights Theatre presents Tina Esper’s supernatural drama Soft Star through Sunday, November 24 part of the Boston Playwrights Theatre’s Fall Rep Festival. The show runs 85 minutes with no intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW: Experience the magic and the gripping madness of Apollinaire Theatre’s ‘The Antelope Party’

Posted on March 6, 2024 by The Sleepless Critic

In a world gone mad, friendship is tested. How did it all go awry?

Eric John Meyer’s The Antelope Party is a multilayered production that dives behind the production’s kaleidoscopic colors into many shades of gray. Many suspicions rise and this tight knit group are stealthily on the hunt for answers.

Directed methodically by Brooks Reeves, The Apollinaire Theatre Company continues Eric John Meyer’s suspenseful The Antelope Party live and in person at Chelsea Theatre Works through Sunday, March 17. The show is two hours and fifteen minutes with one intermission and is not suitable for children. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Put away any preconceived notions of this show. It is much more than any advertisement can suggest. It is raw, funny, suspenseful, gloriously unconventional, thought provoking, and slippery in its intentions. What remain consistent are its views on friendship and its quest for uncovering truth.

Apollinaire Theatre Company The Antelope Party Evan Turissini Christa Brown and Brit Gardner Photo credit Danielle Fauteux Jacques

Cheerfully steeped in rainbow colored brightness and creative nostalgia elevated by a My Little Pony signature blanket, ebullient drapes, and authentic My Little Pony figurines lined up on a dresser, set designer Joseph Lark-Riley certainly knows how to transform a room or in this case, Demetrius Fuller as level headed Ben’s cozy apartment. This multilevel set has a brew shop and lamp lit park setting that leaves everything out in open unlike this enigmatic storyline that houses many secrets.

Apollinaire Theatre Company The Antelope Party Evan Turissini Christa Brown Brit Gardner and Demetrius Fuller Photo credit Danielle Fauteux Jacques

As impressive as the set design is Elizabeth Rocha’s vibrant and fancifully detailed Brony costumes and most notably, Christa Brown’s wonderfully distracting shimmering blue sneakers. Demetrius Fuller as Ben, Christa Brown as Maggie, Evan Turissini as Shawn, Brit Garner as Rachel, and Alex Leondedis as Doug gather together in Ben’s apartment as My Little Ponies or ‘bronies’ to speak minds freely and be heard, listen more than speak, and bond in harmony and understanding in an idyllic land known as Equestria. The group’s joyful camaraderie punctuated by galloping is endearing and hilarious. However, when Danielle Fauteaux Jacques arrives as newcomer Jean, something is off.

Apollinaire Theatre Company The Antelope Party Brit Gardner Christa Brown Demetrius Fuller and Evan Turissini Photo credit Danielle Fauteux Jacques

‘Pegasisters pump’, ‘going for a trot’, and ‘klopper’ are just some of the terminology used by self proclaimed Bronies or superfans of My Little Pony which is laid out in the production’s program. This type of fan base actually exists according to the 2012 documentary, Bronies: The Extremely Unexpected Adult Fans of My Little Pony that focuses on diehard fans of the 2010 series, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. However, this is only the tip of this intense and multidimensional iceberg that Eric John Meyer’s The Antelope Party systematically lays out set in a highly populated and high poverty stricken Western Pennsylvania mill town. Outside Ben’s apartment, we are not in Equestria anymore.

This show would not be as appealing if not for its powerful cast who delivers sharp comic timing with dramatic flair. They consistently translate what can at times be interpreted as silly to unmitigated believability. The Antelope Party weaves in My Little Pony, but also relatable fears, paranoia, obsession, powerful messages, and the fragility of true friendship.

Apollinaire Theatre Company The Antelope Party Evan Turissini as Shawn Photo credit Danielle Fauteux Jacques

Evan Turissini stands out as Pinky Pie or insecure wild card Shawn and Danielle Fouteaux Jacques as Jean. Turissini is all at once sympathetic and difficult while always longing for acceptance and Fouteaux Jacques delivers comical rationale at the most inopportune times. Christa Brown adds convincing bite to Rarity or overconfident and connected Maggie and Demetrius holds his own as Fluttershy or good natured Ben. Brit Gardner as Twilight Sparkle or conflicted Rachel and Alex Leondedis as Rainbox Dash or distant Doug round out this excellent cast.

The Antelope Party is a fascinating and introspective production in a world gone mad and should not be missed.

REVIEW: Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston’s ‘Pippin’ delivered magic with more to come

Posted on August 17, 2022 by The Sleepless Critic

The quest to discover one’s destiny can be both exciting and harrowing.

After opening with musical classic West Side Story last month to kick off Reagle Music Theater of Greater Boston’s summer season, Bob Fosse’s unmistakable style took the stage in Reagle’s follow up summer musical Pippin, a tale within a tale about destiny and realizing where one fits in the world. Pippin resembles a morality play and Pippin, portrayed with earnest naiveté and enthusiasm by Kenny Lee, is convinced he was created for an extraordinary purpose and will stop at nothing to find it.

Directed and choreographed by Rachel Bertone with Music Direction by Dan Rodriguez, Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston had a lot more magic to do, but the musical Pippin had to shorten its run due to Covid concerns. However, Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston will have another chance to create some magic at a one night only cabaret fundraiser featuring the Pippin cast on live and in person on August 26 at Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston in Waltham, MA at 7 p.m. Purchase tickets early and get a discount. Click here for more information and tickets.

Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston presents a one night only cabaret on August 26. Photo courtesy of Herb Philpott/Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston

Led by Boston based award-winning actor and singer Davron Monroe, the musical Pippin was a wonder to witness though the plot itself is a bit uneven at times and the musical is not appropriate for children. Based on the originally-directed Bob Fosse musical and Diane Paulus’s Tony award-winning revival, Pippin ran at Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston in Waltham, MA through August 7. Click here for more on Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston’s upcoming events.

Davron Monroe as Leading Player Photo courtesy of Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston

Set initially in a traveling circus, cast members immersed the audience in this mystical tale within a tale also set in the Middle Ages by occasionally marching down the aisles, addressing the audience and encouraging an occasional sing-along.

Kenny Lee as Pippin Photo courtesy of Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston

Scenic designer Cameron McEchern seamlessly handled the frequent “magical” changes of scenery as Pippin explored various aspects of one’s existence from sophisticated royalty to military life to the simplicity of farming life and much more in between. From bright, bedazzled and exotic costumes to the simplicity of the Middle Ages, costume designer Jake O’Hara and Emerald City Theatricals helped to create this versatile and dynamic world shared skillfully by charismatic Davron Monroe as the complicated narrator and mysterious advisor, Leading Player. Monroe’s resounding vocals and quick comic wit lent to his compelling performance, especially for Magic to Do and the lively On the Right Track. However, Monroe’s most captivating work was saved for the twist-filled finale.

The costumes along with Rachel Bertone’s dazzling and at times racy choreography offered subtle nods to Fosse’s signature style including top hat, cane, and scantily clad, Chicago-inspired dancers. Even Monroe gave a subtle nod to Fosse’s Razzle Dazzle.

Damon Singletary as Charlemagne Photo courtesy of Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston

Like Chicago, Pippin has some surprising moments and often addressed the dark side of humanity. Pippin is looking for meaning as expressed quite wonderfully with Corner of the Sky. Lee portrays Pippin with wide-eyed optimism, chatty naiveté, and a free spirit which make him more sympathetic than egotistical, even when Pippin makes some poor choices.

Kathy St. George as Berthe © Joe Henson Photography 2006 All Rights reserved.

King Charlemagne, depicted with gravitas, charm, and stubbornness by Damon Singletary, is no stranger to the monarchy having portrayed the king in Concord’s past Umbrella Arts Theatre musical, Head over Heels. Stern and shrewd Singletary delivered some wise and memorable dialogue and has a good rapport with his son, Pippin. Kathy St. George as spicy and fun loving Berthe is a particular highlight, especially during the number, No Time at All. Berthe offers Pippin and the audience valuable life lessons and an occasional sing-along through humor, joy, and wit. Kenny Lee as Pippin and Kathy St. George have some endearing chemistry and Berthe’s vibrant dance moves and her occasional engagement with the audience make her a difficult act to follow.

Katie Anne Clark as Fastrada Photo courtesy of Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston

Katie Ann Clark as seductive and materialistic Fastrada and Joel Douglas as handsome, dimwitted and egotistical Lewis make formidable adversaries and Kayla Shimizu shines as headstrong, patient, and graceful Catherine.

It is a shame that Pippin could not continue for its full run because it had a lot to say about the key to happiness and what is truly important in life. However, Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston will have another opportunity for some magic at a one night only cabaret fundraiser featuring the Pippin cast live and in person on August 26 at Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston in Waltham, MA at 7 p.m. Click here for more information and tickets.

REVIEW: Academy of the Company Theatre’s parody ‘Puffs’ full of lively, enchanted fun

Posted on October 24, 2021 by The Sleepless Critic

Those first few chords seem familiar, but no, this is not quite the John Williams classic score about THAT wizard, but another earnest group of wizard hopefuls. Not quite ‘saint-like,’ but fun loving and enthusiastic underachievers nonetheless. Some legendary faces appear and make quite an impression, but the Puffs are the real stars.

Full of inside and self aware jokes, 90s pop culture references, chocolate frogs, almost every flavored bean, and not nearly as long as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts 1 and 2 comes Puffs, a spot on parody that tells the epic tale of the seven years Harry Potter attended Hogwarts from the viewpoint of some of the lesser known wizard students that aimed for first, but would also settle for third. It is a hilarious exploration that is best appreciated by Harry Potter fans due to its share of spoilers, but anyone would enjoy a wealth of improvisational fun and physical humor as well as Dean Palmer Junior’s impressive lighting and special effects. The introduction of hilarious dragons and haunting dementors are just some of the show’s highlights.

Bath scene. Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre

Directed cleverly by Corey Cadigan, Academy of the Company Theatre (ACT) presents Matt Cox’s Puffs for one exclusive weekend from October 22 through October 24 at Company Theatre in Norwell, Massachusetts. Click here for all of Company Theatre’s upcoming events including a tribute to Jordie Saucerman, Company Theatre’s late co-founder.

The timing is perfect for Puffs as next year marks 25 years since JK’s Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone hit bookshelves in 1997, making the author one of the richest people in the world. With Harry Potter and the Cursed Child back on Broadway and around the world and Fantastic Beasts 3: The Secrets of Dumbledore slated for next year, Harry Potter remains a phenomenon.

Annie Dunn as Sally Perks and others and Marissa Tolini as Susie Bones and others Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre

This is absolutely not a retread of Harry Potter though, but tells a slightly different and more humorous tale along Harry Potter’s timeline. It is difficult to choose which characters makes the biggest impression because each cast member collaborate so well together and as a big Harry Potter fan, I found myself laughing right through my mask which is required within Company Theatre’s comfortable theatre space.

Brianna Casey as Narrator Courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre

Many cast members transfigure into multiple roles as Brianna Casey serves as Puffs scholarly narrator. Casey’s benevolent and dignified delivery adds gravitas to an often whimsical role, keeping the tale focused as some of the more spontaneous characters could have led the story astray. Will Moon epitomizes Cedric’s rock star persona and charismatic scene stealer in a dual role and Alex Norton’s Wayne Hopkins is talkative and charming as the tale’s ‘would be’ hero. Morgan Hurley offers a memorable portrayal of conflicted Megan Jones, a rebel with a chip on her shoulder. She shares endearing chemistry with Sean Lally as Wayne’s nerdy best friend, Oliver Rogers.

Alex Norton as Wayne Hopkins and Will Moon as Cedric Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre

Anastasia Ferrera is bubbly and delightful as Leanne among others and James Keyes as goofy J. Finch as well as other roles is often the life of the party. One of the many collaborative scenes and highlights of the show involve a party with too much butter beer and a familiar sounding 90s dance song. Some scenes seem a random addition, but are always smartly done.

With intricate, multi-functional sets and props (those wands and that sorting hat!) by Ryan Barrow and colorful, distinctive, and humorously outlandish costumes by John Crampton, Puffs is a lighthearted and wonderful journey while still delivering important life lessons so prevalent in the books such as valuing the power of friendship, dreaming big, and being true to oneself. It’s a shame the show is only presented for one weekend with a cast that is having so much fun.

Brianna Casey as Narrator and Max Ripley as Ernie Mac and others

Academy of the Company Theatre (ACT) performs parody Puffs through October 24. Click here for more information and for all of the Company Theatre’s upcoming events.

REVIEW: Magic, mischief, and classic romantic comedy rule Company Theatre’s wondrous ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’

Posted on October 12, 2019 by The Sleepless Critic

It is not difficult to see why A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of Shakespeare’s most performed and beloved plays. It is everything but tragic. It features magic, mischief, romantic comedy, action, and under a harvest moon, a haunting twist perfect for October and Halloween.

This particular play holds historical significance to the Company Theatre because it was the first show they ever produced 40 years ago when they were working with very little money. Company Theatre’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is an opportunity to transform the production into what they have always hoped it to be and what a dream it is.

Cleverly directed by Steve Dooner, Company Theatre’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream continues through Sunday, October 20 at the Company Theatre in Norwell, Massachusetts. Click here for a closer look at show and here for more information and tickets.

Company Theatres A Midsummer Nights Dream set and cast

Samantha McMahon as Queen Titania and fairies Photo courtesy of the Company Theatre

Under a gigantic moon, Ryan Barrow’s enchanting set design and Zoe Bradford’s beautiful art design unleash a picturesque, woodland world full of frolicking fairies, sword fights, romance, and more surrounded by a moving and glittering landscape. The show’s fanciful Ravel and Mendelssohn-infused soundtrack, some high flying special effects, Paula Ninestein and Anna Splitz’s authentic costumes with a bit of a contemporary edge, and Ethan R. Jones’s stirring lighting design seamlessly combine to enhance this captivating work.

Company Theatre A Midsummer Nights Dream Theseus and Hippolyta

Dan Kelly as Theseus and Sarah Dewey as Hippolyta Photo courtesy of the Company Theatre

A Midsummer Night’s Dream has multiple story lines, but the cast translates Shakespeare’s work with gravitas and humor. For those hesitant about understanding Shakespeare’s work, this production is lively, lighthearted, and manageable to follow.

Part play within a play, part intrigue, part comedy, and part mystery, A Midsummer Night’s Dream essentially explores love in all of its forms from unrequited to true love to romantic comedy to love potions. This production is the source of some of Shakespeare’s most famous reflections on love such as “True love does not see with the eyes, but the mind,” and “The course of true love never did run smooth.” The show’s witty dialogue is a wonderful reminder that Shakespeare’s story lines are timeless and can translate into any contemporary story line.

Though A Midsummer Night’s Dream boasts a dignified and dynamic cast, it also excels at improvisation, hilarity, and absurdity. Dan Kelly is a regal and charismatic Theseus and Sarah Dewey a radiant Hippolyta. They glide onstage like today’s royal family. Declan Dunn delivers a remarkable performance as wild, mischievous, and mighty Puck and his conspiring moments with Jermaine Murray as King Oberon make for a clever and cunning pair.

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The women in this production are strong, beautiful, and fierce. Ariel Wigfall portrays sympathetic, yet courageous Hermia while raven-haired Joan Raube-Wilson is virtuous and stunning as Helena. Samantha McMahon is as glamorous as she is amusing as Queen Titania.

‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ also has a wealth of wonderful, improvisational moments. Suraj Ranhbhat as headstrong Demetrius, Bryant Marshall as Lysander, and especially Marco Zenelli as the energetic, bombastic, yet benevolent Nick Bottom along with his group of madcap, merry Mechanicals all demonstrate some excellent physical humor, improvisation, and zany comic relief. Where would today’s humor be without these classic comedic moments which stand as the foundation of what we are all laughing about today.

Company Theatre A Midsummer Nights Dream Mechanicals

From L to R: Marco Zanelli as Nick Bottom, Declan Dunn as Puck and Caroline Kautsire as Peter Quince

Company Theatre’s classic A Midsummer Night’s Dream continues through Sunday, October 20 at the Company Theatre, 30 Accord Park Drive in Norwell, Massachusetts. Click here for more information, tickets, and how to support Company Theatre’s future. Also follow Company Theatre on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to learn all about their upcoming events.

Lexus Broadway in Boston presents musical spectacle ‘Wicked,’ returning by popular demand

Posted on May 29, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

A simple hat can make quite a statement. Back by popular demand with its astounding sets, phosphorescent costumes, and multi-faceted story, Wicked is the Grammy and Tony award-winning musical spectacle that may make audiences reject those ruby slippers because Oz feels like home. The award-winning musical Wicked, presented by Lexus Broadway in Boston, sweeps into the Boston Opera House once again on Wednesday, June 7 and will remain there through Sunday, July 23. Click here for tickets and more information on Wicked.

Glinda and Elphaba Photo by Joan Marcus

Could Glinda the Good and young, ambitious, and somewhat naive Elphaba, before she became the Wicked Witch, actually have been friends? What did happen before Dorothy and Toto arrived? Based on Gregory Maguire’s best-selling book, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, the splendid musical adaptation, Wicked, introduces an entirely new way of interpreting L. Frank Baum’s classic tale, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Elphaba Photo courtesy of Joan Marcus

Glinda Photo courtesy of Joan Marcus

Elphaba and Glinda Photo courtesy of Joan Marcus

Madame Morrible and Elphaba Photo courtesy of Joan Marcus

Elphaba Photo courtesy of Joan Marcus

Elphaba and the Wizard Photo courtesy of Joan Marcus

Featuring a mix of beloved, familiar Oz characters while also introducing new ones, many parts of Wicked turn Oz on its ear in a clever and beguiling way, unraveling its own set of mysteries. It also introduces a darker side to Oz, revealing deep, relatable issues of prejudice and balancing that with hope, love, and treasured moments of welcome humor.

Wicked arrives at the Boston Opera House, 539 Washington Street in Boston, Massachusetts from Wednesday, June 7 through Sunday, July 23. Click here for more information and tickets. Subscriptions and group tickets are also available. Click here for a closer look at Lexus Broadway in Boston’s 2017-18 season and follow Lexus Broadway in Boston on Facebook and Twitter.

Queen Latifah, Ben Folds, ‘Jaws,’ and ‘E.T.’ part of the Boston Pops ‘Celebrating John Williams’ season

Posted on April 7, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

Sometimes the most tremendous talent is located right in the backyard. Responsible for a wealth of critically-acclaimed and celebrated music scores over a career that spans six decades and beyond, Boston Pops Laureate conductor John Williams has been nominated for 50 Academy Awards, winning five. Legendary film scores for Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, Jaws as well as the Olympic Fanfare and theme and NBC Sunday Night Football are just a glimpse of the spectacular works by the incomparable John Williams.

In honor of John’s 85^th birthday and his incredible accomplishments over the years, The Boston Pops dedicate their season to Celebrating John Williams from Wednesday, May 10 through Saturday, June 17 at Boston Symphony Hall. The season will kick off with multi-talented actress and singer Queen Latifah from Wednesday, May 10 to Thursday, May 11 and finishing off with the 25th anniversary of Gospel Night on Saturday, June 17.

Queen Latifah opens the Boston Pops season Photo courtesy of Boston Pops

The Boston Pops also offers a pre-season concert series hosted by Indiana Jones star, Karen Allen and the live recording of Boston Pops CD release on Friday, April 7. Click here for Boston Pops tickets and here for more information on upcoming BSO concerts.

Led by accomplished conductor Keith Lockhart, a compelling roster of renowned artists and celebrity appearances enliven this spring’s Boston Pops season. The stage and screen have never been brighter with iconic artists such as musicians Ben Folds, Leslie Odom, Jr, and the Party with the B-52s. Other highlights include The Beatles & Beyond, Jaws in Concert, Mamma Mia, E.T. in Concert, Cirque De la Symphonie, Lights, Camera, Music, The Music of John Williams, and more.

Ben Folds Photo courtesy of the Boston Pops

The Boston Pops presents the always phenomenal and wildly-popular Gospel Night once again led by Charles Floyd and the return of Film Night with John Williams. Click here for a full list of performances.

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Leslie Odom, Jr from Hamilton will perform with the Boston Pops Photo courtesy of the Boston Pops

Click here for tickets, call SymphonyCharge at 1-888-266-1200, or visit the Symphony Hall box office during business hours at 301 Massachusetts Ave in Boston, Massachusetts. Follow The Boston Pops on Facebook and Twitter for updates.

‘Wicked,’ ‘Something Rotten,’ & ‘Finding Neverland’ part of Lexus Broadway in Boston’s new season

Posted on January 8, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

Rolling in the New Year with a comedy behind the birth of the first musical, Lexus Broadway in Boston blends beloved, Tony award-winning classics and enthralling, contemporary musicals full of mystery and magic. Lexus Broadway in Boston offers a sensational, dynamic combination of shows kicking off with a humorous look at the birth of the musical with Something Rotten to the stage adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s birth of Peter Pan with Finding Neverland. All productions are held at the Boston Opera House, 539 Washington Street in Boston, Massachusetts. Click here for a closer look at upcoming shows, tickets, and how to become a season subscriber. Like Broadway in Boston on Facebook for updates.

Alternating from the 90s to the 1590s, the musical comedy, Something Rotten, delves into the height of Shakespeare’s time as two brothers discover the key to success may be a musical. Songs include Welcome to the Renaissance, Hard to Be the Bard, and It’s Eggs. Something Rotten will take place from Monday, January 16 through Sunday, January 29.

Touring cast of musical comedy, ‘Something Rotten’

Set in tumultuous pre-World War II Germany and with classic numbers such as Maybe This Time and Willkommen, enter the Kit Kat Club for the classic musical, Cabaret. Full of raucous songs and outrageous choreography, The Roundabout Theatre Company presents this musical classic to celebrate their 50^th anniversary from Tuesday, January 31 through Sunday, February 12. Cabaret contains mature content.

The cast of Roundabout Theatre Company’s national tour of ‘Cabaret’

A murder-mystery set around a brilliant fifteen year-old boy, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a Tony award-winning play based on Mark Haddon’s bestselling novel of the same name. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time takes place from Tuesday, March 7 through Sunday, March 19. This show contains adult language and themes.

Adam Langdon as Christopher Boone & the cast of the touring production of ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’

Tony award-winner of 2015’s ‘Best Revival of the Musical,’ revisit Rodgers and Hammerstein’s sweeping, romantic musical classic, The King and I. This captivating musical explores the extraordinary relationship between the King of Siam and a British schoolteacher featuring the classic numbers, Hello Young Lovers, I Have Dreamed, and Shall We Dance. See The King and I on Tuesday, April 11 through Sunday, April 23.

Jose Llana as The King of Siam & Laura Michelle Kelly as Anna Leonowens in ‘The King and I’ tour.

This summer, embark on a magical journey into Peter Pan author, J.M. Barrie’s imagination with Finding Neverland. Set in London, struggling playwright J.M. Barrie is looking for inspiration for a big hit when he meets a family so rich in creativity and make-believe, it may change his entire life. Full of visually-stunning effects and touching drama, Finding Neverland arrives on Tuesday, August 8 and continues through Sunday, August 20.

The cast of ‘Finding Neverland’ tour

Broadway in Boston also proudly presents season options Wicked, The Illusionists, and the farewell tour of Mamma Mia. Click here for tickets to Lexus Broadway in Boston’s new season.