murder mystery | The Sleepless Critic

REVIEW: Greater Boston Stage Company’s infectiously charming but muddled ‘Murder for Two’

Posted on November 7 by The Sleepless Critic

A surprise party goes awry and one ambitious investigator is on the scene.

With fast paced direction by Tyler Rosati and versatile music direction by Bethany Aiken, Greater Boston Stage Company continues murder mystery musical farce Murder for Two live and in person through Sunday, November 9 live at Greater Boston Stage Company in Stoneham, Massachusetts. This semi-interactive whodunit two hander is 90 minutes without an intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Jared Troilo in Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘Murder for Two’ Photo by Niles Scott Studios

Katy Monthei’s vintage mansion setting creates a homey atmosphere which includes dated wallpaper, cluttered bookshelves, several mismatched lamps, various knickknacks on scattered shelving, Egyptian rugs, framed portraits and a sleek black piano all framed by incandescent theatrical bulbs.

Jared Troilo is “aw shucks” charming as determined and inventive New England police officer Marcus who dreams of one day being promoted to detective. What better way to impress his boss than to solve this small town murder mystery of who murdered famed novelist Arthur Whitney.

One of the brightest spots of this production is Troilo and Will McGarrahan’s sublime turns on the piano. Whether competing or complementing each other while making some amazing music together, this multi-talented duo sure know how to captivate an audience. Their madcap piano workings are creative and thrilling. As they tickle the keys at brisk and elegant paces, the rhythms work with Cost’s dazzling lighting to elevate the show’s playful suspense and navigates the show’s various moods, new thoughts, and each of McGarrahan’s frequent transformations into various murder suspects from toddler to elder.

Will McGarrahan in Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘Murder for Two’ Photo by Niles Scott Studios

The brisk musical elements boast vaudeville and vintage Broadway flair while satirizing the nature of musical theatre. For example, a cell phone ringing onstage is hilariously mistaken for an audience member’s rudeness.

It is also greatly entertaining watching this comedic duo share great chemistry occasionally making each other laugh and other times barely holding it together during the production’s sillier moments. It is no small task to put a show on of this caliber and both rise to the occasion. Troilo is a straight man Dean Martin to McGarrahan’s Jerry Lewis as McGarrahan slips into various accents, mannerisms, and rapidly poses as numerous suspects using merely a prop or piece of wardrobe separating each distinct character thanks to Chelsea Kerl’s jocular costume design from a multicolor scarf to a feather boa to a pink tutu and even a cocktail umbrella.

Will McGarrahan and Jared Troilo in Greater Boston Stage Company’s Murder for Two’ Photo by Niles Scott Studios

However, the show’s infectious charm cannot entirely make up for and a muddled murder mystery plot. Using only this dynamic duo, it is still difficult to picture the scene of the crime and not enough distinction separating the various suspects. Picturing multiple people in the room and the blocking at times doesn’t quite make sense and would be better understood with more than two people. When Greater Boston Stage Company presented the one man Sleepy Hollow classic, its narration seemed to drive the story more clearly and perhaps that is what is missing here.

This production is far funnier than suspenseful and not to be taken seriously and perhaps this is all part of the joke, but it became difficult and a little frustrating visualizing this intriguing murder mystery you are also trying to solve alongside Marcus.

Jared Troilo and Will McGarrahan in Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘Murder for Two’ Photo by Niles Scott Studios

Jared Troilo and Will McGarrahan are two bright talents and such likable characters and yet, following the plot is a challenge to say the least. If you can put that aside, Murder for Two features a wonderfully likable and impressive duo for an amazing and lighthearted evening.

Greater Boston Stage Company continues murder mystery musical farce Murder for Two live and in person through Sunday, November 9 live at Greater Boston Stage Company in Stoneham, Massachusetts. Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW: Gloucester Stage Company’s ‘Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson – Apt 2B’ a puzzling comedy

Posted on September 27 by The Sleepless Critic

Sherlock has always had its passing comical moments.

Though considered a mystery-crime drama, Sherlock Holmes has delved into quirky territory featuring an eccentric lead in Sherlock Homes and his various idiosyncrasies. Holmes is a deductive and egocentric genius who considers emotion irrelevant and crosses paths with Dr. Watson who is reasonable, but also carries emotional weight in various situations. They are both brilliant in their own way and together, a force to be reckoned with.

Gloucester Stage Company’s production of Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B, by playwright Kate Hamill in Gloucester, MA. The production is directed by Rebecca Bradshaw, and stars Erin O’Sullivan and Ms. Sherlock Holmes; Breezy Leigh as Dr. Joan Watson; Stephen Shore as Inspector Lestrade, Elliot Monk, and Others; and Grace Experience as Irene Adler, Mrs. Hudson, and Others. © 2025 Shawn G. Henry • 978-590-4869 GSC-250903-Holmes+Watson_351

Directed by Rebecca Bradshaw, Gloucester Stage Company continues Kate Hamill’s comedic murder mystery spoof Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson – Apt 2b live and in person at Gloucester Stage Company in Gloucester, Massachusetts through Saturday, September 27. This wild production features adult humor and is a lengthy two hours and 15 minutes with a 15 minute intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Based on numerous stories and four novels by Sir Author Conan Doyle, the legend of Sherlock Holmes has been adapted many times which includes satire and parodies, but this classic tale tends to be at its best through its thrilling, haunting and suspenseful moments as the mystery unfolds. That is when I think Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson – Apt 2B is also at its best.

Set in London in the spring of 2021, Stephen Shore performs multiple roles including a chilling Narrator. As Shore’s face illuminates in an eerie glow while Shore’s charismatic and elegant vocals start to reveal the tale, I was excited for what was in store. Shore is a talented and charismatic presence standing out in this production.

However, even with its scattered suspenseful moments, this production is mostly a quirky pop cultured peppered comedy where freelance detective Sherlock meets Dr. Watson in the contemporary world to solve a mystery.

Kristin Loeffler’s sliding set boasts that classic Sherlock fireplace with twin bookcases, skeleton and wooden doors illuminated by Deb Sullivan’s evocative and ghastly red lighting as well as Julian Crocamo’s ticking and classical sound design.

I appreciated the dynamic between Breezy Leigh as excitable and frank New Yorker Ms. Watson who seems firmly planted in the contemporary world while aside from new age meditation and vaping, Eryn O’Sullivan’s Sherlock seems in every other way from the past rebuffing technology and relying solely on the mind and the written word for everything. O’Sullivan brings an over the top cryptically calm detachment, frequent disdain and pretension while Dr. Watson is so excitable and squeamish, it became difficult to believe that Ms. Watson was ever a level headed doctor.

The production delivers major characters from the classic Sherlock novels featuring some enviable costume selections by Chelsea Kerl, especially displayed in Grace Experience’s red velvet suit and fabulous bejeweled shoes. Portraying multiple roles, Grace Experience zings from a peculiar cockney-accented housekeeper to a bold and clever seductress while having a great time in each swift transformation.

However, I still longed for more thrills and less clutter. Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson Apt. 2b feature a murder mystery, but comedy is king in this production and among so many comedic distractions, it became difficult to get invested in the mystery. While it has some self aware humor and creative silliness in a certain train scene, it seems to meander too often without striking a real balance between humor and suspense. As a fan of Kate Hamill’s great work most recently in The Odyssey and Austen’s Emma, I was just longing for something more.

Gloucester Stage Company continues Kate Hamill’s comedic murder mystery Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson – Apt 2b live and in person at Gloucester Stage Company in Gloucester, Massachusetts through Saturday, September 27. Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW: Greater Boston Stage Company’s zany ‘The Play that Goes Wrong’ has the right idea

Posted on April 8, 2025 by The Sleepless Critic

‘Come rain, come sleet, the show must go on!’

Singin’ in the Rain’s Donald O’Connor as Cosmo uttered this classic line from the beloved 1952 film which has been inspiring theatres for generations. Greater Boston Stage Company’s The Play that Goes Wrong shows that rain and sleet are just a tip of the iceberg in a laundry list of all that can go wrong and you’ll be sure to delight in witnessing many of them here.

No matter what, the show must go on.

Buckle up for a bumpy ride courtesy of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society as they deliver an unconventional whodunit production that has Paul Melendy as an inspector engraving crime scene notes into a flower pot not to mention a dog missing somewhere on the premises! If this all seems preposterous, that is just a glimpse into the inspired laughs at Haversham Manor in The Play That Goes Wrong.

The cast of Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘The Play that Goes Wrong’ Photo by Maggie Hall Photography

Methodically directed by Tyler Rosati, Greater Boston Stage Company continues The Play That Goes Wrong by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields continuing at Greater Boston Stage Company in Stoneham, Massachusetts through Saturday, April 19. This semi-interactive production is not limited to the stage and runs approximately two hours with one intermission. Click here for more information and tickets.

The Play That Goes Wrong is a British farce that first hit the London Stage in 2012 before it went on to make its way around the globe. This award-winning whodunit play-within-a-play became so popular that it bore BBC’s The Goes Wrong Show lasting two seasons including holiday specials.

Sarah Gazdowicz, Liam Grimaldi and Paul Melendy in Greater Boston Stage Company's 'The Play that Goes Wrong' Photo by Maggie Hall Photography — Liam Grimaldi and Paul Melendy in Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘The Play that Goes Wrong’ Photo by Maggie Hall Photography

After some interactive, pre-show comedic antics by Ceit Zweil as resolute stagehand Annie, Paul Melendy as Cornley’s warm yet befuddled director Chris sets the stage for what this enthusiastic and determined acting troupe has in store for its audience. What makes The Play That Goes Wrong particularly entertaining is just how well timed the cast must collaboratively be in order to make this type of auspicious theater.

Ceit Zweil and Sarah Morin in Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘The Play that Goes Wrong’ Photo by Maggie Hall Photography

From an unpredictable corpse portrayed stealthily by Stewart Evan Smith to the various degrees of hysterics demonstrated by Sarah Gazdowicz and Ceit Zweli as well as various cast members’ feigned composure under fire, The Play That Goes Wrong runs the gamut from missed cues to an utterly sinking ship. Zweli as stagehand Annie and Jeff Mahoney as baffled yet undeterred Duran Duran fan sound man Trevor are wonderful as they take the heat at times for guffaws from subtle to catastrophic in a perplexed malaise.

Mark Linehan, Ceit Zweil and Paul Melendy in Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘The Play that Goes Wrong’ Photo by Maggie Hall Photography

With a sophisticated air adorned in an elegant and cascading dress, Gazdowicz as Sandra flails and flaunts with poise and urgency determined to portray Florence. She shares some frivolous moments with Liam Grimaldi who is occasionally overexaggerated as bad actor Max. Sarah Morin as Denise demonstrates propriety and shrewdness in her deadpan delivery of occasionally tongue tied Butler Perkins while Mark Linehan delivers wit and gravitas as Robert who contributes to the clever sight gags and a wealth of hilarious improvising.

Costume designer E. Rosser captures the madcap essence of the British, upper crust atmosphere from various patterns and mismatched plaids to dapper three piece suits including a signature Inspector trench coat while Peter Colao and Danielle Ibrahim’s innovative and extraordinary set design brings in as many laughs as the cast’s humorous antics. Accompanied by James Cannon’s cryptic and humorously misguided sound design and Katie Whittemore’s standout and suspenseful lighting, Haversham Manor’s elegant bookcase, classic wooden grandfather clock, brick fireplace, a functioning elevator, velvet sofa and second floor study all seem to have a life of their own in this delightful show.

Ceit Zweil, Sarah Gazdowicz, Paul Melendy and Mark Linehan in Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘The Play that Goes Wrong’ Photo by Maggie Hall Photography

Though a few of the running gags can go on a bit too long, The Play that Goes Wrong is a fun way to let loose and enjoy a lighthearted production where flustered cheeks become the norm and to find out just how far this entertaining group will go to for an uproarious good time.

Paul Melendy and Mark Linehan in Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘The Play that Goes Wrong’ Photo by Maggie Hall Photography

Greater Boston Stage Company presents The Play That Goes Wrong by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields continuing through April 19 at Greater Boston Stage Company in Stoneham, Massachusetts. Click here for more information and tickets.

REVIEW: It’s a great time for sleuthing at Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘Clue: On Stage’

Posted on June 12, 2023 by The Sleepless Critic

During a dark and stormy night, a group of strangers are required to gather in a mysterious mansion under puzzling circumstances. The real reason for the gathering is just one of many twists and turns in this famous dark and comedic murder mystery.

Last year, Ryan Reynolds announced he would star in a new Clue film reboot for 20^th Century Studios which, like a lot of reboots, seems unnecessary since the 80’s film Clue is an enduring cult classic. The popular Parker Brothers board game (now owned by Hasbro) has been revamped a number of times as a board game and has been translated into various forms of entertainment including a live Scavenger Hunt and interactive dinner theatre. This is one mystery that people have been anxious to solve for generations. Having seen the 80’s film many times over as well as played the popular board game, this is the first time seeing it done live onstage.

The Players of ‘Clue: On Stage’ Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios

Directed mischievously by Weylin Symes, Greater Boston Stage Company continues Sandy Rustin’s Clue: on Stage live and in person at Greater Boston Stage Company in Stoneham, MA through June 25. Clue: on Stage is family friendly, but after all, a black comedy murder mystery which has its dark turns. The violence is not gruesome, but like the Parker Brothers board game, probably most appropriate for kids ages 8 and up. This show is 90 minutes with no intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Clue is a great murder mystery farce, but it really takes a cohesive cast led by famous butler Wadsworth to make this production simmer. Recent Elliot Norton Award winner Paul Melendy is just the man for the job not only bringing a unique twist to resourceful Wadsworth, but by fostering a new take on the character as does Bryan Miner as Mr. Body. Tim Curry will always be THE Wadsworth, but Melendy makes this refreshing interpretation his own while keeping Curry’s core characteristics still intact right down to his playful eyebrow lift and smirking grin.

Paul Melendy as Wadsworth and Maureen Keiller as Miss Peacock Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios

Whether in moments of scheming or over thinking, the cast has compelling chemistry as funny and fascinating adversaries. Genevieve Lefevre makes a mischievous Yvette while Jennifer Ellis is pitch perfect as Miss Scarlet creating a wonderful balance of sophistication and dry humor. Maureen Keiller portrays chatty, nervous, and panicky Miss Peacock. Wearing signature black glasses, Miss Peacock’s character could be interpreted as shrill and abrasive, but Keiller’s distinct comic timing makes Miss Peacock one of the funniest parts of the production.

L to R: Paul Melendy as Wadsworth Bill Mootos as Colonel Mustard and Genevieve Lefevre as Yvette Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios

In a classic mustache, Bill Mootos brings comic wit to somewhat dim witted Colonel Mustard while Mark Linehan as Professor Plum and Stewart Evan Smith as squeamish Mr. Green both bring an enigmatic quality to their characters.

Sara Coombs is a good Mrs. White, but would have liked Mrs. White to be less soft spoken and more humorously cryptic. From stern to silly, Katie Pickett juggles a number of memorable roles as the story unfolds.

Paul Melendy as Wadsworth, Stewart Evan Smith as Mr. Green and Genevieve Lefevre as Yvette Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios

Whether in Miss Peacock’s spectacular blue and green glittering dress, Colonel Mustard’s military garb, Miss Scarlet’s vampy red dress, Yvette’s classic French maid costume, Wadsworth’s coat and tails or Mrs. White’s jet black furs, costume designer Deirdre Gerrard creates an elegant and vintage look authentic to each of the character’s iconic personas.

Paul Melendy as Wadsworth and Jennifer Ellis as Miss Scarlet Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios

Keeping its vintage 50s charm, Clue on Stage’s set by scenic designer Katy Monthei injects some similarities to the 80s film cult classic from the haunting and soft glow at the iconic mansion’s enigmatic front door to the comical and sophisticated portable set pieces. Lighting designer Jeff Adelberg and sound designer Caroline Eng work overtime to seamlessly and simultaneously up the ante on suspense, humor, and drama through the evolving lighting from foreboding to revealing to flashing to playful while the sound design transforms from sinister to lively to jolly.

The show’s innovative blocking and moving staging is a riot as it cleverly makes the most of every inch of the space with its transformative style and the cast’s ‘athletic’ movements choreographed by Alexander Platt and Cait Zweil.

Sandy Rustin’s fun and comical script is no rehash of the film adaptation, but delivers fresh humor without leaving out some of the iconic quotes and scenes from the 80s film. Revisiting Clue was such an entertaining experience that I would gladly see it again.

Greater Boston Stage Company continues Sandy Rustin’s Clue: on Stage live and in person at Greater Boston Stage Company in Stoneham, MA through June 25. This show is 90 minutes with no intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW: Lyric Stage Company’s ‘The Play that Goes Wrong’ madcap and hilarious

Posted on December 14, 2022 by The Sleepless Critic

Buckle up for a bumpy ride courtesy of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society as they deliver an unconventional whodunit production that has an inspector engraving notes on a crime scene into a flower pot and not to mention that mysterious, mangled, and empty dog cage! If this all seems preposterous, that is just a glimpse into the hilarity that ensues at Haversham Manor in The Play That Goes Wrong.

Directed fervently and methodically by Fred Sullivan Jr., The Lyric Stage Company presents The Play That Goes Wrong by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields continuing through December 18. This semi-interactive show that is not just limited to the stage space is approximately two hours with one intermission. Click here for more information and tickets.

Dan Whelton and Michael Liebhauser in Lyric Stage Company’s ‘The Play that Goes Wrong’ Photo credit to Mark S Howard/Lyric Stage Company

The Play That Goes Wrong is a British farce that first hit the London Stage in 2012 before it went on to make its way around the world. This award-winning whodunit play within a play became so popular, it bore BBC’s The Goes Wrong Show that just completed its second season last year.

After some interactive, pre-show comedic antics by Alexa Cadete as resolute stagehand Annie, Michael Liebhauser’s warm and dry sense of humor as Director Chris sets the stage for what this enthusiastic and determined acting troupe has in store for its audience. What makes The Play That Goes Wrong particularly entertaining is just how well timed the cast must collaboratively be in order to make such auspicious theater.

Kelby T Akin, Nora Eschenheimer, Marc Pierre, and Dan Garcia in Lyric Stage Company’s ‘The Play that Goes Wrong’ Photo credit to Mark S Howard/Lyric Stage Company

From an unpredictable corpse portrayed with misguided panache by Dan Garcia to the various degrees of hysterics demonstrated by Cadete and Nora Eschenheimer as well as various cast members’ feigned composure under fire, The Play That Goes Wrong is a brilliant must see. Cadete as stagehand Annie and Mitch Kiliulis as baffled sound man Trevor are wonderful as they take the heat at times for guffaws from subtle to catastrophic in a perplexed malaise.

Wearing a dazzling smile adorned in an elegant and cascading dress, Eschenheimer as Sandra flails and flaunts with poise and pizzazz as she ardently attempts to portray Florence. She shares some frivolous moments and a gift for physical comedy with Marc Pierre as clever and sophisticated Max. Pierre’s melodramatic and smirking expressions make him a bit of a scene stealer while Dan Whelton demonstrates more propriety as Dennis depicts Butler Perkins. Whelton is sophisticated and shrewd if not for an occasional dialect stumble here and there, handled drolly as only a regal thespian can. Kelby T. Akin rounds out this cast delivering wit and gravitas as Robert contributes to the clever sight gags and a wealth of hilarious improvising takes on new meaning.

Kelby T. Akin and Marc Pierre in Lyric Stage Company’s ‘The Play that Goes Wrong’ Photo credit Mark S Howard The Lyric Stage Company

Costume designer Gail Astrid Buckley captures the essence of the British, upper crust atmosphere from various plaids to dapper suits including a signature Inspector trench coat while Peter Colao’s innovative and extraordinary set design brings in as many laughs as the cast’s humorous antics. Accompanied by Dewey Dellay’s spot on sound design and John Milinowski’s standout and suspenseful lighting, Haversham Manor’s elegant bookcase, classic wooden grandfather clock, a roaring fireplace, a functioning elevator, velvet sofa and a second floor study all seem to have a life of their own in this delightful show.

It is hands down among the funniest performances the Sleepless Critic has seen all year. Not only is the multi-layered direction intricate and perceptive, but each cast member’s razor sharp comedic chops rise to the occasion at times quite literally! The Play that Goes Wrong is a great way to let loose and enjoy a lighthearted production where flustered cheeks become the norm and to find out just how far this masterful group will go to for an uproarious good time.

The Lyric Stage Company presents The Play That Goes Wrong by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields continuing through December 18. This semi-interactive show that is not just limited to the stage space is approximately two hours with one intermission. Click here for more information and tickets.

REVIEW: In these tough times, escape down Greater Boston Stage Company’s zany production of Hitchcock’s ‘The 39 Steps’

Posted on October 5, 2021 by The Sleepless Critic

What are the 39 Steps?

Like so many Hitchcock creations, it’s complicated. However, though this Hitchcock production is presented during Halloween season, please don’t let that scare you away. The 39 Steps is based on John Buchan’s 1915 thriller novel by the same name, was adapted by Alfred Hitchcock into a classic British film in 1935, and adapted to the stage by Patrick Barlow. Though The 39 steps will certainly keep the audience on its toes, it has more than its share of comedic moments sure to deliver more laughter than frights.

Greater Boston Stage Company joyfully returned indoors to present Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller comedy mystery, The 39 Steps which continues through Sunday, October 10 at the Greater Boston Stage Company in Stoneham, MA. The show runs approximately 2 hours and 15 min including an intermission. Click here for more information and tickets.

From L to R: KP Powell, Russell Garrett, Paul Melendy, and Grace Experience in ‘The 39 Steps’ Photo courtesy of Greater Boston Stage Company

Directed imaginatively by llyse Robbins, this dynamic crime noir boasts plenty of vintage flair as well as adventure, romance, comedy, and suspense. However, what really makes this show such fun is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously.

KP Powell and Paul Melendy in ‘The 39 Steps’ Photo courtesy of Greater Boston Stage Company

The 39 Steps pay tribute to Hitchcock’s body of works with a catchy story while spoofing some of his most famous works along the way. Vertigo and Rear Window is just a portion of the Hitchcock Easter eggs run amok in this production. Some of the dark and witty humor from The 39 Steps call to mind humor likened to other murder mystery comedy classics including Clue.

Shelley Barish’s modest and multi-functional set design, Daisy Long’s mercurial lighting, and Andrew Duncan Will’s exceptional, carefully-timed sound effects play a pivotal role in some of the production’s most humorous scenes. Moveable set pieces transform each scene and costume designer Rachel Padula-Shufelt’s colorful gowns, dynamic wigs, and tweed and paisley suits enliven the production’s vintage noir atmosphere.

Taking on this production was no small feat for its four stellar actors who depict a total of 150 characters. However, they were more than up for the task as they sometimes cleverly and quite literally switch roles at the drop of a hat or within seconds. With impeccable timing and snappy chemistry, these dynamic performers bring to life a variety of accents and deliver a great deal of physical comedy while delivering sharp and at times quirky dialogue.

Russell Garett, KP Powell, Grace Experience, and Paul Melendy in a makeshift car in ‘The 39 Steps’ Photo courtesy of Greater Boston Stage Company

Paul Melendy portrays Richard Hannay with a mix of bumbling and debonair charm. Set in Scotland, he is a man on the run after a chance encounter with a femme fatale in all her forms by Grace Experience, leading to a murder mystery. What Grace Experience does particularly well is though she depicts each character distinctly, they all have the same familiar strength, resourcefulness, and truthfulness as the tale unfolds. With Russell Garrett and KP Powell quite often after Hannay, it’s a madcap adventure with high jinx galore and likable characters that range from a ludicrous man with ridiculous eyebrows to a flirtatious and outspoken innkeeper. Some of the scenes are arbitrary and self aware and a couple of gags get a bit repetitive, yet fit right into the production’s silly charm.

From L to R: Russell Garrett, Paul Melendy, Grace Experience, and KP Powell in ‘The 39 Steps’ Photo courtesy of Greater Boston Stage Company

Take a break from these difficult times and escape down Greater Boston Stage Company’s unconventional, madcap, and lighthearted The 39 Steps continuing through Sunday, October 10. Click here for more information, tickets, and for a closer look at Greater Boston’s Stage Company’s 22nd season.

‘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.