Boston's Arts at Your FingertipsMonday May 28, 2012  or LOG IN / SIGN UP

    Organization

    speakeasy_300_dpi_color_logo.jpg

    SpeakEasy Stage Company


    Comment on Facebook

    SpeakEasy Stage Company's mission is to connect, inspire, and challenge our audience with the most socially relevant theatrical premieres featuring the most talented artists in Boston. We believe that live theater must be an intimate and entertaining experience. We strive to go above and beyond for our audience to create an environment that is professional, comfortable, and fun. We focus on producing quality theatre performances while fostering teamwork and efficiency to achieve excellence. We trust each other and treat all of our artists, volunteers, and patrons with respect, courtesy, compassion, and honesty. Recently. SpeakEasy received the Theatre Hero Award from StageSource for its dedication to nurturing and supporting Boston area theatre artists and for its leadership and inspiration to the theatre community of Greater Boston. SpeakEasy was named the Pavilion Resident Theater for the Boston Center for the Arts in 2007. Our programs make the South End a destination for artists. tourists, and theatre patrons. We are committed to keeping theater vital in Boston through our longstanding tradition of intimate, live perfomances. We encourage you to become a member of SpeakEasy's growing subscriber family. As a subscriber, you will enjoy the best seats and lowest possible prices for every show in our season. We'd also like to invite you to get involved with SpeakEasy by donating, auditioning or volunteering your time. Whether it's your first season with us or your eighteenth, we guarantee you the finest theater Boston has to offer.

     

    • At-a-
      Glance

      • Contact Info

        SpeakEasy Stage Company

        539 Tremont Street
        Boston, MA 02116

        Phone: 617-933-8600   |   Fax: 617-482-3280   |   Email   |   Official Website

        • Current Events
          05/11/12-
          06/09/12           		 Xanadu
          Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA
        • Upcoming Events

          There are no upcoming events available for this organization at this time.

    • Current &
      Upcoming Events

      • Current Events
        05/11/12-
        06/09/12         		 Xanadu
        Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA
      • Upcoming Events

        There are no upcoming events available for this organization at this time.

    • Past
      Events

    • Media
      Reviews

      • Media Reviews

        • Event Name: Xanadu
          Article: Xanadu SpeakEasy Stage Company (Boston Regional Reviews)
          Talkin' Broadway - May 25, 2012
          By Nancy Grossman

          "I haven't enjoyed myself this much at the theater in months. To be clear, I have seen dozens of wonderful productions, but none match SpeakEasy's Xanadu for providing sheer joy and unadulterated fun from curtain to curtain." Expand

          "I haven't enjoyed myself this much at the theater in months. To be clear, I have seen dozens of wonderful productions, but none match SpeakEasy's Xanadu for providing sheer joy and unadulterated fun from curtain to curtain." Collapse

        • Event Name: Xanadu
          Article: 'Xanadu': SpeakEasy is on a roll
          Metro Boston - May 22, 2012
          By Nick Dussault

          "Self-referential cheese has never been so much fun. With tongue firmly planted in cheek, the SpeakEasy Stage Company delivers a veritable kitsch-fest complete with leg warmers, glow sticks, a giant disco ball and songs like "Evil Woman&quo… Expand

          "Self-referential cheese has never been so much fun. With tongue firmly planted in cheek, the SpeakEasy Stage Company delivers a veritable kitsch-fest complete with leg warmers, glow sticks, a giant disco ball and songs like "Evil Woman" and "Have You Never Been Mellow?" setting the scene." Collapse

        • Event Name: Xanadu
          Article: Exuberant comedy ‘Xanadu’ rolls along
          Boston Globe - May 15, 2012
          By Don Aucoin

          "When it comes to a particular brand of silly-smart musical comedy, SpeakEasy Stage Company knows just how and when to pull out all the stops." Expand

          "When it comes to a particular brand of silly-smart musical comedy, SpeakEasy Stage Company knows just how and when to pull out all the stops." Collapse

        • Event Name: Red
          Article: You’ll certainly be seeing ‘Red’
          Metro Boston - Jan 18, 2012
          By Nick Dussault

          "Experiencing SpeakEasy Stage Company’s stellar production of “Red” feels much like looking at a great piece of art." Expand

          "Experiencing SpeakEasy Stage Company’s stellar production of “Red” feels much like looking at a great piece of art." Collapse

        • Event Name: Red
          Article: Thomas Derrah Shines in SpeakEasy’s ‘Red’
          Boston.com - Jan 14, 2012
          By Jim Lopata

          "Those of us who follow Boston's theater scene were not surprised to see actor Thomas Derrah garnering rave reviews for his performance of Mark Rothko in the SpeakEasy Stage Company's production of Red." Expand

          "Those of us who follow Boston's theater scene were not surprised to see actor Thomas Derrah garnering rave reviews for his performance of Mark Rothko in the SpeakEasy Stage Company's production of Red." Collapse

        • Event Name: The Drowsy Chaperone
          Article: The comic relief is perfectly real
          Boston Globe - May 11, 2011
          By Don Aucoin

          “Exhilarating! All but guaranteed to banish your blues Expand

          “Exhilarating! All but guaranteed to banish your blues Collapse

        • Event Name: The Drowsy Chaperone
          Article: A Toast to 'The Drowsy Chaperone!'
          BroadwayWorld.com - May 10, 2011
          By Nancy Grossman

          “I loved this show! For one hour and forty minutes, I smiled, laughed, and tapped my feet, as did everyone around me” Expand

          “I loved this show! For one hour and forty minutes, I smiled, laughed, and tapped my feet, as did everyone around me” Collapse

        • Event Name: The Drowsy Chaperone
          Article: FROM THE AISLE: THE DROWSY CHAPERONE
          Dig Boston - May 10, 2011
          By Jonathan Clark

          “Charming and funny!” Expand

          “Charming and funny!” Collapse

        • Event Name: The Drowsy Chaperone
          Article: Let ‘Chaperone’ escort you to 1920s
          Boston Herald - May 09, 2011
          By Daniel Gewertz

          “A small theatrical miracle” Expand

          “A small theatrical miracle” Collapse

        • Event Name: The Drowsy Chaperone
          Article: The Drowsy Chaperone
          Boston Theatre Review - May 09, 2011
          By Boston Theatre Review

          “Run, do not walk, to see this production. This one is once in a lifetime Expand

          “Run, do not walk, to see this production. This one is once in a lifetime Collapse

        • Event Name: Body Awareness
          Article: In Boston, Listening to a Young Playwright Adept at Silence
          The New York Times - Nov 11, 2010
          By Ben Brantley

          "The Shirley, VT Plays Festival "gives a theatergoer a welcome opportunity to assess more fully the dimensions of a town called Shirley and the precocious talent of the woman who created it." Expand

          "The Shirley, VT Plays Festival "gives a theatergoer a welcome opportunity to assess more fully the dimensions of a town called Shirley and the precocious talent of the woman who created it." Collapse

        • Event Name: Adding Machine: A Musical
          Article: Tension and tenderness alongside art and academia
          Boston Globe - Oct 29, 2010
          By Don Aucoin

          Body Awareness offers “much more than just laughs. [It’s] the deepest and richest of the Shirley, VT plays, and features a quartet of outstanding performers” Expand

          Body Awareness offers “much more than just laughs. [It’s] the deepest and richest of the Shirley, VT plays, and features a quartet of outstanding performers” Collapse

        • Event Name: Body Awareness
          Article: Tension and tenderness alongside art and academia
          Boston Globe - Oct 29, 2010
          By Don Aucoin

          Body Awareness offers “much more than just laughs. [It’s] the deepest and richest of the Shirley, VT plays, and features a quartet of outstanding performers” Expand

          Body Awareness offers “much more than just laughs. [It’s] the deepest and richest of the Shirley, VT plays, and features a quartet of outstanding performers” Collapse

        • Event Name: Body Awareness
          Article: Annie Baker's Circle Mirror Transformation, Body Awareness, and The Aliens Read more: http://thephoenix.com/Boston/arts/110514-review-annie-bakers-ci
          Boston Phoenix - Oct 29, 2010
          By Carolyn Clay

          “Body Awareness is the most conventional of the Shirley, VT plays, and the most overtly entertaining” Expand

          “Body Awareness is the most conventional of the Shirley, VT plays, and the most overtly entertaining” Collapse

        • Event Name: Body Awareness
          Article: Company One, SpeakEasy and Huntington make us LoVermont
          Boston Metro - Oct 25, 2010
          By Nick Dussault

          “[Playwright Annie] Baker should thank SpeakEasy Stage Company for what they have done with her play… Four flawless performances make this such a delight… Even in the world of live theater, this kind of synchronistic magic is a rare treat to behold… Expand

          “[Playwright Annie] Baker should thank SpeakEasy Stage Company for what they have done with her play… Four flawless performances make this such a delight… Even in the world of live theater, this kind of synchronistic magic is a rare treat to behold.” Collapse

        • Event Name: In The Next Room (or the vibrator play)
          Article: In the Next Room (or the vibrator play)
          Talkin' Broadway - Oct 06, 2010
          By Nancy Grossman

          "SpeakEasy Stage Company's 20th anniversary season starts with a jolt of electrical energy" Expand

          "SpeakEasy Stage Company's 20th anniversary season starts with a jolt of electrical energy" Collapse

        • Event Name: In The Next Room (or the vibrator play)
          Article: The buzz in the ‘Next Room’
          Patriot Ledger - Sep 30, 2010
          By Iris Fanger

          IN THE NEXT ROOM is "stunning" with "masterful direction by Scott Edmiston". Expand

          IN THE NEXT ROOM is "stunning" with "masterful direction by Scott Edmiston". Collapse

        • Event Name: In The Next Room (or the vibrator play)
          Article: In The Next Room (or The Vibrator Play)
          Edge Boston - Sep 29, 2010
          By Robert Nesti

          "A hugely entertaining production!"
          "A smart, funny play, one that moves beyond its one-joke premise in unexpected and enlightening ways" Expand

          "A hugely entertaining production!"
          "A smart, funny play, one that moves beyond its one-joke premise in unexpected and enlightening ways" Collapse

        • Event Name: In The Next Room (or the vibrator play)
          Article: Little "Room" For Improvement
          Boston Herald - Sep 26, 2010
          By Jenna Scherer

          "A Hilarious, thoughtful and intricate play!"
          "In the Next Room is directed to maximum comedic and emotional effect by Scott Edmiston, bolstered by a masterful cast." Expand

          "A Hilarious, thoughtful and intricate play!"
          "In the Next Room is directed to maximum comedic and emotional effect by Scott Edmiston, bolstered by a masterful cast." Collapse

        • Event Name: In The Next Room (or the vibrator play)
          Article: Find Out What the Buzz Is About
          Boston Metro - Sep 24, 2010
          By Nick Dussault

          "A stellar production!"
          "SpeakEasy Stage Company sings the body electric with this production.
          [In the Next Room is] a rioutously funny, poignant tale."
          Expand

          "A stellar production!"
          "SpeakEasy Stage Company sings the body electric with this production.
          [In the Next Room is] a rioutously funny, poignant tale."
          Collapse

        • Event Name: In The Next Room (or the vibrator play)
          Article: An illuminating ‘In the Next Room’
          Boston Globe - Sep 22, 2010
          By Don Aucoin

          "A superb production!"
          "[Director Scott] Edmiston expertly finesses Ruhl's tricky balance of shadow and light. [In the Next Room] produces the kind of electricity that only human beings - and great theater - can generate" Expand

          "A superb production!"
          "[Director Scott] Edmiston expertly finesses Ruhl's tricky balance of shadow and light. [In the Next Room] produces the kind of electricity that only human beings - and great theater - can generate" Collapse

        • Event Name: In The Next Room (or the vibrator play)
          Article: Review: The Vibrator Play. Sarah Ruhl offers comic relief
          Boston Phoenix - Sep 21, 2010
          By Ed Siegel

          "Exquisitely funny!"
          "Captures those good vibrations. A cross between
          I Love Lucy and Desperate Housewives." Expand

          "Exquisitely funny!"
          "Captures those good vibrations. A cross between
          I Love Lucy and Desperate Housewives." Collapse

        • Event Name: Adding Machine: A Musical
          Article: Adding Machine: A Musical
          Talkin' Broadway - Mar 17, 2010
          By Nancy Grossman

          Before there was musical theatre on Broadway, there was opera, dating back about four centuries. When Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II wrote Show Boat in 1927, the first so-called book musical, they created a format for telling dramatic stories t… Expand

          Before there was musical theatre on Broadway, there was opera, dating back about four centuries. When Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II wrote Show Boat in 1927, the first so-called book musical, they created a format for telling dramatic stories through music that owed a debt to the earlier art form. George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess and Leonard Bernstein's Candide were both Broadway productions that were considered American operas. In more recent decades, a number of musicals (among them Tommy, Les Misérables, Rent and Spring Awakening) have borrowed such operatic conventions as sung-through composition, leitmotifs and recitative in place of dialogue, telling their stories in more contemporary musical styles. Now add to the canon Adding Machine: A Musical, currently having its New England premiere at SpeakEasy Stage Company in the Roberts Studio Theatre at the Boston Center for the Arts. Collapse

        • Event Name: Adding Machine: A Musical
          Article: 'Adding Machine' calculates the human costs in a world of machines
          Boston Globe - Mar 17, 2010
          By Louise Kennedy

          Elegantly stylized and wonderfully cast, SpeakEasy Stage Company’s production of "Adding Machine: A Musical" gives this off-Broadway hit a sterling Boston premiere. The design team, the director, and the singers all work together to make Jo… Expand

          Elegantly stylized and wonderfully cast, SpeakEasy Stage Company’s production of "Adding Machine: A Musical" gives this off-Broadway hit a sterling Boston premiere. The design team, the director, and the singers all work together to make Joshua Schmidt and Jason Loewith’s musical, adapted from Elmer Rice’s 1923 play, hum along like a well-oiled theatrical machine. Collapse

        • Event Name: Adding Machine: A Musical
          Article: Adding Machine :: A Musical
          EDGE Boston - Mar 16, 2010
          By Jennifer Bubriski

          The Lucille Lortel Award-winning show Adding Machine: A Musical is an edgy, challenging show, one that has clearly pushed both those on and off stage at the Speakeasy Stage Company to new levels of excellence and creativity. Expand

          The Lucille Lortel Award-winning show Adding Machine: A Musical is an edgy, challenging show, one that has clearly pushed both those on and off stage at the Speakeasy Stage Company to new levels of excellence and creativity. Collapse

        • Event Name: Reckless
          Article: ‘Reckless’ is a dark comedy just in time for Christmas
          The Patriot Ledger - Nov 19, 2009
          By Iris Fanger

          Time was when holiday theatricals meant taking the children to one or another of the familiar productions of “The Nutcracker” or “A Christmas Carol.”

          Not so fast. Theater companies staging Christmas-time entertainments are searching the… Expand

          Time was when holiday theatricals meant taking the children to one or another of the familiar productions of “The Nutcracker” or “A Christmas Carol.”

          Not so fast. Theater companies staging Christmas-time entertainments are searching the dark side, but sometimes managing to come up with happy endings despite the contemporary angst.

          Such a play is “Reckless” by Craig Lucas, a black comedy he started writing in 1982. Set on a series of successive Christmas Eves, the play begins when the sweet, babbling Rachel, enthralled by wrapping gifts and a huge snowfall, is told by her depressed husband that he has put a contract out on her life and she must flee the house before the gunman arrives. Merry Christmas, darling. The play spirals out from Rachel’s weird exodus into the snow, alone, dressed only in a nightgown and slippers, to leave home, children and her purse behind. Collapse

        • Event Name: Reckless
          Article: Dodging Death
          The Boston Phoenix - Nov 19, 2009
          By Carolyn Clay

          Even the sweetest life can shatter in an instant, sending you through the looking glass like Alice. For the euphoric heroine of Craig Lucas's 1988 fable of holiday festivity and arbitrary mayhem, Reckless (being revived by SpeakEasy Stage Company at… Expand

          Even the sweetest life can shatter in an instant, sending you through the looking glass like Alice. For the euphoric heroine of Craig Lucas's 1988 fable of holiday festivity and arbitrary mayhem, Reckless (being revived by SpeakEasy Stage Company at the Calderwood Pavilion through December 12), the moment of reckoning comes when her husband tearfully confesses, on Christmas Eve, that he has taken out a contract on her life. "Although I love you, you will have to leap;/Our dream of safety has to disappear," reads the quote from Auden on the frontispiece of the printed play. And leap Rachel must — in Scott Edmiston's affecting and extravagant production from gauzy-white-bedroom window into a red-and-green-trimmed, topsy-turvy Oz defined by upside-down Christmas trees, a twinkling galaxy of ornaments, and a soundtrack that includes "Mambo Santa Mambo" and "White Christmas" twanged on banjo. Collapse

        • Event Name: Reckless
          Article: SpeakEasy’s new play is beautifully ‘Reckless’
          The Tufts Daily - Nov 19, 2009
          By Michelle Beehler

          True to its name, the SpeakEasy Stage Company’s production of “Reckless” is just that. Director Scott Edmiston’s interpretation is reckless in its spirit, script and style, exemplifying the show’s invocation to take risks despite the potential reperc… Expand

          True to its name, the SpeakEasy Stage Company’s production of “Reckless” is just that. Director Scott Edmiston’s interpretation is reckless in its spirit, script and style, exemplifying the show’s invocation to take risks despite the potential repercussions. The show’s morals and life lessons are not purely inspirational. “Reckless” writer Craig Lucas (writer of “Prelude to a Kiss,” 1990) created a quirky, tragic and incredibly honest script that culminates in a surprising climax for a Christmas-centered play. Collapse

        • Event Name: Reckless
          Article: A razor-sharp ride on the ‘Reckless’ side
          The Boston Globe - Nov 17, 2009
          By Don Aucoin

          It’s a perilously fine line between endearingly ditzy and flat-out annoying. Sandy Dennis invariably crossed that line; Gracie Allen seldom did.

          With her mobile features and her expert comic timing, Marianna Bassham stays on the right si… Expand

          It’s a perilously fine line between endearingly ditzy and flat-out annoying. Sandy Dennis invariably crossed that line; Gracie Allen seldom did.

          With her mobile features and her expert comic timing, Marianna Bassham stays on the right side of that line in the SpeakEasy Stage Company’s razor-sharp production of Craig Lucas’s “Reckless.’’ Collapse

        • Event Name: The Savannah Disputation
          Article: We lift our hearts in praise
          The Boston Metro - Oct 01, 2009
          By Nick Dussault

          "With seemingly endless side-splitting moments, The Savannah Disputation may well be the funniest play of the season." Expand

          "With seemingly endless side-splitting moments, The Savannah Disputation may well be the funniest play of the season." Collapse

        • Event Name: The Savannah Disputation
          Article: In a theological tug of war, the laughs win
          The Boston Globe - Sep 24, 2009
          By Don Aucoin

          "Faith is a complicated business — and even sometimes, as Disputation shows, a funny business too." Expand

          "Faith is a complicated business — and even sometimes, as Disputation shows, a funny business too." Collapse

        • Event Name: The Savannah Disputation
          Article: Thank Heaven for the Savannah Disputation
          The Hub Review - Sep 24, 2009
          By Thomas Garvey

          The Savannah Disputation is about as smart a play as you're likely to see this year (unless Tony Kushner suddenly pulls together The Intelligent Homosexual, etc.). Indeed, the show all but crackles with genuine wit (the kind that leaves Catholic catn… Expand

          The Savannah Disputation is about as smart a play as you're likely to see this year (unless Tony Kushner suddenly pulls together The Intelligent Homosexual, etc.). Indeed, the show all but crackles with genuine wit (the kind that leaves Catholic catnip like Nunsense in the dust), and it's quite serious in its intentions - to thoroughly dismantle the premises of both the Protestant and Catholic faiths, while actually charming the members of said churches in the process. Collapse

    • Member
      Reviews

      • Member Reviews

        • Event Name: The Divine Sister
          4.5 out of 5 stars rating "Divine Sister is Divine"
          Review posted by: TGenereux from 1, Nov 06, 2011

          Lots of laughs. Strong performances all around. Loved the plot twists and surprises. I highly recommend this show.

          All reviews/comments and complete event details

        • Event Name: Next Fall
          "Next fall"
          Comment posted by: Debrajane from Plymouth, MA. 02360, Oct 12, 2011

          Loved it! Thought provoking, heart felt and so very funny! I cried and laughed...at the same time. There is strength in love...

          All reviews/comments and complete event details

        • Event Name: Next Fall
          4 out of 5 stars rating "Great show--Moving--Thought-Provoking"
          Review posted by: motorman857 from 1, Oct 12, 2011

          Although the advertised conflict between Luke and Adam is their religious differences, the actual conflict is the fact that Luke won't come out to his parents as promised. That is what actually... Expand

          All reviews/comments and complete event details

        • Event Name: Next Fall
          5 out of 5 stars rating "Catch it if you can!"
          Review posted by: TGenereux from 1, Oct 12, 2011

          This was a great show. I laughed, I cried, I ran the whole gamut of emotions. Seriously. It's at the Calderwood for a few more days.

          All reviews/comments and complete event details

        • Event Name: The Drowsy Chaperone
          "Delightful!"
          Comment posted by: Mary B from Boston, MA, Jun 13, 2011

          We thoroughly enjoyed our evening at "The Drowsy Chaperone", just fun, silly, and smiles all around. We loved it, and it appeared that everyone else in the theatre did too!

          All reviews/comments and complete event details

        • Event Name: The Drowsy Chaperone
          5 out of 5 stars rating "GREAT Performance!"
          Review posted by: Dana from Boston, MA, Jun 13, 2011

          The actors and actresses were incredible, the songs were fun and catchy, and the story was very funny! We loved this show!

          All reviews/comments and complete event details

        • Event Name: The Drowsy Chaperone
          4.5 out of 5 stars rating "Nearly perfect revival"
          Review posted by: Ron from Boston, MA, Jun 13, 2011

          This is a terrific show w/wonderful actors. Will McGarrahan, Karen McDonald & Tom Derrah are hilarious. The whole show is an involving spoof of the old fashioned musical. Can't imagine having more... Expand

          All reviews/comments and complete event details

        • Event Name: The Drowsy Chaperone
          4 out of 5 stars rating "Funny in a kooky way."
          Review posted by: Naomi from Brighton, MA , May 25, 2011

          The guy in the chair grows on you. It is funny in a kooky and kitchy sort of way. Good dancing as well especially the tap dancing.

          All reviews/comments and complete event details

        • Event Name: The Drowsy Chaperone
          4.5 out of 5 stars rating "Funny and Poignant"
          Review posted by: Tom Rubenoff from Brookline, MA , May 23, 2011

          The unbelievable characters were all believable, the timing of the jokes impeccable, and the narrator a funny and effective sub-plot as well as a winningly compelling character. A show as... Expand

          All reviews/comments and complete event details

        • Event Name: The Drowsy Chaperone
          5 out of 5 stars rating "The Drowsy Chaperone"
          Review posted by: paul oates from watertown, MA, May 23, 2011

          What a wonderful show. My wife and I enjoyed every minute of it. It's what musical/comedy is all about. The talent of local artists is amazing. I'd go see it again in a minute!

          All reviews/comments and complete event details