January Staff Picks
New Year, New You, am I right? But what if you’re really fine with the Old You, and could just benefit from a little refresh? The Boston arts scene in January is full of just that – exciting new takes on classic works.
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?: Lyric Stage Company
January 13 – February 12| BosTix Deal Available
You could hear an audible gasp throughout the city when Lyric Stage finally announced that their mystery title for this season would be Edward Albee’s 1962 American classic, led by Boston favorites Paula Plum and Steven Barkhimer as Martha and George – the roles made famous by Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in the film adaptation. Fiercely funny and intensely painful, the Tony Award-winning play examines the breakdown of the middle-aged George and Martha, who mercilessly draw a naïve younger couple into the bitter psychological cage match of their frustrated marriage. In director Scott Edmiston’s very capable hands, there is no doubt that Lyric Stage’s intimate thrust stage set-up will be used to full effect, making you feel like you are in that legendary living room, with stinging insults and stiff drinks flying.
Daniel: A Medieval Masterpiece Revisited: The Boston Camerata
January 29 | BosTix Deal Available
Daniel: A Medieval Masterpiece Revisited is a new transcription and staging of a magnificent 13th century musical play – based on a biblical text, no less – at Boston’s historic 18th century Trinity Church. (How’s that for sticking to the theme?) Under the direction of Artistic Director Anne Azéma, it combines old and new, bringing together music and movement, theatre and liturgy, light and shadow, to retell the biblical story of the young prophet for today’s audiences. The Boston Camerata debuted their ambitious production back in 2014, and then took it on the road for a national tour. The performance later this month marks its triumphant return to Boston.
A Doll’s House: Huntington Theatre Company
Now – February 5 | BosTix Deal Available
The Huntington Theatre Company reaffirms its commitment to presenting world-class productions of “classics made current” with its staging of Henrik Ibsen’s powerful, groundbreaking play in an acclaimed new translation by playwright Bryony Lavery. When A Doll’s House premiered in the late 19th century, it stirred up quite a bit of controversy, largely for its famous ending. And while, almost 140 years later, modern audiences may not find the plot point as shocking, in this production, the play’s views on marriage, money, and equality remain as compelling and relevant as ever.
Something Rotten!: Lexus Broadway In Boston
January 17 – 19 | BosTix Deal Available
This 2015 Tony Award-nominated musical may not be a classic in the traditional sense, but it deserves a spot on this list. While it is an example of the now-rare Broadway show with an original story and score, it does have some classic source material – namely, the entire musical theatre canon and a guy named William Shakespeare. Set in 1595, this hilarious smash asks what happens when two brothers set out to write the world’s first musical, competing with the popularity of their contemporary, a leather-clad Shakespeare. Jam packed with references to everything from 42nd Street to Romeo and Juliet, from A Chorus Line to Twelfth Night (and featuring original Rent heartthrob Adam Pascal), this show has a little something for everyone. After closing the Broadway production earlier this month, the first national tour kicks off in our fair city at the Boston Opera House.
Shakespeare Unauthorized: Boston Public Library
Now – March 31
Speaking of the Bard, the Boston Public Library is in the middle of its season-long commemoration of the 400th anniversary of his death. At the center of this initiative is an exhibition at the Central Library in Copley Square that pulls back the curtain on the collaboration, confusion, and literary deception that surround the plays, poems, and life, taking a fresh look at the world famous playwright. Included on display are first and early editions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, and The Merchant of Venice, as well as all four folios, most notably the BPL’s own copy of the world-famous First Folio. The exhibit is free and open to the public every day through March, with hour-long tours on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2pm.
Ryan Impagliazzo, Audience Development Manager
