AUDREY SERAPHIN

The Niceties | Presented by Huntington Theatre Company

August 31 – October 6

“I love new plays, and The Niceties is one I haven’t seen yet. The Huntington will produce it’s Boston debut. Written by local playwright Eleanor Burgess, reviewers have called this piece a “barnburner” and “powder keg” sparked by discussions on race, privilege, and history between a white professor and a black student, two liberal women at odds. The Huntington has taken on a number of plays in recent years that have investigated race, and I am hopeful that The Niceties will be the most provocative play they’ve put on yet.”

CHAD SIROIS

Carrie Mae Weems: Strategies of Engagement | Presented by McMullen Museum of Art at Boston College

September 10 – December 13

“Carrie Mae Weems is perhaps the contemporary artist that excites me the most. Her body of work is vast in subject matter and medium, but always moving and thought-provoking. The McMullen’s intimate space is the perfect venue for Weems’ thirty-year magnum opus, including many rarely displayed pieces. I’m looking forward to travelling to BC to experience perhaps their best free resource and this magnificent artist!”

CATHERINE PETERSON

Freisinger Chamber Orchestra | Presented by Freisinger Chamber Orchestra

September 15

“Freisinger Chamber Orchestra puts on just one concert a year, and it’s not to be missed! With young and emerging soloists singing Bernstein and Mozart alongside a fantastic orchestra, FCO maintains year-round fans with their enthusiasm and love of music. The spacious and beautiful Old South Church serves as the venue for this annual tradition — and there’s plenty of room for some newcomers, too. I hope you can make it!”

DAVID COSTA

Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic | Presented by the Museum of Fine Arts

September 16 – January 6

“Who doesn’t love Pooh Bear?  As a former first grade teacher, I have an affinity for children’s books.  Being able to view over 200 original drawings and early editions of Pooh, Eeyore, Kanga, and Roo is just cool.  The exhibit has been selling out in various parts of the world.  We’re really lucky that it’s coming to Boston and the MFA.”

OLIVIA DUMAINE

Hamnet | Presented by ArtsEmerson

September 20 – October 7

“Hamnet at ArtsEmerson is combining two things that I love dearly: Shakespeare and plays with no intermission. This sixty-minute play dives into the life of Shakespeare’s son who died at eleven years old, having never known his father. Primarily told by one young actor, this story uses an assortment of multimedia to explore how ambition interferes with relationships, and at what cost. While Shakespeare maybe considered one of the most prolific writers of all time, he was ultimately just another flawed human being. Nominated five times by the Irish Theatre Awards, I can’t wait to see the Bard examined in this new production!”

RYAN IMPAGLIAZZO

Jekyll & Hyde | Presented by North Shore Music Theatre

September 25 – October 7

“I know what you’re thinking. Isn’t Jekyll & Hyde best known as the musical that put David Hasselhoff on Broadway? Yes, yes it is. But it is much more than just ‘The Hoff’ in an unfortunate wig. First, it also gave us the Broadway debuts of composer Frank Wildhorn and vocal goddess Linda Eder (if you have never heard her sing “Man of La Mancha” stop reading this instant and go find a clip on YouTube). Second, the original four-year Broadway run has been since followed up with a starry revival, plus countless international tours, concerts, and recordings. Third, and perhaps most importantly, there are few better musical theatre scores for BELTING. YOUR. FACE. OFF. I’m particularly excited about NSMT’s production because of the all-star team they’ve assembled. Not only are two of the three main roles being played by stars Constantine Maroulis and Diana DeGarmo (American Idol alums who both went on to successful careers in musical theatre), but the show is being directed by Robert Cuccioli, Broadway’s original Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde himself! DeGarmo’s character sings ‘Bring on the Men’— and NSMT is listening!”

VICTORIA GEORGE

Macbeth | Presented by Actors’ Shakespeare Project

September 26 – November 11

“What happens when greed takes over? #everyonegetskilled
Macbeth is such an iconic play for actors to perform, not just because of the gory tale, but because of the folklore surrounding the superstition surrounding it. Did you know you can’t say the title in a theater (any theater) because it’s believed to be cursed? It’s why most theater folk refer to it as ‘The Scottish Play.’ If you ever utter the title in a theater, get ready to run outside, spin three times, spit, curse, then knock on the stage door to be let back in.”

JOHN BECK

The Bridge Trio | Presented by Scullers Jazz Club

September 27

“I love New Orleans, and though this will be my first Bridge Trio performance, all the critics say that this group embodies and evokes the spirit of The Big Easy formidably. Any night at Scullers is sure to be a good one, but this is the concert I’m particularly looking forward to in advance of my fall trip to — you guessed it — New Orleans. Dinner and a show: what could be better?”

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