October Staff Picks
Art that will shock and amaze
Pumpkin spice, spooky costumes, and spectacular performances and exhibits! What more could you want?
What We’re Recommending:
Alan Cumming: Legal Immigrant | Presented by Celebrity Series of Boston
October 7
“Is there anything Alan Cumming can’t do? As an actor, he’s mastered theatre (on both sides of the pond), film, and television. He’s also proven himself an unmatched cabaret performer, leading The New York Times to rave: ‘In the underpopulated arena of male cabaret singers, Mr. Cumming may be the only one with talent and drive to change its direction.’ Cumming will be leading the show when he returns to Boston this month with a one-night-only performance of his new cabaret, Legal Immigrant, at Symphony Hall. From first discovering him as Rooster in the made-for-TV film remake of Annie, to watching (and re-watching) the iconic and quirky ‘Time After Time’ dance number in Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, to finally maturing enough to appreciate his career-defining performance as the Emcee in Cabaret, I have always been inspired by and felt a connection to the characters he’s portrayed, so I’m looking forward to experiencing Alan Cumming playing this new role – himself.”
The House of Accumulated Beauties | Presented by Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
October 11 – 25
“A collaboration between Peter DiMuro and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is not to be missed! DiMuro is the Gardner’s first choreographer-in-residence, and this special tour is one of the first fruits of his time there. Included with the price of admission, groove your way through the museum with dancers in this special tour. Gardener’s mansion has certainly never seen anything like this before, so be among the first to experience this cultural landmark in a new way!”
Jonny Lang | Presented by The Cabot
October 13
“At 37, Jonny Lang has already had a successful recording career for over 20 years, and I have been a fan for just as long. Given the steady stream of late 90’s pop that was in my musical diet at the time, Lang’s blues, gospel, and rock songs were all too welcomed on my parents car radio (for the younger folk, that’s how we used to discover and listen to new music). Though known for the guitar licks that have earned him a place among the blues greats, for me, his most powerful weapon has always been his voice. It truly can’t be pigeonholed, and you just have to hear it for yourself. Luckily the acoustics of the Cabot should make for a great introduction!”
We Will Not Be Silent | Presented by New Repertory Theatre
October 13 – November 4
“The true story of Sophie Scholl is one that has always captivated me. An anti-Nazi political activist, the German government convicted her of treason at the age of twenty-one, and as such, Sophie faced execution under Hitler’s fascist regime. The story of courageous young people standing up for social justice is not an unfamiliar tale in 2018, and I am eager to see that sort of bravery paralleled on stage. Sophie Scholl’s story reminds us of the importance and the power of young people in shaping our world. As a millennial, it is so refreshing to see young characters embraced as complex human beings as opposed to written off as inexperienced children. Come join me in seeing this powerful piece!”
Boston New Music Festival | Presented by Juventas New Music Ensemble
October 19 – November 11
“I’m dazzled by the offerings of the third annual Boston New Music Festival, featuring the work of three ArtsBoston Member Organizations: Boston Musica Viva, Radius Ensemble, and Juventas New Music Ensemble, the Festival Ambassador. There are11 amazing events spread across Boston and Cambridge in October and November, including “This Land is Your Land” on November 3 by Juventas, which commemorates the 50th anniversaries of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act and the National Trails System Act, with new music inspired by American landscapes.”
Fun Home | Presented by SpeakEasy Stage Company
October 19 – November 17
“I absolutely fell in love with this musical when the Broadway cast recording came out, so I was excited to see Fun Home when it came to the Boston Opera House last fall. I adored the touring production, but from my nosebleed seat in the balcony, I only wished I was closer to the action. SpeakEasy, a company known for its intimate adaptations of plays and musicals, promises to deliver just that with their upcoming production of Alison Bechdel’s autobiographical comic come to life through song and dance. The book and score are inspirational, as is Fun Home‘s history-making Tony Award wins and commercial success. I may not have been able to see the original Public Theater performance, but being able to see the first regionally-produced iteration of Fun Home with a company that will do the story justice is the next best thing.”
Chinese Warriors of Peking | Presented by Spectacle Management
October 26
“Of all the arts performed in and around Boston, martial arts is perhaps the rarest. Spectacle Management brings a new presentation from the Chinese Warriors of Peking to Cary Hall in Lexington. This new production will feature acrobatics, stage combat, juggling, martial arts displays, and weapons handling. Opportunities to see masters of this craft don’t come to our region often, so I encourage you to make the trip north to catch this show!”
Nunsense | Presented by Curtain Call Theatre
October 26 – November 4
“How can I not choose this as my staff pick?! I am the director and choreographer of this production. Whatever your religious beliefs, Nunsense is just a fun, silly night of theatre. With everything going on in the world, sometimes we just need to forget our troubles and laugh for a couple of hours. Nunsense will definitely provide you with that!”
Check out all these picks and more on the ArtsBoston Calendar.
What arts or cultural event are you most excited for this month? Let us know on Twitter by tweeting us, @artsboston!
Want weekly recommendations on what to see and do in Boston?
Pictured above: The original Broadway cast of Fun Home performs.