OLIVIA DUMAINE

National Theatre Live: King Lear | Presented by ArtsEmerson

February 1 – 3

“While I love a good contemporary, ninety-minute, intermission free production, if I’m going to sit through almost four hours of Shakespeare, it better have Sir Ian McKellen in it. Luckily for me, King Lear: Live at the National Theatre does just that! Since I’m not casually able to fly on a whim to the UK, ArtsEmerson has brought this heartbreaking story to us for screenings in early February. ‘Nothing can come of nothing’ if you don’t get your tickets now!”

JOHN BECK

Holes | Presented by Watertown Children’s Theatre

February 1 – 3

“Louis Sachar is one of my favorite children’s authors, and I’m excited that I get to share his work with my son in such a hands-on way. The book Holes and the Shia Lebouf movie adaptation are both excellent, but I can’t say I’ve ever seen this story on stage. I’m especially excited that it’s being put on by students, since the characters themselves are mostly children. Playing in repertory with Hamlet, I think this tale could become just as classic.”

REBECCA WALLIS

Mark Morris Dance Group, Pepperland | Presented by Celebrity Series

February 8 – 10

“When describing Mark Morris’s work, words commonly put into rotation include masterful, prolific, and the absolute best of a generation. While I emphatically agree with those sentiments, it’s a bit intimidating to newcomers. Will they be able to ‘appreciate’ and ‘understand’ Morris they might wonder?  If Pepperland is your introduction, the answer is YES. Pepperland reminds you that dance is joyful and fun. With a costume palette that pulls inspiration from lyrics of the famed Beatles album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club, and a new score based on six of its songs, Pepperland is an excellent gateway to the best of Morris. Simply put, for those suffering from the winter blues, this i the sunshine you so desperately need.”

DAVID COSTA

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical | Presented by Lexus Broadway in Boston

January 29 – February 10

“I am so grateful that Beautiful: the Carole King Musical is coming back to Boston.  Truth be told, I’ve never had the opportunity to see it, yet it’s been on the top of my list.  I love biographies and learning about the lives of those who have ‘made it’ in show business. Plus, the score is amazing! With songs like ‘Natural Woman’, ‘Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,’ ‘One Fine Day,’ and ‘Uptown,’ what’s not to like.”

AUDREY SERAPHIN

CRASHfest at House of Blues Boston | Presented by World Music/CRASHarts

February 23

“CRASHfest is the amazing, annual festival of international music, food, and dance put on by World Music/CRASHarts. I had the pleasure of attending last year, and it was one of my very favorite arts events of all of 2018. This year’s lineup looks very promising, and includes local favorites like Kotoko Brass, Veronica Robles and Her Female Mariachi Band, and Sarma Brass Brand. If it’s anything like last year, this is a party you do not want to miss.”

CATHERINE PETERSON

Bedlam’s Pygmalion | Presented by Central Square Theater

January 31 – March 3

“New York-based company Bedlam is known for their inventive recreations of classic tales. They have been presenting and co-producing with Central Square Theater (as well as ArtsEmerson) for several seasons now. We are so lucky to have them back in the Boston area with the George Bernard Shaw masterpiece that spawned My Fair Lady. I can’t wait to see Eric Tucker and both new and favorite company members on the stage once again. Pygmalion is a production you won’t want to miss.”

RYAN IMPAGLIAZZO

Spamilton: An American Parody | Presented by Huntington Theatre Company

February 12 – April 7

“While Spamilton, the musical spoof of the rhyming Broadway hit, will certainly attract the source material’s diehard fans who ravenously consume any and all of its related content, for me, the Hamilton connection is only part of parody’s huge appeal. Spamilton is the latest creation from Gerard Alessandrini, the Boston-bred (and Boston Conservatory grad!) comic mastermind behind the LONG-running Off-Broadway hit Forbidden Broadway. Over 37 years (including multiple updates), the cabaret revue has spoofed the songs, characters, plots, and, most deliciously, the stars, from countless musicals in a way that can be appreciated by both Broadway buffs and beginners. And now that the show’s stay in Boston has been extended by popular demand to an eight-week run (before it even opened!), you really have no excuse not to see it. Don’t throw away your shot!”

CHAD SIROIS

Made Visible: Contemporary South African Fashion and Identity | Presented by Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

February 2 – May 12

“In South Africa’s complicated recent history, there are many voices left out of the narrative that ‘Made Visible’ is now trying to include at the MFA, starting this month. Twenty-five years after the end of apartheid, this exhibit celebrates marginalized communities from South African including women of color, LGBTQIA citizens, those from rural areas, and members of the Xhosa, Ndebele, and Zulu ethnic groups. I’m excited to learn more about the fashion and legacy of this oft-silenced peoples, and am grateful that I can do so without a trip halfway around the world. Full of photographs, sculptures, and documentations of performance art, this exhibition is not one to miss.”

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