May Staff Picks
May You Fill the City’s Galleries & Theaters
As spring stands on shaky legs, you don’t have to go very far to have state-of-the-art theare, music, dance, and museum experiences. Here’s what we’re listening to and looking at this month…
What We’re Recommending:
CATHERINE PETERSON
Stars in their Eyes | Presented by Musicians of Old Post Road
May 4
“I adore Baroque music, though it’s certainly not the most popular music genre. Some of the beautiful canon rarely gets played, but dedicated ensembles like the Musicians of Old Post Road are working to change that. This concert that will be presented on Newbury Street (and in Worcester two days prior) and will feature works inspired by the night sky. These composers were multi-talented musician-scientists who sought to bridge their two fields of study with new music. Though several centuries old now, this music is new to me, and will probably feel new to you, too. Expand your horizons with me!”
JOHN BECK
2019 Somerville PorchFest | Presented by Somerville Arts Council
May 11
“I am a proud resident of Somerville, and I love nothing more than when my town comes together to party and celebrate our quirky ZIP code. PorchFest is perhaps Somerville’s most beloved annual festival that activates our porches in every neighborhood for free outdoor performances of almost every imaginable genre of music. As a former rocker, it’s one of my favorite events to take my son to. It’s a great way to share my love of music with my family and neighbors.”
CHAD SIROIS
The Handmaid’s Tale | Presented by Boston Lyric Opera
May 5 – 12
“The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood is one of the most iconic novels of the 20th century, and has been adapted many different ways in many different formats, most recently in the critically-acclaimed Hulu TV series. No matter how dystopian and worrisome in our current political moment, I’m fan of that show and the story itself, and am excited to see this newest adaptation. Directed by theatre icon Anne Bogart, BLO’s The Handmaid’s Tale will be playing for just one week only, so don’t miss it!”
AUDREY SERAPHIN
See You Yesterday | Presented by ArtsEmerson
May 16 – 19
“There’s a lot of Asian-American theatre to celebrate this season, but I’m particularly excited about the U.S. premiere of Global Arts Corps’ See You Yesterday. This brand new work is based on interviews the Cambodian cast members conducted with their elder family and community members who survived the Khmer Rouge genocide. The performance promises to be a cathartic and life-changing grapple with the past for both the audience and the creators.”
RYAN IMPAGLIAZZO
Vietgone | Presented by Company One Theatre
April 26 – May 25
“Company One’s latest endeavor, affectionately known on the Internet as #RomComWithC1 promises to be an explosive and delightful musical adventure that hip hop and Hamilton fans alike will enjoy. If you weren’t able to snag early tickets for Avengers: Endgame, you can still get a little adventure into your weekend. Vietgone‘s playwright, Qui Nguyen, a self-proclaimed “geek”, is an alumni of the Marvel Studios Writers Program. I can’t wait to take in this ‘kinda-true love story’ at the BCA this month.”
OLIVIA DUMAINE
School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play | Presented by SpeakEasy Stage Company
May 3 – 25
“I could probably write a dissertation on just how much I love the work SpeakEasy Stage produces. Maybe that’s dramatic, but I am unbelievably excited for this show to open. An all female-identifying cast? An all POC story? Audrey Seraphin moonlighting as an assistant stage manager? Sign me up. This show falls into the ever-popular “Mean Girls” genre; however, this time it takes place in Ghana’s most exclusive boarding school. Directed by the incredible Summer Williams, this production explores what exactly is universal about growing up as a young woman, and what is absolutely not. I won’t spoil anything for you, but I will say that it’s 75 minutes with no intermission, which should be enticing enough! Get your tickets now!”
DAVID COSTA
Gender Bending Fashion | Presented by Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Now – August 25
“Some of my all-time favorite exhibits have revolved around fashion. Probably my two most memorable were at the Peabody Essex Museum, ‘The World of Wearable Art’ and ‘Iris Apfel.’ I guess my younger days of runway modeling and being a fan of Project Runway makes me especially interested in fashion. I also grew up working at my grandparent’s fabric store where I met a lot of tailors and seamstresses. In those early years, I learned to appreciate what it takes to design and/or make a garment, especially when I can’t even sew on a button! ‘Gender Bending Fashion’ at the MFA features more than 60 boundary-pushing designs from various time periods and designers. Although I haven’t seen it yet, just by some of the photographs, I know it’s going to join the ranks of my most memorable exhibits.”
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: a large crowd enjoys a performance at Somerville PorchFest 2016.
