CATHERINE PETERSON

God Save the Queens | Presented by Boston Gay Men’s Chorus

May 31 – June 2

“Yes, it’s Pride and that makes this a timely choice. I also just love the music of David Bowie, Elton John, the Beatles, and, yes, Queen. And I love the joy and love that comes from the the Boston Gay Mens’ Chorus.”

CHAD SIROIS

Pride: Hand in Hand | Presented by Juventas New Music Ensemble

June 1

“There are so many events to celebrate Pride in Boston this month, but Juventas’ concert that kicks off June is a special one. Featuring new works by LGBTQ+ composers, this Hand in Hand commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, which kicked off the modern gay rights movement. The chamber music genre so rarely speaks specifically about and to the LGBTQ community, so I am happy to hear of this concert and take it in as a part of my curated Gay Pride celebration.”

JOHN BECK

Cirque De La Symphonie | Presented by Boston Pops

June 8

“This event sounds just too cool to miss. Symphony Hall will be fitted with aerial silks, a trapeze, and other circus props for one night only – the circus is coming to town. For over ten years now, Cirque De La Symphonie has delighted audiences of all ages with a combination of circus performance and pops music. See dancers, jugglers, strongmen, and more on one of Boston’s oldest and most prestigious stages, alongside the orchestral experience one might expect in the Hall. I can’t wait to check it out for the first time this year! I’ll see you there!”

OLIVIA DUMAINE

I Hate Hamlet | Presented by Titanic Theatre Company

May 31 – June 15

“People attend arts and cultural events for a wide range of reasons. Right now, I really love seeing art that allows me to escape the never-ending depressing news cycle. And what could possibly be more appropriate than a Hamlet-inspired farce? In this play-about-a-play, silliness and love of theatre is embraced to its fullest, inviting audiences to let go and just laugh for a bit. If you’re a fan of screwball comedies and making fun of Shakespeare, come join me in seeing this comedic gem, running at the BCA through mid-June!”

DAVID COSTA

Barefoot in the Park | Presented by Gloucester Stage Company

June 7 – 30

“Admittedly, I had never seen Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park until ten years ago when I did set dressing and props for an area production.  I fell immediately in love with this romantic comedy about newlyweds who find out that married life isn’t always a “walk in the park.”  What I love about Neil Simon is that he understood relationships and their dynamics.  The language in his plays are very real and conversational.  Gloucester Stage opens its 40^th Anniversary season with this Simon classic starring Paula Plum, Richard Snee, McCaela Curran Donovan, and Joe Short.  McCaela and Joe are a real life married couple who can still be considered “newlyweds” so in this production art will truly “imitate life.”  Barefoot in the Park is Simon’s longest-running hit, and the tenth longest-running non-musical play in Broadway history.

MARISSA MOLINAR

Hot Water Over Raised Fists | Presented by Boston Center for the Arts

June 14 – 23

“Back on a snowy night in February, local dance company Connections Dance Theater blew me away at the MFA’s inaugural Dance In The Galleries, activating the “Ansel Adams in Our Time” gallery as part of their creative residency. The choreography was emotionally resonant – personally, politically, and physically. Since then, I have been waiting for warm weather and Hot Water Over Raised Fists, the company’s debut evening-length production. It seems like both are finally here! It will be thrilling to see this visceral, poignant work in the intimate space at the BCA’s Calderwood Pavilion and will be sure to have me dancing out into the street following the show. I can’t wait to see this performance from an important new choreographic voice in Boston!”

AUDREY SERAPHIN

We Live in Cairo | Presented by American Repertory Theater

Now – June 23

“June is my birthday month, and the first present I bought myself was tickets to We Live in Cairo, the new musical now in previews at the A.R.T. Last summer, Jagged Little Pill came to life for the first time in the Loeb Center — it’s now headed to Broadway this fall. A.R.T. has a reputation as an incredible pre-Broadway venue, and I don’t want to miss this hot new play on their stage. The first releases of music are amazing, and the story of the young Eygptian revolutionaries who changed the world in 2011 is a compelling, oft untold one. I can hardly wait for my birthday — more this year than ever before!”

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