October Staff Picks
Crisp Cultural Happenings to Haunt
Don’t be scared! There’s still plenty of art left to grab this fall. Here’s the things we’re dying to see this month…
What We’re Recommending:
Las Que Sueñan: Latinas in Arts, Show & Fundraiser | Presented by Yo Soy LOLA
October 11
“Latin Americans celebrate their heritage every October 12th with the holiday of Dia de la Raza, but the celebration of Latinx identity starts early with Yo Soy LOLA’s production of Las Que Sueñan on Friday, Oct 11th at OBERON. Yo Soy LOLA is an organization dedicated to taking back the Latina narrative and providing a platform to share our stories, curating an annual week of Latina-centered programing from performances, to open mics and panel discussions. Kicking off LOLA Week 2019, Las Que Sueñan is a showcase of Latina empowerment through an exciting array of Latina-identifying artists in music, dance, acting, and spoken word. Feel even more empowered knowing that net proceeds fund scholarships for Latinx youth pursuing higher education in the arts with goals that directly impact their communities. ¡Wepa!”
The Book Club Play | Presented by Boston Playwrights’ Theatre
Now – October 13
“My pick for October is The Book Club Play. Boston Playwrights’ Theatre is putting on this awesome show that feels like watching an episode of The Office in its zany, slice-of-life manner. Behind the quick-wit, though, is a really interesting conversation that asks the question of what constitutes ‘good’ literature or art. Is something labeled a guilty pleasure inherently better or worse than something labeled a classic? It’s a conversation I’ve had many times over the years both with myself and with others, and this is a beautiful display of searching for that answer.”
Cambodian Rock Band | Presented by Merrimack Repertory Theatre
October 16 – November 10
“Lauren Yee is a singular voice in contemporary theatre, and her work on Cambodian Rock Band is unique and not to miss! The play embodies the experience of a survivor of the Khmer Rouge regime as he returns to Cambodia for the first time in thirty years. Part rock-musical, part father-daughter adventure, this play is a heartfelt journey that speaks to what can be learned about oneself and one’s family by looking back on the past.”
Coriolanus | Presented by Praxis Stage
October 17 – November 3
“Coriolanus is my very favorite Shakespeare play, but it’s not produced very often. So I am incredibly excited to see Praxis Stage’s inventive, post-apocalyptic production. Set in the year 2049 (the year the U.S. is projected to be a majority POC nation), this play features a talented creative team, including our own Audrey Seraphin at the helm. Following up their successful outdoor production of Hamlet this summer, Praxis has shown they can make Shakespeare truly epic on a fringe budget. Please take in this scrappy and exhilarating piece with me this month!”
Marie and Rosetta | Presented by Greater Boston Stage Company and The Front Porch Arts Collective
October 17 – November 10
“Just off their successful collaboration on The Three Musketeers in June, Greater Boston Stage Company and The Front Porch Arts Collective are teaming up again for Marie and Rosetta, a musical about the birth of rock ‘n’ roll. Guitarist Sister Rosetta Tharpe takes pianist Marie Knight under her wing as a young protegee, starting a journey that results in one of the greatest musical duos in history. Starring beloved Boston actresses Lovely Hoffman and Pier Lamia Porter, audiences are in for a gospel treat in the retelling of this oft-unheard story of Black Girl Magic.”
The Bodyguard | Presented by North Shore Music Theatre
October 29 – November 10
“Most of us have a particular movie that we’ve seen more than a dozen times. No matter what you’re doing, if you come across it while channel surfing, you drop everything and watch it. The Bodyguard with Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner is one of those films for me. The stage musical written by Alexander Dinelaris features songs recorded by Whitney Houston including ‘One Moment in Time’, ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’, and ‘I Will Always Love You.’ Although it debuted in London in 2012 and has since toured all over the world, NSMT’s production will be The Bodyguard‘s New England Regional premiere.”
Viewpoints: Photographs from the Howard Greenberg Collection | Presented by Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Now – December 15
“The Museum of Fine Arts turns 150 this year. With such a big anniversary coinciding with the 100th birthday of 19th amendment (which allowed the first women in America to vote), there’s going to be a lot of celebrating to do this season. In all the fanfare, you simply cannot miss the ‘Viewpoints’ exhibit. With 150 pieces featured (see what they did there?) of the recently acquired collection of 446 photos, the exhibition highlights the new collection’s breadth of images from the 20th century. From the Great Depression to World War II to the Civil Rights movement, you can experience America’s history from this stunning set of work gathered by photographer/art collector/gallery owner Howard Greenberg.”
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: Yo Soy Lola members perform “Colores” at OBERON. Photo Courtesy of Vania Jasmin Arroyo & WBUR The Artery.
I’m on an iPad trying to search for events at ArtsBoston.org but can’t figure out how to do it? Do you no longer have a search or does it not work in iPad? Thanks! Eric
Hi Eric,
Try going to artsboston.org/calendar. That should you show the ArtsBoston calendar. Thanks for checking it out!