November Staff Picks
Cheerful Fall Tidings
The days might be getting shorter, but longer nights mean more time out on the town! Here’s what we’re excited to see this month…
What We’re Recommending:
Freedom Ride | Presented by Mass Opera
November 3
“I’m a newcomer to opera, and still learning what I like in the genre. However, I have found I prefer things that are less traditional and stuffy, so I was really excited to hear about the Freedom Ride workshop concert that a few of my friends are involved in. This brand-new opera is having a one-night workshop performance at the historic Strand Theatre before it moves to Chicago for its world premiere. This piece follows one young woman’s journey into the Civil Rights Movement, a subject and time period I haven’t seen made into a musical, let alone an opera (I’m not counting Hairspray)! Everyone should check out this sneak peek performance, directed by Emmy Award nominee and NAACP Award Winner Tazewell Thompson.”
We Will Not Be Erased: A Veterans Day Concert Honoring the Service of All | Presented by Coro Allegro
November 10
“As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I know that Pride is just celebrated in June — it’s something to be championed year-round. Coro Allegro, Boston’s LGBTQ+ & allied classical chorus, carries that torch into the fall this year with We Will Not Be Erased, a look at Veteran’s Day from a community that has both served and been barred from serving in the United States Armed Services. Particularly with Pete Buttigeig being on the campaign trail, I think it’s the perfect time to reflect and honor those who have served and those who have been discriminated against in both peace and wartime.”
Fellow Travelers | Presented by Boston Lyric Opera
November 13 – 17
“I’m looking forward to Boston Lyric Opera’s Fellow Travelers at the Paramount Center. Based on the beautiful Thomas Mallon novel — a gay love story set in the McCarthy-ridden paranoia of 1950’s D.C. — the opera gets its Boston premiere with this production. I’m bringing my hankie as Opera News called Fellow Travelers ‘a gay La Bohème with abundant, heartrending sentiment’.”
BODYTRAFFIC | Presented by Global Arts Live
November 15-17
“The Institute for Contemporary Art/Boston has become a new haven for dance and inventive performance in the Seaport, so it’s exciting to see a company coming from out of town to perform there, courtesy of Global Arts Live. BODYTRAFFIC’s program this month features a whole host of Boston premieres in the company’s signature fusion style that incorporates jazz, ballet, and contemporary dance. See the work of world class choreographers, and when the performance is over, you have a whole museum to explore!”
Admissions | Presented by SpeakEasy Stage Company
October 30 – November 30
“My staff pick for November is Admissions at SpeakEasy Stage. This is a new play that one the Drama Desk Award in 2018 for Outstanding Play, and I can completely understand why. The script is sharp and witty and incredibly provocative, really focusing in on what it is to own our privileges and walk the walk rather than just talk the talk. SpeakEasy Stage is known for putting on these sort of cutting-edge shows, and I trust this will be another powerful production from them.”
The Seagull | Presented by Arlekin Players Theatre
November 8 – December 8
“Arlekin Players Theatre is bringing a new adaptation of The Seagull to the stage at Studio 368 in Needham. This production mixes different languages and weaves in translations of Chekov’s letters while aiming to investigate how this classic drama speaks to contemporary audiences of different cultures. Featuring award-winning local actors, this production is not to miss!”
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express | Presented by Lyric Stage Company
November 22 – December 22
“I have never seen the film Murder on the Orient Express and have always wanted to. When the 2017 remake came out, I was determined to see it. Guess what? I still haven’t. Needless to say, I am thrilled that the Lyric Stage is presenting Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express this season. The icing on the cake is the Lyric is presenting the newly adapted version by Ken Ludwig. Ken Ludwig is a comedic genius responsible for Crazy for You, Lend Me a Tenor, and An American in Paris to name a few. Add in Boston actors Remo Airaldi, Sarah deLima, Kerry Dowling, and Will McGarrahan, and it’s certain this is a Murder on the Orient Express I will not miss.”
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: BODYTRAFFIC performs Barak Marshalls’ AND AT MIDNIGHT, THE GREEN BRIDE FLOATED THROUGH THE VILLAGE SQUARE at the American Dance Festival in 2014.
any tickets for Oliver at New Rep?
Yes indeed! Please see our BosTix deal here: https://calendar.artsboston.org/event/oliver-12/