Now, when I began doing the countdown I deemed "repeat" performances ineligible which might or might not be fair.
However, proper credit shall be given to shows I see multiple times.
Having said that, let's begin!
HONORABLE MENTION #1
THE NUTCRACKER (Northeast Youth Ballet)
A staple in the community, it is a privilege to enjoy and grow up with this tradition in the various venues lucky enough to present it.
It is always a joy to see the guest artists and the local talent share their gifts as they tell the story of the magical, mysterious journey of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince.
That is the best aspect of the production is that director Denise Cecere knows how to tell the story. Beneath the consistently gorgeous costumes and magnificent dancing, there is an arc which is always told effortlessly and beautifully.
And how can we forget Mama Ginger who all but brings down the house in her own handmade Gingerbread house?
This pundit always looks forward to this production, and for many, many reasons!
HONORABLE MENTION #2
A CHRISTMAS CAROL (North Shore Music Theatre)
David Coffee never ceases to amaze me.
The anchor of this consistently pleasing production, Coffee knows how grab a hold of each and every one of us and bring his along on his journey.
David make Scrooge's redemption and beg for forgiveness come from someplace real.
The sets, lights, costumes, and music are all glorious, and David's flawless performance prove time and time again why this is a tradition to behold.
10. AVENUE Q. (Arts After Hours)
This is one professional production of a contemporary musical dealing with hard issues, but told so effortlessly.
The cast and crew bring to life the lovable characters of the local block and are so believable and relatable that we cannot help but be brought in.
In addition to the amazing set, the actors are sexy and vibrant but know how to make the tender moments sincere and thoughtful.
Knowing how to laugh at life's struggles while still finding your purpose is what it's all about!
9. AS YOU LIKE IT (Shakespeare in the Pub)
Kudos to the Emerson College graduates for bringing us something new by presenting something of yore.
What a fun evening of frivolity as these talented actors re-create works of Shakespeare as they have been presented in the past - in a bar complete with audience participation, noisemakers, food, and drink.
Of course, none of this would mean anything if the production can't stand on its own, which of course it does. It is incredible to believe that the cast has but one full rehearsal prior to performance!
Theatre is being presented as we love it!
8. VENUS IN FUR (Huntington Theatre Company)
This sexy thriller by David Ives belongs to Andrea Syglowski, whose complex, multi-layered character is a marvel to watch unfold on stage.
As sophisticated as it is erotic, the blurred lines between reality and fantasy are as much fun as they are unsettling.
Rich in texture and depth, this production goes deep into one's dangerous psyche.
Audiences were wrapped up in this great production earlier this Spring.
7. MIDDLETOWN (Emerson Stage)
Sam Terry's profound disappointment at the collapse of his house of cards at the beginning of the play is a major draw into Will Eno's dark, deep exploration of humanity and loneliness.
J.Wylie Allen sets the scene with his introductory list of people which becomes progressively poignant and less random.
The cast and crew handle the difficult and mature script with sincerity and credibility.
One never knows when one is in the middle, but we know when we are experiencing an incredible thought-provoking performance.
6. PETER AND THE STARCATCHER (National Tour @ Providence Performing Arts Center)
It is easy to be hooked into a show when a piece of rope becomes a major character.
This whimsical yet intelligent script and production know how to create a perfect pace and avoid going out-of-control.
The backstory to Peter Pan is as exciting as it is insightful.
The small cast portrays multiple characters and flies off with superior entertainment.
5. NECESSARY MONSTERS (SpeakEasy Stage Company)
Every now and then a cute little show with a conventional nice outline breezes into town.
This isn't one of them.
John Kuntz's bold and dark, daring and brash look into the very depths of our souls bravely explores the monsters in all of us through various interlocking tales perfectly told out of order.
Even if we don't know what's going on in the show, one cannot help but to applaud the theatre company's necessity to present new and exciting, fresh and insightful productions.
4. CHICAGO (North Shore Music Theatre)
Director/Choreographer Nick Kenkel has created and re-created an incredibly sizzling, dazzling production that is both true to its original (revived) form but definitely stands on its own.
From the very beginning we are promised a sexy, electrifying night that does not falter at any point, especially in the choreography department.
The actors found original ways of making the unlikable characters likable and believable.
With so much potentially going against it, Kenkel has found many things going for it.
3. LES MISERABLES (North Shore Music Theatre)
Again, it is impressive to take a well-known piece and make it seem fresh and invigorating when expectations are high.
And delivered the goods they did recently this Fall with an intense-directed production that never let up nor felt overdone.
The vocal harmonies captured on stage are a gift to behold.
Les Miz has never been known for being a feel-good musical, but we felt great after experiencing this masterpiece of a production.
2. ONCE (Broadway in Boston)
Guy meets Girl, and they make beautiful music together.
This deceptively simple musical is simply beautiful, and it's nice to see a show stripped of glamor and glitz to focus on the story.
A great opportunity comes along once in a lifetime.
It is important to grab hold and hang on!
1. THE COLOR PURPLE (SpeakEasy Stage Company)
Only Paul Daigneault knows how to take an epic production and pare it down so the message and the music are even that much stronger!
The story of struggle and strife comes to vibrant life on stage with minimal cast but maximum results.
Celie's journey is proof that once one has gone through the worst, one can appreciate the best.
Because guess what Kids?
After all we've been through -- WE'RE STILL HERE!!
