Top Ten Productions of 2019!!

10. THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME (Marblehead Little Theatre)
Anchored by the stellar performance of Miles Tardy, this tight-knit ensemble delivers the messages of awareness and acceptance. With sensitive and fluid direction by Steve Black, it is complete with the complex choreography and lighting design this is Act Two.

9. ONCE (SpeakEasy Stage Company)
While visiiting Dublin, audiences are treated to some of the most gorgeous music and harmonies while learning what it means to follow your Dreams. Guy discovers his passion within when he meets his Muse, but she provides him the confidence to pursue this passion on his own when the time is right.

8. THE LITTLE FOXES (Lyric Stage Company)
Scott Edmiston directs Lillian Hellman's acerbic examination of family dynamics with such perfection. His emphasis on letting the action flow forces the characters' disdain to bubble under until it eventually erupts and overflows.
Janie E. Howland raises the bar for Lyric when it comes to Scenic Design. That remarkable staircase becomes another significant character on the already star-studded stage.

7. SUNSET BOULEVARD (North Shore Music Theatre)
And speaking of sets! Kyle Dixon's elaborate staircase is the perfect complement to the top-notch talent it holds. We even get a car!
Nicholas Rodriguez is the perfect Joe to Tony-Winner Alice Ripley's Norma. She plays the troubled actress with such dignity and passion that we instantly fall in love with her with just one look.

6. THE WOLVES (Lyric Stage Company)
Sarah DeLappe's Pulitzer Prize Finalist gets it right. Rather than hearing dialogue that sounds contrived or the way kids might be talking, these characters are real! This is the way children of this age communicate, and their words are authentic.
Just as impressive as the text is the ensemble. Not only do they deliver the script with unapologetic reality, but they do this while performing some intricate soccer moves while never missing a word or step, thanks to A. Nora Long's impressive attention to detail. And Laura Latrelle's haunting entrance as Soccer Mom is one that will stay in our heads and hearts for a long, long time.

5. DEAR EVAN HANSON (Broadway In Boston)
Everything you have heard about this landmark Tony-Winning Best Musical is true. Instead of the projections taking over the story -- the projections are the story. They represent the claustrophobic climate in which we live -- sometimes feeling connected via social media reminds us of how lonely some of us are.
Everyone wishes to connect and reconnect, and nobody explains that better than Ben Levi Ross's heartbreaking portrayal of the main character. Sometimes it does not matter what side of the window we are on.

4. JERSEY BOYS (North Shore Music Theatre)
Director/Choreographer Kevin Hill's magnificent re-interpretation of this Tony-Winner might sound too good to be true on paper, but that doesn't stop the production & design teams at NSMT. The manipulation and coordination of the elaborate, intricate set establishes limitless opportunities in an otherwise intimate space while still remaining faithful to the original material.
None of this would matter, however, if it weren't for the indefatigable talents of the men portraying said Jersey Boys. Oh, what a night of wonderful theatre!

3. COME FROM AWAY (Broadway In Boston)
One of the many reasons why this show resonates with audiences and will continue to do so, is Christopher Ashely's Tony-winning Direction. Physically, the show is breathlessly non-stop. Metaphorically, it represents the fact that despite what is going on in life, we can't stop. We have to keep moving. When something needs to be done, do it. If someone needs help, help them. Think later.
The story of frightened, angry passengers stranded in unknown territory reminds us that there is still good in the world and that there is so much more to be done. Coupled with Book/Lyrics/Music by Irene Sankoff & David Hein, it is uplifting rather than morbid. It is more inspirational and less hopeless. This is Theatre at its finest of how stories and messages can be told and still be entertaining. Hopefully, this Rock will be here for a long, long time.

2. CHOIR BOY (SpeakEasy Stage Company)
This Tony Nominated script by Tarell Alvin McCraney receives the royal treatment! Director Maurice Emmanual Parent knows how to combine suburb acting & incredible writing with gorgeous harmonies & some awe-inspiring choreography by Yewande Odetoyinbo & Ruka White.
Isaiah Reynolds handles the lead role with incredible determination and wit. This is what storytelling is all about, and Speakeasy does it right again!

1. THE BAND'S VISIT (Providence Performing Arts Center)
When a band of musicians arrives in the wrong town at the right time, what follows is one of the most profound Musicals ever to hit the Broadway stage. David Yasbek's Tony and Grammy Winning Score is as haunting as it is beautiful. This show tells us how strangers can become friends because we have more in common with each other than we realize -- love, loss, loneliness, and longing. Sometimes it is easier to tell a distant stranger our most intimate fears. Since we are all traveling around in a circle, it is important to connect and stay connected. We don't want "I remember you when" to be replaced with "I haven't seen you since."
We are here for only a visit, so let's enjoy it


Thank you for another wonderful year of Theatre!
Sincerely, Scott/Broadway From The Balcony