10. A Beautiful Noise Musical (Emerson Colonial Theatre) This exciting pre-Broadway run has previews right here in Boston! Playing homage to one of the greatest entertainers of our time, audiences will have a joyous experience. The show comes to life as Will Swenson shows us just how much he is enjoying playing Neil Diamond, and Will shows us just how much Neil Diamond enjoys performing!
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9. LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (North Shore Music Theatre) The plant is back, and you had better hide the plant food! So much dark, delicious fun is to be had in this raucous revival. However, Ryan Knowles runs away with the production is his multiple roles including but certainly not limited to the dentist. This production proves that it is not easy being green!
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8. FOOTLOOSE (Theatre By The Sea) Anchored by JP Qualters as Ren McCormack and directed Bob Richard, this multi-talented cast tells us that it is okay to dance and celebrate again! More timely than ever, this message is expressed further by Diane Laurensen's impressive choreography.
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7. THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY (North Shore Music Theatre) Matt McClure is outstanding in the titular role, and he is accompanied by some of the best in the business. One of the many aspects of this show that makes it stand out is that the actors play their own instruments and have the talent to pull it off. Hats off to the cast and director Marcos Santana for providing a thrilling Second Act that provides permission to the audience to enjoy the music knowing what is ahead for Buddy Holly. Again, there is a time to have fun, and that time is now.
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6. THE INHERITANCE (SpeakEasy Stage Company) Matthew Lopez has much to say and is not afraid to say it all in his two-part six-and-one-half-hour epic. Director Paul Daigneault finds the moments within the entire moment and invites his audiences into the conversations. Much credit is due to the actors for their memorization and creating relationships that are relatable. It is exciting at the conclusion of Part One to know there is more to come, and Part Two does not disappoint.
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5. RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA (North Shore Music Theatre) The recent Revival is brought to elegant life! The beautiful costumes are here to behold including Cinderella's transforming dress inspired by Tony-winning William Ivey Long's inspiration. Director Kevin P. Hill re-creates the magical moments including the humor, and fun is had by all ages. It is a perfect example of how to make the impossible possible.
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4. ONCE ON THIS ISLAND (SpeakEasy Stage Company) One of the many interesting aspects of this musical is that nothing really happy happens. Yet, the point is to find the joy in every moment. This stellar cast, gorgeous costumes, expert musical direction, and brilliant directing remind us all why this musical is so beloved. Everyone has a story to be told, and now is the time to be heard.
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3. ENGLISH (SpeakEasy Stage Company) Billed as a "comedy," this exquisite piece by Sanaz Toossi finds the humor in everyday life. Four students in Iran are learning English; each for their own reasons. We as the audience members realize just important their journeys are and how much we can take certain things in life for granted. Every character is relatable because we all speak the same language.
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2. THE NUTCRACKER (Northeast Youth Ballet) The Ballet is back and is more beautiful than ever! This is the best way to celebrate the season. What a joy it is to see performers and dancers doing what they love and love what they are are doing. The direction is still spot-on, and the costumes are gorgeous! Welcome back!
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1 Firebird Christmas: Holiday Pops 2022 Firebird Pops Orchestra) Talent like this must be congratulated. The talent in question is one Maestro Brendan Kenney! During the pandemic, Mr. Kenney formed an orchestra, and his revolutionary video caught both local and national attention. Now he is sharing his passion and knowledge of music in sold-out concerts. Combing both traditional and his own interpretations of our favorite songs, he is not afraid to include tunes that might be new to us. Include the Choir Firebird Vox and Tenor Fred C. Vanness Jr., and the stage is complete! To quote Shakespeare,
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"If music be the food of love, play on!"
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Thank you for a great year of Theatre!
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
