All the world is a stage – well, almost
Hope springs eternal.
It’s an overused cliché, of course. But nothing else seems more fitting with recent news from theaters around the region as they slowly but surely return to reopening for in-person performances.
Broadway in Boston announced Monday that performances for the updated Lexus Broadway in Boston season will begin in the fall starting with the Tony Award-winning “Hadestown,” Nov. 2-14 at Citizens Bank Opera House.
“We’re excited for the return of Broadway to the city of Boston and thrilled to share that performances are scheduled to resume this fall,” Tivon Marcus, BWB’s vice president, said in a press release.
He thanked patrons for their “patience, flexibility and love of Broadway,” deeming it an “incredible support and inspiration during this extended intermission.”
BWB is working alongside its colleagues at the Opera House and Emerson Colonial Theatre, its two performance venues, in collaboration with state and local government officials to reopen following mandated health guidelines.
“The health and well-being of audiences, touring productions, staff and venue personnel remain top priority,” notes the press release. “Once we receive approval on a reopening plan, we will share details with theatergoers.”
Following the “Hadestown” opening, the updated season subscription package includes: “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Jan. 4-16, Colonial; “Pretty Woman: The Musical,” Jan. 18-30, Opera House; “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical,” Feb. 22-March 6, 2022, Colonial; “Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird,” April 5-17, 2022, Opera House; “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations,” April 19-May 1, 2022, Opera House; “Wicked,” June 8-July 24, 2022, Opera House; “Anastasia,” Aug. 16-28, 2022, Opera House; and “Hamilton,”
Jan. 17-March 12, 2023, Opera House.
For more information on all BWB programming, shows, performances and subscriptions, visit BroadwayinBoston.com/subscriptions or call 866-5237469 (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
New subscriptions are on sale. Current subscribers will be contacted about their subscriptions. Individual sales TBA.
North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, which was slated to reopen this spring, is erring on the side of caution and safety for all and will flip the planned 2021 subscription season to 2022, according to an announcement on its website.
To that end, the season will open with “Mamma Mia!,” Oct. 5-22, and continue
with “A Christmas Carol,” Dec. 2-23. The season continues in 2022 with “Smokey Joe’s Café,” June 7-19; “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” July 12-24; “Buddy — The Buddy Holly Story,” Aug. 16-28; “Little Shop of Horrors,” Sept. 20Oct. 2; “Kinky Boots,” Oct. 25-Nov. 6”; and “A Christmas Carol,” Dec. 1-23 (tickets not on sale until 2022.)
Current ticket-holders will receive new tickets with equivalent dates and can find show dates on each show’s webpage. Ticket-holders/subscribers can turn in current tickets for an NSMT gift certificate to be used for a future purchase; certificates never expire. Call 978-232-7200 or email bosales@nsmt.org with questions. There is no in-person access to the box office at this time.
In the wings
: A REVITALIZED HUNTINGTON: Last week, Boston’s Huntington Theatre Company announced the start of major construction on the Huntington Theatre, its historic home, beginning an 18month period that will restore, renovate and modernize the 95-year-old landmark. Highlights include new, wider seating and improved sightlines and acoustics. There will be major upgrades to all systems, including elevator service to all floors, HVAC and sprinkler systems, plumbing and electrical wiring. Staff, crew and artist support spaces will be modernized, and a new arcade main entrance will be created to allow all visitors to enter together. A new arcade on the second level will provide a gallery convening space to connect the historic theatre and new second-floor lobby space. Other improvements include an expanded, accessible orchestra pit; an automated, programmable fly-rigging system; 29 new, all-gender restrooms; and a rehabilitated second-floor rehearsal hall/event space. Construction costs, anticipated at $64 million, are included in a $110 million capital campaign, which so far has raised more than $81.5 million. While construction is underway, the Huntington plans to produce a full season of theater for 2021-2022, mainly at the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA in the South End, starting in late August.
: SUMMER THEATER CAMP: Registration opens today, April 1, for Peacock Players Summer Theatre Camp 2021. Five weeklong sessions are offered July 12-Aug. 13 for campers age 8-16. Camp hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., with before and after Camp Care hours available. Camp location is Alpine Grove in Hollis, N.H., near Nashua. $350 per camper, per session, with 10% discount for multiple siblings. For info and to register, visit peacockplayers.org/education/summer-theatre-camp.