Performing Arts

Judy Song and Jenna Agbayani in "The Heart Sellers" at the Huntington Theatre Company. (Courtesy T Charles Erickson)

The Huntington delivers a heartful of soul with Lloyd Suh's 'Heart Sellers'

Lloyd Suh's play — centered on immigration, assimilation and friendship — is extraordinarily rendered, says theater critic Jacquinn Sinclair.

50 years ago, the Boston Pops started a holiday tradition

Holiday Pops was first introduced on December 21, 1973, under the name “A Pops Christmas Party.” Over the decades, the series has become more inclusive with diversified programming and grown...

'The Band's Visit' — a smashing SpeakEasy-Huntington coproduction

SpeakEasy Stage Company and the Huntington Theatre Company join forces for a thoroughly engaging production of the musical, says theater critic Jacquinn Sinclair.

Robert Brustein, a giant of the American theater, dies at 96

The American Repertory Theater founder was fearless about taking on all comers be they Tom Stoppard, August Wilson or Tony Kushner.

The superb stage version of 'Frozen' makes the Opera House sizzle

"Frozen" captures all the elements that made the movie so memorable while also shining through as a terrific stage musical says theater critic Terry Byrne, who salutes the entire creative...

The curtain falls on Watertown’s New Repertory Theatre

New Rep's closure follows a tumultuous three years for the midsize regional theater.

Stopping the inferno: Why this artist supports Israel

We can make plays about antisemitism and open all the Holocaust museums we want. We can make speeches about freedom and inclusivity. ...but all of this is meaningless if we...

Remembering Spiro Veloudos, former artistic director of Lyric Stage Company

He died at the age of 71. In 2019, Veloudos retired from the theater after 31 years. Critic at large Ed Siegel wrote a reflection of his career then, stating...

Tony Kushner's 'Angels in America' gracefully alights at Central Square Theater

Both parts of the 1993 Pulitzer and Tony-winning play receive a superb production led by Eric Tucker, artistic director of Bedlam, according to theater critic Terry Byrne.

15 theater productions to see this fall

Despite the financial pressures that continue to pinch theater companies post-pandemic, this fall’s theatrical lineup is an ambitious and intriguing mix of titles and topics, from an adaptation of "Hamlet"...

Arts & Culture

Sep 25, 2023

Laura Latreille, Monique Ward Lonergan, Lisa Yuen, Catia and Crystin Gilmore in SpeakEasy Stage Company's production of "POTUS." (Courtesy Nile Scott Studios)

SpeakEasy's hilarious women try to save a POTUS from becoming a DOOFUS

Selina Fillinger's terrific farce is handled with aplomb by director Paula Plum and her gifted ensemble, says theater critic Terry Byrne.

Arts & Culture

Sep 19, 2023

esse Kodama, Jared Troilo, Phyllis Kay, Peter Van Wagner and Tony Estrella in "Prayer for the French Republic." (Courtesy T Charles Erickson)

The Huntington's 'Prayer for the French Republic' is a theatrical blessing

Joshua Harmon has crafted a superb multigenerational play centering on immigration, the Holocaust and the lives of one particular family, says theater critic Terry Byrne.

Arts & Culture

Sep 15, 2023

Continuum Dance Project rehearses "Becoming Water" in Auntie Kay & Uncle Frank Chin Park along The Greenway on August 3, 2023. (Courtesy Olivia Moon Photography)

13 dance events to attend this fall

This season, new programs and emerging talent highlight the local dance events, with both Boston-based companies and troupes from overseas scheduled to perform. Dance critic Iris Fanger details the ones...

Arts & Culture

Sep 14, 2023

Mister Fitzgerald (center), Jennifer Mogbock, Kelley Curran, Jason Bowen and Michael Laurence in "The Half-God of Rainfall" at American Repertory Theater. (Courtesy Lauren Miller)

'Half-God of Rainfall' at A.R.T. gets halfway to paradise — but not all the way

Greek and Yoruba gods meet NBA superstars in Inua Ellams' poetic play, but theater critic Terry Byrne finds the dramatic structure is a little too earthbound.

Arts & Culture

Sep 14, 2023

Left to right: Sean Patrick Gibbons, Lorraine Victoria Kanyike and Serenity S'rae in New Rep's "Diaspora!" (Courtesy Ken Yotsukura Photography)

At New Rep, 'Diaspora!' is an exploration of identity and familial love

Now in its world premiere, the story follows a woman writing a book about her family's history and uncovers a shocking revelation. Playwright Phaedra Scott and director Pascale Florestal share...

Arts & Culture

Sep 14, 2023

Boston Symphony Orchestra Music Director Andris Nelsons conducts Holst's "The Planets." (Courtesy Aram Boghosian)

A comprehensive guide to fall's classical music performances

From intimate to grandiose, arts critic Lloyd Schwartz rounded up a list of the most notable events on the classical calendar from just after Labor Day through just before Christmas....

Arts & Culture

Sep 8, 2023

From left to right: Lorraine Victoria Kanyike, Joshua McKenna, Juanita A . Rodrigues, Valyn Lyric Turner, Damon Singletary and Jon Vellante in New Rep's production of "A Raisin in the Sun." (Courtesy Ken Yotsukura Photography)

New Rep stages a timely production of 'A Raisin in the Sun'

While Lorraine Hansberry's poignant tale about a 1950s Chicago family has some dated language and deplorable stances, the play is anchored by strong performances and themes that are still relevant...

Arts & Culture

Sep 8, 2023

Little Amal, a 12-foot puppet of a Syrian refugee child, travels across the U.S. to raise awareness about the plight of refugees across the world. (Courtesy The Walk Productions/Igor Emerich)

Little Amal takes first steps in Boston

Since her first steps at the Syrian border, 12-foot tall puppet Little Amal has become a symbol of refugee displaced populations now widely recognized across the world. Amal arrives in...

Arts & Culture

02:02Sep 7, 2023

Andris Nelsons conducts the BSO at Royal Albert Hall in London on Aug. 25. (Courtesy Chris Christodoulou)

The BSO returns to Europe for the first time since 2018

Led by conductor Andris Nelsons, the Boston Symphony Orchestra's first stop was London's Royal Albert Hall. This is the BSO's first international tour since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020.

Arts & Culture

Aug 31, 2023

Omar Robinson, Johnnie Mack, Regine Vital, Dereks Thomas, Anthony T Goss and Maya Carter in August Wilson’s "Seven Guitars" at Actors’ Shakespeare Project. (Courtesy Ken Yotsukura Photography)

August Wilson biography: The making of a major playwright; the making of a man

Theater critic Jacquinn Sinclair delves into Patti Hartigan's eye-opening account of the playwright's life and work.

Arts & Culture

Aug 14, 2023