Watch CBS News

Boston's Best 2014-2015 College Productions

Every new college theater season brings a wealth of worthwhile productions to the city of Boston. The performing arts schools in Boston are among the best for states around, so it is well worth the time to take in any or all of these upcoming plays. The 2014-2015 season has everything seasoned theater lovers, families and those new to the art need to get some great live entertainment. Experience shows that are often the next best thing to or even better than professional theater.

"Dancing at Lughnasa"
Semel Theater
10 Boylston Place, 3rd Floor
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 824-8500
www.emerson.edu

Date: Nov. 6-9, 2014

"Dancing at Lughnasa" is a family portrait that displays the potential vigor of the present and the strength of the past. The Mundy sisters and their elder brother are Irish by birth with the latter long separated from his family and country thanks to mission work in Africa. The play picks up as this sojourn ends and the group finds itself celebrating the Lughnasa festival for perhaps the final time. This inexpensive show is directed by Courtney O'Connor of the Lyric Stage Company.

Related: Boston's Best Free (Or Almost Free) Theaters

"Little Murders"
The Boston Conservatory
8 The Fenway
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 536-6340
www.bostonconservatory.edu

Date: Dec. 9-12, 2014

As a satire that exploits the seemingly everyday violence that Americans live with or even perpetuate, "Little Murders" leans a bit on the social commentary side. Between looking at the highest and lowest of American mindsets taking place in one of the most violent cities in the U.S., guests will recognize American life easily through the wit that makes this piece so enjoyable. The light it shines on society may be glaring, but there are more than enough laughs to make up for it.

"The Trojan Women"
Robsham Theater Arts Center
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
(617) 552-8000
www.bc.edu

Date: Nov. 20-23, 2014

Enduring since it was written in 415 BC by Euripides, "The Trojan Women" is a look at how the surviving Trojan women fared after their city was sacked by the Greeks. While based in myth and legend, this play winds up being a valid commentary on the result of war. Trojans continue dying, are forced into slavery and raped by the conquering army. Boston College's theater department puts on a rendition of this ancient play that sadly manages to remain relevant. It shows that mankind has not become much more civilized in more than 2,000 years.

"The World Goes 'Round"
Green Theater
10 Boylston Place, 6th Floor
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 824-8500
www.emerson.edu

Date: Nov. 20-23, 2014

"The World Goes 'Round" is nothing short of a celebration of musical theater. Featuring a cast of characters all its own, the show pulls from some of the most famous musicals ever developed to fill its aural side. "Cabaret" and "Chicago" are just a few of the recognizable shows to lend music to this piece. Watch the characters love and laugh to music regular theatergoers know and appreciate. For those guests who are new to theater, this is a great chance to get to know some of the best tunes in show tunes.

Related: Boston's Best Ways To Get Involved In The Theater Community

"Next Fall"
Bonn Studio
140 Commonwealth Ave.
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
(617) 552-4800
www.bc.edu

Date: March 19-22, 2015

"Next Fall" is a deep comedy that focuses on some of the problems couples of today face more openly than ever before. It is the story of a gay couple that holds differing spiritual opinions. One half is a Christian. The other half is an Atheist. The cast of characters that surround these men are as central to the questioning tale of belief and tolerance as the men themselves. How does anyone reconcile spirituality with lifestyle and the wishes of loved ones?

Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.