Boston's Best Upcoming Theater Events

This summer, the Boston theater scene has several great shows and events from which to choose. From long-running shows and annual events to visits from national tours, there is a lot of excitement to be had. Theaters and arenas all around Boston are hosting musical theater, comedy and even tributes this summer. Whether theatergoers want an intimate stage in a university or a huge venue that stands alone, there is a theater experience for every type of night out you're looking for.

"The Donkey Show"
American Repertory Theatre's Oberon
2 Arrow St
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 496-8004
www.americanrepertorytheater.org

Dates: Now through September 29

The American Repertory Theatre's "The Donkey Show" is a celebrated performance that is also a party. This disco-themed wild theater experience takes place around theatergoers as they party the night away at Oberon. The entire show is part Shakespeare's "Midsummer's Night Dream" and part "Saturday Night Fever." The music is decidedly 70s, but the atmosphere is timeless. Come out for a wild and crazy theater experience much more interactive than your typical night at a show.

Related: Best Shakespeare in Boston

Boston Actors Theater Summer Play Festival 2012
Boston Playwrights' Theatre
949 Commonwealth Ave
Boston, MA 02215
(866) 811-4111
www.bostonactorstheater.com

Dates: July 20 through July 28

The Boston Actors Theater Summer Play Festival is a series of plays, often of different genres, that the Boston Actors Theater's cast put on. There are four, one-act plays in the festival authored by local Bostonians. See what kind of imagination your fellow Boston talent has for the stage. This year's plays have yet to be announced, but the dates are set. Visit the show page to get more information about the plays as information is released.

"Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour"
TD Garden
100 Legends Way
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 624-1050
www.tdgarden.com

Dates: August 3 and August 4

The creative, astounding and always entertaining Cirque Du Soleil puts on this tribute to the late musician, dancer and actor Michael Jackson. Both fans of Michael Jackson and fans of Cirque Du Soleil can enjoy this leg of "The Immortal World Tour." One does not have to like both to appreciate the sights, sounds, music and stunts that make up this very popular spectacle. This is musical theater as only the Cirque Du Soleil could present it.

"Billy Elliot The Musical"
Boston Opera House
539 Washington St
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 259-3400
www.bostonoperahouse.com

Dates: July 24 through August 10

"Billy Elliot" is a story about a boy who lives in a town that is falling to pieces. Billy overcomes his lot in life and goes from being a boxer to practicing ballet. Filled with music, dance and a story that is often called inspiring, "Billy Elliot" is a treat for theater lovers. Music lovers can appreciate that the one-and-only Sir Elton John himself created the music for this wonderful theater experience. See inspirational moves set to a beautiful score while opening your eyes to the hardships a little boy endures in an attempt to find an expressive outlet.

"The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity"
Calderwood Pavilion
527 Tremont St
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 933-8600
www.companyone.org

Dates: July 27 through August 25

A hilarious and award-winning comedy about wrestling, "The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity" is a great way to get a laugh at the theater this summer. To describe it and give it justice would be impossible. As a story about a wrestler whose performance cannot be matched until a sudden challenge by an up-and-comer sounds hardly stage worthy. However, it is extremely exciting when performed live. Boston's Company One will be the act behind this performance this summer.

Related: Boston's Best Small Theatre Companies

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.