Boston's Best Upcoming Theater Productions
Wheelock Family Theatre
180 Riverway
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 879-2300
www.wheelockfamilytheatre.org
Date: Jan. 30 to Feb. 22, 2015
Few are not familiar with the story of "Pinocchio" or at least the imagery and music often associated with the story. Wheelock Family Theatre is taking that wonderful tale of a woodworker's creation seeking humanity and turning it into an energetic stage production. This original adaptation draws inspiration and movement from traditional Japanese puppetry. Guests will enjoy the athleticism and versatility of the actors as they give new life to a story that is already in so many hearts.
Loeb Drama Center
American Repertory Theater
64 Brattle St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 547-8300
www.americanrepertorytheater.org
Date: Now through Jan. 4, 2015
While not exactly scientifically accurate, this tale of a young princess suffering a curse that makes her not subject to the laws of gravity has so much potential for beauty. A.R.T. has managed to bring the tale to life before and with great success. It is a lot of fun for families, as kids can appreciate the airiness of both the princess's movements and her emotions. This Scottish fairy tale has found a home in Boston for now, so bring the family to the show.
Cutler Majestic Theatre
219 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 824-8000
www.cutlermajestic.org
Date: March 5-15, 2015
The UK-based Kneehigh theater company is coming to the Cutler Majestic to perform this centuries-old legend of love and tragedy. Adding lovely modern touches to a tale that predates Arthurian legend, Kneehigh creates an engaging production that will entertain viewers both new to and familiar with the story. Expect music and comedy intertwined with a romance that sparked romance in literature as we still know it today.
Colonial Theatre
106 Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 482-9393
www.thecolonial.org
Date: Feb. 13-15, 2015
Anyone who loved this tale as a child or wants to share it with a child will enjoy this local production of "Cinderella." Coming off a run of Dr. Seuss shenanigans, the Keene Lions Club is offering up some romance for Valentine's Day weekend. Come as a couple or bring the whole family. Either way, the tale will be as magical as it ever was.
Related: Boston's Best Dinner Theater
Boston Center For The Arts
Calderwood Pavilion
527 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 933-8600
www.badhabitproductions.org
Date: April 4-19, 2015
A surprisingly relevant story for one that is nearly a century old, "Orlando" is the tale of an aristocrat who wakes one day to find he is female. The female and now immortal Orlando embraces her new gender, though switches back and forth in behavior and clothing choices for the remainder of the story. A magnificent choice for stage, not least because of the clothing, Virginia Woolf's masterpiece has a lot to say about gender, gender roles and sexuality for those who are willing to listen.
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.