2013 Boston Spring Theater Preview
"A Raisin in the Sun"
BU Theatre/Avenue of the Arts
264 Huntington Ave.
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 266-7900
www.huntingtontheatre.org/
Price: $15 to $95
Hours: March to April
"A Raisin in the Sun" is a story about poverty, racial divides and familial struggles that came out on Broadway in 1959. It is set in Chicago, with a black family trying to escape its current means. Each character must first struggle with his or her ethnic identity and what that means to them before they can take the plunge and accept a better living situation. Leisl Tommy directs this famous production with the Huntington Theatre Company this spring.
Related: Boston's Best 2013 Exhibits
"The Glass Menagerie"
American Repertory Theater
64 Brattle St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 547-8300
www.americanrepertorytheater.org
Price: $25 to $65
Hours: Feb. 2 to March 3
This Tennessee Williams play directed by John Tiffany of the A.R.T. revolves around a family that struggles as a whole while each individual struggles to find his or her place either in or out of the family individually. "The Glass Menagerie" is seen from the perspective of Tom, whose sister is introverted and mother is obsessed with finding his sister's match. All Tom wants to do is leave this morbid and boring setting for something more. This rendition of "The Glass Menagerie" stars Zachary Quinto as Tom, the narrator and protagonist.
"Sister Act"
Boston Opera House
539 Washington St.
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 259-3400
www.bostonoperahouse.com
Price: $25 to $145
Hours: Jan. 22 to Feb. 3
This raucous musical comedy about nuns and a colorful diva on the run comes from the '90s film of the same name. Boston is just one stop on its 2013 national tour. "Sister Act" comes to town this spring with Ta'Rea Campbell as Deloris Van Cartier, the play's protagonist. Hollis Resnik plays the Mother Superior opposite Campbell, and the two are played up to be a hilarious duo. The critics certainly like it and audiences have adored the story for 20 years.
"Jersey Boys"
Colonial Theater
106 Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 880-2460
www.colonial-theater.com
Price: $87 to $342
Hours: Jan. 30 to March 3
"Jersey Boys" is a musical about one of the most talented and celebrated vocal groups of all time, The Four Seasons. The hit '60s music coupled with great theater talents make this production fun and memorable. The predictable rock 'n' roll band drama also makes for a good story. Theatergoers who love the style, music, lingo and attitude of the era will love how the touring cast of "Jersey Boys" brings it all to life.
"The Servant of Two Masters"
Paramount Mainstage Emerson College
559 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02116-4624
(617) 824-8500
www.emerson.edu
Price: $25 to $79
Hours: Jan. 29 to Feb. 10
"The Servant of Two Masters" is the story of one man seeking to double his income. Well, the running joke is that he is actually trying to double his intake. The man — Truffaldino, the central character — is always hungry and always eating. Around him, lovers and siblings go through tragedy and triumph in fumbling fashion as the audience wonders if perhaps Truffaldino is also looking for a little love.
Related: Boston's Best Free Art Activities
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.
