Coming to Boston: Tennessee Williams, Book of Mormon, Tony Award Winners and More
Cherry Jones, founding member of the American Repertory Theater, will grace the A.R.T. stage once again as Amanda in Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie, running from Feb. 6 – March 17 at the Loeb Drama Center. This production of The Glass Menagerie, which follows Amanda’s efforts to find a “gentleman caller” for her fragile daughter while her son, Tom, struggles with his job and home life, is directed by Tony Award-winning director John Tiffany (Once). Jones, who has won multiple Tony Awards, is also known for her Emmy Award-winning role on the TV show 24 and appearances in movies such as Signs and The Perfect Storm. Zachary Quinto (Star Trek, Angels in America), Celia Keenan-Bolger (Peter and the Starcatcher), and Brian J. Smith (The Columnist) will join Jones on stage.
The Citi Performing Arts Center’s Shubert Theatre will welcome the contemporary dance company Grupo Corpo from Brazil for three nights only: February 28 – March 2. The company will perform two pieces choreographed by Rodrigo Pedemeiras: “Sem Mim” and “Parabelo.” The original score of the ballet “Sem Mim,” which means “without me,” was composed by Carlos Núñes and José Miguel Wisnik. The rhythmic soundtrack to “Parabelo,” written by Tom Zé and Wisnik, inspired Pedemeiras to create a mesmerizing dance which he refers to as his “most Brazilian and regional” creation, according to the group’s website. If YouTube videos of the company’s past performances are any indication, Grupo Corpo will captivate audiences during their limited time in Boston.
Emergency will be another short run this season, playing for one weekend only, March 22 – 24, at the Cutler Majestic Theatre. In Daniel Beaty’s one-man creation, he plays over 25 characters and tells the story of citizens in New York City who are shaken by the mysterious arrival of a slave ship at the Statue of Liberty. Told from the point of view of a poet, who is competing in a poetry competition, and the poet’s family, Beaty enlivens the story through slam poetry, multi-character transformation, and song. This thought-provoking play examines humanity at its core and the importance of freedom. Beaty is an acclaimed actor, singer, writer and composer who has performed extensively off-Broadway.
During its first national tour, The Book of Mormon will make a stop at the Boston Opera House, from April 9 – April 28. The nine-time Tony Award-winning musical has sold out shows on Broadway — where it is currently one of the top grossing productions — and across the country. Tickets for the Boston run are already hard to find (although not impossible if you’re willing to pay the price). The Book of Mormon was birthed by the creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and tells the story of two Mormon missionaries, played by U.K. actor Mark Evans and newcomer Christopher John O’Neill, as they attempt to share the Book of Mormon (the physical book) with the people of Uganda. The buzz around The Book of Mormon may make this comedic musical a hard one to get into, but if the opportunity to see it arises, jump at the chance.
Cathy Rigby is back! In the 1990s, Cathy Rigby starred in Peter Pan on Broadway, for which she was nominated for two Tony Awards. In2000, she starred in the A&E television production. Taking the theme of never growing up to heart, Rigby will take the stage once again in an all-new production of Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan at the Citi Performing Arts Center’s Wang Theatre, from April 23 – April 28. Broadway actor Brent Barrett will join Rigby as Mr. Darling/Hook. As Rigby and the Darling children fly around the stage and Neverland is brought to life, Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan will be the perfect show for both families and young-at-heart audiences alike.
