Boston (Theater) Weekend.

We had so much fun at the Boston Theater Marathon at the lovely Calderwood Pavilion (Boston Center for the Arts) last weekend (May 9-10).  We saw 12 of the 50 ten minute plays produced by 50 local theaters and absolutely fell in love with the format.  The program included both well established Boston theaters with national reputation as well as up and coming local companies – and the “speed dating” format of the festival gave all the plays a chance to find their producers.  We wowed to come back and stay for the entire ten-hour marathon next year.

In the meantime, we are inspired to get to know more of the Boston Theater this weekend!

“Mothers & Sons”, a new family drama by four-time Tony Award winner Terrence McNally, staged by SpeakEasy Stage Company is showing this weekend at the Calderwood Pavilion (Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont Street): Saturday, May 16, at 4 and 8pm and Sunday May 17 at 3pm. Here is the link (and more information) for the  Discounted ($23-$30) Goldstar Tickets.

The Last Two People On Earth: An Apocalyptic Vaudeville is playing at the American Repertory Theater at Harvard Square in Cambridge. This is a world premier starring Mandy Patinkin and Taylor Mac. (Direction & Choreography by Susan Stroman). When a flood of biblical proportions leaves us with only two people on Earth – they discover the common language of song and dance. (The piece is totally sung-through, with songs ranging from Broadway classics by the likes of Stephen Sondheim to Queen to two Mac originals). Be sure to check out interactive installation in the theater lobby created by local artists imagining the future of Boston as sea level rises. For tickets and more information, go to American Repertory Theater’s website.

Another Musical Comedy – a Broadway hit and Pulitzer prize winner “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” is playing at Stoneham Theatre, (395 Main Street Stoneham, MA). Here is a link to the Discounted $25 Goldstar Tickets.

New Repertoire Theater is presenting the Scenes from Adultery (“a culture clash comedy of miscommunication” written by a local playwright Ronan Noone) at the Arsenal Center for the Arts Charles Mosesian Theater (321 Arsenal Street Watertown). The final performance is on Saturday, May 17 at 3pm. Discounted $25-$30 tickets are offered by Bostix.org.

If you are in the mood for an engaging historical theater full of the “feasts of intrigues”, the Actor’s Shakespeare Project presents Henry VI, Part 2 at The Modern Theatre at Suffolk University (523-525 Washington Street Boston; through June 7).  Here is the link to Bostix tickets (under $20).

Another timeless Shakespearian intrigue unfolds in “Julius Caesar” as staged by Bridge Repertory Theater of Boston at the Boston Center for the Arts’ Calderwood Pavilion (527 Tremont Street Boston). There are a limited number of complimentary tickets available this weekend at this GoldStar Ticket link.

Boston Ballet presents the “Thrill of Contact“, “a striking program of precision and athleticism” (its final program of the 3-part contemporary Perception series and a final program of the season) featuring works by Balanchine, Robbins, Forsythe, and a world premiere by the company’s Principal Dancer, Jeffrey Cirion (and music of Tchaikovsky, Chopin, and Schubert)- at the Boston Opera House, May 14-24. Here is a link to discounted Bostix tickets (there are 2 performances this Saturday and one on Sunday); or go to Boston Ballet’s website (Tel. 617- 695-6955).

And no, I have not forgotten about the youngest theater goers.  “Shrek the Musical” (recommended for the audience of 7+) is playing at the Wheelock Family Theater through May 24 (see my story here with the links to the discounted tickets).

The Puppet Showplace Theater of Brookline is showing “The Three Billy Goats Gruff & The Lion and the Mouse” By Pumpernickel Puppets (two classical tales in one!) Click here for Bostix $6 tickets. The show is recommended for ages 3 – 6.