I always like free cultural events and there are a bunch of concerts if you do a little homework. Check out your local library, the music schools and there is always ushering at the costly venues. As the lyrics go in the Kander and Ebb musical “Cabaret” What good is staying alone on the shelf, come here the music play…….life is a cabaret old chum…come to the cabaret…”
Boston is bubbling with fun things to do and with the good weather let’s go out and play. We begin with the Rascals.
(5)THE RASCALS
If you want to relive the 60s with songs like “How Can I Be Sure”, “Come On Up”, “You Better Run”, “I’ve Been Lonely Too Long”, “Beautiful Morning”, and the #1 hits “Good Lovin'”, “Groovin'”, and “People Got to Be Free” then don’t miss THE RASCALS .
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IN 40 YEARS THAT THEY WILL BE PERFORMING in concert. They went their separate ways in the early 70’s, finally reuniting for one night in May of 1997 when Steven Van Zandt inducted them into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Now you can enjoy one of the most influential bands in Rock and Roll history. Though they never brandished their politics like some bands, the Rascals truly lived theirs, fighting discrimination by demanding that a black act appear on the bill at each of their concerts. They would go on to lead the way for Blue Eyed Soul to Folk Rock to Protest to Civil Rights, blending white Pop melodies with black soul and R&B muscle.
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(6) SUMMER CONCERTS AT THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, BOSTON
For years when I went to theatre or to a concert I would always see Chestnut Hill’s Elaine and Jerome Rosenfeld sitting in the orchestra.
So it is very fitting that their sons saw fit to name a concert series in their memory. These delightful outdoor evening concerts offer an exciting range of artists in the courtyard from June 26 to August 28. You ask about rain? No problem, they move inside into Remis Auditorium. Why not couple this with Bravo Restaurant which also opens their outdoor balcony for premium seating.
THE TH
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The American Repertory Theater has been hot hot hot since Diane Paulus hopped on board to become Artistic Director.
With multiple Tony nominations for Pippin (well deserved, I might add) now they add 7 Outer Critics Circle Awards
including Best Revival of a Musical. This coupled with the Porgy and Bess hoopla, I can hardly wait to see what the prolific Ms. P has up her sleeve next.
But playing now at the American Repertory Theatre is PIRATES OF PENZANCE. The original Gilbert and Sullivan classic is charming, funny and a good kind of silly. It is done with a light touch making the serious interpretation hilarious.
This new adaptation by Sean Graney & Kevin O’Donnell
Is by their company Hipocrites. They would have been better off looking to Hihkppocrates instead of Hipocrates where the motto is FIRST DO NO HARM. The not only harmed Pirates but slaughtered it.
Let me tell you about it and you be the judge.
You come into the theatre where the talented singers, who play their own instruments, are tossing beach balls around at everyone and feigning forced frivolity as they jump around the stage and audience seats. The men are clad in shorts that resemble Goodwill rejected underwear and the women in rompers.
The place is noisy and disruptive. The audience is instructed to come sit on stage or anywhere and they do only to be chased away if one of the actors needs that space.
Now I am all for innovation such as with Pippin. Change is good if it improves a play or even if the new version is as good as the old one but to make take this classic and butcher it for no reason made the theatre experience unpleasant and the biggest crime of all…not funny.
Founded in 1997 by Artistic Director Sean Graney, The Hypocrites are recognized as a groundbreaking company and mainstay of theater in the city of Chicago. They are currently working on a new production of The Mikado , heaven help me.
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WHAT: THE RASCALS
WHERE: The Boston Opera House
WHEN: JUNE 25,26, 28, 29
TICKETS: 1-800-982-2787
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WHAT: MFA Elaine and Jerome Rosenfeld OUTDOOR SUMMER CONCERTS
WHERE: MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
WHEN: JUNE 26-AUGUST 28
TICKETS: MFA/ORG/TICKETS or 1(800)440-6975
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WHAT: PIRATES OF PENZANCE
WHERE: LOEB DRAMA CENTER
WHEN: NOW THROUGH JUNE 2
TICKETS: box office (617-547-8300)