Following up on last week’s article, we come to you with another list of recommendations for exploring the Boston art scene. If you’re having trouble deciding what to do this week, look to these recommendations to help you decide.
Shear Madness: There are numerous comedy shows in Boston popular enough to merit an indefinite stay. Chief among these is “Shear Madness,” the longest running play in the U.S. This improvisational mystery show, “Shear Madness” sets the stage of a murder and lets the audience dictate the course of the investigation, resulting in a uniquely comedy hilarious every night. Box office tickets are a pricey $56, but discounted student tickets may be available.
Donkey Show: Another Boston classic, the “Donkey Show” is the American Repertory Theater’s wild disco party of the week. Created by Tony Award-winner Diane Paulus, the show is a loose adaptation of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer’s Night Dream” which features disco music, roller skates, and “hustle queens.” A shining example of the potential for immersive theater, “The Donkey Show” showcases immense theatrical talent and creates the type of party you’ve always dreamed of attending. Tickets are $20 with $15 student rush.
Sh!t-Faced Shakespeare: Since 2010, the Magnificent Bastards have been performing unique versions of the Bard’s great works, deviating from traditional stagings by giving one of their cast members the hard stuff before they get onstage. Each performance features a randomly selected cast member stumbling and slurring through Shakespeare while, as the name implies, sh!tfaced. After all, Shakespeare wrote during a time when people drank more beer than water and alcoholic beverages were allowed into theaters. If you’ve ever laughed at your friends’ drunk antics at a party, this is the theater show for you. Currently, there are performances of “Romeo and Juliet” every Sunday for all ages at Laugh Boston and “Taming of the Shrew” every weekend for those 21 and over at The Rockwell. Tickets run from $20 to $49.
Love Never Dies, The Phantom Returns: If you prefer more traditional theater, the sequel to Broadway classic “Phantom of the Opera” has reached Boston. “Love Never Dies” picks up 10 years after “Phantom” with the titular character in Coney Island yearning for his lost love while said love is struggling with the reality of life after the fairytale ending. If you’re eager to know how Phantom’s story ended or just have a craving for a grand Broadway-style musical, this will satisfy. It is being performed at the Boston Opera House. Tickets can be expensive but are much cheaper when bought in advance.
The Fourth Wall Presents: Show Up: Also coming to Boston is Peter Michael Marino and his incredibly popular one-man performance “Show Up.” Essentially an improvisational piece, Marino uses the audience’s and his own life as inspiration to weave together incredible stories. Marino has been performing this piece since 2016 and receiving rave reviews at the Orlando Fringe and sold out at the Edinburgh Fringe. It is only being performed Jan. 26-27, at The Lily Pad, so be sure not to miss out. Tickets run from $15 to $20.
JFK Museum: With our current politics it can be hard to remember bright spots in our nation’s past. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum shines a light on the better parts of one of our great leaders. With exhibits on the 1960 election, the U.S. Space program, Jackie Kennedy and more, the museum is a wonderful place to learn about JFK and the Americans who elected him. Tickets are $12 with student ID.
Reagan Esther Myer: If you’re more curious about the future than the past, this film is for you. “Reagan Esther Myer” is a multimedia experience which tells the story of titular character Reagan, an apocalypse survivor. Struggling to survive, Reagan must deal with a government-issued devices which distributes points based in her thoughts, a missing sister and official censorship. Like a twisted “Black Mirror” episode this vision of the future takes a hard look at how we would behave after a disaster with access to powerful technology while simultaneously telling a captivating and dramatic story.
Curio/Flea Markets: For those who love thrift stores and flea markets, Boston is a haven. Right now, we recommend the “Curio Market + Whimsy.” This is a collection of artists and traders selling upcycled art, handmade soap, vintage clothing, classic records, food and artistic workshops and more. Jan. 27 and Jan. 28 will be the last chance to visit, you can look forward to many more markets moving in to replace it throughout the year.
If you know any upcoming Boston arts events which we’ve missed or may want to feature in the future send them in at eic@thebrandeishoot.com.
