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Theater Review: Kander and Ebb’s Elegant and Understated “World”

July 16, 2011
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While this revue of Kander and Ebb tunes doesn’t have a plot, much dialogue, or even named characters, it does contain stories, funny and touching vignettes of ordinary lives.

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Movie Review: The World Goes “Tabloid”

July 15, 2011
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The documentary TABLOID comes at an opportune time: an enigmatic look at one of the greatest tabloid stories of all time (the film will convince you of that) as Rupert Murdoch’s tabloid news empire melts down amid allegations of phone hacking.

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Theater Review: The Venetian Twins — Commedia dell’arte Done Hilariously Right

July 15, 2011
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While by no means the headiest permutation of commedia dell’arte, Shakespeare & Company’s production of THE VENETIAN TWINS is skillful as anything a commedia enthusiast might hope to see.

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Theater Review: Matt & Ben — Nobody’s Home

July 14, 2011
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In his book Amusing Ourselves to Death, Neil Postman argues that American culture is becoming dumber and dumber—plays like Matt & Ben suggest that we have entered the afterlife. Matt & Ben by Mindy Kaling and Brenda Withers. Directed by M. Bevin O’Gara. At the Central Square Theater, 450 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, MA, through August…

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Classical Music Review: The Berlioz Requiem Opens Tanglewood In Style

July 13, 2011
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While these dramatic sections constitute the more celebrated musical attributes of Berlioz’s furious conception of Judgment Day, it is actually in the quieter, mostly contemplative sections that the writing generates a just as impressive visionary reflectiveness.

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Book Review: Can the iPad Save the Short Story?

July 13, 2011
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Two inviting collections of short short stories in translation — Catalan writer Quim Monzó sees fiction as an exhilarating if ingenious prison, Israeli writer Alex Epstein pens dreamy micro-yarns that free the imagination.

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Film Review: A Game Well Worth Playing

July 11, 2011
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QUEEN TO PLAY is an offbeat feminist fable, set in a gorgeous but dirt-poor and provincial part of Corsica.

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Theater Review: Six Young Actors (and Their Director) In Search Of a Play

July 11, 2011
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There are moments in Hideous Progeny (especially early in the second half) that grip and move the audience. But there are not enough of them. I dare this gifted troupe of theater makers to be more inventive, take greater risks, and live up to their so obvious promise. Hideous Progeny by Emily Dendinger. Staged by…

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Theater Review: Jane Austen Tweets In Chester, MA

July 11, 2011
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The Chester Theatre Company’s production, directed by Ron Bashford, runs over two hours with nary a dull moment and the actors seem to be having as wonderful a time as the audience.

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Coming Attractions in Jazz: Midsummer Festivals 2011

July 9, 2011
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Tornadoes in the Connecticut River Valley haven’t stopped this summer’s festivals in Springfield, Hartford and Greenfield. Plus, Boston celebrates Latino and African culture.

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