Leigh Barrett’s staging reflects a clear-eyed understanding of the power of the material’s simplicity, which makes The Last Five Years an exceptional musical experience: thought-provoking as well as captivating.
Erik Nikander
Theater Review: “The Merchant of Venice” — Rebooted Marvelously
Audiences who are open to a show that provides both riotous comedy and bracing truths will find plenty to think about in this deconstruction of one of the Bard’s most problematic problem plays.
Theater Review: “A Brimful of Asha” — Trying to Bridge the Generation Gap
The conversation between Ravi and his mother is funny, engaging, and often illuminating; their real life bond is palpable as the pair try to reconcile the young man’s hopes and dreams with his Indian heritage.
Theater Review: A Raucous Zoomified “Much Ado” — “Thou Art Muted, Don Pedro”
Hub Theatre’s virtual production of Much Ado About Nothing recognizes Zoom’s potential for farce and leans into it: this is a rollicking delight of a show that refuses to take itself seriously, to everyone’s benefit.
Theater Review: “Nina Simone: Four Women” — Theater of Social Concern
There’s much to admire and appreciate about this MRT production; but the play’s lack of a solid dramatic spine is a crippling problem.
The Arts Fuse Mentorship Program: Student Reviews from Somerville High School
The Arts Fuse Mentorship Program invites high school students from diverse backgrounds (in this go around from Somerville High School) to team-up with Arts Fuse critics.
Theater Feature: Best Stage Productions of 2019
Our theater critics pick some of the outstanding productions of the year.
Theater Review: “The Seagull” — An Exceptional Staging of a Legendary Play
Director Igor Golyak takes major chances in presenting a version of The Seagull that’s self-consciously about The Seagull. And they pay off.
Theater Review: “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot” — Pray for the Devil
A script with this many characters buzzing about demands a strong cast — fortunately, Hub Theatre’s terrific ensemble is more than up to the task.
Theater Review: “Tiny Beautiful Things” — A Little Anonymity Can Bring Us Closer Together
At its best, Tiny Beautiful Things delves deep into demanding emotional territory without becoming sappy or maudlin.