Boston's Best Spring 2014 Theater Productions
Sir Frederick Ashton's "Cinderella"
Boston Opera House
539 Washington St.
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 695-6950
www.bostonballet.org/cinderella
Date: March 13-23, 2014
This spring, the Boston Ballet tells the story of Cinderella in three acts. The dancers of the Bosotn Ballet dance to the music of Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev. This production uses the choreography of the famed Sir Frederick Ashton. A Boston Ballet premier, this is widely thought to be the best "Cinderella" production in ballet. Between the beautiful costumes and the uplifting fairy tale behind the dances, this is a night to remember at the Boston Opera House.
"The Shape She Makes"
American Repertory Theater
Oberon
2 Arrow St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 496-8004
www.americanrepertorytheater.org
Date: April 5-27, 2014
"The Shape She Makes" is a world premier production from Susan Misner and Jonathan Bernstein with choreography from Misner. It is the story of a young girl, not yet in her teens, who wants to know just how she is like two parents who fail to be there for her. Tackling many of the issues children face in neglectful homes, this production could be an eye-opener for some while reminding others of their own struggles to find out just what their parents have instilled in them.
"A Midsummer Night's Dream"
Cutler Majestic Theatre
219 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 824-8000
www.cutlermajestic.org
Date: March 6-15, 2014
This innovative telling of Shakespeare's classic comedy combines puppetry and conventional acting with great success. The Handspring Puppet Company, based out of South Africa, has come all the way to Boston to make sure everything on stage with strings and even some things without are obeying their talented whims. The result is an added layer of fantasy in one of the most fantastic tales ever told. Come see what has come under the spells of the fairies at the Cutler Majestic.
"Smart People"
Huntington Theatre Company
264 Huntington Ave.
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 266-7900
www.huntingtontheatre.org/smart-people
Date: May 23 - June 29, 2014
"Smart People" is a snappy production following the lives of four presumably smart people who have honed their intellect at nothing short of Harvard University. The play explores whether people are predisposed to think and feel the way they do. One of the characters is actually a neurobiologist "studying the brain's response to race." Delve into philosophical questions about racism and other topics while watching these friends try to wade through life.
"Book Of Mormon"
Boston Opera House
539 Washington St.
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 259-3400
www.bostonoperahouseonline.com
Date: April 1-27, 2014
"The Book of Mormon" is a world famous musical that takes jabs at organized religion and theater. Those who can handle irreverent comedy will love this show. Those who cannot might want to steer clear while the two main characters go off on a mission to Uganda and realize a few things about their religion and themselves. One of the highlights of this musical is its songs. Like the music of the "South Park" movie, created by two of the musical's writers, it puts happy tunes to potentially offensive lyrics that audiences love.
Related: Best Family Theater Around Boston
Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
