Author Archives: Kitty Drexel

May 12

You Carry What You Collect: ON THE VERGE

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Photo snagged from New Rep website

Photo snagged from New Rep website

Presented by New Repertory Theatre
By Eric Overmyer
Directed by Jim Petosa

May 3 – 25, 2014
Arsenal Center for the Arts
Charles Mosesian Theater
Watertown, MA
New Rep on Facebook

Review by Kitty Drexel

(Watertown) It is deeply refreshing to see women amidst the revels of their maturity being embraced by playwrights as the medium for their works. There aren’t enough chewy roles for women past the age of ingenue naivete that embrace life beyond mother or spinsterhood. As an actress and feminist critic, it was a pleasure to watch On the Verge. Playwright Eric Overmyer has given Boston and its actors a gift and it is my hope that the community embraces it.

On the Verge is about three intrepid female explorers in search of adventure in Terra Incognita. While collecting data, photos and samples, our heroines spelunk and hack their way to new territory in space and time. The characters are based on actual accounts of Victorian-era lady explorers who defied the conventions of the time. They sought independence in the wilds beyond Westernized civilization and found it. Continue reading →

May 09

PMRP Presents: THE TROUBLE WITH TRIBBLES

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The Trouble with Tribbles

5/8/14

For Immediate Release:

At the end of May the Post-Meridian Radio Players are proud to present the return of our gender-swapped interpretation of “The Trouble with Tribbles.”   A faithful reproduction of the original Star Trek episode, except with Captain Jane T. Kirk, Ms. Spock and Mr. Uhura.

Introduced to wide acclaim at the Arisia convention last January this show will have three new performances:
Friday, May 30, 2014 8pm
Saturday, May 31, 2014, 2pm
Saturday, May 31, 2014, 8pm
For those unfamiliar with the episode:

“A dispute over control of a planet brings Enterprise to a space station, where they must deal with Klingons, edgy Federation officials, and a previously-unknown species of small, unbearably cute, voraciously hungry and rapidly-multiplying furry creatures.”
—Plot summary from memory-alpha.org

The show will be at Unity Church at 6 William St. in Somerville, just a quick 5 min. walk from Davis Square on College Ave.  The show is free to attend although a $5 donation would be appreciated.

Seats will be first come-first served although you may reserve a spot ahead of time at
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/686847

In addition, there will be a Q&A session with Director Mindy Klenoff after the May 30th performance.

The Post-Meridian Radio Players perform shows in the style of the Golden Age of Radio with actors in front of microphones and live sound effects performed on stage.  They have performed live shows since 2005 and have done everything from Sherlock Holmes to The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.  For more information please visit www.pmrp.org.

Apr 29

Richly Developed Heroines: BECOMING CUBA

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Presented by Huntington Theatre Co
Written by Huntington Playwright-in-Residence Melinda Lopez
Directed by M. Bevin O’Gara

March 28 – May 3, 2014
Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA
Boston, MA
Huntington Co on Facebook

Review by Kitty Drexel

(Boston) Becoming Cuba at the Huntington Theatre is about blood origins. It is about the effect blood-ties have on our decisions, and the indirect way our origins affect the world around us. Specifically, it is about sisters Adele (Christina Pumariega) and Martina (Rebecca Soler) who run a pharmacie in Spanish-occupied Cuba. Adele attempts to remain neutral as war threatens the country she loves: her family fights in the rebellion; her husband died fighting for Spain. As Adele cares for the people of Havana, she comes to understand that loyalty is a complex beast. Love and loyalty can be divided while still remaining whole. Continue reading →

Apr 29

WORLD MUSIC/CRASHarts PRESENTS: JOHNNY HALLYDAY

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WORLD MUSIC/CRASHarts PRESENTS

the Boston debut of France¹s legendary
JOHNNY HALLYDAY

Saturday, May 10, 8pm
Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave., Boston
BOSTON, MA —World Music/CRASHarts presents the Boston debut of Johnny Hallyday on Saturday, May 10, 8pm at the Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA. Tickets range from $79-$30. For tickets and information call World Music/CRASHarts (617) 876-4275 or buy online at www.WorldMusic.org.

French rocker Johnny Hallyday has often been compared to Elvis Presley, bringing a French interpretation of American rock¹n roll to France. Born Jean-Philippe Smet in 1943, his first album entitled Hello Johnny was released in 1960 and kick-started his five-decade long career. His cover of Let¹s Twist Again sold over one million copies, and was even awarded a gold disc, topping nearly every European chart. His numerous historic collaborations have included Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Peter Frampton, Taj Mahal, Bono, and more. He has also appeared or starred in more than 20 major feature films.  But, in spite of his fame both in France and Quebec, he has never cracked either the American or British market, thereby earning the nickname among English-speaking countries: ³the biggest rock star you¹ve never heard of.² Continue reading →

Apr 27

Violent Dichotomies: The Wholehearted

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Dee Crosby – ESPN Intro from Imaginary Media Artists on Vimeo.

Presented by ArtsEmerson: The World On Stage
Created by Stein|Holum Projects
Written by Deborah Stein
Directed by Suli Holum & Deborah Stein

April 17 – 27, 2014
Paramount Theater
Jackie Liebergott Black Box
Boston, MA
ArtsEmerson on Facebook

Review by Kitty Drexel

Trigger warnings for partial nudity, emotional & physical violence, strong language, and Cup Noodles soup.

(Boston) In The Wholehearted,Dee Crosby (played by the Tilda Swinton-esque Suli Holum) uses antiquated media technology to send a video love letter to her Ex, Carmen. Crosby was a boxing champ in the early 2000’s with a stellar career, a pristine image and what appeared to be a perfect marriage to her coach, Charlie. Unfortunately, Charlie didn’t know how to leave the match in the ring. In her video love letter, Dee relives her most memorable career events deepest turmoils. Creators Holum and Stein show us that assault victims come in all shapes, sizes and definitions of femininity. Continue reading →

Apr 22

Delicious Raunch Never for the Entire Family: SNOW WHITE AND THE 7 BOTTOMS

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Photo claimed from the Gold Dust Orphans facebook page.

Presented by The Gold Dust Orphans
Written and Conceived by Ryan Landry
Directed by James P. Byrne

April 18th – May 18th, 2014
The Ramrod Center for the Performing Arts
MACHINE – 1254 Boylston Street, Boston.
Gold Dust Orphans on Facebook

Review by Kitty Drexel

(Boston) Mr. Ryan Landry excels at writing fast-paced, raunchy pantos. His shows are regularly engorged with punchy, LGBTQ+ inclusive, sexy humor unsuitable for family-minded audiences. Snow White is no exception. This beauty based on the classic Disney movie is sure to leave your mouth dry and your seat wet. Continue reading →

Apr 08

Our Differences are Our Similarities: NOT BY BREAD ALONE

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Presented by ArtsEmerson: The World on Stage
Created by Adina Tal and Nalaga’at Deaf-Blind Theater
Conceived by AdinaTal
Original music by Amnon Baaham
“Dancing Closely” written and performed by Zvi Tal

April 2 – 6, 2014
The Paramount Center
Theatre District
Boston, MA
ArtsEmerson on Facebook
Nalaga’at Deaf-Blind Theater on Facebook

Review by Kitty Drexel

(Boston) Not by Bread Alone is the most sincere piece of theatre I have seen all year. Productions like this are why we artists create; it is why theatre exists. The tremendous talent of the Nalag’at Deaf-Blind Theater is awe-inspiring. It’s Boston run is over but it will be in the US for a while longer. I suggest doing everything in your power to attend this brilliant production. Continue reading →

Apr 01

Admiral Kittypants Presents: The Cast of “Princess Ida; Or, Castle Adamant”

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Mascot, Admiral Dudley T. Kittypants

Mascot, Admiral Dudley T. Kittypants

Admiral Kittypants Presents: A Cast!

The cast for Princess Ida; Or, Castle Adamant

Prince Hilarion – Kamela Dolinova
King Hildebrand – Matthew Zahnzinger
King Gama – Ray O’Hare
Florian – Nicole Orr
Cyril – Katie Lafaw
Arac – Jessica Rossi
Guron – Daffyd Mac an Leigh
Scynthius – Chris Mason

Princess Ida – Kitty Drexel
Lady Psyche- Sara Haugland
Lady Blanche – Letitia Stevens
Melissa – Lawren Hill
Sacharissa – Meg Di Maggio
Chloe – Ginger Lazarus

Featured Singers and Section Leaders
Soprano – Rebecca Hayden
Alto – Micha Goolsby
Tenor – Chris Mason
Bass – Daffyd Mac an Leigh

 

Kittypants_Ida_rosie poster_2014

Princess Ida; or, Castle Adamant
A Staged Reading with piano; and, A Fundraising Sing-a-Long Event*

*Donations received will benefit the Admiral Kittypants upcoming season to include a production of The Beggar’s Opera by John Gay.

By Gilbert and Sullivan
Directed by Liz Adams
Music direction by TBA

May 30, 2014 at 8pm
May 31, 2014 at 2pm
Responsible Grace Church of the Nazarene,
Davis Square, Somerville, MA
Admiral Kittypants on Facebook

 

More show info can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princess_Ida

Mar 31

Masters of Tradition: An Enchanted Evening

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WORLD MUSIC/CRASHarts PRESENTS
Masters of Tradition
Martin Hayes, Dennis Cahill, Cathal Hayden, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Seamie O’Dowd, Máirtín O’Connor, David Power

Friday, March 28, 8pm,
Somerville Theatre
Davis Square
World Music/CRASHarts on Facebook

(Somerville) The gentlemen comprising the Masters of Tradition remind me greatly of Irish Art Garfunkels. Nerdy casual in their comfortable jeans and khakis, they would be unassuming on the street but powerful on paper. Give them music and the wonders of their talents become immediately apparent. Fiddle, guitar, accordion, Uilleann pipes and voice they provide an enchanting evening of performance. Continue reading →

Mar 27

LISTING: Teaching Music to Children on the Autism Spectrum

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Banner

May 9-10, 2014

An innovative new program for public and private school music educators, “Teaching Music to Students on the Autism Spectrum” is a two-day conference that will address important topics such as:

  • An Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Applying Behavioral Teaching Strategies to Individual and Group Music Instruction
  • How Autistic People Learn and Perceive Music
  • Working Effectively with Students on the Autism Spectrum and their Families

Featuring industry experts Dr. Stephen Shore, Dr. James Ellis, Dr. Rhoda Bernard, with teaching demonstrations by music instructors from The Boston Conservatory Program for Students on the Autism Spectrum. Teachers can earn 12 Professional Development Points (PDPs). Continue reading →