Daraja Hinds, Jennifer Mischley, Sophie Appel, Beth Alianiello Jennifer Mischley and cast of GOODNIGHT SWEETHEART, GOODNIGHT at Wilbury Theatre Group; photo by Erin X. Smithers.
Presented by Wilbury Theatre Group
Written by Darcie Dennigan
Music by Niki Healy
Directed by Josh Short
Music Direction by Milly Massey
Choreography by Ali Kenner Brodsky
Featuring Jennifer Mischley, Sophie Appel, Beth Alianiello, Daraja Hinds, Christine Treglia, Lydia Grosswendt
Content Warning: This production includes the use of strobe effects, and contains references to rape, sexual assault, and torture.
Review by Maegan Bergeron-Clearwood
PROVIDENCE, RI — In theory, Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight is in the same lineage as two of my all-time favorite musicals, Six and Lizzie: campy, riotously angry, mostly sung-through works that are more structurally akin to pop concerts than an integrated, plot-driven musical. It’s a niche mini genre of musical theatre that seeks to fill in the holes of patriarchal history by means of loud, glittery, feminist revisionism. The point of these concert musicals isn’t to tell a factual story, but to offer catharsis; to witness the violence of misogyny inflicted on a historically maligned figure, but also relish in a devilishly empowered version of her, however mythologized that version may be. Continue reading →
PROVIDENCE, RI – When I think of Fringe, at the forefront of the word salad it conjures is “vulnerability.” Fringe in particular brings out the most intensely personal, soul-baring works. It does so largely by allowing artists free reign to put on whatever show they want. It is, among other things, a festival of works from the heart.
For the uninitiated, the Fringe Festival is a theatre festival devoted to experimental or fringe theatre works. It got its start in Edinburgh, but now has chapters all over the world, including one in Providence presented by The Wilbury Theatre Group, now in its ninth year. At a Fringe, you will see works the likes of which you probably have never seen before and that you may never see again. The performances range from poetry to music, dance to clownery, and things that defy any categorization. After two years without a live Fringe Festival because of COVID-19, local artists have a ton of pent up expression ready to be unleashed.Continue reading →
Madeleine Barker and Kayla Shimizu in NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 at Wilbury Theatre Group; photo by Erin X. Smithers.
Presented by Wilbury Theatre Group
Book, music, and lyrics by Dave Malloy
Directed by Josh Short
Costume design by Meg Donnelly
Sound and lighting design by Andy Russ
Scenic Design by Keri King, Max Ponticelli, and Monica Shinn
Intimacy Direction by Susie Schutt
Music Supervision by Milly Massey
Choreography by Ali Kenner Brodsky
PROVIDENCE, RI — I woke up this morning to an aching neck and shoulders: a theater hangover. Last night, for two hours straight, I perched on the literal edge of my seat, craning and twisting in all directions, soaking in all there was to see and hear. This morning, I’m reminded, for the first time in well over two years, of how it physically feels to experience a story unfold, not at me, but with me.
To the creative team behind Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 at the Wilbury Theatre Group: thank you for creating something worth straining for. Continue reading →
Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 required
Proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken in the prior 72-hours
Proof of a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken in the prior 6-hours
All patrons must wear a mask over the nose and mouth.
PROVIDENCE, RI — A cohort of nine Rhode Island performance venues and organizations will require audiences, staff, artists, and volunteers to be vaccinated and to wear masks in new COVID-19 protocols, an August 25 press release said. These protocols are in effect until further notice.
The nine companies formed a partnership so they may safely return to performing indoors said the press release. Protocols are based on current scientific evidence and best practices around the country.
A list of the venues and theatre companies are below.
Vaccines are not yet available for children. Visit a theatre’s website to learn more about an organization’s rules and regulations.
Details may be revisited or revised based on CDC guidance and the evolving circumstances of the pandemic, the press release said. Audience members are advised to visit the websites of individual venues for additional restrictions or details.
The Race presented by the Wilbury Theatre Group By Mark Binder Directed by Brien Lang Original music by Nikita Zabinski Featuring Jim O’Brien, Rodney Eric López, and Jennifer Mischley January 15 -31, 2021 Performances via Zoom Tickets
Shrike Written by Erin Lerch Directed by Josh Glenn-Kayden Sunday, January 24 and Sunday, February 7 at 2PM Performances via Zoom Tickets
Review by Kitty Drexel
ZOOM — Over the weekend, we took in two New England productions. The Wilbury Theatre Group presents an interactive mindbender: The Race runs now through January 31. Fresh Ink Theatre presents readings for feedback of Shrike. Its next performance is on Sunday, February 7 at 2PM.
Geek staff writer Gillian Daniels previously wrote about The Race HERE. Her response is accurate, thoughtful. There is not much more to add since Daniels’ review captures the experience so well. Folx that enjoyed Arlekin Players Theatre’s State vs. Natasha Baninawill enjoy The Race. Continue reading →
Here’s the latest installment of news from the world wide interweb-tubes regarding theatre local, national and international offerings.
The outpouring of offerings from our community is overwhelming. There is now more opportunities to interact than we ever expected. We’re grateful to all of you.
Don’t suffer the madness of sheltering in place. Enjoy the madness instead!
All our love from six feet away,
Kitty, Queen of the New England Theatre Geeks
And now my eyes are leaking.
Apollinaire Theatre Company – Apollinaire Play Lab Families announces that it will be hosting free virtual theater and games classes taught on Zoom./ Nos da mucho gusto informarles que vamos a ofrecer una serie de clases gratuitas en línea en teatro y juegos para niños on Zoom.
Apollinaire is still offering its Thursday – Sunday readings for adults, Apollinaire at Home.
ArtsEmerson – ArtsEmerson’s Together Apart will give audiences access to offer high-quality archival videos and unique opportunities to hear from the artists behind them. This series will also include two town hall conversations with artistic director David Dower and executive director David C. Howse.
Boston Underground Film Festival BUFF-o-Stream – A collection of feature films from previous editions of BUFF, from BUFF alumni, and/or films in the spirit of BUFF, streaming on a platform near you. (Looks to be horror. If that’s your thing, you do you and enjoy! I’m not willing to investigate more because I’m not a fan of horror. -Kitty)
Fresh Ink Theatre – Fresh Ink announces the Homesick Play Project. “Homesick Play Project is a virtual space for new play development filling the vacuum of opportunity created by the COVID-19 crisis. Homesick produces virtual, pop-up readings and performances of new work at all stages of development through digital, in-process workshops and performances of plays, providing a platform to cultivate an audience, feedback, and artistic fellowship.” Go to THIS Google doc to sign up.
HowlRound – HowlRound has new streaming content coming to the site!
Monday 13 April 2020 – Tlaloc Rivas presents Latinx Superfriends Playwriting Hour livestreaming on the global, commons-based, peer-produced HowlRound TV network at howlround.tv beginning Monday 13 April 2020 at 3pm EDT (New York) / 2 p.m. CDT (Chicago) / 1 p.m. MDT (Denver) / 12 p.m. PDT (Los Angeles).
Tuesday 14 April 2020 – Playwright Lauren Gunderson presents a conversation Dramaturgs + Playwrights – Lauren and Martine Greene-Rogers talk livestreaming on the global, commons-based, peer-produced HowlRound TV network at howlround.tv on Tuesday 14 April 2020 at 12 p.m. PDT (San Francisco, UTC-7) / 2 p.m. CDT (Chicago, UTC-5) / 3 p.m. EDT (New York, UTC-4).
Friday 17 April 2020 – Playwright Lauren Gunderson presents a conversation Directors + Playwrights – Lauren talks with Evren Odcikin livestreaming on the global, commons-based, peer-produced HowlRound TV network at howlround.tv on Friday 17 April 2020 at 2 p.m. PDT (San Francisco, UTC-7) / 4 p.m. CDT (Chicago, UTC-5) / 5 p.m. EDT (New York, UTC-4).
Thursday 16 April 2020 – Playwright Lauren Gunderson presents a conversation Theatre Journalist + Playwright – Lauren talks with Diep Tran livestreaming on the global, commons-based, peer-produced HowlRound TV network at howlround.tv on Thursday 16 April 2020 at 11 a.m. PDT (San Francisco, UTC-7) / 1 p.m. CDT (Chicago, UTC-5) / 2 p.m. EDT (New York, UTC-4).
Friday 17 April 2020 – La MaMa and CultureHub present Downtown Variety livestreaming on the global, commons-based peer produced HowlRound TV network at howlround.tv on Friday 17 April 2020 at 5 p.m. PDT (San Francisco, UTC-7) / 7 p.m. CDT (Chicago, UTC-5) / 8 p.m. EDT (New York, UTC-4).
ImprovBoston has online content: Mainstage, Family Show and “The ImprovBoston Baking Challenge with Gwen Coburn & Julie Snyder.” Please go to IB Live! for scheduling and content info.
IB is also offering online classes! The Online Electives site offers sketch, improv and standup options.
Juventas New Music Ensemble at Online/Virtual Space – Stay Home with Juventas: 11 Wednesdays Evenings, 10 Musicians Who Love You, Hope, Light and Beauty in a difficult time. Juventas musicians invite you to join us Wednesday evenings for live-streamed solo performances from our homes. Go to THIS WEBSITE at 8PM on Wednesday evening to attend a concert.
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA) at Online/Virtual Space– Discover Basquiat and the Hip-Hop Generation online: View a slideshow and listen to the accompanying playlist at mfaboston.org. Starting Saturday, April 4, the MFA will take a week-long deep dive into the artworks and history of Basquiat and his post-graffiti peers, guided by exhibition co-curators Liz Munsell and Greg Tate.
Puppet Showplace Theater – Puppet Showplace tells us that its puppeteers have moved creative content online to connect with kids and families during closures. Visit their Take Action! Emergency Fund page to find out how you can help sustain the organization.
TREEPLES – Resident Artist Sarah Nolen’s award-winning short film is a live-action adventure that celebrates bravery and friendship. View the film and go behind the scenes at Treeples.org.
Try This at Home! – The Gottabees are creating and sharing fun videos with music, puppetry, and theater games that families can do together. Check out theirwebsite, follow them onsocial media, or sign up for theire-mail list.
WonderSpark Puppets – Free streaming content on Facebook Live with options to donate or purchase merchandise. Crafts (4pm Weekdays / 10am Weekends EST). Live Puppet Show (Fridays 11am EST)
Paper Heart Projects – Brad Shur of Paper Heart Puppets has launched a series of puppet craft videos making creative use of minimal supplies.
Chat with Audrey Duck – Audrey Duck, as seen on Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, is available to Skype-chat with kids (age 3-8). Audrey and her puppeteer Susan Linn will be available Mon, Wed & Fri between 4 and 5 pm EST. Email Audreydduck@gmail.com to set up a 10 minute slot.
Make-A-Monkey Craft – Make your own monkey with this fun finger puppet activity inspired by resident teaching artist Honey Goodenough’s “Sock Monkey Circus.” Print the template, color in your monkey, cut out the figure, hole-punch the circles, and use your fingers for legs.
Miss You Like Hell
Presented by Wilbury Theatre Group
Book & lyrics by Quiara Alegría Hudes
Music & lyrics by Erin McKeown
Directed by Don Mays
Music direction by Matt Requintina
Erin McKeown in Concert:
Saturday March 14 7p doors, 8p show
The Good Will Engine Company
41 Central St, Providence, RI 02907
Jocie Adams supports TICKETS for Erin McKeown in Concert
Interview conducted by Kitty Drexel
Providence, MA — Composer and lyricist Erin McKeown graciously agreed to answer interview questions ahead of her post-performance talkback after the March 13, 7:30PM performance of Miss You Like Hell at the Wilbury Theatre Group. We are grateful that she took the time to connect with us about performances, her career, and upcoming projects!
This interview has been edited for clarity, grammar, and length.
Queen Geek: March 2, 2020 was Super Tuesday. What parts of “Miss You Like Hell” do you find the most rewarding or cathartic in this political climate?
Erin McKeown: I find the witness to the audience extremely rewarding. It’s their catharsis that really feels good to me. I need to watch art that other people made in order to experience catharsis. I can’t feel my own catharsis with something I made. But I do really find it wonderful to watch. Continue reading →
Sarah Leach, Phoenyx Williams, and Christopher Johnson in the world premiere of “New and Dangerous Ideas” by Christopher Johnson at The Wilbury Theatre Group. Photo by James Lastowski.
Presented by Wilbury Theatre Group Written by Christopher Johnson Directed by Josh Short
(Providence, Rhode Island) Lately I’ve been listening to JAY’s most recent album 4:44 when I’m driving, and one of my favorite tracks is “Smile,” partly because of the following lyric: A loss ain’t a loss, it’s a lesson / Appreciate the pain, it’s a blessin’. JAY’s album – released in response to Beyoncé’s Lemonade – is a reflection of the current state of Black American manhood, and right now you can hear that same lyric echoed by Black men throughout all the creative spheres. The two men starring in New and Dangerous Ideas were certainly grappling with the lessons that we all can learn from the losses of rampant racism.Continue reading →
