WGBH - Live Performances RSS http://www.wgbh.org/ WGBH Content Relevant to the Topic of: Live Performances RSS en-us Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:00:00 EST Thu, 23 May 2013 12:27 PM +0000 <![CDATA[Audra McDonald: Go Back Home]]> http://www.wgbh.org/http://www.wgbh.org/programs/Live-From-Lincoln-Center-250/episodes/Audra-McDonald-in-Concert-Go-Back-Home-45552 http://www.wgbh.org/http://www.wgbh.org/programs/Live-From-Lincoln-Center-250/episodes/Audra-McDonald-in-Concert-Go-Back-Home-45552 Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:58 PM +0000 <![CDATA[The Richard Tucker Opera Gala]]> http://www.wgbh.org/http://www.wgbh.org/programs/Live-From-Lincoln-Center-250/episodes/The-Richard-Tucker-Opera-Gala-42716 Ailyn Pérez, the first Latina to win the award. ]]> http://www.wgbh.org/http://www.wgbh.org/programs/Live-From-Lincoln-Center-250/episodes/The-Richard-Tucker-Opera-Gala-42716 Fri, 30 Nov 2012 17:44 PM +0000 <![CDATA[A Holiday Sing on Drive Time Live]]> http://www.wgbh.org/http://www.wgbh.org/programs/Drive-Time-Live-1770 A Holiday Sing on Drive Time Live. Fraser Performance Studio is decked out for the holidays and a live performance by The Copley Singers.

Friday at 4pm On Classical New England ]]> http://www.wgbh.org/http://www.wgbh.org/programs/Drive-Time-Live-1770 Fri, 21 Sep 2012 12:23 PM +0000 <![CDATA[Watch 'Broadway or Bust' Online]]> http://www.wgbh.org/http://www.wgbh.org/programs/Broadway-or-Bust-2003?MM=1 Broadway or Bust? Watch America's top high school musical performers compete in New York City in this WGBH-produced mini-series online. 
]]> http://www.wgbh.org/http://www.wgbh.org/programs/Broadway-or-Bust-2003?MM=1 Mon, 17 Sep 2012 11:32 AM +0000 <![CDATA[From Dust to Dreams: Opening Night of the Smith Center for the Performing Arts]]> http://www.wgbh.org/http://www.wgbh.org/programs/From-Dust-to-Dreams-Opening-Night-at-the-Smith-Center-for-the-Performing-Arts-2010
]]> http://www.wgbh.org/http://www.wgbh.org/programs/From-Dust-to-Dreams-Opening-Night-at-the-Smith-Center-for-the-Performing-Arts-2010 Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:03 AM +0000 <![CDATA[Jared Bowen's Arts Ahead: Shoes, Sex and Marriage]]> http://www.wgbh.org//articles/Jared-Bowens-Arts-Ahead-Shoes-Sex-and-Marriage-6102 http://www.wgbh.org//articles/Jared-Bowens-Arts-Ahead-Shoes-Sex-and-Marriage-6102

inspector

Cast of The Inspector. Photo:Wolf Trap Opera.



BOSTON — Don't wait another minute to get tickets to these performances. A new spin on Russian satire and a unique look at Nigeria's recent history offer audiences fun ways in to an otherwise serious topic.

The Inspector
Presented by the Boston Lyric Opera
At the Citi Shubert Theatre through April 29th

Loosely Based on Nikolai Gogol’s 19th century Russian satire, The Government Inspector, the opera is set in Mussolini-era Sicily, and tells the story of a domineering Mayor and his town who are thrown into upheaval due to a rumored visit from a government inspector, traveling from Rome in disguise. The Inspector is filled with Italian brio as reflected in the musical markings in Musto’s score: “tarantella,” “mysterioso,” “alla barcarolla” and “breezily.” The production premiered in The Barns at Wolf Trap in 2011; Boston Lyric Opera premieres its latest revisions by the composer and librettist in a new adaptation built specifically for the Shubert Theatre stage. The Inspector is the fourth collaboration of composer John Musto and librettist Mark Campbell.

Fela!
Presented in Association with ArtsEmerson
At the Cutler Majestic Theatre through May 6th

Olivier and Tony Award-nominated actor Sahr Ngaujah leads the cast of FELA! He is joined by Melanie Marshall and Paulette Ivory, who co-starred with Ngaujah in the Olivier-nominated Royal National Theatre production.  This touring production is a once in a lifetime experience, a triumphant tale of courage, passion and love. FELA! is the true story of Kuti, who created a type of music, Afrobeat, a bit of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmony, and combined it with incendiary lyrics that openly attacked the corrupt and oppressive military dictatorships that rule Nigeria and much of Africa.  Featuring many of Fela Kuti’s most captivating songs, FELA! reveals Kuti's controversial life as an artist and political activist and celebrates his pioneering music.


5yearengagement
Visit the couple's Wedding Blog
The Five-Year Engagement
Opens in theaters on Friday

The director and writer/star of Forgetting Sarah Marshall return for the irreverent comedy The Five-Year Engagement. Beginning where most romantic comedies end, the new film looks at what happens when an engaged couple, Jason Segel and Emily Blunt, keep getting tripped up on the long walk down the aisle. The film was written by Segel and the director, Nicholas Stoller.

]]> Thu, 22 Mar 2012 10:38 AM +0000 <![CDATA[Jared Bowen's Arts Ahead: Considering the Future]]> http://www.wgbh.org//articles/Jared-Bowens-Arts-Ahead-Considering-the-Future-5831 http://www.wgbh.org//articles/Jared-Bowens-Arts-Ahead-Considering-the-Future-5831

cocktails

Sammi Tunis in Futurity (Photo by Evgenia Eliseeva)




Consider a vision for peace during the Civil War, having the courage to sponsor art that fits with your vision of legacy, or a bold look at the dystopia that could grow out of violence. Jared talks about some of the fresh takes coming to theater, gallery and film — in Boston and beyond.
Runs through April 15th
Oberon in Cambridge
Based on the book by Molly Rice and César Alvarez; directed by Sarah Benson.
 
As the Civil War rages around him, the Union soldier Julian Munro dreams of bringing peace to the world and an end to human suffering. Under the guidance of Lord Byron’s brilliant daughter, Ada Lovelace, Julian attempts to invent an omnipotent steam-powered brain designed to save humanity before it destroys itself.
 

Speaking of the A.R.T… 

Once: A New Musical
at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre in New York City

"Once" is the celebrated new musical based on the Academy Award-winning film. It tells the story of an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant drawn together by their shared love of music. Over the course of one fateful week, their unexpected friendship and collaboration evolves into a powerful but complicated romance, heightened by the songs they create together.

This production was workshopped in Boston at the A.R.T. last summer and features one of the A.R.T.'s institute students.

Also on Broadway...

Anything Goes
at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre in New York City

A saucy new production of one of the greatest musicals in Broadway history. This Cole Porter classic stars Stephanie Block (Wicked, 9 to 5) and Joel Grey, and is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Kathleen Marshall.

As the S.S. American heads out to sea, two unlikely pairs set off on the course to true love…proving that sometimes destiny needs a little help from a crew of singing sailors, an exotic disguise and some good old-fashioned blackmail.

VIsual Art

On view at the Metropolitan Museum of Art through June 3rd

Gertrude Stein, her brothers Leo and Michael, and Michael's wife Sarah were important patrons of modern art in Paris during the first decades of the twentieth century. This exhibition unites some two hundred works of art to demonstrate the significant impact the Steins' patronage had on the artists of their day and the way in which the family disseminated a new standard of taste for modern art.

Beginning with the art that Leo Stein collected when he arrived in Paris in 1903—including paintings and prints by Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Paul Gauguin, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Édouard Manet, and Auguste Renoir—the exhibition traces the evolution of the Steins' taste and examines the close relationships formed between individual members of the family and their artist friends.

Hunger Games
Based upon Suzanne Collins’ best-selling novel, the first in a trilogy.
In theaters Friday

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the evil Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games.  A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains.

Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy.  If she’s ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

]]> Thu, 15 Mar 2012 17:53 PM +0000 <![CDATA[The Night is But a Pup!]]> http://www.wgbh.org//articles/The-Night-is-But-a-Pup-5789 WGBH Celtic Club. ]]> http://www.wgbh.org//articles/The-Night-is-But-a-Pup-5789

BOSTON — Following an evening of music by The Chieftains and The Low Anthem, guests and performers gathered to celebrate 50 years of great traditional Irish music and the new collaborations on The Chieftains latest album Voice of Ages.

While on a world tour celebrating 50 years as one of the most celebrated traditional Irish bands in history, The Chieftains stopped by WGBH's Fraser Studio to share some tunes and meet with fans and members of the WGBH Celtic Club.

Great local beer for the event came from Watch City Brewery in Waltham, who provided an E.S.B and an Irish Red Ale, while the Guinness came from The Burren in Somerville.

You haven't missed your chance to hear live Irish music — both new and traditional —in Boston this week. Tickets are still available for A St. Patrick's Day Celtic Sojourn, appearing at the Zeiterion Theater in New Bedford and at the Sanders Theaters in Cambridge. Performers include Susan McKeown, The Bee Eaters, Jeremy Kittel, Michael Brunnock and many more.

]]> Fri, 09 Mar 2012 13:06 PM +0000 <![CDATA[Yanni Live at El Morro]]> http://www.wgbh.org/http://www.wgbh.org/programs/Yanni-Live-at-El-Morro-1806 Yanni for an inspiring concert performed at the historic 16th-century Castillo San Felipe del Morro in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Airs this month on WGBH
]]> http://www.wgbh.org/http://www.wgbh.org/programs/Yanni-Live-at-El-Morro-1806 ]]> Fri, 09 Mar 2012 12:50 PM +0000 <![CDATA[My Music: Superstars of 70s Soul Live]]> http://www.wgbh.org/http://www.wgbh.org/programs/Superstars-of-Seventies-Soul-1783 Patti LaBelle hosts the historic reunion of classic recording artists of the decade, including the Commodores ("Brick House"), Yvonne Elliman ("If I Can’t Have You"), Earl Young’s Trammps ("Disco Inferno"), and more.

Airs this month on WGBH
]]> http://www.wgbh.org/http://www.wgbh.org/programs/Superstars-of-Seventies-Soul-1783 ]]> Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:20 PM +0000 <![CDATA[Bullying And Gay Teen Experience: Reflections Of A Rock Lobster]]> http://www.wgbh.org//articles/Bullying-And-Gay-Teen-Experience-Reflections-Of-A-Rock-Lobster-5716 http://www.wgbh.org//articles/Bullying-And-Gay-Teen-Experience-Reflections-Of-A-Rock-Lobster-5716

rocklobster

Felix Teich as ‘Paul Guilbert’ and Ian Shain as ‘Aaron Fricke’in the Boston Children's Theater production of Rock Lobster.

BOSTON — Everyone from Boston Mayor Tom Menino to actress Susan Sarandon have offered support.  But a new Boston Children’s Theatre production about an old controversy is proving to be divisive still. Reflections of a Rock Lobster is a play about a real-life high school teenager who sued to bring his boyfriend to the prom.
 
Aaron Fricke doesn’t know where the conviction came from when in 1980 he sued his Cumberland, Rhode Island high school to take his boyfriend to the prom. He does know what he felt like—a rock lobster.
 
“It’s a metaphor I used for growing up gay, which is the idea of an animal a creature with a firm shell for defense but no claws for offense,” Fricke said.
 
Fricke’s 1980 lawsuit catapulted him into national headlines, especially when he won, thereby creating a precedent still exercised in courtrooms to this day.
 
“When I found myself speaking to constitutional lawyers and a federal judge telling them what it was like, what the world looked like through the eyes of a gay teenager,” Fricke explained, “I realized I had a lot to say to people and I had a lot that needed to be learned, really. Because the world can be a scary place for gay kids.”
 
Now 32 years later, Fricke’s book about the experience, Reflections of a Rock Lobster, has been adapted for the stage, with a world premiere by Boston Children’s Theatre.  It’s a significant step, says the theater’s Artistic Director Burgess Clark.

“It seems nationally we’ve been getting an enormous amount of attention because we are the first children’s theater in the country to tackle the topics of bullying and the gay teen experience,” Clark said.
 
Clark, who also wrote and directs the play, has long wanted to adapt Rock Lobster, ever since reading Fricke’s book as a young gay man himself, when he says he couldn’t imagine having Fricke’s courage. So it’s not lost on Clark that an event three decades old is perhaps even more resonant today.
 
“I think it’s shocking in a different way,” Clark said. “I think the rash in teen suicides and things that have plagued the gay community. I don’t think it’s necessarily easier being a gay teen these days.”
 
Or even to show them. Rock Lobster presents the six-months leading up to Fricke’s prom, when he was bullied and literally pummeled by his peers. Clark says a number of administrators have declined to send students to the production. It’s true for star Ian Shaine’s own private school.
 
“Some of my teachers will be coming to opening night and some of my friends but the greater school wont’ be coming,” Shaine said. “I mean, they have their reasons.”
 
Beyond illustrating Fricke’s civil suit, the play plumbs the gay teen experience.  There are dates, conversations about relationships and sex.  Shaine, who plays Fricke, wants audiences to realize it’s simply every day life.
 
“There is very little difference between same sex relationships and heterosexual relationships. That everyone is human and we have human feelings like love that everyone shares together,” he said.
 
That sometimes can result in a happily ever after, as was the case with Aaron Fricke and his decidedly uneventful prom.
 
“The reason why the school administration said they weren’t going to allow us to go was they put it all on the kids. They said it was going to cause a riot. The kids were going to rise up and incite violence,” Fricke explained. “In fact, the kids showed them that it was not at what they planned. They had a good time with us, some of them shook our hands and said congratulations. Others just went off and had a good time on their own.”
 
Reflections of a Rock Lobster plays at the Calderwood Pavilion in Boston’s South End through this Sunday.

]]> Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:22 PM +0000 <![CDATA[The Phantom of the Opera at Royal Albert Hall]]> http://www.wgbh.org/http://www.wgbh.org/programs/Great-Performances-309/episodes/The-Phantom-of-the-Opera-at-Royal-Albert-Hall-36298 The Phantom of the Opera.

Sunday, 7pm on WGBH 44
]]> http://www.wgbh.org/http://www.wgbh.org/programs/Great-Performances-309/episodes/The-Phantom-of-the-Opera-at-Royal-Albert-Hall-36298 ]]> Fri, 02 Mar 2012 16:22 PM +0000 <![CDATA[Tell All, and Be Mortified]]> http://www.wgbh.org/http://www.wgbh.org/programs/Greater-Boston-11/episodes/Mar-1-2012A-show-at-Club-Oberon-wants-you-to-get-Mortified-36635 A new storytelling project/performance invites people to read their embarrassing adolescent diaries, poems, and songs before complete strangers. Live this Sunday at Club Oberon. ]]> http://www.wgbh.org/http://www.wgbh.org/programs/Greater-Boston-11/episodes/Mar-1-2012A-show-at-Club-Oberon-wants-you-to-get-Mortified-36635 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:27 PM +0000 <![CDATA[Circa! All The Stunts, None Of The Fanfare]]> http://www.wgbh.org//articles/Circa-All-The-Stunts-None-Of-The-Fanfare-5679 Circa brings a new definition of "circus" to Boston.
]]> http://www.wgbh.org//articles/Circa-All-The-Stunts-None-Of-The-Fanfare-5679
Discuss on "Greater Boston," and see more photos of the Circa ensemble.

BOSTON — The circus is in town tonight—although one you’re likely not accustomed to. Australian group Circa has a new definition for circus, and it’s jaw-dropping.
 
Circa is an Australian performance troupe in town this week performing Circa’s Circa, a program of highlights from the group’s 30-year history.
 
Acrobat Emma McGovern explained that this isn’t your regular Barnum & Bailey act.
“It’s got theater sort of aspects and contemporary dance aspects and a bit of everything really that anyone (yeah) of us that has skills or knowledge brings into the company,” she said.
 
McGovern and her colleague, Jarred Dewey, define their performance as a modern circus—stripped bare of all flourishes and distractions but the body.
 
“Skill wise, it’s about how we interact as performers with each other and the performance element is really authentic and not a character or narrative based. So it’s very fresh and exciting,” said Dewey.
 
“We use improvisation which isn’t done a lot in acrobatics,” added McGovern
 
It’s the Presenter Celebrity Series that has brought Circa here for its Boston debut. Gary Dunning, President and Executive Director of Celebrity Series, says the group is preeminent in a strong modern Australian tradition of developing circus groups.
“It’s personality based,” he said. “It’s a real connection to the audience, not at all fearful of using humor in their work and using their bodies in to create that humor and comedy. But also to create great beauty.”
 
When it’s not excruciating. “Heels” is a Circa staple performance—a man being manipulated by a woman in stilettos, and in ways that don’t seem physically possible. By the way, the stilettos are real.
“It’s definitely not comfortable,” said Dewey.
“We like to keep things real in our work, and yeah, it’s hard to disguise the realness,” said McGovern.
 
That much is clear—and deliciously compelling.

]]> Tue, 28 Feb 2012 17:22 PM +0000 <![CDATA[Spotlight on Jason Palmer]]> http://www.wgbh.org/ http://www.wgbh.org/ Tue, 28 Feb 2012 14:43 PM +0000 <![CDATA[Remembering Mike Melvoin]]> http://www.wgbh.org/http://www.wgbh.org/programs/Jazz-on-WGBH-with-Steve-Schwartz-285/episodes/Steve-Schwartz-Remembering-Mike-Melvoin-36561 ]]> http://www.wgbh.org/http://www.wgbh.org/programs/Jazz-on-WGBH-with-Steve-Schwartz-285/episodes/Steve-Schwartz-Remembering-Mike-Melvoin-36561 Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:38 PM +0000 <![CDATA[Take a Lunchbreak to Europa]]> http://www.wgbh.org/http://www.wgbh.org/995/europa.cfm
Each weekday at noon, Classical New England travels to the greatest concert halls of Europe to showcase unique, live performances from around the world. Check out the latest from Café Europa. 
]]> http://www.wgbh.org/http://www.wgbh.org/995/europa.cfm Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:24 AM +0000 <![CDATA[J Squared: Valentine's Day For Lovers And Loners Alike]]> http://www.wgbh.org//articles/J-Squared-Valentines-Day-For-Lovers-And-Loners-Alike-5514 http://www.wgbh.org//articles/J-Squared-Valentines-Day-For-Lovers-And-Loners-Alike-5514 div.container { border: 1px solid #cdcdcd; margin: 0px 0px 15px 0px; padding-top: 10px; } div.container_stacked { border: 1px solid #cdcdcd; border-top:0px; margin: -15px 0px 15px 0px; padding-top: 10px; } div.container_head { padding: 10px; color: #222; font-size: 22px; font-weight:bold; text-align: left; } div.container_subhead { padding:5px 10px; color:#222; font-size:18px; font-weight:bold; text-align: left; } div.container_contents { padding: 10px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; color: #222; } div.container_footer { margin: 2px 10px -3px 10px; text-align:right; } div.container_footer_item { display:inline; margin: 0px 2px; border:1px solid #bcbcbc; background-color:#dedede; padding: 3px 10px; color: #222; text-align:right; font-size:14px; } table.rssincl-entry { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height:1.5em; color:#222; } td.rssincl-itemdesc { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height:1.5em; color:#222; padding: 0px 10px 10px 10px; } th.rssincl-itemtitle { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-weight:bold; padding: 10px 10px 0px 10px; } td.rssincl-itemdate, div.date { font-size:11px; color:#999999; padding: 0px 10px; } td.rssincl-itemdesc img { float:left; margin:0px 10px 5px 0px; width:100px; height:100px; }
February 9, 2012 – We can only imagine, that ever since the high middle ages - when Geoffrey Chaucer first turned the feast of an obscure 3rd century Saint into a celebration of romantic love - that Valentine's Day has had its advocates and its detractors: Lovers - awash with romantic notions - have perhaps always looked forward to Feb 14 with anticipation. And maybe others – loners, independents and skeptics - have long rolled their collective eyes at all the fuss. Well these days, Valentines Day – like so many holidays – comes with no shortage of stuff to buy, themed menus and special events - for every possible demographic. And in the end, can you really argue with a mid-winter excuse to get out of the house on a weeknight? So here are some Valentine's Day ideas for all you lovers – and you loners – out there from our resident insiders, J Squared - Jan Saragoni and Jared Bowen.
Dining 
El Centro/South End (Shawmut Ave)
Cozy Mexican bistro with a real, live Mexican chef. Chef Alan Rodriguez’s Valentines Day menu features Empanadas Rellenas de Queso con Pollo (cheese empanadas stuffed with chicken and vegetables); Queso Fundido con Rajas de Chile Verde (melted cheese served with roast pepper, marinated pork or vegetables); Salmon Ranchero with asparagus and oven baked potatoes with a medium spicy sauce. Signature deserts: Chocolate Flan and Arroz con Leche (rice pudding). Delicious Sangria. All entrées priced between $10 & $20.

Area Four/Technology Square, Cambridge
“Misery Loves Company” menu. Dates are welcome this Valentine’s Day, but the real fun is for the singles. Groups of any size welcome to enjoy the Bloody Heart Pizza (beef steak tomato hearts, carmelized onions, house-made mozzarella, $15 & $23.50) ) Breakup Banana Split (homemade chocolate & vanilla ice cream, brandied cherries and chocolate, marshmallow and salted caramel sauces, $10 per person). And for those who want to drown their sorrows, cocktails by the pitcher.

Lala Rokh/Beacon Hill
Tucked away in Beacon Hill, Persian-themed Lala Rokh takes its name from an epic romance by the 19th century poet Thomas Moore, which tells the story of a beautiful young princess on a journey of love and discovery. Valentine’s Day features a four-course prix fixe menu ($48/person) of flavorful staples like Borani-e Garch (mushrooms over grilled, yogurt-drizzled cornbread), Baghla Pollo (braised lamb shank in tomato saffron sauce and rice spiced with fresh dill & fava beans) and Khoresht-e Bademjan (slow-cooked beef with roasted baby eggplant and saffron-seared tomatoes). An a la carte menu is also available.

Lumiere/Newton
Valentines Night 2012 first- course menu features Maine Lobster Chowder, Fried Wellfleet Oysters & Vermont Veal Tartare. Main course includes Sweet Potato & Ricotta Ravioli, Long Island Duck Breast and Alaskan Black Cod. Desert Rose Champagne Sorbet & Sauterne-poached Dried Apricot Tart. $75 per person, optional $25 wine pairing.

Dumpling Café/Chinatown (Bargain!)
Yummy Chinese classics including General Gau’s Chicken, Chicken with Broccoli and Tofu with Veggies. Any two entrees, dumplings and tean included for $20.95.

Trade
540 Atlantic Avenue — Parking is free with validation
Try the Grilled squid and fried tentacles with Borlotti beans and vinegar peppers and the baked rigatoni with spicy lamb ragu and provolone.

El Centro
472 Shawmut Avenue in the South End
$40 3-course prix fixe menu including a glass of wine
1st Course: Melted Cheese with pepper, pork or vegetables or Cheese Empanadas stuffed with chicken or vegetables
2nd Course: Skirt Steak, 3 Cheese Chicken Breast or Salmon
3rd Course: Chocolate cake, Mexican Caramel Sticks or Rice Pudding

Asana and M Bar at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Valentine’s Day Delights
"Experience an evening of indulgence this Valentine’s Day at Four-Star Asana restaurant. Delight in a decadent four-course dinner menu specially created by Asana’s culinary team available from Saturday, February 11, 2012 through Tuesday, February 14, 2012. Menu is USD75 per person and an additional USD55 for champagne and wine pairings. Menu attached. And toast to love at M Bar & Lounge where Executive Pastry Chef Nelson Paz has created an assortment of tantalizing house-made chocolate truffles to enjoy complimentary with the purchase of two glasses of Veuve Clicquot Rose available for USD50."
Events And Music  
Sex at the Zoo Lecture
Franklin Park Zoo Presents an Evening on the Private Lives of Animals.
With a nod to Valentines Day, the Franklin Park Zoo takes a peek into the private lives of animals – do they find each other attractive? Are their mating rituals between humans and animals similar in any way? What can the techniques that animals use to attract mates teach us about romance? This adults- only affair is presented by Dr. Rory Browne with insights into the pros and con of of being in a relationship vs. staying single in the animal kingdom. Lecture takes place in the Tropical Forest Pavillion, home to gorillas, ring-tailed lemurs and of course a giant anteater. Friday, Feb.10 6:00 –8:30. $20 single ticket, $35 pair. Wines by Greenvale Vineyards.

Boston Camerata – the eminent early music ensemble, performs “The Game of Love” (“Jeu d’Amour”)
Artistic Director Anne Azema is joined by intrumentalist Shira Kammen, Tom Zajac and singers Jane Sheldon and Deborah Moore in a special vocal performance emphasizing the “lighter and lustier” side of the Middle Ages (who knew?) with songs dealing with springtime, youth, erotic intrigue as celebrated in village revels, courtly chambers and pre-Internet trysting places. First Lutheran Church, Berkley Street, Boston, Sunday Feb. 12 at 8:00 p.m.

Rebecca Parris Trio/”In Love with Parris” Valentine’s Concert
Rare Boston performance with her long time trio! A romantic evening of impeccable vocal jazz from a beloved local icon of the genre. One Show Only, Saturday Feb.11, 8 pm, Arlington Regent Theater. Tickets $18 - $28.

A.R.T. Ever After Gala
Monday, February 13, 2012
"Princes and Princesses, proclaim your love for the A.R.T. with the 2nd Annual Valentine's Gala, an enchanted fairytale evening of love potions and Grimm notions. Featuring a unique cabaret performance by Broadway composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, with Jared Bowen of WGBH as emcee, and a special A.R.T. Angel Award to longtime A.R.T. friend and community volunteer Joan Parker. With a darkly romantic fairy tale theme, A.R.T. Ever After promises to be the social event of the winter. The Castle will be transformed into a wooded forest where guests will mingle with story book characters before enjoying a delicious feast."

Venetian Valentine
Tuesday, February 14, 2012, 6:30-9:30 PM
"A Venetian-inspired Valentine at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Enjoy live music and good conversation over artfully-designed small plates, cocktails and dessert. And then explore the Gardner Museum's magnificent new wing and historic galleries, including the restored Tapestry Room and the rarely open Little Salon, with its putti-adorned mirror and courtship tapestries." $225 per couple/$125 per individual; Members: $150/$85

Green Eyes
Playing at the Ames Hotel through February 26th
"Straight from its sold-out run in New York City, Company One is proud to present Travis Chamberlain's highly acclaimed site-specific production of Tennessee Williams' GREEN EYES at The Ames Hotel. Written in 1970 but unpublished for almost 40 years, this "lost" erotic thriller graphically reveals the impact of war through the sexual fantasies of a newlywed couple honeymooning in New Orleans. He's a soldier, traumatized by his participation in the war; she's a ravenous woman determined to satisfy the darkest recesses of her most deviant desires. Starring the acclaimed NYC actress Erin Markey"a kittenish vixen whose sexual pliancy hides an iron will" (The New York Times)--GREEN EYES transforms a honeymoon suite into a psychosexual battleground where desire and violence blur and become indistinguishable. With only 25 seats available per show, this is an exclusive theatrical event you do not want to miss!"

Broadway's Rachel York and Brent Barrett in Isn't It Romantic?
Sunday, February 19th, 1pm at Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston
Co-stars in the West End production of "Kiss Me Kate" (familiar to PBS audiences as it was filmed for Great Performances), this dynamic pair re-unite for a concert at Waltham's Reagle Theatre.

Project Dream Dress
Saturday, March 3 at 1010 Harrison Avenue in Boston 10-2
Military brides-to-be can choose from more than 100 designer gowns (at no cost to them) at a Project Dream Dress event held at the Atrium at Morgan Memorial Goodwill.
Lasell College has contributed the couture gowns which were donated by an exclusive and anonymous design house for Lasell's fashion students to study. They're valued at between $1,000-$8,000. Lasell fashion students will serve as stylists and provide free tailoring and Zoots will provide complimentary dry cleaning services. Brides must register in advance at bridesacrossamerica.com
]]> Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:04 PM +0000 <![CDATA[Jared Bowen's Arts Ahead: Kathleen Turner And The Rockettes]]> http://www.wgbh.org//articles/Jared-Bowens-Arts-Ahead-Kathleen-Turner-And-The-Rockettes-5041 http://www.wgbh.org//articles/Jared-Bowens-Arts-Ahead-Kathleen-Turner-And-The-Rockettes-5041 Dec. 9, 2011

kathleen turner in high

Kathleen Turner stars in "High," a play she helped develop. (Lanny Nagler/Cutler Majestic)


BOSTON — This week's arts round-up has two themes: sparkly festive cheer and... addiction. WGBH News authorizes no conclusions about the nature of the holiday season. 

"High," starring Kathleen Turner
Cutler Majestic Theatre
Through Dec. 11

A playwright explores his own history of addiction in this play that stars Kathleen Turner as a nun — in a part written for her. Watch Jared’s interview with Turner in which she discusses her own brush with addiction.
 
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre
Through Dec. 28

Some people criticize the big, lavish production with canned music, but anyone with a soft spot for nostalgia will consider it — as Jared does — schmaltzy but fun. New music, new costumes and a 50-foot LED screen are the highlights this year, along with the Rockettes’ classic Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.
 
“Shame“
In theaters Dec. 9

This NC-17–rated film with Michael Fassbender and Carey Mulligan explores the darkest corners of sex addiction. Difficult to watch but an elegantly done psychological study.
 
“New Year’s Eve”
In theaters Dec. 9

Doing a 180… this irresistible ensemble flick with lots of stars is light, fluffy and made Jared happier than, and we quote, "a rum-soaked eggnog bender." Stay through the end credits.

]]> Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:44 AM +0000 <![CDATA[Remembering Al Vega]]> http://www.wgbh.org//articles/Remembering-Al-Vega-5001 http://www.wgbh.org//articles/Remembering-Al-Vega-5001 Dec. 6, 2011

LISTEN: The Al Vega Trio plays live at WGBH's Fraser Performance Studio on Jun. 7, 2011.


Al Vega, a longtime Boston musician who played with some of nation's finest jazz talents through a 70-year career, died on Dec. 2 at the age of 90.

At WGBH, we knew him well. In fact we recorded his trio live at the Fraser Performance Center not six months ago.

Vega, born Aram Vagramian, was the house pianist at the Hi-Hat jazz club in the late 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s, according to WGBH host Ron Della Chiesa. He played with many jazz greats including Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Count Basie and Duke Ellington. He later led his own trio, which performed live at WGBH’s Fraser Performance Studio on June 7, 2011.

Vega was, Della Chiesa said, a legendary musician and teacher, and a friend to generations of Massachusetts politicians, regardless of their party. Vega, a World War II veteran, was also a longtime Little League and Babe Ruth baseball coach in Everett, Mass., where a square was dedicated in his honor in October.

Boston Globe obituary
Washington Post obituary

Material from The Associated Press was used in this report.

]]>