This week, Jared Bowen reviews Greater Boston Stage Company's "Calendar Girls" and "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" presented by the Nora Theatre Company. Then, a Tony Awards preview with nominated productions "Carousel" and "Mean Girls."
"Calendar Girls," presented by Greater Boston Stage Company through June 17
Based on the 2003 film of the same name, "Calendar Girls" is based on the true story of 11 English ladies who decide to break with the status quo and raise money for leukemia research by posing nude for a charity calendar. "Some of the funniest moments I've experienced in theater all year came in this show," says Jared. Nancy Carroll directs an A-list roster of Boston actors including Maureen Brennan, Sarah deLima, Kerry Dowling, Karen MacDonald, Cheryl McMahon, Bobbie Steinbach, and Kathy St. George in this heartwarming production.
"Les Liaisons Dangereuses," presented by the Nora Theatre Company at Central Square Theater through July 1
Get transported to the drawing rooms of France with "Les Liaisons Dangereuses." Presented by the Nora Theatre Company, the play centers around two aristocratic ex-lovers who enter into a series of depraved and mischievous dalliances. But what happens when affairs of lust become affairs of the heart? Lee Mikeska Gardner directs an all-male cast in this gender-skewed tale of sexual and psychological warfare. "A well-acted production," says Jared, "but in casting men as the women, unfortunately the question of why far outweighs the intent."
"Carousel," presented on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre through Jan. 6, 2019
Nominated for 11 Tony Awards including best revival of a musical, "Carousel" takes audiences to historic New England for the story of Billy Bigelow the carnival barker. A piece very much of its time, "Carousel" is carried by the spectacular and rousing music of Rodgers and Hammerstein, fresh choreography by Justin Peck and Tony nominated turns by stars Joshua Henry, Jessie Mueller, and Renee Fleming.
"Mean Girls," presented on Broadway at the August Wilson Theatre through March 31, 2019
Leading the field with 12 Tony nominations this year is "Mean Girls." Based on the 2004 film written by Tina Fey, this musical takes place in the suburban animal kingdom known as North Shore High School, run by the infamous Regina George and her clique "the Plastics." Will newcomer Cady Heron be able to find her place in this teenage wilderness? "Tina Fey spins comedic gold," says Jared, who describes this clever and fun musical as "a delicious prowl into the animalistic behavior of high schoolers."
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