Free performances of “James and the Giant Peach” in Worcester Oct. 28-29. (Photo provided by Hannover Theater)
Ah, October – the season for pumpkins, ghosts, and more theater than you’ll ever get to see.
So what’s going on in Worcester? If the emails that pop up on a regular basis are any indication, that’s more than likely.
Throughout October, enjoy a diverse lineup of plays, live music, comedy, magic, historical tours, and family-friendly events featuring talented artists and live bands on the stages of the Hannover Theater and Performing Arts Conservatory.
Now through Sunday, October 15th, watch THT Rep’s rendition of Tennessee Williams’ classic “The Glass Menagerie.” Tickets start at $12.
THTC’s Youth Acting Company will bring Roald Dahl’s classic “James and the Giant Peach” to life in free performances on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 28 and 29, on the Bank of America Stage in Carroll Plaza .They want to know you’re coming, so please RSVP
The November lineup includes a number of shows, including an appearance by comedian Brian Regan on Thursday, November 2nd. Mania: ABBA Tribute, Saturday, November 4th. Pretty Woman: The Musical, Friday-Sunday, November 10-12. Chicago, Tuesday, November 14th. and The Nutcracker, Friday through Sunday, Nov. 24-26.
For information and tickets, visit www.thehanovertheatre.org.
Worcester’s Mechanics Hall will host a family-friendly cinematic afternoon on Sunday, October 15th from 4 p.m. The short comedy “The Haunted House” starring Buster Keaton and the silent film classic “The Phantom of the Opera” starring Ron will be screened. Cheney plays improvised organ music on hook organ by principal organist Peter Krasinski. Tickets are $5 for him and children under 12 are free. See the full lineup at www.mechanicsshall.org.
in the wings
White Rabbit, Red Rabbit: No rehearsal. There is no director. There is one performer. A script in a sealed envelope. Nasim Soleimanpour’s The White Rabbit, The Red Rabbit has become a worldwide phenomenon and has been called “a stripped-down play set on a no-net night, sharing unexpected comedy and discovery.” Ta. Playwright Soleimanpour was forbidden to leave his homeland of Iran and instead wrote this play in order to travel the world. Since its award-winning premiere at the Edinburgh Festival, the work has been translated into his more than 30 languages and performed more than 3,000 times. In each incredibly unique performance, a different actor, who has never seen or read the play before, brings the voice of the absent playwright to life, making you wonder whose story is being told and mine. It asks the audience what happens when they are completely together. The Umbrella Stage on His Street in Stowe, Concord His company brings together audiences from across Greater Boston, where some of England’s most prominent artists take part in a bold, partially improvised, one-night-only performance. . In addition to regionally known heavyweights (Robert Saud, Amy Doherty, Anthony Pirez Jr., Jude Torres, Mary Callanan), there are also a number of players well known behind the scenes, or even outside of the theater scene. There will be a surprise headliner. Playwright Melinda López, directors Michelle Aguilon and Ilyse Robbins, Council for Popular Culture director Michael Bobbitt, novelist Gregory Maguire, and others have created a work that is deeply personal, humorous, rather than political. And in a humane way, we will transform Soleimanpour’s story into our own. . It opened last Thursday and will run until November 12, alternating with Umbrella’s production of “Lizzie,” a musical that combines Lizzie Borden’s ghost stories and rock. Select performances will offer opportunities for further interaction with the audience, including a pre-performance dinner and show option on Thursday night’s performance, kids care options on October 15th, and audience talkbacks to be determined. . For information and the lineup of performances, visit www.theumbrellaarts.org.
Nancy Tuttle’s email address is nancyedt@verizon.net.
