On stage and on screen, watch stories unfold as different characters find their place in that precious play in which each of us get our own leading role: the family.
Far From Heaven Presented by SpeakEasy Stage Company at the Calderwood Pavilion through October 11th.
Jennifer Ellis is captivating in this lush musical adaptation of Todd Haynes’ acclaimed romantic melodrama of private longings and social taboos. The story centers on Cathy Whitaker, a 1950s Connecticut housewife whose perfect life is shattered when she discovers her husband's shocking secret, and then seeks comfort in a forbidden relationship that dramatically alters her view of herself and the world. Like Haynes’ film, the musical is also an homage to the 1950s melodramas of film director Douglas Sirk, which beneath their simple plots, dealt with issues of class and conformity in small-town America, and were bold indictments of American mores.
The Lion King, Presented by Broadway in Boston, it plays at the Boston Opera House through October 12th.
Just as splendid as the first time I saw it ten years ago, this is a lively stage adaptation of the Academy Award-winning 1994 Disney film, The Lion King. It's the story of a young lion prince living in the flourishing African Pride Lands. Born into the royal family, precocious cub Simba spends his days exploring the sprawling savanna grasslands and idolizing his kingly father, Mufasa, while youthfully shirking the responsibility his position in life requires. When an unthinkable tragedy takes his father’s life, Simba flees the Pride Lands, leaving his loss and the life he knew behind. We know the story well, but I think it only becomes more resonant as we ourselves age.
The Green Prince, Opens Friday at Kendall Square Cinema and West Newton Cinema.
This engrossing real-life spy thriller is set against the backdrop of terrorism. Directed by Israeli filmmaker Nadav Schirman, the film was the winner of the Audience Award for World Documentary at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival and will open theatrically in Boston on September 19. One of Israel’s most prized intelligence sources is Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of a top Hamas leader. From the age of 17, Mosab—code name: "The Green Prince"—was the number one source for the Shin Bet, Israel's secret security service. Willing to betray family and country—and risk his own life—he spied on his own people for over a decade. It's a riveting story nearly too far-fetched to believe, or comprehend.
» Watch the interview with Mosab Hassan Yousef on Greater Boston.
The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby, In theaters Friday.
Writer and director Ned Benson ambitiously captures a complete picture of a relationship in the beautifully relatable portrait of love, empathy and truth. Once happily married, Conor (James McAvoy) and Eleanor (Jessica Chastain) suddenly find themselves as strangers longing to understand each other in the wake of tragedy. The film explores the couple’s story as they try to reclaim the life and love they once knew and pick up the pieces of a past that may be too far gone. A compelling film made more remarkable for its stars.
This is Where I Leave You, In theaters Friday.
Golden Globe winner Jason Bateman, Emmy Award winner Tina Fey, and and two-time Oscar winner, multiple Golden Globe honoree and 2013 Emmy Award nominee Jane Fonda play grown siblings, bruised and banged up by their respective adult lives, who are forced to return to their childhood home and live under the same roof together for a week after their father dies, along with their over-sharing mother and an assortment of spouses, exes and might-have-beens. While entertaining, the film adaptation isn't nearly as funny as the best-selling novel by Jonathan Tropper.
Coming up on Open Studio: We tour the Cape Ann Museum and speak with author and former Senior Editor at Variety Robert Hofler about his new book, Sexplosion.
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