Every week, WGBH Arts Editor Jared Bowen sums up the exhibitions, theater, movies and music you should check out in and around Boston and delivers news from the region’s arts scene.
THE SOUND OF MUSIC, playing at The Boston Opera House through April 10
Synopsis: The classic Rogers-and-Hammerstein musical arrives at The Boston Opera House. When Maria’s (Kerstin Anderson) dream of becoming a nun is dashed, she becomes the governess for the Von Trapp children and finally feels in her element, hearing the sound of music.
Jared says: “This is a lovely, lovely, lavish production … All of the songs you know, you love: they’re here.”
BLACKBERRY WINTER, playing at Watertown's New Repertory Theatre through April 17
Synopsis: Steve Yockey’s National New Play Network world premiere stars Adrianne Krstansky as Vivienne, a baker in her forties coming to terms with her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis through reflection, parable and puppetry.
Jared says: “This is a great one … It’s tough subject matter, but there’s a lot of humor here, too."
BIG APPLE CIRCUS: THE GRAND TOUR, playing under the Big Top at Boston City Hall Plaza through May 8
Synopsis: The Big Top is back on City Hall Plaza, featuring acts from around the world, including the Dominguez Brothers’ spin inside (and outside) the Wheel of Wonder, Alexander Koblikov’s full-body juggling, and the Dosov Troupe’s turn on the teeterboard.
Jared says: “One of the appeals of the Big Apple Circus…is that the big top is relatively small, so you really can’t have a bad seat in this house.”
I SAW THE LIGHT, in theaters Friday
Synopsis: Tom Hiddleston acts out the last 10 years of country singer Hank Williams’ short life, including the drinking, drugs, and affairs he indulged in during his brief time in the Nashville spotlight.
Jared says: “Unfortunately, it doesn’t work as a film…You lose the threads. But it’s great to see Tom Hiddleston and hear him in this performance.”
Looking for more arts coverage? This week on Open Studio, Jared heads to the MFA for a conversation with actor Steve Martin, who curated "The Idea of North," an exhibition of paintings by late Canadian artist Lawren Harris. The exhibition is on view at the MFA through June 12. Then a discussion with Jose Mateo, founder of Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. "Hearts Disguised," choreographed by Mateo, plays April 1 through April 17 at the Sanctuary Theatre.
