This week, WGBH News’ Arts Editor Jared Bowen reviews three new plays in the Greater Boston area.
“An Inspector Calls,” presented by ArtsEmerson at the Cutler Majestic Theatre through March 24.
The Tony-winning revival of “An Inspector Calls” arrives in Boston. Based on the 1945 play by J. B. Priestley, “An Inspector Calls” delivers audiences to the home of the wealthy Birling family, whose boisterous dinner party is interrupted by an unexpected visit from the unrelenting Inspector Goole. Family ties quickly unravel as dark secrets come forward surrounding the inspector’s investigation into the suicide of a young woman.
Stephen Daldry (“The Crown,” “The Hours”) returns to direct his award-winning National Theatre revival of the play, which Jared describes as “a gripping production that explodes the senses and toys with your intellect.”
“Onegin,” presented by Greater Boston Stage Company through March 31.
A timeless love story gets a fresh musical take in the U.S. premiere of “Onegin” by Amiel Gladstone and Veda Hill. Based on the novel by Alexander Pushkin, “Onegin” follows the story of a titular aristocrat as he discovers his love for a young noblewoman named Tatyana. Passions flare and friendships fray in this contemporary production directed by Weylin Symes, which infuses classic verse with a contemporary rock score.
“The stage is set and even juts into the audience for raucous and romantic Russians,” says Jared.
“Not Medea,” presented by Flat Earth Theatre through March 30.
Allison Gregory’s boundary-breaking reimagining of the “Medea” story makes its New England premiere at the Mosesian Center for the Arts. A 21st-century twist on a classic tale, “Not Medea” centers around a harried mother hoping to escape to a relaxing night at the theater, only to discover the play she is watching very much mirrors her own life.
Jared praises “a forceful and resonant performance from the deeply talented Juliet Bowler,” who stars.
What performances are you looking forward to this spring? Tell Jared about it on Facebook or Twitter!
