HUNTINGTON THEATRE COMPANY
THE
PURISTS BY DAN MCCABE
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DIRECTED BY BILLY PORTER
N E W E N G L A N D’ S BEST VIEW B OS TO N ’ S M OS T M E M O R A B L E F I N E D I N I N G E X P E R I E N C E
B R U N C H / LU N C H / CO C K TA I L S / D I N N E R 52ND FLOOR OF PRUDENTIAL TOWER / TOPOFTHEHUB.NET CALL: (617) 536-1775
CONTENTS
SEPTEMBER 2019
7 THE PROGRAM 10 INTERVIEW WITH THE PLAYWRIGHT 12 INTERVIEW WITH THE DIRECTOR PLUS: 4 Backstage by Scott Roberto 15 About the Company 34 Patron Services 35 Emergency Exits 38 Guide to Local Theatre 42 Boston Dining Guide 44 Dining Out: Top of the Hub 46 Dining Out: Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse
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Come visit—our red doors are open to all. HUNTINGTON THEATRE COMPANY
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BACKSTAGE
C. Hovde Photography
BEHIND THE SCENES IN LOCAL AND NATIONAL THEATRE BY SCOTT ROBERTO
NEW YORK, NEW YORK: Playwright/actor Keith Hamilton Cobb performs his provocative play American Moor—which won a 2018 Elliot Norton Award for its 2017 Boston run—at New York City’s Cherry Lane Theatre through October 5.
American Moor in NYC The recipient of two local productions—first at the Boston Center for the Arts in 2017 and later at the Emerson Paramount Center as part of ArtsEmerson’s 2018–2019 season—Keith Hamilton Cobb’s American Moor made its Off-Broadway debut August 27 courtesy of the Red Bull Theater. An exploration of race in America through the story of a veteran black actor who comes into conflict with a young, white director while auditioning for the lead in Shakespeare’s Othello, American Moor runs in New York City at the Cherry Lane Theatre through October 5. The award-winning show written by and starring Cobb has had several productions around the country since its 4
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2013 premiere, and even played in London at Shakespeare’s Globe’s Sam Wanamaker Playhouse in 2018. Visit redbulltheater.com for more information. New Seasons for BPT, Flat Earth Boston Playwrights’ Theatre recently
revealed its 2019–2020 season, which boasts three shows that run the gamut from a comedy about the filming of a documentary that takes a hilarious turn (Karen Zacarías’ The Book Club Play, September 26–October 13) to the dramatic tale of a struggling Irish immigrant (Ronan Noone’s The Smuggler, November 7–24) to an examination of the power dynamics among a close-knit group of friends (MJ
BACKSTAGE (continued) Halberstadt’s Deal Me Out, February 13–March 1). Go to bu.edu/bpt for details. In other news, local fringe troupe Flat Earth Theatre has also announced its upcoming season. The Watertown-based company has themed its 2019–2020 slate as “Yonder,” populating it with Alistair McDowall’s Plutoset sci-fi thriller X in November and the Moon landing-inspired showcase One Giant Leap, which consists of readings of two brand-new plays, in the spring. An additional play to be announced also hits the stage at the Mosesian Center for the Arts next summer. For more information, visit flatearththeatre.com. MCC Budget Increase Approved by State House In a bit of good news for Bay State arts, Governor Charlie Baker signed a budget on July 31 that increases the funding to the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) by $2 million for next fiscal year. The MCC, which offers grants to hundreds of nonprofit cultural organizations throughout the state, now has a
STATE OF THE ARTS: Beacon Hill recently approved more funding for the arts via an increase to the budget of the Massachusetts Cultural Council for fiscal year 2020.
total of $18 million to dole out to these groups in 2020, the most it has had since 2002. For more details, go to massculturalcouncil.org.
WHAT’S ON STAGE in September DAVID BYRNE’S AMERICAN UTOPIA EMERSON COLONIAL THEATRE September 11–28 Music legend and former singer for iconic New Wave band Talking Heads David Byrne (pictured) brings this stage show named for his 2018 solo album to Boston’s Theatre District prior to its Broadway debut October 4. Refer to listing, page 38. LAST NIGHT AT BOWL-MOR LANES GREATER BOSTON STAGE COMPANY September 9–29 The opener to GBSC’s 20th season, this world premiere comedy penned by producing artistic director Weylin Symes stars local favorites Paula Plum and Nancy E. Carroll, who play friends/rivals who break into the soon-to-close bowling alley of the title for one more tie-breaking string. Refer to listing, page 39.
Jody Rogac
Our picks for the hottest plays and musicals on local stages this month
CHOIR BOY SPEAKEASY STAGE COMPANY September 13–October 12 Crafted by acclaimed writer Tarell Alvin McCraney (Moonlight) and infused with gospel, spiritual and R&B music, this is the first post-Broadway production for the Tony Award-winning play. Refer to listing, page 39. BLACK LIGHT AMERICAN REPERTORY THEATER September 19–29 Jomama Jones, the alter ego of creator and star Daniel Alexander Jones, weaves together original tunes with a spiritual and political journey in this immersive piece that breaks down the barrier between performer and audience. Refer to listing, page 38. HUNTINGTON THEATRE COMPANY 5
Christine Lahti and Fedna Jacquet in Gloria: A Life.
Up Next at A.R.T. Moby-Dick
DEC 3, 2019 - JAN 12, 2020
From the creative team behind A.R.T.’s 2015 production of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 comes a new musical adaptation. Preview performances on sale now. Public access to the full run begins Oct 3.
Gloria: A Life
JAN 24 - FEB 22, 2020
History. Her story. Our Story. Fifty years after Gloria Steinem began raising her voice and championing those of others, her vision is as urgent as ever.
Patron Circle ($1,000+) level donor pre-sale begins Nov 7. Friends of A.R.T. ($50-$999) pre-sale begins Nov 14. Public access begins Nov 21.
1776
MAY 19 - JUN 28, 2020
This revolutionary musical directed by Diane Paulus reexamines this pivotal moment in American history.
Don’t miss the hottest theater in town.
AmericanRepertoryTheater.org
Photo: Joan Marcus
Patron Circle ($1,000+) level donor pre-sale begins Dec 19. Friends of A.R.T. ($50-$999) level donor pre-sale begins Jan 2. Public access to preview performances begins Jan 17. Public access to the full run begins Mar 26.
NO ER RM D AR A JE UBO TIS AN IS TIC CA DIR LDE MIC ECTORRWOOD MA HA NA E L GIN M G D AS IRE O CTO R
PET
UT O F H E TH ND E A RTS
NT ING CO T TO MP HE N AVE AN ATR & S NU Y E O E
HU
THE PURISTS by Dan McCabe Directed by Billy Porter
Scenic Design Clint Ramos
Costume Design Kara Harmon
Lighting Design Driscoll Otto
Sound Design Leon Rothenberg
Casting Production Stage Manager Alaine Alldaffer Kevin Schlagle
Original Music Michael Sandlofer
Stage Manager Sam Layco
The Purists was developed at the Breaking Ground Festival, Huntington Theatre Company, February 2018 Developed with the support of New York Stage and Film & Vassar’s Powerhouse Season, Summer 2018
This production was presented by special arrangement with Big Beach Stage Productions.
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THE CALDERWOOD PAVILION TURNS 15! The Huntington transformed a neighborhood when it built the Calderwood Pavilion, and it is poised to do it once again with the Huntington Avenue Theatre renovation and expansion. In 2004, the Huntington Theatre Company opened the Stanford Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts to serve as the Huntington’s home for new plays and as a public service to Boston’s arts community. In the past 15 years, the Calderwood Pavilion has served over 1.1 million audience members, presenting more than 8,000 performances of over 720 productions, and has become a hotbed of activity on a daily basis, hosting conferences, business meetings, weddings and special events, and even music classes for babies! REVITALIZING THE NEIGHBORHOOD “Before the Calderwood Pavilion was built, the neighborhood had a very different feel,” says Huntington Trustee and longtime South End resident Neal Balkowitsch. “But within a few short
years, the South End would transform before my eyes into a vital neighborhood, bursting with energy and life.” Audiences and arts groups alike have flocked to the Calderwood, praising its inviting spaces, comfortable seating, and state-of-the-art facilities, making it a major destination in Boston’s hottest neighborhood. “We watched the Calderwood revitalize our neighborhood,” adds Balkowitsch. “And I know that the Huntington Avenue project will do the same for the Avenue of the Arts.” RESTORING A HISTORIC THEATRE AND BUILDING BOSTON’S CREATIVE HUB The Huntington is embarking on a transformation of the Huntington Avenue Theatre, restoring its historic beauty while adding a gleaming new entrance and a soaring two-story lobby housed in the residential tower next door to the theatre. The Huntington’s bold vision will create a dynamic crossroads for innovative performances, social connection, and creative thought, enlivening the city and expanding the Huntington’s impact on and services to audiences, artists, and the community.
Learn more about the Huntington’s transformation by visiting our website, attending upcoming events, and contributing to the The New Huntington Campaign: Building Boston’s Hub. For more information and to participate in the Campaign, please contact Chief Development Office Elisabeth Saxe at 617 273 1579 or esaxe@huntingtontheatre.org. 8
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CAST (in order of appearance) Lamont Born Cipher......................................................................... Morocco Omari Mr. Bugz..................................................................................... J. Bernard Calloway Gerry Brinsler............................................................................................John Scurti Val Kano.................................................................................................Analisa Velez Nancy Reinstein....................................................................................... Izzie Steele
SETTING The stoop of a building in Sunnyside, Queens. Also Gerry’s apartment. June. Now. There will be one 10-minute intermission. The Huntington Theatre Company is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency; the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency; and more than 6,000 individual, foundation, and corporate contributors.
ROSENCRANTZ & GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD BY TOM STOPPARD
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DIRECTED BY PETER DUBOIS
SEPT. 20 – OCT. 20 | HUNTINGTON AVENUE THEATRE
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AN INTERVIEW WITH PLAYWRIGHT DAN McCABE Playwright Dan McCabe’s work as an actor has been seen on stage, film, and television. Now, he makes his Huntington debut as a playwright. Before rehearsals began, McCabe spoke with Director of New Work Charles Haugland about his writing process and why this play has been a perfect collaboration. Charles Haugland: You appeared at the Huntington as an actor in Sons of the Prophet. Were you always writing as well? How did you decide to make playwriting a major part of your artistic work? Playwright Dan McCabe
Dan McCabe: I was always writing, and I wanted to be a writer since I was young. When I was in high school, I wrote one act plays and then I went to undergrad for dramatic writing. But I also fell into acting young. So I felt like I was writing in this bubble, while I was getting work as an actor. Then I started writing for Serials at the Flea Theater in New York. Serials is this late night program where they would have five short plays each weekend, and the audience votes for their favorites, and the three writers with the most votes come back the next week with a new play. It’s like episodic theatre. That was the first time where I would write something, and it would get put on right away. One of my short plays took off, so I got a lot of confidence there and started really focusing on writing. Then I applied to Juilliard’s graduate playwriting program, and got in. So that was the real game shifter for me. CH: Do you feel like your career as an actor influenced your playwriting? DM: In terms of dialogue, my acting career helped my work as a writer, because I knew what would come easily out of an actor’s mouth. They never overlapped — I never wrote for myself, and I always kept the two separate. But they’ve helped each other just in terms of knowing how an actor interprets something, what comes out naturally and what doesn’t. CH: What was the spark of this play? When did you start writing it? DM: I started writing this around the summer of 2015. It started with two characters: Gerry and Lamont. I saw them as interesting people to be together 10 THE PURISTS
on stage — very different, but also similar in their ideals and what they believed in. Then once I discovered the setting it all came together. I’ve always been a huge hip-hop person, but I also like theatre and musical theatre. So I thought it was interesting to have these people on stage that are super passionate about different things and hate the other thing. CH: Why was that duality interesting to you? DM: In a lot of the plays that I write, a common theme is two very different people coming together — which has a lot to do with the way I was raised. I grew up in the city, but I went to this private high school in Jersey where my dad is a teacher. That was a very affluent school, whereas I grew up in these middle-class buildings in Manhattan. And down the block from me were lower income projects. I felt I had a lot of different types of people around me growing up in terms of class and race and things like that. A lot of plays I write have that sort of combination. I especially like writing characters who are different than me on the outside, and then as I write, I try to connect the people that might seem different from myself while finding the similarities between them. CH: You’ve been developing this play with Billy Porter for some time. Why are you a good match as collaborators, and what has the process of developing the play been like with him? DM: Billy is amazing. I sent him the play, and I didn’t really know him until we met to talk about this play. The truth is when we first met, he said what he thought the play was about, and I was like “Oh yeah you’re right.” I didn’t realize it. For me, going into writing this play, the impetus was not to say something big, but to explore these characters honestly. But then listening to Billy’s understanding of the themes, I immediately recognized that he was right. Billy and I are opposites in a way. He knows exactly what he wants to say all the time, and in a way, he thinks ‘bigger’ than I do. I prefer to start from the characters because I feel like it’s more dramatically interesting, and I discover the play more unconsciously as I’m writing it. It’s been serendipitous that we came together.
PAULA MAROTTA
Dan McCabe and Joanna Gleason in Sons of the Prophet (2011)
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A DIRECTOR’S VISION: BILLY PORTER IN CONVERSATION
Director Billy Porter
Billy Porter, a Tony and Grammy award-winning performer, returns to the Huntington as a director following his acclaimed productions of George C. Wolfe’s The Colored Museum and Suzan-Lori Parks’ Topdog/Underdog. In the following interview, Porter speaks about how he embraced his own identity as an artist and how he approaches directing this new play.
Charles Haugland (Director of New Work): What attracted you to working on The Purists? Billy Porter: What I love about the play is how it speaks to the idea of loving each other through our differences; it explores the idea of choosing to understand your fellow man, your neighbor, the person who is different from you. We are in a real crisis socially right now, and it is always up to artists to lead the way. In this play, we see what it looks like for people choosing to get along; it’s a choice. It doesn't just happen. That's what I love; you see these people work towards something better. CH: Are you a purist about anything? BP: Yes, I am a purist about a lot of things — but I am really a purist when it comes to singing and being a musician. I've been very disappointed — often, not always — with the standards in the music business being lowered so much. Because if you're going to be a singer, I want you to be able to sing. Period. CH: Does this play have you reconsidering any of your purism? BP: Listen, I have already gotten to a place where I can understand why an artist who can't sing is famous. I get it; I still don't like it. My perspective is somewhat like the character of Gerry in the play — I can understand it, and even honor it, but it's still not my thing. But I can have my thing, you can have yours, he can have his — and we can all co-exist. That's a question that the play is asking — why do people live in a place of lack? Because they perceive themselves as lacking, therefore they want to hold on to something. But there's space for everybody to have a piece of all of it. 12 THE PURISTS
CH: What part of directing is most exciting to you? Why is that something you continue to gravitate towards? BP: I get to make stuff! I get to collaborate. As an actor, we are generally at the mercy of someone else's vision — not that that's a problem, but I have vision of my own, both creatively and artistically. As a director, I get to show that to the world in a more direct way. CH: One of the things I have always admired about you is that — no matter whether you're acting, directing, recording and arranging music, writing — every piece of art is unique, but then it also all contributes to the overall message you want to put forward. BP: Yes, that is important to me. It was about 25 years ago; I was watching Oprah, and she had Maya Angelou on. They were talking about service. I was at a crossroads in my career. As the naive artist coming from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the only thing I saw as the goal was stardom. "I want to be a star." But what does that mean? And why? It's self-congratulatory, self-aggrandizing, and ultimately selfish. It doesn't have anything to do with the gifts you've been given becoming of service. When service is the goal, the rest of it falls in place. Then my question became: how can I be an artist of service in an industry that is inherently narcissistic? It hit me like a ton of bricks: oh, the very thing that everybody is telling you is a liability — your gayness, your black queerness — is actually a service, if you stay in that. If you don't forsake that, if you choose to honor your authenticity, instead of some promise of fame, then you'll be happier and more grounded. Then also, the art will change — and it did. Everything I am a part of at this point in my life is about a reflection of that service. CH: What's next for you? BP: I'm writing a book; I just got a book deal, so I am writing a memoir called Unprotected. I am doing a movie this fall, which I can't say on record what it is yet. I'm doing a workshop of a musical that I'm developing. I'm directing a movie. It's all exploding in a very interesting and different way than I ever have experienced, so I am just trying to breathe, and be present, and do all the things. All of them! CH: How do you stay centered?
The cast of The Purists
NILE HAWVER
BP: Sleep. Meditation. My husband. Making sure I have time for my real life. I'm working on it.
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
THE PURISTS
J. Bernard Calloway* (Mr. Bugz) appeared on Broadway in Memphis the Musical (original Broadway cast, Tony Award for Best Musical) and All the Way (Tony Award for Best Play). Off Broadway credits include Fabulation, Or the Re-Education of Undine (Signature Theatre); The Good Negro and Head of Passes (The Public Theater); and Hadestown (New York Theatre Workshop). Regional credits include The Bluest Eye (Guthrie Theater), Head of Passes (Mark Taper Forum), Jitney (Two River Theater), The Comedy of Errors (Shakespeare Theatre Company), and How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Guys and Dolls (The Old Globe). Television and film credits include “When They See Us” (Netflix), “City on a Hill” (Showtime), “Wu-Tang Clan: An American Saga” (Hulu), “Law & Order,” “Blue Bloods,” “Luke Cage,” “The Breaks,” “High Maintenance,” “Person of Interest,” “Elementary,” The Taking of Pelham 123, Man on a Ledge, Anesthesia, Big Words, and The Girl is in Trouble. Morocco Omari* (Lamont Born Cipher) has theatre credits that include A Streetcar Named Desire and A Time to Kill on Broadway. His regional appearances include productions at Lincoln Center Theater, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Goodman Theatre, Geffen Playhouse, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Pittsburgh Public Theater, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Lookingglass Theatre Company, Virginia Stage Company, Victory Gardens Theater, Congo Square Theatre, Chicago Theatre Company, and New Federal Theatre. His film and television work includes 21 Bridges, “Empire,” “P-Valley,” “Homeland,” “Chicago Fire,” “Blue Bloods,” “Person of Interest,” “The Good Wife,” “Prison Break,” and “24.” Directing credits include (Mis)Leading Man, Good Intentions, Mission Mom Possible, Make a Name, and the music videos “Big City” and “Kanyama.” Mr. Omari is also the executive producer of “The Male Groupie” which aired on HBO, two television pilots (“Uganda: The Reporter” and “Cultural Creations”), and the soon-to-be-released film, Girl in the Yellow Jumper. John Scurti* (Gerry Brinsler) has performed on stages from The Actors’ Playhouse to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to Carnegie Hall, yet The Purists marks his professional theatre debut. He is perhaps best known for his role as Lou on the long-running FX show “Rescue Me.” Mr. Scurti recently received a SAG Award for Best Ensemble in a Comedy for his work as Nicky on “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and can be seen in the upcoming films Bad Education with Hugh Jackman and Martin Scorcese’s crime story The Irishman. Izzie Steele* (Nancy Reinstein) was last seen on the New York stage at Atlantic Theater Company in Caryl Churchill’s critically acclaimed revival of Cloud 9 after making her Off Broadway debut in the Signature Theatre’s production of What I Did Last Summer. Other theatre credits include Maid Marion in The Heart of Robin Hood at the historical Royal Alexandra in Toronto, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Pegeen Mike in The Playboy of the Western World, and Lady Percy in Henry IV, Part I. Ms. Steele has been seen in a recurring role on BBC America’s “Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency” opposite Elijah Wood and she played opposite
* Members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
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ABOUT THE COMPANY Patrick J. Adams in the web series “Pillow Talk.” She has also been seen in HBO’s “Divorce,” CBS’s “NCIS: New Orleans,” MTV’s “One Bad Choice,” NBC’s “Law & Order: SVU,” and the soon-to-be-released film Mouse and the Lion. Analisa Velez* (Val Kano) has theatre credits that include Tell Hector I Miss Him (Atlantic Theater Company), Queen Latina in Queen Latina and her Power Posse (Cherry Lane Theatre), Entremeses (INTAR), The Inheritance (The Amoralists), Dolphins & Sharks (The Fire This Time Festival), Tenant Occupied (24 Hour Plays: Nationals), and Broken Motherhood Museum (NuAFrikan Theatre). Television and film credits include "Sneaky Pete" (Amazon), Sell By, Inez & Doug & Kira, “SFTU,” and “Green Brothers.” Ms. Velez is the proud founder and host of School4Legends. @analisavelez. @school4legends. Dan McCabe (Playwright) is a recent graduate of the Lila Acheson Wallace Playwriting Fellowship at The Juilliard School. His plays have been produced and developed at The New Group, LAByrinth Theater Company, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Huntington Theatre Company, The Flea Theater, The Juilliard School, Stella Adler Studio of Acting, Laguardia College, Twilight Theater Company, and more. Plays include The Purists, Christina Martinez, and The Magic Kingdom, amongst others. He wrote eight episodes of the hit serial Me, My Girl, and My Grandpa Shmulee for Serials at The Flea Theater and seven short plays for Rule of 7x7 at The Tank. Billy Porter (Director) previously directed Topdog/Underdog and The Colored Museum at the Huntington. Broadway credits include Kinky Boots (Tony Award, Grammy Award, and Drama Desk Award), Shuffle Along, Miss Saigon, Five Guys Named Moe, Grease, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, and Dreamgirls. Off Broadway and regional credits include Angels in America, The Merchant of Venice, Radiant Baby, Birdie Blue, Songs for a New World, Ghetto Superstar (one-man show), Topdog/ Underdog, King Lear, and The Further Adventures of Hedda Gabler. Film and television credits include The Broken Hearts Club, Shake Rattle & Roll, Noel, “Pose” (Emmy, Golden Globe, and Critics’ Choice award nominations), “American Horror Story: Apocalypse,” “The Get Down,” “Law & Order,” and “The Big C.” Recording credits include “Love Yourself,” The Soul of Richard Rodgers, and Billy’s Back On Broadway. Clint Ramos (Scenic Design) previously designed sets and/or costumes for Topdog/Underdog and The Colored Museum (both directed by Billy Porter), as well as after all the terrible things I do, A Raisin in the Sun, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and Ruined at the Huntington. Broadway design credits include Torch Song (Tony Award nomination), Burn This, Once on This Island (Tony, Outer Critics, Drama Desk award nominations), Six Degrees of Separation, Sunday in the Park with George, Eclipsed (Tony Award), In Transit, Violet, and The Elephant Man. Off Broadway credits include Slave Play (New York Theatre Workshop); Wild Goose Dreams and White Noise (The Public Theater); BLKS (MCC Theater); and By the Way, Meet Vera Stark (Signature Theatre). Mr. Ramos has over 200 regional and international design credits. Honors include a Tony Award, two Obie Awards including Sustained Excellence in Design, three Lucille Lortel Awards, two Henry Hewes Awards, a Helen Hayes Award, an IRNE Award, and two Ani Ng Dangal Philippine Presidential Medals of Honor. @clintramos.
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
THE PURISTS
Kara Harmon (Costume Design) designed The Niceties and A Guide for the Homesick at the Huntington. Broadway credits include Dot (Vineyard Theatre). Off Broadway and regional credits include Guys and Dolls (Guthrie Theater); The Wiz (Helen Hayes Costume Design Award, Ford’s Theatre); A Raisin in the Sun (Indiana Repertory Theatre); We, the Invisibles (Humana Festival, Actors Theatre of Louisville); Nina Simone: Four Women (Arena Stage); In the Heights (Geva Theatre Center); Native Gardens (Guthrie Theater/Arena Stage); The Color Purple (Portland Center Stage); Barbecue (NAACP Outstanding Costume Design Award, Geffen Playhouse); Much Ado About Nothing and The Comedy of Errors (Oregon Shakespeare Festival); and the world premieres Goodnight, Tyler and Angry…Gorgeous (Alliance Theatre). Her assistant costume design credits for television include “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (Amazon), “Daredevil” (Netflix), and “Boardwalk Empire” (HBO). karaharmondesign.com. Driscoll Otto (Lighting Design) previously designed Topdog/Underdog and The Colored Museum at the Huntington. Off Broadway credits include Less than 50%, Under My Skin, Solving the Riddle, and The Importance of Being Earnest. Other New York credits include La Donna del Lago (The Metropolitan Opera), Baden Baden 1927 (Gotham Chamber Opera), and work with Ars Nova, Mint Theater Company, The Ohio Theatre, Clubbed Thumb, La MaMa, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Gotham Chamber Opera. Mr. Otto’s work is seen frequently in regional opera and theatre. He has also designed productions of Legally Blonde and Rock of Ages for Norwegian Cruise Lines and Blast: The Music of Disney in Japan. Next up he is designing Noura at The Old Globe and an adaption of Carmen in Hong Kong. Mr. Otto received his MFA from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. driscollotto.com. Leon Rothenberg (Sound Design) designed Topdog/Underdog and Choice at the Huntington. Broadway credits include Hillary and Clinton, The Waverly Gallery, Mike Birbiglia’s The New One, The Boys in the Band, and The Nance (Tony Award). His recent New York and regional credits include Primary Stages, Two River Theater, Pasadena Playhouse, Geffen Playhouse, La Mirada Performing Arts Center, Second Stage Theater, Manhattan Theatre Club, American Conservatory Theater, City Theatre Company in Pittsburgh, Arena Stage, and The Old Globe. Internationally he has worked with Cirque du Soleil, National Theatre of Cyprus, and Dijon Festival. klaxson.net. Michael Sandlofer (Original Music) is a native New Yorker, musician, songwriter, and producer who got his first big break in 1998 when he joined Jay Z on his legendary Hard Knock Life tour. As a result, Mr. Sandlofer became an in-house writer/producer for Def Jam Records and Desert Storm/Roc-A-Fella. Within a few years, he had written and produced records for some of the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B, such as Jay Z, Nas, Nicki Minaj, French Montana, Mariah Carey, Chris Brown, and Mary J. Blige. Mr. Sandlofer went on to compose and produce music for some of Hollywood’s greatest blockbusters, such as Transformers, Night at the Museum, Alvin and the Chipmunks, and many more. In 2010, Mr. Sandlofer partnered with Mona Scott Young to create music for “Love & Hip Hop,” one of VH1’s most successful shows after its release in 2011. He has remained partnered with Monami Entertainment and Eastern TV and recently partnered with Viacom and Fox on developing music for their other networks and shows.
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
THE PURISTS
Alaine Alldaffer (Casting) is the casting director for Playwrights Horizons, where her credits include Grey Gardens (also for Broadway), Clybourne Park (also for Broadway), Circle Mirror Transformation (Drama Desk and Obie awards for Best Ensemble and an Artios Award for casting), and The Flick (Playwright Horizons and Barrow Street Theatre). Television credits include “The Knights of Prosperity” (aka “Let’s Rob Mick Jagger”) for ABC. Associate credits include “Ed” for NBC and “Monk” for USA. Ms. Alldaffer has also cast productions for Arena Stage, Williamstown Theatre Festival, and the Humana Festival of New American Plays at Actors Theatre of Louisville, and The Old Globe in San Diego. She credits Lisa Donadio as her associate casting director. Kevin Schlagle* (Production Stage Manager) has worked on over 25 productions with the Huntington, including Yerma; Sherlock’s Last Case; Merrily We Roll Along; Ripcord; Topdog/Underdog; Sunday in the Park with George; Milk Like Sugar; A Confederacy of Dunces; A Little Night Music; Come Back, Little Sheba; Smart People; Our Town; and Prelude to a Kiss. Other theatre credits include American Repertory Theater, New Repertory Theatre, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, and Williamstown Theatre Festival. His opera credits include Boston Lyric Opera, Boston Baroque, Boston Opera Collaborative, Guerilla Opera, New England Conservatory, Boston University’s Opera Institute, and Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras. Mr. Schlagle holds a BFA in stage management from Boston University and is a proud member of Actors’ Equity. Sam Layco* (Stage Manager) previously worked as a stage manager on The Niceties and as a production assistant on Tiger Style! and Topdog/Underdog at the Huntington. Regional credits include Nat Turner in Jerusalem, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, School for Scandal, A Winter’s Tale, Othello, Measure for Measure, and Henry IV, Part 2 (Actors’ Shakespeare Project); Men on Boats and Violet (SpeakEasy Stage Company); and Proof and Dangerous Liaisons (Central Square Theater). Other Boston credits include The Barber of Seville (Boston Lyric Opera) and Colossal (Company One Theatre). She studied theatre management at the University of Portland. Peter DuBois (Artistic Director) is in his 12th season as artistic director at the Huntington, where he has directed updated revivals of classic plays such as Romeo and Juliet and Tartuffe; world premiere plays such as Bernard Weinraub’s Fall, Lydia R. Diamond’s Smart People, and Stephen Karam’s Sons of the Prophet; and the beloved Stephen Sondheim musicals Sunday in the Park with George and A Little Night Music, among many others. He has directed acclaimed productions and world premieres in Boston, New York, and London’s West End of works by Gina Gionfriddo, Bob Glaudini, David Grimm, Zach Braff, Stephen Belber, Paul Weitz, and Laura Eason. Mr. DuBois has also worked with artists including Greg Kinnear (The Power of Duff), Sutton Foster (Modern Terrorism, Becky Shaw, Trust), Bobby Cannavale (Trust), Peter Dinklage (Richard III), Zach Braff (All New People), and Philip Seymour Hoffman (Jack Goes Boating), to name a few. He served for five years as associate producer and resident director at The Public Theater, preceded by five years as artistic director of the Perseverance Theatre in Juneau, Alaska. Mr. DuBois has directed multiple episodes of the
* Members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
HUNTINGTON THEATRE COMPANY 19
THE PURISTS
ABOUT THE COMPANY podcast “Modern Love,” including its debut with Lauren Molina. Prior to his work at Perseverance, Mr. DuBois lived and worked in the Czech Republic where he co-founded Asylum, a multi-national squat theatre in Prague. His productions have been on the annual top ten lists of The New York Times, Time Out, New York Magazine, The New Yorker, Newsday, Variety, Entertainment Weekly, The Evening Standard, The Boston Globe, and Improper Bostonian, and was among 12 featured for the 2013 Bostonian of the Year by The Boston Globe Magazine. Michael Maso (Managing Director) has led the Huntington’s administrative and financial operations since 1982. He has produced more than 200 productions in partnership with three artistic directors and is one of the most well-regarded managing directors in the theatre industry. Under his tenure, the Huntington has received over 160 Elliot Norton and IRNE awards, as well as the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre. Mr. Maso received the 2016 Massachusetts Nonprofit Network’s Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as TCG’s 2012 Theatre Practitioner Award, the Huntington’s 2012 Wimberly Award, StageSource’s 2010 Theatre Hero Award, the 2005 Commonwealth Award (the state’s highest arts honor), and the 2000 Norton Prize for Sustained Excellence. In 2004 the Boston Herald honored him as Theatre Man of the Year. Mr. Maso led the Huntington’s 10-year drive to build the Stanford Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts, which opened in September 2004, and is currently leading the redevelopment and renovation of the Huntington Avenue Theatre. He previously served on the Boston Cultural Planning Steering Committee, and as a member of the board for ArtsBoston, Theatre Communications Group (TCG), and StageSource. From 1997 to 2005 Mr. Maso served as the president of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT). In 2005, he was named as one of a dozen members of the inaugural class of the Barr Fellows Program. Prior to the Huntington, he served as the managing director of Alabama Shakespeare Festival, general manager of New York’s Roundabout Theatre Company, business manager for PAF Playhouse on Long Island, and as an independent arts management consultant based in Taos, New Mexico. Christopher Wigle (Producing Director) is in his 20th season at the Huntington, where he has produced over 80 productions. He has worked on Broadway, Off Broadway, and regionally for Lincoln Center Theater, Playwrights Horizons, the Bay Street Theater, and the Royal National Theatre. Working primarily as a stage manager, his credits include the original productions or New York premieres of Six Degrees of Separation (John Guare), subUrbia (Eric Bogosian), The Designated Mourner (Wallace Shawn), Some Americans Abroad (Richard Nelson), Desdemona (Paula Vogel), Racing Demon (David Hare), Sex and Longing (Christopher Durang), The Last Night of Ballyhoo (Alfred Urhy), and Sophistry (Jonathan Marc Sherman). Additional credits include the awardwinning Broadway revivals of The Heiress and The Most Happy Fella, as well as two seasons as workshop director for the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Big Beach produces and finances independent films, television, and theatre. Theatre credits include the recent Broadway revival of Burn This starring Adam Driver and Keri Russell, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Sylvia, Of Mice and Men, and Sleepwalk with Me. Film credits include the Academy Award-winning Little Miss Sunshine, The Farewell, Puzzle, Loving, The Kings of Summer, Safety Not Guaranteed, Our Idiot Brother, Jack Goes Boating, Away We Go, Sunshine
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
THE PURISTS
Cleaning, Is Anybody There?, Chop Shop, Everything Is Illuminated, White Fang, and the upcoming A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood starring Tom Hanks as Fred Rogers. Big Beach’s television division currently produces “Vida” on Starz and “Sorry for Your Loss” on Facebook Watch.
INSPIRE YOUNG PEOPLE IN YOUR COMMUNITY! Your support will ensure access to the arts for 30,000 students this season.
DAVID MARSHALL
MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY! HUNTINGTONTHEATRE.ORG/DONATE 617 273 1546
Student matinee
August Wilson Monologue Competition
Student matinee HUNTINGTON THEATRE COMPANY 21
OCTOBER 2-6, 2019 COOLIDGE CORNER THEATRE BRATTLE THEATRE SHOWPLACE ICON BOSTON
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ABOUT THE HUNTINGTON THEATRE COMPANY The Huntington Theatre Company is Boston’s leading professional theatre and one of the region’s premier cultural assets. Since its founding in 1982, the Huntington has received over 160 Elliot Norton and Independent Reviewers of New England awards, as well as the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre. In the past 36 years, the Huntington has played to an audience of 3.5 million, presented over 200 plays (18 of which went on to Broadway or Off Broadway), and served over 500,000 students, community members, and other cultural organizations. Under the direction of Norma Jean Calderwood Artistic Director Peter DuBois and Managing Director Michael Maso, the Huntington brings together world-class theatre artists from Boston, Broadway, and beyond with the most promising new talent to create eclectic seasons of exciting new works and classics made current. A longstanding anchor cultural institution of Huntington Avenue, the Avenue of the Arts, the Huntington now fully owns the Huntington Avenue Theatre and is planning a transformational renovation and expansion of the historic venue, adding firstrate, modern amenities including a new entrance and expansive lobby, as well as expanding services to audiences, artists, and the community. The Huntington built the Stanford Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts (BCA) in 2004 as a home for its new work activities and to provide a much-needed resource for the local theatre community. At the Calderwood Pavilion, the Huntington provides first-class facilities and audience services at significantly subsidized rates to dozens of organizations each year, including some of Boston’s most exciting small and mid-sized theatre companies. The Huntington serves 200,000 audience members each year at the Huntington Avenue Theatre and the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA. Through a diverse and impactful range of nationally renowned education and community programs, the Huntington engages 36,000 young people and patrons in underserved neighborhoods each year. These programs include the Poetry Out Loud National Recitation Contest, the August Wilson Monologue Competition, the Huntington Community Membership Initiative, playwriting programs called EPIC: Youth and EPIC: Elders, and the Student Matinee Series. The Huntington is a founding partner of Codman Academy Charter Public School and has collaborated with Codman for 18 years to create and teach its innovative, interdisciplinary humanities curriculum and run the Codman Summer Theatre Institute. A national leader in the development of new plays, the Huntington has produced more than 120 world, American, and New England premieres to date. Through the Huntington Playwriting Fellows program, the cornerstone of its new work activities, the Huntington supports local writers through two-year fellowships and is also proud to serve as a home for Playwright-in-Residence Melinda Lopez. The Huntington cultivates, celebrates, and champions theatre as an art form and is committed to mentoring local playwrights, educating young people in theatre, and serving as a catalyst for the growth of dozens of Boston’s emerging performing arts organizations.
HUNTINGTON THEATRE COMPANY 23
This show makes me want to burst into song!
Please don’t.
Gail, Ed and the team are proud to support the Huntington Theatre Company and this great community of ours. 617-245-4044 • gailroberts.com
HUNTINGTON THEATRE COMPANY TRUSTEES & ADVISORS BOARD OF TRUSTEES David R. Epstein Chairman Sharon Malt President Carol B. Langer Treasurer Sherryl Cohen Clerk Carole Alkins David Altshuler Neal Balkowitsch John Cini Gerard H. Cohen
John Cohen Carol G. Deane James J. Dillon Betsy Banks Epstein William Finard David Firestone John Frishkopf Ann T. Hall Arthur C. Hodges Frederick Jamieson Nada Despotovich Kane Shelly Karol David Leathers Rumena Manolova- Senchak William P. McQuillan Ann Merrifield
Sandra Moose Anne M. Morgan Cokie Perry Bryan Rafanelli Mitchell J. Roberts John D. Spooner Linda H. Thomas Linda Waintrup J. David Wimberly Mary Wolfson Warren R. Radtke Trustee Emeritus
BOARD OF ADVISORS Neal Balkowitsch Kate Taylor Co-chairs Nancy S. Adams Kitty Ames Steven M. Bauer Camilla Bennett Nancy Brickley Jim Burns Suzanne Chapman J. William Codinha Bette Cohen Ivy B. Cubell Deborah First Anne H. Fitzpatrick
Maria Farley Gerrity Paul Greenfield Thomas Hamilton III Janice Hunt Linda Kanner Loren Kovalcik Sherry Lang Joie Lemaitre Jon A. Levy Tracie Longman Nancy Lukitsh Charles Marz Noel McCoy Thalia Meehan Daniel A. Mullin David R. Peeler
Tania Phillips Gail Roberts Donna J. Robinson Robert H. Scott Valerie Shey Ben Taylor George Ticknor Juliet Schnell Turner Tracey A. West John Taylor Williams Bertie Woeltz Melissa Wylie Fancy Zilberfarb Linda Zug
HUNTINGTON THEATRE COMPANY 25
BUILDING BOSTON’S CREATIVE HUB The Huntington Theatre Company is extremely grateful for the extraordinary generosity of donors to our Comprehensive Campaign: Building Boston’s Creative Hub, a five-year initiative launched in July 2017, designed to fund the renovation and expansion of our Huntington Avenue Theatre complex, grow and diversify our programs and offerings, increase our institutional capacity, and enhance our reserve and endowment funds. To learn more about the Campaign, please contact Elisabeth Saxe, Chief Development Officer, at 617 273 1579 or esaxe@huntingtontheatre.org.
$10 million and above Anonymous $5 million – $9,999,999 Carol G. Deane Betsy and David Epstein $1 million – $4,999,999 The Bigbird Fund Dr. John and Bette Cohen Sherryl and Gerard Cohen Liberty Mutual Foundation Sharon and Brad Malt Ann Merrifield and Wayne Davis
Barbara and Amos Hostetter
Sandra Moose and Eric Birch‡ Jill and Mitchell Roberts Nancy and Edward Roberts Mr. J. David Wimberly Linda and Brooks Zug 4 anonymous gifts
$500,000 – $999,999 Constance and Lewis Counts Denise and William Finard Jane and Fred Jamieson Carol B. Langer
Nancy Lukitsh Marilyn and Jay Sarles John D. Spooner
$250,000 – $499,999 Nancy Adams and John Burgess Karen and David Firestone Arthur C. and Eloise W. Hodges Shelly and Steve Karol Massachusetts Cultural Council
Cokie and Lee Perry Dr. Paul S. Russell Linda and Daniel Waintrup Mary Wolfson
$100,000 – $249,999 The Amelia Peabody Charitable Fund M. Baldwin Family Fund Neal Balkowitsch and Donald Nelson Jim Dillon and Stone Wiske Debbie and Bob First John Frishkopf and Brett Mattingly Gardner C. Hendrie and Karen Johansen
Elizabeth and Woody Ives George and Ann Macomber‡ Ms. Anne M. Morgan Debbie and Darin Samaraweera Kate and Ben Taylor Linda H. Thomas
$50,000 – $99,999 Michael Barza and Judith Robinson Suzanne Chapman Maria and Daniel Gerrity Nada Despotovich Kane
Joie Lemaitre Noel McCoy and Jack Fabiano Daniel A. Mullin Rumena and Alexander Senchak
The Huntington Theatre Company expresses gratitude for the generosity of donors to the Comprehensive Campaign under $50,000.
as of August 9, 2019
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ANNUAL FUND | PATRONS CIRCLE The Huntington Theatre Company expresses its appreciation to all our Annual Fund donors for their generosity. Contributed revenue accounts for almost half our operating budget. Every gift to the Annual Fund is essential to fulfilling our mission. Patrons Circle donors provide vital philanthropy to support our world-class productions, emerging playwrights, and award-winning education and community programs. In recognition of their generosity, Patrons receive special access to our artistic process, artists, and leaders. To learn more, contact our Patrons Concierge at 617 273 1523 or visit huntingtontheatre.org/support.
Grand Benefactor Patrons ($100,000 and above) Sherryl and Gerard Cohen Betsy and David Epstein Carol G. Deane Mr. J. David Wimberly Gold Benefactor Patrons ($50,000 – $99,999) Barbara and Amos Hostetter Dr. John and Bette Cohen Bill and Linda McQuillan Constance and Lewis Counts Nancy and Edward Roberts Donald Fulton‡ 1 anonymous gift Gardner C. Hendrie and Karen Johansen Silver Benefactor Patrons ($25,000 – $49,999) Paula J. O’Keeffe Dr. and Mrs. Reinier Beeuwkes Jane and Neil Pappalardo Stephen Chapman Cokie and Lee Perry Ann and John Hall Valerie Shey Shelly and Steven Karol Mr. and Mrs. Patrick J. Sullivan Nancy Lukitsh Ann Merrifield and Wayne Davis Benefactor Patrons ($10,000 – $24,999) Amy and David Abrams Charles and Kathleen Ames M. Baldwin Family Fund Neal Balkowitsch and Donald Nelson Jane Brock-Wilson Jeffrey Dover and Tania Phillips, in honor of Erin Byrne & Sandra Yong Jennifer Eckert and Richard D’Amore Denise and William Finard Karen and David Firestone Debbie and Bob First, in memory of Susan Spooner Maria and Daniel Gerrity Karen and Gary Gregg Donna and Jay Hanflig Joseph W. and Faith K. Tiberio Charitable Foundation Nada Despotovich Kane Ms. Katherine C. Kellogg and Mr. David R. Peeler
Adrienne Kimball Loren B. Kovalcik / IntePros Consulting Tracie L. Longman and Chaitanya Kanojia Gregory Maguire Amy Merrill, in honor of Donna Glick Ms. Anne M. Morgan David Parker and Janet Tiampo Mr. and Mrs. Peter E. Rawson, in memory of Marjorie and Edward Rawson Robert M. Rosenberg, in honor of Mary Wolfson Dr. Paul S. Russell Marilyn and Jay Sarles Coralie and Steve Schwartz The Lawrence and Lillian Solomon Fund George and Kathryn Ticknor John Travis Linda and Brooks Zug 1 anonymous gift
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ANNUAL FUND | PATRONS CIRCLE (continued) Premier Patrons ($5,000 – $9,999) Michael Barza and Judith Robinson Steve and Sarah Bauer Patricia Bellinger George and Mimi Bennett Joseph L. Bower and Elizabeth Potter Jim Burns Katie and Paul Buttenwieser Brant Cheikes and Janine Papesh Nancy Ciaranello J. William Codinha and Carolyn Thayer Ross Laura and Neil Cronin Joanne D’Alcomo and Steve Elman Jack Fabiano and Noel McCoy Mr. and Mrs. William Fink Anne H. Fitzpatrick
Arthur C. and Eloise W. Hodges Terence Janericco Artemis Joukowsky III, in honor of Emma Blaxter David A. Kronman Sherry Lang Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot Cecile and Fraser Lemley Jon A. Levy John and Jean Lippincott Ann L. Macomber‡ Charles Marz Thalia Meehan and Rev. Dr. Gretchen S. Grimshaw Daniel A. Mullin Ned Murphy and Ann-Ellen Hornidge Neubauer Family Foundation, in memory of Eric Birch
Preferred Patrons ($2,500 – $4,999) Garth and Lindsay Greimann Alice and Walter Abrams Louis and Patti Grossman Jill and John Avery, Betsy and David Harris in memory of Eric Birch Mr. and Mrs. James L. Howard H. Bengele Hartmann Dr. Susan E. Bennett and Dr. Gerald Pier Rosalind and Herbert Hill Clark and Susana Bernard Bob Hiss and Mary Riffe Hiss Christina and Ky Bertoli♦ Prof. and Mrs. Morton Z. Carolyn Birmingham Hoffman Nancy and Richard Brickley Emily Hughey Peggy and Anton Chernoff Janice and Roger‡ Hunt Mr. and Mrs. John S. Clarkeson Linda and Steven Kanner Ivy and Howard Cubell Rita J. and Stanley H. Kaplan Dean K. Denniston, Jr. Family Foundation, Jonathan Dyer and in memory of Eric Birch Thomas Foran Paul and Elizabeth Kastner Edmund and Betsy Cabot Seth and Mary Kaufman Paul and Tracy Klein Charitable Foundation Ted and Ann Kurland Norman and Madeleine Gaut Joie Lemaitre Mark E. Glasser and Ann Lord-Brezniak Frank G. McWeeny Mary Beth and Chris Gordon The Mancuso Family Paul Greenfield and Mike and Mary McConnell Sandra Steele Sharon Miller
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Gail Roberts Donna J. Robinson Adrienne and Arnold Rubin, in honor of Sherry Cohen Debbie and Darin Samaraweera Barbara and Andrew Senchak Rumena and Alexander Senchak Robert Sherblom♦ Ben and Kate Taylor Jean C. Tempel Drs. Stephen and Beth Trehu Juliet Schnell Turner Norman Weeks Justin and Genevieve Wyner Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey L. Zilberfarb 3 anonymous gifts
Joseph Misdraji Sandra Moose and Eric Birch‡ Coleen Pantalone Jackie and Bob Pascucci Richard Powers and Stephen Schram Sally C. Reid and John D. Sigel Victoria and John Rizzi Mr. and Mrs. Owen W. Robbins Jane E. Shattuck Vivian and Lionel Spiro, in memory of Eric Birch Bruce and Emily Stangle Noni and Bob Stearns Kenneth R. Traub and Pamela K. Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Steve Tritman Mindee Wasserman, Esq. Ike Williams Dr. Elaine Woo Melissa and Jay Wylie Christopher R. Yens and Temple Gill 2 anonymous gifts
ANNUAL FUND | PATRONS CIRCLE (continued) Patrons ($1,000 – $2,499) Carol Baker George and Katharine Baker Richard R. Beaty Kathleen Beckman and Theodore Postol Martin S. Berman and Mary Ann Jasienowski Edward Boesel Lori Bornstein and Alan Rothman Penny Bragonier and Frank Mead Pam and Lee Bromberg Patricia and Paul Buddenhagen, in memory of Eric Birch A. William and Carol Caporizzo Ronald G. Casty Julian and Barbara Cherubini George and Mary Chin Phillip L. and Cassandra M. Clay Ken and Ginny Colburn Hilary Creighton Dennis Condon and Robert Cummings Tim and Linda Diering Joan Dolamore Ellen and Kevin Donoghue Virginia Drachman and Douglas Jones Susan Ellerin Becky and Bruce Epstein Jerome and Vivien Facher Barbara and Larry Farrer Newell Flather Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Garrison Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Gates Lori and Michael Gilman Mr. K. Frank Gravitt Drs. Laura Green and David Golan Irene and Stephen Grolnic Jeanne Hagerty Gail and Jan Hardenbergh Mr. and Mrs. Stephen T. Hibbard, in honor of David Wimberly
Barbara Hirshfield and Cary Coen, in honor of Sherry and Gerry Cohen Jean Holmblad and Robert Zaret Lyle Howland Leonard W. Johnson, in memory of Virginia Wimberly Holly and Bruce Johnstone Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Karon Jill and Stephen Karp Amelia and Joshua Katzen Liza Ketchum and John H. Straus, MD Gail King and Christopher Condon Dorothy and Richard Koerner Susie and David Kohen Randy and Valda Kreie Anne and Geoff Lafond, in honor of David Wimberly Barrie Landry Rhonda and Stewart Lassner Ned and Patsy Leibensperger Drs. Lynne and Sidney Levitsky Darline Lewis and Marshall Sugarman Mr. and Mrs. Francis V. Lloyd III Babette and Peter Loring Anthony Lucas Joseph Machera Mahmood Malihi Sharon and Brad Malt James D. Maupin Joan C. McArdle Louise and Sandy McGinnes Jack and Susan McNamara Mr. and Mrs. Tremont Miao Mr. and Mrs. William Mitchell, in memory of Ginnie Wimberly John Montgomery and Jose Sanchez Bill and Ginny Mullin
Jonette Nagai and Stephen O’Brien Fred and Julie Nagle Mark Nelke and Bill Snavely Peter C. Nordblom Eric and Elizabeth Nordgren Tom Norris Mr. and Mrs. J. Daniel Powell Susan Pioli and Martin Samuels Mrs. Murray Preisler Suzanne Priebatsch Warren R. Radtke and Judith Lockhart-Radtke Jessica and David Reed Lynn and John Reichenbach Sharon and Howard Rich Terry Rockefeller and William Harris Sari and Bernard Rosman Allison K. Ryder and David B. Jones Rohini Sakhuja Diane and Richard Schmalensee William Schutten Tom Shapiro and Emily Kline Mr. and Mrs. Ross Sherbrooke William and Elisabeth Shields Mark Smith and John O’Keefe Madeline Spencer Spoon Hill Groundhog Fund Nancy and Edward‡ Stavis Michael and Beth Stonebraker Hope and Adam Suttin Lisbeth Tarlow and Stephen Kay Mary Verhage Robert C. Volante Mrs. Raymond Walther Dr. Ronald Weinger Sallyann Wekstein Elizabeth and Caleb White Jerold‡ and Abbe Beth Young 3 anonymous gifts
HUNTINGTON THEATRE COMPANY 29
ANNUAL FUND | SUPPORTERS CIRCLE Sustaining Supporters ($500 – $999) Barbara and Steven Grossman John and Rose Ashby, Kate Haney in honor of Ann Hall Theodore and Sally Hansen Carolyn and John Baird James Harburger MD and John and Molly Beard Jerry M. Bernhard J. Bridget Reischer Leonard and Jane Bernstein Elizabeth Harrison Mrs. Barbara Buntrock-Schuerch Erin Higgins Eric Butler Mr. and Mrs. Thomas High Susan and Don Casey Adrienne and Peter Jaffe Mary Chin Peter Jenney Lynda and John Christian Gopal Kadagathur and John Clippinger Sarah Gallivan, in memory Alison Conant and Richard Frank of Eric Birch Nancy Myers Coolidge Rev. Dr. Katherine Kallis Jaden Crawford Janet Kaminstein Sidney and Egil Croff Jane Katims and Daniel Perlman Robert and Amanda Crone Paul Kelly Karolye and Fernando Cunha Michael and Dona Kemp Lloyd and Gene Dahmen Mary S. and Duncan Kennedy David and Katherine Davis Jill Kneerim Marguerite Davoren Yuriko Kuwabara and Walter Dzik Terry Decima Kristine Langdon, Diane F. Engel in memory of Eric Birch Martha A. Erickson Carol B. Langer Jonathan S Felt Nancy and Gresh Lattimore Pierre Fleurant Jenny and Jay Leopold Dr. and Mrs. Richard Floyd Kate Lewandowski and Cathy and Richard Freedberg Adam Guren♦ Hilary and Chris Gabrieli Caroline and James Lloyd Susan Gardner Priscilla Krey Loring Sharon and Irving Gates Anne Lucas Moira and Barry Gault, Barbara A. Manzolillo Bronwyn Martin, in honor of Nancy E. Carroll Jack and Maureen Ghublikian in memory of Travis Martin Dr. and Mrs. J. Max Goodson Marion Martin, Dyan Goodwin and Robert Serio in memory of Travis John Martin Harry and Deborah Graff, Amy Mazur Dan and Mary Miller in honor of the Lindsay Miller and Peter Ambler J. David Wimberly Family Adam and Denise Moehring Susan Greco Bob and Laurie Morrison Katherine Gross
Julie Nadal William Pananos Ellen and Jim Perrin James Poterba and Nancy Rose, in memory of Eric Birch Martin and Deborah Quitt Lisa and Tom Redburn Charles Reed and Ann Jacobs Michelle and Aaron Rhodes♦ Michael and Jane Roberts Richard and Jean Roberts Henrietta and Heaton Robertson Sue Robinson Christine and David Root Diane Rosenberg Kathleen and William Rousseau George A. Russell, Jr. Vinod and Gail Sahney David and Anne Salant Barbara Schmitt James Shields and Gayle Merling Kay Shubrooks David Shuckra and Clifford Wunderlich James Shuman Edward and Maybeth Sonn Judy and Herb Spivak, in honor of Sherry Cohen Jennifer Stone and Robert Waldinger Lise and Myles Striar Beth and Larry Sulak Janet Testa Rosamond B. Vaule John and Cheryl Walsh, in memory of Kevin J. Walsh Margaret J. White, in honor of Sherry Cohen Mary and Gary Wolf 4 anonymous gifts
Contributing Supporters ($250 – $499) Jonathan Aibel and Julie Rohwein Rosanna and Gustavo Alfaro Amy Bailey Robin Barnes and David Bor David Barry Bill and Annie Barton, in honor of Ann Hall Danielle Belanger and Robert Sparkes Grace Berestecki Robert Bienkowski Ellen and Donald Bloch Chris Borden and Kim Swain
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Eric and Sandra Brenman Jeremiah J. Bresnahan Thomas Burger and Andree Robert Daniel C. Burnes Maryellen Callahan Fritz Casselman and Susan Ashbrook Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Cheston, Jr. Priscilla Cogan and C.W. Duncan Steven and Arlene Cohen Deborah J. Cohen Phyllis Cohen Carolyn and Ted Colton
Janet L. Comey, in honor of Michael T. Comey Harold S. Crowley, Jr. James F. Crowley Paul Curtis Harriet Davis, in memory of Eric Birch Sara Delano and William Zink Marie desJardins Jane and Stephen Deutsch George Dhionis Susan and Digger Donahue, in loving memory of Eric Birch
ANNUAL FUND | SUPPORTERS CIRCLE (continued) Walter and June Downey Owen Doyle Jim and Michelle Duane Phyllis Fairchild Micheline Federman Roger Ferguson and Chris Gaucher Ann and Edward Gaposchkin Joseph Genovese Celia and Walter Gilbert Phyllis and Stanford Goldman Kathy and Ron Groves Daniel W. Halston and Liliane R. Wong Eunice M. Harps Margaret N. Henderson and Loretta Henderson Yolanda K. Henderson Chris Herring Judith Horrigan Lindsey Humes Charlene and John Ingham, in memory of Eric Birch Toini and Carl Jaffe Kerry Ann James Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Kalowski Rob and Mary Keane-Hazzard Joan G. Kinne Nancy Korman and Ken Elgart Dr. Marcel and Gail Korn Drs. Carol and Ben‡ Kripke Joan and Albert Kuhn Carol Lazarus Tim and Julie Leland Richard E. Levin Nancy Levy June K. Lewin, in memory of Ted Kazanoff
Dr. and Mrs. David Lhowe Jim and Allie Loehlin Shari Malyn and Jonathan Abbott Robert Mann Marietta Marchitelli W. Kathy Martin and David L. Johnson John and Sally Matson Lindsay McNair Helene and Alan Michel Forrest and Sara Milder Helaine Miller Dorian Mintzer and David Feingold Jessica Morrison The Munzer Family Ted and Mary Eugenia Myer, in honor of Louise and Arthur McGinnes Martha Narten Kimberly and David Nelson Carol and Davis Noble, in memory of Eric Birch Martin and Louise O’Donnell James Packer Dr. Susan L. Porter Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Proulx Peter and Suzanne Read Barbara Resnek Suzanne Ricco Katherine Rieske Christina Rifkin Patricia Robinson Barbara Roby Anne Romney Jean Rosenberg Mr. And Mrs. Michael Rotenberg Eric and Susan Schultz
Dale H. Shea Linda and David Sherman, in celebration of Eric Birch Candelaria Silva-Collins and Tessil Collins Rita and Harvey Simon Margaret and Michael Simon Nichole Smith and Richard Martin David R. and Ann M. St. Germain Ted Sturman Rebecca Sullivan Linda Sutter and Steven Centore Evelynne Swaggerty and Wilbur Edwards Jacob Taylor and Jean Park Clarence Travis Mario and Judy Umana Robert Unsworth Kenneth Virgile and Helene Mayer David and Susan Wahr Susan Warshauer, in memory of Eric Birch Joelle and Harvey Wartosky Richard and Sally Watts Susan Weiler Sharon and David White Richard and Frances Winneg Howard and Veronica Wiseman Clark Wright and Lisa Goldthwait Wright Marilyn Wright Mr. and Mrs. John Wyman Lorena and Robert Zeller Robert and Shirley Zimmerman 1 anonymous gift, in memory of Eric Birch 7 anonymous gifts
This list reflects gifts received during the 12 months prior to August 9, 2019. ♦ Member of the Hunt, the Huntington’s community of young donors. For more information or to join, visit huntingtontheatre.org/thehunt. ‡ Deceased Every effort has been made to assure accuracy of listings. Please bring errors or omissions to the attention of Elizabeth MacLachlan at 617 273 1523 or emaclachlan@huntingtontheatre.org.
HUNTINGTON THEATRE COMPANY 31
ANNUAL FUND | CORPORATE, FOUNDATION & GOVERNMENT FUNDERS The Huntington Theatre Company is grateful to receive support from a wide range of corporations, foundations, and government agencies that support the Huntington’s annual operations, as well as our award-winning productions and education and community programs. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Diana Jacobs-Komisar, Institutional Giving Manager, at 617 273 1514 or djkomisar@huntingtontheatre.org. Executive Season Producers ($100,000 and above) The Barr Foundation The Shubert Foundation, Inc.
Lucy R. Sprague Memorial Fund** MEDITECH Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Season Co-Producers ($50,000 – $99,999) Hershey Family Foundation Massachusetts Cultural Council**
Patrons ($10,000 – $14,999) Alfred E. Chase Charity Foundation Boston Summer Arts Institute** BPS Arts Expansion Fund at EdVestors** Peoples’ United Community Foundation** Schrafft Charitable Trust The Tiny Tiger Foundation**
Production Sponsors ($25,000 – $49,999) Bank of America** Cabot Family Charitable Trust Edgerton Foundation Liberty Mutual Foundation** National Endowment for the Arts Benefactors ($15,000 – $24,999) Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Foundation Kingsbury Road Charitable Foundation**
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Supporters ($5,000 – $9,999) The Atlantic Philanthropies Director/Employee Designated Gift Fund Locke Lord Morgan Lewis Morrison Foerster Proskauer LLP
Ramsey McCluskey Family Foundation** Rockland Trust Company Ropes & Gray LLP WilmerHale Members ($2,500 – $4,999) Jackson and Irene Golden 1989 Charitable Trust** Rodgers Family Foundation Roy A. Hunt Foundation** Thank you to our in-kind contributors Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete LLP High Output MAX Ultimate Food Noble Ford Productions Rafanelli Events Theatre Development Fund
** Education and community programs donor
THE HUNTINGTON LEGACY SOCIETY BUILDING A LEGACY OF GREAT THEATRE — The Huntington Legacy Society is comprised of philanthropists who want to ensure that great theatre lives on in Boston for generations to come. With our home now secure on the Avenue of the Arts, gifts through wills or estate plans are vital to a successful future for the Huntington. These gifts ensure that together we can continue to produce great theatre and have a lasting impact through our award-winning youth, education, and community initiatives. To learn about ways to give now and for the future, please visit huntingtontheatre.org/legacy. If you have already included the Huntington in your will or estate plans, or if you wish to discuss how you can participate, please contact Celina Valadao, Major Gifts Officer, at 617 273 1536 or cvaladao@huntingtontheatre.org.
Neal Balkowitsch and Donald Nelson Howard H. Bengele Suzanne Chapman Brant A. Cheikes Sherryl and Gerard Cohen Carol G. Deane Jim Dillon and Stone Wiske Susan Ellerin Arthur C. and Eloise W. Hodges Jane and Fred Jamieson Mary Ellen Kiddle Carol B. Langer Joie Lemaitre
Sharon and Brad Malt Bill and Linda McQuillan Mary C. O’Donnell Nancy and Edward Roberts Steve Stelovich Robert C. Volante Linda and Daniel Waintrup Margaret J. White J. David Wimberly Veronica and Howard Wiseman Mary Wolfson Genevieve and Justin Wyner 1 anonymous
THE HUNTINGTON LEGACY SOCIETY
SUPPORT GREAT THEATRE NOW AND IN THE FUTURE “We’re way into the Huntington! That’s why we made it a beneficiary of our individual retirement account (IRA). We are happy to help secure the future of the Huntington and its important work on stage and in our community.”
— JANE AND FRED JAMIESON, TRUSTEE
To learn about ways to give now and for the future through your Individual Retirement Account, please visit huntingtontheatre.org/IRA
HUNTINGTON THEATRE COMPANY 33
CALDERWOOD PAVILION AT THE BCA • GENERAL INFORMATION Contact Information for the Huntington Theatre Company The Huntington Theatre Company performs in three beautiful theatres in two dynamic Boston neighborhoods. The 890-seat Huntington Avenue Theatre is on the Avenue of the Arts (264 Huntington Avenue), diagonally across from Symphony Hall. The 370-seat Virginia Wimberly Theatre and 250-seat Roberts Studio Theatre are part of the Calderwood Pavilion in the historic South End, on the campus of the Boston Center for the Arts (527 Tremont Street).
Refreshments Snacks, wine, beer, soft drinks, and coffee are available before opening curtain and during intermission in the main lobby. Food is not permitted inside the theatre. Drinks purchased at concessions are permitted inside the theatre.
Babes in Arms Children under the age of five are not permitted in the theatre.
Cameras
Website: huntingtontheatre.org Ticketing Services: 617 266 0800 Ticketing Services email: tickets@huntingtontheatre.org Administrative office: 617 266 7900 Administrative office email: thehuntington@huntingtontheatre.org Lost and Found: 617 933 8608
The use of all cameras and recording devices, including cell phone cameras, in the theatre is strictly prohibited.
Ticketing Services Hours
The Calderwood Pavilion is fully accessible, and can accommodate both wheelchair and companion seating in the orchestra and mezzanine sections. Please notify us when you purchase your tickets if wheelchair accommodations will be required and confirm arrangements with the House Manager at 617 933 8672.
Ticketing Services is generally open Tuesday - Saturday, noon-curtain (or 6pm); Sunday, noon - curtain (or 4pm). Hours change weekly. For the most up-to-date hours, please visit huntingtontheatre.org or call Ticketing Services at 617 266 0800.
Huntington Group Discounts Discounts available for groups of 10 or more, plus groups have access to backstage tours, talks with artists, and space for receptions. Contact Brenton Thurston for more information at 617 273 1661 or groups@huntingtontheatre.org.
Public Transportation We encourage patrons to use public transportation to the Calderwood Pavilion whenever possible. The Pavilion is located near the MBTA Green Line Copley and Arlington Stations; Orange Line and Commuter Rail Back Bay Station; and the Tremont Street & Union Park stop on the #43 Bus which travels between Park Street and Ruggles Station. For more information, please visit huntingtontheatre.org or call Ticketing Services.
Parking near the Calderwood Pavilion Parking is available at the Atelier 505 Parking Garage located next to the Calderwood Pavilion at 505 Tremont Street (entrance on Warren Avenue), the Garage @ 100 Clarendon Street, and other nearby locations. For more information about parking, please visit huntingtontheatre.org or call Ticketing Services at 617 266 0800.
Please note that these parking options are independently owned and operated, and are not affiliated with the Huntington or the Calderwood Pavilion.
34 THE PURISTS
Pagers and Cellular Phones Please silence all watches, pagers, and cell phones during the performance.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Hearing Enhancement The Calderwood Pavilion is equipped with an FM hearing enhancement system. Wireless headphones are available free of charge at the coat check in the main lobby for your use during a performance.
Restrooms Located in the main lobby and mezzanine lobby. All restrooms are wheelchair-accessible.
Coat Check Located in the main lobby.
If You Arrive Late In consideration of our actors and other audience members, latecomers will be seated at the discretion of the management.
If Your Plans Change We hate to see empty seats when so many of our performances sell out. Please consider donating any tickets you can’t use. For more information please call Ticketing Services at 617 266 0800.
Large Print Programs Large print programs are free of charge and are available at the coat check.
Martin Hall Hall A
Wimberly Theatre
In addition to the lobby exits through which you entered, there are emergency exits highlighted on this map. WARREN AVENUE
= EXIT SIGN
Stage
Wimberly Theatre
TREMONT STREET
2nd floor
Roberts Studio Theatre
= EGRESS
TREMONT STREET
Deane Rehearsal Hall
WARREN AVENUE
CALDERWOOD PAVILION EMERGENCY EVACUATION MAP
1st floor
2019 Tony Award Nominee for Best Play!
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COME IN FOR A TOUR TODAY! This pass entitles an individual or family to experience the YMCA for one week before 12/31/2016. 6/30/2020 Valid for new free trial participants over the age of 18. Government issued identification is required to enter the YMCA.
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HUNTINGTON AVENUE YMCA 316 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02110 HUNTINGTON THEATRE COMPANY 35
HUNTINGTON THEATRE COMPANY STAFF Peter DuBois
Michael Maso
ADMINISTRATION General Manager................................................Sondra R. Katz Associate General Manager............................................... Melissa Rose General Management Assistant.................................. Katy Poludniak Company Managers........................Jazzmin Bonner, Meagan Garcia Executive Assistant to the Managing Director.......................................................Mackenzie Cala
Subscriptions Coordinator......................................... Carolyn Andrews Ticketing Associates.......................Michaela Buccini, Fanni Horvath Full Time Customer Service Rep.....................................................Josh Fried Customer Service Reps........................Athena Bonner, Yasmine Bonner, Caroline Clancy, Sue Dietlin, Kaylah Dixon, Shana Jackson, Marissa Kennedy, Patrick Mahoney, Zoe Nadal, Katelyn Reinert
Finance Director of Financial Management................. Glenda Fishman Accounting Manager.............................................................. June Zaidan Accounting Coordinator............................................................Jon Slater Accountants....................................Alexander, Aronson, Finning, CPA
ARTISTIC Producing Director.......................................Christopher Wigle Associate Producer................................................... Rebecca Bradshaw Director of New Work.................................................Charles Haugland Artist-in-Residence.............................................................Melinda Lopez Literary Associate.....................................................J. Sebastián Alberdi Assistant to the Artistic Director...................................... Caley Chase Producing Apprentice.....................................................Rosalind Bevan Literary Apprentice....................................................... Melory Mirashrafi Huntington Playwriting Fellows................................. MJ Halberstadt, Brenda Withers
Norma Jean Calderwood Artistic Director
Human Resources Director of Human Resources.......................... Nina E. Nicolosi Human Resources Coordinator.................................... Michael Comey Payroll and Reporting Specialist...................................April Swiniuch Administrative Support Assistant...............................Sarah Schnebly Information Technology IT Director................................................................Scott Poole Network Administrator....................................................... Dan Moloney Theatre Operations Director of Theatre Operations................Timothy H. OConnell Patron Experience Coordinator...........................................JB Douglas Operations Associate............................................................. Alicia Weber Security Coordinator...............................................................Greg Haugh Custodian.................................................................................Jose Andrade Calderwood Pavilion Calderwood Pavilion Manager................................. Katie Most Calderwood Pavilion House Manager........................Julie Cameron Calderwood Pavilion Stage Supervisor......................Rachael Hasse Calderwood Pavilion Management Associate...............................Matt Feldman-Campbell Calderwood Pavilion Apprentice....................................... Teresa Cruz Calderwood Pavilion Assistant House Managers..........................................Paul Fox, Gabe Hughes, Ksenia Lanin, Micaela Slotin Calderwood Pavilion Front of House Staff...............................................Chabreah Alston, Mia Coffin, Barbara Crowther, Allie DiBiase, Linnea Donnelly, Sean Dorgan, Kerry Lydon, Caleb Palmer, Tiniqua Patrick, Nick Perron, Mirabella Pisani, Nina Rodriguez, Sarah Schnebly, Mia Sylvain, Ciera-Sadé Wade Huntington Avenue Theatre Huntington Avenue Theatre Front of House Staff.........................Emily Baker, Erica Brown, Delali Davies, Terrence Dowdye, Kristina Dugas, Owen Elphick, Kendrick Evans, Robin Goldberg, Ariana Goldsworthy, Tiwat Laoboonchai, Lynn Liccardo, Shawn Lindaberry, Patrick Mahoney, Will Morrison, Samantha Myers, Yurika Watanabe, Emma Weisberg Ticketing Services Ticketing Services Manager......................................................Ellen Holt Assistant Ticketing Services Manager................. Brenton Thurston Calderwood Pavilion Ticketing Coordinator....................Noah Ingle Huntington Avenue Theatre Ticketing Coordinator.....................................................Robin Russell
36 THE PURISTS
Managing Director
DEVELOPMENT Chief Development Officer................................Elisabeth Saxe Director of Development................................Jessica Morrison Senior Major Gifts Officer..........................................Margaret J. White Major Gifts Officer..............................................................Celina Valadao Development Events Manager....................................... Emma Blaxter Campaign Grants Manager and Campaign Copywriter.........................Diana Jacobs-Komisar Campaign Manager...........................................................Robin Valovich Development Operations and Database Administrator................................................. Darnell Graham Manager of Development Research and Stewardship..........................Elizabeth MacLachlan Development and Events Coordinator.....................Mirabella Pisani EDUCATION Director of Education.............................................Meg O’Brien Education Associate.............................................................. Daniel Begin Education Associate..............................................................Marisa Jones Teaching Artist Fellow.......................................................Dylan C. Wack Education Apprentice.........................................................Logan Nelson Teaching Artists....................................Naheem Garcia, Keith Mascoll, Trinidad Ramkissoon, Alexandra Smith MARKETING Director of Marketing............................................Anne Rippey Associate Director of Marketing...................... Meredith Mastroianni Tessitura Analytics Manager........................................... Derrick Martin Digital Media Specialist.............................................................. Paul Lazo Graphic Designer..................................................................Lauren Calder Promotions & Community Coordinator.....................................................Cheyenne Cohn-Postell Digital Marketing Coordinator..............................................Leah Reber Marketing/Public Affairs Apprentice.................................Kobi Kassal PUBLIC AFFAIRS Director of Public Affairs and Strategic Partnerships...................................... Temple Gill Publicist...............................................................................Danielle Morales Community Membership Coordinator.....................................................Candelaria Silva-Collins Co-op Student, Northeastern University...............................................Maren Flessen Marketing/Public Affairs Apprentice.................................Kobi Kassal
HUNTINGTON THEATRE COMPANY STAFF (continued) PRODUCTION Interim Director of Production............................Bethany Ford Production Office Assistant..................................... Jeremiah Mullane Production Management Apprentices....................................................Lucas Dixon, Megan Barry Scenery Technical Director..............................................Adam Godbout Associate Technical Director.................................................Dan Oleksy Assistant Technical Director.................................................Mike Hamer Scene Shop Foreman................................................Andrew Cancellieri Master Carpenter....................................................................Larry Dersch Carpenters............................................................ Andrew Adamopoulos, Milosz Gassan, Nick Hernon, Christian Lambrecht, Jorge Pinto, Scenery Purchaser and Assistant..........................Carolyn Daitch Huntington Avenue Theatre Stage Supervisor.............................................................Michael Huxford Run Carpenter......................................................... John Graham Parker Scenery Apprentice.............................................................. Suki McCarty Properties Properties Master.............................................Kristine Holmes Assistant Properties Master.............................................Justin Seward Properties Artisan.....................................................................Ian Thorsell Properties Run................................................................Andrew DeShazo Properties Apprentice............................................... Stephen Doucette
Costumes Costume Director.......................Carolyn Hoffmann-Schneider Assistant Costume Director................................. Virginia V. Emerson Costume Design Assistant...................................... Kathryn Schondek Head Draper...........................................................................Anita Canzian Tailor/Draper............................................................................ Aryn Murphy First Hand............................................................................Rebecca Hylton Costume Crafts Artisan/Dyer.................................................Denise M. Wallace-Spriggs Wardrobe Supervisor..........................................................Christine Marr Associate Wardrobe Supervisor.............................Barbara Crowther Wigmaster...............................................................................Troy Siegfreid Electrics Lighting & Projections Supervisor................. Katherine Herzig Assistant Lighting Supervisor....................................... Bridget Collins Calderwood Pavilion House Electrician............................Taylor Ness Huntington Avenue Theatre House Electrician........................................................................ Sean Baird Sound Sound Supervisor................................................. Ben Emerson Calderwood Pavilion Sound Engineer................................................................. Jesse McKenzie Huntington Avenue Theatre Sound Engineer....................................................................Valentin Frank Sound Apprentice...................................................................... Matt Freije
Paints Charge Scenic Artist............................................Kristin Krause Assistant Charge Scenic Artist...........................Romina Diaz-Brarda Scenic Artists........................................Katie Keaton, Elektra Newman Scenic Art Apprentices............... Priscilla Franklin, Michelle Sparks
Additional Staff for The Purists Assistant Director.........................................................................Nic Cory Production Assistants.........................Jessica Kemp, Emily Bahm Associate Scenic Designer......................................Jeffrey Peterson Carpenters.........................................................................Daniel Fountain, Molly Rocca, Slava Tchoul Properties Run............................................................ Duncan Kennedy Costume Design Assistant................................................ Mary Lauve
First Hand................................................................................. Katie Kenna Stitchers......................................................Jaclyn Cohen, Louisa Earle Lighting Design Assistant...............................Christopher Gilmore Electricians................................. Kevin Barnett, Morgan Ehresman, Russell Feinstein, Gabe Goldman, Liam Hofmeister Assistant Sound Designer..............................................Audrey Dube
The Huntington Theatre Company is a member of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), an association of the nation’s leading resident professional theatres; Theatre Communications Group, a national service organization for the nonprofit professional theatre; StageSource, a regional alliance of theatre artists and producers; and ArtsBoston, the voice and resource for the arts in Greater Boston. This theatre operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States. The director is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union. The scenic, costume, lighting, and sound designers in LORT theatres are represented by United Scenic Artists Local USA-829, IATSE.
QUIXOTE NUEVO
HUNTINGTON THEATRE COMPANY
NOV. 15 – DEC. 8
HUNTINGTON AVENUE THEATRE BY OCTAVIO SOLIS | DIRECTED BY KJ SANCHEZ HUNTINGTON THEATRE COMPANY 37
GUIDE to LOCAL THEATRE BLUE MAN GROUP, Charles Playhouse, 74 Warrenton St., 800-BLUE-MAN. Ongoing. This giddily subversive offBroadway hit serves up outrageous and inventive theatre where three muted, blue-painted performers spoof both contemporary art and modern technology. Wry commentary and bemusing antics are matched only by the ingenious ways in which music and sound are created. DAVID BYRNE’S AMERICAN UTOPIA, Emerson Colonial Theatre, 106 Boylston St., 888-616-0272. Sep 11–28. Innovative pop/rock icon David Byrne (Talking Heads, Here Lies Love) shares the spotlight with a diverse ensemble of 11 musical artists from around the globe. Together with production consultant Alex Timbers and choreographer Annie-B Parson (his collaborators on Here Lies Love), Byrne and ensemble deliver “a marvel of staging and motion” (Chicago Tribune) that’s as surprisingly poignant as it is supremely funky. THE LION KING, Citizens Bank Opera House, 539 Washington St., 866-523-7469. Oct 3–27. This lively stage adaptation of the Academy Award-winning 1994 Disney film is the story of young lion prince Simba, who, following an unthinkable tragedy, flees his home in the African Pride Lands, eventually joined by two hilarious and unlikely friends. But when weight of responsibility and a desperate plea from the now-ravaged Pride Lands come to find the adult prince, Simba must take on a formidable enemy and fulfill his destiny to be king. PASSENGERS, The 7 Fingers, Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre, 219 Tremont St., 617-824-8400. Sep 25–Oct 1. Speeding through, up and over the shifting landscapes of our lives, Montreal-based The 7 Fingers’ latest production reminds us that we always have somewhere we’ve got to go, but often don’t know where we’re headed or who we’ll meet along the way. RENT, Boch Center, The Shubert Theatre, 265 Tremont St., 866-348-9738. Oct 29–Nov 10. Jonathan Larson’s groundbreaking, Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning masterpiece re-imagines Puccini’s La Bohème, returning to Boston in a vibrant 20th anniversary touring production. SHEAR MADNESS, Charles Playhouse Stage II, 74 Warrenton St., 617-426-5225. Ongoing. It’s a day like any other at the Shear Madness salon, when suddenly the lady upstairs gets knocked off. Whodunit? Join the fun as the audience matches wits with the suspects to catch the killer in this wildly popular comedy. 38 THE PURISTS
Deen van Meer
DOWNTOWN/THEATRE DISTRICT
ROARING TO LIFE: Experience The Lion King live and in person when the blockbuster musical version of the classic Disney film takes the stage at the Citizens Bank Opera House October 3–27.
THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, Boch Center, The Wang Theatre, 270 Tremont St., 800-982-2787. Oct 15–27. A legendary roster of Grammy Award winners, a visionary director and a Tony Award-winning design team team up for the musical The New York Times declares, “Brilliant!” Broadway’s best creative minds re-imagine and bring to life the beloved Nickelodeon series with humor, heart and pure theatricality in “a party for the eyes and ears” (Daily Beast). TRIPTYCH (EYES OF ONE ON ANOTHER), Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre, 219 Tremont St., 617-824-8400. Oct 30–Nov 3. This unique collaboration of artists and art forms celebrates the work of the late photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and its uncanny ability to upend beliefs on race, gender and politics in both edifying and reckless ways. UBU ROAR, Juvenilia and The National Theatre of Allston, The Modern Theatre at Suffolk University, 525 Washington St., 866-811-4111. Sep 19–28. Translated and adapted by Brenda Withers, this new work is based on Alfred Jarry’s classic King Ubu, an absurd, farcical mash-up of several Shakespeare plays that deal with the dangers of tyranny.
LOCAL/REGIONAL THEATRE ADMISSIONS, SpeakEasy Stage Company, Roberts Studio Theatre, Stanford Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont St., 617-933-8600. Oct 25–Nov 30. Sherri Rosen-Mason and her headmaster husband Bill have worked hard for many years to diversify the student body at the small New England prep school where they work. But when their son’s Ivy League dreams are on the line, personal ambition and progressive values collide. BLACK LIGHT, American Repertory Theater, Oberon, 2 Arrow St., Cambridge, 617-547-8300. Sep 19–29. This immersive
GUIDE TO LOCAL THEATRE (continued) performance piece, in which Daniel Alexander Jones performs as the iconic Jomama Jones in a spiritual revival for turbulent times, removes the barrier between artist and audience through inquiry, story and song. THE BODYGUARD, North Shore Music Theatre, 62 Dunham Rd., Beverly, 978-232-7200. Oct 29–Nov 10. In this new musical based on the smash hit 1992 film, former Secret Service agentturned-bodyguard Frank Farmer is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge; what they don’t expect is to fall in love in a breathtakingly romantic thriller featuring a host of irresistible Whitney Houston classics. THE BOOK CLUB PLAY, Boston Playwrights’ Theatre and Kitchen Theatre Company, 949 Commonwealth Ave., 866-8114111. Sep 26–Oct 13. Ana is a Type A personality who lives in a letter-perfect world with an adoring husband, the perfect job and her greatest passion: Book Club. But when her cherished group becomes the focus of a documentary film, its intimate discussions about life and literature take a turn for the hilarious in front of the inescapable camera lens. Add a provocative new member along with some surprising new book titles, and these six friends are bound for pandemonium. CHOIR BOY, SpeakEasy Stage Company, Roberts Studio Theatre, Stanford Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont St., 617-933-8600. Sep 13–Oct 12. For 50 years, the elite Charles R. Drew Prep School has been dedicated to the education of strong, ethical black men, its legendary gospel choir an emblem of all it holds true. But for Pharus Young, the opportunity to take his rightful place as the leader of these talented vocalists comes at a price. Can he still earn his place in these hallowed halls and sing in his own key? THE CRUCIBLE, The Nora Theatre Company and Bedlam, Central Square Theater, 450 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617576-9278. Sep 12–Oct 12. In 1692 Salem, Massachusetts, mass hysteria has consumed the town after Reverend Samuel Parris’ daughter and other girls have been discovered dancing naked in the woods with whispers of witchcraft running wild. Bedlam Artistic Director Eric Tucker helms Arthur Miller’s American classic that asks the question, “In a culture in which power resides in the hands of men—who do you believe?” DREAMGIRLS, Riverside Theatre Works, 45 Fairmount Ave., Hyde Park, 800-838-3006. Oct 25–Nov 10. A sweeping and inspirational journey through 20th century American popular music, this musical chronicles one Motown group’s rise from obscurity to super-stardom. Through gospel, R&B, smooth pop, disco and more, the show explores themes of ambition, hope and betrayal, all set in the glamorous and competitive world of the entertainment industry. HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES, The Cannon Theatre, 410 Great Rd., Littleton, 978-448-2108. Oct 25–Nov 16. Alan Ayckbourn’s farce tells the story of three couples who become embroiled in a chain of misunderstandings, conflicts and revelations due to two of the characters’ attempt to cover up their infidelity. LAST NIGHT AT BOWL-MOR LANES, Greater Boston Stage Company, 395 Main St., Stoneham, 781-279-2200. Sep 5–29. Ruth and Maude are on a mission. After 49 years of “friendly competition,” the score is tied. It all comes down to one final
StageSpotlight Building Audiences for Greater Boston’s Outstanding Not-For-Profit Performing Arts Organizations LYRIC STAGE
The award-winning, hilarious, over-the-top…and tasty musical!
August 30–October 6, 2019 Lyric Stage • Copley Square 617-585-5678 • lyricstage.com
MOONBOX PRODUCTIONS
A pop-up event in Harvard Square moonbox.org
The modern, Boston-centric holiday classic celebrates its 19th season. Performances showcase winter scenes set in present-day Boston, blending the rhythms of Duke Ellington with the classical music of Tchaikovsky. Anchored by classical ballet, the show includes tap, hip hop, flamenco and jazz dance, for the first time accompanied by a small live orchestra.
December 19–28, 2019 Boch Center Shubert Theatre Tickets at bochcenter.org SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
GUIDE TO LOCAL THEATRE (continued) string before the Bowl-Mor closes its doors forever in this world premiere by GBSC Producing Artistic Director Weylin Symes. LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, Lyric Stage Company, 140 Clarendon St., 617-585-5678. Through Oct 6. In this awardwinning sci-fi pulp musical, nebbishy Seymour haplessly pines after his coworker Audrey. Suddenly, opportunity falls into his lap in the form of a mysterious, carnivorous, conniving—not to mention singing—plant that promises to fulfill Seymour’s every wish. MARIE AND ROSETTA, Greater Boston Stage Company and Front Porch Arts Collective, 395 Main St., Stoneham, 781-2792200. Oct 17–Nov 10. Celebrated for her ferocious guitar playing and swinging gospel music, Sister Rosetta Tharpe broke boundaries and influenced rock ’n’ roll’s earliest icons. Set in 1940s Mississippi, George Brant’s play shows the legendary icon rehearsing with her young protege, Marie Knight, as the two prepare to embark on a tour that will ultimately cement them as one of the greatest musical duos in history. NIXON’S NIXON, New Repertory Theatre, MainStage Theater, The Dorothy and Charles Mosesian Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown, 617-923-8487. Sep 14–Oct 6. The night before Richard Nixon announced his resignation from the Presidency, he summoned Secretary of State Henry Kissinger to meet with him in the White House. Russell Lees’ interpretation of what happened behind those closed doors questions whether the American Presidency is truly an office for leadership, or simply an opportunity to hold power. ORSON’S SHADOW, Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater, The Julie Harris Stage, 2357 State Highway Route 6, Wellfleet, 508-3499428. Sep 12–29. At a West End theatre in 1960, legendary critic Kenneth Tynan has made a startling proposal: Orson Welles should direct Laurence Olivier and the young Joan Plowright in Rhinoceros, Ionesco’s absurdist masterpiece. It is the rehearsal process, however, that brims with absurdity as titanic personalities wrestle the muse in this witty and incisive depiction of drama, both on and off-stage. RACE, Hovey Players, 9 Spring St., Waltham, 781-893-9171. Sep 13–Oct 7. Two lawyers find themselves defending a wealthy white executive charged with raping a black woman. When a new legal assistant gets involved in the case, opinions that had boiled beneath the surface explode to the forefront in David Mamet’s pull-no-punches drama. RHINOCEROS, Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater, The Julie Harris Stage, 2357 State Highway Route 6, Wellfleet, 508-349-9428. Sep 5–28. Eugene Ionesco’s absurdist masterpiece, written in 1959 in alarmed reaction to the mid-20th century proliferation of totalitarianism, takes aim at the underlying roots and the seductively corrosive lure of herd mentality. ROALD DAHL’S WILLY WONKA, Wheelock Family Theatre, 180 The Riverway, 617-353-3001. Oct 25–Nov 17. The timeless musical story of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir recounts the delicious adventures of Charlie Bucket on his visit to Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate, featuring the enchanting songs from the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder. THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Moonbox Productions, venue TBA, Harvard Square, Cambridge, moonbox.org. Oct 17–Nov 3. This 40 THE PURISTS
beloved send-up of B-grade science fiction and horror films tells the tale of Dr. Frank-N-Furter and a madcap cast of characters who gather to witness the unveiling of the doctor’s new creation. ROSENCRANTZ & GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD, Huntington Theatre Company, Huntington Avenue Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave., 617-266-0800. Sep 20–Oct 20. Tom Stoppard’s Tony Award-winning Best Play—a classic, modern-day tragicomedy that imagines the lives of two minor characters from Shakespeare’s Hamlet—arrives in a marvelously funny, spectacularly beautiful new production. SH*T-FACED SHAKESPEARE, Magnificent Bastard Productions, The Rockwell, 255 Elm St., Somerville, 617-684-5335. Sep 19–Nov 30. A fusion of an entirely serious Shakespeare play with an entirely sh*t-faced cast member, this sidesplitting, raucous and interactive show presents Macbeth with a genuinely drunken professional actor selected at random every night. No two shows are ever the same and audiences can even dictate when the actor gets to drink more to prevent unwanted sobriety. SIX, American Repertory Theater, Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Cambridge, 617-547-8300. Through Sep 27. Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. All this time, the six wives of Henry VIII have been reduced to a single rhyme—so they picked up a pen and a microphone. From Tudor queens to pop princesses, the wives take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing 500 years of historical heartbreak into a 75-minute celebration of 21st century girl power. STICK FLY, Hibernian Hall, 184 Dudley St., Roxbury, 617-5413900. Oct 17–27. Old secrets that have been suppressed for too long are revealed when a wealthy African American man hosts a family reunion at his summer house on Martha’s Vineyard in Lydia R. Diamond’s biting drama. THE STONE, Arlekin Players Theatre, Studio 368, 368 Hillside Ave., Needham, 617-942-9822. Sep 13–29. The story of three generations of women grappling with the reverberations of 60 years of German history, spanning from 1935 to 1993, comes to life in this English-language version of last spring’s Russian production of Marius von Mayenburg’s new work. SUNSET BOULEVARD, North Shore Music Theatre, 62 Dunham Rd., Beverly, 978-232-7200. Sep 24–Oct 6. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning masterwork tells the tale of faded, silent-screen goddess Norma Desmond, who draws impoverished screenwriter Joe Gillis into her fantasy world. Entrapped in a claustrophobic existence, his love for another woman leads him to try and break free with dramatic consequences. THE THANKSGIVING PLAY, Lyric Stage Company, 140 Clarendon St., 617-585-5678. Oct 18–Nov 10. Thanksgiving, that most American of holidays: when families gather to celebrate the warmth of home, the bounty of the harvest—and a legacy of genocide and violent colonial expansion. Good intentions collide with absurd assumptions in this wickedly funny satire, as a troupe of terminally “woke” teaching artists scrambles to create a pageant that somehow manages to celebrate both Turkey Day and Native American Heritage Month. TOMES OF TERROR: BEYOND GRIMM, The Post-Meridian Radio Players, Boston Brunch Church, 204 Elm St., Somerville, 800-838-3006. Oct 25–Nov 2. Four original adaptations of
GUIDE TO LOCAL THEATRE (continued) creepy tales from around the globe—“The Boy Who Drew Cats” by Greg Lam, “A Hare-Raising Tale” by Naomi Hinchen, “The Myling” by Adrian Cory and Liz Salazar’s “La Siguanaba”—are presented. TRAYF, New Repertory Theatre, MainStage Theater, The Dorothy and Charles Mosesian Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown, 617-923-8487. Oct 12–Nov 3. Best friends Zalmy and Shmuel spend their days driving their “Mitzvah Tank” through 1990s Manhattan, performing good deeds. The two young men soon find themselves at odds, as a newcomer wishing to learn more about their Chasidic ways creates discord between them, forcing a reexamination of their faith and relationship.
DANCE ME, Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal, Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre, 219 Tremont St., 617-824-8400. Oct 25 & 26. This exclusive creation inspired by the rich and profound work of Montréal-based poet, artist and songwriter Leonard Cohen is a riveting homage to the famed musician that evokes the grand cycles of existence as described in Cohen’s deeply reflective music and poems. GISELLE, Boston Ballet, Citizens Bank Opera House, 539 Washington St., 617-695-6955. Sep 19–29. Hailed as the greatest romantic ballet of all time, this masterpiece illustrates the strength of love, the devastation of betrayal and the power of forgiveness. The tale of a peasant girl who goes mad and dies of heartbreak after being deceived by her lover is both emotional and haunting.
OPERA CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA, Emerson Colonial Theatre, 106 Boylston St., 888-616-0272. Oct 18. Pietro Mascagni’s 1890 masterpiece, set in the small Sicilian town of Vizzini, tells the story of a young soldier, Turiddu, who reveals his love for local girl Lola before leaving for his military service. Upon his return, however, he discovers a hurtful truth that will launch him into a series of events to which the entire town becomes witness. A DEAD BODY, Guerilla Opera, Club Cafe, 209 Columbus Ave., 866-615-2723. Oct 31. This concert premiere of a ghostly new opera weaves together eerie stories by Anton Chekhov that explore the commonalities of experiences with the unknown. I AM A DREAMER WHO NO LONGER DREAMS, White Snake Projects, Robert J. Orchard Stage, Emerson Paramount Center, 559 Washington St., 617-824-8400. Sep 20–22. The lives of two immigrant women—Rosa, a Mexican Dreamer, and her court-appointed attorney, Singa, a legal immigrant from Indonesia—appear vastly different, but they soon realize they share more similarities than they realized. As Rosa’s trial progresses, the two women must make a heart-wrenching decision that will change both their lives forever. PAGLIACCI, Boston Lyric Opera, DCR Steriti Memorial Rink, 561 Commercial St., 617-542-6772. Sep 27–Oct 6. When a traveling troupe arrives to perform in a bustling town, the secrets and jealousies among them threaten to explode onstage—with deadly consequences. This carnival-style installation mirrors the “play-within-a-play” of the opera and invites audiences to step into the drama.
PASSENGERS
DANCE
U.S. PREMIERE SEP 25– OCT 13 THE 7 FINGERS RETURN TICKETS START AT $25 ARTSEMERSON.ORG
“A THRILLING CIRCUS.” —THE BOSTON GLOBE HUNTINGTON THEATRE COMPANY 41
BOSTON DINING GUIDE L–Lunch • D–Dinner • B–Breakfast C–Cocktails • VP–Valet Parking SB–Sunday Brunch • LS–Late Supper
49 SOCIAL, 49 Temple Pl., 617-338-9600. This eclectic bar and restaurant at Downtown Crossing serves refined modern American cuisine. The seasonal dinner menu draws inspiration from around the globe while also incorporating ingredients from local New England farms. D, C. 49socialboston.com. BACK DECK, 2 West St. (corner of Washington), 617-6700320. With three deck spaces and a menu of grill-focused favorites, Back Deck invites everyone to gather around patio tables and chairs for a charcoal-cooked meal and backyardinspired cocktails. Its ambiance brings the outdoors inside with floor-to-ceiling open windows, carriage lighting, lush green planters, glazed brick and an open kitchen. Drawing inspiration from a roof deck, this restaurant is the ultimate urban retreat. L, D, Sat & SB, C. BackDeckBoston.com. BLU, 4 Avery St., 617-375-8550. Located in the heart of the Theatre District next door to the Ritz Carlton on the fourth floor, blu Restaurant and Bar is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a feast for the senses. Its contemporary American menu includes the all-time favorite lobster club. Featuring spectacular floor-to-ceiling windows, blu is perfect for a pre-show dinner, corporate events, weddings, cocktail receptions and private dining. L Mon–Fri 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., D Mon–Sat 5–10 p.m. blurestaurant.com. CITYPLACE, On Stuart Street between Tremont and S. Charles streets in the State Transportation Building. Enjoy handcrafted beers at Rock Bottom Brewery, delicious treats from Panera Bread and gourmet Chinese at P.F. Chang’s as well as specialty pizzas, custom burritos and coffee from Starbucks and Dunkin’. B, L, D, C. cityplaceboston.com. CLINK, The Liberty Hotel, 215 Charles St., 617-224-4004. Clink serves the freshest North Atlantic seafood, seasonal New England fare and delicious artisanal meats, highlights of a menu that artfully marries European culinary tradition with contemporary American innovation. The dining room features vestiges of original jail cells and an open kitchen, while gold leather seats, butcher block tables and granite accents add to the contemporary style. Nightly, Clink’s lobby bar draws urban dwellers and hotel guests to an energetic and social nightlife scene in the heart of Boston. B 6:30–11 a.m., L 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m., D 5–11 p.m., SB 10 a.m.–3 p.m. clinkrestaurant.com. 42 THE PURISTS
DAVIO’S NORTHERN ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE, 75 Arlington St., 617-357-4810. This Boston institution is located in Park Square, within walking distance to all theatres. The Northern Italian steakhouse menu includes a selection of homemade pastas and Brandt meats (aged New York sirloin, Niman Ranch pork chop, Provini porterhouse veal chop), as well as Davio’s classics and selection of fresh seafood, before or after the theatre. Enjoy a lighter fare menu in the spacious bar and parlor area. D Sun– Tue 5–10 p.m., Wed–Sat ’til 11 p.m.; LS Sun–Tue ’til 11 p.m., Wed–Sat ’til midnight; L Mon–Fri, SB 11 a.m.–3 p.m. VP. davios.com. EXPLORATEUR, 186 Tremont St., 617-766-3179. French in spirit and Californian in its dedication to ingredient-driven cuisine and passionate approach to dining, this all-day cafe, restaurant and bar boasts a menu of French classics with a unique spin that keeps its farmers, foragers and artisans front and center. B Fri–Sun 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; D Sun–Wed 5–9 p.m, Thu–Sat ’til 10 p.m.; C Mon–Thu 3–11 p.m., Fri & Sat 10 a.m.–midnight, Sun ’til 11 p.m. Cafe open daily 7:30 a.m.–10 p.m. explorateur.com. FAJITAS & ’RITAS, 25 West St., 617-426-1222. Established in 1989, Fajitas & ’Ritas is an easygoing restaurant and bar that features fresh, healthy Texan and barbecue cuisine at bargain prices. An all-around fun place to eat, drink and hang out, the walls are decorated with colorful murals and the bar boasts some of Boston’s best—and sturdiest—margaritas. L, D Mon & Tue 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Wed, Thu & Sat ’til 10 p.m.; Fri ’til 11 p.m.; Sun ’til 8 p.m. C. fajitasandritas.com. GRILL 23 & BAR, 161 Berkeley St., 617-542-2255. One of Boston’s best steakhouses for more than 30 years, this independent, family-owned restaurant offers Brandt family beef, New England seafood, seasonal produce, decadent desserts, a world-class wine list, outstanding service and warm hospitality. D, LS, C, VP. grill23.com. JASPER WHITE’S SUMMER SHACK, 50 Dalton St., 617-8679955; 149 Alewife Brook Parkway, Cambridge, 617-520-9500. Enjoy top-notch seafood such as pan-roasted lobster, awardwinning fried chicken and an impressive raw bar in a casual setting. L, D. summershackrestaurant.com. THE KINSALE IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT, 2 Center Plaza (Cambridge Street), 617-742-5577. Hand-crafted in Ireland and shipped to Boston, this classic pub features a cozy interior with beautiful Celtic motifs and traditional Irish fare with 20+ beers on tap, 100-seat seasonal patio, live music and trivia on Wed. Sat & SB. L, D, C. classicirish.com. LEGAL SEA FOODS, 558 Washington St., 617-692-8888; 26 Park Plaza, Park Square Motor Mart, 617-426-4444; 255 State St., Long Wharf, 617-227-3115; Copley Place, 100 Huntington Ave., 617-266-7775; 270 Northern Ave., Liberty Wharf, 617-477-2900; other locations. Legal Sea Foods, a Boston tradition for more than 50 years, features more than 40 varieties of fresh fish and shellfish as well as an award-winning wine list. Named “Boston’s Most Popular Restaurant” (Zagat 2010/2011). L & D. legalseafoods.com. MASSIMINO’S CUCINA ITALIANA, 207 Endicott St., 617-5235959. Owner/chef Massimino—former head chef of Naples’ Hotel Astoria and Switzerland’s Metropolitan Hotel—offers
BOSTON DINING GUIDE (continued) Art New England
specialties like the veal chop stuffed with arugula, prosciutto, smoked mozzarella and black olives, amongst numerous other delights. L, D, C. Sun–Thu 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Fri & Sat ’til 11 p.m. massiminosboston.com.
ROWES WHARF SEA GRILLE, Boston Harbor Hotel, 70 Rowes Wharf, 617-856-7744. From harbor-facing outdoor terrace dining and summer nights filled with live music, to the chic yet casual dining room bursting with imaginative food and cocktails year-round, Rowes Wharf Sea Grille is one of the most exciting spots to dine on the waterfront for those looking to grab a bite to eat while strolling along Boston’s lively HarborWalk. B Mon–Fri 6:30–11 a.m., Buffet Sat & Sun 7–11 a.m., L 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Afternoon Tea 2:30–4 p.m., D 4:30–10 p.m. roweswharfseagrille.com.
IDA O’KEEFFE
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THIS COVER WAS CENSORED, SEE PAGE 7.
July/August 2019 • Vol.
PARKER’S RESTAURANT, Omni Parker House, 60 School St. at Tremont Street, 617-725-1600. Executive chef Gerry Tice celebrates nostalgic cuisine with a contemporary flair at Parker’s Restaurant, the birthplace of Boston Cream Pie, the Parker House Roll and Boston Scrod. B Mon–Fri 6:30–11 a.m., Sat–Sun 7–11:30 a.m., offering an elaborate buffet in addition to a la carte selections. L Mon–Fri 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.; D Mon– Thu 5:30–10 p.m., Fri & Sat 5–10 p.m.
FRAGILE EARTH AT FLOGRIS
CONTEMPORARY ART
MASTRO’S OCEAN CLUB, 25 Fan Pier Blvd., 617-530-1925. Mastro’s Ocean Club Seafood locations are recognized for their combination of world-class service, highly acclaimed cuisine and live entertainment in an elegant, energetic atmosphere. Reservations recommended. D Mon–Sat 5–11 p.m., Sun ’til 10 p.m. Lounge open daily at 4 p.m. mastrosrestaurants.com. MERITAGE RESTAURANT + WINE BAR, Boston Harbor Hotel, 70 Rowes Wharf, 617-439-3995. Led by Chef Daniel Bruce, founder of the Boston Wine Festival, the innovative Meritage menu marries wine and food for a dynamic, sensory-evoking experience. Daniel’s deeply rooted ties with vintners from around the world are integrated in a unique vineyard-to-table concept. D Tue–Sat 5:30–10 p.m. meritagetherestaurant.com.
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RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE, 45 School St., 617-742-8401. At Ruth’s Chris Steak House, each steak is hand-selected from the top 2% of the country’s beef, broiled to perfection at 1,800 degrees and served in the restaurant’s signature style—on a sizzling, 500-degree plate so every bite stays hot and delicious. Located at Old City Hall, Ruth’s Chris also features fresh seafood, an award-winning wine list and a gracious environment with warm hospitality. L, D, C. ruthschris.com. TOP OF THE HUB, 800 Boylston St., Prudential Center, 617-536-1775. Located 52 stories above the city, Top of the Hub is Boston’s special occasion favorite. With upscale American cuisine, live entertainment nightly, a spectacular view and romantic atmosphere, Top of the Hub promises a unique experience for both visitors and native Bostonians alike. L, D, C, SB. topofthehub.net. YE OLDE UNION OYSTER HOUSE, 41 Union St., 617-2272750. America’s oldest restaurant, now celebrating 191 years, serves Yankee-style seafood, beef and chicken, and is famed for the oyster bar where Daniel Webster dined daily. Specialties include clam chowder and fresh lobster. L & D Sun–Thu 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m., Fri & Sat ’til 10 p.m. C ’til midnight. unionoysterhouse.com.
the official site of THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO BOSTON
HUNTINGTON THEATRE COMPANY 43
DINING OUT
Top of the Hub D
ining in a room perched at one of updated classics like the Irish old fashioned. the highest points in the city can be Given the encyclopedic wine list, it would be thrilling, yet at Top of the Hub the a grievous oversight not to point out that Top of the Hub has won Wine Spectator’s spectacular view is merely an appetizer coveted Award of Excellence multiple for an evening of fine food, drink and entertainment. And while the vista TOP OF THE HUB times, offering wines by the bottle, may not change, the restaurant contin- 800 Boylston St. half-bottle and in large format—not ues to evolve, not only offering season- Prudential Center to mention the dozens of vintages 617-536-1775 ally and regionally inspired dishes, but Refer to Dining Guide, available by the glass. page 43 For those looking to make an also an exciting new lounge menu that entire evening out of their Top of the makes the expansive bar area an even Hub experience, the aforementioned more welcoming destination for a The lounge menu lounge victuals make for a perfect special night on the town. The kitchen at Top of the Hub offers a perfect prelude to the eatery’s nightly live music performances. Sandwiches, continues to turn out a wide array prelude to the soups, salads, flatbreads, oysters and of fresh seafood—from appetizers like the sweet chili calamari and nightly live music. shareable platters (charcuterie board or beef carpaccio, anyone?) are highexquisitely creamy lobster bisque to lights for smaller appetites, while hearty entrées like the “Down East Maine” diver scallops served with edamame more substantial dishes including the shellfish corn succotash, tomatoes, lemon buerre blanc platter, shrimp orecchiette, New England fish & and yuzu citrus greens—as well as Instagram- chips and New England lobster roll are featured worthy indulgences like the perfectly cooked, as well. nearly fork-tender filet mignon. Speaking of Whether you need a pre-theater stopover, indulgences, the bar also mixes it up with cre- a place to celebrate a special occasion or a ative, refreshing cocktails such as the blueberry memorable spot to spend time with that special mojito crafted with wild Maine blueberries and someone, Top of the Hub has you covered.
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A STORY OF AMERICA, ONE SONG AT A TIME.
Tune In or Stream Starting Sun, Sept 15
DINING OUT
Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse S
ometimes an evening out can get derailed by and tomato sauce and hand-rolled potato gnocchi; the simplest of debates—for example, Ital- modern Italian cuisine like lobster risotto or ian food or steak? Luckily, Bostonians have grilled center cut veal rib chop with creamy potathe perfect answer to this particular dilemma— toes, asparagus and vintage port sauce; and hearty Back Bay favorite Davio’s Northern meat dishes like grilled Niman Ranch Italian Steakhouse, which combines pork chop or the seared Atlantic salmon. DAVIO’S the bold flavors of a superior Italian At lunchtime, Davio’s also boasts a 75 Arlington St. eatery with the class, sophistication selection of gourmet panini and pizzas 617-357-4810 and unmistakable flair of a classic Refer to Dining Guide, topped with everything from shrimp page 42 upscale steakhouse. to prosciutto. Diners at Davio’s can begin their By night, Davio’s delivers everymeal with a selection from a superb thing you expect from a top-notch Davio’s delivers wine list that has earned the eatery steakhouse. Whether you opt for the everything you the Award of Excellence from Wine center cut filet mignon or natural aged Spectator magazine every year since expect from a top- New York sirloin, these mighty, meaty 2014, or dive right into a wide array cuts of beef come cooked to perfecof antipasti. From the bold taste of notch steakhouse. tion. Enjoy them with a la carte sides Davio’s Kobe beef meatballs to the resranging from steakhouse faves like taurant’s trademark Philly cheese steak creamy mashed potatoes, grilled asparaspring rolls, from salads like the arugula with shaved gus and crispy onion rings to Mediterraneanparmigiano and lemon olive oil to the baby iceberg influenced treats like broccoli rabe or the special with bacon, tomatoes, onions, croutons and Louis spinach alla Romana. dressing, guests will find something distinctive and Located just blocks from both the fabulous delicious to kick off their dining experience. shopping on Newbury and Boylston streets and From there, Davio’s diverse entrees take the first-rate entertainment of the Theatre Discenter stage: diners can sample tempting pasta trict, Davio’s is a prime spot for either a night on dishes like tagliatelle with braised veal, beef, pork the town or simply lunch with friends.
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46 THE PURISTS
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