What’s Happening Onstage This Summer

 

“Yellow Face”
Through June 23, Lyric Stage

Pulitzer Prize finalist David Henry Hwang muddles truth and fiction in this satiric semi-autobiographical memoir about a playwright plunged into a swirl of hypocrisy following his protest of the star casting of Jonathan Pryce as the Eurasian hustler in Broadway’s “Miss Saigon.” When he later misidentifies a Caucasian actor as mixed-race and casts him as the Asian lead in his own comedy, the controversy comes back to bite him.  This comical sideways glance at race and assimilation questions who has the ownership of a culture? lyricstage.com

“Guys & Dolls”
Through June 30,

Greater Boston Stage

Set in Damon Runyon’s mythical Manhattan, “G&D” brings to life the bustling world of Broadway’s ne’er-do-well gamblers, glamorous showgirls, and determined missionaries. Nathan Detroit is desperate to set up the biggest craps game in town as the authorities breathe down his neck. Meanwhile, his girlfriend laments they’ve been engaged for 14 years. Enough already! Throw the dice and go for broke! greaterbostonstage.com

“Gatsby: An American Myth”

Through Aug. 3, American Rep

The Jazz Age glamor of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s legendary novel, “The Great Gatsby,” comes to life in this world-premiere musical with a score by international rock star Florence Welch and Oscar and Grammy Award nominee Thomas Bartlett. Millionaire Jay Gatsby woos his former love, Daisy Buchanan, as the ‘20s roar and the gin flows freely through glittering parties in the mega-mansions of Long Island. Can The American Dream be realized? Of course, Old Sport! americanrepertorytheater.org

“Rodgers and Hammerstein’s

South Pacific”

June 14 - 23, Reagle Music Theatre

Based on James A. Michener’s Pulitzer Prize-winning short stories set on a tropical island during World War II, “South Pacific” centers on two Americans – U.S. Navy nurse Nellie Forbush (Jennifer Ellis) and French plantation owner Emile De Becque (Christopher Chew) – as they fall in love and learn what it means to confront their own prejudices. The score is one of R&H’s most glorious, featuring “Some Enchanted Evening,” “Bali Ha’i” and “Younger Than Springtime.” (Upcoming Reagle shows include “All Shook Up,” July 12 - 21, and “An American in Paris,” Aug. 9 - 18). reaglemusictheatre.org

“MJ The Musical”

June 18 - July 7, Citizens Opera House

The music. The icon. And the unparalleled artistry of one of the most popular entertainers of all time. “MJ” delves beyond the singular moves and signature sound to deliver a rare look into the creative mind and spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. Who’s Bad? BroadwayinBoston.com

 

John McDaniel’s Broadway Series

June 23 – Aug. 30, Post Office Cafe

& Tin Pan Alley

If you’re on the Cape this summer, head over to Provincetown to take in one of several intimate concerts from some of Broadway’s best talents. McDaniel is a Grammy and Emmy Award-winning music director, composer and producer (and former musical director of Rosie O’Donnell’s daytime talk show). The series features: Tony winner Betty Buckley, June 23; Max Clayton (“The Music Man”), July 6; Tony winner Alice Ripley, July 19 - 20; Emmy winner Darren Criss, July 21; and Tony nominee Liz Callaway, Aug. 30 - 31, among others. PostOfficeCafe.net, tinpanalleyptown.com

Boston Pops July 4 Spectacular
July 4, Hatch Shell

Celebrating a Boston holiday tradition along The Charles, Conductor Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops are joined this year by Tony winner Kelli O’Hara, one of Broadway’s most beloved leading ladies. Other guests:  Darlene Love, The Mavericks, and the Singing Sergeants from the US Air Force Band. Fireworks await! And it’s free! bso.org

“Wipe Out”

July 5 - 28

Gloucester Stage Company

Three 70+ year-old friends decide to learn to surf. Taking place on surfboards in the middle of the Pacific, the ladies are guided by their friendship and a hotrod teenage surf instructor. Catch the wave to this septuagenarian comedy! gloucesterstage.com

“Disney’s Frozen
July 9 - 28, North Shore Music Theatre

Royal sisters Elsa and Anna are torn apart by Elsa’s icy powers. When Elsa sets their homeland into eternal winter, Anna sets off to save her sister and find the meaning of true love. “Let It Go” and enjoy the entire “Frozen” gang, including Olaf, Prince Hans, Kristoff, Sven and more. (Look for “Tootsie” later this summer, Aug. 13 - 25). nsmt.org

 

The Winter’s Tale”

July 16 - August 4, Boston Common

King Leontes, his wife and his son appear to be the perfect family. Until he suspects his lady of adultery. Boston’s Free Shakespeare on the Common celebrates summer under the stars with this mesmerizing tale of love, loss, betrayal and forgiveness. commshakes.org

“The Queen of Versailles,”

Emerson Colonial

July 16 - August 25

This highly-anticipated pre-Broadway tryout, based on the documentary of the same name, reunites Oscar-winning “Wicked” composer Stephen Schwartz with Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth. From computer engineer to Mrs. Florida to billionairess, Jackie Siegel saw herself as the embodiment of The American Dream. Her most grandiose venture? Building the largest private home in America, modestly inspired by the Palace of Versailles. But when the dream begins to crumble, so does her lavish lifestyle. This world premiere explores the true cost of fame, fortune, and family. emersoncolonialtheatre.com

Cirque du Soleil’s OVO

July 19 - 28, Agganis Arena

OVO is a headlong rush into a colorful ecosystem, where insects work, eat, flutter, and look for love in a non-stop evening of noisy energy and movement. The awestruck insects are intensely curious when a mysterious egg appears, representing the enigma and cycles of their lives. This is classic Cirque! cirquedusoleil.com

 

“Les Miserables”
Aug. 13 - 25, Citizens Opera House

Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, “Les Miz” tells a sweeping story of broken dreams, unrequited love, sacrifice, and redemption. This is a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. The epic tale’s soaring score, experienced by more than 130 million people in 53 countries, includes: “I Dreamed a Dream,” “One Day More,” “Bring Him Home,” and more. Do you hear the people sing? BroadwayInBoston.com

 

All programming subject to change.