January 24, 2025
Here’s a look at what’s coming up for some of Boston’s favorite stage talents.
Kathy Griffin is a two-time Emmy and Grammy Award winning comedian, television star, best-selling author, and advocate known for her biting satire and fearless comedy. The legendary performer holds the Guinness Record for writing and starring in an unprecedented 20 televised stand-up specials. Kathy returns to Boston for a one-night appearance at Symphony Hall on Jan. 31. She will later appear at the Garde Arts Center in New London, CT, on March 12.
Despite several years of professional and personal challenges including experiencing cancel culture, throat surgery, a divorce, the loss of her Mom, a battle with prescription pill addiction, and a lung cancer diagnosis, Kathy is back and playing to sold out audiences across the country, including a record-breaking appearance at Carnegie Hall.
Kathy previously spoke to Boston Irish about spreading her father’s ashes in Ireland when she was starring in her hit Bravo series, “Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List,” which aired for 6 years and won 2 Emmys.
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“Forbidden Broadway,” Gerard Alessandrini’s sharp and witty musical spoof of Broadway’s biggest shows and brightest stars will make a three-performance stop at the Emerson Colonial Theatre on Feb. 8 and 9. Updated regularly through the years, the all-new edition, titled “Merrily We Stole A Song,” has been hailed by critics as “glorious . . . as refreshing as it is hysterical!”
Alessandrini – originally from Needham and a Boston Conservatory graduate – is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Drama League, and three Drama Desk Awards for Best Lyrics for “Forbidden Broadway” and a 2006 Honorary Tony Award for Excellence in the Theatre.
Under the musical direction of Boston native Fred Barton, the revue features fellow Boston-area natives, Chris Collins-Pisano and Danny Hayward, as well as Jenny Lee Stern and Nicole Vanessa Ortiz.
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Comedian Dave Kane brings his one-man show, “Jokes My Irish Father Old Me” to the Irish Cultural Centre on Feb. 21. Kane’s bright and funny night of stories celebrates the warmth and resilience of the Irish sense of humor!
Born in Pawtucket, Dave is known for his passionate stances on social issues, urging people to stand up for what they believe in and to take action in the face of injustice. Local fans will remember Dave from his previous appearances at the ICC as Father Patrick Aloysius in his inspired comedy, “Misgivings,” a divine presentation about growing up Catholic.
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SpeakEasy Stage Company continues its season with the award-winning Terrence McNally-Stephen Flaherty-Lynn Ahrens musical “A Man of No Importance.” Set in Dublin in the ‘60s, this charming musical is all about the redemptive power of theatre, love, and friendship.
Bus conductor Alfie Byrne has two joys in life: the poetry of Oscar Wilde and staging amateur productions with his local theatre troupe, the St. Imelda Players. However, when church officials attempt to shut down his plans for a production of Wilde’s “Salome,” Alfie must confront the forces of bigotry.
The cast includes Kerry A. Dowling, Will McGarrahan, Billy Meleady, Eddie Shields, and Kathy St. George. Directed by Producing Artistic Director Paul Daigneault, performances run Feb. 21 – March 22 at the Calderwood Pavilion.
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Courtney O’Connor, producing artistic director at Lyric Stage, directs Yasmina Reza’s Tony Award-winning play, “ART,” from Feb. 21 to March 16.
In this sophisticated comedy of manners, an outrageously expensive piece of modern art challenges the complexities and fragilities of male friendships. The owner of this new piece of art is less than happy when his two best friends are not as enthralled with the purchase as he is. Egos flare, tension mounts, and their 15-year friendship is sent spinning.
As Courtney comments, “How many relationships in our own lives are simmering, just passively waiting for the ‘art’ that will incite our own boiling?”
The cast includes Remo Airaldi, Michael Kaye, and John Kuntz.
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. “The Magic of Ireland: A St. Patrick's Day Concert” returns to Reagle Music Theater on March 8 and 9. This year’s review showcases internationally acclaimed Irish tenor (and longtime Reagle favorite … “Carousel” and “Show Boat”) Ciarán Sheehan along with Tony Award nominee Maureen Brennan, Broadway veteran and Boston native Erica Spyres, and Rick Sherburne.
Ciarán Sheehan's remarkable career includes more than 2,000 performances in leading roles on Broadway, most notably as both Raoul and the title role in “The Phantom of the Opera,” and as Marius in “Les Misérables.” In addition to solo appearances at Carnegie Hall, Sheehan has also performed at Dublin's National Concert Hall and is currently touring internationally with “The Four Phantoms in Concert.”
Reagle’s evening of traditional Irish music, comedy, and poetry also features a talented musical ensemble, including fiddler Heather Swanson, bodhrán player Ryan Douglas, and step dance choreography by Liam Harney of the Harney Academy of Irish Dancing.
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Due to popular demand, the dates to visit “TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition” have been extended through Memorial Day, May 26, at The Saunders Castle at Park Plaza in Boston.
Viewed by more than 35 million people worldwide, the exhibition displays more than 250 authentic artifacts from the wreck site of Titanic. The carefully curated collection allows guests to experience the real stories of Titanic’s passengers and crew. Visitors can also explore meticulously re-created rooms, including the opulent Grand Staircase.
Of special note, Titanic was built by the renowned Belfast shipbuilders Harland and Wolff. With hundreds of ships to their credit, this was one of the their most prestigious efforts. It represented the epitome of opulence and was touted as both glorious and unsinkable.
Boston Irish visited the exhibition this past fall. Take a look at bostonirish.com/arts/2024/titanic-exhibition-now-open-boston-exclusive-look-historic-artifacts.