‘Beyond Words’ at Central Square Theater Opens Our Ears and Hearts

March 25, 2024March 25, 2024 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Stephanie Clayman, Jon Vellante in ‘Beyond Words’ at Central Square Theater.
Photos by Maggie Hall

‘Beyond Words’ – Written by Laura Maria Censabella; Directed by Cassie Chapados; Scenic Design by Qingan Zhang; Costume Design by Sandra Zhihan Jia; Lighting Design by Amanda Fallon; Sound Design by Anna Drummond. Presented by Catalyst Collaborative@MIT Productions at Central Square Theater, 450 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA, through April 14, 2024

By Helen Ganley

In the eye of a tornado of falling feathers, a scientist lies in a heap. Surrounded by a fluorescent-lit lab cheekily bedecked with “Birds at Work” signage and decals of African Grey parrots, the tornado emanates from Dr. Irene Pepperberg as she sweeps us back to the beginning of her story. Central Square Theater’s production of Beyond Words invokes a central question of humanity: How intelligent is the rest of the animal kingdom?

Central Square’s “Machine Learning” Weaves Humanity and AI

February 7, 2024February 7, 2024 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Xavier Rosario, Jorge Alberto Rubio in Central Square’s “Machine Learning”
Photos by Nile Scott Studios

“Machine Learning”, by Francisco Mendoza. Directed by Gabriel Vega Weissman. Presented by Central Square Theater in partnership with Teatro Chelsea, 450 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, through February 25.

by Michele Markarian

Arnold is a nursing application created by a young brainiac, Jorge (Armando Rivera), to keep an eye on his alcoholic and cancer-ridden father, Gabriel (the excellent Jorge Alberto Rubio). Named for Arnold Schwarzenegger, whom Jorge had seen as a young boy in “The Terminator,” Arnold’s job is to care for, with the cure being the end goal, Gabriel. But Gabriel is a bit of a problem, as he likes alcohol and doesn’t seem to fear death. For Jorge, whose relationship with Gabriel is fraught with tension, keeping Gabriel alive is key to resolving the issues that rumble between them. Through a series of flashbacks between Gabriel and young Jorge (Xavier Rosario), we learn about Gabriel’s macho expectations for his son, his cruelty, his irresponsibility, and his fondness for alcohol, with the occasional moments of protectiveness thrown in.

A Gritty, Rollicking, ‘Rocky Horror’ at Central Square

November 12, 2023November 12, 2023 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Nico Ochoa, Emma Na-yun Downs, Michael J. Mahoney, and Matti Steriti in “The Rocky Horror Show” at Central Square Theatre Photo by: Nile Scott Studios

By Michele Markarian

“The Rocky Horror Show” by Richard O’Brien. Directed by Lee Mikesha Gardner and Jo Michael Rezes. Music Director, Sandy Sahar Gooen; Choreographer, Ilyse Robbins. Presented by Central Square Theater, 450 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, through November 26.

Most people are introduced to “The Rocky Horror Show” by its film version, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” which dominated the Exeter Street Theater with frequent midnight showings back when I was in college. The film celebrated sexuality, gay, straight, whatever, which was probably why it was such a big hit with college students. Tim Curry was charming, abusive, and on the prowl. I loved him.

Part II of “Angels in America” Makes Eagerly Awaited Return to Central Square

September 25, 2023September 25, 2023 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Eddie Shields and Helen Hy-Yuen Swanson in “Angels in America: Perestroika” at the Central Square Theater. Photo: Nile Scott Studios.

“Angels in America: Perestroika” by Tony Kushner. Directed by Eric Tucker. Presented by Central Square Theater and Bedlam at 450 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, through October 8.

by Michele Markarian

“Perestroika,” now playing at the Central Square Theater, picks up where “Angels in America; Part One” leaves off. It’s 1985, and the world’s oldest Bolshevik (Debra Wise) is addressing a crowd in Moscow. “Show me the words that will reorder the future, or else keep silent,” he intones, as the future of the Soviet Union and Communism are on the wane. This sets the tone for the rest of the four-hour play, which wrestles with prophesies, change, and a reordering of a wrecked present that the Angel (Helen Hy-Yuen Swanson) insists should remain static, as it is the motion and mingling of human beings that have turned God away from the Angels.

The Beautiful, Hideous Creation of “Frankenstein”

October 12, 2018 michaelhobanLeave a comment

by Michele Markarian

“Frankenstein” by Nick Dear. Based on the novel by Mary Shelley. Directed by David R. Gammons. Presented The Nora Theatre Company and Underground Railway Theater, Central Square Theater, 450 Mass. Ave in Cambridge, through November 4.

Set or art installation? That’s what comes to mind when walking into the main stage of Central Square Theater, where “Frankenstein” is now playing. The set, designed by Cristina Todesco, is beautiful in its structure and design – red and silver, with two floors, and clear panels that open and close, like drawbridges. We see a man pace on the second floor, and on the first, a living, breathing, five bodied organism writhes. Play or movement piece?, you may think as the creature breaks free, gasping and panting, going from a five bodied monster to a six bodied one, before reducing itself to three. It is a play, based on the book of the same name, but certainly one of the more visually stunning theatrical events I’ve seen in a while.

Nora Theatre’s ‘Midvale High School Fiftieth Reunion’ Is A Charmer

June 10, 2017June 12, 2017 michaelhobanLeave a comment

by Mike Hoban

The Midvale High School Fiftieth Reunion – Written by Alan Brody, Directed by Lee Mikeska Gardner; Scenic Design by Steven Royal; Costume Design by Chelsea Kerl; Lighting Design by John Malinowski; Sound Design by Nathan Leigh; Choreography by Marlena Yanetti and Felton Sparks. Presented by The Nora Theatre Company at Central Square Theater, 450 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge through July 2.

Is it possible to fall in love for the first time long after AARP has begun mailing you membership offers? That’s the question that Midvale High School Fiftieth Reunion, the superb comic drama now having its world premiere at the Central Square Theater, seems to be asking. This thoughtful and very funny play takes one of life’s ridiculously emotionally trying rituals and uses it as a springboard for an unlikely but utterly charming love story. It also sends up all the awkward moments one encounters at the oft-dreaded high school reunion (crushes revealed, not remembering friend’s names, feigned interest in other’s lives) while cleverly inserting backstory for the characters via a series of revealing flashbacks.