Wakka Wakka’s “Dead As A Dodo” Resurrects Hope And Wonder

March 8, 2026April 8, 2026 Charlotte SnowLeave a comment

ArtsEmerson’s‘Dead As a Dodo’. Photo credits: David Zadig

‘Dead As A Dodo’ − Written, directed, and set design by Gwendolyn Warnock and Kirjan Waage. Original Music and Sound Design by Thor Gunnar Thorvaldsson. Puppet Design and Construction by Kirjan Waage. Touring Lighting Design by Scott Monnin. Presented by ArtsEmerson, from March 5th to March 8th at Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre, 219 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02116.

By Charlotte Snow

Puppetry has been a staple of theatricality for centuries, but it often gets a bad rap as being trite and hokey. But in recent years, many theatre companies have been pushing back against this narrative, creating innovative and thought-provoking puppet plays for kids and adults alike. Gloriously, the Wakka Wakka theatre company practically demands that Dead As A Dodo joins, if not leads, the fold of exceptional puppet shows. 

Hub Theatre Company’s “The Bald Soprano” and “The Lesson” Hit the High Notes

February 23, 2026April 8, 2026 Charlotte Snow2 Comments

Cast of Hub Theatre’s “The Bald Soprano”

‘The Bald Soprano’ and ‘The Lesson’ by Eugène Ionesco. Directed by Bryn Boice. Stage Management from Nona Ferney. Scenic Design by Justin Lahue. Sound Design by Mackenzie Adamick. Lighting Design by Narissa “Nars” Kelliher. Costume Design by Marissa Wolf. The Hub Theatre Company’s ‘The Bald Soprano’ and ‘The Lesson’ runs from February 20th – March 8th at the at 539 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02116.

By Charlotte Snow

Absurdism simultaneously describes and stretches the bounds of impossibility. It’s no surprise the genre is facing a resurgence, given how the world has become increasingly complicated over the past few years. As a response to the wild and ever-changing times we find ourselves in, Hub Theatre Company’s latest theatrical offering is a double feature, The Bald Soprano and The Lesson by Eugène Ionesco.

Director Bryn Boice on Why Our Absurd World Needs Absurdist Plays like “The Bald Soprano”

February 20, 2026April 9, 2026 Charlotte SnowLeave a comment

In anticipation of Hub Theatre Company’s upcoming production of Eugène Ionesco’s The Bald Soprano and The Lesson, Theater Mirror sat down with director Bryn Boice and the producing artistic director of Hub Theatre Company, Lauren Elias. We discussed the importance of absurdism in 2026, how to be recognized by directors, a surprising anecdote involving a Saturday Night Live alum, and, of course, Hub Theatre Company’s upcoming theatrical offering. 

The Hive Theatre Company’s “…Spelling Bee” Buzzes with Eccentricity

February 1, 2026April 8, 2026 Charlotte SnowLeave a comment

Cast of Hive Theatre Company’s “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”

‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ Music and lyrics by William Finn. Book by Rachel Sheinkin. Directed by Margaret McFadden. Music Directed by John Eldridge. Stage Management from Kayla Copping. Scenic Design by Kevin Deane Parker. Sound Design by Geoffrey Edwards. Lighting Design by Narissa “Nars” Kelliher. Costume Design by Samantha Wolfrum. The Hive Theatre Company’s ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ runs from January 22nd to February 1st at 539 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02116.

By Charlotte Snow

It’s not every day that Boston is treated to a new theatre company…it seems like every month. However, it has been many years since a Boston theatre has focused on engaging a rather underrepresented demographic: teens and young adults. This is The Hive Theatre Company’s inaugural season, centered around “Competition, Community, and Coming of Age,” opening with The Wolves and now closing out with The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

Deadword Theater Company’s “No Exit” Leaves Little to be Desired

January 22, 2026April 8, 2026 Charlotte SnowLeave a comment

‘No Exit’ by Jean-Paul Sarte. Directed by Charlie Lunardi. Stage Management from Jack Henry Yeatman. Scenic Design by Jayoung Hong. Sound Design by Z Toto. Lighting Design by Alyssa Gonzalez. Prop Design by Melinda Kalanzis. Costume Design by Gaby Obando. Deadword Theatre Company’s ‘No Exit’ runs from January 20th – 21st and January 27th – 28th at the Rockwell Theatre, 225 Elm Street, Somerville MA 02114.

By Charlotte Snow

“Hell is other people,” Garcin cries to heaven and earth in Jean-Paul Sartre’s No Exit. Even if you disagree with the statement, Deadword Theatre Company offers a strong argument to sway any nonbelievers that humans are designed to be fundamentally disconnected from each other. Every itch, every fidget, every unnerving little gesture is felt throughout this production’s run time, and it’s perfectly agonizing − in the best possible way. 

Adam Theater’s “Library Lion” Roars Triumphantly

January 18, 2026April 8, 2026 Charlotte Snow2 Comments

Cast of Adam Theater’s ‘Library Lion’ at BCA Calderwood Pavilion January 10-25
Photos by Nile Scott Studios

‘Library Lion’ – Based on the book by Michelle Knudsen. Book and Lyrics by Eli Bejaoui. Music by Yoni Rechter and Roy Friedman. Song Composition by Yoni Rechter. Directed by Ran Bechor. Stage Management from Kendyl Trott. Puppet Design and Build by Jim Henson Creature Shop. Puppet and Movement Direction by Kate Brehm. Scenic Design by Cameron Anderson. Lighting Design by Daniel H. Jentzen. Adam Theater’s ‘Library Lion’ runs from January 10th to January 25th at the Calderwood Pavilion, 527 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02116.

By Charlotte Snow

If you ask any working theatre professional, “When did you first fall in love with theatre?” Many will answer “as a child,” having either seen or been in a Theatre for Young Audiences play. TYA may, in fact, be the invisible backbone responsible for (and continues to) uplift theater culture. At its worst, theatre for young audiences panders to kids and is insufferable to adults. At its best, it strengthens the bond between kids and adults while delivering a positive message along with a spoonful of whimsy. I’m happy to report that Adam Theater’s Library Lion falls into the latter category.

Arlekin’s “The Dybbuk” Possesses Hearts and Minds

November 13, 2025April 8, 2026 Charlotte SnowLeave a comment

‘The Dybbuk’ – Based on the play by S. Ansky. Written by Roy Chen. Additional Material by Joachim Neugroschel. Adapted by Igor Golyak and Dr. Rachel Marrill Moss. Directed and Scenic Design by Igor Golyak. Stage Management from Madison Perez. Lighting Design by Jeff Adlberg. Costume and Prop Design by Sasha Ageeva. Composition and Sound Design by Fedor Zhuravlev. Arlekin’s ‘The Dybbuk’ runs from October 30th – September 16th at The Vilna Shul.

By Charlotte Snow

What are we willing to risk for love? Perhaps it’s a job, a home, a previous relationship, or a lifestyle. Or, for the most ardent of lovers, perhaps we’re more than willing to risk our lives? In Arlekin’s The Dybbuk, a love story that spans the realm of the living and the dead, it uplifts and challenges the notion of ‘til death do us part.’

Arlekin, based in the suburbs of Needham, is a theatre company founded by immigrants from the former Soviet Union, who are driven to create and reimagine Russian theatre, with performances presented in English, Russian, or a combination of both. This production of ‘The Dybbuk’ is a remounting of the 2024 production, which garnered a pair of Elliot Norton awards. 

‘Mother Mary’ Drives Radical Kindness into Hearts and Minds

October 21, 2025April 8, 2026 Charlotte SnowLeave a comment

Tara Forseth, Adriana Alvarez in BPT’s ‘Mother Mary’. Photos by Benjamin Rose Photography

‘Mother Mary’ – KJ Moran Velz. Directed by Elaine Vaan Hogue. Stage Managed by Jess Brennan. Scenic Design by Cristina Todesco. Lighting Design by Darius Knight Evans. Costume Design by Nora Kempner. Sound Design by Mackenzie Adamick. Prop Design by Courtney Licata. Dramaturgy and Cultural Consulting by Carla Mirabel Rodríguez. Intimacy Direction by Jessica Scout Malone. ‘Mother Mary’ runs from October 9th – 26th at Boston Playwrights’ Theatre, 949 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215.

By Charlotte Snow

“Birthing a play in collaboration with a playwright is a journey into the unknown,” director Elaine Vaan Hogue begins her director’s note. Every playwright hopes that when their baby (the play) has its world premiere, that audiences will love the play as much as they do. That’s the hope; the reality is they are usually bombarded with “I think that could be changed,” “I didn’t like the ending,” or “what you should really be writing about is…” It’s rare that an audience can so clearly see the playwright’s dreams and intentions. Speaking for my audience (my partner and I), we belong to the former category and fell in love with KJ Moran Velz’s Mother Mary.

Central Square Theatre’s “Silent Sky” Shines – with Occasional Flickers.

October 11, 2025April 8, 2026 Charlotte SnowLeave a comment

Lee Mikeska Gardner, Jenny S. Lee, Erica Cruz Hernández in Central Square’s ‘Silent Sky’
Photos by Nile Scott Studios

‘Silent Sky’ – Lauren Gunderson. Directed by Sarah Shin. Stage Management from Fanni Horváth. Lighting Design by Eduardo M. Rameriz. Costume Design by Leslie Held. Sound Design by Kai Bohlman. Props Design by Julia Wonkka. Central Square Theatre’s ‘Silent Sky’ ran from September 11th – October 5th.

By Charlotte Snow

(Editor’s Note: Charlotte Snow designed the costumes for their 2025 production of SPACE at Central Square Theater)

Lauren Gunderson, who has penned such hits as I and You, The Book of Will, and Émilie: La Marquise Du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight, has been the nation’s most produced playwright for several years now. To me, her writing is the antithesis of David Mamet’s (which is her second greatest accomplishment). I have long harbored a love-hate relationship with her writing style. While love that she often focuses on intelligent, independent, and resourceful female heroines who strive to break into the sciences and/or other male-dominated fields, I frequently groan and cringe at her over-reliance on humor and sickeningly sweet faux sincerity. Central Square Theatre’s production of Silent Sky only furthers this love-hate relationship, even though the production is quite well done.

Hub Theatre’s ‘The Understudy’ Searches For Its Light

July 27, 2025April 8, 2026 Charlotte SnowLeave a comment

Kevin Paquette, Lauren Elias, and Cristhian Mancias-Garcia in Hub Theatre’s ‘*The Understudy’*

‘The Understudy’ — Written by Theresa Rebeck. Directed by Paula Plum. Scenic Design by Peyton Tavares. Projections Design by Justin Lahue. Sound Design by Gage Baker. Lighting Design by Emily Bearce. Costume Design by Kara McGuinness. Presented by Hub Theatre Company of Boston at Club Café, 209 Columbus Ave., Boston, through August 2.

By Charlotte Snow

There is no harder play to write than one with three persons. It’s tough to balance roles, hard to envision blocking properly, and there’s a reason the adage of ‘three is a crowd’ exists. However, when a script manages to juggle three-person scenes properly, they end up being some of the best in the theatrical canon (think Glass Menagerie, Red Light Winter, This is Our Youth, Proof, Agnes of God, The Flick, Angels in America, the list goes on). Do I believe Theresa Rebeck’s ‘The Understudy’ deserves to join that list? Not quite. However, the Hub Theatre Company must be commended for the incredible effort in making the case. 