Entertainment

New Rep Theatre Announces New Artistic Director

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Michael Bobbitt will take over as New Repertory Theatre’s Artistic Director in August 2019. The following announcement came from New Repertory Theatre:

New Repertory Theatre is proud to announce that arts leader, director, choreographer, and playwright Michael J. Bobbitt will serve as Artistic Director, beginning August 1, 2019. Bobbitt joins New Rep after twelve years as Artistic Director of Adventure Theatre-MTC (Musical Theatre Center) in Maryland, where he led the organization to be one of the most respected theatre/training companies in the DC region, as well as one of the nation’s most influential professional theaters for young audiences. “After an extensive national search,” shares New Rep Board President Chip Phinney, “during which we reviewed many highly-qualified candidates, our succession planning committee unanimously recommended Michael to be the next Artistic Director of New Rep, and our Board of Directors enthusiastically agreed.”

“I look forward to welcoming Michael to our New Rep team,” shares New Rep Managing Director Harriet Sheets. “His proven track record of leading and growing Adventure Theatre-MTC will certainly help guide New Rep as we look to continue both building and diversifying our audience.

Business

Meet the Artists, Network at Regional Chamber’s Free Event in Watertown

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The Newton-Needham Regional Chamber will host a free event at the Mosesian Center for the Arts where attendees can meet the artists who created works for the exhibition. The Newton-Needham Chamber provided the following information:

After Hours at the Mosesian Center for the ArtsFriday, April 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m.Mosesian Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal Street, WatertownFree to members and nonmembers

Come to see 100 works created by artists from Newton, Needham, Wellesley, Dedham, and Watertown at a reception at the Mosesian Center for the Arts in Watertown. Mingle with the artists at the juried event, titled the Five Stars Regional Exhibit, and ask them about their work. Hosted by the art associations of the five cities, the reception is free and open to the public. The exhibit runs April 4-May 10.

Around Town

Watertown Library Invites Public to 150th Anniversary Gala

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The following piece was provided by the Watertown Free Public Library:

Tucked away in the basement of Town Hall, Watertown Free Public Library first opened its doors on March 31, 1869 under founding director Solon Whitney. In those early years, the library was open two days a week, four hours a day. The library was well used, but there was intense disagreement over the value of fiction. In 1882, one trustee argued that “the modern story has no place in a town library.” Some worried that novels would corrupt the minds of Watertown youth. Much has changed in 150 years.

Entertainment

New Rep Theatre Reveals the Productions for the 2019-20 Season

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Watertown-based New Rep Theatre announced the lineup for 2019-20, its 35th Anniversary Season, which will feature a musical, an August Wilson play and a play about President Nixon. The following information came from New Rep Theatre:

“The theme of TRANSITION,” says New Rep Managing Director Harriet Sheets, “is perfectly fitting both for where we are as a society, and for what New Rep will experience in this coming season. Some of this season’s shows were selected by Jim Petosa, who is in his final months as New Rep’s Artistic Director, and some by our incoming Artistic Director, whom we are very excited to soon announce. This Anniversary Season is a momentous occasion for New Rep – a time for celebration, and also a time to advance the future of the theatre.”

NIXON’S NIXONSeptember 14 – October 6, 2019By Russell LeesMainStage Theater

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. What happened behind those closed doors will never be known, but playwright Russell Lees takes us on a journey through his own interpretation.

Entertainment

Artwork Made by Watertown Students to be Displayed at Mall

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Mall:

The Watertown Mall is proud to once again play host to the Watertown Public Schools’ Annual Student Art Exhibit. This fantastic event will begin displaying art on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 and will be up until April 11, 2019. Hundreds of pieces of artwork will be on display from students in Kindergarten through 12th grade in the Watertown Public Schools and will inspire you with their talented work. There will be many mediums displayed here, which include but not limited to: watercolor, crayon, pencils, cray pas, computer art, and so much more. This is a free event to the general public, so come down and support young artists of Watertown Public Schools from Wednesday, March 27, 2019 to Thursday, April 11, 2019.

Charity

Concert Featuring Music of Strong Women Will Raise Money to Fight Lung Cancer

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The Follen Angels will perform at Upstage Lung Cancer’s fund raiser at the Mosesian Center for the Arts. The following announcement was provided by Upstage Lung Cancer:

Upstage Lung Cancer (ULC), a nonprofit celebrating a decade of raising awareness in the fight against lung cancer through the performing arts, presents a one night only concert benefit Here’s to the Ladies! From Lady Day to Lady Gaga on Thursday, April 18, 7:30 p.m. at the Mosesian Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal Street, Watertown. 

Presented in partnership with the Addario Lung Cancer Foundation, all proceeds from the performance support the critically important cause of early lung cancer detection research. 

A spectacular evening of riveting music, Here’s to the Ladies! From Lady Day to Lady Gaga features the unforgettable music of exceptional female performing artists known for their gifts of song and courage. Enjoy selections from jazz standard icon Billie Holiday (known as Lady Day) to modern pop superstar Lady Gaga.

Entertainment

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of “The Very Happy Caterpillar”

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Mall and Watertown Families Together:

The Watertown Mall, located at 550 Arsenal St., together with Watertown Families Together, will be hosting a 50th Anniversary celebration of The Very Hungry Caterpillar on Thursday, March 21, 2019, from 10:00-11:00 am. This is a free event & all ages are welcome, although it is catered to younger children. This will take place in the back hallway of the mall, across from Carter’s. There will be crafts, singing, and a special reading of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Come celebrate this beloved book with you little ones!