Entertainment

NewRep Pushing Back Performances, Coming Up With COVID-19 Friendly Productions

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Watertown-based New Repertory Theatre announced this week that it will have to push back the performances of two plays, due to the COVID-19 restrictions. However, Artistic Director Michael Bobbitt and his staff are busy coming up with new options for fans of live theater and performances during the pandemic. NewRep tried rescheduling two plays from the spring to the fall, but looking at the COVID-19 restrictions the decision was made to postpone them once again. The company also announced the cancellation of its annual gala, which they had hoped to move from April to October. “It’s the nature of the beast at the moment.

Around Town

Banners in Watertown Square Feature Student Artwork, Tell Tales of Migration

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One of the banners now hanging in Watertown Square. This one features the artwork of Hosmer School students and show their families’ migration story. The following information was provided by the creators of the Watertown Square Banners Project:

The next time you travel through Watertown Square take a few minutesto admire the colorful new banners hanging on poles throughout the square. They were the brainstorm of local graphic designer Carole Katz and feature works developed by students from the Hosmer School and the Watertown Middle School. Driving through the square one day Katz decided the square needed some colorful banners to replace the current historical banners (that she designed) that have been hanging for several years now.

Entertainment

Mosesian Center for the Arts Cancels Summer Programs

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The following announcement was provided by the Mosesian Center for the Arts:

Dearest MCA Community,

We hope you and your families are safe and well. Our staff has been closely monitoring the COVID-19 updates from Governor Baker and the CDC, and the safety of our community has continued to be our utmost priority. After reviewing the most recent state plans for reopening, we have determined that it would be difficult to implement the early phases of distancing protocols for our Summer Youth Arts Education Programs as scheduled. To ensure the safety of our participants, families, teachers, and staff we have sadly made the decision to cancel all Summer Stages and Studios programming for 2020. Summer Stages and Studios is such an exciting highlight of our year, this was not an easy decision for us to make.

Entertainment

Watertown Schools’ Art Show Goes Online, See Visual Art from All Grades

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A piece made by a Watertown High School Student in the Studio Art class. For many years, the Watertown Public Schools Art Show has been displayed at the Watertown Mall, but the Coronavirus has forced the district to find a new venue — a virtual venue. The Connecting Through Creativity – WPS Virtual Art Show 2020 can now be seen online, and features works from every grade at every school in the district. The Watertown’s Coordinator of Fine, Applied, and Performing Arts Magen Slesinger provided the following information:

The Watertown Public Schools Visual Art Department is proud to present our first ever Virtual Art Show! When looking at visual art, we are often looking at the beautiful end product.

Entertainment

Mosesian Center Offering Online Art & Drama Classes, Activities During COVID-19

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Watertown’s Mosesian Center for the Arts may be closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but there are still plenty of arts classes and activities to enjoy, some are even free! The Mosesian Center put out the following information:

We hope this message finds you well, in both good spirits and health! All of us here at the MCA miss seeing your faces in and around the building and hope to reunite again soon – when we can safely do so. In the meantime, we are doing our best to make lemonade out of lemons, so here’s a quick update of all the exciting ways we can stay connected… Mosesian Arts Live in Your Living Room

The MCA has been fortunate enough to invite many incredibly talented artists and performers into our house for a wide range of engaging events and performances.

Around Town

See How to Help New Rep Weather Financial Difficulties Caused by COVID-19

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New Repertory Theatre sent out the following information:

Like other arts organizations, New Rep is facing financial challenges due to the necessary and important steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The difficult decision we made to postpone and cancel our spring performances and events (including our annual gala) puts us at risk of losing 20 percent of our annual revenue. How Can I Help? Purchase a 20/21 Subscription! The best option of all – your purchase today provides revenue that will help to relieve our cash flow challenges, and you guarantee your seats for a phenomenal upcoming season. It’s a win-win!

Entertainment

Watertown Schools Art Exhibit Postponed Due to COVID-19

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Mall:

We are very sad to say that in a response to COVID-19 public health concerns, the annual Watertown Public Schools’ Student Art Exhibit, originally scheduled for March 24 through April 9, has been cancelled for this year. As of right now, we do not have any postponed dates for the exhibit set in place, but we will keep the community informed on any changes. About the Watertown Mall

The Watertown Mall is wheelchair accessible and accessible by MBTA Bus routes 70 and 70A. Hours are Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.,m.; Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. For more information about this event and other Watertown Mall programs, such as our weekly Walking Club, please visit www.watertown-mall.com or contact the management office at 617-926-4968 x21.

Arts

NewRep Theatre Announces 2020-21 Season Featuring Five Plays

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The 2020-21 season at New Repertory Theatre features five shows, including four Tony-Award-winning plays and two musicals. New Repertory Theatre proudly announces their 2020-2021 season. Featuring five productions in the MainStage Theater at the Mosesian Center for the Arts in Watertown, the company’s 36th season includes ANGELS IN AMERICA: MILLENNIUM APPROACHES, the groundbreaking drama by Tony Kushner; THE 25 TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, the uproarious family-friendly musical comedy; STUPID F##KING BIRD, Aaron Posner’s modern-day adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull; the Tony Award-winning great jazz musical JELLY’S LAST JAM; and John Patrick Shanley’s resonant drama DOUBT, A PARABLE. The season includes 4 Tony Award-winning plays and musicals and one of the most produced titles in American Theatre over the last few years. “I am so thrilled to announce this season” shares New Rep Artistic Director Michael J. Bobbitt.