Arts

Latest NewRep Play, ‘Heartland’ Starts This Weekend

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The latest NewRep Theatre production, Heartland, begins this weekend at the Mosesian Center for the Arts with pay-what-you-can previews on Saturday and Sunday. The play will be held in the Black Box Theater from Jan. 12 to Feb. 9 at the Mosesian Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown. NewRep describes Heartland:

When Afghan refugee Nazrullah shows up on the doorstep of retired professor Dr. Harold Banks claiming to have known his adopted daughter Getee, the two become unlikely roommates and friends. Getee and Nazrullah’s relationship unfolds in a series of dramatized memories that reveal their uniquely human journey while stunning us with a new understanding of America’s tragic impact on Jihadism in Afghanistan.

Entertainment

Watertown Based Revels Names New Executive Director

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Kate Stookey was named the new executive director of Revels, the Watertown based group known for producing the Christmas Revels. The following announcement came from Revels:

Revels, Inc., the beloved steward of world songs, stories, and traditions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kate Stookey as its Executive Director, effective January 31, 2019. Stookey’s appointment comes as Revels readies itself for the next chapter of its nearly 50-year history. Founded in 1971 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Revels is best known for its annual production of The Christmas Revels, a seasonal celebration now shared across the US through eight affiliate companies. “It is such a joy to be able to place Revels in the hands of such a capable and energetic executive as Kate,” said Stine O’Brien, President of the Revels Board of Directors.

Entertainment

Watertown Art Association Hosts Demonstration of Traditional Chinese Brush Painting

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Chinese Master Artist Qingxiong Ma will demonstrate Chinese brush painting at Watertown Art Association event. Watertown Art Association presents Orient Expressed: Chinese Brush Painting with Qinxiong Ma on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2-4 p.m. at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 9 Russell Ave., Watertown. The Watertown Art Association provided the following information:

Chinese Master Artist Qingxiong Ma will be the first demonstrator for Watertown Art Association of 2019 showing his techniques with Chinese Brush Painting. Bring a friend to this entertaining demonstration!  

Mr. Ma was born in Guangdong China.

Entertainment

Perkins Announces Schedule of Audio Described Theater Performances for 2018-19

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New Rep Theatre’s 1776 is one of the performances around the Boston area featuring audio descriptions for those blind or visually impaired. The following information came from Perkins School for the Blind:

Please come to the exciting live theater productions with audio description during the remainder of the 2018-2019 theater season. Preshow description of sets and costumes for performances at all locations generally begins 60 minutes prior to curtain (unless otherwise noted). Please arrive early to allow time to get headsets, programs and be seated. The following audio described performances will be at the designated theatres listed below:

American Repertory Theater

64 Brattle Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge617-547-8300www.americanrepertorytheater.orgTo purchase tickets for these performances, email boxoffice@amrep.org

Barber Shop Chronicles

Audio Described: Friday, December 21 at 7:30 PM and Saturday, December 22 at 2:00 PM

Newsroom and political platform—for generations, barber shops have been places where African men gather to discuss the world.

Arts

Watertown School Staff Putting on Play with 1 Day Prep to Raise Money for Band Trip

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Some familiar faces in the Watertown Public Schools will have just one day to prepare a play for a performance on Saturday night. The proceeds from the event will help defer cost of the Watertown High School music program’s trip to New York. 

The Mystery Staff Show features 16 members of the WPS staff, who will not know what they will be performing until just 27.5 hours before they go on stage at the Watertown High School auditorium on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m.

Tickets cost $10, and the money raised will help cut the cost of the every-other-year trip to New York by Watertown High School’s music program. Members of the band, orchestra and chorus head to the Big Apple for a weekend that includes performances, a trip to a play, and visits to tourist spots. The cast includes: Zack Allen, Heidi Baildon, Laurie Brackett, Culley Byham, Holly Cachimuel, Megan DiDuca, Aine Dirrane, Jess Donato, Amy Donohue, Chad Foster, Chris McDermott, Pat O’Neill, Nyssa Patten, Magen Slesinger, Siran Tamakian, and Sarah Thiemann.

Entertainment

First Watertown Library Winter Concert Features Violinist

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The Watertown Free Public Library kicks off its Winter Concert Series on Dec. 2 with a performance by violinist Dorisiya Yosifova. The library provided the following information:

Winter Concert Series: Dorisiya Yosifova
Sunday, 12/2 | 2 pm
WATERTOWN FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY, WATERTOWN SAVINGS BANK ROOM
We’re excited to announce the lineup for the 7th annual WFPL Winter Concert Series! As in previous years, our free concert series will feature all local artists. Performances are free and open to all.

Arts

Perkins School for the Blind Hosting Two Holiday Concerts, RSVP Now

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Celebrate the Season with a pair of concerts at Perkins School for the Blind in early December. 

Perkins sent out the following information:

You are invited to Perkins School for the Blind for a festive Holiday Concert. Join us:
Sunday, December 2, at 3:00 PM and/or
Tuesday, December 4, at 7:30 PM. Or watch a livestream of the concert to be broadcast at 7:30pm on December 4. View the Events page for details

The Perkins Student Chorus, Chamber Singers, Music Makers, Handbell Ensemble, Instrumental Ensemble and Vocal Soloists celebrate the season with a selection of beautifully arranged choral and instrumental works originating from around the world! The concerts are free and wheelchair accessible in Dwight Hall.

Entertainment

Three Watertown Artists Featured in Three Local Exhibitions

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Three members of the Watertown Art Association will have their work shown in exhibitions around the area. 

The Watertown Art Association provided the following announcement:

Three wonderful artists, three unforgettable exhibitions! Robin Orifice at Brigham House, 341 Mt. Auburn St. Watertown through Dec. 31

Don’t miss the beautiful solo show of Robin Orifice’s artwork on display at the Brigham House Gallery with an exciting Artist’s Reception on Thursday, Nov.