Entertainment

New Rep Brings Theater & History to the Streets of Watertown Square

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Charles Lenox, played by Kadahj Bennett, talks about his time in the Massachusetts 54th Infantry during the Civil War sitting on a cannon at the Watertown Civil War Monument. The performance is the first Moving Play presented by New Rep Theatre. Visitors to Watertown Square may have recently noticed an enthusiastic, precocious and out-spoken young man wandering around the area. Charles Lenox, or Kadahj Bennett portraying Lenox, will gladly share his views about the major issues of his time — the 1860s — many of which are familiar to people today. The performance, called the Charles W. Lenox Experience, is the first of New Repertory Theatre’s Historical Moving Plays, and focuses on a real Watertown resident during the time of the Civil War.

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

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!

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.

Around Town

NewRep’s “Oliver!” Features Actor with Watertown Ties

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Andy Papas, who has ties to Watertown, makes his New Rep Theatre debut in the current production of “Oliver!” Andy Papas has starred on stages across the country, but the actor and singer will be making his debut in the town where his family has made a name in a different arena. Papas will play Mr. Bumble in the New Rep’s production of Oliver! The play started its run Monday, and will be on the Mosesian Center for the Arts’ MainStage through the end of December. Papas grew up in Winchester, but his father, grandfather and uncle are from Watertown and were famed for their accomplishments on the football field.

Arts

Watertown Actress in Stage Production of The Rocky Horror Show

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Watertown’s Janis Hudson will be part of Moonbox Productions’ The Rocky Horror Show in Harvard Square. The following announcement was provided by Moonbox Productions:

Watertown actor, Janis Hudson, stars in Moonbox Productions upcoming productions of the The Rocky Horror Show opening on Oct. 17 and running through Nov. 2. Moonbox will perform the production in a pop-up theatre located in the heart of Harvard Square at 25 Brattle Street, the former home of Hidden Sweets.

Entertainment

New Rep Celebrating 35th Anniversary by Offering Watertown Residents Free Tickets

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The New Repertory Theatre is celebrating its 35th anniversary in during its 2019-20 season, and the company invites Watertown residents to be part of the celebration. The season is also the first for New Rep’s Artistic Director Michael J. Bobbitt. “To celebrate New Rep’s 35th Anniversary Season, and to show our appreciation for the Watertown community, we are delighted to offer one free ticket to each Watertown resident for our 2019-2020 season!” Bobbitt said in the celebration announcement. This free ticket can be used at any of our productions between September and May.

Entertainment

Watertown Girl Cast in Worcester Production of Broadway’s “Waitress”

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Watertown’s Charlie Currier-Brown will play Lulu in the Worcester production of “Waitress.” The following information was provided by The Hanover Theatre:

The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts is pleased to announce the two young, local actresses who will appear in the Worcester run of Broadway’s Waitress the musical, May 22-26. Watertown’s Charlie Currier-Brown and West Boylston’s Everleigh Clark will alternate in the role of “Lulu,” the daughter of the production’s main character, Jenna. Both Everleigh and Charlie were among more than 30 girls who auditioned on April 18 at The Hanover Theatre Conservatory. The girls expressed excitement for the opportunity to perform with the Waitress cast.