Boston Theater Scene: What’s Happening Now

Boston Theater Community Celebrates Milestones at Marathon, Welcomes new Leadership

BOSTON — The vibrant Boston theater scene is abuzz with activity this spring, marked by upcoming performances, prestigious awards, and a significant change in leadership at one of the city’s leading companies. from a marathon of short plays to accolades for veteran performers and a new artistic director, the city’s theatrical pulse is strong.On May 4, the Boston playwrights’ Theatre will host the Boston Theater Marathon XXVII, an annual “theatre endurance event” showcasing the talent of New England playwrights and theater companies. The marathon will feature 50 ten-minute plays penned by 50 New England playwrights, each brought to life by 50 different New England theater companies.

The event is divided into five blocks, each presenting ten new plays by writers from the region. Each block will run approximately 100 minutes. Patrons can purchase tickets for individual blocks or opt for an All-Day Pass, which offers admission to the entire event at a discounted rate. A “Block Party” is scheduled for 5 p.m., providing a break between the performances.

The Boston Theater Marathon is not only a artistic showcase but also supports a crucial cause. Net proceeds from the marathon will benefit the Theatre Community Benevolent Fund, which “provides no-strings funding to artists in times of catastrophic emergency.”

A full list of participants is available at bostonplaywrights.org.

Meanwhile, in other news, SpeakEasy Stage company announced that award-winning theater artist Dawn M. Simmons has been named its new artistic director, effective July 1. The appointment follows a six-month nationwide search to find a successor to founding Artistic Director Paul Daigneault, who has led the company for more than three decades.

simmons brings extensive experience to the role,having worked as a director,producer,playwright,administrator,cultural consultant,and educator. She co-founded New Exhibition Room in 2008,a theater company dedicated to producing provocative,political,and affordable theater events. Simmons also served as executive director of StageSource, an arts service organization focused on workforce development and sector advancement in New England theater, and co-founded The Front Porch Arts Collective.

Simmons also holds the 2024/25 Monan Professorship in Theatre Arts at Boston College and is an adjunct faculty member at Northeastern University. She has also collaborated with Berklee College of music, Suffolk University, Brandeis University, and Harvard University.

The Boston Theater Critics Association recently announced that kathy St. George,a beloved figure in the Boston stage community,will receive the 2025 Elliot Norton Prize for Sustained Excellence. The 2025 Nortons, named for the late, esteemed theater critic elliot norton, will be presented June 2 at the Huntington Theatre. This year’s awards will recognize outstanding achievements in the greater Boston theater community, with more than 140 nominations across more than two dozen categories acknowledging actors, directors, designers, choreographers, musicians, and productions. The award for Sustained Excellence is among a limited number of honors announced in advance of the ceremonies.

St. George has been acting professionally since 1981, making her Broadway debut in “Fiddler on the Roof,” starring Herschel Bernardi at Lincoln Center. She has toured throughout the United States, Canada, Russia, and Japan, and she has appeared in “A Man of No Importance” at SpeakEasy Stage, Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at the Majestic Theatre with commonwealth Shakespeare Company, “Urinetown” and “The Drowsy Chaperone” at the Lyric Stage, “Fiddler on the Roof” at North Shore Music Theatre and a New Year’s eve concert at Greater Boston Stage Company with the Firebird Pops Orchestra.

A Stoneham native, St.George is a former second-grade teacher with a B.S. and M.Ed. in Education from Salem State University.

Additional information can be found at ElliotNortonawards.com.Also, Mary Callanan has recently been announced as the 2025 Broadway inductee into The New England Music hall of Fame.

Callanan’s extensive resume includes Broadway productions of “Bandstand,” “Annie” and “Mamma Mia!” Her national tours include “My Fair Lady,” “Bridges of Madison County,” “Big,” “Mamma Mia!” and “The Sound of Music,” which toured asia with Marie Osmond. Additionally,she has participated in New York and regional shows such as “Titanic,” “Fiddler on The Roof,” “Kinky Boots” and “les Miserables.”

This Brighton native continues her work locally with Lyric Stage Company, The Gloucester Stage Company, Speakeasy Stage, Ogunquit Playhouse, North Shore Music theatre and Trinity Rep, among others.

In addition to her stage work, Callanan is also a cabaret artist in New York, Boston, and Provincetown.Callanan and Brian Patton created their own shows by hosting live, weekly Zoom performances from Brian’s living room when performing arts venues were shut down during the 2020 pandemic. The popular virtual evenings of cocktails, show tunes, and the Great American Songbook, titled “Tipsy Tuesdays,” were accessible to fans via Facebook each week.

One of her next projects has her appearing in “Always Patsy Cline” at Theater-By-The-Sea in Wakefield, Rhode Island, where she will play Louise Seger opposite megan lewis Michelson as Cline. performances there begin May 28.

Counterargument: Some may argue that focusing on smaller, ten-minute plays diminishes the impact and depth of theatrical storytelling. However, proponents of the Boston Theater Marathon, and similar events, suggest that the condensed format challenges playwrights and directors to be innovative and efficient in their storytelling, often delivering powerful and thought-provoking experiences within a limited timeframe. The Marathon also offers audiences a diverse range of theatrical styles and narratives in a single event, exposing them to new voices and perspectives they might not or else encounter.FAQ

What is the Boston Theater Marathon? The boston Theater Marathon is an annual event featuring 50 ten-minute plays written by 50 New England playwrights and performed by 50 New England theater companies in a single day.

When and where is the Boston Theater Marathon XXVII taking place? The Boston Theater Marathon XXVII will be held on May 4 at the Boston Playwrights’ Theatre.

How does the Boston Theater Marathon support the theater community? Net proceeds from the Marathon benefit the Theatre Community Benevolent Fund, which “provides no-strings funding to artists in times of catastrophic emergency.”

How can I purchase tickets for the Boston Theater Marathon? Audience members can purchase tickets for specific ten-play blocks or an All-Day Pass on bostonplaywrights.org.* Who is Dawn M. Simmons? Dawn M. Simmons is an award-winning theater artist who has been named the new artistic director of SpeakEasy Stage Company, effective July 1. She is a director, producer, playwright, administrator, cultural consultant, and educator.

Hawthorne: I’m looking forward to the Huntington’s production of “A Doll’s House” this fall. Its a classic with so much to say about gender roles and societal expectations. Plus, I’m always eager to see what innovative work the smaller theaters are doing. Boston has such a diverse and exciting scene!

Boston Theater Scene Heats Up: An Interview With Elaine Hawthorne, Veteran Stage Critic

Hello, and welcome to Archyde. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on the thriving Boston theater community. To give us an insider’s perspective, we’re joined by Elaine Hawthorne, a seasoned theater critic and commentator. Elaine,welcome!

the Buzz Around Boston Theater

Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time in Boston theater!

Archyde: Absolutely. We know you’ve been following the scene closely. Let’s jump right in with the Boston Theater Marathon XXVII, happening on May 4th. What are your thoughts on this annual event?

Hawthorne: The Boston Theater Marathon is a fantastic initiative. It encapsulates the spirit of New England theater – the energy,the talent,and the commitment. Fifty ten-minute plays in a single day is a testament to the creativity and resilience of our local artists. it’s a fantastic way for audiences to experience a wide range of styles and voices.

Archyde: It also supports a crucial cause, benefiting the Theatre Community Benevolent Fund.

Hawthorne: Indeed, that’s a very important factor. Supporting artists, especially during times of hardship, highlights how deeply the theater community cares for one another.

Leadership Changes and Celebratory Accolades

Archyde: Switching gears, we’ve got SpeakEasy Stage Company announcing Dawn M. Simmons as their new Artistic Director.What impact do you see this having?

Hawthorne: Dawn brings a wealth of experience and passion. Her diverse background as a director,producer,and educator is exactly what SpeakEasy needs to spearhead the next stage in its history. She also has experience with New Exhiboition Room, and The Front Porch Arts Collective, which will only aid in her process.

archyde: Also, we have the news of Kathy St.George receiving the 2025 Elliot Norton Prize for Sustained Excellence. It’s well deserved!

Hawthorne: Kathy is a Boston theater icon. Her commitment and talent have graced our stages for decades, from Broadway to local productions. This award is a stunning acknowledgement of her contribution.

Archyde: And then, Mary Callanan, recently announced as the 2025 Broadway inductee into The New England Music hall of Fame. A fitting honor for her legacy.

Hawthorne: Yes, what a fantastic tribute to a life of performance. She has performed everything from Broadway to regional shows. It must be heart-warming for her to be recognized by her home state.

A Thriving Community

Archyde: Considering the many activities and accolades, what does this say about the current state of Boston Theater?

Hawthorne: It’s a sign of a vibrant, growing community. It’s full of challenges, sure, but the Boston theater scene continues to thrive due to the talent and commitment of its people. it’s a challenging industry that deserves to be recognized. From the marathons to the Norton Awards, it’s evidence of a theatre community in fine form.

Archyde: and thinking ahead, what advice do you have for those looking to get involved, whether as a performer, a patron, or a supporter?

Hawthorne: Attend shows, of course! Support local productions, engage with the artists, and spread the word. Even if you don’t directly participate, just being a fan adds so much value.

Archyde: Absolutely. Elaine. Thank you for taking the time to share your insights with us.

Hawthorne: My pleasure; I am always happy to discuss Boston’s wonderful scene.

Archyde: And to our readers, what upcoming boston Theater events are you most excited about? Share your thoughts and let us know what is on your theater bucket list! We want to hear from you!