Marathons and magic in the theater, and the rest of this weekend’s events
By: Jim Martinho - Friday, May 9, 2014 - 1:53pm
(Photo courtesy American Repertory Theater)
This weekend’s a good time to see some art, music or theater, live and in-person, even if it means giving up on whatever critically acclaimed TV series you’re trying to catch up on. Unless that series is “Orphan Black” in which case just remember to change position on the couch once in a while so you don’t get bed sores.
* Let’s take a moment to give thanks that we live in a place where Bike Week refers to bicycles and not Harleys — it’s all the tattoos and facial hair with none of the noise. Join in a commuter convoy Friday morning and get a free Boloco breakfast, or ride out that night with Boston Bike Party’s birthday trek from Copley Square to the after-party at Somerville’s Aeronaut Brewing Company. 5.9. 7a/8p. FREE
* If you missed open studios in Brookline, Cambridge or Somerville, this weekend’s Fort Point Open Studios is your next chance to feel like a cool, smart patron of local arts. More than 75 artists in the waterfront district will open their studios and galleries to visitors, in addition to public installations in the neighborhood and in Fort Point Channel. 5.9 (4p), 5.10 and 5.11 (noon). FREE
* In “Oz with Orchestra” Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops accompany four Symphony Hall screenings of “The Wizard of Oz” to commemorate the film’s 75th anniversary. New technology allows the original vocals and dialogue to remain intact while a live orchestra performs the score, plus maybe one Pink Floyd song as a fun joke. 5.10 and 5.11. 3p and 8p. $24-94
* The New England Animation Film Festival at the ICA showcases works by 19 New England filmmakers who employ a variety of animation techniques, from stop-motion to digital. Like all the best cartoons, the program contains material that may not be suitable for children, but whatever, so did “Ren and Stimpy” and our generation turned out, well, pretty horribly so maybe use discretion. 5.10 (7p) and 5.11 (3p). $5-10
* The annual ten-hour Boston Theatre Marathon at the Boston Center for the Arts features 53 10-minute plays by 55 local playwrights, produced by 54 New England theaters. Just like runners in an actual marathon, actors will take frequent water breaks and wear band-aids on their nipples to prevent chafing. 5.11. 12p. $25-35
* If maybe two hours of theatre instead of ten is more your speed, American Repertory Theater presents “The Tempest.” Shakespeare’s tale of shipwrecked aristocrats. The production features music by Tom Waits and magic by Teller (of Penn and Teller), popping in for a solo appearance like Andre 3000 doing a guest verse. 5.11. 7:30p. $25-125
* A weeklong convergence of art, music, and technology — in a much cooler way than that annoying commercial with people making music on their iPhones — the Together festival kicks off Sunday with an opening night party and tribute to Frankie Knuckles at Middlesex Lounge. The rest of the week features exhibitions, panels, performances and parties around the city. 5.11. 8p. $5/free with festival pass