Greetings Newton!

The sun is shining and I’m getting this post up before the stars are out; sunshine certainly does make for a more productive day! For those not heading out of town this weekend there are a couple arts offerings around town. If you are leaving, be safe, but read to the end for a short sneak peek at next weekend’s offerings!


Pippin
Theatre Ink @ Newton North*
Thursday, May 24 – Saturday, May 26 at 7:30pm
Tickets: $8-$10 

The musical Pippin tells the hilariously crazy, darkly surreal, but ultimately uplifting story of Pippin’s journey through a Wonderland-based alternate reality to find purpose and complete fulfillment in his life. Join us for a night of spectacular magic, catchy Stephen Schwartz tunes, and Fosse-inspired dances; challenge with us unsettlingly relatable portrayals of mindless war, sex, and political corruption; and, just maybe, believe again in love. 

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Roger O. Hirson

Directed by Pamela Chen and Sonya Maria Douglas | Musical Director: Melissa Weikart | Choreographer: Maddie Cetlin

A Venetian Vespers
Newton Baroque with Exsultemus
Saturday, May 26 at 8pm
Second Church in Newton
Tickets: $25-$30

The musicians of Newton Baroque enjoy taking musical risks together and imbuing their performances with a spirit of improvisatory spontaneity. They are committed to calling attention to fine music that is not in the Baroque “Canon”. Join them for an evening of Fontana, Cima, Grandi and Monteverdi.

UPCOMING EVENTS

| Newton MA News and Politics BlogHistoric Newton’s 30th Annual House Tour
Historic Newton*
Sunday, June 3 from Noon – 5pm
Tickets: $20-$30 advance purchase | $25-$35 at the door

Historic Newton proudly celebrates 30 years of touring Newton’s homes with the annual House Tour. Take the opportunity to view distinctive homes, innovative renovations, unique additions, and inspiring interior and landscape design. If you’re looking for renovation ideas or want to appreciate the beautiful work done in these homes, the House Tour is for you. This year’s tour will feature eight private Newton homes located in many of Newton’s historic neighborhoods and villages.

Proceeds from the House Tour benefit Historic Newton and support its many programs and events at the Jackson Homestead and Museum, and throughout the community.

| Newton MA News and Politics BlogFrom Boston to Berlin
Zamir Chorale*
Sunday, June 3 at 7:30pm | Monday, June 4 at 8:00pm
Brandeis University
Tickets: $10-$20 

I’m excited for this one! Zamir presents an uplifting and entertaining program featuring highlights from Zamir’s recent tour to Berlin — music from the synagogue bima to the cabaret stage. Jewish life in Berlin today is experiencing a renaissance. The Jewish population, 160,000 at its pre-war peak, and virtually empty after the war, has begun to grow again. There are now 25,000 Jews in Berlin, as well as synagogues, kosher shops, schools, and a new seminary that trains rabbis and cantors. Of all the European countries, Germany may be Israel’s most supportive ally today, and the strongest combatant of antisemitism. And if Zamir’s participation in the Lewandowski Festival is any indication, the people of Berlin, Jews and Gentiles, greatly appreciate the Jewish contribution to German culture. The singers in Zamir felt a tremendous satisfaction in having lent a hand, and a voice, to the revival of Jewish life in Berlin.

Joe Crookston: Live in the Living Room
Saturday, June 2 at 7:00pm
Waban Library Center
Tickets: $20 | By reservation only

Award-winning folk singer-songwriter Joe Crookston brings his guitar to Waban! Take a night out for yourself, sit back and let Joe transport you to the mountains. In this intimate setting, the guitar and lyrics will take everyone over.

Limited to 60 guests, e-mail [email protected] to reserve your seat today!

*= Newton Cultural Alliance member