Looking for real entertainment on a virtual holiday weekend? Check out these suggestions including a theater opening night, music from one of the world’s greats, a new movie, and some true tales out of Gloucester.

THEATER: The Dog Lives Productions and Streaming Musicals has partnered with FoodTank to present the opening night of a new musical — and it’s FREE!  Friday/Saturday, May 22 & 23, an original romantic musical comedy, Marry Harry will have its premiere, hosted by Tony Award nominee and Marry Harry cast member Veanne Cox, and two-time Tony Award nominee Laura Osnes.

Marry Harry had its Off-Broadway premiere at York Theatre Company in Spring 2017. The musical features a book by Jennifer R. Manocherian, music by Dan Martin, lyrics by Michael Biello, and is directed and choreographed by Bill Castellino. Doors open at 6:45 PM EST, and the show begins at 7:00 PM EST, with a second show starting the same night at 10:00 pm ET. Encore presentations continue on Saturday, May 23, 2020 at 2:00 pm ET.

The after-show is hosted by sommelier and lifestyle expert Sarah Tracey of The Lush Life who will lead you through a wine tasting of wines from the musical, demonstrate easy-to-make aperitivo cocktails and show you how to put out an impressive antipasto spread from ingredients you may just already have in your pantry. (I wonder what she can do with wheat chex?) For more information and to register visit MarryHarry.com. 

STORYTELLING: Has the quarantine made you sick of your own life? Well, dip into someone else’s! A local storytelling program developed by the Gloucester Writers Center (GWC) called FISH TALES  showcases “real people, telling true stories from the heart. Our storytellers are vulnerable, ready to share, funny and honest, and our enthusiastic audience reminds us that it is a joy and privilege to sit and listen to someone else’s life for a while.”

Ok.  I’m hooked. Streaming Tickets are $9. For more info and to purchase tickets May 22nd through 31st online– click HERE! 

 

MOVIE: See an AREA PREMIERE of a new film called LUCKY GRANDMA! In Association with Boston Asian American Film Festival.  Now playing in virtual theaters, LUCKY GRANDMA is a comic crime caper (a crimedy?) as the charismatic Tsai Chin (Joy Luck Club, You Only Live Twice) plays a chain-smoking Chinese grandmother living in New York City who, on the advice of a fortune teller, bets her life savings at a casino. What follows is a rollercoaster of adventures as Grandma gets caught in the crossfire of warring gangs, family, friends, and her own wits, as we wonder if and when her luck will run out. 

A portion of proceeds will benefit The Brattle Theatre.  Click here to rent and for more information!

MUSIC: Yo-Yo Ma performs Bach’s six cello suites Sunday, May 24 as a memorial for those we have lost and a tribute to our resilience. That performance will stream on Yo-Yo’s YouTube channel . Believe it or not (and I still can’t believe it) Yo-yo Ma played a benefit concert one evening at my home, in my living room, with Silk Road Ensemble. On the program that night was one of those cello suites.  Yo-yo is one of the brightest lights, sweetest humans, and most loving performers on the planet. He never stops giving of himself and his talent. Here’s a snippet from that magical evening at my home, and I’ve never shared it before.  Click HERE to watch!

MORE THEATER & MUSIC: This left me bouncing in my seat! Dancing around my house:”YOU CAN’T STOP THE BEAT” the exhilarating finale from the musical HAIRSPRAY with over 150 actors, dancers, musicians from the original Broadway cast and around the world of stage and screen:  Harvey Fierstein, Kristin Chenoweth, Martin Short, Matthew Morrison, Darlene Love, and on and on… It gave me goosebumps. It’ll make you so happy you’ll want to donate to The Actors Fund’s Covid-19 Emergency Relief efforts. YOU CAN’T STOP THE BEAT.  I swear, if this doesn’t make you move– check your pulse.

Have a wonderful weekend!