2014 Boston Fall Theater Preview

Get ready to start tapping your toes because there are some great musicals coming to Boston this fall. Take the whole family, go on a date night or simply re-live your favorite Broadway classics right here at home. These five shows, which run from September through December (depending on the show), are a great way to enjoy theater in downtown Boston or the North Shore. Again, Boston proves itself a heart of art and culture.
Lion King musical logo
"The Lion King"
Boston Opera House
539 Washington St.
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 259-3400
www.boston.broadway.com

Date: Sept. 9 – Oct. 12, 2014

An unforgettable theatrical event, "The Lion King" is coming back to Boston this fall. The Broadway adaptation of Disney's 1994 animated film is a favorite for the whole family. The music and elaborate animal costumes are unparalleled. The story follows a young lion cub who is destined to become the king of the African Serengeti, but is banished by an evil uncle. Since opening in 1998, "The Lion King" musical has amazed audiences almost 7,000 times!

(Image: Colonial Theater)

(Image: Colonial Theater)

"Mamma Mia!"
Colonial Theater
106 Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 482-9393
www.citicenter.org

Date: Oct. 28 – Nov. 2, 2014

"Mamma Mia!" is a high-energy, dance-worthy show with both humor and depth. Audiences love the familiar tunes from the Swedish super-group, ABBA, which are featured throughout the story. The story is full of love with a coming-of-age theme – it is perfect for a ladies' night out or a date night. After the show, you're sure to be singing and smiling all week.

(Image: Citi Performing Arts Center)

(Image: Citi Performing Arts Center)

"Annie"
Wang Theater
Citi Performing Arts Center
270 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 482-9393
www.citicenter.org

Date: Nov. 5-16, 2014

"Annie," the beloved musical perfect for all ages, is coming to Boston just before the Thanksgiving holiday. Kick the holiday season off with this festive story of love and family. This is a perfect opportunity to introduce children to this classic tale, especially if they have not yet seen the 1984 film. Fun fact, the idea for "Annie" came from a 1924 comic strip of the same name.

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(Image: Cutler Majestic Theater)

(Image: Cutler Majestic Theater)

"The Trip to Bountiful"
Cutler Majestic Theater
219 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 824-8000
www.artsemerson.org

Date: Nov. 20 – Dec. 7, 2014

Enjoy a more emotional theater experience with "The Trip to Bountiful" with ArtsEmerson this fall. This American classic explores a multi-generational family drama. Gospel fans in particular will enjoy this show, starring Emmy-winning actress Cicely Tyson. The cast is chock-full of other stars with Tony awards and TV pasts.

(Image: North Shore Music Theater)

(Image: North Shore Music Theater)

"Chicago"
North Shore Music Theater
62 Dunham Road
Beverly, MA 01915
(978) 232-7200
www.nsmt.org

Date: Sept. 23 – Oct. 25, 2014

"Chicago," one of the most uproarious and dramatic musicals of all time, is coming to the North Shore Music Theater in Beverly. Since the North Shore Music Theater has a round stage so every seat in the house is a good one. This is the perfect place to see Chicago which is full of "razzle dazzle" and 20s-inspired jazz showtunes. Even people who don't typically love musical theater are sure to enjoy this drama and murder-filled story. To prepare for the show, brush up on the story by watching the 2002 film version starring Rene Zellweger and Catherine Zeta Jones. Then head up to the North Shore with a glass of wine and buttery popcorn and enjoy the show.

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Cameron Bruns is the founder of BostonGreenBlog.com and co-author of Just Us Gals Boston. She lives in Boston's North End, where her goal is to promote ethical, stylish, and sustainable lifestyle choices to all Boston residents. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.