(Photo – bostoncourtpasadena.org)
Beginning with their very first production in 2003 of Romeo & Juliet: Antebellum New Orleans 1836, Boston Court has been dedicated to adventurous new work, reimagined classics, and showcasing both emerging and established artists.
By News Desk
Over its 20 year history, Boston Court has programmed more than 60 theatre production, including 37 world premieres, more than 300 eclectic music concerts, more than 75 new play readings, and dozens of National Theatre Live screenings that continue the company’s commitment to adventurous new work, reimagined classics, and both emerging and established artists.
Boston Court Artistic Director Jessica Kubzansky said:
When Z. Clark Branson and EIleen T’Kaye first dreamed of creating a venue that combined the adventure and vitality of a 99-seat theatre with the amenities and capabilities of a larger venue, they fearlessly charted a course for Boston Court to dedicate itself to high-quality new and adventurous work that couldn’t be seen elsewhere in Southern California.
Kubzansky is one of Boston Court’s founding artistic directors who became the sole artistic director in 2020. She continued, “The fruits of their vision have been more profound than anyone could have imagined, and I’m thrilled that the 2023 season – our first full season since the pandemic – builds on this tradition in new and exciting ways.”
The 2023 season
More than 60 theatrical productions, 300 concerts, 75 new play readings, and dozens of National Theatre Live screenings later, Boston Court is thrilled to share with you their 20th Anniversary Season!
The 2023 theatre season begins with the world premiere of a co-production with Playwrights’ Arena, Unrivaled by Rosie Narasaki, directed by Boston Court Associate Artistic Director Margaret Shigeko Starbuck (March 16 – April 23). Unrivaled tells the story of 11th-century Ladies-in-Waiting Murasaki Shikibu and Sei Shonagon, two of Japan’s most beloved writers, and their rivalry, friendship, and heartbreak.
Boston Court’s music offerings launch with a performance by Afrobeat fusion group, the Rhythms of the Village Band (February 11), followed next by legendary jazz performer Nolan Shaheed (February 25). The music season runs through June and comprises 15 concerts in a wide variety of styles, including classical, new music, and jazz among others. Notable debuts in the 2023 music series include: jazz violinist Leah Zeger, of Leah & I (May 4) and classical violinist Danbi Um with pianist Amy Yang (March 3).
The theatre season continues with the 19th annual New Play Reading Festival (April 29 & 30), featuring staged readings of adventurous new works. Of the 37 world premiere productions produced in Boston Court’s history, 21 were first discovered as part of the New Play Reading Festival, making this program an essential pipeline of new work for the company.
The world premiere of Measure STILL for Measure (September 7 – October 15), written and directed by Boston Court Artistic Director Jessica Kubzansky, concludes the 2023 theatrical season. Boston Court’s first-ever immersive play, utilizing the entire building, will take the audience on a journey behind the curtain to experience the layered and intimate complexities of creating theatre. In this play-within-a-play, a renowned director rehearses a spectacular new production of Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, “the original #metoo story,” but backstage, there’s an even bigger drama playing out.
Single tickets go on sale to the general public on Tuesday, January 31 at 10am and range from $20 – $45. Membership and tickets can be purchased by calling 626.683.6801 or by visiting bostoncourtpasadena.org.
I love their designs.