Arts & Culture

Written by Jason Robert Brown, "Songs for a New World" is somewhere between a musical and song cycle - a series of songs all connected by a theme: the moment of decision. Characters range from the mother of a Revolutionary soldier awaiting the end of the brutal war to a young man in the Bronx dreaming of becoming a famous basketball player to a forlorn and neglected Mrs. Claus lamenting as Christmas approaches. A diverse cast and rousing score blend pop, gospel, and jazz with tight harmonies and daring vocals that transport its audience from the deck of a Spanish sailing ship bound for a new land to the ledge of a New York penthouse. 

Object Lessons, curated by Nancy Gruskin, is on view June 12th through August 10th at Concord Art. The Opening Reception will be Thursday June 12th, 5:30pm - 7pm. Image: Becky Street, Vessel Quilt, 2024, monoprint, 25.5 x 22 inches, courtesy of the artist

Opera51 presents “A Musical Thriller!"

Sweeney Todd opened on Broadway in 1979 and in the West End of London in 1980. It has been awarded eight Tony Awards, including one for best musical, and inspired the film adaptation by director Tim Burton in 2007.

June 7 at 8:00 pm

June 8 at 2:00 pm

While his mother struggles to earn money in New York City and his father waits alone in Manila for their daily phone calls, six-year-old Eddie learns English from his imaginary friend. Between the War on Drugs in the Philippines and the anti-immigrant movement in the United States threatening their humanity, will this undocumented family be able to pursue their dreams and address unspoken truths? A musical and multilingual journey of childlike wonder, Gaven D. Trinidad’s “Learning How to Read by Moonlight” is equal parts playful, poignant, and hella Pinoy.

The Concord Orchestra presents “Dreaming With Your Feet” at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1 at 2:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at 51 Walden. The orchestra, conducted by Music Director Zeke Fetrow, performs a program of Michael Kurth’s Everything Lasts Forever, Arturo Marquez’s Danzon No. 2, and Ottorino Respighi’s Pines of Rome. 

Emmy and SAG-nominated TITUSS BURGESS has quickly emerged as one of the entertainment industry’s most versatile and dynamic performers, with his work in television, film, and theater generating both critical and commercial acclaim. Tituss most recently starred as Harold Zidler in Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Broadway. He was seen on TV in Season 2 of the hit Apple TV+ series Schmigadoon!. Tituss starred in the hit Netflix comedy series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (nominations for four consecutive Emmy Awards, a SAG Award, and two Critics’ Choice TV Awards).

The spring palette unfolds into the colors of summer with our fourth show of the year. Represented artist Brenda Cirioni returns with textural abstract paintings that carry the memory of a garden. Contemporary figurative paintings by Joan Hanley speak to the everyday curiosity of life. Concord-based guest artist Christiane Corcelle shares dynamic mixed media paintings with a bold palette and composition. The show also features new works by represented artists Cindy Crimmin, Joe Faria, Jennifer M. Johnston, Joan Kocak, and Bethany Noël, and guest artist Jill Goldman-Callahan.

The Concord Chorus, with Music Director Dr. Kevin Leong, presents Together in the Light - Ernest Bloch: Sacred Service and works of Randall Thompson, on Saturday, May 10, 8 p.m., at St. Camillus Church, 1185 Concord Turnpike, Arlington MA. This moving concert is part of the official Concord250 celebration of the American Revolution, themed “Still Heard ‘Round the World.” 

Annual Open Studios and Ceramics Studio Sale at the newly renovated Umbrella Arts Center in the heart of historic Concord Center. Saturday, May 3 – 12:00pm – 5:00pm Sunday, May 4 – 12:00pm – 5:00pm For 2025, we’re delighted to welcome you to our studios and galleries! The Umbrella Arts Center is home to more than 60 working artists skilled in a variety of fine and applied arts including ceramics, glass, fiber arts, jewelry making, illustration, mixed-media, painting, photography, printmaking, illustration, sculpture, woodworking, writing and more.

Winner of multiple Tony Awards, Urinetown the Musical is an irreverent satire whose sharp wit and nonstop humor present us with the endlessly comic side of unchecked capitalism, corporate mismanagement, and social irresponsibility - all leading to a different type of Revolution.

Performances: May 2, 3, 9,10,16 & 17 at 8:00 pm and May 4 & 11 at 2:00 pm.