Cambridge’s Alternative Theater Scene

It’s not surprising that  many of the area’s  most daring and experimental theatre productions are mounted in  Cambridge.  The American Repertory Theatre (64 Brattle St., Cambridge, 617-547-8300)(Map) produces some of the city’s edgiest shows- both new plays and progressive adaptations of classic works. The Donkey Show is a “Midsummer Night’s Dream” like you’ve never seen it before . The story is told through your favorite 70′s dance tunes  “We Are Family” , “Car Wash” and “Last Dance”, and more. You know the words, and you will be dancing in the aisle too! The Donkey Show is hugely popular  with Boston audiences and will play every Friday and Saturday night through summer 2010.

Central Square Theater (450 Mass Ave., Cambridge, 617-576-9278)(Map) is one of the area’s newest theaters and the permanent performing space for the Nora Theatre Company and the Underground Railway Theater. Nora performs stage classics and premieres experimental plays by emerging writers. Nora’s next  2010 show will be Not Enough Air, February 11-March 14, by  Masha Obolensky.  The drama  follows the famed journalist/playwright Sophie Treadwell and her involvement in the 1928 murder trial of Ruth Snyder.  URT shows have a decided educational element, From Orchids to Octopi is an evolutionary love story produced in collaboration with MIT and will be performed March 31-May 2.

Image Credit: Marcus Stern for ART