North Shore Music Theatre, Massachusetts, United States

5Josh P 5:00 PM Oct 19, 2016

Broadway Level Entertainment for a Fraction of the Price
I've seen a number of productions at North Shore Music Theater, and I've also seen a number of productions on Broadway. While the sets at NSMT may not be as elaborate as those in NYC (primarily because NSMT doesn't show the same production for three years straight), the choreography, direction, and talent of the performers is on par with what you would see on the Big Stage. That's not an exaggeration; I stand behind that statement. This is also a North Shore gem and an artistic respite in a place that's dominated by cement and angry commuters. We should not let NSMT fall into arrears. I urge everyone to get out and support local culture. Take your significant other or your kids to one of their fantastic shows. (I have no affiliation with NSMT; I'm just a big fan.)

5Sharon C 5:00 PM Feb 8, 2016

No bad seats at the N.S. Music Theatre
I admit it had been a few years since I visited the NS Music Theatre. Over the past few decades, my husband and I have regularly seen plays and musicals in Boston, the last being "The Book of Mormon" (meh!). What I remember about those excursions is being crammed into a seat intended for someone Tiny Tim's size. Not only that, the seats in those old theaters are ancient; when you're sitting for two hours straight, you feel it. Additionally, you develop a stiff neck from tilting your head in order to see around the person in front of you. And did I mention the cost of two tickets at a Boston theatre? You could stay at The Four Seasons with what you'll pay at the box office, providing you reach the box office after driving up and down dark, crowded streets searching for a parking space. Thus I was in for an eye-opener when I attended a matinee performance of "A Christmas Carol" in December. This was a special year for the production: The actor who plays Scrooge was celebrating his 25th year of performing the role at the NS Music Theatre. My son got tickets for the two of us after I dropped a few hints about what I wanted for Christmas. Right from the start, I was impressed with the comfortable seats. Even though the theater was full, you never felt crowded. At the Boston theaters, the rows are so tightly packed that if you feel an itch, you can't scratch without involving your seat mate. And best of all, you don't have to crane your neck to see the stage.The floor is on a slant, providing an all-over good view. Plus, the "theater-in-the-round" concept creates a feeling of intimacy between audience and actors. Last but not least, you don't leave the theater wondering if your car has been towed, as you do in Boston. The NS Music Theatre has plenty of parking. Did I mention the popcorn? It's better than the movies.