May 17-24, 2011: Star Wars, Airplane, Native Am, & Chalk Art Fests, Open Studios, Re-enactments, and Naked Girls Reading
05/16/11 by
Johnny Monsarrat
Last weekend I made it out to Springfield for their pancake festival, parade, and fireworks. It wasn’t the hugest festival ever, but a good excuse to check out a new city. Try it! Make this weekend an excuse to go to some out of the way tiny New England location and see what the locals are cooking up. I hope you are having an awesome week. Now get out there and do something fun!
-Johnny
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| The Week in Weird | ||||
| Sat 5/21WorcesterStar Wars Day at the Higgins Armory |
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| Here’s a great way to start the week. My favorite museum in Worcester is the Higgins Armory, where they have all manner of medeival suits of armor and weapons. But this week, they add Star Wars re-enactors, and you can meet costumed “stormtroopers” from Star Wars and learn about ancient knights. 100 Barber Ave, Worcester, MA.508-853-6015. more more |
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| Sat 5/21Southeast MassGeneral Aviation Fun Day |
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| Slightly more grounded, it’s helicopters! And airplanes! And trains! And they’re free! 10 AM- 4 PM. New Bedford Regional Airport, New Bedford, MA. more |
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| Sun 5/22Metro WestWonderful Wellesley Annual Veterans Parade |
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| It’s not memorial day yet, but I couldn’t resist putting this veteran’s parade up top. After the 1pm parade, they have fireworks at dusk! Washington Street, Wellesley, MA. more |
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| Fri 5/20 – Sun 5/22Metro WestStow SpringFest Celebration |
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| Festivals come and go, but how many have a silent movie with live music, a lego contest, hayrides, a Revolutionary War re-enactment, and the Rocky Horror Picture Show? Wow! Now that’s creative. Center School, Stow, MA. more |
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| Sat 5/21 – Sun 5/22Boston MetroNative American Cultural Awareness (NACA) 1st Annual Spring Powwow |
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| And here’s one of only a very few Native American events that you can get to by subway each year. In addition to the opportunity to learn about Native culture, pow wows offer great traditional music, dancing, vendors, and food. There’s always fun stuff for kids, too. 10 AM – 5 PM at the National Guard Armory. 70 Victory Rd., Dorchester, MA.617-364-3718. more |
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| Sat 5/21Boston MetroWBOS Earthfest |
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| Although this is is not exactly obscure — it is well advertised everywhere — this belated Earth Day festival is always fun. WBOS sponsors this free concert outdoors on the Esplanade (one stage for mainstream rock bands, one stage for kids music) with lots of exhibitors and cool stuff to do. This year’s lineup features OK Go, Sponge, Atomic Tom, and Ed Kowalczyk. 10 AM- 1 PM. Hatch Shell, Esplanade, Boston, MA. more more |
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| Sat 5/21Boston MetroSomerville Porch Fest |
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| This is a cool grassroots project where all kinds of Somerville musicians will give free performances all day on their front porches. Check the website for a map of locations. A Somervillian porch near you, Somerville, MA. more |
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| Sat 5/21 – Sun 5/22Boston MetroCambridge Open Studios – North/West |
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| Or take this excuse to stroll through the streets of Cambridge, as local artists open their homes and studios to the public. It’s a nice walk and great to meet real artists, not just their vendors. (Cambridge is big enough that they decided to split their open studios into three regional sections.) 12-6pm. All over, Cambridge, MA. more |
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| Sat 5/21 – Sun 5/22Boston MetroLexington Open Studios |
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| Not reading the arts calendar very closely is a competing event in Lexington. 11am-5pm. Get a map online, Lexington, MA. more |
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| Sat 5/21 – Sun 5/22Boston MetroEast Boston Open Studios |
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| And East Boston artists will open their studios to the public, too. There will be over 50 artists participating in various locations. (Are you sick of these open studios yet?) 12-6pm. Various locations, Boston, MA. more |
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| Fri 5/20 – Sun 5/22WorcesterNERO Roleplaying Weekend |
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| Here’s your local Live Roleplaying Club doing an all-weekend event at a camp. So if you want to get lost in fantasy even more than Star Wars at the Higgins, this is your ticket. Clara Barton Camp, North Oxford, MA. more |
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| Tue 5/17WorcesterFull Moon Canoe Trip |
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| I’ve never been on a nighttime canoe trip, but I bet it rocks. Bring a light coat. 7:30-9pm. Hale Reservation, 80 Carby St., Westwood, MA. more |
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| Sat 5/21Metro WestActon Minute Man Day |
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| This is a re-enactment that goes undescribed, but presumably includes a re-enactment of minute men, for a day! Concord, MA. more |
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| Sat 5/21 – Sun 5/22Metro WestThe Battle for Needham |
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| This one’s more like it. It’s a historical re-enactment event with a twist: Based on the facts of what really did happen, and an imagined scenario of what could have happened, too. The Battle begins at 1:30 PM on Saturday and 1:00 PM Sunday. Charles River Street, Needham, MA. more |
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| Sat 5/21Boston MetroNaked Girls Reading: Fang Fiction |
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| This is exactly what it sounds like. Women strip and then read instead of gyrate. That’s good, I guess? Do they make housecalls? 11:59pm. Coolidge Corner Theatre, Cambridge, MA. more |
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| Fri 5/20Boston MetroMayor Menino’s Bike Fesitval |
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| Do you like to bike? This guided bike convoy ends up at a festival on Boston City Hall Plaza, with free burritos, music, and the usual vendors and giveaways. You might even win a bike. 7-9 AM. City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA. more |
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| Sat 5/21 – Sun 5/22New HampshireNortheast Geocache Bash |
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| Geocaching is when you take a GPS device and hunt around for buried treasure. No, really! This White Mountains festival will have workshops, BBQ parties, and 30 hidden treasures to find. It’s small but looks really creative. Lincoln, NH. more |
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| Also Fun | ||||
| Thu 5/19Boston MetroObservatory Night at Harvard |
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| Harvard has an observatory, and it’s right in the city where the stars are washed out by city lights. But they have great lectures! This one features NASA’s Kepler spacecraft, which is searching the galaxy for other planets like ours. 7:30 PM. Center for Astrophysics, 60 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA.617-495-7463. more |
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| Sat 5/21Boston MetroSpring Observatory Open House |
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| The Blue Hills is also doing an observatory day, with kites and “balloon releases”. 10am-4pm. Blue Hill Observatory, park at Trailside Museum at 1904 Canton Avenue, Milton, MA. more |
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| Thu 5/19Boston MetroCharles Sumner & Civil Rights |
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| Charles Sumner is one of the most visible figures in Harvard Square history. If you’re a local history buff, you might be interested in the rededication of his statue at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Church Street. Immediately following there will be a discussion on Sumner’s relevance today. 6 PM. First Parish Church, Cambridge, MA.617-759-7254. more more |
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| Sat 5/21North ShoreArtist’s Plein Air Day |
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| The good people at Cogswell’s Grant are inviting local artists to the estate for a day of plein air (Read: Outdoor) painting. Free snacks and beverages are available, and there will be tours of the house and its American folk art exhibits. Let’s hope the rain lets up by then! 10 AM- 5 PM. Cogswell’s Grant, 60 Spring Street, Essex, MA.978-768-3632. more |
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| Sun 5/22Southeast MassMSCPA Equestrian Trail Ride and Fundraiser |
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| This looks like a truly fun way to support a great cause: Enjoy a horseback ride through Noanet Woodlands, Rocky Woods, and Powisset Farm: Half the proceeds go to the MSPCA and the other half to the Trustees of Reservations. Check-in from 9 AM- 11 AM. Cost TBA. Powisett Farm, 37 Powisett Street, Dover, MA.508.785.0339. more |
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| Fri 5/20 – Sat 5/21Boston MetroWinchester En Ka Fair |
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| This one is more home-grown, which probably makes it more creative and cool. We love a fair with personality! Rides and games open to the public Friday at 5 PM. The fairgrounds at the corner of Mt. Vernon Street and Skillings Road, Winchester, MA.781.729.2628. more |
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| Fri 5/20Boston MetroA Taste of Blacksmithing |
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| Here’s an opportunity to take an introductory class on blacksmithing. That’s awesome, right? Prospect Hill Forge, Winchester, MA. more |
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| Wed 5/18 – Sun 5/22Boston MetroWoburn Spring Carnival |
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| This weekend, Fiesta Shows brings the good times to Woburn with their traveling carnival. Showcase Cinemas, 25 Middlesex Canal, Park Drive, Woburn, MA. more |
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| Sat 5/21Boston Metroa THANG: Music and Dance at The Nave Gallery |
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| The Nave is a gallery. So basically a museum. But now they’re adding music and dance. That’s good, right? Sure it’s good! 8 PM. The Nave Gallery @ Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church, 155 Powderhouse Blvd., Somerville, MA. |
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| Tue 5/17 – Tue 6/14Boston MetroThe Segway Experience | ||||
| The Museum of Science is now offering 90-minute Segway tours. Segways are those cool-looking machines with two wheels that don’t fall over and you can’t afford to buy one. Museum of Science, Boston, MA.617-723-2500. more |
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| Sat 5/21Rhode IslandBoats, Birds, and BBQ |
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| Here’s a free party on the waterfront to attract you to community boating. Highlights include skippered sailboat rides, a BBQ, birds of prey presentations, along with free sailing demonstrations throughout the day. Become a member of either organization at the event and receive a free bird-watching boat tour narrated by an Audubon naturalist. 1 PM. Community Boating Center, Providence, RI.(401) 949-5454, ext. 3041. more |
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| Thu 5/19 – Sat 10/1Western MassPittsfield 3rd Thursdays Downtown – Opening Weekend |
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| This is a commercial event where stores stay open late and attract you with a street festival. But hey… street festival! They’ll have musicians, artists, and “activities” that apparently aren’t worth describing on their website. Let me guess… activity #1… shopping… activity #2… more shopping? Downtown Pittsfield, Pittsfield, MA. more |
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| Sat 5/21North ShoreMotif #1 Days | ||||
| This festival is so small town-y that it’s name after a little red fishing shack. They’ll have a scavenger hunt, live music, sidewalk art, poetry, film, and interactive easels where you can try your hand at painting. 10am-6pm. Downtown Rockport, Rockport, MA.978-546-6575. more |
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| Sat 5/21 – Sun 5/22Boston MetroPlay-Jurisms! a weekend of creativity! copyright! ethics! appropriation! |
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| I don’t normally list tradeshows for specific subgroups, but this off-beat, free weekend series is for artists who care about copyrights and intellectual property, including a screening of “Sonic Outlaws” and a performance by Gang Clan Mafia and Factory Seconds. Democracy Center, 54 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge, MA. more more |
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| Fri 5/20 – Sun 5/22Cape CodBluegrass On The Bogs |
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| This non-traditional, acoustic festival, boasts some of the most talented musicians in the region. In addition to music, there will be workshops, children’s activities, food, artisan vendors, and other cool stuff. Jellystone Cape Cod at Maple Park, 290 Glen Charlie Rd., East Wareham, MA.508-280-4825 or 508-542-0781. more |
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| Sun 5/22North ShoreHoppin’ Mad Mud Run |
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| This is not just a 10 kilometer road race. It’s also an obstacle course, with tires, walls, hay bales, and a giant mud pit. “The craziest and muddiest race this side of the Mason Dixon Line!” I’ll take their word for it. Start time is 11 AM and registration is $60. Woodsom Farms, Amesbury, MA. more |
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| Thu 5/19Boston MetroAnnual Beacon Hill Hidden Gardens Tour |
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| Once a year on the third Thursday in May, a dozen or so Beacon Hill Garden Club members open their gardens to the public. Self-guided tours from 9 AM- 5 PM, rain or shine. $30 advance reservations (see website for deadline), $35 day of the event. Beacon Hill Garden Club, Charles & Mt. Vernon Streets, Boston, MA.617-227-4392. more |
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| Sun 5/22 – Sun 5/29Boston MetroArts at the Armory’s Spring Fever Market |
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| Here’s yet another outdoor market that has unspecified “activities”. Why would you stroll along a bunch of tents meeting vendors when you could go to one of the open studios listed above, meeting artists in their private homes? The Center for Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA.617.718.2191. more |
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| Sat 5/7 – Sat 10/1Boston MetroDowntown Crossing Art Fridays |
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| Also ho hum, in Downtown Crossing, is this art market, which will take place every Friday until October from 11am-6pm. Summer Street, Downtown Crossing, Boston, MA. more |
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| Sun 5/22Boston MetroCulinary Historians of Boston Banquet |
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| I love historical re-enactments… but what about historical food? The Culinary Historians of Boston celebrate their 30th anniversary tonight with their decadent, annual banquet. Wonder what’s on the menu? 12 PM. $20 contribution requested. Requested? So… I can NOT pay it? Milton House at Newbury College, 129 Fisher Avenue, Brookline, MA. more |
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| Wed 5/18 – Sun 5/22Southeast MassNantucket Wine Festival |
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| If you’re on Nantucket, and the most creative thing you can think to do is chug wine, you’ve got problems. For heavens’ sake, go to the beach or learn to play tennis, neither of which is best done sloshed. Various, Nantucket Island.508-228-1128. more |
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| Sat 5/21 – Sun 5/22ConnecticutHammonasset Kite Festival |
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| If you’re in Connecticut, check out this local kite fest. Hammonasset Beach State Park, Exit 62 off Rt 95, Madison, CT. more |
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| Performance | ||||
| Thu 5/5 – Sat 5/21Boston MetroHotel Cassiopeia |
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| Fans of collage and assemblage artist Joseph Cornell might be interested in this dream-like Charles Mee play about his life and work. 10 Channel Center Street, Boston, MA.617.750.8900. more |
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| Tue 5/17Boston MetroBoston Handbell Festival |
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| I doubt that it’s really a festival — it seems like a performance, but I love handbells. Old South Church, Boston, MA. more |
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| Wed 5/18Western MassPopular Music of the Gaslight Era |
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| Part of the Great Barrington 250th Anniversary festivities is this free performance of old-time American music from 1890-1920. 7 PM. Monument Mountain High School Auditorium, Great Barrington, MA. more |
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| Fri 5/20Boston MetroWayfaring Strange: An Offbeat Song-Swap at the Armory |
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| Leesa Coyne, J-Krafty, Davina Yannetty and Nick Zaino take the stage for a veritable Smörgåsbord of offbeat music that may include 2 separate stalker songs, 2 songs about monsters (big foot and godzilla), a song about butt surgery, arts and crafts, interfaith dating, quickies, and the list goes on. The Center for Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA. more |
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| Thu 5/19Boston MetroBoston Typewriter Orchestra |
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| I’ve always wanted to see this! The Boston Typewriter Orchestra is a percussion group where instead of banging drums, they play keyboards! 8 PM. Tickets are $13 in advance and $15 at the door. Club Passism, 47 Palmer Street, Cambridge, MA.617-492-5300. more |
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| Fri 5/20Boston MetroThe Vagina Monologues |
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| What’s more feminine and modern than talking vaginas? The talking vaginas of the OBGYN residents of Brigham & Women’s Hospital & Mass General. They’re totally ALL about vaginas. Proceeds go to charity. 8 PM. Club Oberon, 2 Arrow Street, Cambridge, MA.617.495.2668. more |
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| Fri 5/20 – Sun 5/22Boston MetroOpera Project Light and Power |
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| The Juventas Music Ensemble, whose specialty is weird and wacky, new works, are putting on an avant-garde opera about inventor and steampunk idol Nikola Tesla. This could either be really provocative and cool, or really lame. Let’s find out. Cambridge YMCA Theater, Cambridge, MA. more |
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| Sat 5/21Boston MetroBrookline Puppet Slam |
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| In the category of “Events that You’d Probably Avoid But Are Actually Really Fun” is this performance for adults- not kids!- involving puppets. Um, and slamming. Puppet Showplace Theatre, 32 Station Street, Brookline, MA.617-731-6400. more |
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| Sun 5/22Boston MetroBoston Theater Marathon XIII |
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| Here’s a ten-hour marathon of fifty ten-minute plays. I’m sure it’s excellent, but if you don’t like one, you’ll get another in just 10 minutes! Boston Center for the Arts, Boston, MA. more |
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