Let Them Entertain You – March Edition!

Updated – Late March and Beyond!
The musicians and actors who’ve worked with Boston Rock Opera are a busy and talented bunch! Here’s a list of some of the plays, concerts and events where you can see them performing this spring.

 

The Revelations Gospel Brunch featuring three BRO powerhouse voices; Erica Mantone, Jennifer D’Angora, and Andrea Gillis, are at Atwood’s, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge, Sunday, March 5th, 11:30 – 2:00. (This monthly residency continues on the first Sunday of each month).

Kameelah Benjamin-Fuller’s Big Birthday Bash (featuring Alchemilla, Jen Kearney, Cruel Miracle, Bigfoot, Kameelah & Not to Touch the Earth, Pete Cassani, Scott Damgaard w/Ben Knight) is Sunday, March 5 at 8pm, Great Scott, 1222 Commonwealth Ave, Allston.

Also catch G-Rock Goddess Kameelah Benjamin-Fuller and Scott Fleming (Old Berger, HAIR) at Melissa’s, 407 Main, Stoneham on Saturday, March 11.

Joe Turner & the Seven Levels and Body English (featuring Clinton Degan) will be at the Lilypad on March 11th. Joe Turner (projections, HAIR, The Point!) is moving to the UK so it will be JT&7L’s farewell show.

Mask-maker and Body Artist Extraordinaire Eric Bornstein (HAIR headdresses/body art) is stage-managing the Resident Evil Escape Experience. This unique escape game experience is themed around the popular survival horror series. If you go, you might interact with Andy LeBlanc (Woof, HAIR) who appears in the game. “This is an event for those who like problem-solving, puzzles, and word games, all done in cool, creepy rooms.” Through March 19th.

Theophile Victoria (HAIR) will be appearing in The Massasoit Theatre Company production of A Raisin in the Sun Thursday-Saturday, March 9, 10 and 11 at 8:00pm. 1 Massasoit Blvd, Brockton, Massachusetts 02302.

Jenny Dee & The Deelinquents (Jennifer D’Angora) are busy this spring. See them March 3 with The Upper Crust at the Spotlight Tavern in Beverly, and at Atwoods on March 11th.

Andy LeBlanc (Woof, HAIR) will be playing Mercutio in the Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe production of Romeo and Juliet, March 9-18 at the Gorton Theatre, home of the Gloucester Stage Company.

Heather Meeker Greene’s (HAIR) band Madam Bruja play an all ages show at the Midway on March 19th with Valaska, Sorry, and Toxic Rainbows.

UPDATED!

On March 24 and 25th frequent BRO performer Gene Dante channels Paul Lynde in God Save the Queen – Paul Lynde ’79 “You’ll Laugh, You’ll Cry, You’ll Spill Your Martini!” Get your tickets beforeit sells out!

Phil Aiken (Blackstar) will be at the Plough and Stars on March 30th with Field Day

The Cult of Point Break Society featuring Richard Adkins, Greg Campagna, Briana Chalker, Leesa Coyne, Eric Donohue, Jonathan Donaldson, Joel Edinberg, Chuck Ferreira, Sara Honeywell, Dave Lieb, Peter Malagodi, Erica Mantone, Colin Metz, Eric Ortiz, Jay Raffi and Ken Rothman perform a series of shows dedicated to the Music of Steely Dan. Benefit for the ALCU and Planned Parenthood.  Night One is Saturday, March 25 at Thunder Road. Night 2 is March 31st; all ages at The Lilypad.

Destiny Claymore (HAIR) will be touring the East Coast with Darkmatter this April. Catch this amazing talent if you can! Details: Facebook Page. Website.

The Revelations Gospel Brunch featuring three BRO powerhouse voices; Erica Mantone, Jennifer D’Angora, and Andrea Gillis, are at Atwood’s, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge, Sunday, April 2nd, 11:30 – 2:00. (This monthly residency continues on the first Sunday of each month).

Jude Torres (Walter, HAIR) will be appearing in Moonstruck Theater Company‘s production of West Side Story playing the role of Riff. April 7-9, 2017.

Amanda White Birthday Show! with the James Rocket. Saturday, April 15 at 10 PM, the Lilypad, Inman Square. 1353 Cambridge St, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139. Rare Boston appearance by Amanda’s NYC based band.

 

Boston Rock Opera on the YouTube

Gathering the TribeMiss our shows? Wish you could see one of them again?

While nothing can beat the live experience, we’ve recently shared some videos of shows we’ve done through the years and will add other productions as we get them digitized. Visit our YouTube channel to see links to videos of 1994’s Preservation and Jesus Christ Superstar, as well as a link to the October 2016 production of HAIR, and the documentary; Gathering the Tribe. 

Gathering the Tribe: A documentary produced by Kristina Kehrer (who also edited the video of our live production), followed Boston Rock Opera and G-Rock Productions as they created their 2016 production of HAIR. “A timely piece considering the election of Trump.”

Let Them Entertain You

Visit the New Page for March!
The musicians and actors who’ve worked with Boston Rock Opera recently are keeping busy. Here is a list of some of the plays, concerts and events where you can see them performing this spring.

Alchemilla, featuring Kat Bondi (Sheila, HAIR) perform at the Hard Rock Cafe Boston on Sat, Feb 18th,  7:30 PM.

Russ Gershon’s ensemble, Either/Orchestra, presents a concert evening The Emperor, the Nalbandians and the Dawn of Western Music in Ethiopia on Sunday, February 19, at 7 p.m. at the Dorothy and Charles Mosesian Theatre for the Arts in Watertown. The E/O will be joined by vocalists, including Ronald Murphy, performing songs in four languages. (Both seen recently performing Blackstar with BRO.)

Boston Stands: A Mardi Gras Benefit for the ACLU, featuring a who’s who of Boston musical talent, starts Friday, February 24th at ONCE Somerville (156 Highland Ave. Somerville, MA). Featuring the Legendary Vudu Krewe (Paul Ahlstand, Ducky Carlisle, Ken Field, Marc Hickox, Mark Sanchez, Mark Caughill, Ken Schopf, Cliff Spencer, Shaun Wolf Wortis, Chandler Travis) plus special guests: Dennis Brennan, Rick Berlin, Amber Casares, Chris Cote, Ad Frank, Bo and Rachel Barringer, Jen D’Angora, Andrea Gillis, Erica Mantone, The Revelations, Jittery Jack & Miss Amy, Michelle Paulhus, Bertrand Laurence, Yolanda Scott, Andy Plaisted, Ed Valauskas and Russ Gershon.

Richie Hudson (HAIR), Scott Damgaard and & Rikki Minaj perform rock classics at The Tradesman in Milford on February 24.

You can also see BOD gal Jennifer D’Angora (aka Jenny Dee) in The Dents at Sally O’Brien’s, Somerville on Saturday, February 25 9 PM (Duck & Cover, the Dents, Stars like Ours, T.Baker & the Snakes).

Heather Meeker Green (House Hippy, HAIR) and Rish Green perform at Melissa’s, 407 Main Street in Stoneham on Saturday, February 25.

The Revelations Gospel Brunch featuring three BRO powerhouse voices; Erica Mantone, Jennifer D’Angora, and Andrea Gillis, are at Atwood’s, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge, Sunday, March 5th, 11:30 – 2:00. (This monthly residency continues on the first Sunday of each month).

Kameelah’s Big Birthday Bash (featuring Alchemilla, Jen Kearney, Cruel Miracle, Bigfoot, Kameelah & Not to Touch the Earth, Pete Cassani, Scott Damgaard w/Ben Knight) is Sunday, March 5 at 8pm, Great Scott, 1222 Commonwealth Ave, Allston.

Also catch G-Rock Goddess Kameelah Benjamin-Fuller and Scott Fleming (Old Berger, HAIR) at Melissa’s, 407 Main, Stoneham on Saturday, March 11.

Joe Turner & the Seven Levels and Body English (featuring Clinton Degan) will be at the Lilypad on March 11. Joe Turner (projections, HAIR, The Point!) is moving to the UK so it will be JT&7L’s farewell show.

Theophile Victoria (HAIR) will be appearing in The Massasoit Theatre Company production of A Raisin in the Sun Thursday-Saturday, March 9, 10 and 11 at 8:00pm. 1 Massasoit Blvd, Brockton, Massachusetts 02302.

Andy LeBlanc (Woof, HAIR) will be playing Mercutio in the Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe production of Romeo and Juliet, March 9-18 at the Gorton Theatre, home of the Gloucester Stage Company.

Jude Torres (Walter, HAIR) will be appearing in Moonstruck Theater Company‘s production of West Side Story playing the role of Riff. April 7-9, 2017.

Amanda White Birthday Show with the James Rocket. Saturday, April 15 at 10 PM, the Lilypad, Inman Square. 1353 Cambridge St, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139. Rare Boston appearance by Amanda’s NYC based band.

Lazarus featuring Ron Murphy on lead vocal

On August 6 and 7, 2016 Boston Rock Opera reunited after a long hiatus to present a three hour tribute to David Bowie; Stardust to Blackstar. Under the arrangement and musical direction of Russ Gershon, we performed Blackstar in its entirety. In celebration of those magical nights, and in honor of David Bowie’s birthday, please enjoy Ron Murphy performing Lazarus at ONCE Ballroom, August 7, 2016.

More about Boston Rock Opera’s presentation of Stardust to Blackstar.
More Videos from the performances (BRO YouTube Playlist)

Credits:

From the album Blackstar, by David Bowie

Performed and Produced by Boston Rock Opera
August 7, 2016
Once Ballroom, Somerville, MA

Arranged and Music Directed by Russ Gershon

Ron Murphy; lead vocals
Choir; Erica Mantone, Susan Barnaby, Jenna Markard, C. Moon Mullins

Russ Gershon; tenor saxophone
Melanie Howell Brooks; baritone saxophone
Phil Aiken; keys
Paul Schultheis; keys
Albino Mbie; guitar
Greg Loughman; bass
Jacques Smith Jr.; drums

Lighting by Todd Sargent
Video by James Manning

HAiR The American Tribal Love Rock Musical

bronew-poster-hair

Three Nights Only!
Boston Rock Opera & G-Rock Music Present
HAIR – The American Tribal Love Rock Musical
Book and Lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado; Music by Galt McDermott.

October 21st @ 8:30pm
October 22nd @ 8:30pm
October 23rd Early Show @ 4pm$24 adv / $27 day of show
Doors Open 1 hour prior to show. Once is an All Ages Venue.
ONCE Ballroom, 156 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA

ONCE Ballroom becomes the New York City home and loft space of this tribe of artists, performers, believers and misfits who find each other during the tumultuous social climate of the late 1960s. The audience becomes the lens for their stories as they hang out, get high and plan a Be-In protest against the draft and the Vietnam War.

Under the direction of original BRO founder, Eleanor Ramsay and the musical direction of Clinton Degan (Body English), the tribe and audience will be taken on a trip through time and space through the eyes of its main character, Berger, played by Rodrigo van Stoli (Aquanutz). Joshua Rajman plays the tragic Claude Bukowski and Kat Bondi (Alchemilla) is the yippie protester Sheila.

Herald Preview: Age of Aquarius rises in rock revolution
Preview of Boston Rock Opera at Reel and Rock
Cast and Crew Bios

BOSTON ROCK OPERA & G-ROCK MUSIC PRESENT
HAIR – THE AMERICAN TRIBAL LOVE ROCK MUSICAL
BOOK AND LYRICS BY GEROME RAGNI AND JAMES RADO
MUSIC BY GALT MCDERMOTT.

Produced by Erica Mantone and Kameelah Benjamin-Fuller
Directed by Eleanor Ramsay
Music Direction by Clinton Degan
Choral Direction by Christina Alexander
Choreography by Sandra Sasi Marcelino
Costume Design by Linda Viens
Technical Direction by Zachary Rochester
Lighting by Todd Sargent, Projections by Joe Turner
Assistant Director: Susan Barnaby
Assistant Choreographers: Joshua Rajman and Ozzy Rivera
Publicity & Program: Debbie Catalano

THE TRIBE: 
Rod van Stoli as Berger
Joshua Rajman as Claude
Kat Bondi as Sheila
Zachary Rochester as Hud
Andy LeBlanc as Woof
Amanda Axel as Jeanie
Jude Torres as Walter
Destiny Claymore as Ronny
Sandra Marcelino as Dionne
Gifston Joseph as Crissy
Kameelah Benjamin-Fuller as Diane
Anjali Nair as Leata
Shanice Washington as Emeretta
Jen D’Angora as Susanna
Mayté Antelo-Ovando as Marjorie
Erica Mantone as Mary
C. Moon Mullins as Paul
Agent Judy as Mother/Margaret Mead
Tim Sprague as Father/Hubert
Miranda Reilly as Linda
Richie Hudson as Steve
Sami Greenberg as Sami
Lenore Tsikitas as Natalie
Ozzy Rivera as Hiram
Theophile Victoria as Theo
Amanda White as Scarlett (also, Linda)
Scott Fleming as Berger 2016
Heather Meeker Green as House Hippy

be-inposter-hair-v2-webThe HAIRBAND
Clinton Degan, Guitar
Pete Sutton, Bass
Kyle Harris, Drums
Matthew DiMuccio, Keyboards

 

HAiR was produced for the Broadway Stage by Michael Butler.
Originally produced by the New York Shakespeare Festival Theatre.
Presented by Arrangement with Tams-Witmark Music Library, Inc.

Concert Across America September: 25th

cca-quote

Honored to be a part of this multi-city event.
This Sunday, Sept 25th. Somerville represents! 4-10pm.
Boston Rock Opera performs around 9pm.

We’ll perform a bit of Bowie and tease our HAIR.
With: Rod Van Stoli, Mick Mondo, Gene Dante, Kat Bondi, Jenny Dee, Erica Mantone, Melissa Gibbs, Michele Paulhus, C. Moon Mullins, Mayte Antelo, Destiny Claymore, Clinton Degan, Russ Gershon, Pete Sutton, Kyle Harris, Matthew DiMuccio!

PLUS! Abbie Barrett & Band, Magen Tracy & the Missed Connections, Matt Heaton & the Electric Heaters, HarborLights, Lily Black, Ghosts & Shadows, Angry Toddlers

And, of course, since it’s at ONCE, delicious food in the lounge.

More information:
Concert Across America Somerville

Concert Across America Main Website
350+ Concerts to End Gun Violence

Launching this Week

Update!
Thanks to 71 generous backers we were able to raise almost $5,000 towards our expenses of HAIR. This went towards the licensing, sound and costuming.

See Our Special Thanks page for the names of our 2016 sponsors and contributors.

Boston Rock Opera and G-Rock Music Present HAIR

Help resurrect a Boston music institution while celebrating peace, love and rock and roll!