| The Scene In and Around Boston . . . By Hilda M. Morrill December 7, 2007
After a “fantabulous” opening night performance of “Mamma Mia!” at the Colonial Theatre in Boston, cast members helped raise funds for charity by selling different show items and posing for instant photos with enthusiastic patrons in the lobby. There’s still time to enjoy performances of the smash hit musical through Sunday, December 16. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 617-931-2787. For information about “Mamma Mia!,” visit www.mamma-mia.com. Following are some interesting facts and figures about the show: There are currently more productions of “Mamma Mia!” playing around the world than any other musical. It has been seen by more than 30 million people worldwide and has grossed more than $2 billion at the box office. It has premiered in more cities faster than any other musical in history, opening in more than 170 major cities since the first production in London eight years ago. And, presently, a total of eight global productions (six resident productions and two tours) are generating more than $8 million a week in ticket sales.
Partial List of N.E. Spring Flower Show Speakers Announced Now that the cold weather is upon us, it’s nice to look through the piles of gardening and seed catalogs that are arriving on an almost-daily basis and dream about gardens and the New England Spring Flower Show, which will be held at the Bayside Exposition Center from March 8–16. In addition to the horticultural Nirvana that lucky attendees get to experience, there is always something to learn from the various lectures and demonstrations by noted experts. Trish Wesley Umbrell, the Director of Horticultural Education & Outreach for the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, recently told us via e-mail about some of the scheduled speakers. “To date, we have booked Tony Avent, Stephanie Cohen, Rick Darke, Tovah Martin, Ray Rogers, Felder Rushing, Amy Stewart, Roger B. Swain, and Paul Tukey, just to drop a few names,” she wrote. Oh, dear…. Maybe we’ll have to set up camp right there at the Expo Center for the whole week! Speaking of the Expo Center, the 2008 Flower Show will be the last one held there. Beginning in 2009, the shows will be held at the new Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. The theme of the 2008 Show is “Rhapsody in Green.” For more information, visit www.masshort.org. And, if you would like an opportunity to win a pair of free tickets, courtesy of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, check out our sister gardening Web site, www.bostongardens.com and sign the Guest Book during the months of December, January and February. Good luck!
Emily Rooney and “Greater Boston” Celebrate 10th Anniversary at WGBH WGBH-TV’s outstanding "Greater Boston" program recently celebrated its 10th anniversary at a gala event, marking a decade as a trusted source for in-depth analysis of news, politics and public affairs issues of local interest. Over the years, host Emily Rooney, known for her extensive journalism experience and straight-talking style, has interviewed key figures in local and national politics and public affairs about timely issues. On September 26, "Greater Boston" presented a special retrospective episode. Host and executive editor, Ms. Rooney, who has interviewed everyone from former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, to comedian and author Al Franken and Red Sox president & CEO Larry Lucchino (and even yours truly), shared at length her own personal story for the first time. She recounted the beginnings of "Greater Boston" and some of the show's most memorable moments and featured clips of some highlights. The presentation of the introduction to the retrospective episode was shot live from the "Greater Boston" gala event held at the new WGBH studios, where colleagues and friends had gathered in her honor. Congratulations and Best Wishes!
JoAnne Walton Dickinson Honored by Opera Boston Honored recently was arts benefactor JoAnne Walton Dickinson during the “2007 Innovation! Awards,” an evening of “Surprise and Delight,” benefiting Opera Boston. Also honored at the special event, which was held at The State Room, was the international opera star Dawn Upshaw. Mayor Thomas Menino and Angela Menino were the Honorary Chairs. The Event Co-Chairs were Gregory E. Bulger, Richard J. Dix, and Caroline and Robert Collings. The large Benefit Committee included Scott L. Allen, Dr. Paul and Katie Buttenwieser, Julie A. Burns, Ted and Joan Cutler, Alfred Fiandaca, Richard Giglio, Barbara and Steve Grossman, Mimi Hewlett, Cerise and Charles Jacobs, Dan Ludden and John Fiske, Edmund Polubinski, Jr., Miguel A. Rodriguez, Mario Russo and Frank Gilligan, Judi Vose, and Marillyn Zacharis, just to name a very few. Incidentally, upcoming productions of Opera Boston include Handel’s “Semele” on February 1, 3 & 5; and Verdi’s “Ernani” on May 2, 4 & 6 at the Majestic Theatre. For tickets, call Telecharge at 800-233-3123. For more information, visit www.operaboston.org. Enjoy! |
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On opening night, “Mamma Mia!” cast members Ian Simpson, left, and Christine Sherrill, right, pictured with a couple of happy patrons, help raise funds for charity. (Photo © Hilda M. Morrill)