WHAT'S NEW AT A GLANCE . . .

In addition to its full schedule of music and dance performances, The Boston Conservatory will present fully staged productions of "The Full Monty" and "The Apple Tree" this winter. Get the details here.

The Tony Award-winning rock opera "American Idiot" came blasting into the Boston Opera House and R. J. Donovan was there for the high energy evening. Read his review here.

Broadway stars Rachel York and Brent Barrett will present "Isn't It Romantic?" for one show only at Reagle Music Theatre on February 19. Having previously co-starred in the London production of "Kiss Me Kate," the duo will offer a concert showcasing their favorite songs from stage and screen. Read all about it here.

With moneylender Shylock breathing down his neck, Antonio can’t afford to part with the collateral material he's put up as the guarantor of a loan -- a pound of his own flesh. This is just one of the clashes in "A Merchant of Venice" at Trinity Rep. Read all about it here.

Victor Hugo's epic tale about the survival of the human spirit returns to town when the 25th Anniversary production of "Les Misérables" plays Boston's Opera House from March 13 – April 1. With new staging plus reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Hugo himself, this all-new version of the international hit has been hailed by The New York Times as “an unquestionably spectacular production from start to finish.” Click here for more.

The bizarre and beloved family of characters created by legendary cartoonist Charles Addams burst to life in the newly revamped musical comedy, "The Addams Family," playing Boston's Opera House February 7 - 19. Broadway's Douglas Sills stars as Gomez with Sara Gettlefinger as Morticia. Click here for all things creepy and kooky.

PAST REVIEWS . . .

The challenging world of Russian-born abstract expressionist Mark Rothko was explored in the SpeakEasy Stage production of "Red." R. J. Donovan said Thomas Derrah delivered a brilliant performance as the artist possessed by his work. Read his review here.

The gloves came off and civilized discussion went out the window when four parents came together to discuss their children in "God of Carnage" at the Huntington Theatre. R. J. Donovan said the stage became an emotional and physical boxing ring. Read his review here.

Lyric Stage Company kicked off the new year with "Superior Donuts," Tracy Letts' comedy set in a downtrodden Chicago donut shop. R. J. Donovan said the production was immensely entertaining. Read his review here.

J. M. Barrie's "Peter Pan" got a high-tech lift with a new state-of-the-art production presented in a 360-degree theater in Boston's City Hall Plaza. R. J. Donovan said the special projection effects were astounding, while the story remained "focused, entertaining and compelling." Read his full review here.

"The Radio City Christmas Spectacular" starring The Rockettes was back at The Wang, this time with a newly polished show that includes several dynamic new elements and production numbers. R. J. Donovan said it more than lived up to its theme, "Lets Christmas Shine." Read his review here.

The Jerry Herman - Harvey Fierstein musical "La Cage aux Folles" hit Boston for a quick pre-holiday stop at The Shubert Theatre. George Hamilton and Christopher Sieber (at left) starred. Read R. J. Donovan's review here.

After aging Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann was captured in Argentina, a game of cat and mouse played out between him and Israeli operative in "Captors," at the Huntington Theatre. R. J. Donovan said the tense, shadowy drama had some chilling moments. Read his review here.

In "The Divine Sister," there was no scandal that couldn't be solved with a guitar solo. Varla Jean Merman (a.k.a. Jeffrey Roberson) starred as Mother Superior in the SpeakEasy Stage production of Charles Busch's comedic homage to nun films. R. J. Donovan said it was heavenly madness. Read his review here.

17th century writer Aphra Behn crossed paths with King Charles II and actress Nell Gwynne in "Or," Liz Adams Duffy's Restoration Comedy at Lyric Stage Company of Boston. Read R. J. Donovan's review here.

What role does religion play in life? That was the question in "Next Fall," the first production of the new season at SpeakEasy Stage. R. J. Donovan said it was a sharply written, very moving comedy with a cast that couldn't be much better. Read his full review here.

The new national tour of "South Pacific" is based on the award-winning Lincoln Center Theatre production that took New York by storm in 2008. R. J. Donovan was at The Opera House for its opening night performance. Read his review here.

Huckleberry Finn set off on one adventure after another in "Big River" at Lyric Stage Company of Boston. R. J. Donovan said the show has some touching moments. Read his review here.

"West Side Story's" masterful musical story of forbidden love and gang warfare remains as vibrant today as it did when it first appeared almost sixty years ago. R. J. Donovan said the national touring company at The Colonial delivered a tight production with some electrifying moments. Read his review here.

What happened when a musical theater fanatic put his favorite original cast album on his record player? The entire show burst to life in his tiny New York City apartment. R. J. Donovan said "The Drowsy Chaperone" at SpeakEasy Stage was sharp, clever and thoroughly entertaining. Read his full review here.

The national tour of the hit Broadway revival of "Hair" let the sunshine in at The Colonial Theatre. R. J. Donovan was there for the love fest on Opening Night and said it was an exuberant evening. Read his full review here.

The company of international dancing champs was fast and frenetic in the sizzling "Burn The Floor" at The Colonial Theatre. R. J. Donovan said the performers maintained an insane level of energy from start to finish. Read his review here.

Plus There's Lots More . . .

To browse OnStage Boston's full listing of news stories detailing what's happening everywhere from The Huntington to Boston Playwrights Theatre, New Rep, Lyric Stage Company, The Boston Conservatory, Trinity Rep and others, just click here.