Goldstar Pick o' the Week -- Romeo & Juliet

(Original photo from Wikipedia)

The Goldstar people approached me to spread the word about their website, so I decided to share one of their deals now and then. I had already used their service, so I know it works.

They offer various 50% (or more) discounts to a variety of events like theater, comedy, music, etc.

Yes, you have to register. And they send emails on a regular basis -- but you can read/delete them as you like. I suggest reading them more often than not, because some early-bird discounts provide almost free admission.

Yes, they're "free" tickets have service charges so it's not really free -- but I have and will try to represent the true costs.

I screwed up and meant to post this earlier in the day. My bad.

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FRI 8/10 (thru SAT 8/25)

Various Times
"Romeo and Juliet"
at Plaza Theatre, Boston Center for Arts, 539 Tremont Street, Boston (South End)
$4 or $7 to $16 Goldstar price (vs $24)

A few years ago I saw a performance of "Romeo and Juliet" where the characters spoke the Bard's original words yet they were modern clothes as if they were people like you or I. The play made more sense than any other time I've seen it live or on screen.

Based on the promotional photo, it could be the same kind of situation with a better cast and director.

Unfortunately, the cheapest tickets are only available today. (You could've seen it early if you were already on their mailing list.

Goldstar tickets to the preview on FRI 8/10 (8pm) are $4 or $9 versus the full price of $12.

When the full price is $24, they are offering $7 tickets today only -- then $16 to the following dates:

SAT 8/11 -- 8pm
THUR 8/16 -- 7:30pm
FRI 8/17 -- 8pm
SAT 8/18 -- 8pm
THUR 8/23 -- 7:30pm
FRI 8/24 -- 8pm
SAT 8/25 -- 8pm

It's not free Shakespeare in the Common and we all know the ending, yet we're still open to seeing new versions...

Goldstar Pick o' the Week -- A Sci-Fi Gangster Fairy Tale

(Original photo from Wikipedia)

The Goldstar people approached me to spread the word about their website, so I decided to share one of their deals now and then. I had already used their service, so I know it works.

They offer various 50% (or more) discounts to a variety of events like theater, comedy, music, etc.

Yes, you have to register. And they send emails on a regular basis -- but you can read/delete them as you like. I suggest reading them more often than not, because some early-bird discounts provide almost free admission.

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THUR 8/9 (thru SAT 8/18)

Various Times
"The Third Story"
at Arsenal Center for the Arts, Black Box Theatre, 321 Arsenal St, Watertown
$7 or $19 Goldstar price (vs $25.50)

I can't tell you how funny this is. Seriously, I can't tell you.

When I saw a photo of a not-quite-handsome man in drag, my gut senses that it may be a gutbuster. Set in the '40s, "The Third Story" takes a wild ride through Hollywood, the Midwest, romance, witchcraft, gangsters, and cloning.

Playwright Charles Busch has written many comedies (e.g. "Psycho Beach Party", "Die, Mommy, Die!", "The Tale of the Allergist's Wife"), and this play has received many positive reviews since it debuted in 2008.

No offense to the fine performers, but I'm more likely to take a chance for $7 instead of $25. Act soon for the lowest price tickets available on THUR 8/9 and SUN 8/12.

Note: "This show is not suitable for children. The performance includes the use of strobe lighting and simulated gunfire."

ALSO:

At Club Oberon on Fridays, you can catch the boozy sketch comedy show "Bye Bye Liver: The Boston Drinking Play". There are $10 (plus $3.50 service fee) tickets which is better than the $20 full price.

Want to see Rufus Wainwright & Ingrid Michaelson on SUN 7/29? You could save $15...

Goldstar Pick o' the Week: Bastille Day Party

(Original photo from Wikipedia)

After our Independence Day, we can celebrate the beginning of the French Revolution -- 13 years after 1776.

There are plenty of free/cheap French events this weekend such as...

THUR 7/12:

At the Beehive's Bastille Day Fete, you can party with a gypsy-jazz band and what I assume to be a DJ.

SAT 7/14:

The Occupy Boston movement is seizing the symbolism with an art fair at Spontaneous Celebrations that moves to Southwest Corridor Park for picnicking, protesting, performances and assembly.

The French Consulate is hosting a 21+ 'official party' at the Cyclorama for dancing with a French DJ (and maybe projections of Jerry Lewis movies).

We don't know the exact cover charge, however the annual Bastille Day A-Go-Go at Precinct is a fun night of NOLA-style R&B and will include a homage to Serge Gainsbourg this year.

SUN 7/15:

Almost every year, there's a street festival with food and music in Harvard Square.

If you want to party a la Francaise on Friday, I suggest the Bastille Day bash that the the French Cultural Center has presented for almost 40 years.

Admission is slightly over $10, but this is an event I've been wanting to list for a long time. The folks at Goldstar are offering a good discount, so I'm bending my rules. They offer various 50% (or more) discounts to a variety of events like theater, comedy, music, etc -- even paintball.

Yes, you have to register. And they send emails on a regular basis -- but you can read/delete them as you like. I suggest reading them more often than not, because some early-bird discounts provide almost free admission.

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FRI 7/13

6pm to 11pm
Bastille Day Party
at Marlborough Street, between Berkeley & Clarendon St, Boston (Back Bay)
$18 Goldstar price (vs $32 advance or $35 door)

Feat: Diblo Dibala & Sarazino

Despite a plethora of Bastille Day festivities (that may be disproportionate compared to the local French population), the French Cultural Center's annual fete feels like the most authentic.

You don't need to speak the language of love, but don't be surprised if may think you're wandered into Canadian territory when it's really a picturesque section of Back Bay blocked off for an evening of music, dancing, food, and drink.

The main event is the music that is Francophonic yet thankfully far from cheesy French pop.

Master guitarist Diblo Dibala leads a Congolese dance band that ensures a good time every night based on this video. Sarazino is a funky little multi-genre project of a globe-hopping Algerian who currently hangs his hat in Ecuador. Most of the lyrics are in French too, but I heard a little Spanish and English as well.

Based on the end time, these bands will probably start around 8:30pm or 9pm.

Beer, wine, and French food will be for sale. You'll have a few extra bucks in your pocket if you get your tix in advance.

If nothing above tickles your fancy, McSweeney's has some great tips for a home Bastille Day party.

Goldstar Pick o' the Week: Get on a Boat

(Original photo from Wikipedia)

Since tomorrow is Independence Day, I will allow myself the freedom to go above $10.

Among the various discounted entertainment offers, my pals at Goldstar are offering half-off tickets for some Harbor rides in the next few days.

It looks like tickets are still available for everything listed below. It could be fun, and you'll feel better about the drink prices aboard since you've saved a couple bucks.

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TUES 7/3 & THUR 7/5

7pm
90-Minute Tall Ships Sunset Cruise
at Massachusetts Bay Lines Vessels, 60 Rowes Wharf, Boston
$13.75 Goldstar price (vs $27.50)

Someone could check out all of the Tall Ships from Charlestown to the tip of the Seaport in a 90-minute walk/T-ride, but you'd feel rushed and have to deal with throngs of unwashed masses.

The advantage of taking a harbor cruise is the different perspective and someone else is behind the wheel. There is a "live narration" as well.

WED 7/4

3pm, 4pm
90-Minute Tall Ships Cruise
at Massachusetts Bay Lines Vessels, 60 Rowes Wharf, Boston
$13.75 Goldstar price (vs $27.50)

There are a couple rides happening tomorrow during the day to sail by the tall ships.

WED 7/4

7:30pm
"IndepenDance Party Cruise: Rock the Boat in Boston"
at Provincetown II, 200 Seaport Blvd, Boston
$15 Goldstar price (vs $30)

Departing: 8pm
Returning: 11pm

About 900 people will be on a boat with a DJ and a bar. I expect they'll stop in a good spot to see the fireworks before getting back to the dock.

FRI 7/6 (thru FRI 9/7)

8:30pm
Night Cruise on The Freedom
at Rowes Wharf, 60 Rowes Wharf, Boston
$15 Goldstar price (vs $30)

On most Fridays in the next couple months (not FRI 7/20), it's like a floating dance party. It could be fun for a few hours.

I would rather watch the song 'n dance of last week's Goldstar pick "Roller Disco the Musical!" on an upcoming Wednesday or Thursday.

Goldstar Pick o' the Week: "Roller Disco the Musical!"

(Original photo from Wikipedia)

WED 6/27 & THUR 6/28 (thru THUR 8/30)

8pm
"Roller Disco the Musical!"
at Club Oberon, 2 Arrow St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$7 or $16.50 Goldstar price (vs $25)

It's no contest for the Goldstar Pick o' the Week. Today's email featured this event that will run on Wednesdays and Thursdays from next week through Thursday 8/30.

Putting aside the good buzz I've been hearing, I would be hooked by their tag line:

The unauthorized parody of "Roller Boogie", the classic film that Inspired a generation... For like five minutes.

Who cares that nobody remembers the campy 1979 film when we have a brand new 3-act musical where all of the performers are on roller-skates for the whole production!

Even if the story is vaguely faithful to the original, it's going to ridiculous fun. And you know the camp quotient is going to be turned up by the sheer equation of "roller boogie" + "The 70s".

I read that the actors weren't asked about their skating abilities until after the auditions, so keep in mind that some of them are just acting like they know how to roller-skate.

There is a limited amount of the cheapest tickets ("Free" plus service fee), but it doesn't hurt to save a few bucks with the $12.50 tix. Goldstar offers discounts on a variety of events.

As far as one can tell from the trailer, there was no dialogue in the source material. Gotta love the latitude for parody! (Yep, the roller princess is the kid from "The Exorcist".)

Goldstar Pick o' the Week: Interactive Fun

(Original photo from Wikipedia)

Welcome to the 2nd weekly installment for Goldstar -- the site that usually offers about 50% off -- sometimes more -- various performances like theater, comedy, music, etc.

There is a fee, but you're still ahead of the game. (And you can handle emails about future events.) I have used their service, so I know it works.

Some admission prices even drop below the CTB $10 threshold thanks to the service, although stuff such as Cirque du Soleil still costs a bit more.

Since it's Father's Day this weekend, I thought I'd point out a couple things that might be something to do with (or without) dads.

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Friday, Saturday, Sunday Evenings through SUN 12/23

8pm
5 Wits: "Espionage" or "20,000 Leagues"
at Patriot Place, 202 Patriot Pl, Foxboro (near Gillette Stadium)
$9 Goldstar price (vs $18)

For 45 to 60 minutes, your group will go on an interactive adventure that requires more brain than brawn. Groups go through different rooms and work together to solve a set of challenges.

Intended for the 20-something crowd, some people think it's fun for younger people. I think solving puzzles as if being a spy or taking a ride on Captain Nemo's submarine is fun for anyone with an imaginative spirit.

The term 'evening' means after 6pm to me, so I assume the offer applies to times when there may not be a bunch of kids overwhelming your experience...

I wish these interactive adventures were still located near Fenway, but Patriot Place is a dad-friendly place with some shops offering Fathers Day specials.

Also:

There's a old-school song/comedy/dance show at the Regent Theatre on 6/17 (2pm). I couldn't find any recordings or videos, so it's a crapshoot. However if your father is interested in something like a blend of "Tom Jones, Robert Goulet and Sinatra", he may not have high expectations for entertainment. Tickets are available as low as $4.75.


This is where one might say, "Support of our sponsors is appreciated."

Goldstar Pick o' the Week: Laugh for Less

(Original photo from Wikipedia)

The Goldstar folks reached out to me about sharing their event offers, which are about 50% off the full price -- or more on occasion. There is a fee, but you're still ahead of the game. I have used their service, so I know it works.

They offer various discounts to various performances like theater, comedy, music, etc. Yeah, you'll get emails on a regular basis. I'm sure you're dealing with other sites that email you too. (I'm about to restart the weekly e-list to subscribers.)

FYI: I will get compensated if people sign up, but I do believe in the service to save money. Expect to see a weekly Goldstar post and maybe a few events interspersed when relevant.

As I looked the the current available events that fall under the CTB $10 threshold, and I decided to highlight some comedy club offers:

Thursdays 6/7 to 6/28

8pm
"Nostalg-sick"
at Improv Asylum, 216 Hanover St. Boston (North End)
$10 Goldstar price (vs $20)

In a mix of sketch and improv, the cast riffs on the good/bad ol' days of the 90's. The show:

...combines Improv Asylum's signature audience-inspired improvisation with written sketches and songs to deliver a night of laughs that will make you appreciate both the '90s and today (much like a soft rock classic radio station).

Improv can be hit or miss, but Improv Asylum has been more hit than miss in my experience. It's also helps if you're ready to laugh. Yes, they serve drinks that you can bring into the performance area.

Also:

Hidden inside the new Central Square restaurant Moksa, there is a space for comedy and other fun (like dancing). Appearing next weekend is comedian Corey Manning (6/15 & 6/16 - $8).