Local Theater Groups and Upcoming Productions
If you’re in need of an escape from reality, Lowell’s various theater groups have upcoming productions that can do just that. From plays that embody the relationship between two dissimilar family members, to festivals that celebrate females in film, these productions are ready to let you flee from your daily responsibilities.
Merrimack Repertory Theater
MRT remains true to their mission statement to “share theatrical stories of human understanding that reflect and engage community” for 40 years. Under the direction of Artistic Director Sean Daniels and Executive Director Bonnie J. Butkas, MRT allows their audience an opportunity to be so much more than a spectator in the crowd. They get their audiences to experience the play so deeply it feels as if they’re on the stage themselves.
With the brand new month comes a brand new play for people to enjoy opens February 13th and runs to March 10th. The World Premiere of “The Heath” by Lauren Gunderson will bring you into the world of family members with dissenting personalities, yet their differences are what makes their relationship that much more beautiful.
Image Theater
Image Theater was formed in 2005 as a non-profit theater company. In the nearly 15 years the company has been around, they have made quite a name for themselves as they do so much for local writers, playwrights, novelists, and filmmakers. Founders Jerry Bisantz and Ann Garvin have worked with gifted producers in order to produce their fan-favorite “Keep Your Kids at Home” naughty readings; “Mill City Minutes” ten minute plays; and the full length play “Kerouac’s Last Call”.
Garvin had humbly noted that Image Theater is a “little homeless theater company” as the group does not have one set home stage, however numerous Lowell companies have welcomed their productions with open arms. You can find Image Theater’s productions at popular Lowell destinations such as The Old Court Pub, The Whistler House Museum of Art, and The Lowell Freshman Academy. The company will take an interesting spin on Garvin’s “Femnoire: The Women’s Playwriting Festival” to create the “Femme Film Fest”, which will feature short films by women filmmakers from all over New England on May 3rd and 4th. Shortly following “Femme Film Fest”, the company will also produce some “one-acts” between May and November. Image Theater rarely follows a “set season”, but you can keep updated about exciting upcoming productions at www.imagetheater.com.
Studio 506
Only a short 5 years after Studio 506’s founding in 2014, what started with a few friends keeping the love of theater alive turned into a successful theater group in Lowell. Founder Kaitlyn Crockett hopes that Studio 506 sheds the “stigma” around what it means to be a community theater group. Instead, the company calls themselves an “Indie Theater Company” as they perform shows in creatively unorthodox ways to get the surrounding community connected to their shows. The group has had success with past productions. Some were performed in the center of a Lowell garden with the audience just inches away from the actors.
In March, Studio 506 will bring something new to the table with, “Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again”, a production written by Alice Birch and directed by Kaitlyn Crockett. “Revolt” will be performed at the Humanity Boutique, and it will discuss sex and gender in a way that “does not behave”. Don’t miss this rendition of a play that doesn’t play by the rules by a Lowell group that throws the concept of “ordinary” to the wind.
Balefire Theater Group
Similar to Studio 506, Balefire Theater is a recently created theater group (founded in May 2016), that wants to give their audience members a different theater experience. Past productions, such as “Sherlock Holmes: ‘A Study in Scarlet’”, involved audience members surrounding the action of the play while they are served dinner and drink. Balefire Theater recently began to adopt this production method of “Dinner Theater” in August of 2017, that allows audiences to enjoy the theater with their eyes- and their stomachs.
The next opportunity to please your palate will take place from March 21st-24th for the company’s upcoming production of “Waiting for Godot”. This play takes place in a post-World War II, and explores the awaiting of the mysterious “Godot” through the eyes of the two main characters. The play is a wonderful mix of history, humor, and the human experience that will serve warmth to your heart with a fresh side of laughter.
Photography by: Kate Brindley Photography
Off-Broadway Players
For locals who are wondering what UMass Lowell students bring to the stage, a Spring production called “Triptych” is currently in the works. President of the Off-Broadway Players club, Daisy Var, had done a wonderful job of relaying information about all things “OBP” in 2019, but her “lips are sealed” in terms of news for their fall production. However, there are 6 opportunities for folks to view Triptych from February 27th-March 3rd. The production will include original pieces that were written by the club’s advisor, Dr. Dale J. Young. Check out how these UMass Lowell students will bring this new creation to life!
Weekend Picks: What To Do and See in Lowell
There is something for everyone to do this weekend in Lowell! Whether you’re looking to go to a unique event that only comes once a year, listen to some great live music, or maybe explore a part of Lowell you’ve never seen before, we’ve compiled a list of eight exciting things you can check out this weekend.
PARK(ing) Day returns to downtown Lowell today! At this special event, artists and other contributors transform selected parking spaces into artistic projects and miniature parks to call attention to the need for more open space in urban environments. This year's theme is "LoWELLness", and local artists Chummeng Soun and Mary Hart will transform their spaces into artistic messages of health, fitness, and mindfulness. The event begins at 9 AM, and the art installations can be seen on Merrimack and Market Streets.
Tonight, the Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (CMAA) presents a free showing of the Disney Pixar movie Coco for the Lowell community at 6 PM. Gather your family and friends and enjoy a critically acclaimed movie about family, community, and culture. The event will be held in partnership with the Lowell Police Department. Free food and family-friendly entertainment will be provided.
Many locals probably know that Coffee & Cotton has great coffee and sandwiches, but many might not know that they have live music too! At 8 PM Friday night, you can listen to Lowell singer-songwriters Santi C and Joshua Lin perform live while sipping on a seasonal Latte and catching up with friends. Not feeling coffee? Try a glass of wine or one of the local craft beers they have on tap.
The city of Lowell welcomes the Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race back for its 3rd year! At this event that can’t be missed, contestants create all-terrain, cycle-powered sculptures capable of traveling through streets, water, mud and sand, racing against one another through downtown Lowell and out to the Merrimack river. The race begins Saturday morning at 8:30 AM at the intersection of Market Street and Palmer Street. There will be an after party and award ceremony at Cobblestones Restaurant at 4 PM.
On Saturday, explore the historically significant Boott Cotton Mills Museum for free between 9:30 AM-5 PM. There is a lot to see at this museum, including a fully functional 1920’s weave room where you see, and hear, first-hand how cloth used to be made in the Lowell mills! There are plenty of hands-on exhibits as well, giving you a true sense for Lowell’s extraordinary industrial legacy.
You never know what you might find at the Vintage Marketplace at Mill No. 5, but you can count on finding something cool. In addition to the shops that are permanently fixed in Mill No. 5, vendors also fill up the hallways on Saturday to sell their vintage clothing, jewelry, art, cameras, music players, and more! The vendors will be open for business from 12-4 PM.
Attached to the Olympia Restaurant is the Zorba Music Hall where you can find live music playing every weekend. This Saturday, enjoy the classics you love from legendary rock bands Foreigner and Journey as the tribute band Foreigners Journey blends sounds from both bands to create one uniquely awesome show. The doors open at 7 PM and the performance begin at 9 PM.
To purchase tickets visit http://zorbamusichall.com/
On Sunday, enjoy a relaxing day shopping for fresh, local food at The Farm Market at Mill No. 5. Between 11 AM-3 PM, local vendors will be filling the indoor streetscape hallways with farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, artisan bread and pastries, locally sourced meat and eggs, and handmade craft goods. When you’ve finished shopping, unwind by listening to some live music played on the Hi-Hat stage, or join the Magical Mystery Movie Club at the Luna Theater for a free showing of a surprise, family-friendly movie at 11:30. The farmers market and free movie are held every Sunday at Mill No. 5, so you can always come back for more.
The Ultimate Fall Happenings Guidebook
Lowell is a haven for artists of all types and for those seeking creative experiences in the city’s art districts. With over 600 creatives, Lowell provides a stage for unique exhibitions and performances that are exclusive to Lowell. Discover why There is a Lot to Like and check out Lowell's art exhibitions, movies, music and performing arts happenings this fall!
1. Music Is In The Air
Lowell is known for its vibrant year round music scene. The Luna Theater and Coffee and Cotton in Mill No. 5 on Jackson Street are home to popular music performances including Live Jazz sessions every Thursday night. Around the corner on Chelmsford Street, The Hearing Room is an ideal place to exercise your vocal cords every Tuesday evening at open mic night. If you're in Downtown Lowell stop by UnchARTed Gallery, a hip art gallery and restaurant featuring eclectic live music on weekends.
2. Not Your Average Movie Night
Who doesn’t love a good movie night? If you’re looking to take a break from mainstream movies and try something new, the Luna Theater is the place for you. The Luna Theater has movie nights throughout the week including their weekly Weirdo Wednesdays movies and new screenings of mainstream movies like A Ghost Story and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. In addition, the Magical Mystery Movie Club, a weekly movie series for children and families, runs every Sunday at 11:30 during the Farm Market.
3. Cutting Edge Exhibits
Lowell has several museums that always have new and exciting exhibits to admire. Check out the Boott Cotton Mills Museum as well as Summer Celebration of New England Quilts and Threads of Resistance on display through the first week of September at the New England Quilt Museum. Continuing all fall is the Lisa Kovvuri exhibit at The Whistler House Museum, showcasing portrait painting with a refined finish. In addition to Kovvuri's paintings, Adrien Bisson will be presenting The Portrait Experience Through Photography.
Photo: Brush Gallery. Artist: Chrissy Theo Hungate.
4. Lose Yourself In The Art
As the writer Thomas Merton says, “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” Lose yourself in Lowell’s galleries this fall. Check out new exhibits at the ALL Gallery, Western Avenue Studios and Loading Dock Gallery. The Arts League of Lowell (ALL Gallery) is showcasing the new Fabrication of Imagination exhibit where Lowell’s rich textile manufacturing history is referenced and then updated with new, out-of-the-box, three-dimensional, textile art work. Then, head to the Loading Dock Gallery’s newest art show: Fantastic Worlds which runs from August 30th-October 1st.
5. Interactive Classes
Bring out your inner Picasso by taking a painting, drawing or sculpture class. Lowell has multiple outlets to express your creative side including pottery classes at Derek Soohoo pottery studios or The Pottery Mill. Or try one of the art classes offered at either Western Avenue Studios or ALL studios. If you’re the singing and musical type, make sure to check out the Hearing Room's classes that are offered all season long!
4th of July Weekend Guide
Here are some ways to make your 4th of July weekend special in Lowell.
The Ultimate Guide for Celebrating the 4th of July Weekend, Lowell Style.
Looking to make this year’s 4th of July celebration extra special? Lucky for you, 4th of July in Lowell has enough excitement and Independence Day spirit to keep you and your family entertained. Whether you’ve lived in Lowell for years, or are new to Lowell and are looking to spice things up, here is our ultimate guide to help make your 4th of July weekend unforgettable.
1. Satisfy your summer cravings
What better way to kick off the festive weekend than fueling up with some good old burgers and fries. Summertime is the best time to spend outdoors with family and friends, enjoying good food and good laughs. If you’re looking for the perfect excuse to leave grilling behind this year you should hit up a local restaurant for that burger instead. We hear that Lowell Beer Works, Worthen House Café, Charlies Pub and The Old Court serve some of the best burgers in town.
2. Treat yourself, its summer!
After feasting on hot dogs and hamburgers, head over to Heritage Farm Ice Cream and Restaurant for some refreshing ice cream. Aside from a delicious treat, they offer free family entertainment across the street at the Sampas Pavilion Stage. Every Monday Night the restaurant sponsors a free concert, featuring the hottest bands from the local area, along with a Classic Car Show in their parking lot. Nothing beats listening to music, hanging with family and friends and eating ice cream along the breathtaking river. Who knows, maybe you will see some fireworks across the river this weekend!
3. Enjoy music, free give-a-ways, kid’s activities, fireworks and more at Lelacheur Park!
The Lowell Spinners at Lelacheur Park are hosting Lowell’s grand 4th of July Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks on July 4. The ball park is open to the public and the admission is FREE! The park opens at 6pm and the first 1,500 attendees receive American flags. Not only does the city of Lowell have a fantastic display of fireworks starting at 9pm, but attendees can enjoy a live band, play in the Swampland Kids area, as well as get the chance to potentially catch a free t-shirt. In addition to 5,000 stadium seats, Lelacheur Park opens up its outfield, so be sure to bring a blanket as no chairs are allowed.
4. Additional firework viewing locations
If you’re looking for an alternative firework viewing spot in Lowell, there are multiple city locations with amazing views. Other locations around LeLacheur Park that are ideal firework spots include: St. Louis Field, Robbinson Middle School Park, Christian Hill Reservoir, Fort Hill Park, University Crossing (Howe) Bridge, Aiken Bridge, the Riverwalk, Riverside St as well as along Pawtucket Blvd.
For more information about the 4th, please visit: www.likelowell.com/4th-of-july
Lowell: Why I’m Proud To Call It Home
Photo by Morgan Tierno
By Lauren Leblanc on June 9, 2017 - Growing up in a suburban town that lacked diversity, it wasn't until coming to college in Lowell that I realized just how special the city is. The culture, diversity and liveliness Lowell offers to its residents and visitors is truly remarkable. If you are looking to live or visit a community that fosters educational success, creativity, cultural acceptance and civic engagement, Lowell is the place for you! As a current student at the University of Massachusetts Lowell and a young adult looking to enhance my life experiences, I have never felt more at home than I do living in Lowell, and here are some reasons why.
Historical Assets
Yes, I’ll admit I was one of those elementary students who came to Lowell during a third grade field trip to tour the Lowell Industrial History Center. Lowell was the center of the Industrial Revolution starting in 1840 and continues to proudly showcase this history with its restored mills. Whether you are taking a scenic walk through the Locks and Canals Historic District, or visiting the New England Quilt Museum, there is enough history and culture here to keep people of all ages engaged. In addition to being known for its nationally recognized museums such as the Boott Cotton Mills Museum and the Whistler House Museum of Art, Lowell is a naturally breathtaking place to explore, while learning some of the city’s history along the way. If you’re in the mood for a peaceful yet picturesque nature walk, the Riverwalk along the Merrimack River or the Greenway along the Concord River are hidden gems many overlook upon coming to Lowell. Get those cameras ready!
Cultural Hotspot
As someone who grew up in the suburbs, I can tell you what a breath of fresh air it was to move to Lowell this past fall. What attracted me to UMass Lowell is like the city itself, the university has a diverse student body. Students from all 50 states and over 50 countries make up the student population. The city of Lowell is truly a melting pot with a large Cambodian, African American and Puerto Rican presence that is continuing to grow and flourish. No matter your background or culture, Lowell allows its residents and visitors the opportunity to embrace and experience a variety of cultures through annual festivals offered throughout the year. Catering to all ages and backgrounds, the Lowell Folk Festival (the largest folk festival in the United States), African Festival and the Southeast Asian Water Festival are some of the many ways one can enjoy the food, music and customs that make Lowell special. As someone who has attended the Folk Festival for a few years now, I can tell you the festival is something worth seeing, hearing and taking part in if you haven’t already!
Farmer’s Markets
Love fresh produce and supporting local businesses? One of the amazing things about Lowell is it supports local farms and hosts farmers markets throughout the year. The newly renovated Mill No. 5 is a great place to shop for local produce, desserts, home accessories and more every Sunday from 11am-3pm. You can take your love for farmers’ markets one step further and experience the city’s original urban outdoor farmers market. Since 1979, Community Teamwork has sponsored the Lowell Farmers’ Market, offering fresh, locally grown produce from area farmers, as well as meats, fish, honey, baked goods and more. If you are looking for a fun after school activity, or way to de-stress after your workday, the market is open Fridays, from July through October in Lucy Larcom Park.
Photo via TripAdvisor
Where Camaradery is Alive
The second I step foot in the Tsongas Center wearing my Riverhawks jersey, or walk up the steps to LeLacheur Park, I feel like I am a part of something special. The energy felt at the hockey and baseball games is such an electrifying experience. Sporting events bring communities together, and that is exactly what the Tsongas Center and LeLacheur Park aim to do. Lowell is home to UMass Lowell’s Division One hockey team, the three-time champions of the Hockey East Division, the most competitive conference for college hockey. When hockey season comes to an end, enjoy a warm summer evening watching the Lowell Spinners minor league baseball team (the farm team of the Boston Red Sox) play at Lelacheur Park.
Lowell is a smaller city in terms of its population, but it has big city attractions including professional sports, nationally recognized museums, parks, theaters, a university and community college, farmer markets, festivals, and a river that binds it all together. When I asked my friend Caitlin, who is a current UMass Lowell student about the Lowell community, she reflected saying “the community in this city is filled with love and opens its arms to everyone. You can truly be yourself in Lowell, and you can always find something to do.” Although I have only experienced Lowell for a short time, I have finally found a place to call home. To me, Lowell is a place that accepts and challenges its community members to become engaged. It's a community that strives for an inclusive atmosphere that is always growing, changing and offering new opportunities to celebrate history, arts, food and community.
Let's Talk About our "Sister" and Food!
Like Lowell, There's a Lot ALike about Saint-Dié-des-Vosges
Lowell's sister city since 1989, Saint-Dié-des-Vosges is located in the northeastern corner of France. Like Lowell the town is bisected by a river, the Meurthe, and has a rich history. Although much older, Saint-Dié-des-Vosges has a lot in common with its younger sister.
Image Credit: https://transvosges.com
Created between the 12th and 13th centuries, Saint-Dié-des-Vosges has seen its share of challenges including wars, fires and economic decline but has always bounced back and rebuilt itself over the years, indeed centuries. Saint-Dié, like Lowell, was an industrial center in the 19th century and its economic history includes textile manufacturing along with metalwork, machinery and the manufacture of hosiery. Today it's a center of services, education and tourism. The Institut universitaire de techologie provides programs in robotics, electronics, computing and graphic design.
Historical landmarks include a Gothic cloister and medieval and Renaissance cathedrals including one built of pink sandstone. Other landmarks are the Claude and Duval factory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by famed architect, Le Corbusier; and the Tower of Liberty, originally built to celebrate the bicentennial of the French Revolution that now serves as an exhibition hall and museum. Other museums, cultural events and public markets, including a Christmas Market and parade of St. Nicholas, beckon residents and visitors alike.
Like Lowell, Saint-Dié-des-Vosges has a diverse menu of restaurants-Asian, Indian, Italian, Turkish, Middle Eastern, Vegetarian and, of course, French.
Click here for more information on Lowell's older "sister".
The World On Your Tastebuds.
When it comes to international cuisine, Lowell is also home to a whole variety of restaurants and eateries. The city has local favorites, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, sophisticated dining and so much more. Each neighborhood features eateries with flavors that reflect the city's diverse culture.
Here you can find Asian, Mexican, Latin, Mediterranean, Egyptian, Greek, Italian, African, Portuguese, Caribbean and classic American food. This is in addition to many food trucks, diners, donut shops and bakeries. Lowell is a city with a growing coffee culture and our coffee shops and cafés are definitely places to go for a delicious roast.
Our new dining directory allows for easy exploration of Lowell's food culture. Search either by food type or by neighborhood. A restaurant's phone number, address, website and a brief summary of their menu is included.
Please keep in mind that the directory is continuously updated. If there is an eatery not included in our directory, please let us know! You can discover Lowell's restaurants here.
7 Signs you haven't really been to Lowell yet
7 Signs you haven't really been to Lowell yet
1. You haven't eaten a donut from the Donut Shack
Sure, there are plenty of donut places in Lowell. But we don't really consider you an insider until you have eaten a daily, made-from-scratch donut at The Donut Shack. This place is a true Lowell original as far as donuts go.
(photocredit: Lifeasamaven.com)
2. You think Marko is just another guy
One could say that Marko is the inventor of mobile food. Before Gyro was a thing, Marko was. Long before food trucks were hip and trendy, Marco was! Lowell's history is one of inventions and success and, Marko's Mediterranean Grill, home to the famous Monster Fries, is kind of the father of mobile food in Lowell.
3. You think of flour when you hear Mill No.5
Yes, there are a lot of mills in Lowell. No, none of them grind flour, although you can buy some at Mill No. 5, or pick up some local baked artisan bread when you visit. This mill, which was named a "safe haven for hipsters" by Boston Magazine is now home to more than 12 unique shops, pretty good coffee, an independent movie theater and a few of Lowell's hottest start-up companies. (Photo: Tory Germann) - Visit Mill No. 5's webpage here.
Photo Credit: Tory Germann courtesy of Mill No. 5
4. You're not expecting a lot of urban when you hear National Park
Let's be honest, when you hear National Park, you think nature. You know, mountains and all. But not after you have been to Lowell. Lowell is home to the first Urban National Park in the United States. From trolley rides to boat tours, exhibits to hands-on workshops, Lowell's National Park is visited by over half a million visitors annually and is lots of fun to explore.
5. You never had lunch next to a waterfall in the heart of the city
Nestled in the heart of the city, just where the Pawtucket Canal meets the Concord River is our favorite lunch spot. You'll forget you're even in the city when you sit down on the Lower Locks Plaza to eat your lunch. With the soothing sounds of falling water, what could be better?
(Photo: lowellheritagepartnership.org
6. You're not moved when you hear Art is the Handmaid of Human Good
In Lowell, Art is the Handmaid of Human Good. We take art seriously. So seriously actually that we made it part of our city seal! Who does that? We do!
And we're proud of it. Over 900 artists from a variety of disciplines call Lowell home, and Western Avenue Studios is home to the largest artist community in the Northeast. Not to mention plenty of galleries and art coops like The Brush Art Gallery and the Arts League of Lowell.
7. You seriously think 5.6 miles of canalways are boring
Lowell has been called the Venice of America. And rightfully so! There are plenty of places with canals, but 5.6 miles of them, still used today to generate hydro power? Well, there's only Lowell. And these days, with initiatives like the Waterways Vitality Plan, parts of our canals become hotspots for creative economic development, new events and spectacular art and light installations. - Learn More about this!
Photo Credit: OutInLowell