Not only does Lowell have a bustling artist community and a vibrant music scene, it also happens to be an epicenter for innovative and original theatrical performance, both from emerging groups and established theater companies throughout the city. In March, exciting productions are taking center stage at the Merrimack Repertory Theatre and the Lowell Memorial Auditorium, as well as other smaller venues. Don’t miss these original works from talented thespians exploring Lowell’s history and culture through theater, poetry, and expression.

Merrimack Repertory Theatre

Emerging group The Free Soil Arts Collective strives to illuminate underrepresented populations from the Merrimack Valley and beyond by telling their stories, in their own voices. In March, The Free Soil Arts Collective is partnering with the Merrimack Repertory Theatre for a production of Nina Simone: Four Women, a show about women, black history, and social protest. It’s a powerful tribute to the activist and singer Nina Simone, as well as a meditative story about different African American perspectives through the eyes of four very different women. Catch it on stage now through March 8, and use the code FREESOIL at online checkout to receive $10 off the price of general admission.

Also at the MRT this month is the premiere of a Lowell-based original play, produced by Genevra Gallo-Bayiates and directed by Jessica Hutchinson. The Lowell Offering was the world’s first magazine written solely by women, and was born out of the Mill Girl culture of Lowell’s famous cotton mills. The play The Lowell Offering is the story of the magazine, the mills, and the women behind its success and, ultimately, the fall of the mills and its community. It’s a unique perspective into historic Lowell, as well as a meditation on friendship, women’s rights, and the Mill Girl spirit. The Lowell Offering will be running March 18 through April 12, so be sure to book your tickets on the MRT website soon.

Lowell Memorial Auditorium

Sometimes, cheesy movies are so bad that they’re good. This month, the beloved television series Mystery Science Theater 3000 brings their uniquely cheesy take on comedy to the Lowell Memorial Auditorium on Wednesday, March 4 at 7 p.m. Watch original creator Joel and his robot friends crack witty remarks at the world’s worst movies; it’s a cross between theater and comedy, and is a blast for both kids and kids-at-heart. Tickets are available online at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium website.

Poetry Readings

On March 12 at 7 p.m in the Pollard Memorial Library, Women and Work is presenting a sneak-peak of the original play The Lowell Offering in conjunction with an original poetry reading for a night of historic and contemporary thought. This mini-production will feature Kate Hanson Foster, Sarah Sousa, and Cindy Veach with cast members of The Lowell Offering, and is free and open to the public.

Emerging Student Performances

Talented students from Lowell schools are ending the month with an array of exciting performances. The students at the Collegiate Charter School of Lowell will be presenting a play at the Hellenic American Academy this weekend (February 28 at 7pm and February 29 at 3pm), directed by Free Soil Arts founder Christa Brown. Their original play touches on themes of black history, diversity, and identity, and is a great way to support emerging artists and the community. The event is free and open to the public.

At the college level, UMass Lowell’s talented comedy troupe Comedically Induced Improv will be presenting the “Sorry We Didn’t Do a Show in December” Improv Showcase at Fox Commons on February 28 from 7-9pm. The comedy captains are inviting anyone with a bit of a funny bone to join them on stage and laugh both with them AND at them, so get ready for a world of puns, gags, and an all-around good time.

For both theater-lovers and those new to the art, Lowell productions are a great way to spend an evening immersed in the culture and heritage of the city. For more events, upcoming plays and performances, and even more live shows, visit http://www.likelowell.com/