I've been involved with Acme Theater since 2007 and it's one of the best decisions I've ever made…read more As an actor, director, patron and volunteer I've found it to be consistent in its ability to be inclusive, nuturing and most importantly, FUN. Their shows have great production value matched only by the enthusiasm of those who support its continued success. I couldn't possibly recommend them highly enough! Come and see what I'm talking about by checking out their latest show running until December 7th, Crimes of the Heart! You will NOT be disappointed!

My husband and I moved to Maynard in 2002. While walking downtown, we saw posters for "The Nerd,"…read morean upcoming comedy being produced at Acme. We both love theater and met doing improv with the UMASS Amherst group Mission: IMPROVable. We were delighted to learn of a theater within walking distance to our new house and bought tickets to see the show. The production was well-paced and hilarious, and we were impressed with the welcoming atmosphere. I became involved with the theater almost immediately, appearing in the 2003 New Works Festival and working backstage for their production of "True West." My husband was also in a production that spring. We have remained involved with Acme ever since. We have both been given the opportunity to expand our skills (him: directing, me: stage managing and producing) and count our Acme "family" as among our closest friends. I can't imagine life in Maynard with Acme Theater.

My higher grade is more for the art center itself rather than the performances. There's always a…read moresmall exhibition at the center of the building and it's nice to see artists can work on their projects late into the night. The facilities look clean and orderly, including the bathrooms and artist studios. I liked seeing all pottery made by the various artists. I also enjoyed the theater itself. While the seating itself isn't all that special, the acoustics are quality. If you expect something significantly higher than community theater here, you may be disappointed. While the performances were fine, they're not really all that polished and feel rather barebones (two actors playing one role in a production was rather strange). If you want a more grander theater experience but without going into Boston, consider Reagle in Waltham. (For all you Yelp police out there, yes, I paid $ here for tickets so I can review)

My first time back to The Umbrella Arts Center since the pandemic happened…read more I saw that they had a dinner and a show option on Thursday nights and the menu looked appealing, so I purchased the meal for $21. Dinner was available for pick up at the concession stand beginning at 6pm, while the show was scheduled for 7:30pm that evening. Traffic delayed me, so I arrived closer to 6:30pm. There was a game going on at the playground the next block over, so there were a lot of cars parked on the street, but parking was still not an issue. Dinner came in a brown paper tote and came nicely packaged and of a good portion size, so I even had some leftover. They had a vegetarian alternative (Nag's Head Roasted Yam, Grilled Zucchini and Squash, Caramelized Onions on Wild Rice (V)), but I opted for the meat - Starter: Hush Puppies with Maple Butter Entree: Pulled Pork Platter with Coleslaw and Collard Greens Dessert: Chocolate Flourless Brownie (GF) Catered by Nosh restaurant and the Concord Market. I was pleased with my meal. Sure the collared greens were a bit plain, but I was just glad to get a decent portion of vegetables with my meat and they were not overcooked. The brownie was individually sealed, and a little messy to eat, but quite good. And I had no trouble finding a seat at a table. In fact I had options. I could have grabbed a small high top for myself, but I decided to sit at an empty spot at the end of one of the 3 long tablecloth covered tables just beyond the concessions and ended up chatting with the pair beside me. I had a great experience at the Umbrella Arts Center! Quotes from the website regarding the show being performed that evening: A heartwarming musical that lifts up the beauty in second chances and the transformative nature of friendship. Percy Talbott is a spirited young woman seeking redemption. But in the small town of Gilead, she finds so much more. Based on the beloved film that took home the Audience Award at The Sundance Film Festival, the musical's rich score is marked by Americana folk rhythms, soaring melodies, and irresistible charm. It reminds us all about the resilience of the human spirit, the magic of new beginnings, and the power of community.

An amazing retro theater in Central Mass you need to visit! I go here monthly at this point to…read moreattend JR's "Spooky Sundays". Context - There's a horror collectible shop in downtown Hudson called "JR's Spooky Shack" - and one Sunday a month (sometimes two) we head over to the theater to watch a mystery screening of a horror film. It's a great time! What makes it even better is the theater we watch it in. It's an old theater but kept up really well; super friendly staff, plenty of concession options, great prices and visually a great looking cinema. I always look forward to head back for the next Spooky Sunday!!

Truly charming & such a fine (!) local business worth $upporting‼…read moreExcellent movies run there. Staff are positive & helpful. Ice cream & local beer next door (run by MFAT during the warmer months. Way better than the movie-plexes!!!

Team Theatre truly helps people by teaching them the social skills they need most. Check them out!read more

We had a lovely bridal shower at AWC. The space was welcoming and clean. Air conditioning worked…read morevery well. AWC allows renters full use of their kitchen and appliances. This meant we could use their very nice dishes (so much better than paper plates!) I was able to get in to the building to plan my setup in advance. Marge and Bev were very accommodating. Overall a wonderful experience!

On May 21st, we held our anniversary party at the Acton Women's Club -- we rented the entire house,…read moreboth upstairs and downstairs, for our 50-60 guests coming from far and wide to celebrate. It was very impressive how many people commented, as they arrived, on how wonderful the setting was -- "How did you find this place?" It has a lot of charm and a bit of quirkiness thrown in for flavor. Reasonably priced, conveniently located, and managed by members of the Club who were readily accessible and accommodating. We had a great night and much of the mood was provided by the ambiance of the AWC. Wholeheartedly recommend choosing this location for gatherings!

Hands down, the Concord Players have put on the BEST community theater shows I have ever seen…read more While they only put on a few shows every season, they are always fantastic. You will forget that you're at a community theater. This year, they are in their 92nd season. The players perform at 51 Walden, a performing arts center shared by the Concord Players, Concord Band, and Concord Orchestra. Last year I saw The Scarlett Pimpernel, and this year I saw Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Both very funny musicals, of course. I'm always impressed with what this group is able to pull off in terms of the set and scene changes. In both shows, there was a very dynamic set, with moving and changing parts. Very cool. Actors are great. It was a pleasure to see some of the same faces in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels that were in The Scarlett Pimpernel. See a show here! You won't be disappointed!

The Players' production of Noises Off was hilarious - wonderful entertainment by a very talented…read morecast. They mastered the physical comedy and comedic timing to a T, keeping the audience in stitches most of the evening. I cannot imagine a better performance, and the audience reaction suggests others thought the same. We will be going back for more!

I can't speak to the kids dance classes because I am neither a kid, nor do I have one. A quick…read morelook at the schedule, however, will tell you that this studio is the real deal for dancers, offering an endless variety of styles and even a strict dress code for the ballerina/os to show you they mean pink-tights-only business. But my relationship with Gervais comes with one loaded, trendy, hear it now and scream it later word: ZUMBA! Zumba with Judy is your ticket to a wonderful time at Gervais. Twice a week, the long, one room studio fills with something like 20 local women, all ages, all sizes, all smiles. In one hour, your pores will surrender more sweat than you thought a body could produce in below-freezing weather. Share a conspiratorial grin with your fellow salsa warriors as you stuff yourself back into that winter hat and gloves on your way to the parking lot. The day is made.