Huntington theatre offers digital Christmas Carol

 HUNTINGTON THEATRE COMPANY

ANNOUNCES DIGITAL OFFERING OF A CHRISTMAS CAROL

FEATURING TONY WINNER JEFFERSON MAYS

 

“Raise the Curtain” packages and tickets to A Christmas Carol are

now available for purchase and for holiday gift-giving

 

 

(BOSTON) – Huntington Theatre Company announces it has joined producer Hunter Arnold and a consortium of theatres across the US to present a special filmed version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol this holiday season, featuring Tony Award winner Jefferson Mays. Tickets are available on the Huntington’s website (huntingtontheatre.org), and the film will be available for streaming from November 28 through January 3.

 

In this special production of A Christmas Carol, the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge comes to thrilling new life as Tony Award winner Jefferson Mays (I Am My Own Wife, Oslo, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder on Broadway) plays over 50 roles in a virtuosic, master class of a performance.

 

Staged exclusively for this film and captured live at New York’s United Palace, this rousing streaming event conjures the powerful spirits of Christmas and brings all the magic of live theatre home for the holidays.

 

Directed by one of Broadway’s most imaginative directors, two-time Tony Award nominee Michael Arden (Deaf West’s Spring Awakening, Once on this Island on Broadway), adapted by Mays, Susan Lyons (director of I Am My Own Wife on Broadway), and Arden, and conceived by Arden and Tony Award nominee Dane Laffrey (I Was Most Alive with You, God of Carnage, and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner at the Huntington, Once on this Island on Broadway), the filmed version is based on the highly acclaimed 2018 production which made its world premiere at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles.

 

When it played the Geffen Playhouse in 2018, A Christmas Carol was called “a stunning adaptation” by The Hollywood Reporter, and Charles McNulty of the Los Angeles Times raved that “Jefferson Mays not only got me to see A Christmas Carol, something I’ve vowed never to do again. But he got me to rave about it. For true theatre lovers, there can be no better gift this season.”

 

Adaptor and actor Jefferson Mays says, “A Christmas Carol was my first experience of living theatre. My mother and father would read it out loud every year. My father would tell the story with clarity and humanity, while my mother, eyes ablaze, would transform into the characters, from the tortured Jacob Marley, to little Fan and the entire Cratchit family. Both, in their ways, created magic. And now here we are, aspiring to bring this magic to people across the country during this challenging time.”

 

Director and adaptor Michael Arden says, “My theatre career began when I was a 10-year-old Texan playing Tiny Tim in the Midland Community Theatre production of A Christmas Carol. In a time when theatres and arts workers across the country are in great need, bringing a story that celebrates the power of creativity, community, and our shared humanity is humbling.”

 

Producer Hunter Arnold says, “Due to COVID-19, the country’s theatres have lost over 80% of their income, a number that is devastating to our community. These theatres, the work they produce, and the artists and workers they support are a fundamental part of our society. We must fight for their survival.”

 

The creative team for A Christmas Carol includes Dane Laffrey (scenic and costume design), Maceo Bishop (director of photography), Ben Stanton (lighting design, Man in the Ring and Love’s Labour’s Lost at the Huntington), Lucy Mackinnon (projection design, Ripcord at the Huntington), Joshua D. Reid (sound design), Cookie Jordan (hair and makeup design), James Ortiz (puppet design), and Nikki M. James (assistant director). A Christmas Carol is produced by Hunter Arnold with George Bamber, Kayla Greenspan, Carl Daikeler, Roberto Quiroz Mata, and Tom Kirdahy serving as Executive Producers for the film.

 

Huntington Theatre Company is a partner through a joint project between Arnold's TBD Pictures, La Jolla Playhouse, and On The Stage. Other partner theatres currently include Actors' Playhouse, Geffen Playhouse, George Street Playhouse, Iowa Stage Theatre Company, La Jolla Playhouse, Sankofa Collective, Shea's Performing Arts Center, South Coast Repertory, Springfield Contemporary Theatre, Theatre Tallahassee, and Vermont Stage.

 

 

TICKETS FOR A CHRISTMAS CAROL:

 

Tickets are $50 per household, with select discounts for students and others, and are available online at huntingtontheatre.org/christmas-carol or by phone at 617 266 0800. (At least $20 per full price ticket will benefit the Huntington Theatre Company.) Closed-captioning will be available.

 

Ticket buyers will receive an email from the streaming company On The Stage with a viewing link, and beginning November 28 at 9pm through January 3, viewers will have 24 hours to watch the performance once the link has been activated. The performance can be watched on any device or cast to a television.

 

SPECIAL OFFER: The first 25 people to purchase the “Raise the Curtain” package (details below) will receive complimentary access to the digital streaming production of A Christmas Carol this holiday season.

 

 

“RAISE THE CURTAIN” PACKAGE

 

In order to help sustain the company when live theatre is not possible and revenue opportunities are limited, the Huntington has created the “Raise the Curtain” package as a way for theatre lovers to show their support. For $199, purchasers of the “Raise the Curtain” package receive 2 FlexPass tickets to be used to redeem seats to any available Huntington performance in the future, as well as a Huntington tote bag ($69 per package for 35 Below and students). “Raise the Curtain” packages will make great holiday gifts for theatre fans and supporters.

 

As a special offer to launch the program, the first 25 people to purchase the “Raise the Curtain” package will receive complimentary access to the digital streaming production of A Christmas Carol this holiday season (tickets to A Christmas Carol are regularly $50).

 

麻州州長11/10疫情匯報 抨擊川普拒不交接

麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)。(周菊子攝)

            (Boston Orange 周菊子綜合報導)麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)今(10)日在新冠病毒疫情匯報記者會中，高調表示不滿川普總統的拒不辦理交接行為，直言疫情仍在持續，這是阻止政府過渡的最糟糕時刻。

             查理貝克今日邀請了羅倫斯總醫院董事長Jody White，波士頓醫療中心執行長 Kate Walsh出席，與麻州健康及人民服務長Marylou Sudder一起說明，麻州在應付疫情上有充分準備，不但增加了400個床位，將再設置田野醫院，甚至還已儲備了一年份量的個人防護用品(PPP)。

             查理貝克也特別撥出片刻，表達他對美國現任總統川普的不滿。他說自己加入共和黨40餘年，一直認同共和黨的理想、信念，但是川普總統挑戰選舉結果，拒絕交接，在與民眾生死攸關的疫情仍然持續之際，這實在不是對國家最有利的行為。他認為現任政府應該立即和後任政府的過渡團隊合作，並以處理疫情為第一優先要務。

             查理貝克強調，他實在想不出，還有什麼時候會是比疫情橫行的現在更糟糕的拒絕交接時刻。 他簡直不敢相信他所聽到來自總統，其團隊，以及多名華府民選議員的毫無根據說法。

             他說司法部最近的行動是那麼的不恰當，在病毒大流行期間延滯正常的過渡程序更讓人不能接受。。如果真有正當的法律挑戰，就應該由法院快速、公平的處理。

             查理貝克表示，他不知道有來自任何地方，合乎法律的有人做錯事的聲明，規模大到會改變選舉結果的程度，而且沒有一個可信的第三方在人在角度上證實了總統宣稱的情況。

             查理貝克早前曾經公開表示，2016年時他沒圈選川普，今年他的選票在總統這一欄上留白，共和、民主兩黨的候選人都沒得到他這一票。

AG’S OFFICE AWARDS GRANT FUNDING TO ORGANIZATIONS ACROSS THE STATE TO HELP LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS PAY HEATING BILLS

 AG’S OFFICE AWARDS GRANT FUNDING TO ORGANIZATIONS ACROSS THE STATE TO HELP LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS PAY HEATING BILLS

AG Encourages Residents Who Are Facing Financial Difficulty to Contact their Utility for Assistance

 

            BOSTON – With the cold weather season approaching, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today that she has awarded nearly $570,000 in grant funding to 14 organizations across the state to help low-income households pay off or lower their natural gas heating bills.

 

            “Each winter, thousands of Massachusetts households struggle to come up with the funds to pay their monthly heating bills, and we expect many more to be in need this year amid the COVID-19 public health crisis,” AG Healey said. “This grant program will help us ensure that families have the financial support they need to stay warm during the cold months.”

 

            This year, AG Healey’s Natural Gas Fuel Assistance Grant program is providing approximately $569,000 to programs run through state agencies, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations that currently assist residents in paying for gas service. Approximately one-in-four low-income eligible households in Massachusetts currently receive assistance on their heating bills, and many more are expected to need help this year with the COVID-19 pandemic. This grant program aims to close that gap by providing assistance to families who are in need but are not currently receiving assistance or not receiving enough help in paying their monthly bills.

 

           The grant program utilizes funds from a settlement the AG’s Office reached with National Grid for improperly charging customers reconnection fees. Since 2018, the grant program has awarded more than $2 million to programs and initiatives that provide fuel assistance.

 

            The AG’s Office is awarding grant funding to the following organizations:

 

• Casa Myrna Vazquez (Greater Boston and Boston Harbor Communities in Middlesex and Norfolk Counties): The organization will provide funds to survivors of domestic and dating violence who need assistance paying their natural gas bills.
• The Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP) (Statewide): MASSCAP will provide 22 statewide organizations with additional funds to help natural gas customers who participate in the federal Low Income and Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), as well as those who do not qualify for the program but make less than 80 percent of the state median income.
• City of Marlborough: The municipally-run heating assistance program will use the funds to enhance its current fuel assistance program to assist more families.
• Lend a Hand Society (Greater Boston): The organization will use the funding to enhance its current program to assist more households in need in Greater Boston with paying their heating bills.
• Town of Norton: The municipally-run program will expand its outreach to senior and veteran populations who need assistance in paying their heating bills.
• United Way (Bristol, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk and Suffolk Counties): The emergency heating assistance program will expand its outreach to families in need.
• Springfield Partners for Community Action: The organization will use the funds to increase the reach of its current program which helps residents in need who do not qualify for LIHEAP.
• The Towns of Palmer, Weymouth, and Dartmouth: The towns will expand the reach of their current fuel assistance programs.
• The Southeast Asian Coalition of Massachusetts (Essex, Plymouth, Suffolk and Worcester Counties): The organization will use the funds to enhance its current program that is geared toward assisting Southeast Asian and Arabic-speaking households gain access to fuel assistance programs.
• The Spanish American Center (Northern Worcester County): The organization will use the funding to expand its current program that provides assistance to Latinx families. 
• REACH (Greater Boston Communities in Middlesex County): The organization will provide funds for survivors of domestic violence in need of assistance in paying their gas heating bills.
• Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (Greater Lowell): The organization will use the funds to help those in the Cambodian American community in Greater Lowell who are in need.

 

The grant program began on November 1, 2020 and will run through October 31, 2021.

 

            AG Healey is also encouraging residents who are experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic to contact their utility company to learn about the available assistance programs. The state’s utility companies are offering financial assistance to residents impacted by the pandemic, including flexible payment plans and balance forgiveness plans for those who are eligible. Utility companies are authorized to provide payment plans for up to 12 months for residents who are behind in their payments.

 

The AG’s Office urges residents who are experiencing a loss of income to consult with their utility to see if they may qualify for the utility’s low-income rate, arrearage management programs (AMP), or the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Customers may qualify for low-income assistance, even if they haven’t in the past, as eligibility is based on the last four weeks of gross household income. The AMP provides for an individualized payment plan that, if followed, allows the customer to have forgiven all or a portion of an outstanding unpaid balance. In order to qualify for LIHEAP, customers must have a household income that does not exceed 60 percent of the state median income. The office also urges residents who are struggling to pay their bills to contact their local Community Action Network to determine if they qualify for available financial assistance. Some recipients of the AG Healey’s Natural Gas Fuel Assistance Grant program will supplement LIHEAP funding at Community Action Networks.

 

As the state’s ratepayer advocate, AG Healey works to ensure that customers do not pay more for their natural gas service than they should.

 

            For more information about gas utilities during the COVID-19 pandemic visit the AG’s resource page, which includes contact information for Massachusetts utility companies. Customers who have concerns about their utility rights during the public health crisis should contact the AG’s consumer assistance hotline at 617-727-8400 or file a complaint online.

波士頓學校委員會11/25之前接受提名 有2席空缺

 

APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR BOSTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE

 

BOSTON - Tuesday, November 10, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that applications are being accepted by the Citizens Nominating Panel, for two open positions on the Boston School Committee, one four-year term opening in January 2021 and the other filling the remainder of an unexpired term, which will expire on December 31, 2021. The deadline to submit applications is November 25, 2020.   The Boston School Committee is the governing body of the Boston Public Schools. The School Committee is responsible for: Defining the vision, mission and goals of the Boston Public Schools; Establishing and monitoring the annual operating budget; Hiring, managing and evaluating the Superintendent; and Setting and reviewing district policies and practices The seven members of the School Committee are Boston residents appointed by the Mayor to serve four-year staggered terms. The Mayor appoints members from a list of candidates recommended by a 13-member Citizens Nominating Panel composed of parents, teachers, principals and representatives of the business and higher education communities.    The School Committee also includes a non-voting student member of the Boston Student Advisory Council.     The School Committee meets approximately twice per month during the school year to adopt, review and modify policies and practices that support teaching, learning and improved student achievement. With the exception of executive sessions, Committee meetings are open to the public, feature public comment periods and are broadcasted on Boston City TV.     Applications for the Boston School Committee can be found online here. For more information on the Boston School Committee, please click here.     ###

SIX MEN CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH MAJOR INTERSTATE GUN TRAFFICKING OPERATION AFTER JOINT INVESTIGATION LED BY AG’S OFFICE

 SIX MEN CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH MAJOR INTERSTATE GUN TRAFFICKING OPERATION AFTER JOINT INVESTIGATION LED BY AG’S OFFICE

Defendants Allegedly Transported Guns from Florida and Michigan to
Sell in Massachusetts; Investigation also Uncovered Drug Trafficking and Illegal Firearms

 

BOSTON – Six men have been indicted in connection with a major interstate gun trafficking operation after a joint state, federal, and local investigation led by Attorney General Maura Healey’s Office.

 

The investigation was led by Massachusetts State Police assigned to the AG’s Office, in collaboration with MSP’s Gang Unit, MSP’s Troop D Community Action Team, the Bristol County State Police Detectives Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The investigation revealed that the defendants were allegedly conspiring to transport firearms into Massachusetts from out of state, specifically from Florida and Michigan. During the course of the investigation, the AG’s Office also uncovered evidence of heroin and cocaine trafficking.

 

A Statewide Grand Jury returned indictments against the following individuals last week:

 

Donald Ashcraft, age 38, of North Port, Florida

Transporting a Firearm into the Commonwealth (8 counts)

Trafficking a Firearm (1 count)

Conspiracy to Transport a Firearm into the Commonwealth (1 count)

Carrying a Firearm (7 counts)

Carrying a Loaded Firearm (1 count)

Possession of Large Capacity Feeding Device (8 counts)

Possession of Ammunition (6 counts)

Possession Class B (2 counts)

Possession Class E (1 count)

 

Craig Baier, age 39, of Bradenton, Florida

Transporting a Firearm into the Commonwealth (8 counts)

Trafficking a Firearm (1 count)

Conspiracy to Transport a Firearm into the Commonwealth (1 count)

Carrying a Firearm (7 counts)

Carrying a Loaded Firearm (1 count)

Possession of Large Capacity Feeding Device (8 counts)

Possession of Ammunition (6 counts)

Possession Class B (2 counts)

Possession Class E (1 count)

 

James Benassi, age 33, of New Bedford

Trafficking a Firearm (1 count)

Conspiracy to Transport a Firearm into the Commonwealth (1 count)

Carrying a Firearm (2 counts)

Possession of a Firearm (1 count)

Possession of Large Capacity Feeding Device (3 counts)

Improper Storage of a Firearm (1 count)

Possession of Ammunition (3 counts)

Intimidation of a Witness (1 count)

Trafficking in Heroin, more than 100g (1 count)

Trafficking in Cocaine, more than 100g (1 count)

Possession with Intent to Distribute Class E (1 count)

 

Justin Pena, age 33, of New Bedford

Possession of a Firearm (1 count)

Possession of Large Capacity Feeding Device (1 count)

Improper Storage of a Firearm (1 count)

Possession of Ammunition (2 counts)

Trafficking in Heroin, more than 100g (1 count)

Trafficking in Cocaine, more than 100g (1 count)

Possession with Intent to Distribute Class E (1 count)

 

Mathew Capozzi, age 37, of West Wareham

Conspiracy to Transport a Firearm into the Commonwealth (1 count)

 

Nicholas Ieronimo, age 33, of West Wareham

Conspiracy to Transport a Firearm into the Commonwealth (1 count)

 

            The defendants will be arraigned in Bristol and Plymouth Superior Courts on dates to be determined.

 

The AG’s Office alleges that Ashcraft and Baier transported numerous firearms across state lines, and that Benassi, Capozzi, and Ieronimo conspired with them to do so. Ashcraft, Baier, and Benassi are also each alleged to have trafficked a firearm. Baier and Ashcraft were arrested on July 28, 2020 with seven firearms in their possession, as well as ammunition and large capacity magazines. Subsequent investigation resulted in the coordinated execution of search warrants on August 20, 2020 at five locations, including Benassi and Pena’s residence, where investigators located two firearms, a large capacity magazine, ammunition and approximately 170 grams of cocaine. After continued investigation, investigators identified an additional location associated with Benassi, and on September 9, 2020 searched and discovered two more firearms, ammunition, a large capacity magazine, and approximately 118 grams of heroin/fentanyl for which Benassi and Pena face charges.

 

These charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

 

This matter is being handled by Assistant Attorneys General Kaitlyn O’Leary and Caitlin McDermott of the AG’s Enterprise, Major and Cyber Crimes Division and was investigated by Massachusetts State Police assigned to the AG’s Office, in collaboration with MSP’s Gang Unit, MSP’s Troop D Community Action Team, the Bristol County State Police Detectives Unit and ATF.

MAYOR WALSH, PARKS DEPARTMENT REOPEN TWO HYDE PARK PLAYGROUNDS IN $1 MILLION INVESTMENT

 

MAYOR WALSH, PARKS DEPARTMENT REOPEN TWO HYDE PARK PLAYGROUNDS IN $1 MILLION INVESTMENT

BOSTON - Monday, November 9, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Boston Parks Commissioner Ryan Woods announced this week the unveiling of recent improvements at two playgrounds in Hyde Park, Amatucci Playground at 1460 Hyde Park Avenue and Stonehill Park at 25 Stonehill Road. The budget for each facility was approximately $500,000. The projects were funded by Mayor Walsh's Capital Improvement Plan.  "These investments in Hyde Park are part of Boston's plan to provide quality green spaces for all residents, and play spaces for the children of our city," said Mayor Walsh. "We encourage families to follow social distancing guidelines and enjoy some fresh air and exercise at these two newly improved playgrounds before the winter weather sets in." Improvements shared by both facilities include new play equipment and resilient safety surfacing, open lawn areas, site furniture and fencing, and tree plantings. The parks feature swings and separate play structures for children ages 2 to 5 and 5 to 12 with a wide variety of activities such as puzzles, climbing nets, slides, rope bridges, and multi-level ramps and platforms.  Improvements unique to Stonehill include improved lighting and incorporation of a previously existing nature-themed stone and concrete sculptural piece into the playground. The structure is accompanied by instructions encouraging climbing by children and features whimsical handholds that include seashell and turtle shapes. The playground also includes a Cozy Cocoon especially designed for children with autism spectrum disorders. The unit features an enclosed space for a child to escape the playground when over-stimulated and interior textures and molded-in features for tactile exploration. The improvements at Amatucci feature two age-appropriate play structures, a Spinami upright spinning whirl accommodating several kids at once, a swing set for multiple ages and abilities, a water bubbler, and a trio of tables with accompanying seating.  Since 2014, the Walsh administration has invested more than $114 million across the city's parks systems, representing some of the most significant parks investments in Boston's history. The Fiscal Year 2021-2025 (FY21-FY25) Capital Plan includes enhanced support to maintain the City's Urban Wilds and Tree Canopy, increases in funding to plant and maintain trees across the city, as well as $36 million for new and ongoing open space projects. For current social distancing guidelines in City of Boston parks please visit www.boston.gov/news/coronavirus-covid-19-updates-boston-parks-and-recreation. ###  New and improved play equipment at Stonehill Park includes a climbing boulder and a special seat for children with autism spectrum disorders.  Two state-of-the-art play structures were recently opened at Amatucci Playground in Hyde Park.

全世界新型冠狀病毒確診人數 11/8 打破5000萬大關 麻州微回降至1809宗

 

波士頓市長率州市民選官員、議員賀拜登當選 誓言為人民服務 (圖片)

15組織集會遊行 呼籲州市聯邦政府保護人民

波士頓教師工會會長唐佳宇(Jessica Tang)質疑麻州政府要求
教師回校上課的決定。(周菊子攝)

                       (Boston Orange 周菊子綜合報導) ”波士頓日出行動(Sunrise Movement Boston)」，「亞裔資源工作室(AARW)」等15個組織，11月7日近午時分在柯普利廣場集會，遊行，呼籲地方市鎮及州和聯邦政府改變，「保護我們的人民，增長我們的力量(Protect Our People, Grow Our Power )」。

             發言者們在三一教堂前指出，今年多災多難，但他們要聚集人氣，確保彼此安全，聆聽社區的聲音，鼓吹社會公平，族裔、移民，房屋及環境正義，要把”保護民主，每一票都計算，社區得到應有的政府服務”等所有議題聚攏一處，一起爭取。「當我們爭取(fight)，我們就贏」。

華人前進會行政主任陳玉珍(Karen Chen)出席活動。

             其中一名發言者表示，在COVID-19發生前，他們已經在為人們爭取工作，就業，居住，醫療健保，移民，族裔，環境等等各方面的公平、正義。但誰想沒有想到，新型冠狀病毒大流行，使得情況更糟糕。例如麻州雖然通過了全美最高規格的暫緩逼遷法，但該法已於10月17日到期，而麻州州長查理貝克並未展延該法，許多人開始面對流離失所的威脅。

             這名發言者請在場的數百人拿出手機，鍵入Protection(保護)這個字，發送到617-934-5006這個號碼去，以帶動人潮，催促麻州州長設立住宅穩定基金，保護受COVID-19影響的家庭。

             她也呼籲人們關注麻州政治，指已當選的民意代表們，日子過得太舒服了。人們必須提醒這些議員，他們是人民的代表。

             波士頓市教師工會首名華裔會長唐佳宇也發言表示，別以為拜登(Joe Biden)當選了第46任美國總統，就沒問題了，事實上爭取正義的行動，才正開始。無論是住宅正義，全民健保，或移民權益或公共教育等議題，都不會一夜之間就奇蹟的變好了，人們必須團結起來爭取。她並以麻州州長前一天才鼓吹中小學應讓學生回校上課一樣，但是學校還未能做到讓學校的學習環境真正安全，為學校師生及護理人員提供足夠的個人防護設備之際，這樣要求似不合理。

             在集會途中，主辦單位宣佈拜登(Joe Biden)當選為第四十六任美國總統，在場數百人頓時歡聲雷動，但稍後仍繼續發言、致詞，然後才列隊跟在「是我們崛起的時候(Our Time to Rise)」，「每一張票都算(Every vote count)」等標語牌之後，沿著波約斯頓街遊行。(更新版)

數百民眾聚集在三一教堂前。(周菊子攝)

遊行示威團體以標語橫幅強調人民發聲。(周菊子攝)