This autumn, Acton-Boxborough students are transforming school auditoriums into professional-grade performance venues, offering the community a rich lineup of musical theater, choral concerts, and instrumental showcases. From Broadway classics to student-directed a cappella groups, the district’s middle and high school arts programs are delivering quality entertainment right in your own backyard.
The season kicks off with the ABRHS (Acton Boxborough Regional High School) Cabaret Night on November 21 and 22 at 7:00 PM in the high school auditorium. Now in its 31st year, this beloved tradition showcases students in the school’s choral program as they perform a wide range of Broadway show tunes, contemporary hits, folk music, and a cappella performances, complemented by dance and instrumental acts. General admission tickets are $12 and can be purchased online at ABRHS Cabaret Night or at the door (though online sales close at 7:00 PM each evening, so plan accordingly). It’s a fundraising event, so ABSAF (Acton Boxborough Student Activities Fund) passes aren’t accepted, but AB staff members can reserve one complimentary ticket.
Middle schoolers take center stage in early December when R.J. Grey Junior High presents Seussical Jr., running December 4 through 6 at 7:00 PM with a Sunday matinee on December 7 at 2:00 PM in the R.J. Grey Auditorium. The whimsical Dr. Seuss musical offers a perfect introduction to theater for younger audience members while showcasing the talent developing in the district’s middle school program. Tickets will be on sale soon here.
The fall season continues with the Proscenium Circus’s production of Chicago (Teen Edition) on December 11 and 12 at 7:00 PM, plus two shows on December 13 at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM. The high school’s drama program invites audiences to “meet the six merry murderesses of the Cook County Jail” in this jazzy, darkly comic tale of crime and celebrity. Tickets and additional information will be available soon at abdrama.org. The theater entrance is located at 93 Hayward Road, though you can also enter through the main school entrance at 36 Charter Road. If purchasing tickets at the door, arrive 30 minutes early.
Rounding out the season is the always-uplifting ABRHS Band/Chorus/Orchestra Winter Concert on December 16 at 7:00 PM (with a snow date of December 17). This grand finale features the Jazz Band, Bella Voce, Orchestra, Madrigals, Chamber Choir, and Concert Band in a single evening—a showcase of the breadth and depth of the district’s music program. This event is free of charge.
In addition, during December, the Madrigal singers can be found at multiple locations around town singing holiday music that spans the centuries. The Madrigals will perform at both Acton Memorial Library (Dec. 7) and Sargent Memorial Library (Dec. 18), as well as making other appearances.
Accessibility: Both the Dragonfly Theater at R.J. Grey and the ABRHS auditorium offer wheelchair accessible parking, seating, restrooms, and elevator access. For specific accessibility needs, contact the school directly.
For those wanting to stay current on all performing arts events in the district, visit performingarts.abschools.org, where you’ll find a comprehensive calendar with details of upcoming performances.
Jen Lewy is an author and parent.
