Author Archive for Bob Behr
Andover resident Bob Behr is a retired English teacher and non-profit fundraiser. He has written about theater, food and local culture for community newspapers in Philadelphia and Vermont.
Intimate Walker Farm brings new life to classic musical ‘Singin’ in the Rain’
By Bob Behr ©2023 Telegraph Publishing LLC It was raining outside as we ran from the car into Walker Farm to see Singin’ in the Rain. Later on and deep into the show, rain fell at the rear of the stage near a door open to the outside – and for a moment I believed […]
‘Buddy Holly Story’ a snappy return to roots of rock ‘n’ roll at the Weston Playhouse
By Bob Behr ©2023 Telegraph Publishing LLC You can count on the Weston Theater Company for solid, entertaining musicals, but with this production of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story the folks at Weston have definitely hit the jackpot. Buddy is the story of three exciting years: a young man’s fast-lane path to rock ‘n’ roll […]
Weston’s ‘Charlie Brown’ delivers ‘happy vibe’ kids love Free Young Company performances through July 9
By Bob Behr, with help from Cleo and Felix ©2023 Telegraph Publishing LLC What’s the recipe for a successful musical play for children? Cleo, my 8½-year-old granddaughter swears by the following ingredients: “lots of action, funny songs, dancing and some sad parts. But mostly a happy vibe.” Me: “So, Cleo, did You’re a Good Man, […]
Woody Sez – beautifully crafted blend of song and story
By Bob Behr ©2022 Telegraph Publishing LLC Woody Sez: The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie, Weston Theater Company’s final offering of the 2022 season, is a beautifully crafted blend of song, storytelling, and musicianship. At Weston’s Walker Farm this week, the happy crowd was toe-tapping, clapping, and singing along to the songs of Woody […]
Weston’s nostalgic ‘Steel Magnolias:’ a slow start, a rousing finish
By Bob Behr ©2022 Telegraph Publishing LLC As if a time capsule had plopped down on Weston’s Village Green — suddenly, it’s the 1980s in Louisiana and we’re in a small-town beauty salon, complete with a wallphone, boombox, Mr. Coffee, helmet hairdryers, and lots and lots of hairspray. Contemporary audiences might need to work hard […]
‘Hair:’ A new Age of Aquarius dawns at Weston Theater
By Bob Behr ©2022 Telegraph Publishing LLC For the first time in many months, the Weston Theater Company has opened the doors of the historic playhouse overlooking the village green. It’s a new beginning for the lovely old playhouse, and the iconic ’60s musical Hair is a perfect choice to celebrate the occasion. Hair is […]