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Arts & Entertainment

Shakespeare meets pop in this dazzling, empowering twist on a classic tale. Prepare for unforgettable music and a journey of self-discovery!

Mark Allen Wood, Patch Mayor

Broadway's latest sensation, "&Juliet," has arrived at Boston's Citizens Opera House, and it's a show you absolutely cannot miss. This vibrant, high-energy musical reimagines Shakespeare's classic tale with a modern twist, asking the intriguing question: What if Juliet didn't end it all over Romeo?

From the moment the curtain rises, "&Juliet" captivates the audience with its dynamic cast and extraordinary talents. The ensemble seamlessly weaves through an impressive array of pop hits, bringing to life Max Martin's chart-topping songs with breathtaking choreography and vocal prowess. The set design is a visual feast, perfectly complementing the energetic performances and adding an extra layer of magic to the production.

At the heart of this spectacular show is Rachel Simone Webb as Juliet. Her powerhouse voice soars through the theater, effortlessly hitting those high notes that leave the audience in awe. Webb's performance is nothing short of mesmerizing, breathing new life into the character of Juliet and making her a true hero for our times.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Paul-Jordan Jansen and Teal Wicks delivering standout performances that bring classic hits to life in ways you've never heard before. Their voices blend beautifully with Webb's, creating harmonies that will stay with you long after the final curtain call.

"&Juliet" stands out not only for its musical prowess but also for its progressive and inclusive storytelling. The show explores themes of self-discovery and empowerment, with a refreshingly open-minded approach to love and identity. It's heartening to see such positive LGBTQ+ representation on stage, reflecting Shakespeare's own inclusion of diverse characters in his works.

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The plot follows Juliet as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery after deciding not to follow Romeo into death. Along the way, she encounters a colorful cast of characters and faces challenges that test her newfound independence. Without giving away too much, let's just say that the ending is as surprising as it is satisfying.

One of the most striking aspects of "&Juliet" is its diverse cast. In my decade of theatergoing, I've rarely seen a production that so beautifully represents the rich tapestry of our society. This diversity adds depth and authenticity to the storytelling, making the show even more relatable and impactful.

In conclusion, "&Juliet" is a perfect 5-star production that combines incredible talent, innovative storytelling, and pure entertainment. It's been years since I've enjoyed a show this much, and I can't recommend it highly enough. Don't miss your chance to see this spectacular musical at the Citizens Opera House – it's an experience you'll be talking about for years to come!

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A fire tore through an apartment building in Peabody, Massachusetts, overnight. And now dozens of people are without a home.

The large apartment building on Main Street sustained extensive damage in the fire – the back of the building is completely charred, while the front looks almost untouched. Fire officials said the building is a total loss.

Firefighters said they got the call around midnight, but it was likely burning for quite some time before that. They encountered fire in the walls and through the roof of the building when they tried an interior attack, along with floors and ceilings that were partially collapsed.

The building contains six units, but Peabody Fire Chief Jay Dowling said all 40 people inside were able to get out on their own before crews arrived.

No firefighters or residents were injured, and a cat that was missing has since been found by a firefighter and reunited with its owner.

Dowling said his firefighters encountered fire in the walls and through the roof of the building when they tried an interior attack.

“At one point, about 30 minutes into the incident, we attempted to go back into the building and some of the floors had already collapsed, the ceilings collapsed, so we’re on a defensive effort now for the rest of the duration," he said.

Josa Victor just moved into the building with his pregnant girlfriend three days ago and couldn’t believe when they woke up to smoke and flames.

“I opened the window and a lot of smoke and fire, and I say with the people, ‘Oh a lot of fire, let’s go, let’s go.' That’s horrible,” he said.

The American Red Cross is on scene assisting those who were displaced by the fire.

But the people who lived here say the damage from this fire is devastating.

“I’m sad you know because I can’t... when I see the house, everything’s burned, so I’m a little sad,” said Caesar Simon, who was at work when the fire happened.

“I don’t have an ID, nothing, no phone, but that’s OK, my girlfriend and my baby, she’s feeling good, I’m happy," Victor added.

The State Fire Marshal's Office is still on scene working with Peabody fire investigators to determine the cause and origin of the blaze.

Bright lights are drowning out a new Donald Trump image projected onto a water tower in Hanson, Massachusetts.

The town previously brought in lights to cover up a resident's projection of a "Trump 2024" sign, saying last month that the effort had cost roughly $3,600.

Wednesday, after Trump was elected to a second non-consecutive term in office, NBC10 Boston captured photos appearing to show a "Punisher" skull — a well-known image associated with a comic book character — with Trump's hair.

The image could not be seen later after the town illuminated the water tower.

"Earlier today, the Town of Hanson discontinued measures put in place to block a political image being projected onto a Town-owned water tower," Town Administrator Lisa Green said in a statement. "Regrettably, the party involved in the image projection resumed projecting today and as a result we have had to yet again take measures to block the projected image."

Town officials say they have been receiving threats and inappropriate phone calls amid the controversy over a resident projecting a "Trump 2024" sign onto a water tower.

The town sent a cease and desist letter earlier to the homeowner who was projecting the sign, alerting him he was violating town bylaws.

Political signs are allowed on private property, but not on municipal property unless a permit has been issued, which did not happen in this case.

The town says noncompliance will result in action for trespass and nuisance, and the town will seek damages.

Green added Wednesday that the town "does not endorse any political candidate, party or platform in any election," and that "the display of political symbols or signage on government property" is prohibited.

"The Town is duty-bound to enforce those bylaws and is committed to taking whatever action is necessary to prevent future violations," Green said.

Since the cease and desist letter was sent, the town said the homeowner had not projected the image, but added that he had declined to agree in writing that he would not project it onto the water tower again.

Town officials say they have become targets.

"The unnecessary situation endured by the Town of Hanson by a single resident trying to make a political statement has not only caused an undue financial burden on the Town but it has resulted in at least one threat sent in a voicemail toward a Town official and a number of inappropriate and vulgar phone calls and email messages to Town employees who are just doing their jobs," the town said in a statement.

Police have launched an investigation into the threats and phone calls.

The homeowner has not responded to requests for comment.

Trump won Hanson in Tuesday night's election, receiving 3,687 votes, or 54.7%, compared to 2,931 votes, or 43.5%, for Kamala Harris.

Schools are closed in two Massachusetts cities on Friday as teachers go on strike. Teachers in Beverly and Gloucester plan to picket as they continue to negotiate a new contract.

Well, they’ve been in negotiations without a contract since February – and have reached an impasse.

So instead of being in the classrooms today, teachers will be picketing outside these schools.

In Gloucester, they’re looking for an 18-25% raise over the course of a new contract, and up to 52 days of paid parental leave, among other issues.

Emily Harney, a Gloucester High School teacher who’s part of the negotiating committee said, “We are fighting for respect, a fair contract, safer schools, everything that our students, our community, your students, your community deserves.”

But Gloucester’s mayor says the city is facing up to a $7 million budget shortfall, and it’s impossible to give teachers everything they’re asking for.

“Negotiations are an exercise in give and take, they’re meant to be collaborative," Mayor Greg Verga said. "The goal should always be to find common ground and work together toward a solution.”

Meanwhile in Beverly, teachers say they’re underpaid, schools are understaffed, classrooms are overflowing, and teachers are burned out and heading to other districts.

The Department of Labor Relations is now involved, and so negotiations will be through a mediator going forward.

“None of us wants to do this, but at this point we have no choice," said Julia Brotherton, of the Beverly Teachers Association. "Beverly schools are in crisis. Critical paraprofessional positions regularly go unfilled because the city pays only poverty wages.”

The Beverly School Committee said in a statement, “We want to make it clear that the School Committee does not condone the illegal actions of the Beverly Teachers Association…We understand that this is a severe disruption to the lives of our students and families…”

Meanwhile, Gloucester has a playoff football game Friday night that could be in jeopardy and might not happen due to the strike. We should find out later in the day whether that will happen.

Gov. Maura Healey said Friday that she has been in touch with both sides and has urged them to work to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.

"This is really hard on the students, really hard on the parents," she said. "We have been in touch with all involved in this on both sides and have strongly encouraged people to work to resolve this as quickly as possible so our young people can be back in school."

Contract negotiations are scheduled to resume in both Gloucester and Beverly at 2 p.m. Friday.

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Business & Tech

Funding to Support Families Facing Food Insecurity

Diana, Community Contributor

[Boston, MA] (Nov. 6) – Project Bread, the leading statewide food security organization in Massachusetts, was selected to receive a $10,000 grant by BJ’s Wholesale Club Inc. (NYSE: BJ) as part of the company’s Give 40 for 40 campaign. The campaign celebrates BJ’s 40 years of operations by awarding a total of $1 million in grants to local charities

Funding through BJ’s Charitable Foundation will support Project Bread’s work in schools, providing training and support for school nutrition staff. Participants in Project Bread’s School Food Fellowship engage in monthly professional development trainings and onsite meetings with Project Bread’s Chef Educators, including the development of new staff-led and student-tested recipes that cater to local food sources and USDA nutrition standards. This is just one key example of how Project Bread is working to ensure nutritious, delicious school meals are available at no cost and free of stigma for every student in a state where 1 in 5 households with children are facing food insecurity.

“Healthy, delicious, free school meals are essential for all children, and Project Bread’s Chef Educators are committed to partnering with schools statewide to improve the school meal experience and ensure everybody eats well,” says Shannon Healey, Director of Institutional Giving at Project Bread. “We are proud to partner with BJ’s Charitable Foundation to support the tremendous growth in school meal participation through strong kitchen management, inclusive menu preparation, and robust staff engagement. Our strategy ensures that children can thrive in the classroom today and for the future.”

As part of its Give 40 for 40 charitable campaign, BJ’s Wholesale Club announced grants to 70 community organizations that were nominated by its team members. Recipients were chosen for their local impact in areas of hunger relief, education and health and wellness. Since its inception, the BJ’s Charitable Foundation has awarded over $37 million to non-profit organizations and schools, providing vital support in BJ’s communities.

“BJ’s has a deep commitment to support families in the communities where we live and work,” said Kirk Saville, Head of Corporate Communications, BJ’s Wholesale Club. “We are honored to celebrate our 40th anniversary by supporting the organizations our team members care about most and to live our purpose of taking care of the families who depend on us.”

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For over 20 years, Project Bread has partnered with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to support critical meals for students such as implementing and expanding school breakfast after the bell programs, improving school lunch meal quality, supporting school nutrition staff with resources and training year-round, and bolstering Summer Eats program promotion and access across the Commonwealth. This past year, the Project Bread team provided 1,073 school nutrition staff professional development hours, distributed over $73,000 in school breakfast grants and outreach materials, visited 69 Summer Eats community meal sites, and distributed over $636,000 in Summer Eats meal sponsor grants, outreach materials, and promotional advertising to keep kids fed when schools are closed.

About Project Bread

Project Bread is the leading statewide food security organization in Massachusetts with a radical approach to solving hunger. Beginning in 1969 with the first Walk for Hunger, the nonprofit focuses on driving systemic change to ensure people of all ages have reliable access to healthy food. Project Bread works collaboratively across sectors to create innovative solutions to end hunger and improve lives across the Commonwealth. For more information, visit: www.projectbread.org.

About BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BJ) is a leading operator of membership warehouse clubs focused on delivering significant value to its members and serving a shared purpose: “We take care of the families who depend on us.” The company provides a wide assortment of fresh foods, produce, a full-service deli, fresh bakery, household essentials and gas. In addition, BJ’s offers the latest technology, home decor, small appliances, apparel, seasonal items and more to deliver unbeatable value to smart-saving families. Headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts, the company pioneered the warehouse club model in New England in 1984 and operates clubs and BJ's Gas® locations in 20 states. For more information, please visit us at www.BJs.com or on Facebook or Instagram.

About BJ’s Charitable Foundation

Established in 2004 by BJ’s Wholesale Club, the BJ’s Charitable Foundation provides essential needs to families in the local communities BJ’s members and team members live and work. Through local and national non-profit partnerships, the Foundation focuses its giving efforts on three main pillars: hunger relief, education and health and wellness.

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