Arlekin Players Theatre

Just when you think youve seen it all you havent. Arlekin Players Theatre transforms the way you experience theatre in a way no other company has. Arlekin Theatre does each play justice, bringing new light to the text, and creating a truly personal experience for each audience member. After viewing The Seagull, you truly feel like a witness to something beautiful and moving thats happened right before your eyes and for no one else.

The ocean waves rise and fall. The sheep are hilarious. And the unspoken story moved me deeply. Listen to the sound of the balalaika and be enchanted. I loved the Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish.

Simply put the “Seagull” is a must to see show. It is another amazing performance by Arlekyn Theater. Aside from superb acting, decorations, scene transition, sound and lights, etc. it is the most insightful look in mind of any creative person, in this case a writer, I’ve seen for a long time. The English translation of the famous play is so masterful, that feels as natural as Russian. As it goes, better one time to see, than seven times to hear. I personally will go and watch Seagull again.

Small scale theater aiming high under the leadership of wonderful artistic director. Started as semi-professional theater rooted in the Russian theatrical tradition and still supported mainly by Russian speaking audience. it is in the process of transforming itself into a professional drama theater appealing to the general american theater lovers. It is fascinating to see how this transformation is unfolding.

A wonderful theater with world class lineage stretching from Moscow right in the heart of Needham. Having a chance to see the plays that are masterfully directed and executed in an intimate space of a small theater is a cherished and memorable experience that stays with you long after the curtain closes.

Food was absolutely delicious. Cocktails were creative and tasty. Our server was extremely knowledgeable about food and drinks

This is a very strong performance, which conveys the intensity and symbolism of the play with great tension. There are many paired symbols of the house and a stone, two suitcases and two love letters, which the inhabitants leaving the house can take with them.The setting of the Arlekin Theatre is very dynamic, while it gradually reveals profound meanings about the connection between meanness and the creation of myths, about striving to meet the generally accepted norm, which changes and can hurt like a returned boomerang.

I had a great experience at this place. The waitstaff are very hospitable, polite and pleasant.

We went to see The miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, and it was an amazingly creative performance. Truly original and wonderfully performed at high professional level. The back and forth from Russian to English was well done and allowed to fully follow the plot.Well definitely be back for other shows. Totally recommend it!

Great experience!! Excellent performance. Nice food.

Very creative! They captured the essence of the story and, as English only speakers, we were able to follow along well. We felt like part of the show in the cozy, comfortable setting!!! Thank you for a great experience.

I love documentary movies a lot. But documentary theatre? I didnt know what to expect. I saw one movie made as interviews with people who left then USSR at the end of eighties. It was OK. Real people telling their life stories. I guess it makes a big difference when those stories told by a talented artistic crew. I enjoyed the play immensely. Exhilarating experience. Thank you Arlekin!

We had a pleasure of attending the play Cinderella (Золушка) at Theatre for the first time today. The atmosphere and the actors were unbelievable. Great performance, unique view and approach. It was fun for everyone - adults and 3,4,5 years old kids that were with us (even my 1year old toddler watched the whole play without a peep). Thank you Thank you Thank you! We will be back.

Wonderful show again! I am never disappointed with the plays Ive seen at Arlekin. All of them have been intellectually stimulating, funny, and theatrical in all the best ways. Its quality work all around, from the direction, the acting, and the impeccable scenic and lighting designs. This theatre rocks!

I like this theatre. All performances that I saw for three last years are very original . It is really good professional level. Some. performances deeper then others, nevertheless it is always interesting to see all of them. Actors are usually playing with inspirations. But the main role definitely belongsto the director Igor Golyak. I always recommend to visit this acting studio.

Thank you Arlekin theater for a wonderful trip thorough our shared immigration life stories. Why it happened, how we see it, how much we’ve changed, how it affected our children. The thoughts that stay with US every day for as many years as we’ve been living the immigration. Once again, it felt very real: countless suitcases, airports, departures, arrivals, and then Boston where we melt into America, raised children, and then aged into US.

The play US by Arlekin - yet another brilliant work of this theater -showcases the stories and attitudes of immigrants from all over the former USSR.In my mind, the play could be about immigration from any other country, not necessarily from Russia. But the specific reference to my birth country made it all more special for me.A special success of this production is that the words and sentences said by interviewees in the preparation work for this play have not been changed at all. Yet, the play flows naturally and comes across as a dialogue between the people on stage.The play integrated deeper thoughts with a big portion of humor and, as any good play, show or movie, left me thinking about it throughout the following days.

For the past decade I have been witnessing the rise of a Phoenix from the ashes of typical theater.I have to admit that for all these years I couldn’t resist myself from going to see the same shows all over again.The emotions being triggered in my soul by those plays are extremely rare and valued to me – I just don’t meet them in my day-to-day routine.I understand that it could be seen as a sign of a weakness in a grown man, but a grown man isn’t afraid to be judged.

The new production of the play Us is absolutely amazing one.The task itself of doing a play on a complexity of immigration seemsunsolvable and extremely hard.But Igor Golyak as a director having a play based on hundreds of interviews made a great job of creating this performance which is at times sad, at times very funny but never boring.Actors are very enthusiastic and fun to watch. Its hard to believe that some of them dont even have a professional training.I wish the Arlekin studio success they deserve with that production and more in the future.

Strong performance, creative stage set up and a great team of people. I always enjoy shows and come back for more. This is theater in a true sense of this word - engaging, thought provoking, and always searching for new creative ways to speak to their public.

Excellent venue for seeing the productions of a talented theater studio and other cultural events. Friendly, enthusiastic atmosphere. Highly professional creative directing. Most events are in Russian.

Truly professional theatre! I watched Immigrants, ( Fiddler on the roof), US. Consistently talented acting! Thank you for existing and creating!!

It was wonderful to feel this positive energy and enthusiasm of the entire staff. The play was a documentary but performance was real theater.It was feel good experience.Congratulations!

From the time you walk in and through the end of performance you feel like you discovered a hidden jewel of art. Great interpretation of a classic fairytale. Enjoyed by kids and adults alike.

I am really excited that now in Boston area we have the russian theatre that follows the traditions of the world recognized theatre art. I wish all of you starting from the artistic director to the stage manager the great success in your creative work. Thank you very much.

Arlekin Players Theatre is a wonderful theater located in Needham, Ma. Their variety of shows from childrens fairy tales to serious and provocative mono plays and large scale productions make it a perfect venue for audiences of all ages!! They also have music concerts, theater lectures and other fun events. I love the convenience of the place, very friendly atmosphere and highly professional performances!! Come and you wont be disappointed!

A theatrical dream from the Insant I walked into the lobby, kudos to Igor and his beautiful team of actors and designers for creating this unforgettable experience. Physical, whimsical, personal, communal theatre at its best. I will be back.

I am absolutely amazed by Mr. Golyak and his actors. This is a theater like no other, and the shows leave lasting impact on you. Words cannot describe this. We rarely miss their performances

Excellent troupe and great directing. Most productions are in Russian (and IMO ahead of touring famous Russian theatres) in which case subtitles could help expand the audience.

By now we have attended several performances of this theater company. Dead Mans Diary is by far the most wonderful and magical, wholeheartedly recommended to theater-lovers should Arlekin decide to offer a re-run. Inspirational acting, lots of creative ideas, brilliant music, a unique stage setting, and overall - the abundance of creativity and at the same time a very authentic interpretation of Bulgakovs novel. Truly amazing. Big thumbs up to Igor Golyak and his crew!

I loved this play. Once again- the actors were brilliant and the staging so exactly right that it really worked for me on lots of levels.

Extremely satisfied with the Arlekin Players Theatre and the quality performances that are clearly Broadway bound!I have attended several family oriented shows and each time I have felt a sense of reassurance and homecoming as I watch the actors bring to life issues of family, love, caring, commitment and time passing. There is clearly leaping energy of professional adults and young actors that enrich the lives of our community through the magic of performing arts.Magic and something inherently theatrical about the actors on stage and the space in which they interact earnestly to capture the audience with grand storytelling.Theater space is very well utilized between changing scenes, thereby creating a sense of intimacy/personal connection as performers deliver their dialogue and movements directly to the audience in a way that encourages kinesthetic empathy. This theater has a powerful effect that is clearly enjoyed by a diversified audience; I can still hear the little children’s excitement and happy giggles during the beautiful Cinderella production!Thank you to the behind-the- scenes crew: costumes, scenic construction & props, and stage managers.

Ive heard about Arlekin for several years, but this is the first time I decided to attend the performance. This is because the recommendations were overwhelmingly exciting. I was still skeptical, but indeed Dead Mans Diary is absolutely amazing! Nothing close to an amateur theater. Absolutely professional in every aspect: direction, scenography, acting, music. Captivating, wittily, touching, creative, and just beautiful. Looking forward to Arlekins new productions!

I thoroughly enjoyed yet another lecture by A. Smelyansky. The theater intimate setting allows for a great immediate experience of participating in an informal conversation with a charming and incredibly knowledgeable person.

Very interesting play, deep insight into some of the areas of the Russian culture based on the former USSR, humorless and dark at the same time. Dasha played remarkably well and very natural, eye contact with the crowd felt very personal.

You dont have to travel back to Moscow or St. Petersburg. Now you can get the same emotions here in Boston. Arlekin Players Theatre is our solution. This theatre is unique. Every production is extremely well directed. I personally watched the shows multiple times and each time it felt like the first time. Love this theatre and would recommend it to all.

A fantastic journey to another world of brilliant creativity. The original adaptation of the satiric novel about life in the thrater in Moscow that English speakers know as Black Snow was a perfect choice for this talented group of professionals.The entire experience (enhanced by the option for simultaneous translation ear-piece) was transformative. The space was one of the stars of the play - and I will not say more to not spoil the surprise. The use of music and choreography made this one of the best theater experiences I have had recently.

Once again - a wonderful theatrical experience just around the corner of my home - WE-US, created and performed by Arlekin Theater. I always wonder how at such a miniscule venue with minimalistic tools the team could create such impressive works. Here we have a glimpse at Boston Russian community. Some are deeply immersed in their nostalgia, preserving old habits and foods, while others move ahead in their new life on a new soil. I vividly recalled my own first months full of loneliness and nostalgia. I came in June 2000 and was extremely lucky to land a decent job just in a month. I went back to Saint Petersburg for a New Year holiday - going home. I was happy to meet my relatives and friends there - but the feel of home was gone to the end of my short visit. Back to Boston, looking at the downtown through the window I almost cried: HOME. The end of story.

Love the plays and actors here! Wonderful place! I always enjoy my time there :)

This theater is a little gem. You would never know it is there... Once you enter it, the insides are very un-pretentious and simple. But do not let this fool you. Once the show starts, you are touched by the magic of it. The compactness of the theater makes you so involved that you cannot help but to feel being a part of the performance. Strongly recommend!!!

An AMAZING experience!! Excellent performance. 10 stars for US.

My life changed ever since I discovered Arlekin Players Theater. Whether you watch the shows or work on them, this is an amazing place, highly professional in every aspect, creating enjoyment for everyone stepping in

One of the hidden jewels of Boston area. Unique, talented and always surprising productions. BIG Theater in chamber space.

Professional, academic based, really modern theater with historical classic roots bring the world of human emotions:love, hate, joy and anger- all real. After the best children/ adult play Cinderella you have to catch Tales of the Last Wednsday-last and most amazing performance of the year. Igor Golyak - the founder and director succeeded to collect and to unite both: young and experienced talents. Do not miss even one performance: each one is brilliant!

Outstanding director and the actorsUncanny accuracy of Russian immigration life reflections, laughter and tearsThank You

Exceptional shows. Acting and set design are superb! Professional, entertaining and absolutely worth seeing!

The Moscow high definition film of the Anna Karenina ballet was outstanding. If there were more than one performance scheduled here, I would go again.

Arlekin Players Theatre is a real gem. Starting out as a small neighborhood theater, over the years it became so much more than that. Thanks to the many talents of its Artistic Director, Igor Golyak, it is now one of the best theater companies in Boston in addition to a very popular and noteworthy Acting Studio (Igor Golyak Acting Studio). A cultural center in its best.

Arlekin Players Theatre has become MY Theatre. What ever they play, every performance, small or huge production, for adults or for children, every lecture about the history of Russian theatre brings joy of life.

I am not new to Arlekin, but I saw their Needham studio for the first time today. It is cozy and warm, with a nice layout of seating and scene. Several really good things I noticed: There was full house at the show but at the same time the ventilation was sufficient. Amazing job with sound and scene lighting - compliments to the engineer(s). If I had to find something less than perfect about the studio, it would be the fact that it is on the second floor, and the stairway leading to it is a bit steep. However they will outgrow this studio fairly quickly I am sure.I would also review the Arlekins Fairy Tale Zolushka. This is what my 4-year old granddaughter Bella said after the performance. From all the heroes she liked Fairy the most. When asked if she liked Cinderella, she replied: Not really, because she was not exactly what a Cinderella should be. She also said she hated Stepmother that much that she did not even want to have a picture with her after the performance! This tells me the actress did a really good job! Overall she did like the performance and the fact she was seating on the first raw with the other kidsTo add to my granddaughter review I would also give a high score to the King! Great job everyone!

Small but great Russian theater in Boston, all shows are well prepared and performed.

Every show I attend, I am always amazed! The acting, the staging, producing and music is always on point! I try to attend Arlekins performances as often as possible and you should too!!

Wonderful Theatre!

Great theater! Always something new and innovative!

The atmosphere, acting, set design, creative directing are great.

Great event. Wonderful audience.

I enjoyed the play and the performance

Excellent