Arts

Author: Artwork © 2011 by Chihuly Studio, All rights reserved. graph © Museum of Fine Arts, BostonMille Fiori, Dale Chihuly, Blown glass .

Summer unofficially kicked off this holiday weekend and for most it was a great weekend to be outdoors.  But for yours truly, since I’m not a fan of the humidity, I retreated indoors for a little AC and a little bit of culture with the latest production from playwright Enrique Urueta at the Boston Playwright’s Theatre and the much-talked about exhibit “Through the Looking Glass” at the Museum of Fine Arts.

‘Learn to be Latina’

Laugh-out loud funny, this new production from Company One had me both laughing hysterically and cringing at the same time. But that was the point. It’s described as “a post-911 race farce/lesbian romantic comedy (with dance breaks)” and it more than lives up to the description.

The play is about a young promising pop singer named Hanan who has a record label dying to record her … until they find out she’s Lebanese. The fact that she’s Lebanese isn’t a big deal. The record executives say Hanan can still be a star as long as she learns to be Latina.

From that moment on, Hanan begins her transformation from Lebanese to a New York-style, Jennifer Lopez pseudo-Latina. Despite the blatant racist and homophobic dialogue peppered throughout the production, “Learn to be Latina” is thought-provoking and drills the message home — in the words of Oprah — of learning to be “your authentic self.” “Learn to be Latina” ends its run at the Boston Playwright’s Theatre Sunday, June 5.

Chihuly: ‘Through the Looking Glass’

I absolutely loved, loved Dale Chihuly’s exhibit “Through the Looking Glass” at the MFA. The colors are stunning and the sculptures are amazing from the deep red chandelier as you enter the exhibit to the lime green icicle tower that stands in the food court as you exit.  

This exhibit was very brief and it was over before I knew it. Normally the exhibits take a good hour of your time and I found myself longing for more to view.

One of my favorite pieces was the one labeled “Persian Ceiling.” I felt like I was back at the Sistine Chapel trying to commit to memory all the details and the images of these works of art. It was incredible! This exhibit is a must-see and it’s great for the whole family.  “Through the Looking Glass” will be on display until Aug. 7.

And, for those into the summer movie blockbusters, like I am, check out the latest installment of “Pirates of the Caribbean” with Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz and “The Hangover Part II.” The first is great family fun, especially watching it in 3-D and the latter is strictly for adults and for those who appreciate a little bit of raunchiness.

Coming Up …

Tonight (June 2), Café Tatant presents Jonathan Singleton and Quartet with special guest Athene Wilson at 8 p.m. at Hibernian Hall.

JAM’N 94.5FM celebrates its annual “Summer Jam” this Saturday at the Comcast Center. The line-up includes Chris Brown, Lupe Fiasco, Jeremih, Fabolous, T-Pain and more!

Oleta Adams returns to Scullers Jazz Club the weekend of June 10-11 for two shows each night at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Eddie Griffin brings his razor-sharp humor to the House of Blues on Saturday,  June 18.

The Wilbur Theatre presents Mike Epps on Friday, June 24 and Saturday,  June 25.

If you would like me to cover or write about your event, e-mail me at inthemixwithcolette@gmail.com.