SpeakEasy Stage Company — Attraction in Boston

I’ve enjoyed many powerful and memorable productions by SpeakEasy Stage Company over the years. Some of my favorites include Xanadu, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Clybourne Park, In the Heights, Casa Valentina, Violet, The Whale, The Scottsboro Boys, Allegiance, Every Brilliant Thing, The Inheritance, and most recently Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, which I saw in May 2025. That show was vibrant, fun, and full of energy—one of the best theater experiences I’ve had in Boston this year.

I also used to volunteer as an usher and felt proud to support the company’s mission. However, during a 2020 performance of Pass Over, I had a troubling experience that led me to quietly step away from volunteering. While assisting audience members to their seats, I approached a man who appeared to be waiting to be seated and quietly asked if he needed help. I didn’t realize the show had started early or that he was one of the actors. He didn’t respond, but moments later, both lead actors loudly confronted me. One held up the program and pointed to his own picture, suggesting I should have known who he was. I immediately apologized and explained that I was a volunteer usher and hadn’t yet seen the program.

Audience members witnessed the incident and looked visibly uncomfortable. One even spoke to me afterward and said he found the behavior inappropriate and racially insensitive, especially since it was clear I was just doing my job. I reported the experience to the staff member on duty, who said she would inform a program director. I also later shared what happened with someone named Alex, but I never received any formal follow-up, and I don’t believe the matter was ever addressed.

That said, I continue to value SpeakEasy’s contributions to Boston’s theater community. I hope the company continues to uphold its values of inclusion, respect, and professionalism—for artists, audiences, and volunteers alike.

(Photo: Program from the 2020 production of Pass Over. I was a volunteer usher at this...

Quaint theater experience. Loved whatching Choir Boy. The theater is public transit accessible and ticket prices were fair. I was in the back row and felt I had a great seat. I could hear just fine and lighting was appropriate too. I was surprised there were multiple stages in this hall. Wish bathrooms were larger. There was a line to use the mens restroom. Area where theater is located seems safe to walk at night too. In fact there was plenty of restaurants and live activity for before or after theater fun. 5...

One of the best performing arts companies in Boston. Their plays are always entertaining and cater to a variety of tastes. They are often very high quality and really raise the right kinds of questions. I also like how there is often a discussion with the audience...