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ALSO INSIDE: MGM Springfield has full line-up of comedians planned at its ROAR! Comedy Club in early 2026, including Katie Arroyo. Page D6
2026 26 movies with Mass. ties to celebrate
From ‘Legally Blonde’ to ‘The Holdovers.’ Page D2
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Above, from far left, Paul Giamatti in a scene from “The Holdovers”; Lt. Elliott (LaKeith Stanfield, left), Trooper Wagner (Noah Segan, center) and Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig, right) in “Knives Out”; and Saoirse Ronan, Laura Dern, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh and Eliza Scanlen in Greta Gerwig’s “Little Women.” All movies had scenes filmed in Massachusetts.
26 movies with Mass. ties to celebrate going into
2026 Ruth E. Carter, a Springfield native, won the Academy Award twice in Best Costume Design for both “Black Panther” and its sequel “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” At right, the late Chadwick Boseman in a scene from the first film.
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By Chris McLaughlin
cmclaughlin@masslive.com
os Angeles, New York City and Atlanta are all top U.S. filming locations, but Massachusetts also has no shortage of movies either shot or set locally in the Bay State. Here are 26 films with ties to Massachusetts you can watch or stream heading into 2026.
to life in the years following a sexual assault by her professor (Cancelmi).
2. “The History of Sound” (2025) Where to watch: Streaming on Mubi Runtime: 2 hours, 8 minutes Director: Oliver Hermanus Starring: Paul Mescal, Josh O’Connor Genre: Romance, Drama Massachusetts tie: The movie depicts scenes set in 1. “Sorry, Baby” (2025) Boston and Cambridge. Much Where to watch: Streamof the movie is also takes ing on HBO Max place in Maine. Runtime: 1 hour, 44 minAverage rating: 68% on utes Rotten Tomatoes, 6.8 /10 on Director: Eva Victor IMDb, 3.3/5 on Letterboxd Starring: Eva Victor, Naomi Synopsis: Two young men, Ackie, Lucas Hedges, Louis Lionel (Mescal) and David Cancelmi (O’Connor) fall in love with Genre: Comedy, Drama each other at a music conserMassachusetts tie: Shot vatory in Boston in the 1910s. on location in Bedford, Split apart by World War I Essex, Gloucester, Ipswich, and personal matters, they Lawrence, Lowell, Rockport later reunite for an expedition and Salem, according to the to record rural folk songs in Massachusetts Film Office. Maine. Average rating: 97% on 3. “The Holdovers” (2023) Rotten Tomatoes, 7.1/10 on IMDb, 4.1/5 on Letterboxd Where to watch: Available Synopsis: Agnes (Victor), a to rent on Amazon Prime former graduate student and Video, Apple TV, Google now a working professional at Play Movies and Fandango at a small New England liberal Home. arts college, tries to readjust SEE 2026, PAGE D3
WEEKEND
Nightclubs THURSDAY Uno Chicago Grill: Country Music. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
FRIDAY MGM Springfield: MGM Roar Comedy Club: Katie Arroyo. 1 MGM Way, Springfield Theodores': Marcia Gamache Band. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
West Springfield's Irish House Restaurant & Pub: Brothers By Law. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SATURDAY MGM Springfield: MGM Roar Comedy Club: Jonathan Van Halem. 1 MGM Way, Springfield Theodores': The Next Jen Band. 201 Worthington St., Springfield Uno Chicago Grill: Modern, Contemporary Rock. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield West Springfield's Irish House Restaurant & Pub: Billy Eagan. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SUNDAY Uno Chicago Grill: Jazz. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
MONDAY Uno Chicago Grill: 50% off individual deep dish pizza (dine in). 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
TUESDAY Uno Chicago Grill: Blues Music. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
WEDNESDAY Theodores': Jazz Series with Jason Schwartz. 201 Worthington St., Springfield Uno Chicago Grill: Light Rock. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield The Republican is not responsible for unannounced schedule changes. Listings must be received two weeks before the date of the event. Items should be mailed to: Entertainment Guide, The Republican, P.O. Box 1329, Springfield, MA 01102-1329, emailed to pmastriano@repub.com or submitted to www.masslive. com/myevent
Eva Victor appears in 2025’s “Sorry, Baby,” a film she also directed. (MIA CIOFFY HENRY / SUNDANCE INSTITUTE / A24)
Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Christopher Plummer, Toni Collette Genre: Murder Mystery Massachusetts Tie: The movie filmed extensively in Massachusetts with shooting in Berlin, Boston, Canton, Easton, Lincoln, Marlborough, Maynard, Medfield, Natick, Stoughton, Waltham and Wellesley, according to the Massachusetts Film Office. Average Rating: 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, 7.9/10 on IMDb, 4/5 on Letterboxd Synopsis: A wealthy
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Runtime: 2 hours, 13 minutes Director: Alexander Payne Starring: Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa, Da’Vine Joy Randolph Genre: Holiday, Comedy-Drama Massachusetts tie: The film takes place at a New England boys’ boarding school and was filmed at numerous locations across Massachusetts. Dominic Sessa attended Deerfield Academy before starring in his breakout role. Average rating: 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, 7.9/10 on IMDb, 4.2/5 on Letterboxd Synopsis: Angus (Sessa) is among a group of boys left behind at his prestigious New England boarding school with nowhere to go for the 1970 holiday season and is watched over by his teacher, the curmudgeonly Paul Hunham (Giamatti). The two originally don’t see eye to eye, but bond over the course of their arrangement, joined by the school cafeteria manager Mary (Randolph), who recently lost her son in the Vietnam War.
Reese Witherspoon, right, and Linda Cardellini star in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures' "Legally Blonde." (GLOBE PHOTOS / ZUMA PRESS / TNS)
Scenes were shot in Beverly, Boston, Cambridge, Essex, Gloucester and Rockport, according to the Massachusetts Film Office. Average Rating: 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, 8/10 on IMDb, 3.9/5 on Letterboxd Synopsis: Ruby (Jones) is a high school student and the only one in her family of fishermen who has the ability to hear. Ruby develops a passion for music, but is torn between needing to help her deaf parents (Kotsur, Matlin) with the family business and pursuing her dreams beyond Gloucester. Bonus: “CODA” won the Oscar for Best Picture in 2022.
4. “CODA” (2021) Where to watch: Streaming on Apple TV Runtime: 1 hour 51 minutes 5.” Knives Out” (2019) Director: Siân Heder Starring: Emilia Jones, Where to Watch: StreamTroy Kotsur, Marlee Matlin ing on Amazon Prime Video Genre: Coming-of-Age Runtime: 2 hours, 10 Comedy-Drama minutes Massachusetts tie: The Director: Rian Johnson film takes place in Gloucester. Starring: Daniel Craig,
mystery novelist (Plummer) suddenly dies after his birth-
day party, leading to private investigator Benoit Blanc (Craig) to take on the case while dealing with the author’s dysfunctional family. Anyone may be a suspect in the patriarch’s death. Bonus: The new third installment in the “Knives Out” franchise called “Wake Up Dead Man” is now available to stream on Netflix. 6. “The Proposal” (2009) Where to Watch: Streaming on Hulu and Disney+ Runtime: 1 hour, 48 minutes Director: Anne Fletcher Starring: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Betty White Genre: Rom-Com Massachusetts tie: Despite being set mostly in Alaska, the film shot at locations in Massachusetts such as in Boston, Gloucester, Hamilton and Manchester-by-the-Sea, according to the Massachusetts Film Office. Average rating: 45% on Rotten Tomatoes, 6.8/10 on IMDb, 3.4/5 on Letterboxd Synopsis: As a Canadian, Margaret (Bullock) is set to lose her U.S. visa. The editor concocts a plan to marry her assistant Andrew (Reynolds) so she can remain in the country, but to keep up the façade, she must meet his eccentric family in Alaska. SEE 2026, PAGE D4
at the Springfield Museums
3218505-01
Uno Chicago Grill: Roots, Blues and Rock. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2026 | D3
SpringfieldMuseums.org/holiday •
TM & © 2025 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. All rights reserved.
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WEEKEND
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This image released by Sony Pictures shows Emma Watson, from left, Florence Pugh, Saoirse Ronan and Eliza Scanlen in a scene from "Little Women."
(Witherspoon) is underestimated by her soon-to-be law student boyfriend Warner (Davis), who promptly dumps her in favor of a more intellectual girl. Spurned by this, Elle attempts to win him back by also getting admitted into the incoming class at Harvard Law and learns some valuable lessons along the way.
(WILSON WEBB / SONY PICTURES VIA AP)
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7. “Little Women” (2019) Where to watch: Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies and Fandango at Home. Runtime: 2 hours 15 minutes Director: Greta Gerwig Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Timothée Chalamet, Laura Dern, Bob Odenkirk, Meryl Streep Genre: Coming-Of-Age Period Drama Massachusetts tie: The story is set in Concord in the 1860s. The film shot on location in Boston, Canton, Concord, Franklin, Groton, Harvard, Ipswich, Lancaster, Lawrence, Stoughton, Waltham, according to the Massachusetts Film Office. Average rating: 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, 7.8/10 on IMDb, 4.2/5 on Letterboxd Synopsis: The story follows the relationship between the four March sisters (Ronan, Watson, Pugh and Scanlen), their neighbor Laurie (Chalamet) and their parents (Dern and Odenkirk) based on the classic novel by author Louisa May Alcott. 8. “Legally Blonde” (2001) Where to watch: Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies and Fandango at Home.
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An image from the film "Janet Planet" starring Julianne Nicholson (left) and Zoe Ziegler, who play a mother and daughter living in Western Massachusetts in the summer of 1991. (A24)
10. “Janet Planet” (2023) Where to watch: Streaming on HBO Max Runtime: 1 hour 53 minutes Director: Annie Baker Starring: Julianne Nicholson, Zoey Ziegler Genre: Coming-of-Age Drama Massachusetts tie: The film takes place and was shot in Western Massachusetts, including the towns and cities of Amherst, Ashfield, Chesterfield, Cummington, Easthampton, Hadley, Leverett, Northampton, Springfield and Williamsburg, according to the Massachusetts Film Office. Average rating: 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, 6.1/10 on IMDb, 3.6/5 on Letterboxd Synopsis: The story follows Janet (Nicholson) an acupuncturist and single mother living and her young daughter Lacy (Ziegler) in three stages over the course of summer 1991 at their home Western Massachusetts.
Runtime: 1 hour 36 minutes Director: Robert Luketic Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Selma Blair, Jennifer Coolidge, Matthew Davis Genre: Comedy Massachusetts tie: The film is set at the Harvard Law
School in Cambridge and features real aerial shots of the city, per the Massachusetts Film Office. Average rating: 72% on Rotten Tomatoes, 6.5/10 on IMDb, 3.8 /5 on Letterboxd Synopsis: Elle Woods
rises to become a powerful business leader and the matriarch of a family dynasty.
12. “The Mastermind” (2025) Where to watch: Streaming on Mubi Runtime: 1 hour 50 minutes Director: Kelly Reichardt Starring: Josh O’Connor, 9. “Manchester By Alana Haim, Hope Davis, The Sea” (2016) John Magaro, Gaby HoffWhere to watch: Streaming mann, Bill Camp on Amazon Prime Video Genre: Heist Runtime: 2 hours 17 minMassachusetts tie: The utes movie takes place in FramingDirector: Kenneth Lonerham. gan Average rating: 90% on Starring: Casey Affleck, Rotten Tomatoes, 6.5/10 on Michelle Williams, Lucas IMDb, 3.2/5 on Letterboxd Hedges, Kyle Chandler Synopsis: J.B. (O’Connor), Genre: Drama an unemployed father living Massachusetts tie: The in Framingham in the 1970s, film takes place in the eponplans to steal art from the ymous Cape Ann town of local museum. His foolproof Manchester-by-the-Sea plan is not as good as it seems, Average rating: 96% on and life begins to spiral as he Rotten Tomatoes, 7.8/10 on tries to outrun the law. IMDb, 4.1/5 on Letterboxd 13. ”The Social Network” Synopsis: A troubled (2010) handyman (Affleck) must revisit his hometown followWhere to watch: Available ing the death of his brother to rent on Amazon Prime (Chandler), where he beVideo, Apple TV, Google comes the legal guardian for Play Movies and Fandango at his nephew (Hedges), reopen- Home. ing old family wounds. Runtime: 2 hours Director: David Fincher 11. “Joy” (2015) Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Where to watch: Available Andrew Garfield, Justin to rent on Amazon Prime Timberlake, Max Minghella, Video, Apple TV, Google Armie Hammer Play Movies and Fandango at Genre: Biographical Drama Home. Massachusetts tie: The Runtime: 2 hours 4 minutes movie shot scenes in Andover, Director: David O. Russell Boston, Medford, Milton, Starring: Jennifer LawSomerville and at the former rence, Robert De Niro, BradWheelock College, according ley Cooper, Édgar Ramírez, to the Massachusetts Film Diane Ladd Office. A large part of the Genre: Comedy, Drama movie takes place at Harvard Massachusetts tie: The University in Cambridge. movie filmed in various locaAverage rating: 96% on tion across Massachusetts in- Rotten Tomatoes, 7.8/10 on cluding Canton, Framingham, IMDb, 3.9/5 on Letterboxd Haverhill, Lynn, ManchesterSynopsis: A young Mark by-the-Sea, Newbury, North Zuckerberg (Eisenberg) Reading, Reading, Rochesattends Harvard University ter, Salem, Wilmington and in 2003 where he makes the Winchester, according to the prototype for social media Massachusetts Film Office. giant Facebook. Years later as Average rating: 61% on a billionaire, he faces lawRotten Tomatoes, 6.6/10 on suits and a reckoning from IMDb, 3.2/5 on Letterboxd his former friend (Garfield) Synopsis: Joy (Lawrence), and twin peers from Harvard a mother living with relatives (Hammer). on Long Island in the 1990s, SEE 2026, PAGE D5
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Tom Knight combines music and puppetry for young fans
THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2026 | D5
Mr. Liam’s Kids Series New Year’s Party with Tom Knight will be held at the Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton.
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ROM WEEK TO week, this column strives to cover a wide array of music that may appeal to a diverse group of fans. Whether its classic rock appreciated by older folks or Indie music that appeals to a younger crowd, Live Wire atGeorge Lenker tempts to cover as many bases LIVE WIRE as possible. But as we start the new year, the thought occurred that probably aren’t reading the there is one fan base that is newspaper or scouring the usually ignored here: chilinternet for young people’s SEE LIVE WIRE, PAGE D11 dren. And although children
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Bonus: The movie was inducted into the National Film Registry preservation in 2024 for its “cultural, historic, or aesthetic” significance in U.S. filmmaking — among the most modern films to receive such a notable distinction. 14. “Don’t Look Up” (2021) Where to watch: Streaming on Netflix Runtime: 2 hours 25 minutes Director: Adam McKay Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett, Tyler Perry, Jonah Hill, Timothée Chalamet Genre: Dark Comedy, Satire Massachusetts tie: The movie filmed extensively in Massachusetts in areas like Attleboro, Boston, Brockton, Canton, Chicopee, Fall River, Framingham, North Attleboro, Norton, Salisbury, Weymouth and Worcester, according to the Massachusetts Film Office. Average rating: 56% on Rotten Tomatoes, 7.2/10 on IMDb, 3/5 on Letterboxd Synopsis: As an life-ending comet approaches Earth, two scientists (DiCaprio, Lawrence) try to warn the world of
the impending danger, but re- ing on Disney+ Rotten Tomatoes, 6.6/10 on Seth MacFarlane, Mila Kunis, ceive muted and out-of-touch Runtime: 2 hours, 41 minIMDb, 3.3/5 on Letterboxd Joel McHale, Giovanni Ribisi, responses from the media and utes Synopsis: The citizens of Jessica Barth politicians to the apocalyptic Director: Ryan Coogler Wakanda come to together to Genre: Fantasy, Comedy event. Starring: Letitia Wright, defend their homeland in the Massachusetts tie: The Angela Bassett, Danai Guriwake of King T’Challa’s death. movie takes place in Massa15. “Black Panther” (2018) ra, Tenoch Huerta, Lupita chusetts and filmed in Boston, 17. “Ted” (2012) Where to watch: Streaming Nyong’o Canton, Chelsea, Everett, on Disney+ Genre: Superhero, Action Where to watch: Streaming Norwood, Somerville and Runtime: 2 hours, 15 minMassachusetts tie: The for free on PlutoTV Swampscott, according to the utes movie shot scenes in Boston, Runtime: 1 hour 46 minMassachusetts Film Office. Director: Ryan Coogler Cambridge and a car chase utes Average rating: 69% on Starring: Chadwick Bosescene in Worcester. Director: Seth MacFarlane Rotten Tomatoes, 6.9/10 on SEE 2026, PAGE D7 man, Angela Bassett, Michael Average rating: 84% on Starring: Mark Wahlburg, B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright Genre: Superhero, Action Massachusetts tie: Designer Ruth E. Carter, a Springfield native, won the Academy Award twice in Best Costume Design for both “Black Panther” and WEDNESDAY TUESDAY THURSDAY its sequel “Black Panther: Polish American Chicopee Elks Fairview Knights of Wakanda Forever.” She is the Citizens Club first Black woman to win two #1849 Columbus 355 East Street, Ludlow, 1599 Memorial Drive, Oscars. 431 Granby Road, 583-6385 Chicopee Average rating: 96% on Chicopee Bingo Wednesdays (413) 532-2011 Rotten Tomatoes, 7.3/10 on 413-592-1849 6:30-9:30pm IMDb, 3.7/5 on Letterboxd DOORS OPEN 4:30PM Bingo Tuesday Doors Open at 4pm. Synopsis: T’Challa (BoseMASKS OPTIONAL Doors Open at 4PM Minimum Admission $50 man), the heir to the highly Progressive Jackpot 2 Progressive Jackpots 1 - 1199 Progressive advanced African kingdom of 6:15pm Early Bird 6:15PM Early Bird Betty Boop 50/50 Wakanda, is set to take over 6:20pm Start 6:20PM Start Prize $900 the nation following his faMin. Entry Package $15 2 - $500 Cover Alls Min. Entry Package $15 ther’s death, but challengers 3 - $400 Special Games Electronic Bingo Aval. Open Seating seek to upend his ascension All regular games $100 with 80 2 Halls for Players Snack Bar, people or More. All Cards are to the throne. Handicap Restroom included with Admission. Prizes Open Seating, climb with additional attendence. 1st Floor Handicap Restrooms 16. “Black Panther: Full Kitchen 4-6:30pm. Wakanda Forever” (2022) Where to watch: StreamCALL TODAY 413-788-1250 TO LIST HERE
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MGM Springfield’s Comedy Club going into 2026 with full lineup planned
ROAR! WEEKEND
By Keith O’Connor
Special to The Republican
It’s not too hard to figure out where the name ROAR! Comedy Club, located in the beautifully refurbished circa-1895 State Armory on the MGM Springfield campus, originated from. After all, the MGM Casino logo itself boasts a stylized version of a lion, and a lion is known to often roar loudly. Audiences at the comedy club are expected to roar out loud with laughter as well. The ROAR! club’s lineup for 2026 kicks off this weekend with its first show on Friday featuring Katie Arroyo. A New England-based comic with roots in the Boston scene, she is a standout from the Boston Comedy Festival and the Rogue Island Comedy Festival. Described as “aggressively funny and fearlessly honest” on the casino’s website, Arroyo can be heard roasting the absurdities of lesbian weddings or cracking wise jokes about her flirtation with depression. She tours internationally with viral sensation Pinky Patel and is currently lighting up stages alongside Natasha Leggero, an American stand-up comedian, actress and writer who rose to fame after appearing as the host of the MTV reality television series “The 70s House.”
MGM Springfield Roar! Comedy Club has a full lineup of comedians for early 2026, starting on Jan. 3. The shows are held in the historic Armory building on the MGM Springfield grounds. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN, FILE)
“Having comedy clubs like ROAR! and other clubs is important to both comedians and audiences. It is a venue that is close to home for audiences who don’t have to travel to see quality entertainment. And for us as comedians it provides a creative space for us to develop material and practice our art without having to wait until we hit it big to the point where we are doing movies and big arenas,” Arroyo said. Looking back on her journey as a comedian, Arroyo said she believes you realize that you are funny as soon as you get laughs, which happened early on for her. “Most comedians will tell you that when they get that first big laugh, they will chase it forever. It became an obsession for me to get a laugh in any situation growing up whether at school or work or college. I always really loved writing and telling stories at parties, and I was obsessed with watching comedians
when growing up, never realizing it was a real job you could do,” Arroyo said. The comedian, who last appeared at ROAR! in June, often talks about life experiences. “Everything I talk about in terms of myself is a true personal experience. I identify as bisexual and was previously married to a woman, and I like to talk about the differences between dating men and women and to talk about societal differences in those relationships. I do talk about mental health a lot and everything I talk about is real,” Arroyo said, adding she will also talk about immigration and having been diagnosed with ADHD later in life. Since the new year has just begun, Arroyo said she also plans to talk about resolutions. “I’m going to talk about what a mess I am and my plans to fix it and fail doing it. A lot of comedians will tell you that at one time all you had to do was go out and tell jokes.
Today you have to edit videos, create content, and have a presence on social media. My resolution is to get better at that,” she said. ROAR! Comedy Club is celebrating its anniversary after having opened on Jan. 3, 2019. “The name ROAR! is unique to us and our brand here in Springfield, but comedy clubs are not unique to MGM. It was our vision from day one to create a high-energy comedy experience that would attract nationally recognized, emerging and local talent,” said Amanda Croteau, director of entertainment for MGM Springfield. She added that ROAR! offered the casino the opportunity to create a unique niche that complements their larger entertainment venues such as the Aria Ballroom upstairs from the casino, as well as the MassMutual Center and Symphony Hall. “You really cannot find a comedy club as unique as ROAR! when you compare it
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“Everything I talk about in terms of myself is a true personal experience. I identify as bisexual and was previously married to a woman, and I like to talk about the differences between dating men and women and to talk about societal differences in those relationships.” Katie Arroyo, comedian
to other comedy clubs, many of which are tucked away in a basement somewhere. The comedy community is a tightknit one and we love having established a positive reputation with them,” Croteau said. MGM Springfield partners with John Tobin Presents, a Boston-based live comedy production and entertainment company, to bring an eclectic mix of comedians to the stage. Ryan Cott, managing partner of John Tobin Presents, noted they “could not be happier” to begin their seventh year of bringing “laughter to the great and hardworking people of Western Massachusetts and the surrounding area.” “ROAR! Comedy Club not only brings in national headliners but works very hard to give the well-deserved SEE COMEDY, PAGE D12
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2026 CONTINUES FROM PAGE D5
Synopsis: Cassie (Johnson), a paramedic in New York City, tries to solve the mystery of what happened to her mother who died during a research expedition in the Amazon rainforest shortly after giving birth to her. After a near-death experience, Cassie develops visions in which she can see into the future and tries to protect three teenage girls in harm’s way. Her web connects them all.
a band of criminals infiltrate his mall during a holiday season heist.
20. “Good Will Hunting” (1997) Where to watch: Streaming for free on Pluto TV. Streaming with a subscription on Amazon Prime Video. Runtime: 2 hours 6 minutes Director: Gus Van Sant Starring: Matt Damon, 18. “Ted 2” (2015) Robin Williams, Ben Affleck, Where to watch: StreamStellan Skarsgård, Minnie ing for free on PlutoTV Driver Runtime: 1 hour 56 minutes Genre: Drama Director: Seth MacFarlane Massachusetts tie: The Starring: Mark Wahlburg, movie is set in and filmed Seth MacFarlane, Amanda extensively in Boston at locaSeyfried, Giovanni Ribisi, tions such as Woody’s L Street Jessica Barth Tavern in South Boston, Genre: Fantasy, Comedy Cambridge’s Harvard Square, Massachusetts tie: The the Massachusetts Institute of movie takes place in MasTechnology (MIT), along the sachusetts and filmed in Charles River, the WonderBoston, Chelsea, Danvers, land Dog Track in Revere and Dartmouth, Framingham, on the MBTA Red Line, acHamilton, Ipswich, Malden, cording to the Massachusetts Medford, Milton, Norfolk, Film Office. Topsfield, Wareham and Average rating: 97% on Woburn, according to the Rotten Tomatoes, 8.3/10 on Massachusetts Film Office. IMDb, 4.4/5 on Letterboxd. Average rating: 45% on Synopsis: Mathematical Rotten Tomatoes, 6.3/10 on genius Will Hunting (Damon) IMDb, 2.8/5 on Letterboxd works as a janitor at MIT, but Synopsis: John (Wahlburg) without a purpose. His talents and Ted (MacFarlane) are go unnoticed until Profesback as the grown man and sor Gerald Lambeau (Wilchildhood teddy bear come to liams) discovers them and life in this sequel. Newlyweds intervenes on Will’s behalf Ted and Tami-Lynn (Barth) following an altercation. Will want to have a baby, but Ted must then confront his inner must prove he’s a “person” in turmoil inhibiting his success. court. 21. “The Heat” (2013) 19. “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” Where to Watch: Streaming Where to watch: Streamfor free on Tubi. Streaming ing on Peacock with a subscription on Hulu Runtime: 1 hour 31 minutes and Disney+. Director: Steve Carr Runtime: 1 hour 57 minutes Starring: Kevin James, JayDirector: Paul Feig ma Mays, Keir O’Donnell Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Genre: Comedy Sandra Bullock Massachusetts tie: The Genre: Action, Comedy movie filmed extensively in Massachusetts tie: The Massachusetts, primarily at movie follows two female budshopping centers like South dy cops in Boston and filmed in Shore Plaza in Braintree and Cambridge, Danvers, Revere, the Burlington Mall, as well as Roxbury and Salem according in Bedford and West Roxbury, to the Massachusetts Film according to the MassachuOffice. setts Film Office. Average rating: 65% on Average rating: 34% on Rotten Tomatoes, 6.6/10 on Rotten Tomatoes, 5.3/10 on IMDb, 3.1/5 on Letterboxd IMDb, 2.5/5 on Letterboxd Synopsis: Uptight FBI Synopsis: Paul Blart Special Agent Sarah Ashburn (James), a mall security guard (Bullock) is assigned to a case in New Jersey, is here to save in Boston and is partnered with the day atop his Segway when unruly local Officer Shannon
THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2026 | D7
IMDb, 3.1/5 on Letterboxd Synopsis: John Bennett (Wahlburg) has his childhood dream of his teddy bear (MacFarlane) come to life, but he must choose between this childhood friend and his girlfriend, Lori (Kunis).
Mike Faist as Art, Zendaya as Tashi and Josh O’Connor as Patrick in “Challengers.” (METRO GOLDWYN MAYER PICTURES)
26. “Challengers” (2024) Where to watch: Streaming on Amazon Prime Video and MGM+ Runtime: 2 hours 11 minutes Director: Luca Guadagnino Starring: Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, Mike Faist Genre: Sports, Romance, Drama Massachusetts tie: The film was shot extensively in Massachusetts including in Bedford, Beverly, Boston, Braintree, Canton, Framingham, Lynn and Norton, according to the Massachusetts Film Office. Average rating: 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, 7/10 on IMDb, 3.8/5 on Letterboxd Synopsis: Tennis prodigies Tashi Duncan (Zendaya), Art Donaldson (Faist) and Patrick Zweig (O’Connor) share a complicated love triangle as they age through their sports careers marked by ebbs and flows in their three-way relationship, culminating in a rivalrous tennis tournament reunion.
Mullins (McCarthy). Their personalities and professional styles clash until they begin to understand each other better.
24. “Sound of Metal” (2019) Where to watch: Streaming on Amazon Prime Video Runtime: 2 hours Director: Darius Marder Starring: Riz Ahmed, Olivia Cooke, Paul Raci Genre: Drama Massachusetts tie: The film is shot in Boston, Cambridge, Danvers, Framingham, Ipswich, Lawrence, Malden, Rowley and Topsfield, according to the Massachusetts Film Office. Average rating: 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, 7.7/10 on IMDb, 4.2/5 on Letterboxd Synopsis: Metal drummer Ruben (Ahmed) experiences hearing loss due to his music career and is forced to reckon with losing the life he once knew, accepting a new life with adaptations and limits or risk deterioration of his health and senses further.
young orator named Verena (Potter) whom she takes under her wing as her protégée for her cause. Olive’s wishes and affec22. “The Bostonians” tions for Verena are countered 25. “I Care A Lot” (2020) (1984) by chauvinistic Southerner Where to watch: Streaming Where to watch: Available Basil Ransom (Reeve) who on Netflix to rent on Amazon Prime wishes to marry Verena and Runtime: 1 hour 58 minutes Video, Apple TV, Google Play relegate her to a life of domesDirector: J Blakeson Movies and Fandango at ticity. Starring: Rosamund Pike, Home. Peter Dinklage, Dianne Wiest Runtime: 2 hours 2 minutes 23. “Madame Web” (2024) Genre: Dark Comedy, Crime Director: James Ivory Where to watch: Streaming Massachusetts tie: Scenes Starring: Vanessa Redon Disney+ from the movie were filmed in grave, Christopher Reeve, JesRuntime: 1 hour 56 minutes Boston, Braintree, Dedham, sica Tandy, Madeleine Potter Director: S.J. Clarkson Medfield, Millis, Natick, RockGenre: Historical, RoStarring: Dakota Johnson, port, Watertown, Wayland and mance, Drama Sydney Sweeney, Adam Scott Wellesley, according to the Massachusetts tie: The Genre: Superhero, Action Massachusetts Film Office. movie takes place and filmed Massachusetts tie: The Average rating: 79% on in Greater Boston. It is based movie filmed across MassaRotten Tomatoes, 6.4/10 on on the 1886 novel of the same chusetts in Andover, Arlington, IMDb, 3.1/5 on Letterboxd name by author Henry James. Ayer-Devens, Boston, BoylSynopsis: A conwoman Average rating: 81% on ston, Chelsea, Medford, North (Pike) takes advantage of Rotten Tomatoes, 6.2/10 on Andover, Revere, Weymouth vulnerable senior citizens IMDb, 3.1/5 on Letterboxd and Worcester, according to through court-appointed legal Synopsis: Olive (Redgrave), the Massachusetts Film Office. guardianship schemes under a women’s suffrage leader Average rating: 10% on the guise of benevolence, unin 19th century Boston, is Rotten Tomatoes, 4.1/10 on til she tries to con the mother enthralled by an inspirational IMDb, 1.5/5 on Letterboxd of a mafia leader.
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CALENDAR Step back into the vibrant world of the 1920s and 1930s exploring the art of popular illustration during this transformative era. “Norman Rockwell: Home for the Holidays,” through Feb. 22. This heartwarming collection of holiday themed works by Norman Rockwell: from Thanksgiving and Christmas to New Year’s. Online exhibit: “Imagining Freedom.” “Shine A Light: The Art and Life of Deb Koffman,” through June 7. “Art Workshop: Map of the Territory,” Jan. 3, 1-3 p.m. Free with admission, this is a drop-in program so no reservations required. 9 Route 183, Stockbridge or www.nrm.org.
THURSDAY Bright Nights at Forest Park 2025: The lights will be lit through Sunday, Jan. 4. Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 5-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 5-10 p.m.; Sun. 5-9 p.m. Holidays: 5-10 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance online or at Big Y, Your Family Market. For more information, registration or for tickets, visit www. brightnights.org. Sumner Avenue, Springfield. MGM Springfield Ice Rink: Thu.-Sun., MGM Springfield, For complete information about hours and admission for the ice rink, visit www.mgmspringfield. mgmresorts.com, 1 MGM Way, Springfield.
FRIDAY Bright Nights at Forest Park 2025: SPRINGFIELD See Thursday listing MGM Springfield Ice Rink: See Thursday listing
SATURDAY
Nights still bright Cars travel through Bright Nights at Forest Park. The 2025 season of Bright Nights at Forest Park is open through Sunday, Jan. 4. For more information and hours, go online to brightnights.org. (THE REPUBLICAN, FILE PHOTO)
Bright Nights at Forest Park 2025: See Thursday listing Arte de Ponce,” through Sept. 6, first floor of the Alpert Gallery. MGM Springfield Ice Rink: See “Please Touch! A Tactile Exploration Thursday listing of Sante Graziani’s Mural,” through July 26. “Winter Wonderland: SUNDAY The Enchantment of the Season,” Bright Nights at Forest Park 2025: through Jan. 11. See Thursday listing
MGM Springfield Ice Rink: See Thursday listing
Quadrangle George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum: Permanent exhibit: “Ancient Treasures,” a display of artifacts from ancient China, Greece, Rome and Egypt. On the first Wed. of every month through the end of 2026, admission to the Springfield Museums is free. For more information, visit www.springfieldmuse ums.org; Feb. 17-21, school break program “Critter Crossing.” Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: Permanent exhibit. The Indian Motocycle Collection is the largest collection of Indian cycles and memorabilia in the world. The Firearms Collection includes more than 1,600 firearms, with the largest collection of Smith & Wesson guns in the world. The Automobile Collection includes an 1899 Knox, a 1901 Crestmobile, a 1925 Rolls-Royce roadster, and a 1928 Rolls-Royce roadster.
hours: Sat.-Sun. through Jan. 4, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Historic houses are closed for the winter, with the exception of private/group tours. 80 Old Main St., Deerfield or www. historic-deerfield.org.
The New England Visionary Artists Museum: The New England Visionary Artists Museum in Northampton has five exhibiMead Art Museum: Permanent exhibit: Various American and Euro- tion showrooms hosting regional artists’ work in all media and is pean paintings, Mexican ceramics, home to Anchor House of Artists, Tibetan scroll paintings and more. the region’s subsidized studio and Museum hours: Tues.-Thurs. and representation support to artists Sun. 9 a.m.-midnight; Fri. 9 a.m.-8 living with neurodiverse conditions. p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 220 Hours are Wednesday through SatSouth Pleasant St., Amherst or urday, 2-6 p.m., with regular free www.amherst.edu. Norman Rockwell Museum: “Illus- public receptions on the second Friday of the month, from 5-8 p.m. trators of Light: Rockwell, Wyeth, and Parrish from the Edison Mazda For more information, go online to NEVA-museum.org or Collection,” through Jan. 4. “Jazz SEE CALENDAR, PAGE D9 Age Illustration,” Through April 6.
Quadrangle admission - $25 for adults, $16.50 for seniors (60+) and college students with ID, $13 for children ages 3-17; free to children under age 3 and members, Springfield residents are free with proof of residency. Welcome Center and Museum store. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Museums Amelia Park Children’s Museum: Permanent exhibits include space-
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Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts: “Markets, Foodways, and the Essence of Place: Works from the Museo de
ship, construction site, library, grocery store, and weekday activities. Visit ameliaparkmuseum.org for information. Admission: $8 adults; $8 children (12 months and older); $4 grandparents/seniors (60+); military personnel and teachers receive 10% discount off the price of regular Springfield Science Museum: Peradmission; members/infants are manent exhibits: The Science Mufree. 29 S. Broad St., Westfield or seum houses permanent collections www.ameliaparkmuseum.org. of natural science, anthropology Eric Carle Museum of Picture and physical science. The Science Book Art: “The Art of Grace Lin: Museum’s Seymour Planetarium Meeting A Friend in an Unexpected includes the historic Korkosz StarPlace,” through Jan. 4. Included ball, now the oldest operating star with general admission. “Cooking projector in the United States. with Eric Carle,” through Aug. 23. The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss 125 W. Bay Road, Amherst or www. Museum: Permanent exhibit. Firstcarlemuseum.org. floor exhibition provides opportuHistoric Deerfield: Winter season nities to explore new sounds and vocabulary, play rhyming games, invent stories, and engage in activities that encourage teamwork and creative thinking, with interactive three-dimensional exhibits. Second floor contains Geisel’s personal memorabilia.
Smith College Museum of Art: SCMA Exhibition — Garrett Bradley: “AKA” (2019), through Feb. 1. SCMA Exhibition “A City in Flux: Reflecting on Venice,” through March 22. “Michel Kameni: Portraits of an Independent Africa,” through Jan. 4. SCMA Exhibition “Crafting Worlds,” through Aug. 23. This installation explores how artisans in Japan utilized materials and handcrafted techniques to forge social relationships and engage with the world around them. All exhibits are free. Elm Street at Bedford Terrace, Northampton or www.scma.smith.edu.
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Lights still on at Bright Nights By Keith O’Connor
Special to The Republican SPRINGFIELD — It might be New Year’s Day, but Bright Nights at Forest Park is open tonight to complete your holiday season with a cozy, spirited ride through a wonderland that shines brightly with over 750,000 glowing and twinkling, colorful LED lights decorating more than 400 individual displays. Holiday hours are 5 to 10 p.m. If you can’t make it to Bright Nights tonight, the nationally recognized attraction remains open through Jan. 4. Among the many sights to be seen while on your fun journey through Bright Nights include driving under a hallow of colorful lights called the Blizzard Tunnel, elves throwing packages to Santa for his big night, leaping deer from one side of the street to the other, a Nativity scene and Menorah in honor of the season, gigantic dinosaurs spreading holiday cheer, the Garden of Peace with its flowers blooming
Calendar CONTINUES FROM PAGE D8 call 413-588-4337. There is a $10 suggested day admission donation asked at the door. Pleasant St., Northampton Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum: Permanent exhibit: Guided tours of the first and second floors weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Self-guided tours are on the hour with the last self-guided tour weekdays at 2 p.m. Call to reserve at 413-637-3206. Admission is $18 adults; $17 seniors (65+); $10 students with ID; $7 children 5-17; and free for children 4 and younger. 104 Walker St., Lenox or www. gildedage.org. Volleyball Hall of Fame: Permanent exhibit. Open Tues.-Sun, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed Mon. Last admission is 30 minutes prior to close. Admission is $8 adults; $5 seniors 65 and older; $5 students, active and retired military; and free for children 12 and under. Group rates also available online. 444 Dwight St., Holyoke or www. volleyhall.org. Windsor Historical Society: Per-
with love, peace, faith, hope and joy added in honor of the Sept. 11 tragedy — just a sampling of the unending whimsical displays that dot the landscape of Forest Park. Although Santa is gone from his home in Santa’s Magical Forest until next year, visitors can still stop and visit the gift shop, and the two concession stands located there. Tickets for Bright Nights at Forest Park must be purchased in advance at brightnights.org. Each ticket is for a car, truck, or van with seating up to 16 passenger capacity. General admission tickets are $25 plus a $2 ticket fee. Big Y is offering tickets at a discounted rate of $20. Admission for limousines is $40 plus a $2 ticket fee. Minibuses with seating capacity of 17-30 passengers is $100, and buses with seating capacity for 31 or more passengers is $200. For more information, visit brightnights.org or call 413Streaks of light from cars visiting Bright Nights at Forest Park. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN, FILE) 733-3800.
manent exhibit: Explore the people, places and events that have shaped Windsor for over four centuries. Hours: Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. with house tours at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. General admission to the library and historic houses is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for students and free to children under 12 and WHS members. Visitors are free to browse the museum store and exhibit galleries at no additional charge. 96 Palisado Ave., Windsor or www.windsorhistori calsociety.org.
(Saturday) and Jewish and legal holidays. Admission is $8 adults, $6 seniors, and free for members, students and children, 1021 West St., Amherst or www.yiddishbook center.org.
an amazing State Park! Be prepared for cold weather: dress in layers and wear winter boots. Dogs are welcome on-leash. Meet in the Great Hall. Hike begins at 1:15 p.m. Free. “Kidleidoscope Story Hour,” Jan. 2: Bear; Jan. 9: Winter Birds; Jan. Great Falls Discovery Center: 16: Possums; Jan. 23: Groundhogs; “School Vacation Week: Mammal Jan. 30: Owls, 10:30–11:30 a.m. Adaptation Investigation Station,” Program includes a story, activities, through Jan. 4. Come learn about and crafts. Activities are indoors A.P.E. Gallery: Permanent exhibit. local mammals and their unique and outdoors, weather permitting. Hours: Tues.-Thurs. noon-5 p.m.; winter adaptations. Explore through For ages 3-6, accompanied by an Fri.-Sat. noon-8 p.m.; Sun. noon-5 touchable artifacts (pelts, replica adult. Siblings and friends welcome. p.m. 126 Main St., Northampton or skulls, and replica tracks), and habMeet in the Great Hall. Free. “Art www.apearts.org. itat diorama scavenger hunts at the Naturally: Gel-Printing Snowflakes.” Wistariahurst Museum: PermaWelcome Desk. For ages 4 and up. Gallery A3 Amherst Art Alliance: Jan. 3, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. Build your nent exhibit: Gardens and grounds Indoor Storywalks: “Under the Snow,” “Paintings by Gordon M. Green own blizzard with paper snowflakes open daily from dawn to dusk. through Jan. 11. Explore the lives of and Evelyn Pye,” Jan. 2-31. Hours: through instruction and gel-printing Carriage House and gift shop open active and resting winter wildlife, Fri.-Sun. 2-7 p.m. Free. For more techniques. All materials provided. Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For inforin the book, “Under the Snow,” by information, visit www.gallerya3. “Sunday Matinee Documentary mation about house tours, group com. 28 Amity St., Amherst or 413- Melissa Stewart. For ages 3 and up, Series,” Werner Herzog’s “Fireball” tours and upcoming events visit accompanied by an adult. Meet at 256-4250. from Sandbox Films. Jan. 4, 2-3:45 www.wistariahurst.org. Admisthe welcome desk. Great Hall Exhibit: p.m. (snow date Jan. 17) Free hot Indian Orchard Mills Dane Galsion is $7 Holyoke residents; $5 “Home.” Will Close’s exhibition of chocolate. This screening is for lery: All new exhibits every month seniors; $5 youth (under 18); free original watercolor and mixed media adults and teens aged 14 and up. featuring the artists at Indian museum members, active military paintings invites viewers to redisMeet in the Great Hall. 2 Avenue A, Orchard Mills. Hours: Sat. noon-4 and family members. 238 Cabot cover the beauty and complexity of Turners Falls or www.greatfallsma. St., Holyoke or www.wistariahurst. p.m. or by appointment. 34 Front the natural world that surrounds us. org. St., Indian Orchard, or 413-543org. “First Day Hike,” Jan. 1, 1–3 p.m. This 3321. family friendly hike follows a gentle Mt. Greylock State Reservation: Yiddish Book Center: Permanent Nature Scavenger Hunt, ongoing, Trinity United Methodist Church: route and provides an opportunity exhibit, “A Velt mit veltelekh: The Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For children Jim Sharrard’s photos of past Board to discover the abundant natural, Worlds of Jewish Culture.” The Head Festivals, Jan. 2 - 31. Gallery historical, and cultural features that and families. Scavenger hunts are center will be open to the public available at the Visitor Center. 30 hours are 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. weekdays make the Great Falls Discovery on Thurs., Fri., Sun. and Mon. from and 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Sundays. Call Center and Canalside Rail Trail such Rockwell Road, Lanesborough. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Shabbos
Galleries
413-218-7391 for more information. 361 Sumner Ave., Springfield.
Outdoors
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WORTH A DAY TRIP
Clockwise from top left: A look around The Student Prince in Springfield; The Mapparium, a three-story glass globe located inside the Mary Baker Eddy Library in Boston; a look around Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury; the GP Smoked Old Fashioned at GlenPharmer Distillery in Franklin; and “Intersections,” an art installation by Anila Quayyum Agha, at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem.
Nick O’Malley’s favorite places visited in Mass. last year By Nick O’Malley
nomalley@masslive.com
I’ve lived in Massachusetts my whole life. So it’s awesome to know that there are more fun adventures to be had around the Bay State. I spent the better part of the year gallivanting around the state as part of our still pretty new Destinations coverage. I also got into plenty of hijinks while I was off the clock. So, to close the year, here’s a look back at the places I loved visiting the most in 2025. Hopefully, it can give you some inspiration for where to go
in 2026. Editor’s note: This list has been condensed for space. To see Nick O’Malley’s complete list, visit MassLive.com.
I took this year, this was one of the best.
2) Amory’s Tomb Brewing Company, Maynard 1) Peabody Essex Museum, Salem Amory’s Tomb has a cool story and I had to go see the floating cube. serves even better beer. That was the thought I had when The brewery survived being I saw posts of the “Intersections” without an indoor taproom for twoart installation popping up on social and-a-half years. Now, they’re back media. inside and pouring amazing beers, You can find it in Salem at the including many rare styles that are Peabody Essex Museum, one of the hard to find. state’s most underrated art museums. In terms of little weekend adventures 3) Foolhardy Hill, Charlemont
What am I doing? I can’t believe I’m getting the word out about this place. It’s going to get all booked up now. Foolhardy Hill is my favorite campground in Massachusetts. It’s an adult-only operation that’s the perfect balance of comfortable but unplugged. Foolhardy Hill is typically open from the start of May until late October and often rents out the entire campground to groups. Stay tuned to their website for info about the camping 2026 season. SEE TRIP, PAGE D11
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entertainment, their parents sometimes are. So, this week’s feature centers on a show that will probably delight both children and parents alike: Mr. Liam’s Kids Series New Year’s Party with Tom Knight. The series runs Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. at Northampton’s Iron Horse Music Hall. The New Year’s show will feature Knight, one of the area’s most popular children’s music performers, who has been playing children’s music for more than 30 years. But what really sets Knight apart from many other kids’ music artists is that he incorporates puppetry into his shows. Knight talked about
his artistry in a recent interview with The Republican. Knight certainly has a diverse background in music. He studied violin in third grade, upright bass in sixth grade, trombone in junior high, Appalachian dulcimer in college and finally got around to guitar after college. But as far as writing songs, it has always been in his blood. “I’ve always loved music. I can remember making up my own songs when I was walking to school and like third grade. I remember hearing some song on the radio when I was like 10 or something and I thought ‘I can write better lyrics than that,’” he said with a laugh. But he didn’t truly start pursuing songwriting until after college. Fast-forward a few years, and Knight found him-
self working at a preschool in Ithaca, New York. A teacher learned that Knight played guitar and asked him to bring it in and play for the kids. “I had some original songs, so I played them, and the kids really liked them. I didn’t realize they were kids’ songs, but it turned out they were,” he said with a chuckle. Another teacher at the school was a puppeteer, and asked Knight to do music for the puppet show she was doing. “I worked with her for years, but then I started getting more interested in the puppetry, and she started getting more interested in the music, so we went our own ways,” he said. “And I decided I didn’t want to be just another guy with a guitar so I started to figure out how to make
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and perform with puppets myself.” While the puppets provide visuals for the audience, Knight noted that the puppet part of the show is always based on the music. Obviously, he can’t operate the puppets and play music at the same time. So, he prerecords his music as sort of a karaoke track for the puppets to perform to. For his public shows, he usually draws a crowd of ages 2 to 6. But he also performs at school assemblies, where the age groups can reach up to 11 or so. “So, I have to kind of tweak the show a bit for the older kids,” he said. He is also working on a more educational show about bullying. While he enjoys doing lighter performances, he
is also looking to give his act more meaning at times. “It feels like it could be something really powerful in this day and age when so many unkind things are being said by people in power,” he said. Knight said the most challenging thing about his shows keeping the children engaged. He noted that some songs may work really well as a recording, but unless the kids have something to do, it’s not necessarily going to work for youngsters. “Another thing is that if kids don’t like something, they’re not going to pretend that they do. Unlike adults, if they don’t like something, they’ll just walk away,” he said with a laugh. “But in some ways, that’s a good thing because it keeps me honest.”
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4) Thursday Night Wrestling at the White Eagle, Worcester Independent wrestling has a cult following in Worcester. The Thursday night event at the White Eagle’s upstairs venue is a raucous, fun spectacle. Plus, it’s only $10 to get in. 5) The Mapparium, Boston The Mapparium is a stunning, three-story glass globe that depicts a map of the world in 1935. You can find it at The Mary Baker Eddy Library, which is located in the Christian Science Plaza in Boston. Tickets are $6 for adults, and entry is free for visitors under 18.
At left is a look around Cindy’s Drive-In in Granby. Above, Duck Soup in Sudbury. (NICK O’MALLEY PHOTOS)
You can bring out your camping chairs, blankets, capable of. sleeping bags, air mattresses, 9) Cindy’s Drive-In, Granby whatever you want. You can They offer limited tours in the spring and fall. It’s an eduWe’re sticking with the retro also bring your own snacks, or cational and tasty experience. vibe by highlighting one of fill up at the snack bar. Check out their website for the best summertime spots in 6) Shelly’s Tea 11) Mare E Monti, more info on tours. the state. Rooms, Plymouth Cindy’s has some of the best Worcester 8) Isabella Stewart It’s an awesome little tea hot dogs in the state and some This is hands down the best shop with cozy vibes, amazing Gardner Museum, Boston amazing soft-serve ice cream Italian restaurant I went to scones and 103 varieties of The ISG is one of Boston’s and sundaes. Plus, there’s a this year. tea. most underrated museums. It ton of space for the kids to run 12) Glenpharmer has some incredible works in around and play. Distillery, Franklin 7) Goodnow Farms a unique setting. It’s like visitChocolate, Sudbury ing a Venetian Palace that also 10) Mendon Twin The cocktail selection here Drive-In, Mendon Goodnow Farms is one of has priceless works of art. is bonkers. You can get everythe most-awarded chocolate The ISG is also tied into There’s nothing quite like thing from a smoking old fashmakers in America. Their a great mystery. It was the catching a movie at the Men- ioned to a lights-out espresso products can make you site of the largest art heist in don Twin Drive-In, where it’s martini with special coffee/ rethink what chocolate is history. always a double feature. vanilla-infused vodka.
13) Duck Soup, Sudbury Duck Soup is an amazing little general store that has everything from curated cheeses and vintage candies to fascinating spirits and imported snacks. It’s also a chocolate factory, serving as the production facility for the Sky Bar. 14) Crepes Tea House, West Springfield Crepes Tea House has always been one of my favorite spots in Western Mass. It’s an all-day cafe. But I tend to go for breakfast and grab some tea and some Eastern European pancakes. SEE TRIP, PAGE D12
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15) Arnold Arboretum, Boston Boston’s leafy oasis is amazing any time of year. But I’m a big fan of their cherry blossom festival, which they usually hold in April. 16) Cider Hill Farm, Amesbury Cider Hill is one of those amazing farm destinations that always has something going on. They’ve got cider flights on weekends. They’ve got an awesome country store. Technically, it’s the northernmost eatery in Massachusetts. It also serves “Uncrustable sammies” on their kids menu. Important note: You can get the “Uncrustable” sandwich if you’re an adult.
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Farmer Nick Socrat is an apple cider doughnut wizard. He grows the apples, presses them into cider, preps the dough and then fries the doughnuts up himself. You’re not going to find that level of commitment many other places. 19) The Student Prince, Springfield The Student Prince is a Springfield institution, boasting 90 years of history and some amazing German food. Want a good time? Grab a beer boot, some fried Camembert cheese and the German Sampler.
20) Miss Worcester Diner, Worcester There are a lot of great diners in Worcester. The Miss Worcester Diner is probably the most famous. But I’d never been until this year. It’s a cozy little diner car of 17) The Boston Tea Party chaos. I adore it, even with Museum, Boston the big lines forming outside. I spent about two hours at I wasn’t familiar with the conthe Boston Tea Party Museum cept of a meatball omelette. during my visit. It felt like 20 But this was a great introducminutes. I got to explore a ship, tion. drink some tea and throw a crate into Boston Harbor. Plus, 21) Old North Church (and the crypts underthe tour is conducted entirely in-character by actors portray- neath it), Boston ing historical figures. I always knew about Old North Church and its role in 18) Douglas Orchard the lead-up to the American & Farm, Douglas Revolution. I didn’t know Douglas Orchard & Farm is a you could explore the crypts family-run hidden gem where underneath. It’s an interesting you’re invited to explore the layer to a familiar symbol of land and see the animals. American history.
Visit Frigo’s for our large selection of
Italian Wines and cheeses
Comedy
www.frigofoods.com 90 William Street, Springfield • 732-5428
90 William Springfield • 732-5428 159 Street, Shaker Rd, East Longmeadow • 525-9400 159 Shaker Rd, East Longmeadow • 525-9400
3169397-01
people to “stay tuned” to the MGM Springfield website and social media for acts that CONTINUES FROM PAGE D6 will be announced as the year local comics, such as Katie continues. Arroyo and Rafi Gonzalez, The laughs continue a stage to headline in their through Feb. 28 and beyond own backyards,” Cott said. with these other announced “From the team members on upcoming shows in addition the operation, to the ticketto Arroyo: Jonathan van ing, to the marketing, to the Halem, Jan. 3; Mike Cannon, hotel side. We look forward Jan. 9-10; Rafi Gozalez, Jan. to another seven years of 16-17; Chris Franjola, Jan. bringing people into the 23-24; Laura Beitz, Jan. 30beautiful casino and having 31; Mo Mandel, Feb. 6-7; Jeff them laugh.” Dye, Feb. 20-21; and Heather Croteau noted that MGM Shaw, Feb. 27-28. Springfield is equally enthuShowtimes are 8 p.m. and siastic about bringing new tickets, priced at $30, are comedic programming to the available online at mgmcasino club. She encouraged springfield.com.