A look back at our favorite shows of 2023 and what is coming to Cape Cod theater in 2024

Frankie Rowley, Cape Cod Times
·9 min read

As another year comes to an end, the Cape Cod Times looks back on the incredible productions that graced Cape stages in 2023, asking our reviewers to pick their favorites.

We are also including an early look at shows that are coming to the Cape in 2024 so you can start planning your theater season now.

With so many theaters and so many shows worthy of accolades, it's hard to touch on every single one staged throughout the year. With our subjective list of favorite picks, keep in mind that these are simply the choices of our reviewers. This isn't a matter of selecting the best, but highlighting the ones that stood out the most to us.

The reviewers who contributed to this list are Barbara Clark, Gwenn Friss, Shannon Goheen, Sue Mellen, Carol Panasci, Jay Pateakos, Ambermae Rivard and Frankie Rowley. We asked each reviewer to pick their favorite show, favorite performance and favorite moment from shows over the past year and write a brief explanation. They're listed alphabetically, with the aim of showing the wealth of talent here on Cape Cod.

Cape Cod theater: Our favorite shows of 2023

“Agnes of God,” Sandwich Arts Alliance, Sandwich: The Sandwich Art Alliance’s rendition of the 1979 play was both deeply disturbing and thrilling as we watched Dr. Martha Livingstone unearth the trauma that led Agnes to the position she finds herself in ― insane in a convent, awaiting a manslaughter trial after murdering her newborn baby. Each cast member — Kelly Kean, Miranda Daniloff and Janet Geist Moore — gave an outstanding performance coupled with superior directing from James Ring.

Sandwich Arts Alliance's production of "Agnes of God" was a Cape Cod Times reviewer pick for favorite shows of 2023.
Sandwich Arts Alliance's production of "Agnes of God" was a Cape Cod Times reviewer pick for favorite shows of 2023.

"American Idiot," Academy of Performing Arts: Putting up this ensemble show, based on music by "Green Day," is a coup for a community group. The small theater gives the outstanding, Tony award-winning "American Idiot" more emotional punch than ever. This up-close, in-your-face, coming-of-age production is painful, fragile and touched with a graceful beauty as a trio of friends flee their economically depressed hometown only to find different is not always better.

Colleen Ellis and cast of "Green Day's American Idiot" in Orleans.
Colleen Ellis and cast of "Green Day's American Idiot" in Orleans.

“Bread & Butter,” The Harbor Stage Company: The Harbor Stage Company's new take on an old chestnut, “Bread & Butter” is an adaptation of George S. Kaufman’s 1925 “The Butter and Egg Man,” a screwball comedy that is also a bristling commentary on the business of show business.

David Fraioli leans as he thinks in "Bread & Butter" at Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theatre.
David Fraioli leans as he thinks in "Bread & Butter" at Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theatre.

“Harvey”, Falmouth Theatre Guild: “Harvey” takes on the challenges of relationship, expectations and assumptions through the innocent and loving heart of Elwood Dowd and his best friend, a giant invisible rabbit.

"Jersey Boys," Cape Playhouse: Just the memory of enjoying “Jersey Boys” at Cape Playhouse last summer wins it my favorite vote — for the sheer fun of the performances and those songs you wanted to sing along to. The talented actors portraying four kids from Jersey who took the pop music world by storm in the 1960s and 1970s brought audiences to their feet again at the Playhouse, close to a half-century later.

Actors, left to right, Rory Max Kaplan (Tommy Devito), Stephen Cerf (Nick Massi), Tyler Okunski (Bob Gaudio), and Joey LaVarco (Frankie Valli) in a tense moment in "Jersey Boys."
Actors, left to right, Rory Max Kaplan (Tommy Devito), Stephen Cerf (Nick Massi), Tyler Okunski (Bob Gaudio), and Joey LaVarco (Frankie Valli) in a tense moment in "Jersey Boys."

"The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical," Harwich Junior Theatre: I loved it, and my four-year-old son did too. Mind you, the entire cast was mainly high school students, and they brought their hearts to the set, but DJ Ormond's captivating performance was the emotional core, often making you forget he was acting.

Cast members of "The Lightning Thief," left to right. Carly Williams, DJ Ormond and Caleb Cotoia prepare to slay monsters.
Cast members of "The Lightning Thief," left to right. Carly Williams, DJ Ormond and Caleb Cotoia prepare to slay monsters.

“Something Rotten!” The Falmouth Theatre Guild: The Falmouth Theatre Guild’s May production of “Something Rotten!” was so full of unforgettable characters, expertly delivered one-liners, melodic and sometimes soaring musical numbers, energetic ensemble dance numbers and just plain fun that it was like a trip to Broadway without the mind-numbing traffic. Noted Cape performer Alex Valentine was superbly riotous as Nick Bottom, and his fellow cast members all turned in flawless performances.

Johanna Stipetic as Portia and Drew Frayre as Nigel Bottom share a moment in Falmouth Theatre Guild's "Something Rotten!"
Johanna Stipetic as Portia and Drew Frayre as Nigel Bottom share a moment in Falmouth Theatre Guild's "Something Rotten!"

“These Are the Bonus Years,” Cotuit Center for the Arts: “These Are the Bonus Years,” written and performed by Jason Mellin at Cotuit’s Black Box, is a live memoir linking bipolar condition to nuclear annihilation.  It’s a riveting perspective on how we all dance daily on the knife-edge of disaster.

“Van Life,” Cotuit Center for the Arts: I picked this world-premiere production because it looked different, but it was also incredibly funny and had a lot of heart.  The fact that it was written by a Cape resident, Rick Martin, made it that much more special.

Pictured from left to right, the cast of "Van Life" at Cotuit Center for the Arts, includes  Ryan Walker, Flannery Rogers, Jennifer Andrews, Ricky Bourgeios, Rick Martin, Cathy Ode, Katie O'Connor and Victoria Smith.
Pictured from left to right, the cast of "Van Life" at Cotuit Center for the Arts, includes Ryan Walker, Flannery Rogers, Jennifer Andrews, Ricky Bourgeios, Rick Martin, Cathy Ode, Katie O'Connor and Victoria Smith.

Our favorite performances of 2023

Tom Hewitt in "Another Medea," Provincetown Theater: In the Provincetown Theater's October production of this one-man show, Hewitt literally became a charismatic psychopath, leading the audience down the path to the shattering yet inevitable conclusion. It’s a story as old as time, yet he made its horror ring true in a modern world that seems filled with human tragedy.

Broadway actor Tom Hewitt is a tour de force, playing different characters in the one-man psychological horror play, "Another Medea" at Provincetown Theater.
Broadway actor Tom Hewitt is a tour de force, playing different characters in the one-man psychological horror play, "Another Medea" at Provincetown Theater.

Sylvie Weimer in “Matilda,” Cotuit Center for the Arts, Cotuit: Weimer dazzled as Matilda during the show’s opening night at Cotuit. She brought the perfect amount of spunky, stubborn and sweet energy to the lead role and captivated with her performance for the whole show. For only 10 years old, Weimer certainly has a bright future in show business ahead of her.

Matilda's classmates rally on stage at the Cotuit Center for the Arts' production of "Matilda the Musical," based on Roald Dahl's book about a whip-smart little girl who just wants love from her parents.
Matilda's classmates rally on stage at the Cotuit Center for the Arts' production of "Matilda the Musical," based on Roald Dahl's book about a whip-smart little girl who just wants love from her parents.

Paige O’Connor in "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged),” Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater: O’Connor in WHAT's production of "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” gave a hilarious, flawless performance.

Stephen Smith, Lacy and Madeline Bundy play multiple roles in "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)" at Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater last summer.
Stephen Smith, Lacy and Madeline Bundy play multiple roles in "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)" at Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater last summer.

Zack Johnson in "Company," Eventide Theatre Company: My review of “Company” at Eventide Theater last season included these notes on Zack Johnson’s star turn as Bobby: “I swear, he’ll steal your soul with that voice.” Johnson’s rendition of the signature “Being Alive” was performed “just the way you always knew it could be sung.”

Zack Johnson, seated at center, stunned as commitment-phobic leading man Bobby in Stephen Sondheim's "Company" at Eventide Theatre Company.
Zack Johnson, seated at center, stunned as commitment-phobic leading man Bobby in Stephen Sondheim's "Company" at Eventide Theatre Company.

Rachael Kenneally and Garrett Olson in “The Way It Is,” presented by WatermelonAlligator Theatre Company at Cotuit Center of the Art's black box theater: Kenneally and Olson are honored together because their performances as two people trapped in a dying relationship are so connected that one would not exist without the other.

Favorite theatrical moments of 2023

"An American in Paris," Cape Playhouse: The moment that Leigh-Ann Esty began dancing, in her role as Lise in “An American in Paris” at Cape Playhouse. As the Parisian dancer who steals Jerry’s heart, the mega-talented performer owned the stage, mesmerizing with her talent and soul.

Leigh-Ann Esty as Lise Dassin and Josh Drake as Jerry Mulligan in "An American in Paris" at the Cape Playhouse.
Leigh-Ann Esty as Lise Dassin and Josh Drake as Jerry Mulligan in "An American in Paris" at the Cape Playhouse.

"Camelot,” Cape Playhouse: The romance in the Cape Playhouse's August production of "Camelot" was unmatched. The chemistry was palpable between the three leads − Lissa deGuzman as Guenevere, Jonathan Burke as Arthur and Karl Josef Co as Lancelot. In one scene, Arthur rests his head on Guenevere’s lap as she gently kisses him on the forehead. Perfection. The scene made me believe in true love again.

Jonathan Burke as King Arthur and Lissa deGuzman as Guinevere share in a tender moment in the Cape Playhouse production of "Camelot."
Jonathan Burke as King Arthur and Lissa deGuzman as Guinevere share in a tender moment in the Cape Playhouse production of "Camelot."

“Pianist of Willesden Lane,” Cape Rep. Theater, Brewster: The story of Lisa Jura, a child prodigy pianist and one of the many children who escaped Nazi-occupied Europe to London on the Kindertransport, is eloquently told through her daughter, Mona Golabek. When Lisa discovers she is the daughter to receive the Kindertransport ticket her father won gambling, she flees the argument between her parents and escapes to the family piano. At this moment, the ever-familiar notes of Claude Debussy's “Clair de Lune” filled the crowded theater. Tears welled in my eyes as the song continued and I found a common trait between young Lisa and myself, that the soothing notes of “Clair de Lune” offer a light to many in their darkest times.

Mona Golabek is telling the story of her mother, Lisa Jura, a Jewish child rescued from Nazi forces and raised in England. The play is at Cape Rep Theatre.
Mona Golabek is telling the story of her mother, Lisa Jura, a Jewish child rescued from Nazi forces and raised in England. The play is at Cape Rep Theatre.

“That Dorothy Parker”, Provincetown Theater: “That Dorothy Parker” written and performed by Carol Lempert at Provincetown Theater.  There isn’t a single moment that isn’t totally engrossing and fascinating. Lempert’s Mrs. Parker is spellbinding, witty, fast-talking and bitingly observant with few, if any, social filters.

Like her character, Dorothy Parker, actress Carol Lempert hits the keys.
Like her character, Dorothy Parker, actress Carol Lempert hits the keys.

"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," Cape Cod Theatre Project/Harwich Junior Theatre: After nearly an hour of smart, funny banter, the mood turns reflective as tough kid Imogene Herdman, unfamiliar in the role of the Savior's mother, Mary, in the nativity play, hits the perfect note. She swaddles the doll representing Jesus, burps him and then cries a real tear as she lays the baby in the manger. Many of us cried with her.

Gemma MacBride as Gladys Herdman, standing center, with members of the children's choir: Stella Seufert, far left in blue, Ashauri Martin, far right in white, seated front to back on the left: Aria Nickerson Rebecca Reyes, Nora Angiolillo and, seated on the right, Elianna Taylor, in "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever."
Gemma MacBride as Gladys Herdman, standing center, with members of the children's choir: Stella Seufert, far left in blue, Ashauri Martin, far right in white, seated front to back on the left: Aria Nickerson Rebecca Reyes, Nora Angiolillo and, seated on the right, Elianna Taylor, in "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever."

Upcoming shows on the Cape

Check out the Cape Cod Times theater previews at capecodtimes.com as each season approaches to learn more about upcoming shows.

Academy of Performing Arts

  • "Stage Kiss": Feb. 8 to 25

  • "Helltown Players": March 1 to 10

  • "Annie": March 21 to April 7

  • "Noises Off": April 25 to May 12

  • "The Sound of Music": May 30 to June 16

  • "Rock of Ages": June 27 to July 21

  • "Heathers: The Musical": Aug. 1 to 18

  • "And Then There Were None": Sept. 5 to 22

  • "Oliver!": Nov. 7 to 24

  • "Elf: The Musical": Dec. 5 to 22

Barnstable Comedy Club

  • "39 Steps": Opens Jan. 4, closes Jan. 21

  • "Ripcord": Opens March 7, closes March 24

  • "Nuts": Opens May 2, closes May 19

Cape Cod Theatre/ Harwich Junior Theatre

College Light Opera Company

The College Light Opera Company's 2024 season opens on June 18.

  • "Brigadoon"

  • "Iolanthe"

  • "Holiday Inn"

  • "Gypsy"

  • "New Moon"

  • "Little Shop of Horrors"

  • "Patience"

  • "Legally Blonde"

  • "A Little Night Music"

Cotuit Center for the Arts

  • "Bitter": Jan. 11 to 28

  • "On Golden Pond": Feb. 22 to 25, Feb. 29, March 1 to 3, March 7 to 10

  • "Legally Blonde": May 9 to 12, 16 to 19, 23 to 26

  • "Little Shop of Horrors:" July 10 to 14, 17 to 21, 24 to 28

  • "Fiddler On The Roof": Oct. 9 to 13, 16 to 20, 23 to 27

  • "Death Of A Salesman": Aug. 8 to 11, 15 to 18, 22 to 25, 29 to 31, Sept. 1

  • "Stupid F#-king Bird": Oct. 24 to 27, 31, Nov. 1 to 3, 7 to 10

  • "Bandstand!": Nov. 26, 29, 30, Dec. 1, 5 to 8, 12 to 15, 19 to 22

Eventide Theatre Company

Falmouth Theatre Guild

Frankie Rowley is the Entertainment and Things To Do reporter at the Cape Cod Times. Email her at FRowley@capecodonline.com.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Cape Cod theater: Our reviewers name their favorite shows of 2023