Upcoming Somerville Play Marries Boston Crime, Musical Theatre

SOMERVILLE, MA – A new play debuting next month at The Rockwell theater in Somerville aims to fuse Irish music with Hollywood's Boston criminal underworld.

"Boston Crime Scenes," a three-act musical in the vein of flicks such as "Once," "The Departed," "The Town," "Mystic River," "Good Will Hunting" and more, tells the story of a South Boston pub where iconic characters from each production frequently mingle.

When the dive loses its liquor license and the head mob boss goes missing, the characters embark on a crime spree throughout town. After extorting local politicians, clergy and the community, the criminals eventually come face-to-face with their demons.

The production is written and directed by Pete Holm ("The Fiddlers of Inishbofin," "Another Fiddler of Inishbofin" and "Man of Iniskeen's Green Journey") and based on the screenplay "Khaki's Back" by Holm and Ben Wright, with music from a host of local acts.

Featuring songs such as "Galway Races" – a nod to The Rockwell's late founder Ken Kelly, who loved the races – and "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda," the musical also pays tribute to Irish band The Pogues on the 30th anniversary of their iconic album, "If I Should Fall From Grace With God."

The musical debuts Sunday, Jan. 8 and runs until Monday, Jan. 30. Tickets are $25 per person and are available online or at the door.

Connect with the production on Twitter @RockwellThtr or #BostonCrimeScenes.

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