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The Boston Globe's The Big To-Do Short Cuts

May 6, 2026

Welcome to the Wednesday edition of the Big To-Do: Short Cuts, our midweek round-up of what’s going on around Boston, as selected by Boston Globe critics and writers.

Dance Theatre of Harlem (pictured in February in Bordeaux, France) will perform May 9 at the Hanover Theatre & Conservatory Main Stage in Worcester. PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

Thursday

Dan Stevens stars in the new horror series “The Terror: Devil in Silver,” premiering on AMC+ and Shudder.
“Mortal Kombat II” brings bloody action to the big screen this weekend.
The four-day Boston New Works Festival, focusing on plays and musicals from local writers, sets up shop at Cambridge’s Moonbox Productions Thursday through Sunday.

Friday

Boston rockers Jon Butcher Axis say goodbye with a farewell show at The Cut in Gloucester.
“Amadeus” gets a TV reboot courtesy of Starz, with Paul Bettany playing Salieri and Will Sharpe taking on the role of Mozart.
Instagram sensation and classical violinist Ray Chen performs with the Boston Pops at Symphony Hall Friday and Saturday.

Saturday

In collaboration with the Hanover Theatre, Dance Theatre of Harlem takes the stage in Worcester.
“BABYBABYBABY” from dance artist Laila J. Franklin comes to Cambridge’s Dance Coplex Saturday and Sunday.

Sunday

Duckling Day returns Sunday to the Parkman Bandstand in celebration of the classic Boston-set children’s book “Make Way for Ducklings.”
Colombian superstar Carlos Vives performs Sunday at Agganis Arena.
Virtual music superstar Hatsune Miku takes over the Wang Theatre Sunday and Monday.

Ongoing

“Something Rotten!” continues its run at Lyric Stage Boston through June 7.

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Thanks for reading our new Wednesday newsletter. Keep an eye out for Friday's regular Big To-Do email written by Marie Morris. Send comments to arts@globe.com.

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Dance Theatre of Harlem (pictured in February in Bordeaux, France) will perform May 9 at the Hanover Theatre & Conservatory Main Stage in Worcester. PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

Thursday

Dan Stevens stars in the new horror series “The Terror: Devil in Silver,” premiering on AMC+ and Shudder.

“Mortal Kombat II” brings bloody action to the big screen this weekend.

The four-day Boston New Works Festival, focusing on plays and musicals from local writers, sets up shop at Cambridge’s Moonbox Productions Thursday through Sunday.

Friday

Boston rockers Jon Butcher Axis say goodbye with a farewell show at The Cut in Gloucester.

“Amadeus” gets a TV reboot courtesy of Starz, with Paul Bettany playing Salieri and Will Sharpe taking on the role of Mozart.

Instagram sensation and classical violinist Ray Chen performs with the Boston Pops at Symphony Hall Friday and Saturday.

Saturday

In collaboration with the Hanover Theatre, Dance Theatre of Harlem takes the stage in Worcester.

“BABYBABYBABY” from dance artist Laila J. Franklin comes to Cambridge’s Dance Coplex Saturday and Sunday.

Sunday

Duckling Day returns Sunday to the Parkman Bandstand in celebration of the classic Boston-set children’s book “Make Way for Ducklings.”

Colombian superstar Carlos Vives performs Sunday at Agganis Arena.

Virtual music superstar Hatsune Miku takes over the Wang Theatre Sunday and Monday.

Ongoing

“Something Rotten!” continues its run at Lyric Stage Boston through June 7.

Sign up here to get The Boston Globe’s latest food stories delivered to your inbox once a week.

Thanks for reading our new Wednesday newsletter. Keep an eye out for Friday's regular Big To-Do email written by Marie Morris. Send comments to arts@globe.com.