julie harris

Theater groups, of course, schedule and plan their productions months, sometimes years, in advance of opening night. And so, with the tragic events this past week in France, it is perhaps a twist of irony that two local groups raise the curtain on 2015 with shows that pay homage to French satire and comedy.

Bay's current production is William Luce's 1976 biographical play "The Belle of Amherst," a one-woman depiction of the life of 19th century American poet Emily Dickinson from about age 15 until her death.

Bay Theatre founder Janet Luby could not conceal her delight as she announced that the first celebratory event of the coming season, a fashion show and fundraiser, had sold out nearly two months in advance.