Take five: John Adams fuels a rebellion; Faberge egg fetes Mayflower; tattoos tell history

A return to ‘1776’

CAMBRIDGE – The American Repertory Theater’s Broadway-bound revival of “1776″ tells the story of John Adams' fight to persuade Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and the other delegations  to the Continental Congress to declare independence from Britain.

In this production, the roles of Quincy’s founding father and the all-white and male characters are performed by a diverse ensemble of actors who identify as female, nonbinary and transgender. Crystal Lucas-Perry plays John Adams and Allyson Kaye Daniel portrays his stalwart wife Abigail. Material from their famous missives is written into the dialogue, including an excerpt from Abigail’s famous “Remember the Ladies” letter to her husband.

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Directed by Diane Paulus and Jeffrey L. Page and co-presented with the Roundabout Theatre Company, the production runs through July 24 at the Loeb Drama Center. In the fall, the show will move to Broadway’s American Airlines Theatre before embarking on a 16-city national tour in 2023. The Tony Award-winning show with music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and book by Peter Stone premiered on Broadway in 1969 and on film in 1972. Tickets start at $25; 617-547-8300 or AmericanRepertoryTheater.org.

Faberge egg commemorates Pilgrims' 1620 landing

PLYMOUTH – A decorative Faberge egg commemorating the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims landing in 1620 will be on display June 11-12 aboard the Plimoth Patuxet Museum's Mayflower II.

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The egg was designed by artisans of the late Theo Faberge, the grandson of decorative egg master Carl Faberge, the famed jeweler who created the exquisite eggs for the czars of Russia. In total, only 200 Mayflower eggs will be made.This weekend will be its official launch.

The Mayflower Egg was crafted from ocean blue-hued crystal, gold and rubies and other precious metals and gems. Details include a miniature replica of the Mayflower, sailing towards America from right to left, signifying the journey from England.

See the egg from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the State Pier, 75 Water St., Plymouth. For more information go to plimoth.org/events

Tattoos tell Boston's history

From indigenous practices to soldiers, sailors and socialites, humans have inked their bodies for thousands of years. Opening June 10, the exhibit “Loud, Naked & in Three Colors” at the Eustis Estate in Milton traces the story of the local tattoo trade back to its late-19th century heyday.

Subtitled “The History of Tattooing in Boston,” the exhibit is on view through Oct. 30 and centers on the Liberty family’s dominance of Boston's tattoo scene from their shops in Scollay Square until the practice was banned in 1962.

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The Eustis Estate, at 1424 Canton Ave., is one of the state’s largest Gilded Age mansions. It is one of 37 historic sites owned and operated by Historic New England. The estate is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Call 617-994-6600 or visit historicnewengland.org/eustisestate for more information.

'The King' is in Norwell

NORWELL – Baz Luhrmann's "Elvis" biopic doesn't hit movie theaters until the end of the month, but you can get all shook up at "Rave On," a concert featuring music by The King and other popular acts of the '50s and '60s.

Expect to hear songs from Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Etta James, Richie Valens, Bobby Darin, Johnny Cash, among others. The show is at 8 p.m. June 11 at Company Theatre, 30 Accord Park Drive, Norwell. Tickets are $30, 781-871-2787, companytheatre.com.

A sea-shanty singalong in Milton

MILTON – In “Blow Ye Winds,” musician, singer and storyteller David Coffin will host a sea-shanty singalong and tell tales of long-ago sailors as the featured performer for a Forbes House Museum fundraiser.

The museum celebrates the nautical legacy of the Forbes family and the South Shore’s maritime heritage. The event runs from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets cost $110 and $90 for members and include the performance, one drink ticket and “hearty bites.” There will also be chances to win prizes and a trivia game.

A Gloucester resident, Coffin is a regular performer with the Revels. He has appeared at maritime festivals, schools, museums and other gigs throughout New England since 1980 and plays an array of instruments: concertinas, recorders, pennywhistles, bombards, gemshorns, cornamuse, shawm and rauschpfeife.

In 2019, Coffin, who is known for his rich baritone, was featured in the Amazon film “Blow the Man Down,” singing sea shanties in various scenes, including the film’s opening.

The Forbes House Museum is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is at 215 Adams St., Milton; 617.696.1815 or forbeshousemuseum.org.

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This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Weekends' best bets: '1776' revival Faberge for 400th tattoo exhibit