Observer Department: Arts and Entertainment


Two delectable places to eat in Haverhill

Every single person on this planet has something in common…. the need to eat, whether it is a bologna sandwich, a bowl of spaghetti or for those that are fancy, some caviar on a blini.  On average most families eat out once a week but for some it is more…


Top horror movie recommendations for a haunting Halloween

The spooky season is here at last, and what better way to celebrate Halloween than by gathering friends and family for a night of horror movies?  Whether you prefer jump-scares that make you scream or eerie, slow-burning thrillers, horror films create the perfect haunted vibe.  I’ve put together a great…

Drew Barrymore from Scream's opening scene.


Uncovering truths and rocking worlds: How ‘Almost Famous’ mirrors the essence of journalism

Almost Famous is a movie directed by Cameron Crowe about a 15 year old teenager who aspires to be a rock journalist in the 1970s and tours with a rock band to write a story for Rolling Stone magazine. This is a must watch for anyone that is a film…


Boston Calling Music Festival: Boston’s biggest weekend for music lovers

Memorial Day weekend proves to be a huge time for Boston music lovers every year with Boston Calling Music Festival. Boston Calling is a 3-day festival that takes place during Memorial Day weekend. Boston Calling is known to host some of music’s biggest artists, and 2024’s lineup is no exception.…


‘Challengers’ movie review: Exhilarating excellence on the big screen

Ever since I first saw the trailer for Luca Guadagnino’s new movie Challengers starring Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor was one of the movies I was most looking forward to this year. It’s safe to say that it did not disappoint. This movie has everything you could ask from a…


A24 continues to have success in the independent film industry

Over the course of the past few months, three of the new movies I saw in theaters that stood out to me were Love Lies Bleeding, Problemista, and Civil War. Those three movies are each quite different in terms of genre, plot, themes, and other aspects, but they are all…

The movie poster for Problemista.


Brianne Beatrice shares what’s next at NECC Theater

This interview has been edited for clarity and readability. We recently chatted with Northern Essex Theater Coordinator, Brianne Beatrice. Check out the interview below! Shaun Hood: Before we get into what comes next for NECC Theater, I just want touch on the recognition from the Kennedy Center that you and…

Two women talk on stage during a play.


A conversation with Tom Bergeron!

This interview has been edited for clarity and readability. The Observer is proud and excited to share our interview with Northern Essex celebrity alum Tom Bergeron. We chatted with him about TV hosting, what it’s like having Haverhill roots, and more. Check out the interview below! Shaun Hood: Do you…

Tom Bergeron and Shaun Hood meet on Zoom.


All you need to know about the Met Gala

Those who are fond of fashion await the one event that will take place in less than two weeks. Fashion designers, their muses and some of the world's most influential celebrities gather once a year at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City for fashion's biggest night, The…


A community for all: Acting Out Theater Company

Acting Out Theater Company is a nonprofit community theater that really puts the community in community theatre.  Located in Lawrence at 56 Island Street, Acting Out Theater has been open to the public for over 20 years now. Linda Schoonmaker, one of the founders of acting out has been involved…

Stairs with writing on them that says all about is what I'd acting out