See Studio Theater Wocester’s “Superhero” this Weekend

Superhero, a play by John Logan, with music and lyrics by Tom Kitt, soars at the Flanagan Theatre at Southgate at Shrewsbury, 30 Julio Drive, Shrewsbury. There are still tickets available for shows Friday at 7:30 PM, Saturday at 7:30 PM, and Sunday at 2 PM.

This Week in Worcester went behind the scenes for one performance.

Superhero tells the story of a mother and son grappling with a devastating loss and the mysterious stranger who helps them on their journey. Before we can save the world, we have to save each other.

You will walk away from this performance feeling hopeful and uplifted.

Directed by John Wayland Somers, the Studio Theater Worcester (SWT) ensemble once again puts together a riveting, high-energy performance from the opening beat to the closing. Elliot Cetinski as Simon is incredible, putting on a spectacular vocal performance inside the cozy Flanagan Theater. Elliot’s ability to sell a high-school student obsessed with comic books is vivid, and the performance sparks emotion in the audience.

Several spontaneous rounds of applause broke out throughout the two- and-a-half-hour play for various songs, all catchy and clear. At the center of the play is a will-they, won’t-they almost romance between the mysterious Jim, played by Todd Vickstrom and Elliot’s mother Charlotte, played by Christina Pierro-Biggins. The chemistry is wonderful between the two, both awkward and raw, as with any adults who date later in life. Their careful dance around Simon is delivered authentically and with care by Vickstrom and Pierro-Biggins.

The music, led by Musical Director Kris Layton is bouncy and fun when it calls for it, and soft and somber in the places that call for it.

The fact is that these performances deserve a bigger audience.

Mass. Pauses Tax Incentives for Data Center Developers

BOSTON – The office of Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey announced the state will pause accepting applications for sales tax exemptions from data center projects. Healey’s office says stronger protections are necessary for residents and businesses against increased energy costs, strains on local infrastructure, and harm to public health.

“I am halting any tax incentives for data centers until we have strong protections in place for our residents and communities against higher gas and electric bills,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Data centers can support innovation and economic growth, but if developers want to build in Massachusetts, they need to first demonstrate that they can do so without driving up costs or harming our communities.”

Healey’s administration also released a framework for responsible data center development and operations that covers energy supply, energy efficiency, local air quality and public health, water use and infrastructure protections, labor practices, community benefits, economic development, and transparency.

The energy supply portion of the framework says that new data centers should supply, directly procure, or develop the energy resources needed to support operations.

“Data centers require enormous amounts of energy and grid infrastructure, back-up power, and water – and they can afford to pay for it. That’s why we are calling for comprehensive guardrails,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Tepper. “Our framework lays out how data centers should be developed – bring your own clean energy, keep our air and water clean, and foster good jobs and investment in our communities. This framework reflects months of conversation with community groups, energy experts, and labor organizations. Adhering to these principles will give developers a strong foundation on which to build relationships with Massachusetts communities.”

Sobriety Checkpoint in Worcester County June 27 to June 28

WORCESTER – The Massachusetts State Police announced there will be a sobriety checkpoint in Worcester County from Friday, June 27, to Saturday, June 28.

Police are required to announce the date and county in which sobriety checkpoints will appear. The checkpoint will appear on a public way within Worcester County.

According to the state police, the purpose of sobriety checkpoints is “to further educate the motoring public and strengthen the public’s awareness of the need to detect and remove motorists who operate under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs from our roadways.”

A grant from the Office of Grants and Research, a division of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety, funded the operation.

Auburn Man Indicted for Murder of 7-Year-Old Boy

WORCESTER – The office of Worcester County District Attorney Joe Early Jr. announced that a Worcester County Grand Jury indicted a local man in the death of Jayden Carlson, 7, in December 2017.

The grand jury indicted Steven Stuart, 35, of Auburn, for murder.

Stuart received a conviction in September 2015 for assault and battery on a child causing serious bodily injury after an incident involving Carlson in August 2012. Carlson was two years old at the time of that incident. Stuart received a sentence of six to eight years in state prison.

During the 2012 incident, Carlson sustained severe, life-altering injuries, leading to ongoing medical complications.

In December 2017, Carlson died as a result of the injuries he sustained in 2012.

Stuart faced arraignment in Worcester Superior Court on June 18 on one count of murder. The judge scheduled his next appearance for June 20.

Tornado Warnings in and Around Worcester

WORCESTER – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued tornado warnings across central Massachusetts on Thursday, June 18. There are particular risks from Salisbury Streeet to Burncoat Street, The NWS warning ends at 6:15 PM.

The NWS also issued a warning for West Brookfield at 5:30 PM.

Warnings also suggest the following dangers:

Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.

The storm leading to the warnings was expected around Spencer, Leicester, Rutland, Paxton, North Brookfield, West Brookfield, Brookfield, East Brookfield, Oakham, New Braintree, Worcester, Holden, and Auburn.

Worcester Holds Burncoat School Building Community Forum

WORCESTER – The City of Worcester will host two community forums for the Burncoat School Building Project.

Both sessions will include an overview of the Burncoat Building Project Feasibility Study, an update on the status of the project, a summary of community visioning feedback including educational priorities and design patterns, and an overview of the project’s key recommendations.

Attendees will have the opportunity to share feedback and concerns on the findings of the study.

Both sessions take place at the Burncoat High School Cafeteria, at 179 Burncoat St. Those sessions take place on:

• Tuesday, June 16, 6 PM to 8 PM
• Monday, June 22, 6 PM to 8 PM

Indictment for Murder in Joanna Brown Case

WORCESTER – The office of Worcester County District Attorney Joe Early Jr. announced an indictment in connection with the death of Joanna Brown, 30, of Worcester, in November 2025.

A Worcester County Grand Jury handed up an indictment for murder against Donovan Foster, 29, of Worcester.

Foster faced arraignment for carrying a loaded firearm without a license in Worcester District Court on Nov.14. A judge ordered Foster held after a dangerousness hearing.

The indictment moves the case to Worcester Superior Court, where arraignment is expected on July 17.

Worcester Police discovered Brown’s body in a vehicle on Mount Vernon Street on Nov. 3, 2025. Her family reported her missing on Nov. 2, 2025.

Mass. Passes $1.3 Billion for Education and Transportation

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Legislature approved a $1.35 billion package funded by the Fair Share Amendment funds, including $558 million toward education and $794 million for fixing roads, rail, and transit.

The $558 million for education includes $152 million for special education reimbursement and $159 for making childcare more affordable. The bill also allocates $40 million for reading programs for young readers and $20 million for tutoring.

The $794 million for transportation includes $595 million for the MBTA, including $450 million for the T. It also includes $60 million for maintenance and upgrades physical infrastructure with an emphasis on commuter rail improvements, $50.4 million to improve workforce and safety, $20 million to make fares more affordable for low-income riders, and $15 million for water transportation infrastructure across the state.

The bill also added a new tax exemption on building materials used in the construction of affordable, moderate-income, and middle-income housing projects.

Image Credit: Hsin Ju HSU, Massachusetts Statehouse, CC BY-SA 3.0

Opioid-Related Deaths Drop Under 1000 in Mass. in 2025

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced on Friday, June 5, that its preliminary numbers on opioid-related overdose deaths in 2025 show a third consecutive annual reduction in opioid-related overdose deaths.

The DPH preliminary data for 2025 shows a 27 percent drop from 2024 to 978 estimated deaths in 2025. The 978 deaths in 2025 is the first time the annual total fell below 1,000 since 2013.

The record high number of opioid-related overdose deaths occurred in 2022, with 2,364. The number of deaths has declined each year since 2023.

“This projected decline represents thousands of lives saved, families kept whole, and communities strengthened,” said Governor Maura Healey. “It also represents the tireless efforts of clinicians, service providers, community support programs, and advocates across the Commonwealth who continue to dedicate themselves to this life-saving work.”

Worcester Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Drug Distribution

WORCESTER – A local man received a federal prison sentence on Thursday, June 4 for drug distribution.

A federal judge sentenced Tong Tran, 35, of Worcester, to 138 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Tran pleaded guilty in March to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances after being charged in April 2025.

According to federal prosecutors, law enforcement identified Tran shipping a package at the Worcester Post Office on Sept. 19, 2024. A search of the package found 2.4 kilograms of orange pills containing methamphetamine. The packaging material also contained a partial fingerprint matching Tran.

Tran used packing for a children’s toy to conceal the illegal substance .

Prosecutors say that photographs of Tran shipping two other packages containing methamphetamine pills also exist.

Law enforcement searched Tran’s residence on April 14, 2025. That search resulted in the discovery of a pill press, binding agents, and additional equipment used to manufacture pills. The search also located 3.3 kilograms of methamphetamine and $8,000 in cash.