Article by Dave Read

2014 Tanglewood season on sale now

Since Sunday, January 26, tickets to the 2014 Tanglewood season are on sale at www.tanglewood.org, through SymphonyCharge at 888-266-1200, and at the Symphony Hall Box Office, 301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA. The 2014 Tanglewood season, June 27-August 30, features more than 100 performances, including concerts by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops, and Tanglewood Music Center (the BSO’s prestigious summer music academy); chamber music, recital, and concert opera presentations in Ozawa Hall; and a series of Popular Artist concerts.

Berkshires Jan. 26 – Feb. 1, 2014 arts & entartainment events

Here is a selection of events on the calendar at various arts and entertainment venues in the Berkshires. It has been an unusually cold winter in Berkshire county, very cold but not too snowy. There is always something to do and somewhere to go in the Berkshires. Follow the links to see more events.

• Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield – The Royal Berkshire Improv Troupe – Jan 31, 8pm
• Mahaiwe PAC, Gt. Barrington – London’s National Theatre In HD: Coriolanus – Jan 30, 7pm
• MASS MoCA – No. Adams – Western Swing Dance Party with The Brain Cloud, Feb 1, 8pm

Berkshires skiing

Here is where you’ll find all the information and links related to skiing in the Berkshires.

Jan. 22, 2014 Article by Dave Read

MASS MoCA in North Adams, MA has converted a huge 19th century industrial complex, once home to Sprague Electric, into an assortment of performing arts venues to complement their principle mission in support of contemporary art. Parallel to long-term exhibitions such as Sol LeWitt: A Wall Drawing Retrospective, which will be on view through 2033, MASS MoCA has developed performing arts events that run year after year, including Wilco’s Solid Sound Festival and the FreshGrass Bluegrass Festival. Following is a list of performing arts events at MASS MoCA in 2014:

MASS MoCA 2014 performing arts events

• The Stepkids Saturday, January 25, 8pm
• 20 Feet From Stardom Thursday, January 30, 7:30pm
• Western Swing Dance Party with The Brain Cloud Saturday, February 1, 8pm
• Mortified Saturday, February 8, 8pm
• Date Night at the Museum Friday, February 14, 6pm-9pm
• Burning Spear Saturday, February 15, 8
• Camp Utopia February 17-21, 9am-3pm
• When I Walk Thursday, February 20, 7:30pm
• Roger Clark Miller: A Night of Surrealist Games Saturday, February 22, 8pm
• The Interview: A Play by Guillaume Leblon Thursday, February 27, 6pm
• Water Songs: Ha ?ay G’am Saturday, March 1, 8pm
• Linsanity Thursday, March 13, 7:30pm
• Body/Head:Kim Gordon & Bill Nace Saturday, March 15, 2014, 8pm
• BETTY Saturday, March 22, 8pm
• Mike Gordon Saturday, April 5, 8pm
• The Politics of Tibetan Art Thursday, April 10, 5pm
• The Light in Her Eyes Thursday, April 10, 7:30pm
• Banda Magda Saturday, April 12, 8pm
• Spring Art Detox April 21, 23 & 25, 9am-11am
• The Poetry of Agha Shahid Ali Thursday, April 24, 6pm
• David Neumann: Solo Works Saturday, April 26, 8pm
• Good People Go to Hell, Saved People Go to Heaven Thursday, May 1, 7:30pm
• Andrew Dawson: Space Panorama Saturday, May 3, 11:30am
• Andrew Dawson: The Russian Doctor Friday, May 9, 8pm
• FreshGrass Bluegrass Festival 2014 September 19-21, 2014

MASS MoCA contact info., map, driving directions

• 87 Marshall St.; North Adams, MA 01247
• Fall, Winter, Spring Hours: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. closed Tuesday
• Admission: $15 adults; $10 students; $5 children 6–16
• Phone: 413.MoCA.111
• Web: massmoca.org

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Article by Dave Read

A Little Night Music, The Colonial Theatre, June 30 – July 19, 2014

Berkshire Theatre Festival opens their 2014 season with A Little Night Music, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by Hugh Wheeler, suggested by a Film by Ingmar Bergman, originally produced and directed on Broadway by Harold Prince, directed by Ethan Heard. Maureen O’Flynn stars in the role of actress Desiree Armfeldt. Ethan Heard from this past summer’s hit, The Cat and The Canary. A Little Night Music includes Send in the Clowns, one of Stephen Sondheim’s most popular songs.

See also: 2014 performances and events at The Colonial Theatre

• Monday, June 30 at 8pm (Preview)
• Tuesday, July 1 at 8pm (Preview)
• Thursday, July 3 at 8pm (Preview)
• Friday, July 4 at 8pm (Preview)
• Saturday, July 5 at 8pm (Opening Night)
• Sunday, July 6 at 2pm
• Monday, July 7 at 8pm
• Tuesday, July 8 at 8pm
• Thursday, July 10 at 8pm
• Friday, July 11 at 8pm
• Saturday, July 12 at 2pm & 8pm
• Sunday, July 13 at 2pm
• Monday, July 14 at 8pm
• Tuesday, July 15 at 8pm
• Thursday, July 17 at 8pm
• Friday, July 18 at 8pm
• Saturday, July 19 at 2pm & 8pm

The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield, MA contact info., map, directions:

• 111 South St.
• Pittsfield, Mass 01201
• 413-997-4444
• TheColonialTheatre.org

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Article by Dave Read

Barrington Stage Company 2014 schedule begins with the 10×10 New Play Festival running Feb. 13 through March 2, 2014. Plays on BSC’s Mainstage during the 2014 season are Kiss Me, Kate June 11 – July 12, Breaking the Code – July 17 – Aug 2, Dancing Lessons Aug. 7 – Aug 24, and An Enemy of the People – Oct. 2 – Oct 19.

Equity auditions for BSC’s 2014 season

Barring Stage will hold local Equity Principal Auditions for the musicals Kiss Me, Kate; The Golem of Havana, and Romance in Hard Times on February 20 from 1-6pm and for the plays The Other Place, Breaking the Code, Dancing Lessons, and An Enemy of the People on February 21 from 1-6pm. Non-Equity performers will also be seen. For audition information or to make an appointment call Greg Vyska at 413-499-5446.

10×10 New Play Festival Feb 13, 2014 – Mar 2, 2014

Titles, playwrights, and synopses for the New play festival at BSC. Performances are Thurs. Fri. and Sat. at 7:30pm, plus matinees on Sat. and Sun. at 3pm Tickets: $25 Thursday evenings, Sat/Sun matinees; $30 Friday/Saturday evenings; Low-Priced Preview performances on 2/13 and 2/14 are $15 for all tickets. All seating is reserved.

Man the Torpedoes by Suzanne Bradbeer.

Astronomer Henry Wallner would rather disappear into a black hole than do what he has to do today: have a tough talk with his new assistant Anita.

The Possethsion by Ron Burch

When Ted and Becky’s 12-year old daughter, Megan, becomes possessed by the demon Sethamungus, it’s up to them to try and free her from him.

Uh-Oh by John Cariani

Mary realizes that she is bored with the life she and her husband, Bill, have made together: it’s not at all what she hoped and dreamed. So she takes some…surprising action and nothing will ever be the same.

Debridement by Megan Dieterle

A doctor and a young woman recount one day in which their lives merge, only to find they have more in common than they thought.

New Year’s Eve by David MacGregor

It’s New Year’s Eve at the Parkview Retirement Home and the residents have gathered to bring in the New Year…at noon. While most of the retirees are happy with the festivities, one of their members is less than pleased.

Homeless Romantic by Scott McCarrey

Two vagrants meet on a city street at night, compare tales from itinerant lives, and share a dance.

Sweetheart Roland by James McLindon

A witch’s stepdaughter defeats her and marries her true sweetheart … well, after she figures out which of her sweethearts he is.

Lost and Found by Gwendolyn Rice

A middle-aged woman loses her car keys one morning and realizes that some things that are lost can never really be recovered.

I Love You by Lynn Rosen

A father and son long to say three little words to each other. But it’s hard when sober coaches, vegan muffins, and a lifetime of recrimination get in the way.

The Prompter by Jodi Rothe

A Picasso painting has a strong effect on a young make-up artist who tries to get on with her life after a harrowing encounter.

BSC Boyd-Quinson Mainstage calendar

Kiss Me, Kate – June 11 – July 12, 2014

The schedule for the Barrington Stage Company production of Kiss Me, Kate; Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter Book by Bella and Samuel Spewack:

• • Press opening is Sunday, June 15 at 5pm
  • Tues/Wed at 7pm;
  • Thurs-Sat at 8pm,
  • Sun at 5pm,
  • Wed/Fri matinees at 2pm (excluding June 13 & 18).
  • Additional matinees Sat. 7/5 and 7/12 at 2pm.
  • NB: 2pm performance (no 8pm) on Fri., July 4th.

Kiss Me, Kate tickets start at $20; Low Priced Previews June 11-13 are $15 & $20.

Kiss Me, Kate is about two couples who fool around and act out during a touring production of The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare. The play includes 18 Cole Porter songs (Porter lived in Williamstown, MA) Another Op’nin’, Another Show, So in Love, Always True to You in My Fashion, Too Darn Hot, and Brush Up Your Shakespeare.

Breaking the Code – July 17 – Aug 2, 2014

Breaking the Code is the life story of the famed mathematician and computer science pioneer Alan Turing, the primary designer of the Turing Machine, an early computer used to solve the German Enigma code during World War II, a solution many believe was instrumental in the Allied victory. The title refers to both the solution of the Enigma code and Turing’s open admission to his homosexuality, which at the time violated not only the codes of polite society but British law.

Breaking the Code starred Derek Jacobi on stage and screen in the role of Alan Turing. Following a London run in 1986, the play had its NY premiere November 15, 1987 at Broadway’s Neil Simon Theatre.

On December 23, 2013, Turing was given a posthumous royal pardon by Queen Elizabeth II.

• Press opening on Sunday, July 20 at 5pm
• Tues/Wed at 7pm;
• Thurs-Sat at 8pm;
• Sun at 5pm;
• Wed/Fri matinees at 2pm (excluding July 18);
• Add’l 2pm on Sat, Aug. 2

Dancing Lessons Aug. 7 – Aug 24, 2014

Barrington Stage presents Mark St. Germain’s world premiere comedy, Dancing Lessons, directed by Artistic Director Julianne Boyd, starring John Cariani, with performances from August 7-24, 2014.

Dancing Lessons centers on a young man with Asperger’s syndrome, or high-functioning autism, as he tries to navigate a relationship with a Broadway dancer who has been idled by injuries.

• Press opening on Wednesday, August 13 at 7pm
• Tues/Wed at 7pm;
• Thurs-Sat at 8pm;
• Sun at 5pm;
• Wed/Fri matinees at 2pm (excluding Aug. 8 & 13)

An Enemy of the People – Oct. 2 – Oct 19, 2014

Barrington Stage presents An Enemy of the People, adapted in 1950 by Arthur Miller in response to McCarthyism, from Henrik Ibsen’s 1882 play.

• Press opening on Sunday, October 5 at 3pm;
• Wed/Thurs at 7pm;
• Fri/Sat at 8pm,
• Sat/Sun at 3pm (excluding Oct. 4).

BSC St. Germain Stage calendar

The Other Place – May 21 – June 14, 2014

Barrington Stage opens the 2014 St. Germain Stage season with the Berkshire premiere of Sharr White’s The Other Place, directed by Christopher Innvar. The Other Place will be presented from May 21 – June 14 at the St. Germain Stage, with a press opening on Sunday, May 25 at 3pm.

• • Press opening on Sunday, May 25 at 3pm
  • Tues-Sun 7:30pm;
  • Sat 4pm (excluding May 24);
  • Sun 3pm;
  • Add’l matinee on Thurs, June 12 at 4pm

Working on A Special Day – June 18 – July 6, 2014

Based on Ettore Scola’s Academy Award nominated 1977 Italian film A Special Day, Working on A Special Day recreates the love story between a mysterious man and an overworked housewife in the heyday of Italian fascism. It is a production of The Play Company and Mexico City-based Por Piedad Teatro, and features Ana Graham and Antonio Vega, who also direct.

• Press opening Sunday, June 22 at 3pm
• Tues-Sun 7:30pm;
• Thurs 4pm (excluding 6/19);
• Sat 4pm;
• Sun 3pm.
• NB – 3pm performance (no 7:30pm) on Friday, July 4th

The Golem of Havana – July 17 – Aug. 9, 2014

From the Musical Theatre Lab…10th World Premiere Musical and William Finn to revisit musical
Barrington Stage Company’s Musical Theatre Lab presents its 10th world premiere musical, The Golem of Havana, with music by Salomon Lerner, lyrics by Len Schiff, with book and direction by Michel Hausmann. The play tells the story of a Hungarian-Jewish family living in Batista’s Havana on the brink of the Cuban Revolution.

• Tues-Sun 7:30pm;
• Thurs 4pm (excluding 7/17);
• Sat 4pm;
• Sun 3pm.

Romance in Hard Times – Aug 14 – Aug 31, 2014

Romance in Hard Times is set in a soup kitchen in the Depression. A pregnant woman refuses to give birth until she sees more hope in the world. Former socialites, unemployed actors, capitalists down on their luck, and Eleanor Roosevelt try to get through the Depression with some dignity intact. William Finn revisits his celebrated score, and along with his Spelling Bee collaborator, Rachel Sheinkin, reimagines the book for new hard times.

• Tues-Sun 7:30pm;
• Sat/Sun 3pm;
• Add’l matinee Thurs., Aug. 28 at 3pm

BSC’s Youth Theatre presents Hairspray JR. July 23 – August 10, 2014 at Berkshire Museum

Hairspray JR., based on the John Waters film and Tony Award-winning stage musical of the same name, features the popular songs You Can’t Stop the Beat and Good Morning Baltimore.

1. Wed-Fri at 7pm;
2. Wed/Thurs at 2pm;
3. Sat at 12:30pm and 3:30pm;
4. Sun at 2pm.
5. Add’l matinee on Mon, July 28 at 1pm.

20 Seasons Anniversary Celebration – July 7, 2014

20 Seasons Anniversary Celebration includes a once-in-a-lifetime concert featuring songs from some of BSC’s most successful musical theatre productions and dinner & dancing under the tent outside the theatre.

Barrington Stage Company contact info.

• Mainstage: 30 Union Street
• BSC Stage 2: 36 Linden Street (Pittsfield VFW)
• Box Office: 413-236-8888

Article by Dave Read.

Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival’s 2014 schedule lists some 52 companies presenting dance performances on three stages: Ted Shawn Theatre, Doris Duke Theatre, and the open-air Henry J. Leir Stage, home to the Pillow’s free Inside/Out Performance Series. The Jacob’s Pillow season runs June 14-August 24, 2014 and will include 350 free and ticketed dance performances, talks, tours, exhibits, films, classes, and community events.

Jacob’s Pillow and MASS MoCA will co-present David Neumann: Solo Works on April 26 at MASS MoCA. Crossing the lines between dance and theatre, performer and audience, Neumann will present a series of wry, witty works that span his 20-year career. Tickets available at massmoca.org.

Jacob’s Pillow Season Opening Gala, June 14

Carmen de Lavallade serves as Honorary Co-Chair for the 2014 Gala and will dance as part of the Gala performance. Members of The Hong Kong Ballet will also perform at the Gala. Dancers of the Ballet Program of The School at Jacob’s Pillow will present a world premiere created for them in four days by Jessica Lang, whose company Jessica Lang Dance made its official company debut at the Pillow in 2012. Additional performers will be announced. This signature fundraising event also includes the presentation of the 2014 Jacob’s Pillow Dance Award, dinner by The Old Inn & Moore, a live auction, and dancing.

2014 Jacob’s Pillow program details by the month:

• Jacob’s Pillow schedule June 2014
• Jacob’s Pillow schedule July 2014
• Jacob’s Pillow schedule August 2014

Jacob’s Pillow Contact info. and links