American Repertory Theatre Opens with Cabaret
By: Nancy Janeway - 2010-08-30
The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.), under the Artistic Direction of Diane Paulus, is pleased to announce further details of its 2010/11 Season, beginning on August 31 with Cabaret, followed by Alice vs. Wonderland, The Blue Flower, R. Buckminster Fuller – The History (and mystery) of the Universe, Ajax, Prometheus Bound, and Death and the Powers: The Robots’ Opera.
Laramie Project at ArtsEmerson
By: Ariel Petrova - 2010-08-28
The inaugural season of world-class international theatre programming by ArtsEmerson: The World on Stage kicks off with the Boston debut of The New York-based Tectonic Theater Project, performing two works: The Laramie Project and The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later, by Moisés Kaufman, Leigh Fondakowski, Greg Pierotti, Andy Paris and Stephen Belber.
Edward Albee’s A Delicate Balance
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-08-28
Recovering alcoholics, who isn't, are advised not to see Edward Albee's A Delicate Balance, at Berkshire Theatre Festival which will surely induce budding. If you do see this play it will take dozens of AA meetings and months of therapy to recover from the grim experience. By no stretch is this an entertaining and enjoyable evening of theatre. Unless you are a masochist with a taste for the enervating.
Tina Packer’s Fifteen Hour Marathon
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-08-26
Now that she has stepped down as founding artistic director of Shakespeare & Company Tina Packer is finally able to focus on her own career as an actress. She has brought to fruition a project that has absorbed her for decades. Over three days she presented five acts totaling some 15 hours on stage with her partner Nigel Gore.
The Memory Show at Barrington Stage Company
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-08-23
The grim theme of Alzheimer's disease and its devastating impact on an estranged Jewish mother and her daughter moved back home is an unlikely inspiration for a musical. No less. This new work by the young team of Sara Cooper and Zach Redler tries really hard to please and entertain. It is their first fully staged affort.
Absurd Person Singular at Barrington Stage Company
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-08-20
Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield exits laughing with its final Main Stage production a British Comedy Absurd Person Singular by Alan Ayckbourn. This past season his Norman Conquests was revived on Broadway leading to more regional productions of his plays. If you need a few laughs check out this zesty madcap farce.
Fifth of July at Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-08-18
With two men kissing on Broadway in Lanford Wilson's 1978 play Fifth of July it caused a buzz and sold tickets. In the current Williamstown Theatre Festival production this evokes little beyond an apathetic, ho hum response. It was challenging to care about this play and its over played, outrageous, self absorbed and often obnoxious characters. There were however some finely drawn, tender and endearing moments midst all the screaming and bathos.
Macbeth at Berkshire Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-08-08
There is a Shakespeare marathon in the Berkshires with concurrent productions at three of the four major theatre companies. The generalist Berkshire Theatre Festival has joined the race with quick and lively Macbeth. It stars C.J. Wilson and Keira Naughton as Lady Macbeth. There are lots of blood and guts on stage in Stockbridge.
The Taster by Joan Ackermann
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-08-07
On the evening when Shakespeare & Company closed its $10 million drive by securing an $800.000 Kresge Foundation challenge grant they premiered a new play. Berkshire resident Joan Ackermann wrote The Taster for specific S&Co actors. It is work that will appeal to the palate of a refined, upscale, Berkshire audience used to dining on pricey entrees. This drama/ comedy morsel that straddles centuries is loaded with theatrical calories. Yum.
The Last Goodbye a Smash Hit in Williamtown
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-08-07
In the intimate Nikos Stage of the Williamstown Theatre Festival the smash hit The Last Goodbye is the hottest and toughest ticket of the summer. It combines the cult rock of the late Jeff Buckley with Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Forget West Side Story. That was then and this is now. This is the best new musical and best Romeo and Juliet I have ever seen. Trust me.
Shakespeare & Company Secures Kresge Grant
By: Bob Fowler - 2010-08-06
Shakespeare & Company has just received an $800,000 challenge grant from the Kresge Foundation. The funds were released after the Company raised an additional $1.5 million bringing its $10 million Capital Campaign , launched at its 30th Anniversary Gala in May 2007, to a successful conclusion. The centerpiece of the Campaign has been the creation of the Bernstein Center for the Performing Arts , a production center including state of the art rehearsal studios , new scene and property shops , and the Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre.
Sea Marks by Gardner McKay
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-08-02
It starts as an awkward correspondence between the Irish fisherman Colm (Walton Wilson) and the Welsh born Timothea (Kristin Wold) who works for a publishing house in Liverpool. The pen pals evolve into lovers. She surprises him by editing his love letters into Sea Sonnets a thin volume of verse. This is a charming and heart warming play presented at Shakespeare & Company in rotation through September 4.
Bruce Norris Premiers at Steppenwolf
By: Susan Hall - 2010-07-31
Steppenwolf can be counted on to provoke, engage and first and foremost entertain. Concluding their series on belief, they have gone outside the box, like the recent film Inception, to explore what we do and do not experience and to figure out if we can change anything, including ourselves. A witty and fun evening at the theater in Chicago.
Our Town at Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-07-30
For his final production as artistic director of the Williamstown Theatre Festival Nicholas Martin has put 40 actors on stage including many community members. There is an all star cast starting with the magnificent Campbell Scott as the Stage Manager. Joining him are such WTF regulars as Becky Ann Baker and her husband Dylan Baker, John Rubenstein and Jessica Hecht. An actual Williams Professor, Sam Crane, plays, guess what, a Professor..
Tony Nominee Jessica Hecht
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-07-29
It has been a great year for veteran actress Jessica Hecht. In addition to Brighton Beach Memoirs her second Broadway play this season, View from the Bridge, earned her a Tony nomination as Best Actress. She also had a riveting role in an episode of the TV hit The Good Wife. For her 7th season at the Williamstown Theatre Festival she is appearing in Nicholas Martin's all star production of Our Town.
John Oliver at the Colonial
By: Uriah Pennington - 2010-07-28
John Oliver has been a writer and correspondent on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show with Jon Stewart since 2006. As a result of his popularity on The Daily Show, Comedy Central asked John to write and star in his own one hour stand-up special, Terrifying Times, which premiered in April 2008 and was subsequently released on DVD. In 2008 John starred in the Mike Myer’s movie, The Love Guru and is currently appearing in a recurring role in the NBC series, Community.
Yasmina Reza’s Art
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-07-26
Since its 1995 Parisian premiere Art by Yasmina Reza has been translated into 30 languages and performed all around he world. On Broadway Reza has won Tonys for Art as well as God of Carnage. Art was presented as a staged reading at the Clark in collaboration with Williamstown Theatre Festival several months ago. It is presented at Barrington Stage Company this summer. There will be a free staged reading at Mass MoCA on August 4. We wonder why this play is so universally admired?
Life Is Cabaret My Friends
By: Nancy Janeway - 2010-07-26
The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) opens its 2010/11 Season with Kander and Ebb’s CABARET, directed by Steven Bogart, with musical direction by Lance Horne and movement by Steven Mitchell Wright, starring Amanda Palmer as the Emcee. Set and costume design is by David Israel Reynoso,lighting design by Nick Vargelis, and sound design by Clive Goodwin.
After the Revolution at Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-07-23
A family of Marxist activists is thrown into turmoil when in 1999 it was revealed that its patriarch was among 349 identified through decoded wartime messages to have been collaborators and spies for the Soviet Union. Emma has founded an organization named for her disgraced grandfather. This is the background for the superb play After the Revolution by Amy Herzog in its world premiere at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. It is by far the best new play of a rich and diverse Berkshire season.
Pool Boy at Barrington Stage Company
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-07-22
The much anticipated world premiere of a musical Pool Boy by Nikos Tsakalakos and Janet Allard ended up drowning at Barrington Stage. It is slated for intensive care and an extreme makeover if it hopes to have legs beyond this ambitious, zesty but messy production in Pittsfield. With a lot of work there may yet be life after this D.O.A. debut.
Aspenlieder Returns in Bad Dates
By: Bob Fowler - 2010-07-21
Elizabeth Aspenlieder who won an Elliot Norton Award for Best Solo Performance—returns this summer for a special , limited run in a freshly re-imagined production directed by Eric Tucker (Women of Will this season , Pinter’s Mirror 2009). Haley Walker. The show that set the Berkshires astir in 2009—and nettarismatic heroine of Theresa Rebeck’s Bad Dates , possesses a sharp wit and an unsinkable determination to pursue the promise of new love , even while providing for her daughter.
Guardsman at Berkshire Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-07-20
Just for laughs the Berkshire Theatre Festival is presenting Ferenc Molnar's hilarious period comedy The Guardsman. It stars the husband and wife team of Jayne Atkinson and Michael Gill playing a pair of actors. After six months of marriage he hopes to test her in a mock seduction by a smarmy Russian Prince.
Damn Yankees at The Mac Haydn Theatre
By: Uriah Pennington - 2010-07-16
Yes those Damn Yankees. The perennial favorite of musical theatre will be staged at the Mac Haydn Theatre in Chatham New York from July 22 to August 1. Watch the pinstripes give their all in the pennant race. What fun.
Six Degrees of Separation at Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-07-16
The 1993 film, based on John Guare's 1990 play Six Degrees of Separtation made a star of Will Smith in the role of the hustler and con artist Paul. Based on the stunning and witty performance of Ato Essandoh we again witness an emerging star in the riveting role. Essandoh, who impersonates the son of Sidney Poitier to gain access to the homes and resources of wealthy New Yorkers, is the invaluable glue that holds together an otherwise uneven production at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Seeing Essandoh as Paul assures potential bragging rights for years to come.
John Douglas Thompson Plays a Hunch
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-07-13
For the past two seasons John Douglas Thompson captivated Berkshire audiences as Othello. He returns as Richard III at Shakespeare & Co. He has received rave reviews for off Broadway appearances this year as The Emperor Jones and with Dianne Wiest in The Forest. Increasingly critics regard Thompson as among the finest Shakespearean actors of his generation. Richard III has been given an extreme makeover in Lenox.
Beckett's Endgame at Berkshire Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-07-12
A regular of the Berkshire Theatre Festival company, the brilliant Randy Harrison, has ended up in a trash can as Nagg in Samuel Beckett's wrenching and demanding Endgame. This is a flawless production with a stunning cast of Mark Corkins, as Hamm, David Chandler, Clov, and Tanya Dougherty. While one of the best offerings of the season this play is not for the weak and feeble. Consult a physician before seeing this harrowing play.
Samuel J. and K. by Mat Smart
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-07-09
The father of Samuel J. abandoned him when he was four. His mother adopted Samuel K. who was abandoned by his parents in Cameroon when he was three. They are brothers. Or are they is the theme of a provocative play by Mat Smart having its world premiere at the Williamstown Theatre Festival.
Yazmina Reza's Art at Barrington Stage Company
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-07-07
Compared to Sweeney Todd the second production of the season at Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield is as different as black and white. Well, more white on white actually. The Tony Award winning play by Yazmina Reza, Art, focuses on the divisive responses of two friends to a collector's acquisition of a minimalist painting. The evening of theater brings out the worst in everyone. To the amused delight of audiences.
A Thousand Clowns in Pittsfield
By: Uriah Pennington - 2010-07-06
The New Stage Company above Beacon Cinema in Pittsfield is presenting A Thousand Clowns by Herb Gardner from July 15 to August 1. A Thousand Clowns is the hilarious and touching Tony Award winning play that was later adapted into an Academy Award winning film starring Jason Robards. It is the story of an unemployed television writer trying to adapt his cantankerous worldview in order to find work and retain custody of his 12-year-old nephew.
Richard III at Shakespeare & Company
By: Heather Greenfield - 2010-07-06
An all-star troupe of Shakespeare & Company talent comes together this summer for an unforgettable rendering of Shakespeare’s gripping Richard III. In the whirligig of its ambitious plots, the beauty of its language, and the chilling magnetism of its haunting central figure, Richard III has proved an irresistible lure for over 400 years. This indelible interpretation, featuring OBIE and L ucille L ortel Award-winning actor John Douglas Thompson (title role in Othello 2008 & 2009), was conceived by Artistic Director Tony Simotes and directed by Jonathan Croy with assistance from Malcolm Ingram. Richard III runs July 2 through September 5,
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-07-02
Celebrating the 80th birthday of the master of contemporary musical theatre, Stephen Sondheim, two of the leading Berkshire theatre companies are presenting his plays. It is a day and night, apples and oranges contrast. The moody and demonic Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street is playing at Barrington Stage Company. The farcical comedy Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, crackles, sizzles and pops at Williamstown Theatre Festival. It features the galvanic synergy of the brilliant husband and wife team of director Jessica Stone and the comic genius of Christopher Fitzgerald. Were this Broadway they would both clinch Tonys.
The Last Five Years by Jason Robert Brown
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-06-27
The conceit of The Last Five Years by Jason Robert Brown is that the couple Cathy (Julie Reiber) and Jamie (Paul Anthony Stewart) follow separate time lines through their relationship and marriage that terminates in a bitter divorce. He is an author with no life experience other than his own bathos and she is an aspiring actress with meager talent. We found little to care about this train wreck of a relationship. If that's your cup of tea walk don't run to Berkshire Theatre Festival.
Winter's Tale for Summer Fun
By: Uriah Pennington - 2010-06-27
The Winter’s Tale illuminates Founders’ Theatre this summer as Director Kevin G. Coleman unleashes Shakespeare’s theatrical mastery and verbal powers at their greatest height. The production features the return of long-time Company actor Jonathan Epstein as Leontes, King of Sicilia, and Elizabeth Aspenlieder as Hermione, his Queen, and a cast of 17 other seasoned Company actors and newcomers.
It’s Jewdy’s Show: My Life as a Sitcom
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-06-25
So, what's a nice Jewish, six foot three inch, Lesbian, mother of two doing in the Berkshires? Standup at Williamstown Theatre Festival. Who would believe it? Trying to get enough money for an apartment with two bathrooms so her kids stop like pissing in the sink already. This Jewdy, yeah, she spells it Jewdy, is such a comic. Like the Borscht Belt, only gay. And in Williamstown where the rich goyim live. That's funny.
Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd a Slice and Dice
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-06-24
Sweeney Todd, the masterpiece of the now 80-year-old genius, and Williams grad, Stephen Sondheim, is given a state of the art, Broadway level production at Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield. With no compromise on artistic integrity this is stunning musical theatre in an intimate setting. We enjoy signifiying, titubating performances and magnificent music up close and personal at a fraction of Broadway ticket prices. This is Berkshire theatre at its finest.
Patrick Meyer’s K2 a Cliffhanger
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-06-20
One in four climbers never make it off K2 the second tallest and most challenging mountain in the world. The 1983 play by Patrick Meyer K2 is given a riveting performance providing a spectacular and spell binding launch for the 82nd season of the venerable Berkshire Theatre Festival in Stockbridge, Mass. The play is sure to be a smash hit sellout during its all too brief run through July 2.
Mount Stages Wharton's Summer
By: Uriah Pennington - 2010-06-19
Tickets go on sale Monday, June 21, for Edith Wharton’s bittersweet coming-of-age story, performed by the Wharton Salon August 18-29 at The Mount. Following last summer’s sold-out run of “Xingu,” The Mount is pleased to welcome the Wharton Salon back this season for Summer, adapted by Dennis Krausnick and directed by the Salon’s founder, Catherine Taylor-Williams. The play, based on the 1917 novella Wharton fondly called her “hot Ethan,” is the story of a young woman who loses herself in the passion of a summer love affair.
Cirque du Soleil opens
By: Larry Murray - 2010-06-17
OvO from Cirque du Soleil combines elements of circus, dance and music into an all-encompassing theatrical experience. Ir is a show that allows you to enter a teeming world of insects that is both gorgeous and highly artistic, and full of jaw dropping circus acts. They have begun a four week run in Hartford before moving on to Boston and DC.
The Whipping Man by Matthew Lopez
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-06-10
Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield has launched its season with a sell out, smash hit production of the Whipping Man by Matthew Lopez. There are just a few seats available for the run which ends on June 17. Just when the Main Stage starts the Sondheim musical Sweeney Todd. The hit Whipping Man must give way on Stage Two for a two week run of last year's hit Freud's last Session. The play which premiered with Barrington is having a tuneup prior to opening Off Broadway this summer. Let the games begin.
Shakespeare & Company Fall/ Winter
By: Bob Fowler - 2010-06-08
The Fall/ Winter schedule for Shakespeare & Company will includeThe Real Inspector Hound , The Annual Fall Gala , As You L ike It , The Fall Festival of Shakespeare , The Santaland Diaries , The Mystery of Irma Vep , Shakespeare and the L anguage that Shaped a World , and rounding out the season , Hamlet (The Company’s New England Tour of Shakespeare) will come home for a limited run.
Yasmina Reza's Art on June 24
By: Ariel Petrova - 2010-06-08
The Portsmouth Museum of Art and New Hampshire Theatre Project have forged a collaboration to present a reading of the award-winning play ‘Art’ by Yasmina Reza on Thursday, June 24th at 7:00 pm. The play, a witty comment on the human condition, has been referred to as a ‘comic gem’ by the Boston Globe.
Mengelberg and Mahler at Shakespeare & Company
By: Bob Fowler - 2010-06-07
Mahler is an unseen but fully-present character in Mengelberg and Mahler. He is Mengelberg’s cherished friend, his inspiration, his conscience, and ultimately his spiritual salvation. Mahler’s music—parts of his 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th Symphonies, plus "Wenn dein Mütterlein" from the Kindertotenlieder—is a full partner in this production. These musical portions do much more than set the scene: they are essential to Mengelberg’s understanding of his own life.
Johnny Baseball Hits Grand Slam At American Repertory Theatre
By: Mark Favermann - 2010-06-02
Johnny Baseball is the ART's world premiere musical about the Red Sox. It traces the origin of the Curse of the Bambino to a collision of three souls: Johnny O’Brien, a right-hander on the 1919 BoSox, his idol, Babe Ruth and Daisy Wyatt, a beautiful African-American blues singer. These three are the reason for the Curse and the secret to its end in 2004. Johnny Baseball hits a commentary on American social history into a clever and spirited musical homer. This is a spectacular hit, a four bagger that should not only reach Landsdowne Street but bounce on to Broadway as well.
Prelude To A Kiss at Huntington Theatre
By: Mark Favermann - 2010-05-25
The play starts with a whirlwind romance. Then a storybook wedding with a strange kiss for the bride that suddenly changes everything. Playwright Craig Lucas (The Light in the Piazza, Longtime Companion) explores the enduring power of love and the nature of commitment in this awkward but life-affirming comedy directed by Artistic Director Peter DuBois.
Shakespeare & Company Restructures Debt
By: Bob Fowler - 2010-05-25
Some months ago we asked former artistic director, Tina Packer, if Shakespeare & Company is out of the woods? She was guarderdly sanguine. Now the new artistic director, Tony Simotes, has managed to pay down a high interest short term loan, settle a construction law suit and restructure the debt. The prospects look far better comining into a full season.
Shakespeare & Company Opens May 21
By: Bob Fowler - 2010-05-20
Shakespeare & Company kicks off its 2010-2011 season May 21 with Shakespeare’s most well known Roman play Julius Caesar , a production fresh off the road after performing to over 50 schools and theatres throughout New England , New York and New Jersey .
Broadway Bound Lombardi for the Mahaiwe
By: Bob Fowler - 2010-05-20
Producers Tony Ponturo and Fran Kirmser announced that LOMBARDI, a new American play from Academy Award-winning playwright Eric Simonson, directed by Tony Award nominee Thomas Kail, will preview at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington, Mass. July 22-28, before moving to the Circle in the Square Theatre on Broadway this fall (previews begin September 23, opening night is October 21). Starring Dan Lauria and Judith Light, LOMBARDI is based on the best-selling biography When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi by Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Maraniss.
Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
By: Bob Fowler - 2010-05-17
Williamstown Theatre Festival Artistic Director Nicholas Martin has announced full casting for the first Main Stage show of the 2010 season, the Tony Award-winning musical A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (June 30 – July 11). The all-male cast will be directed by Jessica Stone (Butley, The Odd Couple), musical directed by Gary Adler (Avenue Q, Altar Boyz), and choreographed by Denis Jones (Legally Blonde, Broadway Bares).
WAM at Barrington Stage
By: Ariel Petrova - 2010-05-14
WAM Theatre recently presented its inaugural event, ‘A WAM Welcome’ at the Barrington Stage Company Second Space. The evening of three diverse theatrical selections celebrated live theatre pieces created by women. WAM Theatre was able to donate $1000 to Women for Women International, whom WAM Theatre chose as their first beneficiary.
Huntington Theatre's 2010 Season
By: Bob Fowler - 2010-05-11
The Huntington Theatre Company’s 29th Season will include two world premieres directed by Huntington Artistic Director Peter DuBois, an American classic, two Shakespeare plays in repertory, a three-play festival from a breakout writer, and the 2009 winner of the Pulitzer Prize.
The Screwtape Letters on Broadway
By: Susan Hall - 2010-05-10
C.S. Lewis is the much beloved author of “The Narnia Chronicles” and also wrote commentary on his Christian search for a spiritual life. Among academics, he is best known as a literary critic of 16th and 17th century English works. None of his heavy duty credentials get in the way of a lively and provocative rendition of his "Screwtape Letters" put together by Max McLean and Jeffrey Fiske.
2010 Tony Awards June 13
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-05-07
The 2010 Tony Awards will be held June 13 at 8 on CBS. While Fela tops the list of Tony Award nominations we found the musical to be problematic. Our critics covered a number of the nominated shows including Fela, Red, Sondheim on Sondheim, Lend Me a Tenor, Million Dollar Quarter, and Race. You may check out our reviews through BFA search. We have a list of all of the nominations.
Clarke Peters Stars in The Whipping Man
By: Bob Fowler - 2010-05-07
Barrington Stage Company presents the New England premiere of Matthew Lopez’s drama, The Whipping Man. The post-Civil War-set play about a Jewish Confederate soldier and his former slaves, who share his faith, will feature Clarke Peters (HBO’s Treme and The Wire), LeRoy McClain and Nick Westrate. Christopher Innvar directs the Barrington Stage production at Stage 2. Performances dates are May 26–June 13.
Lend Me A Tenor on Broadway
By: Susan Hall - 2010-05-05
Attention all opera impresarios. Here are the answers to all your problems. If not the answers, no problem facing you will ever seem insurmountable again. Stanley Tucci directs a razor sharp revival of Lend Me A Tenor with a mega watt cast. If you sit in the first five rows, be prepared to receive cherries and roses and so on.
Jenny Gersten to Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Ariel Petrova - 2010-05-05
After three years Nicholas Martin will step down as the artistic director of the Williamstown Theater Festival. An alumna of WTF, Jenny Gersten will take over next season. With Martin's program in place this timely appointment will allow for an orderly transition.
Kate Moira Ryan's Bass for Picasso
By: Bob Fowler - 2010-05-01
Theater Breaking Through Barriers, the
Off-Broadway company known for its productions that integrate
able-bodied actors with artists with disabilities, presents the world
premiere of Kate Moira Ryan's Bass for Picasso -- a new play about five New Yorkers, including a physically disabled food writer, whose secrets are exposed during a memorable dinner party at Theatre Row's Kirk Theatre 410 West 42nd Street though May 23. Ike Schambelan directs.
Sondheim on Sondheim at Studio 54
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-04-23
Celebrating the 8oth Birthday of God, AKA Stephen Sondheim, there are many productions for audiences to chose from. The biography and review, with Sondheim appearing in video clips, Sondheim on Sondheim, has opened on Broadway. It features a lively cast headlining Barbara Cook, Vanessa Williams and Tom Wopat. In the Berkshires productions of Sweeney Todd will open at Barrington Stage Company while A Funny Thng Happened on the Way to the Forum will be presented at Williamstown Theatre Company. The dueling musicals open on Fourth of July weekend.
Million Dollar Quartet at Nederlander Theater
By: Susan Hall - 2010-04-20
Elvis lives. And so do Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. A seminal moment in rock and roll history is captured in four great impersonations -- both visual and musical. You don't have to remember those days to have a fabulous evening.
The Bard Turns 446 April 23
By: Ariel Petrova - 2010-04-15
On April 23 Shakespeare & Company will host a birthday bash for William Shakespeare. The Bard will not attend. The evening will commence with a performance of Julius Caesar. A party will follow with cake and music. All for just $15 and $10 for students. What fun.
Boston's May Theatre Highlights
By: Barbara Brilliant - 2010-04-14
Welcoming our newest correspondent Barbara Brilliant. She will provide us with her selections of monthly theatre in Boston. We are invited to join her in celebrating the 125th season of the Boston Pops.
Neil Berg's 100 Years of Broadway
By: Bob Fowler - 2010-04-12
Neil Berg�s widely acclaimed 100 Years of Broadway, a musical revue of Broadway�s most celebrated shows features a dazzling cast of five Broadway stars accompanied by an all-star New York band is coming to The Colonial Theatre on May 1st for one performance at 8PM. The Colonial Theatre production, along with musical director and pianist Neil Berg, will feature Rita Harvey (Christine Daee, Phantom of the Opera), Craig Schulman (Jean Valjean, Les Mis�rables), Carter Calvert (Grizabella, CATS), Danny Zolli (Jesus, Jesus Christ Superstar) and Robert DuSold (Harry Bright, Mamma Mia!)
Colonial Theatre's 2010-2011 Season
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-04-01
At a members' event and press conference today it took an hour just to read through the list of events from Broadway, Comedy, Cabaret, Rock, Children & Family events planned for the 2009-2010 season of the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield. There is something for everyone and more than ever for year round Berkshire entertainment. Cut and paste this complete list of bookings.
Shakespeare & Company Sets Record
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-03-25
Shakespeare & Company issued 50,446 tickets this season, surging past its previous record by some three thousand patron visits. (The figure does not include the approximately 800 people who attended S&Co.s annual July 4th Celebration and Reading of the Declaration of Independence, an un-ticketed event.) The box office revenue totaled $1.13 million, fewer than three thousand dollars short of S&Co.s record, set during the 2008-2009 season.
WAM Theatre Presents a WAM Welcome
By: Ariel Petrova - 2010-03-24
Barrington Stage Company, in Pittsfield, Ma. will present A WAM welcome a benefit for Women for Women International on April 9-11. This evening of three diverse theatrical selections celebrates live theatre pieces created by women.
Barrington Stage in Pittsfield's Big Read
By: Ariel Petrova - 2010-03-23
The Things They Carried: A Staged Reading is part of the 2010 Big Read in the City of Pittsfield . Three readings will be presented, including two public performances on Friday, April 16 and Saturday, April 17 at 7 p.m. at the BSC Mainstage, 30 Union Street , Pittsfield . In addition to the Friday and Saturday public performances, a matinee reading will be presented on Thursday, April 15 at 12:30 p.m. for invited local schools and Vietnam veterans.
Entertaining Mr. Sloane at Publick Theatre
By: Larry Murray - 2010-03-17
Joe Orton's playful Entertaining Mr. Sloane has plenty of laughs, sex and stereotypes, but underpinning it is a long Pinter-esque shadow of fear and violence which could (and does) explode at any time. In the meantime, Mr. Sloane happily beds both his landlady, and her brother. He thinks he is manipulating them, but soon discovers he is the one being played.
The Adding Machine at Boston's Speakeasy Stage
By: Larry Murray - 2010-03-16
Based on the 1923 Edgar Rice play by the same name, The Adding Machine follows Mr. Zero through the worst day of his life as he confronts being replaced by new technology. The updated plot sticks to its roots, and we find all the conflicts of the roaring twenties are the same ones we face almost a century later. Speakeasy's New England Premiere boasts a glorious cast, music that never fails to advance the plot, and a surprising amount of spectacle.
Red by John Logan
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-03-14
The London hit Red by John Logan, starring Alfred Molina as Mark Rothko, and Eddie Redmayne as his assistant Ken originated at the tiny Donmar Warehouse. It has been restaged at the Golden Theatre. It is one of the best new plays on Broadway this season.
Shaw's Candida at Irish Repertory Theatre
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-03-11
The Irish Repertory Theatre in New York has mounted a charming and faithful production of Candida by George Bernard Shaw. For modern taste this version of The Good Wife is perhaps a bit too straight and chaste. Candida bends but never breaks to the romantic assault of the smitten poet Edward. She stands by her man in this case the prigish Reverend James Morell. This is a delightful production of what may indeed be a dated period piece. It is on view through April 18.
Clever Becky Shaw at Huntington Theatre Co.
By: Mark Favermann - 2010-03-10
Gina Gionfriddo is a playwright to watch. Her Becky Shaw at the Huntington Theatre Company is clever, sassy, funny and full of sizzle. Each of her characters is a complex layered individual who interact sometimes like oil and water, but have an affection, even a love for each other that is very hard to dissect and equally hard to define. This is a play about contemporary folkways and mores with humor. These personal exchanges, histories and connections are often uncomfortable to watch and perhaps even more uncomfortable to think about. However, laughter heals all.
Williamstown Theatre Festival 2010
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-03-08
In announcing highlights of the 2010 season the departing artistic director, Nicholas Martin, states that "For my final summer at the theatre I love, I want to produce a series of the kinds of plays I love the most: American classics and new American plays." The season starts with Sondheim's "A Funny Thuing Happened on the Way to the Forum." It is the kind of music that was missing last year. Martin will direct and all star cast of Dylan Baker, Beck Ann Baker and Campbell Scott in the chestnut "Our Town." There will be new works for the Nikos Stage including a one woman play by Judy Gold.
Venus in Fur by David Ives to March 28
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-03-08
An Off Broadway Star is Born in the breakout performance by the magnificently kinky and versatile Nina Ariadna. This is a wonderfully witty play by David Ives. It has been given razor sharp direction by Walter Bobbie. Wes Bentley is rightly sniveling as the playwright that Vonda walks all over with spike heels. It hurts so good at NY's Classic Stage Company.
God of Carnage: New Cast
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-03-07
The 2009 Tony Award winning Best Play, by Yasmina Reza has gone through yet another cast change. Jeff Daniels returns in the role for which he was nominated for a Tony. Lucy Liu adds star power to the Marquee. Yet again Dylan Baker demonstrates why he is the best actor you never heard of. Oscar nominee Janet McTeer completes the quartet of embattled parents in the most amusing and entertaining play now on Broadway.
Paradise Lost At American Repertory Theatre
By: Mark Favermann - 2010-03-04
It is the 1930s and the Great Depression is raging, the Gordon family of five is struggling to keep afloat. Bad things happen. Characters representing aspects of the social/political society in turmoil are unable to alter events for the better. An urban setting is the place and the time is vague. Is it the 30s or sort of our present? Does it matter? Though the acting is very good, Clifford Odets' story is a bit dated and the play is not really in focus. Nothing much good happens. "Lost" may be the best description for this drama.
Laurie Andersons Delusion
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-02-27
Recently performance, multi media artist, Laurie Anderson, premiered Delusion which was comissioned for the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. She had partly developed the piece during a residence at Mass MoCA. She returned to the Berkshires for two solo performances at the '62 Center of Williams College.
Berkshire Theatre Festival 2010 Season
By: Ariel Petrova - 2010-02-26
Berkshire Theatre Festivals 2010 season features one world premiere, two musicals, and multiple classics from the theatrical canon. Critically-acclaimed directors David Auburn, Anders Cato, Kyle Fabel, Wes Grantom, Eric Hill, John Rando, and E. Gray Simons III will be charged with bringing this season of theatre that matters to life. Among the actors appearing this year in Stockbridge are Jayne Atkinson, David Chandler, Jeremy Davidson, Richard Easton, Michel Gill, and Randy Harrison.
Stick Fly Brilliant At Calderwood Pavilion
By: Mark Favermann - 2010-02-24
Continuing its 28th Season focusing upon American stories, the Huntington Theatre Company's production of Stick Fly by playwright Lydia Diamond is a brilliantly written, well-acted and elegantly staged production about an upper class African-American family. It showcases the complexity of this family with a smart, often moving and humorous portrait of contemporary life and mores. See this show now as it could easily move to Broadway.
Les Liaisons Dangereuses Torments
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-02-12
The sexual predators Madame la Marquise de Merteuil (Elizabeth Aspenlieder) and Le Vicomte de Valmont (Josh Aaron McCabe) are involved in Les Liaisons Dangereuses at Shakespeare & Company through March 21. While all is fair in love and war this drama deftly conflates those extremes.
Becky Shaw at Huntington Theatre
By: Bob Fowler - 2010-02-12
The 2009 Off Broadway hit Becky Shaw by Gina Gionfriddo was a Pulitzer Prize Finalist. Artistic director Peter DuBois brings it to Boston's Huntington Thatre from March 5 through April 4. It was named to Best of 2009 lists by the NY Times and other publications. It is a wickedly funny black comedy about a group of 30 somethings.
The Brother - Sister Plays at Steppenwolf
By: Susan Hall - 2010-02-09
Steppenwolf, one of America's great ensemble theaters, welcomes a triple-header by Tarell Alvin McCraney. All three plays are directed by ensemble member Tina Landau.
WTF and The Clark Present ART
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-02-06
In the dead of winter The Clark Art Institute collaborated with its neighbor The Williamstown Theatre Festival with a reading of the hilarious Yasmina Reza play ART. This summer, when the Clark mounts Picasso Looks at Degas, they will again join forces with a reading of Steve Martin's comedy Picasso at the Lapin Agile.
Legacy of Light at Boston's Lyric Stage
By: Bob Fowler - 2010-02-05
The Lyric Stage Company of Boston announces the fifth production of the 2009- 2010 Season: Karen Zacarias intriguing new story of love, family and scientific discovery, Legacy of Light Directed by Lois Roach, the play runs February 12 through March 13, 2010.
Tina Packer Stars in Women of Will
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-02-03
By now the cat is pretty much out of the bag. It is anticipated that Tina Packer, founding director of Shakespeare & Company, will launch the season with "Women of Will." The collage of women's roles in Shakespeare has absorbed her for 15 years. There will be a sneak preview of the work in progress on February 28.
Colonial Theater's February Heart Throbs
By: Bob Fowler - 2010-02-02
Be still dear heart. February is for lovers and the Colonial Theater in Pittsfield is offering that romantic mood. Highlights include a touring production of Romeo and Juliet as well as an Elvis Valentine's Bash.
O'Neill and Beckett by Brian Dennehy
By: Susan Hall - 2010-02-01
The superb actor Brian Dennehy suggested that Hughie and Krapp's Last Tape be performed together, and this was a brilliant choice. The run has been extended to February 23.
Shakespeare & Company Back on Track
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-01-16
Last year, for the first time, Shakespeare & Company mounted a winter production. The one woman show "Bad Dates" was a hit for Elizabeth Aspenlieder which won her Boston's Norton Award when she the took the show to Lowell. She is now in rehearsal, directed by Tina Packer, as the lead in "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" which opens January 29 and runs through March 21. We dropped by for a rehearsal and to catch up on S&Co.'s ongoing efforts to pay down a $10 million debt.
Wonderful All My Sons at Huntington Theatre
By: Mark Favermann - 2010-01-15
It was just after WWII (1947) that Arthur Miller's All My Sons was presented on Broadway and established him as one of America's greatest playwrights. The Huntington Theatre Company's production of this play is about as good as drama gets. The acting, direction and production values are superb. This is a brilliant theatrical treat that deals with morality, family and patriotism.
Edge Performed at Gallery 51 January 27
By: Bob Fowler - 2010-01-13
Edge, Method Machines production of a play about Sylvia Plath, Wednesday, January 27, at 7:30 p.m. at Massachusetts
College of Liberal Arts Gallery 51 at 51 Main Street, North Adams. Under the direction of David Henderson, Edge features Marcy J. Savastano in the role of Sylvia Plath, the poet and author most famous for the novel The Bell Jar.
Yazmina Reza's Art at the Clark Art Institute
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-01-12
The Clark and the Williamstown Theatre Festival present a
staged reading of Yasmina Reza's international hit Art February 5 at 7 pm at the
Clark. Hailed as "a remarkably wise, witty and intelligent comedy" by The London Times, Art is sure to tickle your funny bone and brain. Reservations are required for this free event.
Mamet's American Buffalo at the Steppenwolf
By: Susan Hall - 2009-12-29
While Mamet's first Chicago home was the Goodman Theater, Steppenwolf has stepped up with a wonderful new production of American Buffalo. It continues in the Windy City through February 7.
Holiday on Broadway
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-12-21
During the prime time Holiday season the top Broadway shows appear to be recession proof. Expect to pay up to $351 for a choice seat to "Billy Elliot." But the budget conscious will find good deals at the TKTS booth in Times Square.
Shakespeare & Company Releases Main Stage Schedule
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-12-20
Obie winner John Douglas Thompson will return this summer to star as "Richard III" at Shakespeare & Company. Tina Packer will direct "The Taster" a new play by Joan Ackerman. And Elizabeth Aspenlieder will star in "A Winter's Tale."
Barrington Stage Company Announces Season
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-12-19
The Barrington Stage Company season will start on May 27 with a Stage 2 production of "The Whipping Man" and run through December with "A Christmas Story." Not for the squeamish that arch villain "Sweeney Todd" will be serving up gory meat pies to the delight of one and all starting June 17.
Barrington Stage Receives Grant
By: Ariel Petrova - 2009-12-15
The hot stove is glowing in the off season. This week Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield will announce its schedule which opens with the musical Sweeney Todd. We will learn other details. Artistic director Julianne Boyd is also announcing a $25,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Cindy Bella at Shakespeare & Company
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-12-12
Hilarious Holiday fun for the whole family prevails at Shakespeare & Company with an evening of farce in a concoction Cindy Bell more or less based on the classic fairy tale Cinderella. They are playing it over the top just for laughs. Lots of them.
Arlo Guthrie Benefit Earns $23,000
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-12-10
There were 339 paid admissions in the not quite full 406 seat Founders Theater for the recent Arlo Guthrie benefit staged by Shakespeare & Company. The evening brought in $23,000 for the Lenox based company facing a debt of $10 million.
Nicholas Martin to Resign after 2010 Season
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-12-08
While last season was financially challenged and less successful than his first one as artistic director, Nicholas Martin was widely applauded for restoring stability and artistic integrity to the historic Williamstown Theatre Festival. Martin, now 71, has announced that he will step down after the coming 2010 season.
American Repertory Theater's Gatz
By: Ariel Petrova - 2009-12-08
Imagine the Great Gatsby deconstructed as Gatz by Elevator Repair Service. This itchy glitchy production will be directed by John Collins opening at American Repertory Theater in Cambridge runs through February 7.
All My Sons at Huntington Theatre Company
By: Ariel Petrova - 2009-12-08
David Esbjornson was Arthur Millers director of choice late in life, staging the premieres of his last two plays. He will bring Miller's classic "All My Sons" to the Huntington Theatre Company in Boston through February 7.
David Mamet Plays the Race Card
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-12-07
David Mamet is widely regarded as the foremost contemporary American playwright. He is known for taking on tough issues with expletive laced frankness. This time he has focused on the hot button of Race which has opened at Broadway's Ethel Barrymore Theater starring perennial TV attorney James Spader. It has evoked mostly mixed reviews.
High Holidays by Alan Gross Chicago's Goodman Theater
By: Susan Hall - 2009-11-30
Award-winning poet and playwright Alan Gross returns to Chicago and the legitimate theater. The Goodman Theater presented the world premiere of "High Holiday," brilliantly directed by Steven Robman.
Huntington Theatre Holiday Special Offer
By: Bob Fowler - 2009-11-24
In the spirit of gift giving the Huntington Theatre Company in Boston will conduct a one day sale on Thursday, December 10. Selected performances are being offered at just $25.
Barrington Stage to Open Season with Sweeney Todd
By: Ariel Petrova - 2009-11-22
Julianne Boyd, the artistic director of Barrington Stage in Pittsfield likes to start the season with a popular musical. For the third time, marking his 80th birthday, Boyd will direct a Stephen Sondheim production, this time, the ghoulishly delicious Sweeney Todd. It will run from June 17 through July 17 to the delight of one and all.
A Civil War Christmas at The Huntington
By: Mark Favermann - 2009-11-22
Set at Christmas in and around Washington, D.C. in 1864, A Civil War Christmas at the Huntington Theatre Company portrays a number of poignant stories of various individuals including the Lincolns, soldiers on both sides of the conflict and runaway slaves. The narrative is told in a lovely tapestry of song as well as often with poetic words. The voices and acting are superb. Created by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Paula Vogel, it is a tough and humanly complex story to tell well and stylishly.
Fela! Nominated for 11 Tony Awards
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-11-18
The Nigerian musician and political activist,Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, who created the genre of Afro Pop, died of AIDS at 59 in 1997. He had been arrested and tortured some 200 times. His mother, a feminist, was thrown from a window during the destruction of Fela's compound and nightclub. Bill T. Jones has brought the music and dance to Broadway in what is sure to be an award winning hit. And yet.
Cindy Bella Slips into Shakespeare & Company
By: Ariel Petrova - 2009-11-18
In a limited run, December 10 through 20, Shakespeare & Company presents family entertainment. The production of Cindy Bella is based on the traditional fairy tale of Cinderella. Irina Brook directs this production created and adapted by Brook and Anna Brownstead.
American Repertory Theater Holiday Shows
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-11-13
The American Repertory Theatre will present Best of Both Worlds. written by Randy Weiner, music by Diedre Murray, and directed by A.R.T. Artistic Director Diane Paulus. Bursting with the sounds of R&B and gospel, Best of Both Worlds is a soulful re-envisioning of The Winter's Tale, Shakespeare's timeless story of heartbreak and redemption. Clap your hands, jump out of your seat, and feel the power of love with this holiday treat for all ages. It runs from November 21 through January 3.
John Douglas Thompson Riveting in The Emperor Jones
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-11-06
John Douglas Thompson is familiar to Berkshire audience for his sensational performances in Othello and the Dreamer Examines His Pillow this past season at Shakespeare & Company. His portrayal of The Emperor Jones has been met with rave reviews and sold out shows at New York's Irish Repertory Theater. The hit show has moved to the larger Soho Playhouse through January 31.
Sondheim's Sweeney Todd at Cohoes Music Hall, NY
By: Larry Murray - 2009-10-18
Sweeney Todd is a great example of an urban legend of a serial killer that first became a penny dreadful serial, then a Broadway musical and finally a movie. He and his partner, Mrs. Lovett built quite a business harvesting wealthy customers as meat for her tasty pies.
Barrington Stage Company Presents Laramie Project: An Epilogue
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-10-14
On the occasion of the anniversary of the death of Matthew Shepard, six days after being assaulted by Aaron James McKinney and Russel Arthur Henderson, there were 120 productions all across America of "The Laramie Project Ten Years Later: An Epilogue." The Barrington Stage production occured during the first "Out in the Berkshires" three day Holiday weekend. It included an all star cast of actors and community leaders.
The Fantasticks at Barrington Stage Company
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-10-12
Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt opened their musical "The Fantasticks" in 1960. It closed in 2002 and has had more than 20,000 global productions since then. Jones dropped by after a matinee to discuss the longest running musical with Barrington's artistic director, Julianne Boyd. The Pittsfield production may be the shortest running ever of the beloved musical.
Williamstown Theatre Festival Appoints New General Manager
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-10-10
With a combination of budget cuts, a reduced schedule and mixed reviews the second season for Williamstown Theatre Festival artistic director, Nicholas Martin, proved to be challenging. In 2010 Martin will work with a new general manager Joe Finnegan. This appointment has been announced by WTF.
Something Old, Something New: The Fantasticks at Barrington Stage
By: Larry Murray - 2009-10-07
As the musical The Fantasticks gets ready for its Berkshire run, we catch up with its director, Andrew Volkoff for a peek behind the scenes.
Mixed Company Theater Takes Wing with Five Flights
By: Larry Murray - 2009-10-04
Mixed Company is a superb example of this region's diverse local theater scene. The plays they tackle might not be easy, but they are worthwhile, and the acting is great. "FIve Flights" has its ups and downs, but lands ok in the end.
Whos Really Afraid of Virginia Woolf at Bostons Publick Theatre?
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-09-30
Mid way through rehearsals for a production of "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" at Boston's Publick Theatre it appeared that Edward Albee would not allow the play to be staged. After more than a week of chaos Tina Packer, who plays Martha, told us that the show will open as scheduled. Her performance promises to be the highlight of Boston's theatre season.
Donkey Show Dances at American Repertory Theatre at Zero Arrow Street, Cambridge, MA
By: Mark Favermann - 2009-09-30
A.R.T.'s The Donkey Show is not your mother's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Instead, it is sex, drugs and rock and roll to a 70's disco beat. This show is Artistic Director Diane Paulus' first American Rep production. Fairies and actors in disguise, swirling mirror lights, relationship problems, skating diva Puck and a donkey all add to the entertainment.The crowd is going wild. Let's dance, let's dance. It may be addictive.
Fences At Huntington Theatre Company Smashes It Out of the Ballpark
By: Mark Favermann - 2009-09-30
Playwright August Wilson chronicled the African-American experience in the 20th Century by setting a play in each decade. These very American stories display and dissect the humanity of what it meant to be Black in a prejudiced predominant white society. The 6th in the cycle, Fences is triumphantly brilliant at the Huntington Theatre Company.
Hound of the Baskervilles a Howling Success at Shakespeare & Company
By: Larry Murray and Caleb Hiliadis - 2009-09-28
With Tina Packer out of town, director Tony Simotes has the Shakespeare encampment in Lenox pretty much to himself. After a summer of managerial worries, he is back to directing, having taken several serious Shakespearean actors off the leash. For the next five weeks they will make total fools of themselves in front of hysterical and appreciative audiences in their reworking of a Sherlock Holmes classic.
Barrington Stage Joins 120 Theatres for The Laramie Project
By: Larry Murray - 2009-09-25
Barrington Stage Company is but one of 120 theaters in all 50 states and 7 countries who will create an original Epilogue to Tectonic Theater Project's The Laramie Project. Many Berkshire residents have been working for weeks with the company's actors to make this a memorable and searing theatrical event.
Madcap Hound of the Baskervilles Due at Shakespeare & Company
By: Larry Murray - 2009-09-18
Here's an advance peek at the wild and wooly romp that takes one of the most popular Sherlock Holmes tales and ruins itumm, we mean, turns it inside outstuffing it with endless laughs as it barrels forward at a breakneck pace, all the while daring the audience to hold on tight with both hands.
Red Barber and Baseball at the Berkshire Theatre Festival
By: Larry Murray - 2009-09-13
Red Barber was a simple man whose time in the spotlight never overshadowed the love he had for his wife, for baseball and even opera.
Freud's Last Session Extended Yet Again in Pittsfield
By: Larry Murray - 2009-09-11
Freud's Last Session has proved to be a popular and entertaining play that sheds light on the eternally debatable subjects of God, war and love. It discusses these issues with passion, insight and the sort of respect for differing ideas that is refreshing and uplifting. No wonder this fabulous treatment of controversial ideas has been extended yet again, to October 4.
Divas Return to Shakespeare & Company
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-09-02
Easing into the Shoulder Season in the Berkshires, for a limited run, Shakespeare & Company is presenting an encore of two of the three, one woman plays in its Diva Series. Tina packer returns as "Shirley Valentine" and Annette Miller performs "Golda's Balcony." Limited tickets are selling fast.
White People at Shakespeare & Company
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-08-26
"White People" by J.T. Rogers is the last of three plays in the series "Life Laid Bare" at Shakespeare & Company. It pales by comparison to the all black cast in John Patrick Shanley's "The Dreamer Examines His Pillow."
Sick: Disturbing Comedy at Berkshire Theatre Festival
By: Larry Murray - 2009-08-23
"Sick" takes us along when a college professor brings his star student into his dysfunctional home. There we discover a suffocating mother who has created an antiseptic prison for her children. Alternately funny and mystifying, the play asks us which is more threatening, the outside world and its dangerous contaminants or an artificial sterile world in which nothing is allowed to live?
Randy Harrison in Ibsens Ghosts
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-08-17
With Ibsen's "Ghosts" the Berkshire Theatre Festival has staged one of the finest productions of the Berkshire season. Director Anders Cato worked with dramaturg James Leverett to provide a fluid and insightful translation and adaptation. Last year Cato directed Randy Harrison in "Waiting for Godot." They are together again for Harrison's 5th BTF season. Mia Dillon as Helene Alving anchors a spectacular cast.
Quartermaines Terms at Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-08-14
In the "staff room" of the Cull-Loomis School of English for Foreigners in Cambridge, England seven teachers interact in lives of repressed desperation. The 1983 play focuses on events set in the 1960s. This is a time capsule and comedy of manners starring Tony Award winner Jefferson Mays.
John Patrick Shanleys The Dreamer Examines His Pillow
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-08-12
John Patrick Shanley has won Pulitzer, Tony, and Academy Awards. He was 35 when he wrote his fourth play "The Dreamer Examines His Pillow" in 1985. A superb production is on stage at Shakespeare & Company through September 6. It features John Douglas Thompson whose Othello has intrigued S&Co. audiences for the past two seasons. He is joined by the brilliant young actors Miriam Hyman and Bowman Wright. It is one of the finest plays of the Berkshire season.
Thrilling Camelot at the Goodspeed in East Haddam, Connecticut
By: Larry Murray - 2009-08-12
People are enamored by the "brief shining moment" of this Camelot revival, and its tale of chivalry, honor and brotherhood. This classic musical still speaks to our time and for all times. In the brilliant production at the Goodspeed Opera House in Connecticut, the classic story comes to life again, a joy to welcome back.
Streetcar Named Desire at Barrington Stage Company
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-08-10
Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield has been red hot this summer with a string of boffo hits. The summer season winds down with the 1947 Tennessee Williams classic, one of the great American plays of the 20th Century "Street Car Named Desire." Marin Mazzie is stunning as the delusional Blanche DuBois.
Caroline in Jersey at Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-08-07
The world premiere of "Caroline in Jersey" by Melinda Lopez needs a bit of fine tuning but is destined to cross the river and have a nice run in Manhattan. Lea Thompson, yes That Caroline, anchors a super cast that includes Will LeBow, Brenda Wehle and Matt McGrath.
El Grito del Bronx at the Goodman Theater, Chicago
By: Susan Hall - 2009-08-04
At the Goodman Theater in Chicago the annual celebration of Latino plays is underway. The world premiere of "El Frito del Bronx" by Migdalia Cruz was presented with a money back guarantee.
Donald Freed's Devil's Advocate at Shakespeare & Company
By: Larry Murray - 2009-08-03
The team at Shakespeare & Company kicked off their "Life Laid Bare" series of provocative new works with the American premiere of Donald Freed's award winning play Devil's Advocate. The first play of any game is very telling. It's fun to see the players on stage throwing the political footballs around, even if we know the outcome of the game even before entering the theatre.
George Kelly's Torch-Bearers at Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliani - 2009-08-01
During the Monsoon of 2009 we all need a few laughs. Actor/ director Dylan Baker and a superb cast provide a hilarious revival of the 1922 George Kelly comedy about the pratfalls and pretentions of community theatre in "The Torch-Bearers.
Dylan Baker at Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-07-29
The actor and director Dylan Baker has a history with the Williamstown Theatre Festival that started in 1983. He returns this season with an adaptation of the 1922 comedy by George Kelly "The Torch Bearers." It was a hit Off Broadway when Baker directed an earlier production. He talked about a life in theatre when not "working at a car wash."
Captivating Prisoner of Second Avenue at Berkshire Theatre Festival
By: Larry Murray - 2009-07-26
It seems impossible, but this play is even funnier today than it was in 1971 when it opened on Broadway. Those of us who were alive to see the birth of the Age of Aquarius sure were a neurotic bunch. Neil Simon turns that age of anxiety into a comedic gold mine.
What Is the Cause of Thunder at Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-07-24
Noah Haidle was inspired by a line from King Lear to write a spoof of soap operas "What Is the Cause of Thunder?" The play is having its world premiere at the Williamstown Theatre Festival starring Betty Gilpin and Wendie Malick directed by Justin Waldman.
Sleuth At Barrington Stage Company
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-07-20
Barrington Stage Company racks up another hit in its strong 15th season, with the chestnut "Sleuth." a 1970 play by Anthony Shaffer which won a Tony Award as Best Play during its 1,222 performances on Broadway. Charles Shaughnessy and Jeremy Bobb are perfectly matched in a deadly game.
Measure for Measure at Shakespeare & Company
By: Larry Murray - 2009-07-19
Come for lunch, stay for tea. Measure for Measure is brilliantly played by the Apprentice Company as part of the Lunchtime Theatre, and more than a snack, it is the main course.
True West at Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-07-17
If David Mamet is East then Sam Shepard is a paradigm of the West. Together they define the bookends of contemporary American theatre. The Williamstown Theatre Festival has mounted a galvanic production of Shepard's "True West" and its Biblical tale of sibling rivalry.
2009 Berkshire Fringe Festival
By: Larry Murray - 2009-07-15
Looking for live performances that use biting satire, dripping irony and hot button issues to entertain? You've got a new BFF in the Berkshire Fringe Festival. Each summer a host of new writers, artists and ideas takes over the Daniels Center of Bard College at Simon's Rock for just three weeks.
A Madcap Candide at Berkshire Theatre Festival
By: Larry Murray - 2009-07-14
Director Ralph Petillo has blended three major benchmark productions of Candide into a brand new concoction that delights and surprises. A youthful cast whips it up with incredible energy and musicality, using every inch of the Unicorn Theatre in the process.
Knickerbocker by Jonathan Marc Sherman
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-07-10
Knickerbocker, by Jonathan Marc Sherman, directed by Nicholas Martin, is the first of three world premieres this season on the Nikos Stage of the Willianstown Theatre Festival. It stars Reg Rogers as a fortysomething adolescent being forced to grow up and face the reality of the birth of a son. He agonizes in a series of dialogues conducted in the booth of a Manhattan bistro.
The Einstein Project Opens at the Berkshire Theatre Festival
By: Larry Murray - 2009-07-05
A fast moving journey into the life of a theorist who came as close to understanding the physical world and the mind of God as anyone. Albert Einstein was larger than life, but even this genius had troubles relating to his wife and children.
Children by A.R. Gurney Opens Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-07-03
Williams alumnus A.R. Gurney is back for his 9th season at the Williamstown Theatre Festival with a WASPY play "Children" suggested by a John Cheever story. This production begs the question Was John Cheever (1912-1982) the "Chekhov of the Suburbs." Serendipitously this play set in the Fourth of July launches the WTF season on the Fourth. What fun.
Berkshire Theatre News - July 2009
By: Larry Murray - 2009-07-01
In recent years the Berkshires has emerged as a major theatre community. With four professional companies and eight stages it's becoming a force in American theatre. And behind the scenes there is another show going on as well. Read all about it.
A Revolutionary Hamlet Returns to Shakespeare & Company
By: Larry Murray - 2009-06-28
The intensity of this production is so overwhelming it's hard to believe that it's been trimmed by an hour for modern audiences. Despite the simple setting and smaller cast Shakespeare & Company's Hamlet has more heart and guts than most. If you didn't see this groundbreaking Hamlet last time 'round it's time to get thee to Lenox.
Carousel Spins into Pittsfield
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-06-22
The Main Stage season for Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield always starts with a musical. Artistic director, Julianne Boyd, has produced a winner in the old chestnut and certain hit the 1945 "Carousel" by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Be still dear heart.
Not So Random Thoughts about Harold Pinter
By: Astrid Hiemer - 2009-06-21
Harold Pinter's - "Pinter's Mirror" is presented with riveting performances by Shakespear & Company in Lenox, Massachusetts. It is one play in two acts and three unique pieces: A Slight Ache - Family Voices - and Victoria Station.
Broadway by the Year at Berkshire Theatre Festival
By: Larry Murray - 2009-06-21
We all know that Broadway shows of the past reflected the times in which they were created, but were often wrong about the direction of things. In 1930 the songs were still upbeat and in 1964 they were still had happy endings. Turns out Stephen Sondheim was way ahead of his time.
Pinters Mirror at Shakespeare & Company
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-06-20
The nonsensical patter between Edward and Flora in Pinter's "A Slight Ache" recalls the tramps, Vladimir and Estragon, arguing over carrots and turnips in Beckett's "Waiting for Godot." Here the futile, absurdist desperation is acted out in a seemingly bucolic but actually barren and desperate English cottage garden, over tea, during the gorgeous longest day of the year. Not. How Pinteresque.
Theatre Returns to The Mount
By: Ariel Petrova - 2009-06-19
Until its move to the Lenox campus Shakespeare & Company for many years presented its productions at the historic home of writer Edith Wharton The Mount in Lenox. From August 20-23 The Wharton Salon in partnership with The Mount will stage her comedy Xingu adapted from a short story by Dennis Krausnick.
An Older and Wiser Hamlet Returns to Shakespeare & Company
By: Larry Murray - 2009-06-19
Shakespeare's great play Hamlet is one anyone can understand and learn from. Even Presidents and Kings. This immensely popular version of the classic play began in Lenox, traveled the country, and returns for a Summer long run.
Golda's Balcony with Annette Miller
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-06-18
William Gibson's "The Miracle Worker" won a Tony Award for Best Play in 1959. But Gibson's "Golda" folded after a few performances in 1977. It was reworked as a one woman play "Golda's Balcony" with a premiere at Shakespeare & Company in 2002. Annette Miller won the Norton Award for that performance. She is back in Lenox, with original director, Daniel Gidron, as one third of the sensational Diva Series at S&Co.
Freud's Last Session at Barrington Stage Company
By: Larry Murray - 2009-06-15
In a classic meeting of the minds, two titans of the Twentieth Century, Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis debate timeless issues that still resonate today.
Colonial Cabaret Opens With Mandy Patinkin
By: Larry Murray - 2009-06-14
In a great addition to the Summer's offerings, a rewarding evening with singer-actor Mandy Patinkin paves the way for monthly cabaret performances at the Colonial.
Penelope Kreitzer in The Actors Rehearse the Story of Charlotte Salomon
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-06-11
Before Charlotte Salomon (1917-1943)and her husband were murdered at Aushwitz, in the South of France, where she had fled from Germany she created 769 works on paper comprising a picture play "Life? or Theatre? A play with music." Attempts to mount the play in Israel resulted in the disaster and conflict that is conveyed in the one woman performance of "The Actors Rehearse the Story of Charlotte Salomon" stunningly performed by Penelope Kreitzer.
The Producers a Smash Hit at Pittsfield's Colonial Theatre
By: Larry Murray - 2009-06-05
Last night the near-sellout audience in the Colonial howled with laughter and gasped with delight as scene after scene of merry mayhem unfolded. As the company of The Producers took their first bows in the Berkshires, the audience stood and literally cheered this modest but clever company from Cohoes, New York. It was a moment, and a show, to remember.
Tina Packer Is Shirley Valentine
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-05-28
Tina Packer, the founder of Shakespeare & Company, drew on memories of her mother and aunt to develop her signature role as "Shirley Valentine" the mad Liverpool housewife who tosses the apron for a fling on a Greek island. The stunning one woman performance launches the Diva Series in Lenox.
Enchanting Pirates At Huntington Theatre Co.
By: Mark Favermann - 2009-05-25
Pirates are always an interesting subject. Lately, the romance has been taken away by the threatening, even deadly Somali pirates on the waterways off the Horn of Africa. But a revival of positive pirate interest may evolve from the wonderful Pirates! at the Huntington Theatre Company. It is a compellingly entertaining late Spring entertainment.
Romeo and Juliet Launches Shakespeare & Companys 32nd Season
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-05-24
"Romeo oh Romeo wherefore art though Romeo?" Well, at Shakespeare & Company, actually, to start a busy season of 18 productions in Lenox, Mass. This version of Romeo and Juliet has been on the road since January with more than 70 performances by a group of seven talented young actors in 14 different roles.
Intense Faith Healer Opens Berkshire Theatre Festival
By: Larry Murray - 2009-05-24
The BTF season begins with this challenging play by Brian Friel exploring the shifting concept of truth in the modern world. Does he heal? How does it happen? Three characters tell their intertwined stories through four extended monologues. They do not appear on stage together until the final curtain call.
Second Sight: Grey Gardens at Lyric Stage
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-05-18
Big Edie Bouvier Beal was the aunt of Jackie Bouvier Kennedy Onassis. She lived for many years in a ramshackle 28 room mansion "Grey Gardens" with her daughter, Little Edie, Beal in East Hampton, Long Island. In 1975 the Maysles Brothers documented them living with cats, and rodents amid mountains of garbage. They were the subject of a recent HBO drama as well as the musical now running at the Lyric Stage Company of Boston.
David Mamets Romance at American Repertory Theatre
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-05-17
There is a long standing relationship between the American Repertory Theatre and arguably the greatest American playwright of his generation, David Mamet. While ART has seen world premieres of several of his plays it is currently staging a mini festival with "Romance" (2005) on its main stage, the Loeb Drama Center, and two successive Mamet productions for its smaller Zero Arrow Theatre.
Berkshire Theatre Professionals Receive Several Elliot Norton Awards
By: Larry Murray - 2009-05-13
As Berkshire Fine Arts has stretched to cover more Boston theatre, the Elliot Norton Awards have looked westward to honor several of the Berkshire's best.
A Spellbinding Grey Gardens Rises at Boston's Lyric Stage Company
By: Larry Murray - 2009-05-12
Lyric Stage Company is in top form with the New England Premiere of this Tony award musical about the famously dysfunctional branch of the Kennedy dynastythe Bouvier-Bealeswho were being hounded by county health officials threatening to evict them from their cottage in the Hamptons, Grey Gardens.
Mandy Patinkin at the Colonial Theatre June 13
By: Bob Fowler - 2009-05-07
Tony and Emmy Award-winner Mandy Patinkin has an extensive list of theatre credits that include Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional theater. He won a Tony Award for his 1980 Broadway debut as Che in Andrew Lloyd Webbers Evita and was again nominated in 1984 for his starring role in the Pulitzer Prize winning musical Sunday in the Park With George. He returned to Broadway in the Tony Award-winning musical The Secret Garden (1991). He will perform in Pittsfield for a one nighter at the Colonial Theatre on June 13.
Dickey Betts and the Producers Slated for the Colonial Theatre
By: Bob Fowler - 2009-05-06
For a night of country cookin with a bluesy twang check out Dickey Betts in a one nighter at the Colonial Theatre on May 20. They'll be goose stepping down the aisle from June 4 through 8 when The Producers hits the boards in Pittsfield.
Jerry Springer: The Opera at Boston's Speakeasy Stage Company
By: Larry Murray - 2009-05-06
Like "Porgy and Bess" and "Tommy" before it, this musical parody uses the high art form of operatic theatre, but is down to earth in content. This spunky New England Premiere by the SpeakEasy Stage Company is a jaw dropper, and that is why audiences are flocking to see it.
David Mamets Romance at American Repertory Theatre
By: Ariel Petrova - 2009-04-24
There is a long and rich association between the playwright, David Mamet, and the American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge, Mass. The A.R.T. season winds down from May 9 through June 7 with a production of "Romance." Arguably they have been saving the best for last.
Spring Awakening Blossoms at Boston's Zeitgeist Stage
By: Larry Murray - 2009-04-20
"Spring Awakening: The Play" has arrived in Boston before the musical version. It is given an authentic and daring production for perhaps the first time in its 100 year history by the feisty Zeitgeist Stage Company. In a bold move, director David Miller decided on a cast that would be the same age as the 14 year old characters. Did this casting twist work theatrically?
Last Chance to See Stephen Karam's Speech & Debate
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-04-14
For an opportunity to see the new generation of theatre at its best check out "Speech & Deliver" which is having its premiere at Lyric Stage in Boston. The very young Stephen Karam has written an awesomely hilarious play.
Huntington Theatre Company 2009-2010 Season
By: Ariel Petrova - 2009-04-07
The late August Wilson, a winner of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award premiered a number of his plays at the Huntington Theatre Company in Boston. The 2009-2010 Huntington season will highlight a production of his acclaimed "Fences."
Two Spring Awakenings in Boston This Month
By: Larry Murray - 2009-04-04
A hundred years have passed since Frank Wedekind wrote the most censored play in history. To this day Boston has never seen it performed as originally written. Now two Spring Awakenings will open within 12 days of each other, the uncut original play, and the popular musical based on the play. David Miller who is directing the play at Zeitgeist Stage spills the beans in a candid interview .
Trojan Barbie at American Repertory Theatre
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-04-02
The Christine Evans play "Trojan Barbie" now in its world premiere at the Amerian Repertory Theatre in Cambridge is an update of the Euripides tragedy "Trojan Women." The ruthless conquering Greek army resembles American troops in Iraq. Somehow a British tourist on holiday, Lotte (Karen MacDonald), is caught up in the mess. It takes a village.
Dream-Like Sea of Birds Lands at Mass MoCA April 4th
By: Ariel Petrova - 2009-03-31
Innovative theater artist Sebastienne Mundheim recreates a childs fantasy world at the Hunter Center of Mass MoCA in North Adams, using striking, large kinetic paper sculpture, dancers, live musicians, and video projection in a rich mix of the arts. It is said that Sea of Birds is like "Pans Labyrinth", only on steroids and in person.
Boston Premiere of Speech & Debate at Lyric Stage
By: Larry Murray - 2009-03-30
Lyric Stage is best known for its inspired stagings of the classics, but it has an edgier side as well. Their take on Stephen Karam's 2006 Speech and Debate is a double edged sword. Like a teenager's face, the play is brilliantly fresh and appealing, but it also has a few blemishes.
Geoffrey Rush and Susan Sarandon in Exit the King
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-03-30
The "dream cast" of Oscar winners, Geoffrey Rush and Susan Sarandon in a revival of Eugene Ionesco's 1962 "Exit the King" was mostly a snore. We know that the 400-year-old King Berenger I is dying within minutes of the first act but the bathos is dragged out through a tortuous evening of Theatre of the Absurd. Indeed.
The Wrestling Patient: at SpeakEasy Stage Co.
By: Mark Favermann - 2009-03-30
In the last 60 years, Holocaust stories are familiar narratives about good and evil. The SpeakEasy Stage Company is having the World Premiere of a true story that has been little told about a distinctive Dutch Jewish writer Etty Hillesum during the last years of her life.
Footloose the Musical at the Colonial Theater
By: Nikolai Rudd - 2009-03-20
The touring company of "Footloose the Musical" appeared for two sold out performances at the Colonial Theater in Pittsfield. Our critic titubated down the aisle after a fabulous show.
Shakespeare & Company Faces Economic Storm Calmly, Creatively
By: Larry Murray - 2009-03-17
Shakespeare & Company is a $5.6 million dollar theatrical operation employing more than 200 people each year in the Berkshires. When the economy took its dip, the company and its Board got into action, readying the survival plans and donning the life preservers for the stormy economic seas in the months ahead.
Jane Fonda in 33 Variations
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-03-14
In 1991 Jane Fonda announced that she "retired" from acting. But she has appeared in a couple of movies since then. Her last appearance on Broadway was 1963 in "Strange Interlude." After a lapse of 46 years she returned this week to star in "33 Variations" by Moises Kaufman. As Dr. Katherine Brandt she is dying of Lou Gehrig's disease while researching why Beethoven created "33 Variations" on a seemingly trivial waltz by Anton Diabelli.
Two Men of Florence at Huntington Theatre Co.
By: Mark Favermann - 2009-03-13
Like some sort of metaphorical wrestling match, Richard Goodwin has dramatized the science versus religion controversy of Galileo and Pope Urban VIII as an ongoing dispute between the logic of science and the emotion of religion. However, Galileo is very emotional about his science, and this Pope feels very logical about his religion. The wrestling is a verbal torrent interestingly framed. Even though we side with one over the other intellectually, the problem is whether are not we are made to really care about who actually wins.
The Big Daddy of Boston's Resident Theatres, Spiro Veloudos
By: Larry Murray - 2009-03-07
Spiro Veloudos has been a fixture on the Boston theatre scene for more than thirty years, and is currently Producing Artistic Director of Lyric Stage. In a revealing conversation, he gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a Boston theatre company.
Shakespeare & Company 2009/ 2010 Season
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-03-04
For her final season as Artistic Director of Shakespeare & Company, Tina Packer has pulled out all the stops for a dense and intense 2009/ 2010 season. Mostly Packer aspired to fully book the first season of the new Evelyn P. Bernstein Theatre. Tony Simotes takes over day to day operation on June 1 and Packer informed the media that "I can't wait." She anticipates a new phase of her career as an actor, writer, teacher and director.
Blackbird Roosts at Boston's SpeakEasy Stage Company
By: Larry Murray - 2009-03-03
Fifteen years ago Ray and Una had a passionate love affair. She was twelve and he was an adult. He went to jail. She lost her innocence. David Harrower's "Blackbird" was first commissioned by the Edinburgh International Festival in 2005, played London's West End in 2007 and debuted later that year in a Manhattan Theatre Club production. It now receives its Boston premiere at the SpeakEasy Stage Company.
Elizabeth Aspenlieder: Save the Date
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-03-01
Shakespeare & Company took a chance that has really paid off by offering an extended production, January through March 8, of the Theresa Rebeck one woman play "Bad Dates" starring the brilliant actress Elizabeth Aspenlieder.
Beckett's Elusive Endgame at American Repertory Theatre
By: Mark Favermann - 2009-02-25
Samuel Beckett was one of the greatest playwrights of the 20th Century. His work is about ambiguity and the human condition. The current production of Endgame at the ART is both skillfully presented and intellectually embracing. The fabulous performances of the four ensemble cast members are among their best ever. This Post Modern play is simply magnificent.
Cat On A Hot Tin Roof At Lyric Stage
By: Mark Favermann - 2009-02-15
Tennesee Williams' Cat On A Hot Tin Roof inhabits a Mississippi Delta plantation world of hypocrisy, greed and mendacity. A disfunctional wealthy family celebrates the birthday of its patriarch in a destructive way. Maggie the Cat, Brick, and Big Daddy all portray a human firestorm caused by addiction to the bottle, desperation to conceive a child, and not so ambiguous feelings toward a late best friend.
Berkshire Theatre Festival Plans Enticing 2009 Season
By: Larry Murray - 2009-02-14
With eight productions and principal casting announced for the Summer 2009 Season, the Berkshire Theatre Fetival continues to deliver a satisfying banquet of comedy, drama and music under the steady leadership of Kate Maguire.
Williamstown Theatre Festival 2009
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-02-13
Given the poor economy, artistic director, Nicholas Martin, has reduced the number of Nikos Stage productions from five to three plays and shortened the seaon (July 1 through August 23) by two weeks. By making these cuts he has avoided any compromise of the quality of productions for one of the nation's most renowned theatre companies.
Randy Harrison e Stato Fortunato in Aspettando Godot
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-02-04
Our coverage of Randy Harrison in last summer's production of "Waiting for Godot" at Berkshire Theatre Festival has proved to be "sticky" on the web. Here we present the review translated into Italian.
Bread & Puppet Theater's Sourdough Philosophy
By: Mark Favermann - 2009-01-27
With its creative and politicized winds blowing from the far left, The Bread & Puppet Theater is literally a force of nature. Now celebrating its third year at the Boston Center for the Arts, the Vermont-based multiarts group is led by Peter Schumann with roots in the 1960's. It is still a magical, layered and thought-provoking visual, musical and theatrical experience. And there are the giant puppets and freshly baked bread as well.
Change of Command at Shakespeare & Company
By: Larry Murray - 2009-01-22
Tony Simotes co-founded Shakespeare & Company with Tina Packer and other dedicated artists in 1978. Packer has led the noted company for thirty years as Artistic Director, and now he will take the helm. Packer will continue to guide the company's long term growth, which includes building a reproduction of the Elizabethan-era Rose Theatre in Lenox.
Elizabeth Aspenlieder Sparkles in Bad Dates at Shakespeare & Company
By: Larry Murray - 2009-01-19
Not to be missed is this one-waman show showcasing the extraordiary talents of Elizabeth Aspenlieder. The rollicking comedy about dating is directed by Adrianne Krstansky and plays at Shakespeare & Company's Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre through March 8.
The Seagull Startling At American Rep
By: Mark Favermann - 2009-01-17
Not your expected Chekhov's usual fare, this version of The Seagull is quite contemporary and dreamlike. The American Repertory Theatre's edginess works in unexpected ways with a modern classic. This Seagull brilliantly flies its own unpredictable course.
Barrington Stage Company Plans Exciting 15th Anniversary
By: Larry Murray - 2009-01-16
Barrington's Main Stage will feature audience favorites Carousel, Streetcar Named Desire and Sleuth, while on Stage 2 Mark St. Germain's Freud's Last Session will receive its world premiere, followed by Glen Berger's off-Broadway hit, Underneath the Lintel. Bill Finn's Musical Theatre Lab will be back with two workshops, as will the Barrington Stage Company's Youth Theatre presenting Disney's High School Musical 2.
Charming The Corn Is Green at Huntington
By: Mark Favermann - 2009-01-15
The Corn is Green is a delightful play about hope and redemption. Set in a Welsh coal mining village, the narrative follows an eccentric spinster's journey of educating the children of the area in spite of community opposition and personality quirks. Her unsophisticated star pupil has the ability to gain a scholarship to Oxford, but fate and love raise their hands.
Bad Dates at Shakespeare & Company, Take Two
By: Larry Murray - 2009-01-11
Bad Dates by Theresa Rebeck examines the subject of relationships with humor and irony. Elizabeth Aspenlieder stars and Adrienne Krstansky directs. This second look examines the timeless themes underlying a bittersweet comedy.
Actor Paul Benedict Dead At 70
By: Mark Favermann - 2009-01-07
Paul Benedict was one of those actors that always brought a smile. He had a distinctive and unusual face and a strange British accent though he was born in New Mexico and raised in Massachusetts. He appeared often with distinction in theatre, film and television. Perhaps not a giant in the world of entertainment, he was certainly a super supporting star. Often he was cast as an eccentric, a looney or an oddball. He was an American original.
Elizabeth Aspenlieder to Star in Bad Dates
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-12-19
We dropped in on Elizabeth Aspenlieder and the director Adrianne Krstansky as they were rehearsing the one woman play "Bad Dates" by Theresa Rebeck. It runs through March 8 at Shakespeare & Company in Lenox. It's the first winter production in the new Evelyn P. Bernstein Theatre.
Berkshire Theatre Festival Announces Adventurous 2009 Season
By: Larry Murray - 2008-12-18
BTF promises a fast paced 2009 with Broadway show tunes, "Peter Pan" and "Candide." A world premiere of "Red Remembers," a play about baseball and Red Barber starring David Garrison. The regional premiere of the disturbing play Sicko, plus Neil Simon, Ibsen and Brian Friel.
Greetings from Nicholas Martin
By: Nicholas Martin - 2008-12-17
By every account, from a strong box office, the enthusiasm of the audience, and rave reviews from critics, the first season of Nicholas Martin as artistic director of the renowned Williamstown Theatre Festival was an unqualified success. The world, however, has changed, and not for the better, since we last heard from him at the end of the summer season. Here Martin updates us with some reassurances for the coming season that will not compromise on its remarkable artistic standards.
August: Osage County at the Music Box
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-12-14
The play by Tracy Lotts "August: Osage County" premiered with the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago in 2007. On Broadway it won the 2008 Tony Award as Best Drama as will as a Pulitzer Prize. In addition to New York the play is currently running in London and a US tour will start this summer.
Surrealism at American Repertory Theatre
By: Mark Favermann - 2008-12-11
A bit magical, a bit dance, even a bit dreamlike and a whole lot entertaining, Aurelia's Oratorio is a surprisingly beautiful holiday performance present from ART. Aurelia Thierree is a lissome limbed , gifted performer whose personality shines in sometimes spectacular ways performing an art that is part imagination and part athleticism.
Vermont's Weston Playhouse and Dorset Theatre Festival Summer Schedules
By: Larry Murray - 2008-12-09
As winter descends on New England, it is the perfect time to plan for the joys of Summer, 2009. Here a sneak preview of what is planned for the Weston Playhouse and Dorset Theatre Festival in Vermont.
Steve Cuiffo Is Lenny Bruce at Mass MoCA
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-12-07
By the time he overdosed on drugs in 1966 Lenny Bruce was broke and wasted. He was routinely busted for obsenity and few if any club owners would book him. Also on any given night you never knew which Lenny would show up, the hilarious stand up comic, or the sincere but not really funny crusader and social commentator. Cuiffo presented more of the latter than the former.
This Wonderful Life at Barrington Stage Company
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-12-06
With remarkable affection and daunting energy Tom Beckett, in a smash hit, one man show, compresses the 1946 Frank Carpa 130 minute film "It's a Wonderful Life" to just an hour and twenty minutes while portraying some 30 characters. During these hard times our spirits soar as Clarence the Angel earns his wings.
Rock n Roll at Huntington Theatre Company
By: Mark Favermann - 2008-11-13
This boffo hit has been extended to December 13. Beginning in August 1968 with Russian tanks rolling into Prague and flower children mellowing in Cambridge, England and ending in 1990 with the tanks rolling out of Prague and the Rolling Stones rocking and rolling, this is a sweeping panoramic drama spanning two very different countries, three interconnected generations, and 22 unstable years. The Huntington showcases Tom Stoppard brilliantly intertwining love, rock and roll and the fall of Communism.
Anne Galjour You Cant Get There From Here
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-11-11
This new one woman show "You Can't Get There From Here" presented at MCLA's Gallery 51 by Ann Galjour was commissioned by Dartmouth College as a part of its Class Divide initiative. Although Cajun born in Louisiana here Galjour evokes a number of individuals in rural, down and out New England.
David Mamets November
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-11-02
In David Mamet's play "November" having its hilarious New England premiere at Lyric Stage Company of Boston we view the desperate final days of the lame duck President Charles Smith played with ferocious zest by Richard Snee.
Wishful Drinking at Huntington Theatre Co.
By: Mark Favermann - 2008-10-31
From a teenage sexpot in Shampoo with Warren Beatty to a sexy Princess Leia in Star Wars with the intergalactic hairstyle of all time, Carrie Fisher was well on her way to becoming, if not a Tinseltown icon like her mother Debby Reynolds, a second generation Hollywood star. Somehow the hair-raising trauma of her dysfunctional family life, personal addictions and bipolar condition derailed her adult life. One of the results is this clever, witty and often brilliant telling of the highs and mostly lows of her unique life. She says it best, If my life wasnt funny, it would just be true, and thats unacceptable. Pop culture at its twisted best, laughing with Carrie Fisher is phenomenal.
Machinal by Sophie Treadwell at Williamstheatre
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-10-25
In 1927 Ruth Snyder was convicted of murdering her husband. A witness to the execution, Thomas Howard, published a front page image in the Daily News that caused a sensation. Based on this event Sophie Treadwell wrote the 1928 play "Machinal" which was a Broadway hit. It has been stunningly recreated by Williamstheatre.
The Communist Dracula Pageant World Premiere At American Repertory Theatre
By: Mark Favermann - 2008-10-24
Nicolae Ceausecu and Elena Ceausescu were Romanian tyrants who over time became more egregious in their actions and more charicatures of what they actually wanted to be. Playwright Anne Washburn creates a fantastic theatrical mix and throws in Vlad the Impaler to give the play a bit of red blooded myth along with political history.
Boleros For The Disenchanted at The Calderwood Theatre in Boston's South End
By: Mark Favermann - 2008-10-21
The Puerto Rican migration from the Caribbean island paradise to the gritty Bronx was a mass movement that effected hundreds of thousands of families. Jos Riviera's new play focuses upon one family's trials and testament.
To Kill a Mockingbird at Barrington Stage Company
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-10-16
Harper Lee's 1960 novel of coming to age in a racist town in the Deep South in the mid 1930s "To Kill a Mockingbird" won the Pulitzer Prize for literature. It has become a standard in class rooms. And an inspiration to the many students attending and writing reports on this stunning Barrington Stage Company production.
Yvonne Lattys In Conflict
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-09-30
The play "In Conflict" based on interviews by Yvonne Latty with Iraq veterans originated at Temple University. It won the Fringe First Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It is now running Off Broadway in repertory with "The Atheist" through Culture Project.
Kristin Scott Thomas in Chekhovs The Seagull
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-09-30
In London Kristin Scott Thomas won the Olivier Award as Best Actress for her performance of Arkadina in Chekhov's "The Seagull." Through December 21 the stunning Royal Court Theatre production is staged at New York's Walter Kerr Theatre.
Irina Brook Debuts Canterville Ghost at Shakespeare & Company
By: Larry Murray - 2008-09-29
Oscar Wilde's The Canterville Ghost (1897) has served as the foundation for at least six film and television adaptations (1944-1996), several ballets (2006 and others) and even an opera (1966). The classic Oscar Wilde story is wonderfully suited to the theater as well, having been presented on stage by theatre companies throughout the world. With such a rich creative history, why then did Shakespeare & Company decide to start over from scratch?
Let Me Down Easy At American Rep Theatre
By: Mark Favermann - 2008-09-28
One of the singular artists of our generation, Anna Deavere Smith brings insight, perception and intellect to the dramatization of the human condition in the 21st Century. Her latest performance piece Let Me Down Easy is both troubling and involving while equally enlightening and entertaining. It should not be missed.
Berkshire Theatre Summer 2008
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-09-17
Despite the challenges of rainy weather,gas at $4 a gallon, and a bad economy it was a superb season of theatre in the Berkshires. Nicholas Martin was the MVP for putting the venerable Williamstown Theatre Festival back on its feet.
The Berkshire Summer Theatre Season 2008
By: Larry Murray - 2008-09-17
Three dozen productions emerged from our four resident theatre companies this Summer making it the busiest Berkshire season in memory. Quality was surprisingly high given the hectic pace of productions. As Fall approaches, we offer you one person's opinion as to the best and the worst for 2008.
How Shakespeare Won the West World Premiere At The Huntington Theatre Company
By: Mark Favermann - 2008-09-13
A World Premiere by a Tony Award-winning playwright, Richard Nelson, at the highly professional Huntington Theatre Company is generally a formula for success. However, even with good performances and technical mastery, an unfocused, overly complicated, confusing narrative by playwright Richard Nelson needs serious editing and refining. Less would have certainly been more.
Cirque du Soleil's Kooza Arrives in Boston
By: Larry Murray - 2008-09-08
Cirque du Soleil delivers an unforgettable evening of outrageous clowning, astounding acrobats and colorful spectacle that is best described as "Theatrobatics!" Best of all, Kooza is the newest and funniest of their touring shows and even given the pricey tickets, worth every penny.
Eleanor: Her Secret Journey by Rhoda Lerman at Berkshire Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-08-28
The revisionist, feminist approach of Rhoda Lerman's play, based on her novel, "Eleanor: Her Secret Journey" presents the developing independence of the first lady, portrayed by Elizabeth Norment, upon learing of an affair with Lucy Mercer by her husband Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Noel Cowards Double Exposure
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-08-21
Currently there are two Noel Coward plays on view in the Berkshires. "Noel Coward in Two Keys" runs at the Berkshire Theatre Festival through August 30 while "Private Lives" continues through August 24. During 2007 there were Coward plays at Huntington Theatre and American Repertory Theatre as well as Williamstown Theatre Festival. Can you ever get enough of Noel Coward?
See Rock City & Other Destinations at Barrington Stage Company
By: Larry Murray - 2008-08-19
See Rock City at Barrington Stage Company is a musical about people and the choices they make, regardless of where in life they find themselves. It proves that no matter where you go, there you are.
Noel Coward in Two Keys at Berkshire Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-08-16
Originally the last works of Noel Coward,1966, were presented as three, one act plays with Vivian Matalon directing the playwright. When it moved to Broadway, as here with the Berkshire Theatre Festival, it was reduced to two plays.
Home by David Storey at Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-08-15
"Home" a 1970 British play by David Storey is less than home sweet home in an impeccable production directed by Joseph Hardy with a superb cast. But, decades before Seinfeld, this is sadly a play about nothing.
A Frothy Private Lives Sparkles at Barrington Stage Company
By: Larry Murray - 2008-08-11
Few plays have stood the test of time as well as Private Lives. Like a well made Hot Fudge Sundae, it brings back memories of happier times, when couples were young, scrappy and ever so truly, madly, deeply in love. Barrington Stage has freshened up this old chestnut, and it is funnier and more delightful than ever.
The Goatwoman of Corvis County at Shakespeare & Company
By: Larry Murray - 2008-08-10
What we have here is a wonderful new theatre and fresh playwright to celebrate. The family in this new play is deeply flawed. The only reason you would invite them to your family's Thanksgiving dinner would be to relieve the boredom.
Randy Harrison Gets Lucky in Waiting For Godot
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-08-09
The Berkshire Theatre Festival has produced a radical makeover of Samuel Beckett's classic "Wating for Godot" directed by Anders Cato. It features a stunning David Schramm as Pozzo and a remarkable performance by Randy Harrison as Lucky.
Ellen Melavers Not Waving at Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-08-08
While relaxing with sun and surf three couples manage to bring their baggage to the beach in a new play "Not Waving" by Ellen Melaver, directed by Carolyn Cantor, for the Williamstown Theatre Festival.
Nicholas Martin Winds Down His First Season at Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-08-08
While completing his first season at Williamstown Theatre Festival Nicholas Martin will open "The House of Blue Leaves" at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles on August 30. Followed by "Saturn Returns" for Lincoln Center on October 16.
Georges Feydeaus A Flea in Her Ear at Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-08-01
A century plus later the 1907 French farce "A Flea in Her Ear" by the master of the genre, Georges Feydeau, is being presented to delighted audiences at the Williamstown Theatre Festival.
Berkshire Theatre Festival Resurrects A Man For All Seasons
By: Larry Murray - 2008-07-27
A Man for All Seasons is the story of Sir Thomas More, who refused to bend to King Henry VIII. The King insisted the Roman Catholic Chuch allow him a second divorce so that he could marry Ann Boleyn and father a male heir. Rome refused, he established the Church of England, and his old friend Thomas More had to be eliminated.
Othello at Shakespeare & Company
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-07-26
John Douglas Thompson is phenomenal as "Othello" in a production by Shakesepeare & Company in Lenox, Mass. A bit of the Bard is always a welcome treat in the Berkshires.
Theresa Rebecks The Understudy at Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-07-25
It takes a remarkable playwright like Theresa Rebeck to use snippets of Kafka embedded in a comedy. The brilliant and hilarious "The Understudy" is having its world premiere at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. This hit is sure to be Broadway bound.
The Understudy at WTF
By: Astrid Hiemer - 2008-07-25
A short take and another opinion of the new play "The Understudy" by Theresa Rebeck at the Williamstown Theatre Festival.
A Flea in Her Ear is Next for Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Larry Murray - 2008-07-22
They make it look easy on stage, but doing farce is not only hard work, but dangerous as well. Those slamming doors, the madcap chases, the spinning bed are all hilarious, and require split second timing to succeed. Welcome to the frenetic world of French farce. We discuss all the ins and outs with Tony award winning director John Rando and the actor Mark Harelik.
The Violet Hour at Barrington Stage Company
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-07-21
Barrington Stage Company presents the overlooked 2003 play by Tony Award winning author Richard Greenberg. After a slow first act the second act was most amusing.
Randy Harrison Talks About Waiting for Godot
By: Larry Murray - 2008-07-21
We talk with actor Randy Harrison about the Berkshire Theatre Festival's production of Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett and its many challenges, mysteries and rewards. The enigmas continue.
Chekhovs Three Sisters at Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-07-18
The Williamstown Theatre Festival deserves much praise and credit for presenting an ambitious production of Anton Chekhov's "Three Sisters" during its fast paced summer season. While there were wonderful elements as directed by Michael Greif the whole was less than the sum of its parts.
My Scary Girl Evolving at Barrington Stage Company
By: Larry Murray - 2008-07-17
Each summer Barrington Stage Company runs a musical workshop program under the direction of Tony-winning composer William Finn. While not ready for review, Berkshire photographer Kevin Sprague documented this new production. Here's a preview in the form of a photo album of what happens on stage. It is great fun.
Berkshire Theater News and Notes - July 2008
By: Larry Murray - 2008-07-16
At Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, a 7.5 million fund goal was met and the Elayne Bernstein Theatre opened, Willliamstown began its Greylock Project and series of play readings, Barrington Stage is workshopping a new musical in Pittsfield, and the Berkshire Theatre Festival in Stockbridge received grants for their renewal plan, and to allow extended rehearsals for their much anticipated Waiting for Godot.
The Light in the Piazza Shines at Vermont's Weston Playhouse
By: Larry Murray - 2008-07-14
You will find much to like about this Tony winning show, but it is the music and lyrics of Adam Guettel that will win you over. He is the grandson of Richard Rogers and has a home in Vermont. Serendipity has entwined his life with that of the feisty little playhouse located an hour's drive from the Northern Berkshires.
The Book Club Play Surprises at Berkshire Theatre Festival
By: Larry Murray - 2008-07-13
This biting adult comedy looks at the impact of books on our lives and friendships, as we watch a tightly wound upper-middle-class book club dissolve when Alex, that smart, funny, and annoying guy, joins the group.
Nathan Louis Jacksons Broke-Ology at Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-07-11
"Broke-Ology" a new play by Nathan Louis Jackson is given a wonderful production with a superb cast, starring veteran actor, Wendell Pierce, at the Williamstown Theatre Festival.
De-Lovely Cole Porter at The America Repertory Theatre (A.R.T.) in Cambridge, Massachusetts
By: Mark Favermann - 2008-07-07
The A.R.T. is currently presenting a revue featuring the wonderful, sparkling and often sexy songs of Cole Porter. One of Americas greatest songwriters, Cole Porter combined wit, a bit of longing, and even some wisdom infused with parody and patter along with heartache, sophistication, and romance in beloved musicals and hugely popular songs. This special show is a delightful and de-lovely must see.
Pageant Play Debuts at Berkshire Theatre Festival
By: Larry Murray - 2008-07-06
Pageant Play is a campy and ludicrous spoof, one of the funniest plays in a Berkshire summer full of farces. Sequins and lipstick on little girls can be cute though not the roles that greedy mothers and seedy fathers force their children to play. A provocative world premiere at the Berkshire Theatre Festival.
She Loves Me at Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-07-04
She Loves Me was the last production for Nicholas Martin ending several years the Huntington Theatre Company in Boston and is now his first show for the Williamstown Theatre Festival as its artistic director. Its a win win for all concerned.
All's Well That Ends Well at Shakespeare & Co
By: Larry Murray - 2008-06-29
For this "problem play" founder and artistic director Tina Packer turns some of Shakespeare's words into music, with a band to fire up the passions. All's Well as a musical comedy? Purists may call her choices heresy, but clearly she's not resting on her laurels.
The Atheist at Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-06-27
The Underground Man in Dostoyevsky's proto existential 1864 novel "Notes From the Underground" has been updated by the smarmy, hipster, tabloid reporter, Augustine Early, superbly performed by Campbell Scott in the brillant but disturbing play "The Atheist" by Ronan Noone. It is one of the remarkable Huntington productions which Nicholas Martin has transported to Williamstown,
Magnificent Candida Lights Up Berkshire Theatre Festival
By: Larry Murray - 2008-06-22
You won't find any dust or cobwebs on this 100-year-old play, nor the smell of mothballs or cedar. Thanks to director Anders Cato the pacing is swift, the casting inspired and the story of a love triangle timeless.
Saving Money on Theater Tickets
By: Larry Murray - 2008-06-21
Part Two of our report on saving money while enjoying the Berkshire's many performing arts attractions. Theater, music and dance are available at a discount, sometimes even Free!
Barrington Stage Targets Young Adults 21-35
By: Larry Murray - 2008-06-19
If you offer it, they will come. Barrington Stage innovates a new ticket program for those under 35 which was followed by a party with the cast of Spelling Bee.
Beyond Therapy Launches Williamstown Theatre Festival 2008 Summer Season
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-06-19
Once again the Williamstown Theatre Festival launches a new season with mega star power. The cast of "Beyond Therapy" combines among others Emmy winner, Kate Burton, of "Grey's Anatomy," Darrel Hammond, of "Saturday Night Live" and Tony winner Katie Finneran. To top things off the new artistic director has been awarded his own sandwich "The Nicholas Martin." What an honor from the Papa Charlie Deli in Williamstown.
Boffo Barrington Stage Spelling Bee
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-06-16
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee was developed as a workshop by Barrington Stage Company in the winter of 2004. It was a Berkshire hit that summer and went on to Off Broadway and then a 1000 performance run on Broadway that earned six Tony Award nominations of which it won two. This production welcomes Spelling Bee back to the Berkshires.
The Vince Gatton Interview
By: Larry Murray - 2008-06-10
The actor who played 35 roles in I Am My Own Wife tells us how he did it, and his take on the controversial Charlotte von Mahlsdorf.
Berkshire Theater Notes
By: Compiled Larry Murray - 2008-06-09
Another opening, another show as the theater season shifts into high gear. Last minute casting news and scheduling changes to keep you up to date.
Barrington Stage Company: Part Three
By: Astrid Hiemer - 2008-06-01
What's a German accent? A discussion of the choice by author, director, and actor for the play "I Am My Own Wife."
Sidesplitting Ladies Man at Shakespeare & Company
By: Larry Murray - 2008-06-01
French farce at Shakespeare & Company in Lenox consists of slamming doors, ridiculous plot twists, and pratfalls that first delighted Paris audiences in the 1890's. This updated treatment is destined to be the Berkshires biggest Summer hit as Shakespeare & Company launches its 31st season.
The Caretaker at Berkshire Theatre Festival
By: Larry Murray - 2008-05-29
Harold Pinter's dark and brooding play about hope and despair remains a classic evening of theater.
Barrington Stage Company: Part Two
By: Larry Murray - 2008-05-28
A deeply affecting theater experience has me thinking for days after the final curtain. Part Two of our coverage.
I Am My Own Wife at Barrington Stage Company
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-05-26
Not only does I Am My Own Wife launch the season for the Barrington Stage Company this is also the first productionn in its new Second Stage in downtown Pittsfield. This is the first of three reports on a remarkable peformance by Vince Gatton.
Ennio! One-Man Spectacle at Huntington Theatre Company's Calderwood Pavilion
By: Mark Favermann - 2008-05-26
A one-man show by a quick-change artist who brilliantly morphs into pop icons of the last few decades sounds a bit old fashion. However, in his own way, Ennio Marchetto is as contemporary as an Ipod. This is an old form that has a new feel. The show is certainly not your great-grandfather's vaudeville. Joy and wit turn often into wonder and much laughter.
Delightful She Loves Me at Huntington Theatre & At the Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Mark Favermann - 2008-05-24
This revival of the 1963 highly touted musical at Huntington Theatre Company is warm and summery. The music is melodious; the dancing is amazing: and the performances are just right. It is fun with absolutely no heavy lifting. A sweet farewell to Artistic Director Nichols Martin who will take this play to the Williamstown Theatre Festival in June.
Cardenio at American Repertory Theatre
By: Mark Favermann - 2008-05-23
Supposedly, Shakespeare had collaborated on a play that was only performed twice in 1613. The play was lost. A new play based upon Cardenio is being premiered at the A.R.T. It certainly is not Shakespearean, and seems to need editing, tightening up and real characters. Other than that, as they say, did you enjoy the play, Mrs. Lincoln?
American Repertory Theatre Appoints Diane Paulus
By: Mark Favermann - 2008-05-16
Since its founding in 1980, the A.R.T., considered to be one of Americas great regional theatres, has been known for its wonderfully edgy, provocative and often spell-binding takes on theatrical productions. After a long pause, a highly regarded new Artistic Director has just been appointed, Diane Paulus.
Calderwood's The Cry of the Reed Premieres
By: Mark Favermann - 2008-05-04
Family and tribal disfunctionalism are theatrically portrayed through current news headlines set in Turkey and Iraq. Intensity of emotions and relationships are underscored by journalistic opportunism and militant religious fanaticism. The play even has an aggressively searching agnostic musician boyfriend, a flawed woman prophet and Whirling Dervishes.
Spin by Zeitgeist Stage Company
By: Larry Murray - 2008-05-02
A wisp of a scandal and the Primary campaign is thrown into turmoil in this rollicking comedy at the Boston Center for the Arts.
Elections & Erections at the A.R.T.
By: Mark Favermann - 2008-04-13
With a few stops in recent history, a highly talented mimic and drag queen tells the outrageous story of contemporary South Africa in biographical narratives, intricate vignettes and amazing characterizations. His matronly alter ego, Evita Bezuidenhout, is perhaps the most famous white woman in South Africa. Characters tell it like it is and sometimes as it should be with humor & pathos.
Patti LuPone Sizzles in Broadway Revival of Gypsy
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-04-02
Arthur Laurents, who wrote the book for the 1959 production of "Gypsy" at 90 has directed this revival on Broadway. Patti LuPone is earning rave reviews as arguably the all time best Mama Rose.
Shining City at Huntington Theatre Company
By: Mark Favermann - 2008-03-17
Conor McPherson tells a modern day ghost story while insightfully delving into contemporary Irish life. Illegitimate children, dysfunctional families and homosexuality are parts of this eerie encounter. But, these only affect the ex-priest. This Dublin tale isnt like listening to the Clancy Brothers.
Pittsfield Mass: Barrington Stage Company Artistic Director, Julianne Boyd
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-03-14
Last year, its most successful to date, the Barrington Stage Company drew an attendance of 45,000. Its artistic director, Julianne Boyd, is committed to bring a diverse program and affordable theatre to the Berkshires.
Ghost on Stage
By: Mark Favermann - 2008-02-26
A new show dealing with ghosts is coming to the Huntington--Shining City. PR maven John Michael Kennedy decided to share some scary dramatic history.
All Hail, Julius Caesar at The American Repertory Theatre
By: Mark Favermann - 2008-02-25
Regime change and political uncertainty are aspects of our own times. This version of William Shakespeares tragedy is from a distinctive directorial perspective that stimulates our fantasy and imagination. Yet,at the same time, it presents the classic play in a clever, clear and poignant way.
Trumbo Launches Season for Barrington Stage Company
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-02-18
During the 1947 hearings of the House Committee on Unamerican Activities, Dalton Trumbo, was charged with Contempt of Congress and became one of the black listed Hollywood Ten. The play, Trumbo, written by his son Christopher, is based on his remarkable and poignant letters.
Summer in the Berkshires with the Williamstown Theatre Festival Announces 54th Season
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-02-16
In June the final production by Nicholas Martin the musical "She Loves Me" will close at the Huntington Theatre Company, where he has been based since 2000, and open on June 28 at the Williamstown Theatre Festival where he is taking over as artistic director.
A Magnificent Shakespeares Actresses in America at the Calderwood Pavilion, Huntington Theatre Company
By: Mark Favermann - 2008-02-14
During the 19th Century, Shakespeare was mass entertainment in America. It only got to be considered highbrow in the 20th Century. Truly gifted actress Rebekah Maggor has developed an amazing one-woman show that brings to life the various heroines of the Bard through brilliant interpretations of some of the finest actresses that have graced the American stage. Shakespeare lowbrow or highbrow, Rebekah Maggor should take a bow.
Compelling Must See Copenhagen At the American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge
By: Mark Favermann - 2008-01-22
In 1941, the German theoretical physicist Werner Heisenberg traveled to Copenhagen to meet with his former mentor Niels Bohr, the Danish father of quantum physics. In reality, not much is known about the short visit. Enticingly, Michael Frayn uses this encounter as the nucleus of a philosophical, intellectual and emotional three-way exchange between Heisenberg, Bohr and Bohrs wife Margrethe. The ART has interpreted Frayns now classic intellectually and morally explosive drama in a totally compelling way.
Barrington Stage Company's Season
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-01-20
The Barrington Stage Company season opens on Valentine's Day and will continue through October 26 with a lively mix of drama and its signature award winning musical "The 25th Annual Puntam County Spelling Bee."
Third, the Final Play by Wendy Wasserstein
By: Mark Favermann - 2008-01-17
For Three decades, Pulitzer prize winning playwright Wendy Wasserstein, through a series of compassionate comedic dramas, charted the yearnings, disappointments and joys of modern American women in often autobiographical ways. The Huntington Theatre is currently presenting Third. It is the last play that she completed before her death in 2005. It is provocative and a bit unsettling. Perhaps, this is just as it should be.
Shadowlands at London's Wyndham Theatre
By: Mark Favermann - 2007-12-25
A worthwhile evening was spent at this emotionally and artistically compelling and nuanced recently reprised play. It is about the true bittersweet love story found late in life by the very Christian scholar and author of The Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis with the straight-talking quite American Jewish poet, Joy Davidman-Gresham. Here, intellect versus emotion and pain versus pleasure were set against questions of God, encounters between adults and even lost childhoods.
Shakespeare & Company Announces Expanded 2008-2009 Season
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-12-12
For the past 30 years Tina Packard has brought Shakespeare to the Berkshires. Now Shakespeare & Company is gradually building out the campus it has moved to and is working toward year round programming. Tickets go on sale in January for a season that will be launched on Memorial Day Weekend. Let the games begin.
Peter DuBois Named Huntington's New Artistic Director
By: Mark Favermann - 2007-12-12
After a search for nearly a year, the Huntington Theatre Company taps young, energetic artistic director to lead its theatrical growth. Based upon his past performance,much is expected of Peter DuBois .
Poignant Streamers at Huntington Theatre Company
By: Mark Favermann - 2007-11-17
Four young soldiers struggle with their identity, the stress of the unknown and the possibility of death during this sensitively written and staged drama
by David Rabe.
Donnie Darko Boffo at The American Repertory Theatre
By: Mark Favermann - 2007-11-01
Halloween Night will never be the same again for our theatre critic. Instead of meeting and greeting trick or treaters, he spent his evening in Cambridge at ARTs spectacular production of cult classic Donnie Darko. He will never forget such a shadowy and mysterious play featuring a sensitive but troubled high school teen, a dark six-foot killer bunny and an ancient Grandma Death.
Brendan: An Irish-American Personal Expedition
By: Mark Favermann - 2007-10-29
A contemporay immigrant's odessey to American citizenship can be full of bumps and turns, even blow-outs. We go along for the
ride trying to understand the driver while enjoying the scenery.
ICA/Boston presents Old Trout Puppet Theater
By: Erica H. Adams - 2007-10-20
The Canadian pranksters of Old Trout Puppet Theater condensed their life's work into Famous Puppet Death Scene. ICA/Boston audiences were treated to 22 ways to die, humorous morality tales, for a U.S. culture infamous for its twin addiction to death and denial of death. Death by lack of humor was not among the many vignettes.
Barrington Stage Company Launches Fall Season
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-10-07
Following a successful summer season that doubled the audience and revenue of the previous year Barrington Stage Company has launched a fall season in Pittsfield.
The Secret of Sherlock Holmes Revealed in Lenox
By: Larry Murray - 2007-09-30
The play by Jeremy Paul was staged in London's West End in 1988 and after some delay is having its American premiere in Lenox. There are special events connected with the current production.
Bonnie Gable Channels Gertrude Stein in Pittsfield
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-09-23
After six years battling a range of health problems, the Berkshire based performer,Bonnie Gable,returned to the stage with a warmly moving one woman monologue as Gertrude Stein.
Adaptation of Hitchcock's 39 Steps at Huntington Theatre Company
By: Mark Favermann - 2007-09-20
And Now for Something Completely Different or Running Amuck in a 30s Noir English Mystery Landscape featuring Scottish Moors not British Boors Opening the 2007-2008 Season at the Huntington Theatre Company is a tremendously clever, witty, even brilliant schtick Broadway-bound spoof on Alfred Hitchcocks 1935 breakthrough mystery film, 39 Steps. Mark Favermann laughed, chuckled and even guffawed his way through this send-up of the noir spy/mystery genre.
Huntington Theatre Company Presents the Atheist
By: Mark Favermann - 2007-09-18
Going to the theatre can become a personal moral dilemma. This is what happens at The Atheist, a new play starring at the Wimberly Theatre in Bostons South End opening the Huntington Theatre Companys 2007-2009 Season. Mark Favermann finds himself without a moral compass to navigate actor Campbell Scotts quirky one-man journey.
American Repertory Theatre Launches Fall Season
By: Mark Favermann - 2007-09-14
Experiencing the intertwining of music and literature, Moliere and Mozart during the opening production of the season at the American Repertory Theatre, Mark Favermann saw something rather different in the Theatre de la Jeune Lunes avant- garde production about the worlds greatest seducer.
Two-Headed Hibernates, Stirs and Goes Back To Sleep
By: Nikolai Rudd - 2007-08-24
A five scene one act play traced the life of a 19th century Mormon woman.
'Rough Crossing' Anything But Rough
By: Nikolai Rudd - 2007-08-24
Tom Stoppard play combines unique wit and physical antics.
Lillian Hellmans Autumn Garden at Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-08-17
The rarely produced Autumn Garden which Lillian Hellman described as her favorite is the final production of the Williamstown Theatre Festival season.
Uncle Vanya at Barrington Stage Company
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-08-15
Julianne Boyd takes a chance with the challenging Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov for her Pittsfield based Barrington Stage Company.
Beth Henleys Crimes of the Heart at Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-08-10
The 1979 first play by Beth Henley won a Pulitzer Prize for Best Drama but in this production and the directorial debut of actress Kathleen Turner it does not appear to have aged well.
The Physicists at Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-08-09
The three inmates in an asylum think they are Newton, Einstein and Mobius. By the way they off their nurses but it turns out they may not be mad after all.
The Corn is Green at Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-08-03
The spinster Miss Moffat (Kate Burton) with a modest inheritance plans to bring education to a village of poor Welsh miners. Her star student, Morgan Evans, is portrayed by Burton's real life son, Morgan Ritchie.
Party Come Here at Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-07-28
Anti semitism, ancient and contemporary, is the theme of this new musical comedy at the Williamstown Theatre Festival.
Chiarascuro: Black Comedy at Barrington Stage Company
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-07-23
The playwright of "Amadeus" and "Equus," Peter Shaffer, brings an absurd play "Black Comedy" to Barrington Stage Company for a hilarious run.
Blithe Spirit at Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-07-21
For good reason audiences can't seem to get enough of Noel Coward and theaters are more than happy to oblige.
A Marvelous Party: The Noel Coward Celebration at ART
By: Mark Favermann - 2007-07-18
A musical theatre production like a large splash of Pimms with ginger ale on the rocks-a sparkling and delightfully fizzy summer refreshment.
Villa America at Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-07-15
The new play "Villa America" by the young British playwright, Crispin Whittell, was intended to enhance the exhibition of the neighboring Williams College Art Museum but has fallen short of expectations.
Writer/ Director Crispin Whittell Discusses Villa America
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-07-11
Inspired by the Williams College exhibition and biography by Amanda Vaill Crispin Whittell has written a play "Villa America" based on the life of the Lost Generation's Gerald and Sara Murphy and their fabulous friends which opens at the Williamstown Theatre Festival tomorrow night.
Dissonance at Williamstown Theatre Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-07-08
The new play, Dissonance, by Damian Lanigan for the Williamstown Theatre Festival, brilliantly reveals the demise of the Bradley String Quartet.
The Front Page is Good News
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-07-06
The Main Stage season of the Williamstown Theatre Festival was launched last night with "The Front Page" the vintage comedy of a news room vigil of a 1920s Chicago hanging.
West Side Story at Barrington Stage Company
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-07-03
This is the fiftieth anniversary of West Side Story. The classic Leonard Bernstein Stephen Sondheim musical is presented in a flawless and galvanic production by Barrington Stage Company in the Berkshires.
B.D. Wong Breaks a Leg
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-06-19
In this one man play by Tom Cone, directed by Roger Reese, something went terribly wrong for the actor, B.D. Wong, on the opening night of "Herringbone" which launched the summer season of the Williamstown Theatre Festival.
Imago Theatres Frogz
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-06-01
An evening of frogs, bugs, gators and wildly inventive animations by Imago Theatre at Boston's Emerson Majestic for just six nights.
Victor Garber Stars in Present Laughter
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-05-24
In the 1939 play Present Laughter Noel Coward is said to have projected a lot about himself and views of the theatre. Victor Garber, a character in the long running TV show "Alias" is glib and deft in portraying a fading matinee idol about to embark on a grueling six months tour of Africa. This is the final production of the 25th season of the Huntington Theatre.
Harold Pinters No Mans Land at ART
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-05-17
The Harold Pinter play "No Man's Land" ends the season for the American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge, Mass. It is played straight no chaser by director David Wheeler after a season of Oliver Twisted.
Victor Garber, Brooks Ashmanskas, and Pamela Gray Meet the Press
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-05-10
Taking a break from rehearsals for the Noel Coward play "Present Laughter" which opens at Huntington Theatre Company on May 18, the actors Victor Garber, Brooks Ashmanskas and Pamela Gray met with the media.
Where Elephants Weep, a Cambodian Opera
By: Erica H. Adams - 2007-05-02
The first known Cambodian opera, Where Elephants Weep is a hybrid of musical genres that bridges generations and cultures, decades after Pol Pot all but devastated Cambodia.
Jay Scheib's This Place is a Desert
By: Erica H. Adams - 2007-03-28
Filmed and projected onto four screens through live-feeds over the staged actions below. Their productions hybrid form followed dysfunction.
A Superb Revival of R. C. Sherriff's World War I Classic Journey's End
By: Michael Miller - 2007-03-20
British director David Grindley and a mostly American cast do justice to R. C. Sherriff's classic World War I play.
Lisa Krons Well at Huntington Theatre Company
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-03-15
A play within a play. Kindah. Lisa Kron stretches a standup routine into a "comedy" about ilness. The chronic incapacitation of her huge and earthy mother and her own struggle with allergies as a college student.
Oliver Twisted by American Repertory Theatre
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-02-22
The American Repertory Theatre production of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, adapted and directed by Neil Bartlett, is everything one long for in a delightful and insightful evening of theatre. What fun.
Sun Sets on Britannicus
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-01-26
In the final production for the American Repertory Theatre by departing artistic director, Robert Woodruff, the intrigues of the Bush presidency are foreshadowed by the treachery of Ancient Rome via the 17th century drama of Jean Racine.
Huntington Theatres The Cherry Orchard
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-01-11
Tv's Dr. Ellis Grey, mother of Dr. Merideth in the hit "Grey's Anatomy" is starring in the Huntington Theatre production of the classic Chekhov play "The Cherry Orchard."
Wings of Desire at A.R.T.
By: Charles Giuliano - 2006-11-30
The 1987 film "Wings of Desire" set in post war Berlin by German director Wim Wenders has been reconfigured for the stage in a production by the American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge, Mass.
Rabbit Hole at Huntington Theatre
By: Charles Giuliano - 2006-11-10
Following a successful run on Broadway with five Tony nominations "Rabbit Hole" opens to strong reviews at Boston's Huntington Theatre.
Mauritius by Theresa Rebeck Has World Premiere at the Huntington
By: Charles Giuliano - 2006-10-19
The play Mauritius by Pulitizer Prize nominated playwright Theresa Rebeck is having a world premiere through the Huntington Theatre Company in Boston.
Rauschenberg Based Play Opens ART Season
By: Charles Giuliano - 2006-09-24
The Pop art of Robert Raushenberg inspired the play written by Charles L. Mee and directed by Anne Bogart that opens the season of the American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge, Mass.
Huntington Theatre Opens 25th Season with Final August Wilson Play
By: Charles Giuliano - 2006-09-15
Working with his own experiences in Pittsburgh the black playwright August Wilson wrote ten plays each set in a decade of the 20th century.
Double Double a Hit in Williamstown
By: Charles Giuliano - 2006-08-30
A smart and snappy play co written with Roger Rees and Rick Elice and directed by Rees "Double Double" is a hit than ended the second season for Rees as artistic director of the Williamstown Theatre Festival.
Comedy by Cusi Cram Premieres at Nikos Stage
By: Jane Hudson - 2006-08-25
Lucy and the Conquest, / by Cusi Cram / World Premiere / Directed by Suzanne Agins / The Williamstown Theater Festival / Nikos Stage / Williamstown, MA / July 12-23, 2006.
Barrington Stage Company: Break a Leg
By: Charles Giuliano - 2006-08-16
Theatre designer Karl Eigsti discusses his three projects in the Berkshires this summer including the sets for the first production of the rewely renovated Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield
