Colonial Theatre

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.

The Woodstock film captured a clip of the legendary, three hour long set by Richie Havens which opened three days of music. It earned him a place in the Hippie Hall of Fame. There was an acid flashback for the fans last night at the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield. With an evocative opening set by Berkshire singer Meg Hutchinson.

John Barrett, the "Dean of Massachusetts Mayors" is fighting to see his vision for North Adams fulfilled. In this, his 14th run for Mayor, he faces off against challenger Richard Alcombright. We asked him about the race and his hopes for the city he loves.

Shorter days bring brighter nighttime events. With a cornucopia of choices, Fall 2009 promises to be the most entertaining in years. Check over our picks and previews which cover events from now until late November, and you're sure to find something to spice up your cider.

The Arts and Artists of Adams, Massachusetts have received little attention. There are two vital and evolving arts organizations, the Topia Art Center and Greylock Arts Gallery, as well as several cultural entities to visit and enjoy.

Summer may seem to be drawing to a close, but you can't tell by the busy schedule in the next few weeks. In fact, more new shows are opening, fresh dance companies are unpacking and the jazz musicians are waiting in the wings for a festive climax to Summer in the Berkshires. To make sure you don't miss anything, here is another handy roundup of the best events for late summer through the big Labor Day weekend.

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.

composers, cutting edge dance or perhaps an absorbing evening of great theatre? Take time to indulge your senses and treat yourself to some of the Berkshire's legendary performing arts attractions. They all have great deals for residents and visitors alike. Use our handy Picks and Previews guide to help decide.

Summer's abundance is all around us, and so is the Berkshire's annual bounty of music, theatre and dance choices. Here's another of our detailed guides to help you choose.

Recently Dick Alcombright who opposes the incumbent, John Barrett, met with us to discuss his platform as candidate for Mayor of North Adams. We particulaly focused on the presence of Mass MoCA, MCLA, and an emerging community of artists as a matrix for arts as an economic engine to drive a depressed and recovering city.

July is a great time to be in the Berkshires with dozens of must-see events taking place as we approach the height of the season. Making the right choices is challenging. Winnow them down using our capsule descriptions and handy links. There's no easier way to compare, check and choose than this handy guide. Lots of pictures, too.

When Mass MoCA opened a decade ago artists migrated to North Adams attracted by large, cheap loft spaces. For the second season that growing arts community is trying to revitalize the business district through a city wide project known as DownStreet. Artists hope that their commitment and sweat equity will start to pay off.

Summer Begins with an amazing array of performing arts events to choose from. Both Tanglewood and Jacob's Pillow kick off their busy schedules while the main stages of the Berkshire's four resident professional theatre companies all kick into high gear. Our capsule descriptions and handy links will guide you through the dense array of superb cultural resources. In season world renowned artists perform in the Berkshires.

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.

Peter Schickele, a modern American composer, and PDQ Bach are the two personalities living inside one person. On June 30 he brings his Jeckyll and Hyde Tour to the Colonial Theatre. We asked the Professor what nonsense he has planned this time.

It takes a community to make something like the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center succeed, and in Great Barrington this local theatre is a success in every sense of the word. Executive Director Beryl Jolly tells us why.

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.

June is bustin' out all over, and our resident performing arts organizations are pulling out all the stops as the season approaches. Once again we provide our handy guide to upcoming Berkshire events.

North Adams, and Mass MoCA now celebrating its 10th anniversary, have come a long way from rock bottom when Sprague Electric left town, during the 13 terms of Mayor John Barrett, Jr. For the first time in 26 years Barrett has a tough opponent in Dick Albombright. Some 800 plus turned out for a spaghetti dinner fundraiser last week. It's shaping up to be a tight race.

During a mixer that Nancy Jane Fitzpartick held in the Lion's Den of the historic Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge there was the chance to put a face in the place. The event was about Facebook networking in all of its complexity.

In 2000, after some 30 years as a founding member, Dickey Betts was fired from the Allman Brothers Band. He now tours fronting Great Southern which played at the sold out Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield. It was a great night of country blues.

When General Electric moved out in the late 1980s, with 10,000 lost jobs, Pittsfield fell on hard times. The recovery started in 2003 when the new Mayor, James M. Ruberto, mandated that arts and culture would be a focus for economic development. Megan Whilden disussed how she joined the team in 2005 and the remarkable progress since then that has reshaped the city as a cultural destination.

Here's your weekly guide to the top events happening in and around the Berkshires with more than a dozen exciting and fascinating offerings for you to choose from.

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 Webber's 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.

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.