Monthly Archives: February 2011

One Touch of Venus

The Boston Conservatory Theater Ensemble Performs One Touch of Venus, March 3—6

There is a rare opportunity to see the Kurt Weill-Ogden Nash musical, One Touch of Venus, in Boston this weekend. The Boston Conservatory Theater Ensemble presents this rarely performed gem, March 3—6, 2011, at the newly-renovated Boston Conservatory Theater, 31

One Touch of Venus

The Boston Conservatory Theater Ensemble Performs One Touch of Venus, March 3—6

There is a rare opportunity to see the Kurt Weill-Ogden Nash musical, One Touch of Venus, in Boston this weekend. The Boston Conservatory Theater Ensemble presents this rarely performed gem, March 3—6, 2011, at the newly-renovated Boston Conservatory Theater, 31

EMPAC at RPI for March, 2011.

March at RPI’s EMPAC is diverse, head-spinning, innovative, challenging

If you have been visiting this site for any time, you know we have a proclivity for all things experimental, especially when it comes to theatre, music, and dance. Mix those basic art forms with mad scientists, poets, video, film,

EMPAC at RPI for March, 2011.

March at RPI’s EMPAC is diverse, head-spinning, innovative, challenging

If you have been visiting this site for any time, you know we have a proclivity for all things experimental, especially when it comes to theatre, music, and dance. Mix those basic art forms with mad scientists, poets, video, film,

Moonshine Holler top pick at Berkshire on Stage.

Berkshire performers keep stages lit in March

As the howling winds and drifting snows of winter meet the longer days and warmer nights of approaching spring, most of the action on Berkshire stages is in the hands of locals. Of course Shakespeare & Company continues the run

Moonshine Holler top pick at Berkshire on Stage.

Berkshire performers keep stages lit in March

As the howling winds and drifting snows of winter meet the longer days and warmer nights of approaching spring, most of the action on Berkshire stages is in the hands of locals. Of course Shakespeare & Company continues the run

James Levine, Music  Director of the BSO.

BSO Struggles with James Levine in pain, cancellations

The Inevitable news – 3/2 PM Story Here – Levine to leave his post as Music Director September 1, 2011. Developing News – 3/2 AM Story Here – Conductors Announced to Fill In for Levine The first shoe drops –

James Levine, Music  Director of the BSO.

BSO Struggles with James Levine in pain, cancellations

The Inevitable news – 3/2 PM Story Here – Levine to leave his post as Music Director September 1, 2011. Developing News – 3/2 AM Story Here – Conductors Announced to Fill In for Levine The first shoe drops –

Kate Maguire CEO-Artistic Director

The Berkshire Theatre Festival and Colonial Theatre set 2011 Plans – Part I

From the moment that two of the Berkshire’s most venerable institutions announced their fusion into one new entity, most everyone has wondered what that would mean in terms of Berkshire arts and entertainment. The answer is now in, and it

Kate Maguire CEO-Artistic Director

The Berkshire Theatre Festival and Colonial Theatre set 2011 Plans – Part I

From the moment that two of the Berkshire’s most venerable institutions announced their fusion into one new entity, most everyone has wondered what that would mean in terms of Berkshire arts and entertainment. The answer is now in, and it

Randy Harrison in Tommy

BTF readies “Tommy” – The Who’s rock opera at Colonial

(Updated 7/5) (Seen above is Randy Harrison in his Tommy costume, with his pinball hood and without. Thanks to an anonymous fan for these pics!) It’s been several months since the Colonial Theatre-Berkshire Theatre Festival schedule was announced and the

Randy Harrison in Tommy

BTF readies “Tommy” – The Who’s rock opera at Colonial

(Updated 7/5) (Seen above is Randy Harrison in his Tommy costume, with his pinball hood and without. Thanks to an anonymous fan for these pics!) It’s been several months since the Colonial Theatre-Berkshire Theatre Festival schedule was announced and the

Tommy - Berkshire Theatre Festival

3 World Premieres, 4 Classics, 3 Musicals in Berkshire Theatre Festival 2011 Season – Part II

When the Berkshire Theatre Festival (BTF) and Colonial Theatre decided to get married, great things were promised. At a news briefing today we got a look at how the couple is doing. They have not yet made it legal, (the

Tommy - Berkshire Theatre Festival

3 World Premieres, 4 Classics, 3 Musicals in Berkshire Theatre Festival 2011 Season – Part II

When the Berkshire Theatre Festival (BTF) and Colonial Theatre decided to get married, great things were promised. At a news briefing today we got a look at how the couple is doing. They have not yet made it legal, (the

The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield, MA.

The Colonial Theatre announces adventuresome 2011 season – Part III

If ever there was a born-again theatre, Pittsfield’s Colonial Theatre is it. Rescued from disuse half a dozen years ago, the theatre has had to learn how to endear itself to the community all over again, and like any toddler,

The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield, MA.

The Colonial Theatre announces adventuresome 2011 season – Part III

If ever there was a born-again theatre, Pittsfield’s Colonial Theatre is it. Rescued from disuse half a dozen years ago, the theatre has had to learn how to endear itself to the community all over again, and like any toddler,

Waiting for Godot in New Orleans.

Beckett estate forbids post-Katrina “Waiting for Godot” in North Adams

Last year MCLA Presents announced a performance of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot by an African American company, the one who performed it throughout New Orleans’ Ninth Ward to great acclaim. A few weeks ago we learned that instead the

Waiting for Godot in New Orleans.

Beckett estate forbids post-Katrina “Waiting for Godot” in North Adams

Last year MCLA Presents announced a performance of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot by an African American company, the one who performed it throughout New Orleans’ Ninth Ward to great acclaim. A few weeks ago we learned that instead the

F. Murray Abraham as Shylock.

F. Murray Abraham brings his updated, remarkable Shylock to Boston

The Theatre for a New Audience’s (TNA) version of The Merchant of Venice is set in modern times, modern dress, but other than that, the Shakespearian classic remains scalding in intensity, unscathed by the contemporary setting. Other attempts at updating

F. Murray Abraham as Shylock.

F. Murray Abraham brings his updated, remarkable Shylock to Boston

The Theatre for a New Audience’s (TNA) version of The Merchant of Venice is set in modern times, modern dress, but other than that, the Shakespearian classic remains scalding in intensity, unscathed by the contemporary setting. Other attempts at updating

The Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, CT.

Goodspeed’s 2011 musicals bracket, fill out Berkshire season

Getting to East Haddam, Connecticut isn’t exactly a short drive down Route 7, but the parking lot at the Goodspeed Opera House always has parked cars with Massachusetts plates on them. Nearest to them are those of us who live

The Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, CT.

Goodspeed’s 2011 musicals bracket, fill out Berkshire season

Getting to East Haddam, Connecticut isn’t exactly a short drive down Route 7, but the parking lot at the Goodspeed Opera House always has parked cars with Massachusetts plates on them. Nearest to them are those of us who live

The stuff of musical dreams for Gerard Grisey

400 Percussion instruments to explore Pulsars, Space in “Le Noir de l’Étoile” at EMPAC

Composer Gérard Grisey (1946-1998) was amazing. In Le noir de l’étoile, for 6 percussionists, tape, and live electronics (1989–90) he created a composition that recreates the sounds of space (so to speak – space is actually silent at our normal

The stuff of musical dreams for Gerard Grisey

400 Percussion instruments to explore Pulsars, Space in “Le Noir de l’Étoile” at EMPAC

Composer Gérard Grisey (1946-1998) was amazing. In Le noir de l’étoile, for 6 percussionists, tape, and live electronics (1989–90) he created a composition that recreates the sounds of space (so to speak – space is actually silent at our normal

The Sun Also Rises by Elevator Repair Service.

Live on Stage: Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises” from Elevator Repair Service

The theatre company known as Elevator Repair Service (ERS) is one of the handful of great avant garde theatre companies that you should not only know about, but make a point to see. Especially if you enjoy literature adaptations and

The Sun Also Rises by Elevator Repair Service.

Live on Stage: Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises” from Elevator Repair Service

The theatre company known as Elevator Repair Service (ERS) is one of the handful of great avant garde theatre companies that you should not only know about, but make a point to see. Especially if you enjoy literature adaptations and

Forever Plaid at the Cohoes Music Hall

Nostalgic, family friendly “Forever Plaid” is a time capsule to treasure

Before music rocked and rolled or developed its deep beats, it had other things. Hummable melodies. Lyrics that made you want to snuggle with your sweetie pie. Four part harmony. And dare I mention it…good taste. The 1950′s were a

Forever Plaid at the Cohoes Music Hall

Nostalgic, family friendly “Forever Plaid” is a time capsule to treasure

Before music rocked and rolled or developed its deep beats, it had other things. Hummable melodies. Lyrics that made you want to snuggle with your sweetie pie. Four part harmony. And dare I mention it…good taste. The 1950′s were a

Jury's Irish Cabaret

Celebrating St. Patrick Day with Jury’s Irish Cabaret

If you were in Ireland, you would know about – and love – Jury’s Irish Cabaret which has been delighting the locals for as long as people can remember. Jury’s Irish Cabaret arrives in the Berkshires for a one night

Jury's Irish Cabaret

Celebrating St. Patrick Day with Jury’s Irish Cabaret

If you were in Ireland, you would know about – and love – Jury’s Irish Cabaret which has been delighting the locals for as long as people can remember. Jury’s Irish Cabaret arrives in the Berkshires for a one night

BOSMainSt

Main Street Stage nurturing Berkshire comic talent via open mic and RBIT

It seems that Main Street Stage, the little theatre than could, is not only doing serious plays, but also is finding it worthwhile to share theatre time with the Berkshire’s emerging comedic talent. They have now designated the first Friday’s

BOSMainSt

Main Street Stage nurturing Berkshire comic talent via open mic and RBIT

It seems that Main Street Stage, the little theatre than could, is not only doing serious plays, but also is finding it worthwhile to share theatre time with the Berkshire’s emerging comedic talent. They have now designated the first Friday’s

Hamlet at Shakespeare & Company

Economy version of “Hamlet” the perfect vehicle for young actors to take on the road

Of all the Shakespeare plays, Hamlet is especially appealing to both younger actors and audiences. Its title character is younger, searching for answers, and the play itself is not overly long. It travels well, and thanks to another timely $25,000

Hamlet at Shakespeare & Company

Economy version of “Hamlet” the perfect vehicle for young actors to take on the road

Of all the Shakespeare plays, Hamlet is especially appealing to both younger actors and audiences. Its title character is younger, searching for answers, and the play itself is not overly long. It travels well, and thanks to another timely $25,000

Mormons, Mothers and Monsters

Quirky “Mormons, Mothers and Monsters” will get Barrington Stage Premiere

Composer Will Aronson caught my attention last Labor Day with several songs from his work in process Mormons, Mothers and Monsters. Shown above are some of the thousands of Mormon missionaries, many of whom live conflicted lives that can provide

Mormons, Mothers and Monsters

Quirky “Mormons, Mothers and Monsters” will get Barrington Stage Premiere

Composer Will Aronson caught my attention last Labor Day with several songs from his work in process Mormons, Mothers and Monsters. Shown above are some of the thousands of Mormon missionaries, many of whom live conflicted lives that can provide