Wagner's epic series of four operas, "The Ring" is the top attraction for Spring, 2012 at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center where the focus shifts from stage to screen.
Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center will present the Met Opera Ring Cycle: Encore Title Series with Documentary Film (May 7 through 20, details below) and broadcasts of the Met’s new productions Manon (encore on April 11) and La Traviata (April 14, encore April 22), as well as an HD broadcast of This American Life – Live! (May 18). There will also be screenings of the original versions of two popular movies, Titanic (April 15) and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (April 18), and a school fieldtrip performance of the New Orleans’ Corbian production Darwin The Dinosaur (April 26). Spring ends with the sound of guitars, dancers and castanets as Noche Flamenca arrives for a weekend of performances (May 26-27).
“We’ve had such appreciation for the Met Opera’s HD broadcasts, that we’re thrilled to present Susan Froemke’s exceptional documentary film about the technical and musical challenges of this Ring Cycle, as well as all four Wagner operas with Robert LePage’s groundbreaking productions,” said Mahaiwe Executive Director Beryl Jolly. “It’s going to be a feast of music for our opera fans and a unique perspective for the documentary film lovers in the region”.
The Mahaiwe will screen Wagner’s Dream A new documentary film by Susan Froemke on Monday, May 7 at 6:30pm and Friday, May 11 at 8:00pm (second screening). An intimate look at the challenges of live theater, this two-hour film takes you deep into the artistic process behind the daring and ambitious attempt by the Metropolitan Opera House to tackle the production of Wagner’s epic Ring cycle-the four-part, 16-hour work that the composer first presented in 1876. The production team battles with the most ambitious staging in Met history, featuring a 90,000-pound set (“The Machine”) designed to realize all of Wagner’s scenic requirements, representing everything from the depths of the Rhine to a breathtaking ring of fire. Backstage moments of heartbreak and triumph are captured, as “The Machine” malfunctions on the biggest opening night in the opera world-but pulls off the stunning, show-ending coup de théâtre at the next performance. Berkshire on Stage recently published an in-depth article on the evolution of the Valhalla Machine and its controversial affect on the Ring Cycle along with video and a gallery of photos. (link)
In conjunction with the documentary film, the Mahaiwe will also screen encore presentations of all of the Met’s Ring cycle productions: Das Rheingold on Wednesday, May 9 at 6:30pm (Preview Rheingold here), Die Walkure on May 14 at 6:30pm (Preview Walkure here), Siegfried on Wednesday, May 16 at 6:30pm (Preview Siegfried here), and Gotterdammerung on Sunday, May 20 at 12:00pm (Preview Gotterdammerung here). Tickets are $12 for the film, $20 for each opera, or $85 for a subscription that includes the Monday, May 7 documentary film screening and all operas.
Berkshire on Stage has also compiled an overview of The Ring with its worldwide venues here.
This American Life and More
The Mahaiwe will broadcast WBEZ Chicago’s hit radio show This American Life on Friday, May 18 at 8:00pm. Host Ira Glass and popular contributors present stories, plus things you could never do on the radio, including dance, animation, video, and more. Captured live May 10 and broadcast from the NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts in New York City, the event will feature stories by David Rakoff and Glynn Washington, a new short film by Mike Birbiglia, music by OK Go, comedy by Tig Notaro, and special surprise guests. Tickets are $20.
The Mahaiwe will present the original versions of two popular movies: Titanic (1953, NR) starring Barbara Stanwyck and Clifton Webb on Sunday, April 15 at 7:00pm and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971, rated G) starring Gene Wilder on Wednesday, April 18 at 6:30pm. Tickets are $6 each (general admission). Mahaiwe monthly movies are sponsored by Don Buchwald & Associates and family movies by Greylock Federal Credit Union.
A-HA! Mahaiwe Daytime provides school-time programs to share world-class talents with local youth via field trip presentations and in-school workshops. New Orleans’ Corbian will perform Darwin The Dinosaur on Thursday, April 26 at 10:00am. In this innovative theater experience, electroluminescent crayon-like creatures light up the stage with a heart-rending tale of a dinosaur discovering the true meaning of love. Recommended for all ages. This program is sponsored by Cain Hibbard & Myers and the Dr. Robert C. and Tina Sohn Foundation. $6 per student/1 free chaperone per 10 students. To make field trip arrangements, please call 413.644.9040 ext. 105.
The Mahaiwe will host a wide variety of community events this spring, includingClose Encounters With Music, C.S.T.A., Inc. and Kutsher’s Sports Academy presenting Bobby Collins, and Noche Flamenca. Details on these events follow in the calendar summary below.
The Mahaiwe is located at 14 Castle Street in Great Barrington, Mass. Box Office Hours: Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 6pm and three hours before show times. For tickets and information, see http://www.mahaiwe.org or call 413.528.0100.
April and May Programming at Glance
Mahaiwe Presents
Wednesday, April 11 at 12:00pm (encore)
Met Opera “Live in HD” Massenet’s Manon
Tickets are $18 to $25
Mahaiwe Presents
Saturday, April 14 at 1:00pm (extremely limited availability)
Sunday, April 22 at 1:00pm (encore)
Met Opera “Live in HD” Verdi’s La Traviata
Tickets are $18 to $25
Mahaiwe Presents
Sunday, April 15 at 7:00pm
Titanic (1953, NR)
$6 General Admission
Mahaiwe Presents
Wednesday, April 18 at 6:30pm
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971, rated G)
$6 General Admission
Close Encounters with Music Presents
Saturday, April 21 at 6:00pm
Trade Winds-From China with Love
Tickets are $30 to $40
Mahaiwe Presents
Thursday, April 26 at 10:00am
New Orleans Corbian
Darwin The Dinosaur
Schooltime performance for all ages
Tickets are $6 per student/1 free chaperone per 10 students
For group sales, call 413.644.9040 x105.
C.S.T.A., Inc. and Kutsher’s Sports Academy Present
Saturday May 5 at 8:00pm
Comedy for the Causes featuring Comedian Bobby Collins
Tickets are $37 to $55
Mahaiwe Presents
Monday, May 7 at 6:30pm
Friday, May 11 at 8:00pm (2nd screening)
Wagner’s Dream: A new documentary film about Met Opera’s Ring Cycle by Susan Froemke
Tickets are $12 (general admission)
Mahaiwe Presents
Wednesday, May 9 at 6:30pm
The Met: Live in HD Wagner’s Das Rheingold (encore)
Tickets are $20
Mahaiwe Presents
Monday, May 14 at 6:30 pm
The Met: Live in HD Wagner’s Die Walkure (encore)
Tickets are $20
Mahaiwe Presents
Wednesday, May 16 at 6:30pm
The Met: Live in HD Wagner’s Siegfried (encore)
Tickets are $20
Mahaiwe Presents
Friday, May 18 at 8:00pm
HD Broadcast of This American Life – Live!
Pubic radio host Ira Glass curates a program that celebrates visuals and performance, including music, dance, comedy, video, and more…things that don’t quite fit onto the radio show.
Tickets are $20
Close Encounters with Music Presents
Saturday, May 19 at 6:00pm
The Daedalus Quartet: Beethoven, Schubert and Berg
Tickets are $30 to $40
Mahaiwe Presents
Sunday, May 20 at 12:00pm
The Met: Live in HD Wagner’s Gotterdammerung (encore)
Tickets are $20
Noche Flamenca Presents
Saturday, May 26 at 8:00pm
Sunday, May 27 at 8:00pm
Mi Generación
Flamenco dance
Tickets are $25 to $65
About the Mahaiwe
Located in downtown Great Barrington, Massachusetts, the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center is the year-round presenter of world-class music, dance, theater, classic films, “Live in HD” broadcasts, and arts education programs for the southern Berkshires and neighboring regions. The intimate jewel box of a theater opened in 1905 and has been in continuous operation for over 100 years. In 2005, the theater experienced a renaissance as a beautifully restored 681-seat venue to offer a broad range of cultural and community events. Today’s “Mahaiwe Mix” of diverse, high quality programming strives to provide meaningful, memorable entertainment for all ages and interests.
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