The MOMIX appearance celebrates nature through dance and fantasy.

Mahaiwe Executive Director Beryl Jolly announced Mahaiwe ArtSmart Tix, an initiative that offers $15 tickets to patrons ages 30 and younger to all Mahaiwe performances, as well as a joint ticketing program with Berkshire Botanical Garden (BBG) tied to upcoming nature-themed dance performances by MOMIX and Paul Taylor Dance Company. “If you love gardens or want to take extra advantage of the Berkshires this summer, try the garden/dance package,” said Jolly. “And if you’re under 30 and want to try something fun at the Mahaiwe, call in with ArtSmart. We are committed to offering young people affordable access to the theater.”

The Mahaiwe ArtSmart Tix program is sponsored, in part, by Berkshire Gas. Ticket quantities are limited and available on a first come, first served basis for each show. Valid ID required. The discounted tickets apply to all Mahaiwe events, which include dance and music performances.

The Mahaiwe and Berkshire Botanical Garden will offer a $50 joint package ticket good for admission to both the Berkshire Botanical Garden and to one performance of either MOMIX (Friday, July 6 at 8:00pm, Saturday, July 7 at 8:00pm) or Paul Taylor Dance Company (Thursday, July 26 at 8:00pm, Friday, July 27 at 8:00pm, Saturday, July 28 at 3:00pm and 8:00pm). The Berkshire Botanical Garden offers an oasis of green, color and calm in the heart of the Berkshires. “We invite you to explore the garden for the inspiration of our cultivated landscape and to see how the organic movement in the garden informs these amazing dance performances,” said BBG Executive Director Molly Boxer.

MOMIX Director Moses Pendleton’s new work Botanica is an evening-length journey through the seasons, blending movement, circus, athleticism, and magical effects. Choreographer Paul Taylor’s new work, Gossamer Gallants, uses movement inspired by insects, and offers a comedic view of mating rituals, in which the female of the species is often the stronger, predatory partner. The package deal is available through July 29; it is not valid on pre-purchased tickets. To order the joint ticket, use the special code “GARDANCE.”

The Mahaiwe is located at 14 Castle Street in Great Barrington, Mass. Box Office Hours: Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 6:00pm and three hours before show times. For tickets and information, see www.mahaiwe.org or call 413.528.0100. The Berkshire Botanical Garden is open daily, 9:00am to 5:00pm and is located at the intersection of Routes 102 and 183, Stockbridge, Mass. To register for classes, or for more information on Garden programs, events, and courses, visit the Garden web site: www.berkshirebotanical.org or call 413 298-3926.

The Berkshire Botanical Garden is collaborating with the Mahaiwe to promote greater participation by young adults.

About Berkshire Botanical Garden

Berkshire Botanical Garden is one of New England’s oldest and most treasured public gardens. Established in 1934, its mission was to inspire and educate the community about responsible horticulture and home-grown food. Today, with a year-round schedule of garden classes and workshops, prestigious guest lecturers, and a horticulture certification program, in addition to many special events, it is still dedicated to these founding values and to the preservation and improvement of the local environment. Its 15 acres contain 22 zone 5 display areas representing over 3,000 regionally appropriate plant species, significant trees, unique shrubs, and exotic botanical collections.

The Paul Taylor Dance Company will present Gossamer Gallants (Francisco Graciano & Michael Apuzzo) at the Mahaiwe this summer. Photo by Tom Caravaglia

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.