Memberships and tickets may be purchased in person at the Colonial Ticket Office at 111 South Street Monday-Friday 10-5, performance Saturdays 10-2, by calling (413) 997-4444 or online at www.TheColonialTheatre.org.

Additional new events are expected to be scheduled as the booking process continues.

2011 Season Offerings at the Colonial Theatre (111 South St, Pittsfield)

Tanglewood Music Center Fellows
Part of the Pittsfield 250th Celebration
Sunday, May 1 2pm
FREE

An afternoon of the finest classical music to kick-off the summer! For over 70 years, the Tanglewood Music Center has been training the finest young musicians in their Fellowship program. For the first time at the Colonial, recent Fellows from this esteemed training program will be performing some of the finest music in the world. Do not miss this chance to hear the future stars of the musical world in concert together.

Sherri Buxton and Friends:
Songs From The Great American Songbook
with special guest Matt Cusson
A Benefit for Community Resources for People with Autism
Sponsored by Cohen | Kinne | Valicenti | Cook & Berkshire Bank
Thursday, June 2 7pm
VIP: $55 • A: $35 • B: $25 • C: $15

From Gershwin to Berlin and Porter to Arlen, Sherri James Buxton, is an elegant interpreter of the Great American Songbook, delighting audiences with her warmth, versatility and flawless technique. She combines Broadway, Cabaret and recording experience with a highly skilled voice and amazing stage presence. Matt Cusson, is an award-winning singer-songwriter who has performed with James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera and Brian McKnight among many others. His jazz ballad “One of Those Nights” won the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and Maxell Song of the Year and was also nominated for a 2011 Oasis Contemporary Jazz Award. These two local favorites unite for a fun-filled evening of music.

The Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats
Saturday, June 11 2pm & 7pm
Tickets: $25 Adults • $15 for ages 16 and under

The Golden Dragon Acrobats have become the world’s leading Chinese acrobatic troupe, performing more than any other company. World-renowned impresario Danny Chang and choreographer Angela Chang combine award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music and theatrical techniques to present a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty.

Bobby Sweet
Saturday, June 18 8pm
All Tickets: $15

Local favorite Bobby Sweet has shared the bill with some all-time great country and folk artists, including Vince Gill, Bill Staines, Bill Morrissey, Deana Carter, Bryan White, Arlo Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Jonathan Edwards and Sawyer Brown. A sought-after lead guitarist, he has opened for George Jones, Asleep at the Wheel, Willie Nelson, The Bellamy Brothers, Waylon Jennings, and many others. Stylistically, Sweet’s music resides somewhere between John Prine, Jackson Browne, Guy Clark and a country version of Bruce Springsteen.

God’s Trombone’s Lift Ev’ry Voice:
Celebrating African-American Culture & Heritage in the Berkshires
Sunday, June 19
Time and Prices To Be Announced

In 1927, James Weldon Johnson published the classic God’s Trombones: Seven Negro Sermons in Verse. This seminal work, consisting of actual sermons written in free verse form, sought to document and preserve the unique African American cultural tradition. Now musician and composer Craig S. Harris continues that work with his opus God’s Trombones. Harris looks to Johnson’s poems for inspiration while creating a musical interpretation of the unique rhythm and cadence of traditional African American sermons. This performance is sure to be a soaring, triumphant musical event not to be missed.

The Who’s Tommy music and lyrics by Pete Townshend, book by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff
Additional music and lyrics by John Entwistle and Keith Moon
Featuring James Barry (Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson) and Randy Harrison (Boq in Wicked, TV’s Queer as Folk)
Produced by Berkshire Theatre Festival, Presented at The Colonial Theatre
Directed by Eric Hill
Previews July 7, 8, 9 @ 2pm
Opening Night/Press Night July 9 @ 8pm
Closes July 16
Tickets A: $49 • B: $40 • C: $20
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday at 8pm, Wednesday at 7pm, Thursday and Saturday at 2pm

The original rock opera, The Who’s Tommy is at once a show-stopping rock concert and a cautionary tale of the power and perils of celebrity. We witness Tommy Walker from his birth, through the shocking episodes of his childhood that render him deaf, mute and blind, as he conquers the world with his stardom, and finally after the crowds have turned on him. Featuring legendary songs by the Who, including “Pinball Wizard,” “See Me, Feel Me” and “Tommy, Can You Hear Me?” and with a cast including James Barry of Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson as Captain Walker and Randy Harrison from Wicked and Queer as Folk as Tommy, this promises to be the event of the summer in the Berkshires.

Talib Kweli
Friday, July 22 8pm
A: $55 • B: $35 • C: $20

Talib Kweli is an icon of the New York underground hip-hop scene. His collaborations have resulted in album after album of tracks that wow critics and audiences while pushing hip-hop to new heights. Kweli’s early work with Mos Def on Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star still stands as one of hip-hop’s premiere expressions of truth. His newest solo release, Gutter Rainbows, takes a trip back to childhood while marking the newest stage in his long and dynamic career. Renowned for his fresh lyrics, unique style and unequaled dedication to his music, Kweli has worked with artists as diverse as Kanye West, Justin Timberlake, MF Doom, Hi Tek, Madlib, Mary J. Blige, Fabolous, Common, Nelly, The Roots, Gucci Mane, Norah Jones, KRS-One and many more. With a career filled with success and innovation, it comes as no surprise that Jay-Z and 50 Cent both count Kweli among their favorite rappers.

Tommy Tune in Steps In Time: A Broadway Biography In Song And Dance
Featuring The Manhattan Rhythm Kings
Thursday, August 11 7:30pm
VIP: $100 • A: $65 • B: $45 • C: $25

Nine-time Tony Award-winner Tommy Tune teams with longtime collaborators The Manhattan Rhythm Kings for a personal look back at his incredible career, featuring timeless standards, elegant choreography and Tommy’s own unique charm and warm-hearted humor. Don’t miss this rare chance to view the personal side of this quintessential song-and-dance man.

Bakin’ with the Boss Tour starring Buddy Valastro: The Cake Boss
Saturday, August 13 2pm & 7pm
VIP: $75 • A: $65 • B: $45 • C: $25

In this live interactive event, the baker and star of TLC’s Cake Boss will share the stories behind his hit TV series and his colorful Italian family, answer audience questions and give a live demonstration of the techniques that have made him one of the most successful and renowned cake artists in the nation. Buddy will even invite audience members to join the fun on stage. The whole family is invited for a night of “bakin’ with the boss” one will not soon forget.

Word x Word Festival
Saturday, August 20
Time and Prices To Be Announced

For the second year in a row, acclaimed performance festival Word x Word will conclude its weeklong offering of cutting edge music, theatre and spoken word at the Colonial. Festival founder Jim Benson promises to top last year’s finale which featured the poet Rives and singer/songwriter Langhorne Slim.

Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes
Thursday, August 25 7:30pm
VIP: $60 • A: $55 • B: $35 • C: $15

“I’ve always wanted to be a Juke… and I still do.” –Jon Bon Jovi
Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes are legends in the rock ‘n’ roll scene. For over thirty years they have been delighting audiences and recording music in their hard-driving style. They have turned out more than thirty albums, thousands of live performances around the globe and produced a legion of dedicated and enthusiastic fans. These musical giants of the Jersey Shore influenced musicians from Bruce Springsteen to Bon Jovi and are still going strong today.

Berkshire Comedy Spotlight II
Saturday, September 24 8pm
A: $30 • B: $20 • C: $15

ZipStohr Comedy is proud to return to the Colonial to present the best locally grown stand-up comedians. Back by popular demand, these entertainers are Berkshire natives who grew up testing material in backyards and parties all over the county; now they earn a living by making people laugh all over the country. Join us for performances by Kevin Bartini, Brian Collins, Rick D’Elia, Jake Gold, Jay Montepare, Karen Rontowski, Mike Whitman.

Frank Rich
Sunday, October 9 2pm
VIP: $100 • A: $65 • B: $45 • C: $15

An intimate conversation with one of the unique voices of our times. For nearly forty years, Frank Rich has been one of the preeminent commentators on arts, culture, politics and the world in which we live. Between his years as head drama critic and featured columnist for the New York Times , Frank has helped shape our view of arts, politics and the world we share. This is a rare opportunity to hear a bestselling author, award-winning commentator and singular voice, all at the same time.

The Grace Kelly Quartet with special guest Phil Woods
and the Berkshires Jazz Youth Ensemble
in association with the Pittsfield CityJazz Festival
Saturday, October 15 8pm
Pricing To Be Announced

Five years to the day after Grace Kelly first performed with Phil Woods, the duo returns to the Colonial to conclude their 2011 world tour as headliners for the 7th annual Pittsfield CityJazz Festival. Then Phil Woods was the guest artist with the U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors and was a brand-new Jazz Master inviting the young 14 year old phenom to sit in for a number. During that number, Phil placed his iconic leather cap on Grace’s head, a symbolic passing of the torch. This moment has become a part of jazz-lore and even sparked the name of Grace’s latest CD, Man With The Hat, featuring Phil Woods as a guest artist. Now Grace is a leading light of the jazz world, blending standards, jazz, funk, blues and original compositions with world-class saxophone skills and a sweet and soulful voice. In addition to their own set, Phil and Grace will appear with the Berkshires Jazz Youth Ensemble, a county-wide all-star big band.

David Sedaris
Wednesday, October 19 7:30pm
VIP: $75 • A: $65 • B: $45 • C: $25

NPR Humorist and Bestselling Author of Naked, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim and
Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk. With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, David Sedaris has become one of America’s pre-eminent humorists. The great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today.

The Tartan Terrors
Friday, October 21 8pm
A: $35 • B: $25 • C: $15

Taking the Celtic scene by storm, the Tartan Terrors feature the best in music, comedy and dance. Their sound is bolstered by the blistering piping of a two-time World Champion Bagpiper, the driving tones of drums from around the world and a guitar played unlike any ever heard. Combine this musical prowess with championship caliber Highland Dancers and internationally recognized comedic performers and this Celtic group goes beyond the ordinary. Members of the Tartan Terrors have performed on four different continents; in some of the most prestigious Festivals, Highland Games and Theatres of North America; for President Clinton; Queen Elizabeth II; and on Good Morning America.

Romance, Soul & Rock N’ Roll Presents: THIS is Broadway!
The Community Supports the Colonial!
Friday & Saturday, October 28-29 7:30pm
A: $20 B: $15
Romance, Soul & Rock N’ Roll is back for another exciting musical revue on behalf of The Colonial Theatre. This year’s show features an array of popular Broadway songs, ranging from heart wrenching ballads to rousing rock ‘n’ roll numbers.

Christopher O’Riley
Saturday, November 12 8pm
VIP: $55 • A: $45 • B: $25 • C: $15

Pianist Christopher O’Riley has garnered critical accolades and international acclaim for his groundbreaking transcriptions of Radiohead, Elliott Smith and Nick Drake as well as his unforgettably sublime interpretations of the classical canon. His latest album, Out of My Hands, includes music by R.E.M, Portishead, Cocteau Twins, Pink Floyd, Nirvana, and the Smiths among others. As host of the popular radio show, NPR’s From The Top, he performs with the next generation of brilliant young musicians.

Arlo Guthrie: Boys Night Out
Saturday, November 19 8pm
VIP: $65 • A: $55 • B: $35 • C: $15
For over four decades, Arlo Guthrie has toured the world winning a broad and dedicated following. In addition to being an accomplished musician, Guthrie is a natural-born storyteller whose hilarious tales and timeless anecdotes are woven seamlessly into his performances.

Natalie MacMaster
Wednesday, November 30 7:30pm
VIP: $65 • A: $55 • B: $35 • C: $15

Cape Breton’s incandescent fiddler tears up the stage with grand shows filled with ferocious fiddling, high-powered step-dancing, fast-paced Celtic raves and heart-warming ballads. MacMaster and her sizzling band captivate live audiences with colorful reels and jigs and dynamically fuse the traditional with bluegrass, world music and pop. MacMaster has shared the stage with luminaries such as Carlos Santana, the Chieftains, Alison Krauss, Faith Hill, Luciano Pavarotti and dozens of symphony orchestras including the Boston Pops.

The Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical
Sunday, December 4 2pm
All Tickets: $15
Script and Lyrics by Mo Willems
Based on his book Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale
Music by Michael Silversher
Directed by Rosemary Newcott

It sounds so simple, just a quick trip to the Laundromat with Daddy, Trixie and her beloved Knuffle Bunny. But, before you know it things go horribly, hilariously wrong. Chock full of adventure, song and gigantic dancing laundry, Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical tells a tale of firsts: a stuffed animal’s first trip in the laundry, a little girl’s first words and a Daddy’s first time dealing with his child going “boneless.” Based on his beloved Caldecott Honor-winning picture book, six-time Emmy Award winner Mo Willems joins Grammy Award winning composer Michael Silversher to lovingly celebrate the heart and heartache that comes from a family’s visit to their local Laundromat. We mentioned the giant dancing laundry, right?
Recommended for ages four and up.

BTF Family Series
Hansel and Gretel’s Grimm Tale by E. Gray Simons III, based on stories by the Brothers Grimm
Directed by Travis G. Daly
Staged at the Berkshire Museum
(Wednesday-Saturday at 11am)
July 6-16

A production of the Unicorn Company (BTF’s pre-professional acting troupe)
In collaboration with the Berkshire Museum
Ticket prices To Be Announced

BTF is proud to return to the Berkshire Museum again this season. This summer bring the whole family to see this lighthearted tale based on two Grimm’s Fairy Tales (“Hansel and Gretel” and “The Devil with the Three Golden Hairs”). Young Hansel and Gretel are obsessed with stories. When they wander off into the woods one day, they have only their wits and the power of tales to ensure they make it home and get a “happily ever after” ending.

The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, with music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg, Background Music by Herbert Stothart, Dance and Vocal Arrangements by Peter Howard, Orchestration by Larry Wilcox, Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company. Based upon the Classical Motion Picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co. and distributed in all media by Warner Bros.

Directed by E. Gray Simons III and Travis G. Daly
Staged at The Colonial Theatre
Opening Night September 9
Closing Night September 11
Friday-Saturday at 7:30pm, Saturday-Sunday at 2pm
Featuring the Berkshire Theatre Festival Children’s Theatre Company, consisting of children and adults from throughout Berkshire County.
Tickets $20 for adults, $15 for children 16 and under

BTF’s Children’s Theatre Company comes to The Colonial Theatre for the first time with the beloved tale of Dorothy Gale going “over the rainbow.” Berkshire County children and adults come together with BTF staff to produce a tremendous weekend of musical theatre in the picturesque setting of The Colonial Theatre.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, adapted by Eric Hill
Directed by Eric Hill and E. Gray Simons III
Staged at The Colonial Theatre
Previews December 17, 18 @ 2pm
Opening Night/Press Night December 18 @ 7pm
Closes December 30
Tickets $20 for adults, $15 for children 7-16. Not appropriate for children 6 and under.

BTF’s sixth annual production comes to The Colonial Theatre. The traditional tale of the healing power of Christmas will unite the entire county for two weeks in December.

Community Events
Made in the Berkshires
Festival of New Works
October 8-10, 15-17
At The Colonial and BTF
Times and Prices To Be Announced

Led by Hilary Deely and Barbara Sims, Made in the Berkshire is a locally-grown festival of new works. These works will be written by local artists, featuring local directors and actors and celebrating the best of the Berkshires. Submission period and performance schedule to be announced soon.

Friday Series and Musical Mondays
BTF’s play reading series, expanded
Schedule to be announced
At BTF and The Colonial

BTF’s wildly popular free play reading series returns again this summer in a new expanded format. The Friday Series will feature some of the best new work directed and read by members of the BTF company, including the same actors that appear in our season performances, at either the Unicorn or Fitzpatrick Main Stage. This year the Friday Series is supported by Musical Mondays, readings of new and classic musicals complete with accompaniment and the actors performing the original songs. This new series will be held at The Colonial on Mondays throughout the summer. Performance dates and titles to be announced soon.

3rd Thursdays

Live performances throughout the summer
Part of the Cultural Pittsfield 3rd Thursdays celebration
At the Colonial
Times and Prices To Be Announced

This year, the Colonial will be programming events as part of 3rd Thursdays in Pittsfield. Each month come be a part of live music, theatre and the visual arts in conjunction with the county’s biggest after hours street festival. Look for our exciting programming each month.