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 Berkshires Summer 2006 Theater Schedules 
 1/2 TIX. The popular 1/2 TIX and cultural events discount program is up and running again at the following locations: 1. Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce Infor–mation Center on Main Street, Great Barrington 2. Pittsfield, inside the Berkshire Visitor’s Center, 121 South St. 3. (New) Adams Visitors Center, 3 Hoosac St. Participating organizations include Berkshire Choral Festival, Tanglewood, Shakespeare & Company, Barrington Stage, Jacob’s Pillow, Berkshire Opera. Hours of Service: Every day except Monday from 2pm to 6pm; with extended matinee hours, Fri. & Sunday from 11am to 6pm. --> Barrington Stage Berkshire Music Hall, Union Street, Pittsfield, MA Website Barrington Stage has been much in the news in New York as well as the Berkshires. The company’s big summer 2004 hit, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee transferred triumphantly to Off–Broadway and then to the Circle in the Square on Broadway where it is still running. The success of that show enabled founding artistic director Julianne Boyd to buy a permanent home. Renovations for the theater with its 300-seat orchestra and 200-seat mezzanine are well under way though this season will still see several productions in nearby spaces. MainStage June 24 -- July 16 Koussevitzky Arts Center Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield THE HUMAN COMEDY. Music by Galt MacDermot. Libretto by William Dumaresq. From the story by William Saroyan. Choreographed by Lara Teeter. Directed by Julianne Boyd What it's about: The timeless story of a California town during World War II, Grammy winner Debby Boone will be Mrs. Kate Macauley. Other cast members: Bobby List, Eamon Foley, Morgan James, Doug Kreeger, Jim Ambler , Adam Sansiveri, Megan Lewis, Cheryl Freeman, Donald Grody, Molly Sorohan, Andre Garner, Keira O’Neill, Kimberly Cuellar, Robb Sherman, Colin Cunliffe, Matthew Erlbach and Lori Brooke Cohan. July 20 -- August 5 Duffin Theater, Lenox Memorial Middle & High School, East St., Lenox WONDER OF THE WORLD, David Lindsay-Abaire. Directed by Rob Ruggiero What it's about: When Cass discovers a secret in her husband's sweater drawer she has no choice but to flee, heading for, of all places, the honeymoon capital of the world, Niagara Falls. In her frantic search for the life she thinks she missed out on, Cass crosses paths with a host of eccentrics in a spiral of misadventures that push her perilously close to the water's edge. August 10 -- 27 Barrington Stage, Union St., Pittsfield RING ROUND THE MOON By Jean Anouilh. Adapted by Christopher Fry. Directed by Julianne Boyd What it's About: Identical twin brothers -- one scheming and the other shy -- compete for the attention of a beautiful heiress. Hugo is as devious as his brother Frederic is clueless, and he has only this one night to stop Frederic's engagement. Hugo convinces a breathtakingly beautiful ballerina to charm his brother, and in the process unleashes a chain of events that even he can't foresee. Barrington Stage II will be at BS temporary home, The Berkshire Athenaeum,1 Wendell Ave., Pittsfield Performances will be Wednesday through Sunday evening at 7:30pm, with matinees on Sunday at 3pm May 18 -- June 4 THE COLLYER BROTHERS AT HOME & PERIOD PIECE by Mark St. Germain and directed by Christopher Innvar, best known to BS audiences for his dashing acting parts. What it's About: The famous recluses, the Collyer Brothers, in their legendary NYC brownstone -- packed with 136 tons of collectibles including fourteen pianos, an X-ray machine, a horse-drawn carriage and a labyrnith of newspapers. Based on a true story from the annals of New York City history. Brian Smiar (Thief River, '04) and Robert Zukerman (Thief River, '04 & Earnest, '05) return to BSC to portray the two brothers. The Inaugural Stage II Music Theater Lab June 21 to July 15th, The BURNT PART BOYS features a book by Mariana Elder, with music by Chris Miller and lyrics by Nathan Tysen. Joe Calarco directs this bittersweet, comic musical adventure. What it's about: Deep in Virginia's coal country; six teenagers struggle to come to terms with the loss of their fathers in a devastating mining accident. As they set off for the long-shuttered mine, they embark on a coming-of-age-journey that transforms their relationships with one another and the world around them. July 26 -- August 6 Berkshire Athenaeum, 1 Wendell Ave. , Pittsfield Update: The replacement for the originally planned Mr. Future will be TRAVELS WITH MY DISCONTENT: A NEW MUSICAL REVUE with Music by Deborah Abramson; Lyrics by Deborah Abramson, William Finn, Peter Mills, Nathan Tysen and Amanda Yesnowitz. It will be directed by William Finn and feature Charlie Brady (from the first Lab show The Burnt Part Boys), Katie Clarke ( the last Clara of Lincoln Center ’s The Light in the Piazza), Tony Nominee Megan Lawrence (Gladys in The Pajama Game),and Chip Zien (Into the Woods and Falsettos). MEET MISTER FUTURE from the creators of the hit off-Broadway musical Grey Gardens Michael Korie (book & lyrics) and Scott Frankel (music). Directed by Christopher Ashley. Cancelled and replace by Travels With My discontent, per above August 17-27 DISORDER: A mother-Daughter Vaudeville. Book by Katie Baldwin, music by Gihieh Lee and lyrics by Julianne Davis and Katie Baldwin. (this replaces the originally announced DOGS THAT WEAR HATS) . September 1 and Saturday, September 2 at the Barrington Stage at 30 Union Street. SONGS BY RIDICULOUSLY TALENTED COMPOSERS 7 LYRICISTS YOU PROBABLY DON'T KNOW, BUT SHOULD winds up the season with a celebration of new composers and lyricists, narrated by William Finn and directed by Dana Harrel. Please note there is a chance in our Musical Theatre Lab lineup: DOGS THAT WEAR HATS has been replaced by DISORDER: A Mother-Daughter Vaudeville. DISORDER features a book by Katie Baldwin, music by Gihieh Lee and lyrics by Julianne Davis and Katie Baldwin. The performance dates and venue reamin unchanged - August 17 -27 at the Berkshire Athenaeum Berkshire Opera Berkshire Opera Company, 297 North Street, Pittsfield, 413/442-0099; www.berkshireopera.org. Berkshire Opera 2006 The Berkshire Opera Company's 22nd season will include two main productions. Tickets for major productions range from $35 to $85. July 24 to31: Hansel & Gretel. New fully staged production, performed in English with supertitles. Mahaiwe Theatre in Great Barrington. August 17-28: Madama Butterfly. New fully staged production, performed in Italian with supertitles. Berkshire Community College. Other events include: July 5: The Soul of Genius: A Mozart Celebration?at the Mahaiwe Theatre. . . July 13: Thou Beautiful: Music Born in the Berkshires at the Clark Art Institute. . . July 18 & August 7: Vocal chamber music at Ventfort Hall The Berkshire Theatre Festival Berkshire Theatre Festival–– POBox 797, Stockbridge, MA 01262 (413/298–5536) Main Stage performances are Monday through Saturday evenings at 8pm with matinees at 2pm on Thursdays and Saturdays. Tickets range from $37-$64. Unicorn performances are Monday through Saturday evenings at 8pm with matinees at 2pm on Saturdays for most shows. Prices range from $28-$43. BTF Main Stage: June 20, to July 8th; opening June 23rd. Amadeus by Peter Shaffer. Directed by Eric Hill. With Jonathan Epstein and Randy Harrison. This winner of the Tony Award for Best Play, weaves a confrontation between mediocrity and genius as pious composer Antonio Salieri sets out to destroy his rival, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a foul mouthed, graceless libertine who effortlessly hears the music of the spheres. July 11 to 29; opening July 14. Coastal Disturbances by Tina Howe. Directed by Mark Nelson and starring Annie Parisse as the eccentric young photographer Holly Dancer and Jeremy Davidson as her love interest, the handsome lifeguard Leo Hart. Jack Davidson will play Dr. Hamilton Adams. August 1 to August 12; opening August 4. The Night of the Iguana in which Tennessee Williams lays bare the souls of four outcasts. Anders Cato directs a cast which will feature Amelia Campbell as Hannah Jelkes, Garret Dillahunt as the defrocked Reverend T. Lawrence Shannon; Linda Hamilton as the randy widow Maxine Faulk and Robin Weigert as the free-spirited artist Hannah Jelkes; . Aya Cash (as Charlotte Goodall), Sam Kitchin (as Jake Latta), Charlotte Maier (as Miss Judith Fellows), and Bill Swan (as Nonno). From August 15 to September 2; opening August 18. The Heidi Chronicles by Wendy Wasserstein. Director and full cast TBA. With Wasserstein's sad and untimely death at aget 55, audiences will be especially eager to see her Pulitzer Prize winning play. Scott Lowell will play Scoop Rosenbaum. Unicorn Stage May 25 to June 24; opening May 27. The Illusion by Pierre Corneille; Freely adapted by Tony Kushner and directed by Richard Corley. This 17th century folk tale about an old man's search for his long-lost son closed the original Unicorn Theatre and is now restaged for the new Unicorn’s 10th anniversary. June 28 to July 22; opening June 29. Where Has Tommy Flowers Gone? by Terrence McNally, directed by E. Gray Simons III.. A comedy that portrays the 1960s life of one Tommy Flowers--irrepressible cut-up, determined freeloader, and disenchanted rebel against society. From July 28 to August 26; opening August 2. The Pilgrim Papers by Stephen Temperley, directed by Vivian Matalon. Previews: July 28-August 1 Opens: August 2 Postscript: August 7 Closes: August 26 The writer of the end of season hit, Souvenir, a world premiering political satire that is likely to overturn all your preconceptions not only about the Pilgrims—Turkeys, Thanksgiving, Plymouth Rock—but also about Hippies, the C.I.A., religious fundamentalism, and same-sex marriage. August 29 to October 21; opening August 30. Via Dolorosa by David Hare, directed by Anders Cato and starring Jonathan Epstein. This solo show, performed on Broadway by the author uses his journey to Israel and Palestine to ruminate on his own values, and discoveries of unexpected similarities between his personal prejudices, passions, and suspicions and those he finds in the Middle East. BTF FAMILY PLAYS! Juane 28 to July 28th. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl; Dramatized by Richard R. George, at the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield. September 8 at 7:30 and September 9 at 2 and 7pm. The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum; Music and lyrics of the MGM Motion Picture Score by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg; Background music by Herbert Stothart; Book adaptation by John Kane from the Motion Picture Screenplay. Directed by E. Gray Simons III The Mac–Haydn Theater musical theater in the round on Rte. 203 in Chatham, NY.. 518/ 392-9292 for or check their website. The 2006 schedule below. May 25 to28, May 31 to June 4: Forever Plaid June 8-11, 14-18: South Pacific June 22 to 25, June 28 to July 2 Fiddler on the Roof July 6 to 9, 12 to16 Funny Girl July 20 to 23, 26- to 3, August 2 to 6 Cats-- First Area-Staged Production! August 10 to 13, 16 to 20 Guys and Dolls August 24 to 27, August 30 to September 3 Gigi The Miniature Theatre of Chester-- Newly Christened this season as The Chester Theatre Company, an Actors’ Equity Association company, at the Chester Town Hall, on Middlefield Street off Route 20. (413 - 354 -7771) web site . Performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 8 pm., with matinees Thursday and Sunday at 2:00pm. Tickets are $22 to $27.50, General Admission, $10 Students; group rates are available. July 5 to 16 Duet For One by Tom Kempinski, directed by James Warwick. Inspired by the case of Jacqueline Du Pre n whose career has been cut short by the onset of multiple sclerosis. Seeking new meaning for her life, the stricken musician consults psychiatrist Alfred Feldmann, and together, they confront both her despair and the limits of his professional detachment. And here's something new: The play will continue from July 19th to July 23rd at The Consolati Arts Center in Sheffield, formerly summer home to Barrington Stage. click here August 2-13 Two Rooms by Lee Blessing, directed by Byam Stevens. Another show we've seen in several locations. For what to expect, click here. Like Duet for One, this play will extend its run at the Consolati Arts Center in Sheffield from August 16th toAugust 20th August 16-27. Auntie and Me by Morris Panych produced in association with Merrimack Repertory Company and directed by Munson Hicks. A hit at the 2002 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the comedy continued on to a 2003 West End run. Old Castle Theatre, Vermont Route 9 at Gypsy Lane P.O. Box 260, Bennington, Vermont O5201 (802–447–0564 Box Office, 802–447–1267 Office, 802–442–3704 Fax) Website . Bennington, Vt., is a bit too far north for me to get there often. However, when I've gone I've seen some worthwhile shows and they have a long season. Following are the plays they have lined up this year. March 17 & 18, BABY LOVE by Melissa Hurst March 31, April 1 & 2, BULLY by Jerome Alden May 5 to 21, I'M NOT RAPPAPORT by Herb Gardner June 9 to 25, WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? by Edward Albeee July 14 to 30, DRACULA by Hamilton Deane & John L. Balderston August 18 to September 3, ENGAGING SHAW by John Morogiello September 22 to October 8 HARD TIMES, a Dickens Drama by Stephen Jeffrey Shakespeare & CompanyShakespeare & Company, 70 Kemble St., Lenox, (413) 637–1199 Web Site Though Shakespeare Company is still in the planning stages for a small second stage to replace the beautiful Springlawn mansion it sold in the interest of its bottom line, the 29th season, playing May 26 through October 29, looks like a busy one. With the Founders' Theatre doing double duty, some of the productions listed below will have alternating schedules.. Founders' Theatre
The Merry Wives of Windsor by William Shakespeare; directed by Tony Simotes Founders' Theatre: July 13 - September 2 July 19 - September 2. (Press Opening: Saturday, July 22 at 8:00 pm) the acting company also doubles into The Merry Wives of Windsor, directed by Tony Simotes. August 1 to September 2 (Press Opening: Friday, August 4 at 8:00 pm) Martha Mitchell Calling, by Jodi Rothe, directed by Daniela Varon and starring Annette Miller double billed with No Background Music (Same Dates) written, directed and performed by Normi Noël. The Mitchell story will have Martha setting the record straight while her husband, former Attorney General John Mitchell, stands trial for Watergate crimes. No Background Music is a play created from the true stories of Vietnam army nurse Penny Rock May 26 - September 2 Enchanted April. (Press opening Saturday, June 3 at 8:00_ pmby Matthew Barber, and directed by Normi Noël. This stage version of the popular movie played on Broadway a few seasons ago (My Review) will feature Shakespeare & Company regulars Diane Prusha, Tod Randolph, Malcolm Ingram, and Elizabeth Ingram. October 19 to 22 and 26 to 29, Kerfol written by Edith Wharton and adapted for the stage by Dennis Krausnick. This is one of Wharton's more terrifying ghost stories.! Cast: TBA At the Outdoor Tented Rose Footprint June 23 To August 25 (Press Opening: June 23 & 24 at 6:15pm), The Servant of Two Masters, a very witty and funny Italian Commedia, done in two parts and directed by Dan McCleary. : June 23 to September 2 brings back the usual free fun of the Outdoor Bankside Festival where the company plan to recreate Shakespeare's The Banksyde The Servant of Two Masters: by Carlo Goldoni; directed by Dan McCleary Cast: TBA July 9 to August 24 . A series of 10 lectures, conversations and entertaining demonstrations on cultural aspects of the era that shaped Shakespeare's poetry, characters and drama. A perfect aperitif to your theatre experience! (More details TBA) Back to Index Theater Barn, 654 Route 20 New Lebanon, NY (518) 794–8989 info@theaterbarn.com–web site. Lots of antiques shops and restaurants en route. The emphasis in 2006 will be on more drama, though musicals won't be forgotten. The theater's six summer shows and two autumn entries are as follows: June 16 to25: Caught in the Net. Ray Cooney's sequel to his two-timing farce, Run For Your Wife. June 29 toJuly 9: The Graduate. Terry Johnson adaptation of the movie about Benjamin and Mrs. Robinson July 13 to23: Deathtrap. Ira Levin's 1972 award-winning mix of murder, treachery and suspense. July 27 to August 6: Fascinatin' Gershwin, a revue. August 10 to20: The Spitfire Grill. Feel-good musical adaptation of film features music by James Valcq and Fred Alley. August 24 toSeptember 3: Urinetown. Musical spoof with Brechtian elements about a society where an evil corporation controls the loos. . September 8 to 17: Rounding Third. Richard Dresser's comedy about mismatched youth baseball coaches. September 22 to October 8: On Golden Pond. Ernest Thompson's family drama about a summer of generational change. Williamstown Theatre Festival 1000 Main Street, Williamstown, MA (413/597-3400) This year, for the first time, tickets can be purchased on line, 24 hours a day, with full access to what's available and seat location: web address. Money Saving Tips: Kids under 18 attend the Main Stage free of charge every Friday night when accompanied by an adult. Limit one free kids' ticket per full price adult ticket, subject to availability. . . Student Rush Tickets at $15 each, are available beginning two hours prior to curtain for every Main Stage performance except Saturday evenings. Limit one ticket per person, students must show valid student i.d., must be purchased in person at the Box Office, cash only, subject to availability.. . . General Rush Tickets are available for every Thursday evening Main Stage performance beginning at 6 pm on the day of the show. Anyone may purchase rush tickets for $15 each ($20 for musical productions). Limit two rush tickets per person. Must be purchased in person at the Main Stage Box Office, cash only, subject to availability. The 2006 Season (and the second in its enlarged new homes) features seven productions, four on the Main Stage and three on the Nikos Stage as follows: MAIN STAGE ANYTHING GOES, July 5-16, Music & Lyrics by Cole Porter.Original Book by Guy Bolton, P.G. Wodehouse, Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. Directed by Roger Rees. This has been a consistent favorite on the regional and summer stock theater circuit, with produtions ranging from basic to what is sure to be large and lavish at WTF. Cast: Malcolm Gets as Evelyn, Matt Cavenaugh as Billy Crocker, Nikki Renee Daniels as Hope, Catherine Brunell as Bonnie, Remy Auberjonois as Moonface Martin, Tom Bloom as Elijah Whitney, Sandra Shipley as Mrs. Harcourt, and Paul O’Brien as Captain. andy in the Festival’s production of SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH July 19-30. SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH by Tennessee Williams, directed by David Jones Cast: Betsy Aidem as Miss Lucy, Gerry Bamman as Boss Finley, Derek Cecil as Chance Wayne, Margaret Colin as Princess Kosmonopolis, Beth Fowler as Aunt Nonnie Ted Koch as George Scudder. August 2-13. ROMEO AND JULIET by William Shakespeare,directed by Will Frears Cast: Bill Camp as Friar Laurence, Enid Graham as Lady Capulet, Austin Lysy as Romeo, .Daniel Oreskes as Capulet, Paul O’Brien as Montague, Sandra Shipley as Lady Montague, Kristine Nielsen as the Nurse, and Remy Auberjonois as Tybalt. August 16-27, DOUBLE DOUBLE a U.S. Premiere by Rick Elice & Roger Rees, directed by Roger Rees. The WTF's artistic director is certainly emphasizing the "artistic" part of his title. Cast: Carrie Preston will play the role of Phillipa and Matt Letscher will play the role of Duncan. NIKOS STAGE July 12-23. LUCY AND THE CONQUEST, by Cusi Cram, directed by Suzanne Agins. Cast: Jeanine Serralles as Lucy, Bernard White as Juan Ricardo Santiago. July 26-August 6. A NERVOUS SMILE by John Belluso, directed by Maria Mileaf. The cast features three splendid actresses: Amy Brennerman, the six year star, producer and co-creator of Judging Amy, Gloria Reuben and Deirdre O'Connell. The WTF Fridays @ 3 New Plays Series: July 14. said Said by Kenneth Lin July 21, Re-Sourcing by Laura Shamus July 28, Francisco Pisario Sings by Jay Reiss August 4, Creative Writing by J. Holham August 11, Monstrosity by Lucy Thurber August 18, Crimes of the Heart by Beth Henley (this one's a bit of a puzzler since it's hardly a NEW play?)
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