Casting Announced For Goodspeed's Amazing Grace

Goodspeed Musicals has announced casting for the new musical Amazing Grace running May 17- June 10 at The Norma Terris Theatre in Chester, CT, Goodspeed’s home for developing new works.

From the theater:
Storms. Slavery. Romance. Redemption. Prepare to be swept away by this epic musical saga about John Newton, a rebellious slave trader, and the woman who never lost faith in him. While fighting the raging seas and his own despair, Newton’s life is suddenly transformed - igniting a quest to end the scourge of slavery. Based on a true story of the man who penned the world’s most recognizable song, it’s a powerful musical you will never forget.

Amazing Grace features music and lyrics by Christopher Smith and book by Arthur Giron and Christopher Smith.

Goodspeed Musicals, the first two-time Tony Award winning theatre in the country, is delighted to announce that the cast of Amazing Grace will be led by Chris Peluso who will play John Newton. Peluso appeared in Broadway’s Mamma Mia!, Lestat, and Assassins.Whitney Bashor will play Mary Catlett. Laiona Michelle will play Nanna/Ayotunde. Mike Evarsite will play Thomas/Keita. Captain Newton will be played by Dennis Parlato of Broadway’s Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Sound of Music, Chess, and A Chorus Line as well as Mrs. McThing at Goodspeed’s Norma Terris Theatre.

Major Gray will be played by Chris Hoch of Broadway’s La Cage aux Folles; Shrek The Musical;Spamalot; Dracula, the Musical; and Beauty and the Beast. Hoch also appeared in Goodspeed’s Caraboo, Princess of Javasu at The Norma Terris.

Harriet D. Foy will play The Princess. Ms. Foy appeared in Broadway’s The American Plan, Mamma Mia! and Once on This Island as well as in Goodspeed’s Good Sports at The Norma Terris Theatre.

The ensemble includes Jonathan Burke, Merideth Kaye Clark, Rheaume Crenshaw, Andrew Crowe, Tyrone Davis Jr., Rachael Ferrera,Liam Forde, Logan Rose Nelms, Adbur Rahim Jackson, Olivia Bowman Jackson, Allen Kendall, Alex Krasser, Kate Marilley, Danny Rothman, Gavriel Savit, Victoria Thornsbury, Paul Michael Valley, Charles E. Wallace, Toni Elizabeth White and Noah Zachary.

Amazing Grace will be directed by Gabriel Barre. Choreography will be by Benoit-Swan Pouffer.
The set will be designed by Beowulf Boritt, costumes will be designed by Toni-Leslie James.

Amazing Grace will run May 17 through June 10, 2012. Curtain times are Wednesday at 2 and 7:30 pm., Thursday at 7:30 p.m.*, Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 3 and 8 pm and Sunday at 2 and 6:30 pm (*Thurs. 8 pm only on May 17th).

Tickets: 860-873-8668; www.goodspeed.org.

Quick Hit Theater Review: Red – TheaterWorks

Jonathan Epstein and Thomas Leverton. Photo by Lanny Nagler

Red
By John Logan

Directed by Tazewell Thompson

TheaterWorks 

Summary:

Cynical, angry artist Mark Rothko (Jonathan Epstein) hires a young idealistic assistant, Ken (Thomas Leverton) to work with him on his newest commission:  a series of four murals to hang in the newly constructed Four Seasons Restaurant in Manhattan. A smart dialogue about painting and about American society unfolds with the teacher-student relationship transitioning. Ken’s hopes that Rothko might be a friend, or even a mentor to replace the father he discovered murdered at a young age are dashed with every stroke of paint, however. The master’s vision for companionship extends only to the relationship between the paintings. The end result is always the same for him: tragedy. Rothko is struggling with the futility of life and with putting his brilliance on the walls of a commercial enterprise where its full meaning of the color red might or might not be comprehended by the capitalists dining beneath it.  

Highlights:

Epstein gives a nice portrait of the angry abstract impressionist. The dialogue is sharp and Rothko has us thinking not only about his complex character, but about the color red. We’ll never look at the color the same way again – it’s as complex in meaning, shade and infinite possibility as Rothko is. Set Designer Donald Eastman nicely creates the artist’s world: a two-leveled, dark, brick-walled studio that shuts out the world Rothko is trying to avoid. Large canvas paintings dominate the set nicely lighted by Stephen Quandt.

Lowlights:

There isn’t any chemistry between the actors, so the portrait fails to glow with the full colors it might radiate if the elements blended together more. The famous scene from the 2010 Tony Award winning play, for example, where the two men feverishly paint a campus together, should look like a ballet as the men work with and around each other to create a pulsating red. Here, the men just appear to be quickly painting the canvas while Leverton (whose very clean-cut looks seem hard to buy for a young wannabe artist) bops up and down. The transition of Ken’s character into a sort of mentor for Rothko also isn’t fully realized as Tazewell allows stronger actor Epstein to dominate. 

Jazz music (J. Hagenbuckle, sound design) used between scene changes often is too abrupt, taking us out of the mood of the play, rather than enhancing it. 

Other information:

Connecticut premiere.

Red runs at TheaterWorks Hartford, 233 Pearl St. through May 6. For tickets and information: 860-527-7838 or www.theatreworkshartford.org.

For Those of You Who enjoy Summer in the Berkshires....

Berkshire Theatre Group and Artistic Director/CEO, Kate Maguire are proud to announce programming for Summer 2012. BTG’s Summer of 2012 boasts a full assortment of theatrical productions, concerts, comedy, Friday Series play readings, Musical Mondays, Made in the Berkshires and more.

Season pass and Member tickets are exclusively available starting Friday, March 9, 2012 and to all on Tuesday, March 20, 2012. Season Passes are still available for purchase.
 
Tickets may be purchased in person at the Colonial Ticket Office at 111 South Street, Pittsfield or by calling (413) 997-4444 or online at www.BerkshireTheatreGroup.org. The Ticket Office is open Monday-Friday 10am–5pm, Saturdays 10am–2pm or on any performance day from 10am until curtain. 
 
Ms. Maguire is excited to be announcing such a diverse lineup of events. “With one extraordinary summer as Berkshire Theatre Group under our belts, we cannot wait to move forward with this summer’s exciting events. The theatre we are producing in Stockbridge will be filled with inspiring premieres, touching classics and thought provoking contemporary works. It is always exciting to present new work and this year we have three premieres: Homestead Crossing, Brace Yourself and Edith. Not to mention our two musicals this summer, the show stopping A Chorus Line, at The Colonial and its companion show, A Class Act at The Unicorn Theatre. A Chorus Line is the magnificent landmark piece about the dancers behind a Broadway musical and A Class Act is the heart warming back story about the artists behind the Tony-winning, A Chorus Line. It just felt so natural to do them both and spread this musical story across Pittsfield and Stockbridge. We are also thrilled to be offering such a diverse array of music and entertainment at The Colonial as well. From the TV personality and comedian Bill Engvall, to hip-hop phenomenon Raekwon, to the awe inspiring Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats, we strove to create programming as diverse as our audiences. We are proud to host Jamie Bernstein, the daughter of the late musical genius, Leonard Bernstein, in the musical revue, We are Women, at The Colonial. We are very thankful to The Mount, who has generously invited us back to continue our collaboration with them and create more beautiful outdoor family theatre with our summer production of Pinocchio. Finally, after our wildly successful community production of The Wizard of Oz, which involved over one hundred community members, we are excited to announce we will be producing the classic musical Oliver! at The Colonial this fall. Our goal is to reach the widest possible audience with great theatre and entertainment, presented by the most vibrant artists. We believe this summer responds to that mission.”

Simon Shaw, BTG’s programmer, comments, “It is a great pleasure working with Kate Maguire on this artistic adventure that is the Berkshire Theatre Group. This summer we decided to focus on variety and really appealing to every single member of our audience. With not only a variety of music but also outstanding comedy and the ground breaking Hip Hop artist, Raekwon, this summer has something for everyone.”
Berkshire Theatre Group oversees the development, production and presentation of theatre and entertainment on five stages in the Berkshires. BTG’s goal is to present the best of the performing arts for everyone. Their campus in Stockbridge, which is home to the Berkshire Theatre Festival, presents work at two venues: The Fitzpatrick Main Stage and the Unicorn Theatre. The Fitzpatrick (408 seats), founded in 1928, is the ultimate “summer theatre.” This iconic building, designed by Stanford White, helped establish the Berkshires as a cultural destination. Each summer, the finest in classical theatre and world premieres are produced on our historic stage. The Unicorn Theatre (122 seats), a theatrical jewel, is the home for new and emerging artists, and challenging and thoughtful work. The Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield (780 seats) re-opened in 2006, following a $21 million restoration. This stage boasts pristine acoustics, classic gilded age architecture and state of the art technical systems, hosting family entertainment, comedy, live music and more year round. Located in the lobby of the Colonial is The Garage. Its name pays homage to its former owner, Berkshire Auto Co. This newly developed venue, complete with stage, lights and sound system, is the dedicated venue for local and regional music performers. And, there is Theatre at The Mount in Lenox! Here BTG presents work outdoors on The Neil Ellenoff Stage. The glorious Dell sets the stage for evenings of family enchantment. Come be a part of the excitement on five stages this summer!
 
The Fitzpatrick Main Stage

A Chorus Line
At The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
 sponsored by The Robert Halper Foundation
conceived and originally directed and choreographed by Michael Bennett
book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante
music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Edward Kleban
 originally co-choreographed by Bob Avian
original Broadway production produced by the New York Shakespeare Festival, Joseph Papp, Producer, in association with Plum Productions, Inc.
Previews July 02–06;
 Opens July 07 at 8pm; Runs through July 21
Opening Night includes post performance reception with the cast
 Tickets • Previews: $37 All other performances: A: $60 B: $50 C: $40

The reception to the opening night of A Chorus Line on Broadway was so shattering that Clive Barnes, then critic of The New York Times, wrote “it would be surprising if the theatre were still standing...the conservative word for A Chorus Line might be tremendous.” This landmark musical often called “heaven on Broadway,” won the Pulitzer Prize and 9 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. This singular sensation is on its way to The Colonial Theatre this summer and is brought to you by the artistic team behind last year’s wildly popular The Who’s Tommy. Director Eric Hill and choreographer Gerry McIntyre will stage this modern classic tale of joy, despair and triumph!
A Thousand Clowns
At The Fitzpatrick Main Stage, Stockbridge
by Herb Gardner
directed by Kyle Fabel
Previews July 16–July 20;
 Opens July 21 at 8pm; Runs through July 28
Opening Night includes post performance reception with the cast
 Tickets • Previews: $37 All other performances: A: $57 B: $47 C: $37
 
A young boy named Nick lives with his eccentric Uncle Murray. When Murray walks off his job as a joke writer for “Chuckles the Chipmunk,” it’s time for “the system,” to make life “normal”. As Nick and Murray find a way to stay together, the path becomes filled with laughter, warmth, sweetness and inspired madness. This Tony nominated play is one of Broadway’s most beloved.
 Edith
At The Fitzpatrick Main Stage, Stockbridge
WORLD PREMIERE
by Kelly Masterson
Previews July 31–August 03;
 Opens August 04 at 8pm; Runs through August 11
Opening Night includes post performance reception with the cast
 Tickets • Previews: $37 All other performances: A: $57 B: $47 C: $37

The year is 1919, World War I has ended and President Wilson has recently returned to the United States after signing the Treaty of Versailles. When the President suffers a sudden stroke, it is up to his wife, First Lady Edith Wilson, to keep the country from falling to pieces. In this play, we witness the struggle of Edith, a fiercely devoted wife and tough as nails politician, as she battles conspirators, doubters and foreign threats, all in the name of love. Edith features Tony nominee Jayne Atkinson as Edith Bolling Wilson, Jack Gilpin as President Woodrow Wilson and Michel Gill as Vice President Marshall.
 Brace Yourself
At The Fitzpatrick Main Stage, Stockbridge
WORLD PREMIERE
by David Epstein
directed by James Naughton
Previews August 14–August 17;
Opens August 18 at 8pm; Runs through August 25
Opening Night includes post performance reception with the cast
 Tickets • Previews: $37 All other performances: A: $57 B: $47 C: $37
 
Everyone is preparing for the hurricane to arrive, but at Sunny’s house the storm has already hit. With a huge wedding to plan, an unhappy bride to appease, a promiscuous son to keep track of and a dead aunt to dispose of, it’s no wonder Sunny is a bit tense. However, it’s only once the hurricane finally hits that Sunny learns that it’s ok to let go, in more ways than one. Hilarities abound in this outrageous world premiere directed by two-time Tony Award winner, James Naughton.
 The Unicorn Theatre
The Puppetmaster of Lodz
At The Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridgeby Gilles Ségal
 translated by Sara O’Connor
 directed by Brian Roff
Previews June 21–22;
Opens June 23 at 8pm; Runs through July 07
 Re-opens September 13; Runs through October 07
Tickets • Previews: $35 All other performances: $45
 
A Jewish man has escaped from one of the most notorious concentration camps in Germany only to be yet again imprisoned in an imaginary world. Herr Finkelbaum weaves a story of longing, while caring for his beloved puppets and clinging to a lost reality. Try as he might to create a world far from the tragedy of the camps—he and we are finally faced with the question: will this horrifying war ever end? The Puppetmaster of Lodz is a gripping story of memory and survival.
 
A Class Act
At The Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridge
music and lyrics by Edward Kleban
book by Linda Kline and Lonny Price
originally directed on Broadway by Lonny Price
A Class Act was originally produced by Manhattan Theatre Club and previously developed by Musical Theatre Works.
directed by Robert Moss
Previews July 10–13;
Opens July 14 at 8pm; Runs through August 04
Tickets • Previews: $35 All other performances: $45

A Class Act was nominated for 5 Tony Awards including Best Musical and 3 Drama Desk Awards. This small musical with a big heart is a tribute to Edward Kleban, one of the collaborators of A Chorus Line. It’s a behind the scenes glimpse of the joy and struggle that go into making music soar.
Performed by The Unicorn Company, BTF’s Pre-Professional Acting Company
Homestead Crossing
At The Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridge
WORLD PREMIERE
by William Donnelly
directed by Kyle Fabel
Previews August 07–10;
Opens August 11 at 8pm; Runs through September 01
Tickets • Previews: $35 All other performances: $45
 
It’s a dark and stormy night and suddenly there is a tap at the window. Claudia, a young and lonely woman, seeks shelter in the home of Noel and Anne, an older married couple. Then comes Tobin, Claudia’s young and impulsive lover. While the two couples wait out the storm, they begin to converse about life, love and relationships. From the playwright who brought us the acclaimed production of No Wake, a world premiere. Produced in partnership with Merrimack Repertory Theatre of Lowell, MA and Portland Stage Company of Portland, ME.The Colonial Theatre
Dark Star Orchestra
At The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
 Tuesday, May 22 • 7:30pm
Tickets • A: $35 B: $25
 
Using the same methods as orchestras interpreting the music of classical composers, Dark Star Orchestra recreates song-for-song Grateful Dead performances with, “fanatical attention to detail,” according to Rolling Stone Magazine. It’s really about the sound that’s created. It’s about a sense of familiarity. It’s about a feeling that grabs listeners and takes over. It’s about a contagious energy: it’s about the experience.
Raekwon
At The Colonial Theatre, PittsfieldWednesday, June 13 • 7:30pm
 Tickets • A: $55 B: $35 C: $20 (limited balcony)
 
Corey Woods, aka Raekwon, has been a staple in the entertainment industry since his debut in 1993 as an integral part of one of the greatest Hip-Hop groups to date, the Wu-Tang Clan. With almost two decades in the game, Rae is the bridge between legendary artists of the past and the new crop of fresh MCs. With an ever-growing fan base, Rae’s music has placed him on the forefront of Hip Hop’s elite. Rae has lent his talents to fellow musicians Kanye West, Bun B, Fat Joe, Justin Beiber, and participated with Wu Brothers, Ghostface and Method Man in the highly anticipated, Wu Massacre.
 
The Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats
At The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
Saturday, June 16 • 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.
An Evening with The Chris Robinson Brotherhood
At The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
Tuesday, June 26 • 7:30pm
 Tickets • VIP: $60 (includes preferred seating) A: $50 B: $35 C: $25 (limited balcony)
 The Chris Robinson Brotherhood formed in March of 2011 and played an impressive 100 plus shows last year. The band plays a mix of new songs and originals to create a sound that is mellow, melodically driven and loose. They have recently played with Bob Weir and Phil Lesh, and has been compared to The Jerry Garcia Band. The Chris Robinson Brotherhood is Chris Robinson (vocals, guitar), Neal Casal (guitar, vocals), Adam MacDougall (keys, vocals), Mark ‘Muddy’ Dutton (bass, vocals) and George Sluppick (drums).
Bill Engvall
At The Colonial Theatre, PittsfieldSaturday, August 04 • 7:30pm & 9:30pm
 Tickets • A: $75 B: $50 C: $25 (limited balcony)
 After getting his start on Blue Collar TV and the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, Bill Engvall went on to star in and produce the TBS sitcom, The Bill Engvall Show, and host Country Fried Home Videos—one of the highest rated shows on CMT. It is his ability to share the humor in everyday situations that has made Engvall one of the top comedians today.

We Are Women: A Bernstein Cabaret
At The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
narrated by Jamie Bernstein
conceived by Michael Barrett & Jamie Bernstein
August 09–12
Thurs–Sat at 8pm; Sun at 2pm
Tickets • A: $40 B: $30 C: $20 (limited balcony)
 
A mother and daughter navigate the tricky terrain of their love lives, learning along the way to accept themselves and delight in the love of others. An all Broadway cast performs an array of Bernstein songs, including tunes from his hits On the Town, Candide and West Side Story, with music direction by Michael Barrett of Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts. This evening of humor, heart and memorable melody brings the glorious sounds of Leonard Bernstein back to his beloved Berkshires.

Christopher O’Riley
At The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
 Friday, August 17 • 8pm
 Tickets • VIP: $55 (includes preferred seating and post-show reception with Christopher O’Riley)
 A: $45 B: $25 C: $15 (limited balcony)
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 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.
 
Oliver!
At The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
music, lyrics and book by Lionel Bart
licensed by arrangement with Oliver Productions, Ltd. and Oliver Promotions, Ltd
 directed by Travis G. Daly
September 07–09
Fri–Sat at 7:30pm; Sat–Sun at 2pm
Tickets • $25 for adults, $10 for children 16 and under
 
Oliver! is the beloved musical about a young orphan who runs away and joins a band of thieves all in the pursuit of a real home. “Consider Yourself” invited to Berkshire Theatre Group’s 7th Annual BTG Children’s Theatre Production.
 
The Neil Ellenoff Stage, Theatre at The Mount
Pinocchio
At The Neil Ellenoff Stage, Lenox
 originally written by Carlo Collodi
 adapted by E. Gray Simons III
 directed by Eric Hill and E. Gray Simons III
July 25–August 11
Tues–Sat at 4pm; Tues & Thurs at 7pm
Tickets • $15 for adults, $10 for children 16 and under
For tours of The Mount call (413) 551-5111
 A production of the BTG Acting Apprentice Company
In partnership with The Mount

Bring a lawn chair and blanket and enjoy BTG’s Acting Apprentice Company’s production of Pinocchio in the beautiful Dell at The Mount. The classic tale of the magical puppet who goes on a journey to become a real boy will delight audiences of all ages.
Special Events
 Made in the Berkshires
At The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield and The Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridge
October 05–07
 BTG is pleased to announce that after a successful inaugural year, Made in the Berkshires Festival of New Works will return in fall 2012. Submissions will be accepted from 3/01/12–5/15/12.
For submission information go to www.MadeInTheBerkshires.org
Greater Tuna
At The Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridge
May 04–06
prices and times tbd
 
This hilarious parody of small town morals and mores examines the upstanding and ridiculous citizens of Tuna, Texas. The long-running Off-Broadway hit features two actors creating the entire population of Tuna in a tour de farce of quick-change artistry. Presented by Lost Planet Productions
 Friday Series
At The Fitzpatrick Main Stage and The Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridge
Begins June 29 • Fridays at 2pm
$10 donation suggested
 
BTG’s wildly popular Friday Series will feature some of the best new work directed and read by members of the BTG company. In addition to staged readings, the series will include guest lecturers and BTG’s Acting Apprentice Showcase.
Musical Mondays
At The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
July 30, August 06 and August 13 • Mondays at 2pm
Tickets • $10
 
Musical Mondays turns the spotlight on beloved shows from the American Musical canon. Featuring members of the BTG Acting Apprentice Company, these nostalgic performances will include sing-throughs of the full musicals.
 For hi-res images go to http://gallery.berkshiretheatre.org/main.php?g2_itemId=5737.
 For more information about the performances, please visit our website at http://www.BerkshireTheatreGroup.org
About Berkshire Theatre Group
The Colonial Theatre, founded in 1903, and Berkshire Theatre Festival, founded in 1928, are two of the oldest cultural organizations in the Berkshires.  Having united in November of 2010 under the leadership of Artistic Director and CEO Kate Maguire, these two institutions are providing the Berkshires and beyond with the finest in live theatre, music, dance and the visual arts on four stages in Stockbridge, MA, Pittsfield, MA and Lenox, MA. The Fitzpatrick Main Stage (408 seats), cataloged by the National Register of Historic Places, was originally designed and built by Stanford White as the Stockbridge Casino in 1888. The intimate Unicorn Theatre (122 seats) is a home for emerging artists and new theatrical ideas. The Colonial in Pittsfield (780 seats) re-opened in August of 2006, following a $21 million restoration, and boasts pristine acoustics, classic gilded age architecture and state-of-the-art technical systems. BTG also performs at the newly built outdoor Neil Ellenoff stage at the Mount. Together they serve over 100,000 patrons per year and reach over 15,000 students through their educational and outreach programs. For more information on BTF call (413) 298-5536 and on The Colonial call (413) 448-8084. To purchase tickets, call (413) 997-4444 or (413) 298-5576 or go online to www.berkshiretheatregroup.org.
Season at A Glance:
May 2012
May 05–06 Greater Tuna At The Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridge
Tuesday, May 22 Dark Star Orchestra At The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
 June 2012
June 13 Raekwon At The Colonial Theatre, PittsfieldJune 16 The Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats At The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
 June 21–July 07 The Puppetmaster of Lodz At The Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridge
June 26 An Evening with The Chris Robinson Brotherhood At The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
June 29 Friday Series Begins At The Fitzpatrick Main Stage and The Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridge

July 2012
July 02–July 21 A Chorus Line At The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
July 10–August 04 A Class Act At The Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridge
July 16–July 28 A Thousand Clowns At The Fitzpatrick Main Stage, Stockbridge
July 25–August 11 Pinocchio At The Neil Ellenoff Stage, Lenox
July 30 Musical Monday At The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
July 31–August 11Edith At The Fitzpatrick Main Stage, Stockbridge

August 2012
August 04 Bill Engvall At The Colonial Theatre, PittsfieldAugust 06 Musical Monday At The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
August 07–September 01 Homestead Crossing At The Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridge
August 09–12 We Are Women: A Bernstein Cabaret At The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
August 13 Musical Monday At The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
August 14–August 25 Brace Yourself At The Fitzpatrick Main Stage, Stockbridge
August 17 Christopher O’Riley At The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
 September 2012
September 07–09 Oliver! At The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
September 13–October 07 The Puppetmaster of Lodz At The Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridge
 October 2012
October 05–07 Made in the Berkshires At The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield and The Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridge

Ari Brand's Name is Lev Asher at Long Wharf

Long Wharf Theatre will present My Name is Asher Lev, by Aaron Posner and adapted from Chaim Potok’s 1972 novel, directed by Long Wharf Theatre Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein. 

The show will run from May 2 through May 27 on the Mainstage. The press opening will take place Wednesday, May 9 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $40-$70. For a complete performance schedule, visit www.longwharf.org. 

Asher Lev, a young man with a true artistic calling, is torn between his deeply observant Hasidic Jewish community and the passionate need to paint. When the boy runs afoul of his family and tradition by attempting to embrace his gift, he is forced to make the difficult choice between faith and art. 

Also in the cast: Mark Nelson, returning to Long Wharf Theatre, (A Doll’s House and Underneath the Lintel and Melissa Miller.

Brand made his Broadway debut in The Neil Simon plays, directed by David Cromer. Since then he’s played the roles of Teddy in the world premiere of A.R. Gurney’s critically-acclaimed Black Tie at Primary Stages and Peter van Daan in the Westport Country Playhouse’s production of The Diary of Anne Frank. 

The creative team is comprised of Eugene Lee (sets), Ilona Somogyi (costumes), Chris Akerlind (lights), John Gromada (sounds), and Bonnie Brady (stage manager.)

For more information about Long Wharf Theatre’s 2011-12 season, visit www.longwharf.org or call 203-787-4282.

Caveman Lives Again at Downtown Cabaret

Paul Perroni as The Caveman. Photo courtesy of Downtown Cabaret.

Defending the Caveman written by Rob Becker and starring Paul Perroni, returns to Bridgeport Fridays and Saturdays beginning April 13 and continuing through Saturday, April 28 at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre, 263 Golden Hill St.

Reserved tickets for performances: $19 - $33 - $39  phone: 203-576-1636; online at downtowncabaret.org. For a review, click here.

Bridging Boundaries with Prison Arts

WHAT: Prison Arts Program Annual Show / Women
Judy Dworin Performance Project / Bridging Boundaries

WHEN: Through May 21
                        Gallery Hours: Monday through Friday 9 am to 3 pm and by appointment 90 minutes prior to curtain.

Artist Reception - Saturday, April 14, 4 to 7:30 pm                   
WHERE: Gallery of American Art / Lobby / Backroom TheaterWorks, City Arts on Pearl, 233 Pearl St., Hartford

The Gallery of America Art at TheaterWorks presents Community Partners in Action, Prison Arts Program’s Annual Exhibit featuring artwork from incarcerated women. In addition to the work shown by CPA, the Judy Dworin Performance Project will showcase artwork created during their most recent artist residency program at York Correctional Institution in Niantic, CT.

Free and open to the public.

More Details in for Mark Twain Writers' Weekend

Lewis Lapham

The Mark Twain House & Museum has announced details of its Writers' Weekend, which celebrates and extends the Writing at the Mark Twain House program that has helped dozens of adult participants progress in the arts of memoir, general non-fiction and fiction.

The event, which includes a reception and keynote speech on Friday, April 20, and a full day of events on Saturday, April 21, brings together a broad range of authors, editors, and teachers in a number of disciplines.

The event is headlined by its renowned keynote speaker, Lewis Lapham, editor emeritus of Harper's and editor of Lapham's Quarterly. Saturday kickoff speaker is novelist Jon Clinch, author of Finn and Kings of the Earth. A star-studded panel of playwrights winds up the day : Alfred Uhry (Driving Miss Daisy), A. R. Gurney (Love Letters), and Donald Margulies (Dinner with Friends).

Fifteen sessions over the course of the day Saturday will explore many aspects of writing, all of which Mark Twain practiced: memoir, fiction, travel writing, and even playwriting and poetry -- and though yes, he didn't blog, he kept a journal which in its breadth and brilliance has a kinship with the best blogs online today.

Topics include the art of memoir, the pleasure of poetry, the craft of mystery writing, writing synopses for agents or publishers, new ways of storytelling in the Internet age, finding voice in fiction -- and finding a way to get your work published. (See list of sessions at right.)

The event will run from 7 to 9 pm April 20, and 9 am to 7 pm April 21. A box lunch will be provided on Saturday, and the weekend winds up Saturday evening with a reception. 

Books by faculty members and others will be available in the Mark Twain Museum Store.

The cost of the Writers' Weekend for participants is $100. This includes the Friday night reception and lecture, all Saturday sessions, lunch and the Saturday night closing reception. Participants will also receive a voucher good for a tour of the Mark Twain House at any time. Space is limited to 100 participants, so advance registration and payment is a must: Call 860-280-3130 to register.  

There are a limited number of tickets available for the Lewis Lapham keynote on Friday night and the Playwrights' panel on Saturday afternoon. Tickets for each of these events are $30 ($25 for Mark Twain House & Museum members).

EVENT CANCELED

Sacred Sounds’ Mighty Austin Organ Series:
NOTRE DAME DE PARIS ORGANIST, PHILLIPE LEFEBVRE
Tuesday, May 1, 2012, 7:30pm

Palace Adds Menopause Performance

In response to popular demand, the Palace Theater in Waterbury has added a third performance of the hilarious musical comedy,Menopause the Musical, on Thursday, April 19, at 7:30p.m. Tickets are go on sale Saturday, March 31, at 10a.m, and can be purchased by phone at 203-346-2002, online atwww.palacetheaterct.org, or in person at the Palace Theater Box Office, located at100 East Main Street inWaterbury, CT.  Groups of 10 or more qualify for discounted rates and should call the Group Sales hotline at 203-346-2011.

Inspired by a hot flash and a bottle of wine,Menopause The Musical writer and producer Jeanie Linders created the show as a celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived “The Change.” Produced by GFour Productions, the laughter-filled 90-minute production includes parodies of classic songs from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s and revolves aroundfour women at a lingerie sale with nothing in common but a black lace bra, memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex, and a little thing called menopause.

Menopause The Musical has entertained audiences across the country in more than 450 U.S. cities, 300 international cities and nearly 15 countries, and it is estimated that nearly 11 million women have attended a performance since the 2001 opening performance inOrlando, FL.  For more information, visit www.menopausethemusical.com.

Quick Hit Theater Review: The Winter's Tale -- Yale

Members of the company of The Winter's Tale.
© Joan Marcus, 2012

The Winter's Tale
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Liz Diamond
Summary:

Mistakingly convinced that his wife, Hermione (Susannah Schulman) has been unfaithful with Polixenes, King of Bohemia (Hoon Lee), King Leontes of Sicilia (Rob Campbell) imprisons the pregnant queen and orders her lover's death. Polixenes flees back to Bohemia with the help of Camillo (Tyron Mitchell Henderson) and when her older son, Mamillius (Remsen Welsh), dies, Hermione dies of grief. Her friend, Paulina (an excellent Felicity Jones) takes the newborn babe to the king, hoping he will be moved by the sight of his daughter, but instead, he orders Paulina's husband, Antigonus (Brian Keane), to put her the child to death. He can't do it and leaves the babe in Bohemia, where she is raised as the daughter of a shepherd. Years later, the princess Perdita (Lupita Nyong'o) falls in love with Polixenes' son Florizel (Tim Brown) and the past catches up with present.

Highlights:
Diamond's production is as entertainingly and sharply directed a Winter's Tale as I have ever seen. The "exit, chased by a bear" scene is amazingly executed thanks in large part to lighting designer Matt Frey, who deserves kudos for a breath taking statue-comes-to-life scene as well.

Three musicians sit on stage (with simple, but breathtaking sets designed by Michael Yeargan) and add to the atmosphere by playing music composed by Matthew Suttor. Choreography is by Randy Duncan.

The performances all are strong and Campbell and Lee are particularly compelling. Very enjoyable production.

Lowlights:
OK, this might be controversial, but this is one show that poses some difficulties for diversity in casting. Leontes is concerned that his children aren't his -- one look at his son, who is obviously of a different race from him and his wife, gives a quick (and wrong) answer. If a glance at the new-born babe couldn't quickly tell him whether she is his daughter for the same reasons, certainly the older Perdita couldn't be his (but is). I am all for cross-cultural casting and think it can be done much more than it is, but when the plot and dialogue so distinctly bring attention to it, it interferes with the storytelling. Imagine, for example, Othello played by a white actor. Doable, of course, but perhaps not the best casting choice in presenting that play.


Dance numbers go a bit too far in Bohemia. One really is enough.


Information:
The Winter's Tale runs through April 7 at the University Theatre, 222 York St., New Haven. Tickets range from $20-$88, are available online at www.yalerep.org or by calling 203-432-1234. For a  behind-the-scenes look at the show with director Liz Diamond and dramaturg Catherine Sheehy; and a production trailer visit http://www.yalerep.org/on_stage/2011-12/winters_tale.html.