This spring, the Shakespeare in the Courts program was expanded to three branches covering all of Berkshire County—North Adams, Pittsfield and Great Barrington. The last of these to perform, the Pittsfield group, presents their work this Thursday at Founders’ Theatre.
In honor of them and Judge Paul Perachi, that “do-gooder judge from Massachusetts” who is retiring this year, we present to you “The Word” from the April 20, 2006 episode of The Colbert Report, in which Colbert lovingly pokes fun at our nationally recognized program.
Join us this Thursday, June 4th at 7:30pm in Founders’ Theatre for the final Shakespeare in the Courts performance — Julius Caesar — and help thank Judge Perachi for his work. Admission is free.
Shirley Valentine is the irrepressible woman-next-door who escapes a world of stagnancy and discovers independence during one fateful holiday to Greece. Tina Packer reprises her role as Shirley for four performances only this May (and one in September) as part of the Diva Series. Written by Willy Russell, directed by Jenna Ware.
The 2009-10 season will be “young, passionate, daring and joyful. This is life laid bare,” says Artistic Director Tina Packer. With a re-dedication to the powerful truths at the heart of Shakespeare’s work and the excitement sparked by a new theatre and production center, our 2009-10 Play On! Season reinforces our commitment to the core themes that have made it an invaluable part of the Berkshires community for 32 years. Here’s a glimpse of what we have in store.
A call to action from Shakespeare & Company: Tina Packer (Founding Artistic Director), Jonathan Croy (Youth Programs Director), Dave Demke (Associate Director of Training), Alexandra Lincoln (School Programs Manager), Jenna Ware (Associate Director of Education), Josie Wilson (Education Artist), Sam Shuker Haines (Young Company Student), Catherine Glavicic (Training Programs Manager), Tyisha Turner (Box Office Representative/Education Alumna), Michael F. Toomey (Education Artist), Elizabeth Aspenlieder (Director of Publicity and Playbill Advertising), Sophie Breton (Corporate Controller), Govane Lohbauer (Costume Director), Dana Harrison (Audience Services Manager/Education Artist), Ute DeFarlo (Director of Development), Victoria Vining (Group Sales Director), Jeremy Goodwin (Associate Director of Publicity and Playbill Advertising), Kevin G. Coleman (Director of Education), Jim Day (Costume Rentals Supervisor), Kari Daly (Ticketing Services Manager), Enrico Spada (Marketing & Web Manager), Mike Clary (Director of Communications), Bob Lohbauer (Weapons Master).
Romeo & Juliet, Shakespeare & Company’s 2009 educational tour, has begun its journey to schools and venues across New England (plus New York and New Jersey). The seven-member cast of education artists will perform the show over 70 times in over 60 communities, for over 200 schools. The cast includes Benjamin Brinton, Paul D’Agostino, Kaitlin Henderson, Alyssa Hughlett, Kelley Johnston, Sean Kazarian, and Daniel Kurtz. Check out the video preview, and mark your calendars for the Tour’s May 8 finale in Founders’ Theatre.
Bad Dates is “A date night both funny and poignant.” (The Wall Street Journal). “…a bravura performance…vibrantly alive from the first pair of pumps Aspenlieder straps on.” (Albany Times-Union). “…a warm, inviting balm for these troubled days and chilly winter nights.” (The Berkshire Eagle). Check out the video below. Buy tickets.
Bad Dates is now open in the Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre. Berkshirefinearts.com says, “Aspenlieder sparkles…alternately hilarious and heartbreaking…audiences will love it”. Check out her latest video blog–direct from the Bad Dates opening night party. (To check out video blog number 3, visit the Bad Dates mini-site.) Buy tickets now.
