I Love My Vacation Rut…or, 11 years and counting
By Shera Cohen
In 6.5 days, four women enjoyed 21 cultural events within a 20-mile radius for the cost of $25 per night per gal. Where is this place? My beautiful Berkshires, which I share with you and millions who know the secrets of this small, yet world-renowned site for the best in the arts.
Before I purchased my Stockbridge timeshare, the salesman plied me with benefits of switching locations; think of winter in Hawaii. Who needs Hawaii when I had the option of the Berkshires’ aesthetic landscapes and abounding cultural choices one hour away?
To avoid confusion in reading this article, the content is dated on purpose. I began writing the Berkshire stories for my own monthly publication, Bravo. Rather than printing a summer story in September, we held it as a preview for the following year. The goal was/is to entice readers to attend arts events at these venues.
In preparing our week’s itinerary, I spread dozens of Berkshire flyers, booklets, and calendars across the floor. The selection criteria of where we go are: 1) fit in every art genre, 2) add one new site, and 3) include all Shakespeare & Company plays. I am an admitted Shakes & Co. groupie.
In case readers think this quartet of women is solely into highbrow arts – not so. We always MAKE time for the Lee Outlets, Joe’s Dinner, and miniature golf.
Friday, 8pm – “Coastal Disturbances” Berkshire Theatre Festival, Stockbridge
I always count on BTF for the ultimate in professionalism (actors and crew), staging that seems to have Broadway budgets, and skilled actors with recognizable TV/movie names. This odd, romantic comedy by Tina Howe was depicted on a beachfront set. On the avante garde side, it’s always wonderful (even for me) to experience theatre other than by the Bard. berkshiretheatre.org
Saturday, 11:30am – Church on the Hill Craft Show, Lenox
This little white church, literally on a hill, annually holds a gem of a craft show. Outdoors, with dozens of tents, some of the finest crafters sell their pieces. It’s a mini-Paradise City Crafts where thousands flock even in the heat.
Saturday, 2pm – Ballet Flamenco/Eva Yerbabuena, Jacob’s Pillow, Becket
Considered one of the masters of Spanish flamenco, Yerbabuena and her troupe of dancers, singers, and musicians captured the full-house audience. In traditional folk dresses and later in an exquisitely flowing white gown, clothes (plus fiery and fierce dance steps) do make the woman. Two theatres permit different performances simultaneously. We also saw the Trey McIntyre Project – a young, modern dance group. jacobspillow.org
Saturday, 8pm – Berkshire Choral Festival, Sheffield
For five consecutive Saturdays the all-volunteer members of the BCF perform, accompanied by the Springfield Symphony. The setting is a huge shed on the grassy campus of what was once a monastery. The 200 singers come from throughout the world to rehearse for just one week. Add soloists and a children’s choir and these contemporary South American pieces were enthralling. berkshirechoral.org
Sunday, 10:30am -- “Enchanted April” Shakespeare & Company, Lenox
It’s up early to take in a Shakes & Co. plays, but well worth it. Yet, only half of the plays are by Shakespeare (no surprise). “Enchanted April” was, well, enchanting. Some of best of the Berkshire actors mounted this stage as a motley quartet of strangers vacationing together in Italy. The audience stole a bit of the joy and mystery of the characters’ lives in what was a transforming setting. shakespeare.org
Sunday, 2:30pm -- Tanglewood, Lenox
Arriving early, we ate our picnic on the grounds. A walk followed along the paths and through the woods of this simultaneously pristine and rustic heaven on earth. Oftentimes, it doesn’t matter what music program is, the composer, and/or the conductor; the joy of being at Tanglewood is enough. This isn’t to say that Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 wasn’t rousing or that Midori (age 35!) didn’t put her whole body into her interpretation of Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1. bso.org
Sunday, 8pm – “Hamlet” Shakespeare & Company, Lenox
Updated to the 21st century, “Hamlet” proved timeless in story and characters. On a stark, black stage accompanied by shocking moments with lights and sound, these nimble actors double and triple-roled. Jason Asprey, a “regular” who has paid his dues, was given his first starring role; he portrayed the tortured protagonist with angst and wit. This venue is ideal for any first-timer to Shakespeare.
Monday, 4pm – Lectures at The Mount, Lenox
Combine the following for what was a delightful afternoon at The Mount (home of author Edith Wharton): one famous, deceased person in history; a well-spoken author on the subject; Wharton’s old horse stable but with seats; a walk up the shady trail to Wharton’s house; lemonade, cookies, and book signing; and a journey through the gorgeous gardens. Multiply this times 10 (each week a different subject and author). edithwharton.org
Monday, 8pm “The News in Revue” – Cranwell Inn, Lenox
“Saturday Night Live” met “Politically Incorrect” set to Broadway music and fresh contemporary lyrics – it’s The result is “The News in Revue.” Just when we thought this quintet couldn’t be cleverer (after 6 years), they were. Everyone in the news is a potential target for parody. With a minimum of props, wearing purposely pathetic costumes, they present terrifically funny scripts. NIR has moved to Pittsfield. newsinrevue.com
Tuesday, 3pm – One-Act Plays, Shakespeare & Company, Lenox
While one-act plays aren’t very popular, Shakes & Co. puts two side-by-side for an afternoon theatre experience. “Martha Mitchell Calling” (tour de force by actress Annette Miller) told the behind-the-scenes story of this 60s notorious figure and predictor of the Nixonian brouhaha. Followed by “No Background Music,” also staged in the 60s, was an even darker look through letters of a Vietnam army nurse. Was there a dry eye? I doubt it.
Tuesday, 8pm – “Merry Wives of Windsor” Shakespeare & Company, Lenox
This was not only Shakes & Co’s most lavish production of the season, it was also the funniest. Even for those not familiar with the buffoon Falstaff character, the story was crisp, colorful, and clear (to any novice of The Bard). The core of the company’s best actors proved their talents, not to mention the crews’ skills at staging fights, dance, music, and keeping giant coifs in place.
Wednesday, 2pm – Norman Rockwell Museum, Pittsfield
I’m American with a capital “A,” loving Mom, apple pie, and Norman Rockwell. A walk down memory lane through Rockwell’s now famous scenes and portraits should not be missed. We received a bonus as the Berkshire Chorus performed a free I Hear America Sing” concert. Now this was a perfect match made in the good ol’ USA. nrm.org
Wednesday, 8pm – “Pilgrim Papers” Berkshire Theatre Festival, Stockbridge
Expect the unexpected at the Unicorn Theatre. This world premiere satire on the first Thanksgiving was an odd look at what history could have been? Underneath the fun were questions of church vs. state, bigotry, feminism, and terrorism. The cleverly scripted play was unlike the works of Shaw, Thomas, Simon, or even Mamet – and that’s just fine.
Thursday, 8pm – “Wonder of the World” Barrington Stage, Sheffield
Life is chock full of serendipity – people meeting who should never encounter each other, episodes in no order of sequence. It’s a wonder how we all exist. This “Wonder” was a hysterically funny contemporary look at odd circumstances that bounced off each other. Directed with a fast pace and coupled with one-liners, this is a play to see twice to not miss everything. Barrington is in its new home in Pittsfield. barringtonstageco.org
We had one problem – there’s too much culture to opt for in the Berkshires. We missed Williamstown Theatre Festival, Naumkeg, Berkshire Opera, and Santarella. Oh, to have such a terrific problem every year.
In 6.5 days, four women enjoyed 21 cultural events within a 20-mile radius for the cost of $25 per night per gal. Where is this place? My beautiful Berkshires, which I share with you and millions who know the secrets of this small, yet world-renowned site for the best in the arts.
Before I purchased my Stockbridge timeshare, the salesman plied me with benefits of switching locations; think of winter in Hawaii. Who needs Hawaii when I had the option of the Berkshires’ aesthetic landscapes and abounding cultural choices one hour away?
To avoid confusion in reading this article, the content is dated on purpose. I began writing the Berkshire stories for my own monthly publication, Bravo. Rather than printing a summer story in September, we held it as a preview for the following year. The goal was/is to entice readers to attend arts events at these venues.
In preparing our week’s itinerary, I spread dozens of Berkshire flyers, booklets, and calendars across the floor. The selection criteria of where we go are: 1) fit in every art genre, 2) add one new site, and 3) include all Shakespeare & Company plays. I am an admitted Shakes & Co. groupie.
In case readers think this quartet of women is solely into highbrow arts – not so. We always MAKE time for the Lee Outlets, Joe’s Dinner, and miniature golf.
Friday, 8pm – “Coastal Disturbances” Berkshire Theatre Festival, Stockbridge
I always count on BTF for the ultimate in professionalism (actors and crew), staging that seems to have Broadway budgets, and skilled actors with recognizable TV/movie names. This odd, romantic comedy by Tina Howe was depicted on a beachfront set. On the avante garde side, it’s always wonderful (even for me) to experience theatre other than by the Bard. berkshiretheatre.org
Saturday, 11:30am – Church on the Hill Craft Show, Lenox
This little white church, literally on a hill, annually holds a gem of a craft show. Outdoors, with dozens of tents, some of the finest crafters sell their pieces. It’s a mini-Paradise City Crafts where thousands flock even in the heat.
Saturday, 2pm – Ballet Flamenco/Eva Yerbabuena, Jacob’s Pillow, Becket
Considered one of the masters of Spanish flamenco, Yerbabuena and her troupe of dancers, singers, and musicians captured the full-house audience. In traditional folk dresses and later in an exquisitely flowing white gown, clothes (plus fiery and fierce dance steps) do make the woman. Two theatres permit different performances simultaneously. We also saw the Trey McIntyre Project – a young, modern dance group. jacobspillow.org
Saturday, 8pm – Berkshire Choral Festival, Sheffield
For five consecutive Saturdays the all-volunteer members of the BCF perform, accompanied by the Springfield Symphony. The setting is a huge shed on the grassy campus of what was once a monastery. The 200 singers come from throughout the world to rehearse for just one week. Add soloists and a children’s choir and these contemporary South American pieces were enthralling. berkshirechoral.org
Sunday, 10:30am -- “Enchanted April” Shakespeare & Company, Lenox
It’s up early to take in a Shakes & Co. plays, but well worth it. Yet, only half of the plays are by Shakespeare (no surprise). “Enchanted April” was, well, enchanting. Some of best of the Berkshire actors mounted this stage as a motley quartet of strangers vacationing together in Italy. The audience stole a bit of the joy and mystery of the characters’ lives in what was a transforming setting. shakespeare.org
Sunday, 2:30pm -- Tanglewood, Lenox
Arriving early, we ate our picnic on the grounds. A walk followed along the paths and through the woods of this simultaneously pristine and rustic heaven on earth. Oftentimes, it doesn’t matter what music program is, the composer, and/or the conductor; the joy of being at Tanglewood is enough. This isn’t to say that Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 wasn’t rousing or that Midori (age 35!) didn’t put her whole body into her interpretation of Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1. bso.org
Sunday, 8pm – “Hamlet” Shakespeare & Company, Lenox
Updated to the 21st century, “Hamlet” proved timeless in story and characters. On a stark, black stage accompanied by shocking moments with lights and sound, these nimble actors double and triple-roled. Jason Asprey, a “regular” who has paid his dues, was given his first starring role; he portrayed the tortured protagonist with angst and wit. This venue is ideal for any first-timer to Shakespeare.
Monday, 4pm – Lectures at The Mount, Lenox
Combine the following for what was a delightful afternoon at The Mount (home of author Edith Wharton): one famous, deceased person in history; a well-spoken author on the subject; Wharton’s old horse stable but with seats; a walk up the shady trail to Wharton’s house; lemonade, cookies, and book signing; and a journey through the gorgeous gardens. Multiply this times 10 (each week a different subject and author). edithwharton.org
Monday, 8pm “The News in Revue” – Cranwell Inn, Lenox
“Saturday Night Live” met “Politically Incorrect” set to Broadway music and fresh contemporary lyrics – it’s The result is “The News in Revue.” Just when we thought this quintet couldn’t be cleverer (after 6 years), they were. Everyone in the news is a potential target for parody. With a minimum of props, wearing purposely pathetic costumes, they present terrifically funny scripts. NIR has moved to Pittsfield. newsinrevue.com
Tuesday, 3pm – One-Act Plays, Shakespeare & Company, Lenox
While one-act plays aren’t very popular, Shakes & Co. puts two side-by-side for an afternoon theatre experience. “Martha Mitchell Calling” (tour de force by actress Annette Miller) told the behind-the-scenes story of this 60s notorious figure and predictor of the Nixonian brouhaha. Followed by “No Background Music,” also staged in the 60s, was an even darker look through letters of a Vietnam army nurse. Was there a dry eye? I doubt it.
Tuesday, 8pm – “Merry Wives of Windsor” Shakespeare & Company, Lenox
This was not only Shakes & Co’s most lavish production of the season, it was also the funniest. Even for those not familiar with the buffoon Falstaff character, the story was crisp, colorful, and clear (to any novice of The Bard). The core of the company’s best actors proved their talents, not to mention the crews’ skills at staging fights, dance, music, and keeping giant coifs in place.
Wednesday, 2pm – Norman Rockwell Museum, Pittsfield
I’m American with a capital “A,” loving Mom, apple pie, and Norman Rockwell. A walk down memory lane through Rockwell’s now famous scenes and portraits should not be missed. We received a bonus as the Berkshire Chorus performed a free I Hear America Sing” concert. Now this was a perfect match made in the good ol’ USA. nrm.org
Wednesday, 8pm – “Pilgrim Papers” Berkshire Theatre Festival, Stockbridge
Expect the unexpected at the Unicorn Theatre. This world premiere satire on the first Thanksgiving was an odd look at what history could have been? Underneath the fun were questions of church vs. state, bigotry, feminism, and terrorism. The cleverly scripted play was unlike the works of Shaw, Thomas, Simon, or even Mamet – and that’s just fine.
Thursday, 8pm – “Wonder of the World” Barrington Stage, Sheffield
Life is chock full of serendipity – people meeting who should never encounter each other, episodes in no order of sequence. It’s a wonder how we all exist. This “Wonder” was a hysterically funny contemporary look at odd circumstances that bounced off each other. Directed with a fast pace and coupled with one-liners, this is a play to see twice to not miss everything. Barrington is in its new home in Pittsfield. barringtonstageco.org
We had one problem – there’s too much culture to opt for in the Berkshires. We missed Williamstown Theatre Festival, Naumkeg, Berkshire Opera, and Santarella. Oh, to have such a terrific problem every year.
Labels: berkshires, misc, summer vacation
