By Shera Cohen
Yes, it’s 2017 as I write this. Memories of a
jam-packed cultural summer loom visibly as I plan this year’s equally stuffed
weeks of performing and visual art venues. You, too, might remember having seen
some of these enriching locations. Perhaps, I bumped into you? Perhaps, I might
see you this summer, seated in a chair or on a bench, on the lawn or walking
the grounds? Please consider many of these places for your “to visit” list.
Here’s a personal look at “My Berkshires.”
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| Barrington Stage (2004) |
Barrington Stage Company,
Pittsfield: I didn’t expect too much when, 23 years
ago, I attended an unheard-of musical at Barrington Stage Company (BSC) located
in Sheffield at the time. I believe that its location was the basement or music
room of a high school. I remember, that we got so lost trying to find the
school (out in the middle of nowhere except for miles of stores peddling
antiques), that we arrived late. NEVER arrive late – it’s discourteous to
audience members, cast, and crew. Little did I know that sitting next to me, in
a row of folding chairs, where the writer and composer of the kick-off performance
of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” I will never forget
that the BSC folk held the curtain for me. Me? I was a reviewer, yet hardly Varity. Of course, “Bee” went on to win
Tony Awards. This was the start of BSC’s growing success, and I have been
cheering them every year since 2004. Big musicals (“On the Town,” “Kiss Me
Kate,” “Man of La Mancha”) are their forte. Last summer’s “Pirates of Penzance”
– simply outstanding. Equally important to BSC staff are premiers, often by
unknown playwrights. I applaud them. www.barringtonstageco.org
Berkshire Museum,
Pittsfield: I believe that I have written
something like this is past summer articles – my first experience at Berkshire
Museum was quite boring, exhibits stagnant, staff lethargic, spaces empty, and
no air-conditioning. Some years later, it took gentle nudging from a great PR
lady for me to visit again. I am so glad. The exhibits, design, activities,
events, films, enthusiastic employees, and air-conditioning moved the museum
180 degrees. In deciding of going to Berkshire Museum or not, the answer is
easy. Yes! Please read accompanying articles recently posted. www.Berkshiremuseum.org
Berkshire Theatre
Group, Stockbridge & Pittsfield: I don’t remember the
year that I saw “The Animal Kingdom” at Berkshire Theatre Festival (now called BTGroup).
I was young, and had seen very little theatre, to date. The impetus to become
an audience member at this particular play, that I never heard of or about, was
its lead star, John Shea. The handsome John Shea, who grew up about a mile from
my home in Springfield, was reason enough to go to BTF. I was unfamiliar with
his co-star, Sigourney Weaver. The venue, which looked like an old lush home,
was very inviting. John looked damn good. Sigourney looked good, too. Both,
good actors. Yet, I didn’t like the play, even though it was quite well-known
and penned by the very famous Philip Barry. That was okay with me. You can’t
like everything. In fact, attending BTF the first time was reason enough for me
to return over the next 30 years. Seasons include drama, comedy, and musicals.
Last summer’s schedule presented old chestnuts – “Fiorello,” “Cat on a Hot Tin
Roof” – world premiere of “The Stone Witch” and the always charmingly
ridiculous “Little Shop of Horrors.” The latter was performed at the Colonial
Theatre in Pittsfield. Some years ago, BTF partnered with Colonial to create
the even better BTG. www.berkshiretheatregroup.org
Capitol Steps, Lenox: Watching
these loonies on television prompted my attendance at Cranwell – summer home of
CS. Trust me, like them on TV, love
them in person. Please read
accompanying article as well as my annual (different) pieces on CS. Last year’s
pre-election performance was hysterically apropos. I can only imagine the skits
for summer, 2017. www.capsteps.com
Norman Rockwell Museum,
Stockbridge: Once upon a time, when I knew next to
nothing about the world outside of Springfield, MA, I did identify the
Berkshires with one name – Norman Rockwell. I can’t explain my excitement when,
as a child, I saw the “real painting” of downtown Stockbridge – up close and
personal, awash with the white color of the Red Lion Inn and snow, lots of
snow. Every summer, the museum in Rockwell’s name hosts new exhibits. The
special showings are very nice, but it is the genius of Rockwell that I come to
see. My guess is that the generation that saw Rockwell’s work weekly or
monthly, primarily on magazine covers, probably didn’t appreciate his talent as
much as the post-baby boomer generations.
That’s why his museum is so important, and that’s why I come over and
over again. www.nrm.org
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Shakespeare
& Company, Comedy of Errors, 2016
Photo: Enrico Spada
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Shakespeare &
Company, Lenox: As an adult, my entrée to Berkshire
theatre was by way of Shakespeare & Company (S&Co). Twenty-one years
ago, I had never heard of this venue. Who knew that writings of The Bard were
so close to home, fully staged, in repertory, featuring a cadre of new (to me)
actors. I thought I’d have to wait until I traveled to Stratford, England to
experience such quality work onstage and backstage in Lenox, MA. Curious, at
that time, were novel performance elements; i.e. color-blind casting, dual
roles, 16th century language spoken eloquently by actors in TJ Maxx
off-the-rack clothing. At first, I didn’t like any of this. Don’t mess with
“my” Shakespeare. That attitude quickly changed. In fact, I welcomed the
modernization. Comedies needed little translation, dramas came relatively easy,
but those plays in the History series were tough, even with my B.A. in English.
One comedy (admittedly, I forget which one) presented a gang of bandits,
dressed in leather, wearing Foster Grants with Mission Impossible music in the
background. www.shakespeare.org
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Tanglewood
Conductor Andris Nelsons
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Tanglewood, Lenox: I
must credit the Springfield Symphony Orchestra for my interest in classical
music. Oftentimes, it wasn’t the particular composition, composer, instrument
that interested me. In addition to a collaboration of all three, it was the
overall aura soaked up by “young me” in elementary school. So, an offer to join
a family outing to Tanglewood – music + grass (I’m not much into nature, but
the look and smell of a freshly cut lawn) seemed delightful. At the same time,
I learned that admission to Saturday morning rehearsal (Mom paid for me) was
inexpensive. Maybe even free for kids? Each summer, I try to hear something new
at Tanglewood. Just when I think I’m running out of things, there’s more. Last
summer, I attended BSO 101 – an informative talk by staff (historian and
musician) on Mozart. Under a tent’s shading, the program was BYOLunch. When I
became a Tanglewood donor, I hadn’t paid attention to the perks. I was invited
to a Thursday afternoon BSO rehearsal, meaning a concert with a few conductor
stops for instruction to the musicians. I might have been one of 20 listeners
in the huge Koussevitzky Shed. This was a treat, especially to hear Ravel’s
“Bolero.” www.bso.org
Williamstown Theatre
Festival, Williamstown: A significant part of the pleasure of
attending plays at Williamstown Theatre Festival (WTF, yes, those are the initials)
is the journey. Pretty much, no matter what route you go is an opportunity to
take in the mountains, acres of green grass, bales of hay, cows, and the
bucolic life that defines the Berkshires. The destination – professional and
high-regarded theatre performances at WTF’s two stages – is located on the
Williams College campus. This, too, must be one of New England’s most beautiful
colleges. It seems that one of the important missions of WTF in recent years
has been presentation of new productions. It’s probably true that the big-name
stars (from movies, etc.) bring in audiences who might not ordinarily attend
theatre. I say, “Do whatever it takes.” However, movie and television A-listers
don’t necessarily transfer their talents to the stage. My advice is to take a
chance on the unknown actors and playwrights. As I look over my programs from
past plays, whether famous or not, WTF showcases everyone for the pleasure of
their audiences. www.wtfestival.org
Other People’s Homes
The Berkshires open many of the homes of the rich and famous
throughout the past centuries. Note, each venue offers special summer exhibits
and/or programs.
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17th-Century
Dutch Genre Painting
Clark
Art Institute
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Sterling and Francine
Clark Art Institute, Williamstown: While not the actual
home of the Clarks, the couple loved visual arts as much as their love of
Williams College – considered one of the world’s most respected private
institutions of higher education. Clark is home to nearly every art form
imaginable, which includes their programs by authors, musicians, and dancers.
It highlights the old masters and the contemporary artists in 20+ galleries.
Clark’s reputation was my enticement to venture a bit out of the way from the
heart of the Berkshires. I have visited nearly every year for the past two
decades. www.clarkart.edu
The Mount, Lenox: Shakespeare
& Co. was my introduction to The Mount, because indoor and outdoor stages
on the property were home to S&Co. Admittedly, save for “Ethan Frome,” I
hadn’t read any other Edith Wharton novel or short story. The Mount, every inch
designed by Wharton, was her home in the 1900’s, at the time when she wrote
some of her best and most famous works. I don’t know if Wharton sat on the pristine
lawn with paper and pen, but I envisioned it. S&Co performed in Wharton’s
small, elegantly decorated salon, and in the woods with audience seated on
beach chairs. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” was, logically, perfect for the
environs. The Mount is still home for S&Co, as well as lecture, author
readings, concerts, garden tours, ghost tours, and literature roundtables (the
latter, new this summer). Please read our individual articles on The Mount. www.edithwharton.org
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| Image courtesy of Lenox.org |
Naumkeag, Stockbridge: The
name of the property was my personal invitation. “Naumkeag” --must be Native
American? I am interested, already. One of the most beautiful among the
Trustees of Reservation group, Naumkeag’s grounds, landscape, and serpentine
walkways are bidding. Naumkeag is the former home of the Choate family of the
late-1800’s in the days of elaborate houses. It seemed mandatory that each home
have: the dark wood entry foyer, parlor to meet visitors, library and/or
private study, dining room, one or two formal guest rooms, servant quarters
(always on the third floor), master bedroom(s) – oftentimes one for husband,
the other for his wife. A personal favorite was the butler’s pantry. I grew up
in a home built in the early -1900’s when pantries were the favorite, most
useful room (it wasn’t really a whole room) in the house. www.thetrustees.org
Ventfort Hall, Lenox: Recessed
from a main street in downtown Lenox, I saw a large red sign, “Ventfort Hall.”
I had never heard of it. Again, that was reason enough for me to explore. Like
Naumkeag, all of the “required” rooms are there on each floor. However, add a
music room complete with a large decorated piano. Previously owned by J.P.
Morgan’s sister, it was rescued from demolition in 1994 and is now an important
project of the Save America’s Treasures. Special to Ventfort visitors is its
Tea & Talk Summer Lecture Series. www.gildedage.org
New Stops
Berkshire Carousel,
Pittsfield: This
large, indoor, brightly colored structure, complete with 33 hand carved and hand
painted horses and chariots, celebrated its grand reopening when we were there.
The staff, all volunteers, are carousel experts able to answer every question
imaginable. I admit, I skipped the ride. I definitely felt much too old. www.berkshirecarousel.com
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Crane
Paper Mill, dates to 1801
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Crane Museum of
Papermaking, Dalton: Crane
has been on my “to see” list for at least a decade. However, I had no idea
where Dalton was. Their docent seemed thrilled to impart his knowledge to his audience
who sat on benches in the actual papermaking factory. Little did I know that
the Cranes (still, after 200 years, a family-owned company) made their money,
making money; United States currency, to be exact. www.crane.com
What am I missing? Unfortunately, I can’t get to every
art or cultural spot in the Berkshires. Often, I alternate which venues see. In
the past, I’ve gone to and recommend: Mass MoCA, Hawthorne House, Mahaiwe,
Sevenars, Berkshire Fringe, Williams College of Art, and of course, Jacob’s
Pillow. Any other suggestions are sincerely welcome.
