Many ask me about my Berkshire vacation, “What kind of a
rest is that? You go to all these places, sit in the dark and take notes, then
have to write about each; that’s work.” My answer to them is, “This is the
perfect vacation, it’s work that I love, so I combine the arts with work for
the best of all worlds.”
I think 2012 was my 18th summer of vacationing in the
Berkshires. My steadfast readers (thank you!) are familiar with this year-later
past tense story of my journeys. At the same time, there is so much to look
forward to in the summer of 2013. You don’t have to be a big crazy like I and
my companions are, spending a whirlwind two weeks to take in the arts. I urge
you to choose where you would like to go. Try experimenting; i.e. fringe
theatre when the classics are your forte, jazz in addition to Mozart, a flower
museum along with paintings.
Two factors were unique to last summer’s venues and their
productions: special anniversary years and world premieres. It was an honor to
participate in historic moments in the arts.
Week #1(in order of our agenda)
Berkshire Theatre Group, Stockbridge: “A Class Act”
Once separate venues, the two theatres in Stockbridge (the
Main Stage and Unicorn) have joined with the beautiful and lush Colonial in
Pittsfield to become the Berkshire Theatre Group. We started our vacation with
a musical about musicals – a fictionalized true story about the making of “A
Chorus Line.”
Jacob’s Pillow, Becket: The Men Dancers: from the Horse’s
Mouth
Matinees at the Pillow permit audiences to see more than the
superbly talented dancers on its two stages. The grounds are manicured and
flowered; the barn is an art gallery; and the outdoor stage highlight young
dancers. This show marked the 80th anniversary of the site’s founding by
Springfield’s own Ted Shawn. His Male Dancers christened the Pillow, and this
performance uniquely paid homage to its history as 20 men dancers, of all ages
and backgrounds, told poetic stories of trials and successes about becoming
dancers. Part documentary, part performance, this was dance at its most
accessible.
Tanglewood, Lenox: 75th Anniversary Concert
I could write reams about this fabulous and memorable
occasion. On this night alone were five conductors (including John Williams),
plus the BSO, Pops, Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra, Tanglewood Festival
Chorus, Yo-Yo Ma, Emanuel Ax, James Taylor, and more. The composers were who’s
who, including Copland, Bernstein, Tchaikovsky, Ravel, and Beethoven. The 75th
was an all-star team of Tanglewood’s best. Puffy pink clouds filled the sky and
bug-resistant lanterns aligned the lawn. This was my first on-the-lawn concert
– a different experience from Shed seats, but very nice with a sense of
camaraderie among the music lovers. I can never get my fill of Tanglewood or
John Williams, so I had the pleasure of “attending” his 80th birthday concert
on another week. Most of the program was filled with Williams’ music, of
course, including his own symphonic rendition of “Happy Birthday.” What a
night!
The Mount Lectures, Lenox: Clover Adams
The lecture series at the Mount make for excellent Monday
afternoons complete with guest authors, fascinating topics, and the best scones
(an English tea tops off the program) in New England. Oftentimes, I am unfamiliar with either the author or the
subject, but that doesn’t matter in making the discussion interesting. In this
case, I had never heard of Clover Adams, a famous photographer during the
Gilded Age. Make a reservation; the house is always packed for these talks.
Mahaiwe, Great Barrington: Friars Club Comedy Festival
For a change of pace, five top comedians from the Borsche
Belt entertained for their mature audience. The show was billed as “Stand up
comedy as a true American art form.” Peppered with Jewish humor, it is safe to
say that the entire audience laughed a lot. Whatever the show at Mahaiwe, take
a close look at this 100+ year old elegant site.
Cranwell Inn, Lenox: Capitol Steps
I write pretty much the same about this riotous show each
summer. Nothing changes, except the entire script – which changes as quickly as
the front page news. Since 2012 was an election year, there was so much
material to choose from to set humorously to music. Whoever happens to be the
President at the time seems to get the brunt of the digs. What one might not
expect is that these comedians actually have terrific voices.
Shakespeare & Company, Lenox: Author Series
This program is something relatively new at this venue. It
calls for getting up early on Sunday morning, but it was worth it to hear the
humorous Simon Winchester, journalist turned world traveler/author who credited
his success to “incredible luck.”
Shakespeare & Company: “The Endurance”
As far as I know, Shakespeare’s hosting another theatre
troupe was a first. The four-man Split Knuckle Theatre should definitely be
invited back. They write, direct, and produce original material. “Endurance”
was based on the amazing Shackleton saga of leadership par excellence, yet
updated and placed in an office setting. The play was dramatic, funny, and
clever as the quartet took on numerous roles, scary pratfalls, and lessons to
be learned.
Chester Theatre, Chester: “The Swan”
As I suggested in the opening paragraphs of this article,
oftentimes it’s good and even eye-opening to see something new and perhaps
avante garde. And sometimes, you can appreciate the acting talents while still
trying to figure out the script. This was “The Swan.”
Clark Museum, Williamstown: “Unearthed”
Renowned for its Impressionist exhibits, the museum’s
highlight was “Unearthed,” which displayed ruins from the museum’s founder’s
tour of China in 1908. Truly amazing was the intricacy of complete statues and
structures dating back to 386 CE. Clark also hosts numerous concerts in the
evening. BTW, its store is the nicest in the Berkshires.
Third Thursday in Pittsfield
From May through October, take a walk with the thousands of
others in the center of town to hear music on every third street corner, watch
kids’ activities, buy home-grown veggies, and see antique autos aligning the
perimeter.
Barrington Stage, Pittsfield: “All My Sons”
Just when you think you really don’t need to see another
production of Arthur Miller’s classic, you discover that you are wrong.
Everything was exactly right about this show, especially the actors and the
set.
Week #2
Shakespeare & Company, Lenox: “The Tempest”
Shakespeare purists might not have liked casting a woman in
the lead role of Duke Prospero (aka Duchess Prospera), but actress Olympia
Dukakis – along with some of Shakes & Co.’s finest actors – brought the
play to life. Coupled with a fabulous tropical island set, haunting music, and
ethereal costumes, “The Tempest” proved that this theatre is at the top of the
list in producing the Bard.
Tanglewood, Rehearsal
I had never heard of composer Manuel de Falla whose opera
“La Vide Breve” was the subject for rehearsal by the BSO. Oftentimes during
rehearsals, as one might expect, the musicians start, stop, and repeat per the
instructions of the conductor. This time was nearly straight-through, as if
attending the “real” concert. I must mention that torrents of rain fell on
another week’s Saturday morning rehearsal earlier in the season. Yet, thunder,
lightning, and winds rarely deter Tanglewood audiences.
Shakespeare & Company: “Cassandra Speaks”
By now, you might have guessed that Shakes & Co. is my
favorite place in the Berkshires. So, not unlike Tanglewood, I could go on and
on with praises. I will spare you, but to say that this venue also produces
contemporary works, such as “Cassandra.”
Berkshire Choral Festival, Sheffield: Evening of Grand Opera
I am betting that a lot of readers don’t realize that the
Springfield Symphony Orchestra is the “back up band” to the hundreds of singers
from throughout the world who participate in BCF’s joyous four concert series.
On this evening of opera, 110 voices melded together performing pieces by
Bizet, Puccini, and Verdi. You can’t ask for more famous composers. Of note is
BCF’s venue, whose large tent is now an indoor site. No more mosquitos to
interfere with the lovely sounds.
Shakespeare & Company, Director’s Talk
It was advantageous to have seen “The Tempest” before
listening to director Tony Simotes’ discussion. These talks are open, with
Q&A to those behind the scenes and the actors – always enlightening.
Lee Outlets: And, the “girls” and I just had to shop. With
the Outlets five minutes from where we stay, the lure of bargains is magical.
The Mount Lectures: Hadley Richardson
Another trip to the Mount was a sprightly discussion about
Ernest Hemingway and his first wife. Her biographer asked the audience – why
are we so curious about the famous? Good question then, and certainly now.
Berkshire Museum’s Little Cinema: “Take This Waltz”
Every week from June through August, Berkshire Museum hosts
a different, contemporary, indie or foreign films in their spacious and
air-conditioned (thank you) theatre. Admission is only $5.00.
Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge: “Exploring Howard Pyle”
I always think that I’ll skip Rockwell this year, yet go
back each time. Rockwell’s illustrations and paintings tell stories, and
oftentimes stories are worth hearing over and over. Also, there’s always a
touring exhibit, this one “Exploring Howard Pyle,” whose works were pictures
straight out of “Pirates of the Caribbean.” Pyle’s was dubbed “The rock star
illustrator of the 19th century.” I must add, never underestimate the
difference that a good tour guide makes. Rockwell has the best.
Barrington Stage Company: “The North Pool”
I sometimes go to world premieres, not to mention those with
only two actors, and expect little. Surprise! This was a powerful, taut drama
of wits between a young man (student) and older man (high school administrator)
about bigotry, jealousy, guilt, and the death of a student. The text actively
challenged assumptions of the audience in what were chilling performances by
the actors. A much-involved talk back followed.
Town of West Stockbridge boutiques: This was a different
kind of shopping from the Outlets; quaint, as if going to a small arts
festival.
The Mount: Wharton at 5 Reading
Reminiscent of
a 19th century “proper” way to spend a late afternoon, join the Wharton
Readings on the lovely second floor veranda of what was once Edith’s home.
Chairs and small tables fill the outdoor setting overlooking the gardens as
actors read aloud one or two Wharton short stories. Sip some wine. All that’s
missing are the white gloves.
Shakespeare & Company: “King Lear”
One of the Bard’s most well-known pieces took the Main Stage
for the bulk of last summer’s season. We stayed for the talk back, at which we
learned that such a difficult play was given only three weeks of rehearsal.
The Wharton Salon, Lenox: “The Inner House”
Kudos to the one-woman play portraying Edith Wharton
(founder of the Mount, which is Salon’s venue), as the best of Salon’s
presentations for this young theatre troupe – “young” being only four years.
The one-act play offered a close look into Wharton’s personal life. The Salon
mounts one play each season, and I look forward to the next one.
Shakespeare & Company: “Tartuffe”
You got it…I love this place, especially their rambunctious
colorful period-set comedies. Moliere takes the #2 spot on my favorite
playwright list, so how could I go wrong in seeing “Tartuffe”?
Berkshire Theatre Group: “Edith”
We ended our vacation where we started, with the world
premiere of “Edith.” No, not Edith Wharton, but Edith Wilson, wife of Woodrow,
who was an intelligent, single-minded, loving woman who, for a time,
essentially became pseudo-President of the United States. Enthralled by this
play, production, and its actors, I returned later in its run to see it once
more. Yes, it was that good.
For summer 2013, we will repeat many of the offerings of
these venues, and add a few more; i.e. Williamstown Theatre Festival, the
Guthrie Center, Berkshire Museum, Chesterwood. Unfortunately, even I can’t fit
everything in in two weeks.
For websites on each of these venues, check out our LINKS TO THE ARTS at the top of this page.
