Lenox, MA
by Shera Cohen
It was approximately 25 years ago when the “divorce” between
The Mount and Shakespeare & Company took place. At the time, I thought it
was the beginning of the end for both the historic site of Edith Wharton’s home
and this wonderful theatre company. Admittedly, because theatre was/is my #1
destination point in the Berkshires, I continued to attend S&Co. plays.
Yet, I did not return to the Mount for several years. There really wasn’t much
to do.
Happily, the Mount is back, and near the top, on my “Berkshire
To Do List” and for good reason – for many good reasons. A different activity
takes place on nearly every day of the week: Monday’s Summer Lecture Series,
Tuesday’s repeat of the same, Wharton on Wednesdays, and Music After Hours on
Friday and Saturday.
My favorite program is the Summer Lecture Series. Every
Monday at 4pm, authors speak about their books; oftentimes biographies or
histories. For one hour in the Wharton Stables, the writer offers backstories
of his/her research and writing process. When I first attended, I might have
been one of a few dozen in the audience. What a shame that more didn’t
experience this educational fun. Not that I credit myself, but I will take a
small bow for writing several pieces on the series, trying to get the word out.
Each year the audience grew, then doubled, then filled to SRO, to the point
that had I not ordered my tickets on the first date of sales, I missed out. The
Mount had a success on their hands. What a nice problem to have. The solution,
initiated last year, was a repeat lecture on Tuesdays at 11am. This was a wise
decision.
Wharton on Wednesday offers a step back to the Gilded Age on
the veranda of the Wharton home. For one hour, starting at 5pm, audience
members listen to readings of Wharton short stories given by area actors.
There’s wine, lemonade, and munchies; small round tables and wooden seats; and
the view of the Wharton Estate, especially the gardens. The talks are $10, no
reservation needed.
Early evenings on the weekend bring the sounds of local
musicians for the Mount’s Jazz Series. This, too, takes place on the large
porch, where the gorgeous landscape at dusk augments the ambiance. The series
is free.
S&Co. has returned to its original home with productions
of some of the Bard’s most famous plays, set on the pristine manicured lawn at
the Mount. Just as 30+ years ago, when the woods doubled as S&Co.’s
main-stage, here the stories come alive once more. This season’s “A Midsummer
Night’s Dream” is probably the most befitting Shakespeare play for this
setting. The production is offered on numerous dates throughout the summer,
usually at 6pm or 11am.
What can I do if I just want to walk around, you say? Put on
your walking shoes or sneakers for the Mount House Tours, Gardens & Landscape
Tours, SculptureNow Art Walks, and Ghost Tour. The latter features an
exhibition of 30 giant sculptures throughout the site, each created by a
professional artist. This curated display can be appreciated on a self-tour or,
on occasion, guided by one of the sculptors.
From time to time, writers at any stage (primarily amateurs)
congregate to discuss their work, to become inspired, and to keep writing.
Poetry readings, additional author lectures, story sharing, and literary
round-tables fill the summer calendar. I would like to think that Edith Wharton
is aware of so much literature being created at what was once her home.
