by Shera Cohen
The final notes of Beethoven’s Symphony #9 are the traditional sign that summer in the Berkshires has ended. I was there on August 25th, along with a shed full, and lawn equally full, of thousands of music-lovers. On a lovely, low-humidity, 74 degrees, semi-sunny Sunday, the day seemed hand-picked for Tanglewood’s swan song.
However, a correction is in order. Neither Tanglewood, the BSO, or even Beethoven had the last words or notes of the region’s season. Summer is not over in the Berkshires, yet.
Shakespeare & Company, Lenox: “Time Stands Still,” a contemporary drama, takes the stage in September into October. Occasional readings are scattered throughout the fall including the Bard’s “Julius Caesar.”
South Mountain Concert Series, Pittsfield: For five weekends in September and October, small-group classical music performing “A List” composers by professional musicians takes place.
Barrington Stage, Pittsfield: BSC’s summer season showcased some heavy-duty dramatic plays and will mount one more for the entire month of October; “American Underdog”.
Berkshire Theatre Group, Stockbridge & Pittsfield: Because BTG encompasses five stages, there is lots of room and time for summer to extend. “What the Jews Believe,” on the Stockbridge campus begins in late September, and Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield, continues year-round with music, dance, theatre, and comedy.
Berkshire Bach Series, Great Barrington: Beginning in November, monthly concerts are performed, primarily on Saturday afternoons. Combining the Berkshires with Bach makes a wonderful duo.
The Whit, Pittsfield: Whitney Center for the Arts mounts three plays, one each month in the fall which include “Orion,” Dream Awake,” and “This Wonderful Life.” The latter is a one-man play based on (you guessed it) “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
WAM Theatre, Lenox: Where Arts & Activism Met, WAM is a collaboration primarily of women artists performing for women and men. Its next full-length play, “Pipeline,” will be seen in October.
Close Encounters with Music, Great Barrington: Mahaiwe Theatre is the perfect venue for the six concerts of CEWM series of professional orchestral concerts by small groups performing classics and newly penned compositions.