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B y
B e n j a m i n
L e r n e r
The Stage Is Set
LET THE 2024 SEASON BEGIN !
Bill Bowers will take the stage at Chester Theatre in It Goes Without Saying , July 18 – 19 , a captivating autobiographical tour de force .
THE SUMMER theatrical season in the Berkshires will offer a blend of high-profile world premieres , new plays , and innovative community programming . Artistic directors and creative luminaries have poured their passion into ambitious productions , events , and performances , setting the stage for exhilarating experiences that stretch the boundaries of artistic expression . We can ’ t be more excited about the plays , musicals , and other performances that our theater companies have in store for us .
COURTESY OF BILL BOWERS
On the heels of his well-received first season as artistic director of Barrington Stage Company ( BSC ), Alan Paul has a compelling lineup of musicals and plays for this year ’ s 30th anniversary season .
To whet your appetite for the summer season , Barrington Stage will present the Berkshire Comedy Festival in partnership with the Long Island Comedy Festival , from May 23 – 25 . And June 6 – 9 , Berkshires ’ very own Alison Larkin presents Grief : A Comedy before embarking on a World Tour that kicks off at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival .
The summer season begins with a rousing production of Harvey Fierstein ’ s beloved musical romp , La Cage Aux Folles ( June 11 – July 6 , Boyd-Quinson Stage , Pittsfield ). Directed by Mike Donahue , La Cage promises to be a joyous celebration of love , family , and acceptance . Paul envisions a vibrant , immersive experience , in the spirit of BSC ’ s 2023 production of Cabaret . “ While different in tone , both productions share elements of joy , sensuality , and inclusivity ,” says Paul . “ La Cage Aux Folles allows us to make a statement about the kind of theater we are — a welcoming space that embraces individuality ." Paul describes the musical as " a feel-good party " that will be raucous and unabashedly fun . " I hope audiences leave the theater feeling uplifted and energized , ready to dance and celebrate life ." Paul ’ s extensive background in classical theater , including 15 years as associate artistic director of the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington , D . C ., has a definite influence on BSC ’ s production of the Shakespeare adaptation A Tender Thing ( June 25 – July 20 , St . Germain Stage , Pittsfield ). Written by Ben Power and directed by Paul , A Tender Thing is an exploration of what would have happened if Romeo and Juliet had lived to be an older couple . Throughout the play ’ s production , Paul consulted with fellow Berkshire theater luminaries , including Alan Burrows , artistic director of Shakespeare & Company . “ This take on Shakespeare is completely unique ,” says Paul . “ I ' m excited to try something new ."
BSC also will stage the world premiere of Mark St . Germain ’ s Forgiveness ( July 25 – August 30 , St . Germain Stage , Pittsfield ). Forgiveness is based on real transcripts from a pardon court in Minnesota , where individuals seek redemption for crimes ranging from first-degree murder to drug-related offenses . After researching real-life cases and transcripts , St . Germain created a narrative that challenges audiences to question their beliefs about forgiveness and the nature of justice .
36 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE May / June 2024