The play ’ s audience will get to weigh in and vocalize whether or not they believe that the individuals whose cases are being heard are deserving of a pardon . “ Once the audience members ’ voices are heard , the play resumes , and the actual outcomes of the panelists ’ decisions in the cases are revealed on stage ,” says Paul .
Boeing Boeing ( July 17 – August 3 , Boyd- Quinson Stage , Pittsfield ), directed by retired BSC founder / artistic director Julianne Boyd , is a comedic , high-altitude adventure . Debra Jo Rupp , who lives in the Berkshires and is celebrated for her roles in That ’ 70s Show and That ’ 90s Show , stars alongside longtime creative collaborators Mark H . Dold and Christopher Innvar . The play whisks audiences to Paris in the swinging ' 60s , where playboy Bernard navigates a precarious juggling act with the help of his housekeeper , Bertha . His plans face turbulent shifts with the arrival of a long-lost friend . Expect to have an uproarious night of frolic and fun . The season continues with Next to Normal ( August 13 – September 18 , Boyd-Qunson Stage , Pittsfield ), which explores a more introspective side of Paul ’ s artistic vision . He will direct the production of this poignant musical , which delves into the themes of mental health and emotional perseverance . It also serves as a continuation of a collaboration with Roundhouse Theatre in Washington , D . C . “ Next to Normal is about a woman ' s profound internal struggle ,” says Paul . “ It captures the essence of her battle with bipolar disorder as she confronts the trauma from her past ." The musical uses multimedia video elements to capture the raw emotions of the characters . The set , costumes , lighting , and choreography from the Roundhouse Theatre production of Next to Normal will be utilized , although Paul is assembling a different cast of young Broadway actors to infuse the narrative with new vitality . " There ' s a hunger for musicals like this ,” says Paul . “ This story has the power to touch audience members deeply .”
Primary Trust ( September 18 – October 13 , St . Germain Stage , Pittsfield ), written by Eboni Booth , will close out the season . The play ’ s primary protagonist , Kenneth , finds himself shaken from his routines after a sudden layoff , propelling him into a journey of self-discovery . Primary Trust touches on recurrent themes of loneliness , resilience , and the human capacity for change that echo throughout BSC ’ s 2024 season . The narrative captures one man ’ s quest for meaning in the face of life ’ s unexpected turns . Paul ’ s commitment to showcasing new works is wonderfully exemplified in the Berkshire premiere of this critically acclaimed 2023 Off-Broadway show .
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“ It ' s a director ' s summer here at BTG ,” says Kate Maguire , artistic director and CEO of Berkshire Theatre Group . “ I really leaned into the directors and the plays and musicals they were interested in working on ."
And it ’ s the artistic vision of each of the directors that Maguire is most proud . The first production of BTG ’ s 2024 season is 4000 Miles ( May 16 – June 1 , The Unicorn Theatre , Stockbridge ). Written by Amy Herzog and directed by Lizzie Gottlieb , the play poignantly explores themes of mental health , grief , and family connections . It centers around the relationship between a grandmother , Vera , and her grandson , Leo , who shows up at her Greenwich Village apartment in the wake of a disastrous cross-country trip .
When Maguire approached Gottlieb and asked her to direct a play , Gottlieb selected 4000 Miles and thought the role of Vera would be perfect for her mother , actress Maria Tucci . “ My mother did plays at the Williamstown Theatre Festival when I was younger ,” shares Gottlieb . “ I spent my childhood sitting backstage watching them come to life , and the Berkshires are where I learned everything I know about theater .”
Gottlieb always has been drawn to compelling stories that showcase authentic family dynamics . She believes that 4000 Miles will speak to audiences across generational lines , prompting meaningful conversations about love , loss , and the power of human connection . “ 4000 Miles shows two people at very vulnerable moments of their lives ,” says Gottlieb . “ There ’ s a clash of different political worldviews across generations , and I think that will resonate with audiences in a profound way .”
BTG ’ s production of Abe Lincoln In Illinois ( June 13 – July 14 , Fitzpatrick Main Stage , Stockbridge ) by Robert Sherwood holds the potential to catalyze political discourse of a different nature . Directed by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Auburn , Abe Lincoln in Illinois offers a compelling glimpse into the early life and evolution of Lincoln . Reflecting on Sherwood ' s nuanced portrayal of the 16th President of the United States , Auburn says , " It ' s a play that asks , ‘ What are the responsibilities of individuals to themselves and to the country in a moment of crisis ?’" Auburn emphasizes the relevance of this question in today ' s political landscape during the election year , as voters grapple with their role in shaping America ’ s future .
Auburn also touches on Sherwood ’ s interest in Lincoln ' s psychological quirks , which haunted him on the journey from his humble beginnings in New Salem , Illinois , to his inauguration . " Sherwood wanted to subvert the image of Lincoln as an icon and present a more complicated portrait ,” says Auburn . The play also will mark a transformative moment for the Fitzpatrick Main Stage . With plans for a major renovation in the works , Abe Lincoln in Illinois will be the last production before the remodeling , serving as a celebration of BTG ' s past , present , and future legacy and commitment to the Berkshires theatrical community . BTG is planning a stage adaptation of Mel Brooks ' hilarious and campy film , Young Frankenstein ( June 27 – July 21 , Colonial Theatre , Pittsfield ). Director Stuart Ross will bring pomp and verve to the timeless comedy , aiming to capture the essence of the film through an uproarious stage production . Following the final curtain call for Young Frankenstein , BTG will welcome the production of Rodgers & Hammerstein ’ s Pipe Dream ( July 25 – August 31 , The Unicorn Theatre , Stockbridge ), directed by the visionary Kat Yen . As a directing fellow at the renowned La Jolla Playhouse , Yen ’ s theatrical journey has been primarily rooted in new play development . Nevertheless , she saw Pipe Dream as an opportunity to bridge her expertise in natural theater and magic realism with the vibrant world of musicals .
“ Kate has been trying to get the rights for Pipe Dream for a long time so that BTG could do a more contemporary take ,” shares Yen . “ She really took a chance on me , and they ' ve created the perfect environment for me to push towards something new and exciting ." Yen ' s approach to the production reflects her commitment to theatrical innovation and cultural inclusivity . After Maguire secured the rights , Yen reached out to Auburn , who used his connections with Concord Theatricals to negotiate Yen ’ s ability to make subtle , yet impactful , changes to the script . After getting their approval , Yen updated character names and backstories to better align with modern sensibilities . In doing so , she uncovered the rich backstory of “ Joe ,” a third-generation immigrant of Mexican descent who overcomes significant challenges before becoming the manager of a successful mariachi band . Yen ' s reinterpretation breathes new life into Joe ' s character , offering depth and complexity previously unseen in the original musical . As Yen moves forward with the production , she is grateful to for the creative culture at Berkshire Theatre Group , which provides her with the necessary support and freedom to manifest her vision .
The season will conclude with a production of Tony Award ® -nominated playwright Conor McPherson ’ s captivating play , The Weir ( September 26 – October 27 , The Unicorn
May / June 2024 BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE // 37