The production , set in the intimate Liebowitz black box theater , features a dynamic cast portraying both human characters and their canine counterparts , promising a heartwarming and humorous exploration of companionship .
Following Dog People , GBPT presents the American premiere of Survival of the Unfit ( July 6 – 21 , McConnell Theater Mainstage , Great Barrington ). Crafted by playwright Oren Safdie , this sharp-witted dramedy will transport viewers to a merciless dinner party where secrets unravel and tensions simmer . Originally workshopped in Arkansas , Survival of the Unfit promises a riveting exploration of human nature and societal norms . Directed by Matt Penn and featuring a talented ensemble cast , the production invites audiences to witness the collision of personalities in a battle for social survival .
Rounding out GBPT ' s season is a captivating cabaret performance by rising star Janelle Farias Sando ( July 26-August 11 ), directed by Wendy Welch with venue details to be announced later . Known for her powerhouse vocals and magnetic stage presence , Sando promises to dazzle audiences with an energetic showcase of musical talent .
Shakespeare & Company shakespeare . org ; 413-637-1199
Led by intrepid Artistic Director Allyn Burrows , Shakespeare & Company ’ s 2024 season promises to be an exhilarating journey through Shakespearean classics and compelling contemporary theater .
It begins with Lee Blessing ’ s A Body of Water ( June 21 – July 21 , Roman Garden Theatre , Lenox ), directed by James Warwick . Set on the porch of an isolated summer house , the play follows Moss and Avis , a couple who wake up one morning with no memory of who they are . As they search for answers , they confront terrifying truths about themselves . “ We staged a production of Blessing ’ s A Walk in the Woods a couple of years ago ,” says Burrows . “ A Body of Water speaks to issues of personal identity and confusion that are both relevant on a global scale and deeply personal .”
The Tina Packer Playhouse , Lenox , will welcome a bold new musical interpretation of Shakespeare ’ s works : Shake It Up : A Shakespeare Cabaret ( July 2 – 7 ). Directed by Burrows , it promises a vibrant celebration
of Shakespeare ' s language and music in an imaginative , contemporary context . Burrows describes it as " Where Shakespeare meets Rock ‘ n ’ Roll ," offering a unique fusion of 20th-century songs and iconic Shakespearean texts . “ We ' ll be joined by awesome and familiar musicians from Berkshire County ,” he says . " This six-day event invites audiences to encounter the timeless themes of Shakespeare ' s works through a fresh , musical lens .”
Shakespeare ’ s The Comedy of Errors ( July 13 – August 18 ) will take center stage in the Arthur S . Waldstein Amphitheatre , Lenox , which Burrows fondly referred to as “ The Arthur .” Directed by Kate Kohler Amory , the fast-paced and farcical comedy with a Vaudevillian spin follows two sets of twins separated at birth , leading to a series of misunderstandings and mishaps . “ It ’ s a madcap romp in a sublime outdoor setting ,” says Burrows .
In association with GBPT , Shakespeare & Company will present the regional premiere of Jim Frangione ’ s Flight of The Monarch ( August 3 – 25 , Elayne P . Bernstein Theatre , Lenox ). Directed by Judy Braha , this darkly comic play follows siblings Sheila and Thomas as they navigate life ’ s challenges in a New England fishing
DELI I KITCHEN I MARKET I CATERING I EVENTS I TRAILS
The Ultimate Destination for Locally Sourced Delights
Fresh Produce • Artisanal Goods • Meat & Fish Market • Baked Treats & Soups • BBQ Specialties , Deli Sandwiches & Grab-and-Go Options at Woodlife Kitchen • Greenhouses • Pick-Your-Own Produce , Flowers & World-Famous Gladiolus • Ponds & Playground • Trails with Access to 11,000-Acre Pittsfield State Park
Opening April 13th : Woodlife Kitchen at Hancock Shaker Village
36 Old Rte 20 I New Lebanon , NY I ( 877 ) 899-2232 I woodlifefarmmarket . com
40 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Spring May / June 2024 2024