Berkshire Magazine May/June 2024 | Page 44

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Williamstown ), will be directed by Walter Bobbie . The electrifying romance delves into the existential musings of protagonist Pamela Palmer as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery , suspicion , and intrigue . “ It ' s a perfect fit for WTF ,” shares Gersten . “ David is an incredible wordsmith , and the play ’ s philosophical exploration of love and personal identity drew us in .”
Emmy ® - and Golden Globe -winner Rachel Bloom will bring her musical comedy Death , Let Me Do My Show , directed by Seth Barrish , to WTF ( July 5 – 14 , MainStage Theater , Williamstown ). It promises a rollicking exploration of unbridled romance and the pursuit of joy and pleasure . “ When we came across Death , Let Me Do My Show , it was already wrapping up its off-Broadway run ,” notes Gersten . “ We felt like there was more juice in it , so we ’ re giving it another squeeze .”
The beloved WTF Cabaret will return to the Festival Stage , Williamstown , curated by Asmeret Ghebremichael with Christopher Fitzgerald and featuring music direction by Joel Waggoner . This intimate and eclectic series of performances is scheduled for select dates from July 25 to August 10 .
In addition to WTF ’ s stage productions , a highlight of the season is WTF IS NEXT . This four-day event series ( August 1 – 4 ) will take shape throughout Williamstown . “ It ’ s mini-festival within the festival ,” says WTF Managing Director Raphael Picciarelli . Although details have yet to be released , WTF IS NEXT will offer a variety of performances , artistic installations , and dining experiences , elevating the summer festival experience in Williamstown for both visiting theater lovers and community members . “ It ' s all about shaping a theatrical landscape that ' s both inclusive and expansive ,” says Picciarelli . “ People are drawn to the Berkshires because our beautiful surroundings and a welcoming creative community that inspires and nurtures creativity . We want to celebrate the cultural legacy of the Berkshires and the role WTF has played in shaping it while building new avenues for community engagement .”
In collaboration with MASS MoCA , WTF will present The Plastic Bag Store ( May 9 – September 2 , MASS MoCA , North Adams ), a tragicomic ode to the foreverness of plastic , created and directed by Robin Frohardt . This provocative art installation offers a poignant reflection on environmental sustainability through inventive puppetry and visual storytelling . “ It ’ s a new way for us to broaden our reach and explore new forms of expression through partnerships with other Berkshire institutions ,” says Picciarelli . “ It ' s not just about presenting theater ; it ' s about creating immersive experiences that transcend traditional boundaries . This partnership is just the beginning of what we hope will be a series of future collaborations that continue to reshape and redefine the WTF experience .” n
42 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Holiday Spring May / June 2024 2023 2024