The Berkshires: Massachusetts theater season hits a high note
Tanglewood at dusk. Credit: Stu Rosner
The rolling hills of the Berkshires are just a scenic backdrop to the area's vibrant summer stage scene. Although the end of the season is fast approaching, the Massachusetts county's music and theater venues are still offering premiere productions and classic twists for all audiences.
"There is a real cross-pollination happening here," says Sara Katzoff, a founder of the Berkshire Fringe. "It's amazing to see the intersection of music and stage and audiences. There is a global perspective but with a lot of common ground."
If ever there were a cultural mecca not to be missed, this is it, from its garden shows and green hiking treks to farm-fresh meals and high-quality performances. Some highlights:
For 75 years, the 210-acre grounds of Tanglewood have been the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, along with musical guests such as James Taylor and the Silk Road Ensemble. Enjoy a show in the Koussevitzky Music Shed, Ozawa Hall (named for former musical director Seiji Ozawa) or on the sprawling lawn. For a luscious Mediterranean picnic, call Naji's on Stockbridge Road in Great Barrington; he'll give you everything but the kitchen sink.
Berkshire Theatre Group encompasses five theaters in three towns throughout Berkshire County: the 780-seat Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, the 408-seat Fitzpatrick Main Stage and the Unicorn Theatre in Stockbridge, and the Neil Ellenoff Stage at The Mount, Edith Wharton's summer estate in Lenox. While you're in Stockbridge, stop by Theresa's Stockbridge Cafe, the former Alice's Restaurant of Arlo Guthrie fame, or stroll through the 15-acre Berkshire Botanical Garden.
The Berkshire Fringe, a 21-day festival of theater, dance, music and multimedia works by emerging artists, takes off from Bard College at Simon's Rock in Great Barrington. Fringe "benefits" are not limited to the nighttime hours, as the festival offers several free community workshops during the day. Take an outdoors break in between venues and head up the mountain to pick your own blueberries (at historic Blueberry Hill Farm in Mt. Washington) or visit the dramatic gorge of Bash Bish Falls (also in Mt. Washington).
Barrington Stage Company has become the fastest-growing arts venue in Berkshire County, attracting some 48,000 patrons each year to its two stage venues, both located in the heart of the "Cultural City," where there is no shortage of food options; a spinach salad at the Marketplace Cafe or post-show drinks and live music at Mission Bar + Tapas. The city is in the midst of "Call Me Melville," a summerlong celebration of music, theater, art, history and whales in honor of author Herman Melville. Visit Arrowhead, the historic home where he wrote the bulk of "Moby-Dick."
Launching its 35th season, Shakespeare & Company is home to some 150 artists. The company provides training to emerging actors and develops and produces new plays of all genres. At its core is a commitment to presenting innovative imaginings of the Bard's classic works. Feel free to leave "campus" and discover historic downtown Lenox, a plethora of shops and farm-to-table eateries (hit Nudel for hard-core seasonal fare). Or visit Shake & Co.'s old haunt, The Mount, for a grand tour of the reclaimed formal gardens (complete with pet cemetery) and main house.
The festival is the brainchild of Ralph Renzi and David C. Bryant, who wanted to establish a summer theater program complete with a resident company. Now the festival boasts marquee names, including Blythe Danner and Michelle Williams, many of whom began their careers in Williamstown and return for a summer in the country. While you're in town, discover "Unearthed at The Clark," an exhibit featuring archaeological treasures never seen outside China. And grab some Chinese-inspired snacks at The Clark's Stone Hill Center Cafe, complete with a terrace and view.
The Mahaiwe Theater, which opened its doors in 1905, is one of the oldest surviving theaters in the country. Once home to vaudeville acts, and later a cinema, the theater was resurrected in 2002 as the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center -- a newly restored (to the tune of $9 million) Gilded Age beauty that seats 700. In the heart of Great Barrington, enjoy fresh oysters at Rubi's Coffee & Sandwiches, live late-night jazz at Castle Street Cafe or homegrown sorbet at SoCo Creamery. And keep your eyes peeled for live street performers.
