Berkshire Theatre’s Place in History

Front view of the Berkshire Playhouse during the daytime.

Postcard of The Berkshire Playhouse c. 1930s.

American Theatre at the start of the 20th century was characterized by a dichotomy between commercialized theatre (best exemplified by Broadway) and experimental theatre (best exemplified by the Little Theatre Movement). Most theatres in existence at that time could be classified as one or the other. The Berkshire Playhouse’s artistic vision sought to blend these two extremes together and create a theatre that entertained, inspired, and challenged audiences.

Headshot of F. Cowles Strickland looking off to the side.

F. Cowles Strickland Photo by Vandamn Studio, NY

Artistic Directors F. Cowles Strickland (recent Yale graduate) and Alexander Kirkland (member of Eva Le Galliene’s acting company) produced both conventional and atypical works. Eva Le Galliene’s company performed The Cradle Song on the opening night of The Berkshire Playhouse in June 1928. A Little Theatre play was the first ever to be performed at this new venue, but only after it had been performed on Broadway.

The Little Theatre Movement of the early 20th century was a rejection of commercialism that gave rise to local, independent theatres across the country. Focusing on new American voices, avant-garde works, and anything other than melodrama, Little Theatres helped produce some of America’s great 20th century writers.

Kirkland and Jones laying on their stomachs, smiling as he points at something in the distance.

Alexander Kirkland and Zita Johnn in The Lake at The Berkshire Playhouse, 1930.

Eugene O’Neill was one such writer, and quickly became a staple for The Berkshire Playhouse, along with Broadway-tested shows and classical works. Kirkland once said that he felt no season was complete without a Shaw piece. George Bernard Shaw used his plays to tackle the philosophical and social issues of his time, but stayed within the conventional realm of Realism. Shaw’s use of an established form to pursue contemporary issues mirrors The Playhouse’s use of established works to allow room for exploration. (Pictured to the right: Alexander Kirkland and Zita Johann in The Lake at The Berkshire Playhouse, 1930.)

The audience of The Berkshire Playhouse was largely a New York crowd that escaped to the country in the summers. Bringing in well-known Broadway actors and plays ensured that the theatre would be well-respected and attended. It also allowed the theatre to produce works that were more for artistic value than commercial value.

Eva Le Gallienne dressed in costume as a nun, looking contemplative.

Eva Le Gallienne in The Cradle Song at The Berkshire Playhouse, 1928.

While not strictly classified as a Little Theatre, it is clear to see the movement’s influence on The Berkshire Playhouse. Eva Le Gallienne, affectionately termed the “First Lady of the Playhouse,” would later go on to be a champion of the Regional Theatre Movement in America, which grew from the Little Theatre Movement. (Pictured to the left: Eva Le Gallienne in The Cradle Song at The Berkshire Playhouse, 1928.)  

Many of these original Little Theatres or independent regional theatres have been relegated to the history books as summer stock. Summer stock theatre is often affiliated with a negative connotation, and yet many theatres that fit the literal definition of summer stock provided the foundation for Regional and Repertory theatres throughout the country.

The Berkshire Playhouse fit the literal definition of a summer stock theatre when first established. As many summer stock theatres have, The Playhouse went on to provide a beginning to countless actors, directors, designers, stagehands, carpenters, and other theatre practitioners. With a blend of stars of stage and screen, and up-and-coming summer workers, Berkshire Theatre has always provided an educational space where high quality theatre is produced.

The four stages of Berkshire Theatre Group: The Colonial Theatre, The Unicorn Theatre, The Fitzpatrick Main Stage, and The Garage.

Much of the Playhouse’s original vision is reflected in Berkshire Theatre Group today. No longer fitting the bill of summer stock, Berkshire Theatre Group produces and presents shows year-round. Variety is still abundant, and each of the four stages at BTG is unique and houses distinct works. Just as when it first opened, Berkshire Theatre’s summer season seeks to create theatre that entertains, inspires, and challenges audiences.

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News & Articles

From the Archive: Eva LeGallienne

By: Katie Birenboim (She/Her/Hers)   Devoted fans of BTG may gasp to discover that until doing a first round of research in the amazing BTG archives, I had never heard … Read On

Berkshire Theatre Group’s mission is to support wide-ranging artistic exploration and acclaimed performances in theatre, dance, music and entertainment. Our vision is to be a center for creative work that enriches, educates, invigorates, transforms, and strengthens our community for the better. Learn more at bit.ly/45wbDUD 🎭

(Photo: Shrek, 2019, photo by Emma K. Rothenberg Ware)
Join us and The Diego Mongue Band on-stage at the Colonial Theatre on October 12 for an intimate a trailblazing twist on the blues genre that defies conventions, captivating even the most entrenched blues enthusiasts.

Get your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org and brace yourself for an unforgettable experience!
Wishing the cast and creative team of Copenhagen a happy opening night! 💥 

(Photo by David Dashiell)
Only one more day left to nominate BTG for Rural Intelligence's 2023 Readers' Choice Awards for Arts Organization, Live Music Venue, Live Theater Venue, and Performance Space, so scan the QR code or go to the link in our bio to cast your ballot now! ✨
Today on September 28, BTG is celebrating The Colonial Theatre's 120th anniversary 🎭🎼

Built in 1903, the Colonial opened its doors with a production of the operetta Robin Hood by the Bostonians, a famed touring group. Today, the Colonial still stands, having served hundreds of thousands of patrons, and counting.

We hope you join us at the Colonial soon as we continue to support wide-ranging artistic exploration and acclaimed performances in theatre, dance, music and entertainment!
BTG and The Trustees are thrilled to announce that patrons who purchase tickets for Copenhagen at BTG's Unicorn Theatre will be offered an exclusive opportunity to purchase tickets for the same day to the 5pm entry of The Incredible Naumkeag Pumpkin Show 2023. Whether you're captivated by the drama of Copenhagen or looking to bask in the splendor of the The Incredible Naumkeag Pumpkin Show, this partnership offers a day in Stockbridge filled with unparalleled entertainment and autumnal fun.

Get your tickets to see Copenhagen today at berkshiretheatre.org and you'll receive an email with your ticket access to The Incredible Naumkeag Pumpkin Show!
Did you enjoy our 2023 Season? If so, there are only 3 more days left to nominate BTG for Rural Intelligence's 2023 Readers' Choice Awards for Arts Organization, Live Music Venue, Live Theater Venue, and Performance Space, so scan the QR code or go to the link in our bio to cast your ballot now! ✨
This Friday, September 29 at 7:30pm, Harvest & Rust: A Neil Young Experience, comprised of beloved local Western Massachusetts musicians, hit the Colonial stage with Neil Young's greatest hits! 

Get your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org 🎸
2024 Season Passes are on sale now! From now until November 1, receive 3 Standard tickets for any 2024 Produced Show to be used in any configuration (3 tickets to one show, 1 ticket each to 3 shows, etc.) for only $135 🎫🎫🎫

Don't wait! This offer is only available for a limited time, so visit berkshiretheatregroup.org/passes to get your 2024 Season pass today
On this day in 1975, The Rocky Horror Picture Show made its American premiere at the Westwood Theater in Los Angeles. After initially being deemed a failure, the film vastly exceeded expectations and now has the longest theatrical run for a film.

Visit berkshiretheatre.org or do the time warp towards our box office to get your tickets today to experience the queen of all cult films, including a thrilling after party and drag queen Nancy Nogood, at the Colonial on October 28!
It is almost here! Copenhagen, the Tony Award-winning play that explores the ethical dilemma of when science and politics collide, begins previews at the Unicorn Theatre this Thursday, September 28!

Get your tickets at berkshiretheatre.org today 💥🧪
Western Massachusetts-based band Harvest & Rust is hitting the Colonial stage on September 29! Representing the wide-array of Neil Young’s influential material in one show, Harvest & Rust captivates audiences with chart-topping hits including “Old Man,” and “Heart of Gold,” to the more electric explorations of Rust Never Sleeps like “Hey Hey, My My.” 

Visit berkshiretheatre.org to purchase tickets today 🎵
REMINDER! ✨ Voting ends soon, so make sure to vote Berkshire Theatre Group as Berkshire Eagle's Best of the Berkshires 2023 in "Live Theatre" and "Concert Venue" at the link in our bio! Thank you all for your support ❤️
Calling all Pink Ladies and T-Birds! 🦩🦅

Coming to the Colonial on October 15, The Olivia Show Tribute is an exciting musical journey filled with all of the late Olivia Newton-John’s award-winning hits and an exciting Grease sing-along where everyone can join in on the excitement!

Get your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org!
The Tony award-winning Copenhagen, running September 28-October 29 at the Unicorn, is a must-see for anyone interested in history, science or politics. Exploring how one secret meeting broke the friendship between two physicists involved in the race to create the first atomic bomb in WWII, Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg, Copenhagen forces us to confront the difficult questions that arise when science and politics collide. 

Don't miss this stunning production by getting your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org!
Did you tap your toes to Million Dollar Quartet? Laugh along with On Cedar Street? Ponder long after What the Constitution Means to Me, Photograph 51, and The Smile of Her? If so, let us know by voting Berkshire Theatre Group #1 again in Berkshire Eagle's 2023 Best of the Berkshires Poll for "Live Theatre" and "Concert Venue" in the Entertainment category!

To vote, visit the link in our bio. Voting ends on September 24 at 5pm.
On Thursday, October 5, at 5:30 p.m., Berkshire Magazine (@berkshiremagazine) will celebrate this year’s Berkshire 25 by inviting all past honorees to mark this milestone—and everyone is invited to join the celebration! 

To purchase tickets, visit berkshiretheatre.org. Ticket sales will go towards our education programs at BTG ✨
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