Three months into Broadway’s shutdown because of the coronavirus pandemic, Michael Paulson, a theater reporter for The New York Times, got a call from a theater in western Massachusetts — they planned to put on “Godspell,” a well-loved and much-performed musical from 1971, in the summer.
Today, we explore how, in the face of huge complications and potentially crushing risks, a regional production attempted to bring theater back to life.
The Daily Staff
September 4, 2020
The New York Times
Ahead of BTG’s production of The Elephant Man, read about the life of the real “Elephant Man” Bernard Pomerance’s play is based off of. Joseph Merrick was an extraordinary a … Read On
By: Katie Birenboim One of the highlights of looking back into the BTG archives in advance of our centennial is getting to see not only original artifacts/documents/photos from the theatre’s … Read On
FINAL WEEK to experience BTG`s production of The Elephant Man! Get your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org before it closes this Sunday! 🎭🎪
Jun 10
Today at BTG, Ari`el Stachel (@arielstachel), director Tony Taconne and dramaturg/sound designer Madeleine Oldham, along with the rest of the creative team, began rehearsals for Out of Character!
We are thrilled to welcome back Ari and bring this powerful, moving production about self-acceptance and identity to full-scale at The Unicorn Theatre!
(Photo by Caelan Carlough)
Jun 10
Mark your calendars! This Friday, June 6 at 6:30pm, our BTG PLAYS! Touring Show cast will perform a number from BTG`s production of Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon KIDS at the south end of North Street (close to Park Square) as a part of Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.`s First Friday at Five! ✨
Jun 5
Critics are raving about BTG`s production of The Elephant Man, running now through June 15 at The Unicorn Theatre! 🎪🎭
Purchase your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org and rediscover a classic that continues to resonate today.
Jun 3
Happy Opening Night to everyone who has been a part of Bernard Pomerance`s The Elephant Man! 🎪🎭
(Photos by Tucker Bair)
May 31
This weekend, Hershey Felder, the creative force behind the acclaimed productions George Gershwin Alone and Beethoven, returns to The Colonial Theatre in a new musical play, Rachmaninoff and the Tsar!
Featuring some of Sergei Rachmaninoff`s most beautiful music played live, this production narrates the story of the meeting of the great pianist-composer and the last Tsar of Russia, Tsar Nicholas Romanov II.
Get your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org and witness Felder`s storytelling style that audiences have come to know worldwide!
(Photos by Stefano Decarli)
May 28
Today, all of us at BTG remember and honor all of the fallen soldiers who are no longer with us, and wish everyone a meaningful Memorial Day.
May 26
BTG is sad to hear of the passing of Cheers star George Wendt, who we had the honor of working with in our 2019 production of Rock and Roll Man at The Colonial Theatre.
(All photos from BTG`s 2019 production of Rock and Roll Man are by Emma K. Rothenberg-Ware)
May 21
Ahoy! Climb aboard with Yacht Lobsters, the ultimate tribute to the smooth, buttery sounds of 1970s and 1980s soft rock THIS SATURDAY at the Colonial! Bringing the timeless hits of Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers, Hall & Oates, Toto and more to life, Yacht Lobsters will deliver a festive, feel-good experience like no other. ⚓️
Purchase your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org, grab your captain’s hat, sip that Piña Colada and get ready to rock the boat!
May 21
Now through July 12, BTG is proud to partner with the Guild of Berkshire Artists in displaying their art show, "Creative Diversity,” in The Colonial Theatre lobby. The exhibit consists of ten works of art selected from Guild of Berkshire Artist applicants by a jury, and each piece is available for purchase and viewing Tuesdays-Saturdays from 12-5pm, as well as during Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.`s First Fridays Artwalks.
Come visit the exhibition to see the work of talented, local artists!
May 14
BTG is saddened to learn of the passing of David Dashiell, beloved photographer and kind spirit in the Berkshire County community. His passion, generosity and easy going nature will truly be missed, and we are honored to have many of our productions captured by him these last couple years.
May 12
TOMORROW at The Colonial Theatre, experience Joni Mitchell`s extraordinary music, all the way from her early folk roots to pop masterpieces and jazz-inspired compositions, brought to life by Big Yellow Taxi!
Time is running out, so purchase your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org.
May 9
BTG`s summer season officially began yesterday morning as the cast of The Elephant Man began rehearsals at The Colonial Theatre. We are excited to work with this incredible group of artists and look forward to seeing the talent they will bring to The Unicorn Theatre later this month!
(Photo by Caelan Carlough)
May 8
This Saturday, Bob Marley`s legendary band, The Wailers, will bring classic hits like "One Love" and "Redemption Song" to The Colonial Theatre! ✨🎸
Ticket prices go up the day of the show, so purchase tickets at berkshiretheatre.org today to get a $10 discount off each ticket in advance!
May 6
We’re going LIVE! ✨🎥
News Channel 13 is broadcasting the evening news LIVE from Pittsfield this Friday, May 2—and they’re kicking things off at 4pm from inside The Colonial Theatre!
Tune in for a special pre-taped feature all about the Colonial’s incredible history and what’s next for this landmark. Tune in and see the Colonial take center stage!
May 1
This Friday, May 2, Korean-American comedian Henry Cho is bringing his clean, clever humor and hilarious observations on life, family and culture to The Colonial Theatre!
Grab your tickets now at berkshiretheatre.org and get ready for unforgettable evening of laughter and fun with friends, family or even just yourself!
Apr 29
Happy Closing to everyone who has put such hard work and dedication to Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical JR. Everyone at BTG is beyond proud of this cast and crew, and we hope you got a chance to see this incredible show in action! ✨📚
(Photos by Autumn Phoenix Photography (@autumnphoenixphotography) and Caelan Carlough)
Apr 27
Happy Opening Night to the cast and crew of BTG’s production of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical JR.! ✨📚🍎
(Photos by Autumn Phoenix Photography (@autumnphoenixphotography) and Caelan Carlough)
Apr 26
Recently, BTG recognized their dedicated volunteers by hosting the annual Volunteer Appreciation Reception at The Colonial Theatre.
Special congratulations to Bonnie and Dave Lachowski for earning the 2024 Hickey Russo Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service, 2024 Certificate of Appreciation recipient Kathy Zoito and 2024 Parent Volunteer of the Year, Michelle Colvin!
(Photos by Caelan Carlough)
Apr 19
The reviews are in! 🌟 Our BTG PLAYS! Touring Show, Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon, is getting rave reviews from audiences as our cast of pirates continues to set sail and visit schools across Berkshire County. 🦜🌴
Magic Tree House On Stage
Apr 10
