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
The Inspiration & Process of Writing The American Five When Chess Jakobs originally wrote The American Five, which received a Ford’s Theatre Legacy Commission, they wanted to explore the relationship … Read On
For BTG’s 2026 production of John & Jen, BTG reflected on the impact siblings make on our lives and looked back at the on-stage siblings that have graced our theatres … Read On
Berkshire Theatre Group proudly congratulates BTG alum Ali Louis Bourzgui on his Tony Award win for Best Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical for The Lost Boys!
During his acceptance speech, Ali dedicated his award to his late mentor Ralph Petillo—a beloved teacher, director and champion of young artists whose influence continues to shape generations at BTG.
Today, students still carry forward Ralph`s traditions, including the pre-show "Baawaaba!" that echoes backstage before performances. From BTG to Broadway, Ralph`s legacy lives on—and last night, the entire theatre world got to see it.
Congratulations, Ali!
Jun 8
John & Jen is leaving critics and audiences raving! ⚾🎼
Don`t miss this powerful production at The Unicorn Theatre, running until next Sunday, June 7 only by securing your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org.
May 30
BTG greeted the cast of 1776 as they began rehearsals yesterday evening at The Colonial Theatre! We are thrilled to work with these young actors from the Berkshire County community to bring to life the ideas, conflicts and compromises that shaped our nation ahead of its 250th anniversary.
(Photo by Caelan Carlough)
May 28
This morning, BTG welcomed the cast of The American Five as they began their first rehearsal at The Colonial Theatre! We are honored to reflect on the historic efforts of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King, Bayard Rustin, Clarence B. Jones and Stanley Levison in this powerful production this summer season.
(Photo by Caelan Carlough)
May 27
BTG is heartbroken to learn of the passing of Clarence B. Jones, the civil rights attorney and close adviser to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who helped organize the 1963 March on Washington and helped draft the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.
His work, alongside that of Dr. King, Coretta Scott King, Bayard Rustin and Stanley Levison, helped shape the course of American history and advance the cause of civil rights in America. We honor his extraordinary legacy and extend our condolences to his family, friends and all those whose lives were touched by his leadership, courage and commitment to justice.
This summer, BTG`s production of The American Five will explore the lives and contributions of these remarkable individuals and the movement they helped lead. We are grateful for the opportunity to share their stories and reflect on the enduring impact of their work.
May 27
Today, all of us at BTG wish everyone a meaningful Memorial Day in honoring and remembering those who have given everything to protect our nation.
May 25
Happy Opening Night to everyone involved in BTG`s production of John & Jen! We are thrilled to open our 2026 Summer Season with such a powerful and moving story told by a talented team of storytellers. ⚾✨
(Photos by Caelan Carlough)
May 23
Following the 2pm performance of John & Jen on May 31, audiences will be invited to stay for a talkback featuring Tom Greenwald (Lyrics/Book), Andrew Lippa (Music/Book) and Carolyn Rossi Copeland (Original Producer of John & Jen).
Still need tickets to the show? Visit berkshiretheatre.org to learn more.
May 15
Join BTG for The Seth Rudetsky Concert Series at Williams College, featuring Tony Award winners and nominees Bonnie Milligan, Norm Lewis and Lillias White! Curated and hosted by SiriusXM Broadway host Seth Rudetsky, the series blends songs from each artist’s career with humor, behind-the-scenes stories and personal insight, offering audiences an intimate and engaging concert experience.
To purchase tickets, please visit berkshiretheatregroup.org/the-seth-rudetsky-concert-series.
May 14
Today on National Teacher Day, BTG would like to wish a Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to BTG Teaching Artists and education team members David Adkins, Kathy Jo Grover, Mike Wartella, Maureen Pace and Alex Boyd!
Our education staff makes the difference in impacting the lives of 10,000 students in Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York through the BTG PLAYS! Year Round Education Program, and BTG is truly grateful for all that the work that they do.
(Photos by Autumn Phoenix Photography (@autumnphoenixphotography), Caelan Carlough and David Dashiell)
May 6
BTG is thrilled for BTG Alum Ali Louis Bourzgui, who has just been nominated for a Tony for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical for his role as David in The Lost Boys!
May 6
Over the weekend, BTG celebrated the hard work and dedication of its volunteers at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Reception at The Colonial Theatre!
Special congratulations to 2025 Hickey Russo Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service recipients Diane Forsyth and Bill Frazier; 2025 Certificate of Appreciation recipient Bill Morrison and 2025 Parent Volunteer of the Year, Alana Boyd!
(Photos by Caelan Carlough)
May 5
BTG`s Fall 2026 lineup at The Colonial Theatre has just been announced! 🍂 From the beloved country band Heartland to fan-favorite author David Sedaris, BTG`s fall lineup is a vibrant mix of concerts, comedy and live storytelling.
Tickets go on sale tomorrow, May 1 at noon at berkshiretheatre.org!
May 1
We’re excited to be part of Summer at the `62 Center for Theatre and Dance (@62center), featuring performances, residencies, film, music and more running from June 15–August 29 ☀️
As part of the lineup, we’ll be presenting The Seth Rudetsky Concert Series, featuring Bonnie Milligan on July 11, Norm Lewis on August 8 and Lillias White on August 22, so join us in Williamstown this summer!
⭐To purchase tickets to The Seth Rudetsky Concert Series, visit berkshiretheatre.org.
⭐To view the full Summer at the 62 Center lineup, visit 62center.williams.edu/summer-at-the-62-center.
Apr 30
On Saturday morning, BTG welcomed Jake Bentley Young, Samantha Gershman and Gregg Edelman, along with a dedicated creative team, to The Unicorn Theatre as they began rehearsals for John & Jen, which will run May 20 through June 7! ✨
(Photo by Caelan Carlough)
Apr 29
Happy Opening Night to everyone involved in BTG`s production of Roald Dahl`s James and the Giant Peach JR.! 🍑✨
(Photos by Caelan Carlough)
Apr 25
Ralph Petillo passed away yesterday, April 23, 2026. Berkshire Theatre Group sends condolences to his wonderful wife Sophie and beautiful family.
Ralph led many of our performances and was a mentor for so many young people in our education programs and throughout the community. As his dear colleague and partner in all things theatrical, Travis Daly, told me: “Ralph said his idea of heaven is ‘a spotlight, a combo and a mic!`”
We know Ralph will continue to inspire our work. No need for a spotlight for Ralph Petillo. The light and kindness in his heart brightens us all forever. May his memory be eternal.
Kate Maguire,
Artistic Director, CEO
(Photos by Madelyn Gardner and Abby LePage)
Apr 24
BTG is thrilled to host The Seth Rudetsky Concert Series, featuring Broadway veterans Bonnie Milligan, Norm Lewis and Lillias White, at the ’62 Center for Theatre and Dance (@62center)! ✨ Curated and hosted by SiriusXM Broadway host Seth Rudetsky, who will accompany each artist on piano, each evening pairs Broadway talent with live music and candid conversation.
To purchase tickets and for more information, visit berkshiretheatregroup.org.
Apr 21
Today, a group of our wonderful volunteers, along with BTG`s Manager of Volunteer Services, Fabienne Theriault, participated in Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.`s Downtown Pittsfield Cleanup, helping to keep our community clean and beautiful! Thank you for everything that you do!
Apr 18
BTG wishes a happy opening night to BTG Associate Artistic Director David Auburn and everyone involved with the Broadway revival of David Auburn`s Proof at the Booth Theatre!
(Photos by Matthew Murphy)
Apr 17
