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
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
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
Bah humbug! BTG`s timeless holiday tradition, A Christmas Carol, is returning to The Unicorn Theatre! ❄ Fit for the whole family, explore the wonderment of the season with this classic story, running tomorrow, December 5 through Sunday, December 22.
Performances are beginning to sell out, so purchase your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org before it`s too late!
Dec 4
There is still time to give today on Giving Tuesday. Until midnight tonight, all donations made will be matched 2:1 by a generous donor, TRIPLING your impact!
Each year, BTG helps enrich thousands of students’ lives through arts in education programs and continues to produce high quality performing arts for the Berkshire County community and beyond. You make it all possible.
To donate, please visit berkshiretheatregroup.org/support. Thank you! ❤
Dec 4
For Giving Tuesday, your donation will have even more impact! For today only, every gift you make will be matched 2:1 by a generous donor. Your $100 gift will provide $300 in support to our theatre, TRIPLING your impact!
Because of you, BTG has been propelled to new heights in providing quality performing arts, education and culture to Berkshire County and beyond. You make the difference. ❤️
Dec 3
Did you hear? Patrons who purchase a ticket to any regular season performance of A Christmas Carol at The Unicorn Theatre will receive exclusive access to purchase tickets for Winterlights at Naumkeag for 5pm entry on the same day as the performance. ❄🎄
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit berkshiretheatre.org today.
Dec 3
This Small Business Saturday, Berkshire Theatre Group is participating in Downtown Pittsfield`s Pittsfield Passport promotion! Collect one sticker from The Colonial Theatre, along with other participating locations where you make a purchase, where, the more stickers you collect, the greater your chance of winning one of the three Downtown Pittsfield Prize Packages!
For more information, visit https://downtownpittsfield.com/2024/11/downtown-pittsfield-passport-nov-29-dec-24/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGy19BleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHRaCnK7LGNw2VWpr2oc-fbRH_cbUrl3HmLiksa89EbmksZKn1JgRvceK0w_aem_zOEAMn0oRfRzQVCZ7vAemQ
Nov 30
The holiday season is here, and all of us at BTG are feeling energized from Thanksgiving as we gear up for Giving Tuesday!
You make the difference in helping us continue producing quality performing arts and theatre for our community, so we hope you keep us in your thoughts among the many businesses in Berkshire County this year. 🤲❤️
Nov 30
We are just one week away from Giving Tuesday! 🤲❤️
At BTG, every story told, every beat of music, every laugh shared and every emotion stirred on our stages is because of donors like you. So, this Giving Tuesday, we are asking for your support as we continue to produce exceptional theatre for nearly 100 years for the Berkshire County community and beyond. Plus, your donation will be matched by a generous donor, doubling your impact!
BTG is grateful to you, because you make the difference. ❤️
Nov 27
Tomorrow, November 23, Wandering Dance Festival comes to a close with their showcase performance at The Colonial Theatre. Featuring a variety of professional and local dance artists, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience for the entire community.
Wandering Dance Festival is a program produced and presented by Mill Town Foundation. Tickets are available at berkshiretheatre.org, and are also offered at various price points and further financial assistance is available upon request. Email info@milltownfoundation.org for more information.
Nov 23
Voting is now open for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Berkshires Awards, and BTG is on the ballot!
Be sure to vote for your favorite local performers, artists and productions before December 31st by clicking the link below, and thank you in advance!
https://www.broadwayworld.com/berkshires/voteregion.cfm
Nov 15
Double the shows, double the fun! Due to popular demand, an additional 5pm show has been added for Mutts Gone Nuts: Santa Paws on December 15 at the Colonial!
Join us at The Colonial Theatre for an unforgettable, dog comedy show filled with laughter and joy for the holidays by getting your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org.
Nov 14
BTG is excited to be supporting Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.`s 3rd Annual Thankful Food Drive this November!
Until November 30, a donation box can be found in the lobby at The Colonial Theatre for donations of non perishable food items that will go to South Community Food Pantry and St. Joseph’s Church Food Pantry. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Saturday between 12pm-5pm or when you come to the Colonial for any of our upcoming concerts!
For more information, visit the Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. website: https://downtownpittsfield.com/2024/10/downtown-pittsfield-inc-thankful-food-drive-3/
Nov 11
It`s almost the most wonderful time of the year! The cast of A Christmas Carol have officially begun rehearsals Tuesday night this past week, and we are all beyond excited to once again bring this classic holiday tale to The Unicorn Theatre this December. 🎄☃
(Photos by Caelan Carlough)
Nov 10
In honor of Larry Bayles, an integral influence on the BTG community who passed away last Friday, BTG Artistic Director, CEO Kate Maguire would like to share the following message:
"I met Larry Bayles over 30 years ago. He was part of Eric Hill’s performance and training company at Stage West in Springfield, MA. There he created many wonderful roles.
When Eric and I began work at Berkshire Theatre, Larry joined us. He performed in two of the company’s most successful Unicorn productions: Quills by Doug Wright and Wilder, Wilder, an evening of one acts by Thornton Wilder. He also gave himself and his formidable talents to BTG Plays!, helping to develop the foundation of the program that now greets almost 10,000 schoolchildren each year. His unique ability to work with young people moved him to earn a master’s degree in Arts in Education and a teaching job in the Pittsfield schools. Larry shared his understanding that the arts can broaden students’ lives, inspire their creativity and make a difference in the world for the better.
Larry’s gentility, wry humor and dear heart touched us all at Berkshire Theatre. Of all the roles he played, the most powerful was the one he had as a father and husband, and here was where he was the most steadfast and joyful. Larry’s wife Allison and their children, Brendan and Zooey, are integral to our company. Not only at BTG, but the Bayles family is a force for goodness in our community and Larry Bayles was its source of energy. We hold his family in our thoughts and care at this time of passing and trust his memory will be eternal."
To view Larry Bayles` obituary, please visit the link in our bio.
Nov 9
Misty Blues, the band that has captivated audiences for a quarter of a century, is celebrating their silver anniversary at The Colonial Theatre TOMORROW (11/9). This powerful concert will feature over 25 special guest artists who have supported the band over the past 25 years, making it a night to remember.
Get your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org and don’t miss this incredible opportunity to witness a historic celebration of blues music!
Nov 9
