BTG Legacy Legends: The Lasting Impact of Neil Ellenoff

By: Kate Maguire, Artistic Director/CEO

Text on the photo states: Berkshire Theatre Trustee, Neil Ellenoff, adored this picture. It is a rendering of a photo used in BTG’s production of The Cat and the Canary in 2013. Neil E. Ellenoff 1929–2018

Berkshire Theatre Trustee, Neil E. Ellenoff, adored this picture. It is a rendering of a photo used in BTG’s production of The Cat and the Canary in 2013.

Neil Ellenoff and his first spouse Budd Mann were in the audience at our Stockbridge campus long before I arrived at Berkshire Theatre in 1995. I began to recognize them as they often sat in the front row and attended frequently. They were charming and incredibly knowledgeable about theatre. Years later, I would go through Neil’s library at his Upper West side NYC apartment, which had a vast storage of playbills and plays to help select seasons of productions for us.

The relationship truly began when I asked about their professions one evening after a show at the Unicorn. Budd, I learned, had designed window displays “in the day” in NYC. Neil told me he was an accountant and as he knew I had a young son, Neilhe advised me to suggest an accounting career to him. As Neil said, “accountants will always be needed.” The reality was that our theatre was in need of accounting advice and a new treasurer on our board. I took the opportunity to ask Neil if he would like to become more involved in Berkshire Theatre. His response, his very dry with a slight smile response was, “of course.” And so the relationship began. A relationship that had a huge impact on my own personal life and most definitely helped define a future for our theatre.

He was generous, quick witted, knew theatre well, could sing through all of Gilbert and Sullivan’s pieces from memory, appreciated Ionesco as much as a light musical, had travelled the world, enjoyed cocktails, tea, puzzle making and conversation with dear friends most days at 4 pm, was an ‘old school’ Republican though, liberal in his social views, had a sense of humor that was often unexpected and could make an entire room shift in a minute from dour seriousness to outrageous laughter.

At our theatre, he became our elder statesman, often defining what the code of decorum should be at meetings. He understood that the theatre by nature is ever changing and he never panicked, Neil was always the steadiest in the room. I never saw a temper in him, though we knew what his boundaries were as he made his positions clear with kindness and confidence. He was honest and lived by a strong code of ethics. His security in temperament was inspiring.

When his first spouse Budd passed, Neil left alone shortly after, alone on a cruise trip around the world that they had previously planned. It was, he said, the time he needed and that was respectfully due to their life together. Years later we were thrilled to know he had married a new love, Rick Talbot, and they too found great joy together.

For me personally, I looked forward to seeing or hearing a message from him on my phone. Most often when I listened, he was singing a tune to me and I in turn would call him back and we would sing some old melody together. We could sing through Al Jolson albums and time forgotten musicals. He was there for me always offering wisdom and generosity. And as we grew closer, I would end all conversations with “I love ya Neil” and he would close: “likewise.”

And then he told me the illness he had could not be cured. “I’ve really enjoyed myself Kate, it’s been a good run, our theatre is very important. I’ve been fortunate, and when I go – I will leave the theatre with a gift that I hope will make your lives more fortunate as well.”

The gift Neil left to our theatre was indeed transformational. It has made all the difference in our moving forward and in surviving serious challenges. The treasure of his time and care was all important and while I ache sometimes to sing just one more “April Showers” with him, we are fortunate indeed to have borne witness to the flowers that have bloomed in our lives thanks to dear Neil.

May his memory be eternal.

Plan Your Visit

Read our suggestions on where to dine, and where to hang your hat.

Get Started
Did You Know?
Just like NPR, Berkshire Theatre Group depends on the generous giving of its members!
Join Today!
We believe the performing arts can transform a community.
Learn More
Of the 16,000 Berkshire County school children, we serve 13,000 through our BTG PLAYS! Year-Round Educational Programs.
Learn More
Theatre is the place where we go to understand what lies in the human heart.
About Us
BTG's buildings, on two campuses in Stockbridge and Pittsfield, are historic treasures.
Theatre Info
Berkshire Theatre Group believes that the creative arts encourage freedom of speech and debate.
Get Involved
"Out of need will come the way. Once the pandemic ebbs, whenever that is, there will be an incredible need to gather again." - Artistic Director, Kate Maguire
Join Today!
The theatre has existed from the time of the Greeks. We will go on.
Learn More
Join Our Mailing List

Receive the latest BTG News, Updates, Special Offers, and more right to your inbox.

Subscribe

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

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!
12 0
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.
14 0
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)
83 0
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!
9 0
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!
50 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!
74 1
Don't miss Lady Supreme, an immersive celebration of the music, style, and legacy of Diana Ross, at The Colonial Theatre this Saturday night!

Purchase your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org and experience breathtaking, spot-on renditions of Diana Ross’ greatest hits by singer Deanna Carroll and an elite ensemble of singers and musicians!
13 0
HYPROV, returning THIS SATURDAY to The Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, promises a hilarious, imaginative and utterly unpredictable night of comedy, starring improv legend Colin Mochrie and master hypnotist Assad Mecci!

Get your tickets at berkshiretheatre.org today before its too late!
19 0
Thank you to Mr. Shaun Kennedy and Morris Elementary School in Lenox, MA for the warm welcome for the cast and crew of the 2024-2025 BTG PLAYS! Touring Show production, Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon, before their performance at the school last Friday. Our pirate crew is appreciative of all of you! 🦜💙

Magic Tree House On Stage
48 0
Time is running out to purchase tickets to The Corvettes Doo Wop Revue, performing the greatest hits from the golden era of 1950s Doo Wop LIVE at The Colonial Theatre THIS SUNDAY!

Don't delay! Purchase tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org.
10 0
BTG is saddened to know that Alan Filderman passed away on March 19. For many years, he was the casting director for Berkshire Theatre Group. In 2020, with choreographer Gerry McIntyre, he directed Godspell in the height of the Covid pandemic under a tent outdoors at The Colonial Theatre. As someone once said, "Everything's more fun with Alan." Alan Filderman loved the theatre, whatever stage door through which he has now passed, may he find peace.
129 8
Looking for summer vacation plans? BTG is once again offering one-week summertime theatre class sessions for young actors in Grades 1-8 from June through August! To register for classes ($500/session. Need-based scholarships are available), please email Allison Rachele Bayles at allison@berkshiretheatre.org. 

2025 Summertime Classes Schedule:
• June 23-27 - The Garage at The Colonial Theatre (Grades 4-6)
• July 7-11 - The Garage at The Colonial Theatre (Grades 1-3)
• August 4-8 - The Garage at The Colonial Theatre (Grades 4-6)
• August 11-15 - The Unicorn Theatre (Grades 1-3)
• August 18-22 - The Garage at The Colonial Theatre (Grades 6-8)

To learn more, please visit https://www.berkshiretheatregroup.org/performing-arts-for-young-people/#summertime-classes
16 0
LAST CHANCE to purchase your tickets to The Best of the 70s, performing LIVE this Saturday, March 22 at The Colonial Theatre! Experience the greatest decade of music like never before with hits by Elton John, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Neil Young, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones and many more.

Don't delay! Purchase tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org.
12 0
This past Saturday, the mighty cast of BTG's Matilda The Musical JR. began rehearsals for their upcoming performances this April at The Colonial Theatre. All of us at BTG are thrilled to see the strength and magic all these young actors will bring on stage! ✨

(Photo by Caelan Carlough)
98 2
On March 22 at The Colonial Theatre, come see why audiences are praising The Best of the 70s as "amazing from start to finish!” The show is brought to life by the dynamic band DizzyFish, joined by the legendary Uptown Horns, creating an experience that will have you singing and dancing along to every song!

Get your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org.
12 0
Follow Us