Wrapping up 2021 at BTG

By Kate Maguire, Artistic Director, CEO

All of us at Berkshire Theatre Group want to thank you, our patrons, for joining us in 2021 as we continue to navigate an ever-changing landscape. Through your support and attendance, we were able to come together and laugh, listen to music, journey to new lands, learn about our history, and discover what it means to be human.

Claire Saunders and Harriet Harris in The Importance of Being Earnest, 2021. Photo by Emma K. Rothenberg-Ware.

In many ways, I think that 2021 may have been more complicated than 2020. The virus continues to upend plans and demand course corrections. And yet, at Berkshire Theatre Group there is a remarkable group of individuals working daily that have learned to collaborate through these serious and critical days. It is the spirit of collaboration that our staff and trustees bring to our efforts for which I am most grateful.

J.P. Prescott’s Traveling Medicine Show Under the Big Tent at the Colonial Theatre, 2021. Photo by Jacey Rae Russell.

As actors who take their place on cue, thoughtfully study their roles, and energize characters to life, so too does the team that plans and executes behind the scenes. Designers, directors, technicians, stage management, administration, front of house, directors on our board and all performers are driven by passion and commitment. This commitment is founded on a shared belief that the arts are a source of good for our world.

L to R: Lillian Colvin, Shayne Haley, and Hanna Koczela in The Wizard of Oz at BTG, 2021. Photo by Jacey Rae Russell.

I leave it to each individual who works for our theatre and to our audience to reflect and measure the impact each show may bring to their lives. Ours is not an individual sport, we depend on team effort. The respect, hard work, and kindness that brings our work to fruition is inspiring.

L to R: Sasha Hutchings, Felicia Curry, Darlesia Cearcy, and Najah Hetsberger in Nina Simone: Four Women at BTG, 2021. Photo by Emma K. Rothenberg-Ware.

I’ve learned that our ability to react and be open to change is our most valuable skill set and so the future? I hope we find our path out of this pandemic soon. But I have learned over the past two years that we will find our way to more music, theatre, and dance no matter the odds.

The cast of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at BTG, 2021. Photo by Emma K. Rothenberg-Ware.

I don’t think any of us are comfortable in this current world, but I saw audiences leave White Christmas with real joy on their faces. All of us knew we had succeeded in bringing some relief and happiness to our community. I look forward to knowing that feeling again.

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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

Last night on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (@fallontonight), BTG alum Ali Louis Bourzgui (@ali.louis) performed a song from The Who's Tommy with Pete Townshend, guitarist and second lead vocalist of The Who! 

Click the link in our bio to see their performance. 🎵🎶
Today is World Theatre Day! 🎭 As we look ahead to celebrating 100 years of theatre at BTG in 2028, we are proud of continuing to give every audience member who walks into our four stages beautiful memories, enriching stories and joyful experiences that last a lifetime.
NEW! The Berkshire Eagle (@berkshireeagle) and BTG present a dazzling contemporary circus theater show, NECCA's (@neccacircus) Circus Springboard: What To Do If Your Balloon Pops, unfolding the extraordinary journey of our protagonist, Kato, through astonishing aerial and acrobatic acts. 

Purchase tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org and step right up to witness this touching, family-friendly celebration of resilience, self-discovery and the transformative power of the human spirit.
Friday, April 5, dive into an unparalleled musical journey with River of Dreams, New York and New England’s ultimate tribute to Billy Joel! Guided by the remarkable lead singer and classically trained pianist, John Cozolino, the band brings to life an unforgettable evening filled with all the songs audiences crave, including “Piano Man,” “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant,” “Pressure,” “Only the Good Die Young” and “Allentown.” 

Don’t miss the chance to witness this incredible homage to Billy Joel, so grab your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org!
Despite the unexpected snow this morning, all of us at BTG wish you a happy first day of spring! 🌷✨
Happy St. Patrick's Day! 🍀

Today, BTG would like to highlight our fall production of The Weir, written by Irish playwright Conor McPherson. The Weir is an unforgettable exploration of human connection, the echoes of personal haunting, and the mystical allure of Ireland’s folklore.

This fall, join us in continuing the celebration of Irish culture by purchasing tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org!
The party doesn't end with the Eras Tour! Join us at the Colonial on May 24 for our Tay Tay Dance Party, featuring and a dazzling display of synchronized lasers and lights fit for Taylor Swift herself.

Grab your friends and get your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org and prepared to be bejeweled and enchanted!
JUST ANNOUNCED! In collaboration with Roundabout Theatre Company (@roundaboutnyc), join us on March 24 at the Unicorn for a staged reading of Dirty Laundry! A play about the absurdity and messiness of life and death, Dirty Laundry explores the complicated feelings of grief, love, loss, anger and lust.

Time is limited, so grab your tickets at berkshiretheatre.org today!
Starting with Eva Le Gallienne, who in 1928 starred in The Playhouse's first production, The Cradle Song, many women in the theatre community have helped push BTG to great heights and continue to do so today. 

So today, on International Women's Day, BTG is reflecting on all of the many incredible women who have worked with, and continue to support BTG. We are incredibly lucky and grateful for every single one of them.
Looking for a FREE, unforgettable musical experience for the whole family? ✨🎸

Terry A La Berry, the renowned drummer for folk legend Arlo Guthrie, is BACK at the Garage in the Colonial Theatre! You won’t want to miss out on this fun opportunity to be part of extraordinary music-making magic, so get your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org!
THIS SATURDAY, March 9, internet sensation Andy Gross, who seamlessly blends comedy, magic and ventriloquism into one show, is bringing endless laughs and wonder to the Colonial stage!

Grab your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org 🪄✨
Although the weather was ironically warm for the winter, BTG's Frozen JR cast of over 50 elementary, middle and high school students from Berkshire County and beyond hit the ground running in their first rehearsal this past Sunday at the Colonial! ❄

(Photo by Caelan Carlough)
For the last day of Black History Month, we would like to highlight Felicia Curry (@thefeliciacurry), who starred as Nina Simone in BTG's 2021 production of Nina Simone: Four Women. 

An award-winning, DC-based actor and singer and Emmy-nominated host of PBS's WETA Arts, Felicia has won numerous awards, including being named one of "DC's Biggest Theatre Stars" by Washington Magazine and named one of "12 DC Stage Dynamos" by The Washington Post.
TOMORROW, March 1, dance like nobody is watching to iconic diva anthems at the Dawn of the Divas Dance Party at The Colonial Theatre!

If you enjoyed our 80s/90s Dancy Party and our other dance parties in the past, come join us again, as the legendary DJ BFG is BACK to spin the beats that will make you move and groove all night long! ✨

Limited tickets are available, so get yours today at berkshiretheatre.org.
LAST FEW DAYS to buy tickets for Zep & Co THIS SATURDAY, March 2, at The Colonial Theatre!

Combining the power of not one, but TWO legendary rock bands, prepare for an electrifying rock experience with Zep & Co as they merge the best of Led Zeppelin and Bad Company into an epic performance not to be missed!

Don't delay! Purchase tickets today by visiting berkshiretheatre.org.
BTG is remembers with a heavy heart the life of R. Michael Miller, a beloved scenic designer that worked with us for many shows, including Souvenir (2005), Sick (2009), A Delicate Balance (2010) and Babes in Arms (2010). His talents and bright light will be missed, and we are honored to have worked with him over the years.
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