2010 Berkshire Theatre Festival to Include Atkinson, Rando, Easton et al.

Artistic Director/CEO Kate Maguire has announced the schedule for the 2010 Berkshire Theatre Festival season. This season features one world premiere, two musicals, and multiple classics from the theatrical canon. Critically-acclaimed directors David Auburn, Anders Cato, Kyle Fabel, Wes Grantom, Eric Hill, John Rando, and E. Gray Simons III will be charged with bringing this season of theatre that matters to life. Among the actors appearing this year in Stockbridge are Jayne Atkinson, David Chandler, Jeremy Davidson, Richard Easton, Michel Gill, and Randy Harrison.

According to Ms. Maguire, "I think this year could be one of our most artistically exciting seasons ever. We're producing masterpieces like Macbeth as well as premieres like William Donnelly's No Wake. Of course it's always wonderful when we're able to bring actors and staff back "home" for the year and let them turn their creative energies loose. I'm most proud of the talent we have attracted to direct these wonderful works. These are some of the finest directors in the country and I've done my best to match these visionaries with pieces that they are excited about and will challenge them as well. I'm looking forward to seeing where they take us."

The BTF is the founder of the cultural movement in the Berkshires. In 1928, the theatre's Playhouse opened with Eva La Gallienne in Hedda Gabler - and has been a home for new works, classics, and great musicals ever since.

Berkshire Theatre Festival Main Stage performances are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 8pm, Wednesdays at 7pm, with 2pm matinees on Thursdays and Saturdays. Tickets range from $15 to $63.

The Last Five Years- Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
Directed by Anders Cato
Previews: June 22, 23, 24, 25, 26
Opening Night/Press Night: June 26 Closes: July 10
A twist in time and a boldly contemporary score give fresh perspective to the classic boy-meets-girl tale in Tony-winning composer Jason Robert Brown's bittersweet musical romance. Lovers Jamie and Cathy tell their stories in mirrored chronology- he from the beginning, she from the end. The result is an intimate chronicle of a modern relationship from the first thrilling meeting through the struggles of married life. Fueled by the energy, passion, and humor oF Brown's unique melodies, The Last Five Years is a moving portrait of two people fighting the universal struggle for love.

Anders Cato was the director responsible for Talley's Folly, the show recently rated the "Show of the Decade" by the Berkshire Eagle. Anders Cato is renowned for his detailed work with characters and relationships, generating truly intimate theatrical experiences. Previous BTF productions include Ghosts, Waiting for Godot, Mrs. Warren's Profession, and Love! Valour! Compassion!. He has worked extensively in New York, London, and regionally.

The Guardsman- by Ferenc Molnár
Directed by John Rando
With Jayne Atkinson, Richard Easton, and Michel Gill
Previews: July 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
Opening Night/Press Night: July 17
Closes: July 31
Terrified that his wife is bound for infidelity, an actor decides to test her loyalty by doing what he does best: putting on a character. And so begins The Guardsman, a hilarious tale of treachery, deception, and assumed identities that has inspired three separate films. The actor's charade grows more and more complicated as he realizes that the Guardsman is a harder role to tackle than he ever could have imagined. Witty, charming, and delightfully clever, The Guardsman is packed with twists from beginning to end.

Tony Award-winning director John Rando is one of the most in-demand men in his field. He has directed Urinetown: The Musical, The Wedding Singer, and Neil Simon's The Dinner Party among others on Broadway. In addition, he was worked throughout the regional Theatre World and is known for his handling of comedies. Among his many BTF directing credits are the world premieres of Red Remembers, Lives of the Saints, and An Empty Plate in the Café du Grand Boeuf.

Tony-nominated actress Jayne Atkinson was last seen on the BTF stage in Candida. She is probably best known for her TV and film work, including her role on 24. Richard Easton is a Tony-winning Broadway veteran who appeared in The Invention of Love, The Coast of Utopia, Noises Off, and The Misanthrope among many others. Michel Gill, who appeared opposite Frank Langella in the Broadway production of A Man for All Seasons, has previously been seen at BTF in Sick, Candida, and Transit of Venus.

Macbeth- by William Shakespeare
Directed by Eric Hill
Previews: August 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Opening Night/Press Night: August 7
Closes: August 14
With Brandy Caldwell, Jeremy Davidson, Keira Naughton, and C.J. Wilson
One man's struggle with his own blind ambition sparks a firestorm of blood and betrayal in William Shakespeare's cautionary masterpiece. Macbeth himself is an anti-hero for the ages, conflicted and complex, at once a victim and a monster. The plot is action-packed and furiously paced, racing toward a haunting conclusion. Source to some of Shakespeare's most famous words of wisdom, Macbeth carries a message that resonates clearly beyond time and place.

Eric Hill's groundbreaking production of Hamlet has made him one of the country's most respected Shakespearean directors and teachers. He is the Sachar Professor of Theatre Arts at Brandeis University where he works to teach and integrate the methods of Tadashi Suzuki and other theatrical innovators into contemporary American theatre practice. Previous BTF directing credits include Faith Healer, Amadeus, and The Einstein Project.

Brandy Caldwell (Lady Macduff) has been seen previously at BTF in The Einstein Project, A Christmas Carol, and is a former member of the Summer Performance Training Apprentice Program. Jeremy Davidson (Macduff) was last seen at BTF in Nijinsky's Last Dance. He has appeared on Broadway in Epic Proportions and is currently featured on TV's Army Wives. Keira Naughton (Lady Macbeth) appeared at BTF last summer in Faith Healer and in 2008 in The Book Club Play. She has previously been seen on Broadway in The Rivals, Dance of Death, Three Sisters, and All My Sons. C.J. Wilson (Macbeth) appeared in The Einstein Project and The Book Club Play at BTF as well as on Broadway in Festen, Henry IV, Long Day's Journey into Night and The Best Man. He was Daniel Craig‘s understudy this fall in A Steady Rain and is currently in Happy Now? in New York.

A Delicate Balance- by Edward Albee
Directed by David Auburn
Previews: August 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Opening Night/Press Night: August 21
Closes: September 4
Agnes and Tobias, a 50-something couple, want nothing more than to be left alone. However, they are saddled with Agnes's alcoholic sister. When their daughter returns home as a result of her fourth divorce and their best friends seek asylum from some unnamed "fear", tensions fray and every relationship in the house threatens to fall apart. An examination of the intricate web we all create among our friends and family and how easily it can all fall apart, A Delicate Balance sings with Albee's trademark lyricism and insight. This Pulitzer Prize-winning piece is poignant, incisive, and funny.

Tony Award-winner David Auburn returns to BTF after directing last year's regional premiere of Sick. He has worked with both The Juilliard School and Lincoln Center Director's Lab. In 2001 he was awarded both the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award for his play Proof.
Edward Albee's plays are always presented pending full approval of the playwright.

Berkshire Theatre Festival Unicorn performances are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 8pm; Wednesday evening at 7pm; with 2pm matinees on Thursdays and Saturdays, except as noted below. Prices range from $15 to $44.

K2- by Patrick Meyers
Directed by Wes Grantom
Previews: June 17, 18
Opening Night/Press Night: June 19
Closes: July 3
At 27,000 feet, a single rope can mean the difference between death and survival. Trapped on a ledge beyond reach of rescue, a man struggles frantically to save himself and his injured partner. With time, the elements, and faltering hope working against them, the men turn to each other in a desperate attempt to grasp their situation. K2 is a survival story with a deep emotional core, a gripping tale of two men whose lives and souls are threatened by the unforgiving mountainside around them, filled with what the New York Times calls "that tingling sensation of traveling beyond the rim of experience - of holding on to life at its highest peak."

Wes Grantom is a member of Lincoln Center Directors Lab and is co-founder of Slant Theatre Project. He has worked at Roundabout Theatre Company, The Alley Theatre, Asolo Rep and The Public Theatre. His directing credits include Thujone, The Nerd, Glengarry GLen Ross, and The Horton Foote Project among many others. He was at BTF last season as the Associate Director of the critically-acclaimed world premiere of Red Remembers.

Endgame- by Samuel Beckett
Directed by Eric Hill
with David Chandler and Randy Harrison
Previews: July 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Opening Night/Press Night: July 10
Closes: July 24
If there's anyone to find humor in the world's dying breaths, it's Samuel Beckett. Following the success of BTF's 2008 production of Waiting for Godot, Endgame presents an absurdist's vision of a future where time and reason are little more than suggestions, with characters as memorable as they are miserable. And wrapped up in the hilarity, in true Beckett style, is a brutally honest commentary on life and death. Never has "The End" seemed so bizarre - or so incredibly funny.

David Chandler (Clov) has been seen on Broadway in Lost in Yonkers, Death of a Salesman, and American Clock. Previous BTF acting credits include The Einstein Project and A Man for All Seasons. Randy Harrison (Nag) is returning for his sixth season in Stockbridge. He is best known for his work on the American TV series Queer as Folk. He has been seen on Broadway in Wicked and recently appeared as Andy Warhol in the world premiere of the musical Pop! at Yale Rep. His BTF acting credits include Ghosts, Waiting for Godot, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Amadeus, and Equus.

Babes in Arms- Music by Richard Rodgers, Lyrics by Lorenz Hart, Book by George Oppenheimer
Directed by E. Gray Simons III
Previews: July 27, 28, 28, 30, 31
Opening Night/Press Night: July 31
Closes: August 28
*Please note that all Friday performances for Babes in Arms are at 7pm*
"The Lady Is A Tramp," "My Funny Valentine," "Johnny One Note." The song list for this high-spirited musical reads like a Greatest Hits for writers Rodgers and Hart. Babes in Arms, the original "let's put on a musical" musical, tells the story of a few determined teens and their fight to keep their independence by producing their own show, turning out great song after great song along the way and inspiring the classic film starring Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland. Presented by the Unicorn Company, the same group that brought you Candide, The Who's Tommy and Assassins. Babes in Arms is packed with laughs, music, and youthful exuberance - pure entertainment with a heart so big, it sings.

E. Gray Simons III is the Artistic Associate of Education at BTF. For the past fifteen years he has been acting, writing, and directing for the BTF PLAYS! program. He has also been the principle instructor for the Summer Performance Training ApprenticeProgram since 2001. His previous BTF directing credits include Peter Pan, Oliver!, and Where Has Tommy Flowers Gone?.

No Wake- by William Donnelly
Directed by Kyle Fabel
Previews: September 1, 2, 3, 4
Opening Night/Press Night: September 4
Closes: October 24
From September 1-4: Wednesday at 7pm, Thursday-Saturday at 8pm, Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. There is no matinee on Thursday, September 2. There will be no performances from September 6- 29.
From September 30-October 24: Thursday- Saturday at 7pm, Saturday and Sunday at 2pm.

In this world premiere, an estranged couple struggles to cope with the death of their daughter in William Donnelly's world premiere play. Edward and Rebecca have moved on since their divorce - she to a new husband and he to a series of failed relationships. However, when an unexpected tragedy brings them back together, they're forced to navigate a web of grief and guilt that leads to tears, laughter, and, ultimately, hope. At once deeply touching and filled with humor, No Wake takes an honest look at the grieving process and the unexpected consequences it can bring.

Kyle Fabel recently directed the highly regarded production of Tranced and the critically acclaimed Fabuloso for Merrimack Repertory Theatre. A graduate of NYU's MFA acting program, Kyle has also appeared as an actor with BTF in The Einstein Project, The Illusion, and Four Dogs and a Bone.

The following Special Event productions are not part of the season pass series:

Friday Series- by various authors
June 18-August 6
Fridays at 2pm in either the Unicorn Theatre or the Main Stage (locations to be announced)
Hear the voices of tomorrow, today! Once again this season we will be presenting a special series of staged readings of new and classic works. These readings are directed by our Directing Assistantship students and feature professional actors from our season productions as well as members of our Acting Apprenticeship program. Audiences have loved the intimacy and passion of these readings. Specific titles and locations to be announced.

Story Time- written and conceived by Tom Story
August 6-27
Fridays at 10pm in the Unicorn Theatre
Evening entertainment will never be the same! Beloved BTF alum Tom Story returns to the Unicorn Stage with his own one-of-a-kind live event. Tom and a series of special guests will delight us with stories, comedy, interviews, cabaret performances and whatever happens to tickle Tom's fancy that week. See live performances and routines by his colleagues... hear his take on the events of the day as he matches wits with area politicians...music, comedy and more! Every Friday is a brand new happening in entertainment.

Mystery Sideshow 4- The Great Beyond- By E. Gray Simons III
Directed by Travis G. Daly
July 7 - July 31
Wednesday through Saturday at 11am at the Berkshire Museum
Contact the Berkshire Museum at (413) 443-7171 for tickets
A family friendly journey exploring the ultimate mystery: the afterlife. Take a trip to the Underworld to meet Hades, be visited by ancient Egyptians and learn about "life" as a Mummy, experience the unique celebrations of the Aztecs, and hear a ghost tale inspired by the original macabre writer: Edgar Allen Poe. This lighthearted look at The Great Beyond is appropriate for all ages.

Fifth Annual Community Production- Musical Production To Be Announced
September 10 - 18 on the Main Stage
The show will feature the BTF Children's Theatre Company and will benefit BTF's Educational Programs.
The state's largest children's theatre group, consisting of local area children and adults and directed by BTF staff, returns for its fifth annual production. All bets are on that our area students will once again be shining this fall as they sing and dance their way into our hearts. The sun will come out on the announcement of this show in Mid-March.

A Christmas Carol- By Charles Dickens, Adapted by Eric Hill
Directed by Eric Hill and E. Gray Simons III
December 11 - 30 in the Unicorn Theatre
Journey back to Victorian England and experience this classic tale again for the first time. The story of the infamous miser who is shown the error of his ways by four spirits is filled with terrific turns and infused with holiday music. A great way to celebrate, BTF's A Christmas Carol is a beloved Berkshire County tradition.

Season passes to either the Main Stage or the Unicorn are still available. Contact the BTF Box Office at 413-298-5576 ext. 33 or visit www.berkshiretheatre.org for more information.

Single tickets for all Main Stage and Unicorn productions go on sale online on Sunday, February 14 and in person or over the phone on Monday, February 15. Contact the Box Office for more details.

All plays, schedules, casting, and prices are subject to change.

This season BTF will be changing its performance calendar slightly. Due to popular demand, a 2pm matinee has been added on Thursdays for all Unicorn Theatre shows. Wednesday night shows are still at 7pm, not 8, at both theatres. Additionally, to make room for Late Night Story Time, all Friday performances of Babes in Arms are at 7pm. Also, this season full-time Berkshire residents get 20% off to all shows except Saturday nights in the Main Stage. Proof of residency required.

Founded in 1928, Berkshire Theatre Festival is one of the oldest professional regional theatres in the United States and the longest-running cultural organization in the Berkshires. Now under the helm of Artistic Director and CEO Kate Maguire, BTF presents theatre that matters-world premieres, contemporary works, and classics that speak to who we are in our world today. The Main Stage (408 seats), cataloged by the National Register of Historic Places, was originally designed and built by Stanford White as the Stockbridge Casino in 1888. The mission of BTF's second stage, the intimate Unicorn Theatre (122 seats), is to provide a home for emerging artists and new theatrical ideas. BTF's education program, BTF PLAYS!, reaches over 10,000 children annually through school residencies, touring performances, and summer performance training and writing programs. During the summer months BTF opens its doors to over 75 administrative, acting, and technical interns and apprentices.

For more information about Berkshire Theatre Festival, please visit www.berkshiretheatre.org.

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