A CHORUS LINE, EDITH, et al. Set for Berkshire Theatre Group's 2012 Summer Season

Berkshire Theatre Group and Artistic Director/CEO, Kate Maguire have just announced programming for Summer 2012. BTG's Summer of 2012 boasts a full assortment of theatrical productions, concerts, comedy, Friday Series play readings, Musical Mondays, Made in the Berkshires and more.

Season pass and Member tickets are exclusively available starting Friday, March 9, 2012 and to all on Tuesday, March 20, 2012. Season Passes are still available for purchase.

Tickets may be purchased in person at the Colonial Ticket Office at 111 South Street, Pittsfield or by calling (413) 997-4444 or online at www.BerkshireTheatreGroup.org. The Ticket Office is open Monday-Friday 10am–5pm, Saturdays 10am–2pm or on any performance day from 10am until curtain.

Ms. Maguire is excited to be announcing such a diverse lineup of events. "With one extraordinary summer as Berkshire Theatre Group under our belts, we cannot wait to move forward with this summer's exciting events. The theatre we are producing in Stockbridge will be filled with inspiring premieres, touching classics and thought provoking contemporary works. It is always exciting to present new work and this year we have three premieres: Homestead Crossing, Brace Yourself and Edith. Not to mention our two musicals this summer, the show stopping A Chorus Line, at The Colonial and its companion show, A Class Act at The Unicorn Theatre. A Chorus Line is the magnificent landmark piece about the dancers behind a Broadway musical and A Class Act is the heart warming back story about the artists behind the Tony-winning, A Chorus Line. It just felt so natural to do them both and spread this musical story across Pittsfield and Stockbridge. We are also thrilled to be offering such a diverse array of music and entertainment at The Colonial as well. From the TV personality and comedian Bill Engvall, to hip-hop phenomenon Raekwon, to the awe inspiring Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats, we strove to create programming as diverse as our audiences. We are proud to host Jamie Bernstein, the daughter of the late musical genius, Leonard Bernstein, in the musical revue, We are Women, at The Colonial. We are very thankful to The Mount, who has generously invited us back to continue our collaboration with them and create more beautiful outdoor family theatre with our summer production of Pinocchio. Finally, after our wildly successful community production of The Wizard of Oz, which involved over one hundred community members, we are excited to announce we will be producing the classic musical Oliver! at The Colonial this fall. Our goal is to reach the widest possible audience with great theatre and entertainment, presented by the most vibrant artists. We believe this summer responds to that mission."

Simon Shaw, BTG's programmer, comments, "It is a great pleasure working with Kate Maguire on this artistic adventure that is the Berkshire Theatre Group. This summer we decided to focus on variety and really appealing to every single member of our audience. With not only a variety of music but also outstanding comedy and the ground breaking Hip Hop artist, Raekwon, this summer has something for everyone."

Berkshire Theatre Group oversees the development, production and presentation of theatre and entertainment on five stages in the Berkshires. BTG's goal is to present the best of the performing arts for everyone. Their campus in Stockbridge, which is home to the Berkshire Theatre Festival, presents work at two venues: The Fitzpatrick Main Stage and the Unicorn Theatre. The Fitzpatrick (408 seats), founded in 1928, is the ultimate "summer theatre." This iconic building, designed by Stanford White, helped establish the Berkshires as a cultural destination. Each summer, the finest in classical theatre and world premieres are produced on our historic stage. The Unicorn Theatre (122 seats), a theatrical jewel, is the home for new and emerging artists, and challenging and thoughtful work. The Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield (780 seats) re-opened in 2006, following a $21 million restoration. This stage boasts pristine acoustics, classic gilded age architecture and state of the art technical systems, hosting family entertainment, comedy, live music and more year round. Located in the lobby of the Colonial is The Garage. Its name pays homage to its former owner, Berkshire Auto Co. This newly developed venue, complete with stage, lights and sound system, is the dedicated venue for local and regional music performers. And, there is Theatre at The Mount in Lenox! Here BTG presents work outdoors on The Neil Ellenoff Stage. The glorious Dell sets the stage for evenings of family enchantment. Come be a part of the excitement on five stages this summer!

The Fitzpatrick Main Stage

A Chorus Line
At The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
sponsored by The Robert Halper Foundation
conceived and originally directed and choreographed by Michael Bennett
book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante
music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Edward Kleban
originally co-choreographed by Bob Avian
original Broadway production produced by the New York Shakespeare Festival, Joseph Papp, Producer, in association with Plum Productions, Inc.
Previews July 02–06;
Opens July 07 at 8pm; Runs through July 21
Opening Night includes post performance reception with the cast
Tickets • Previews: $37 All other performances: A: $60 B: $50 C: $40

The reception to the opening night of A Chorus Line on Broadway was so shattering that Clive Barnes, then critic of The New York Times, wrote "it would be surprising if the theatre were still standing...the conservative word for A Chorus Line might be tremendous." This landmark musical often called "heaven on Broadway," won the Pulitzer Prize and 9 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. This singular sensation is on its way to The Colonial Theatre this summer and is brought to you by the artistic team behind last year's wildly popular The Who's Tommy. Director Eric Hill and choreographer Gerry McIntyre will stage this modern classic tale of joy, despair and triumph!

A Thousand Clowns
At The Fitzpatrick Main Stage, Stockbridge
by Herb Gardner
directed by Kyle Fabel
Previews July 16–July 20;
Opens July 21 at 8pm; Runs through July 28
Opening Night includes post performance reception with the cast
Tickets • Previews: $37 All other performances: A: $57 B: $47 C: $37

A young boy named Nick lives with his eccentric Uncle Murray. When Murray walks off his job as a joke writer for "Chuckles the Chipmunk," it's time for "the system," to make life "normal". As Nick and Murray find a way to stay together, the path becomes filled with laughter, warmth, sweetness and inspired madness. This Tony nominated play is one of Broadway's most beloved.

Edith
At The Fitzpatrick Main Stage, Stockbridge
WORLD PREMIERE
by Kelly Masterson
Previews July 31–August 03;
Opens August 04 at 8pm; Runs through August 11
Opening Night includes post performance reception with the cast
Tickets • Previews: $37 All other performances: A: $57 B: $47 C: $37

The year is 1919, World War I has ended and President Wilson has recently returned to the United States after signing the Treaty of Versailles. When the President suffers a sudden stroke, it is up to his wife, First Lady Edith Wilson, to keep the country from falling to pieces. In this play, we witness the struggle of Edith, a fiercely devoted wife and tough as nails politician, as she battles conspirators, doubters and foreign threats, all in the name of love. Edith features Tony nominee Jayne Atkinson as Edith Bolling Wilson, Jack Gilpin as President Woodrow Wilson and Michel Gill as Vice President Marshall.

Brace Yourself
At The Fitzpatrick Main Stage, Stockbridge
WORLD PREMIERE
by David Epstein
directed by James Naughton
Previews August 14–August 17;
Opens August 18 at 8pm; Runs through August 25
Opening Night includes post performance reception with the cast
Tickets • Previews: $37 All other performances: A: $57 B: $47 C: $37

Everyone is preparing for the hurricane to arrive, but at Sunny's house the storm has already hit. With a huge wedding to plan, an unhappy bride to appease, a promiscuous son to keep track of and a dead aunt to dispose of, it's no wonder Sunny is a bit tense. However, it's only once the hurricane finally hits that Sunny learns that it's ok to let go, in more ways than one. Hilarities abound in this outrageous world premiere directed by two-time Tony Award winner, James Naughton.

The Unicorn Theatre

The Puppetmaster of Lodz
At The Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridgeby Gilles Ségal
translated by Sara O'Connor
directed by Brian Roff
Previews June 21–22;
Opens June 23 at 8pm; Runs through July 07
Re-opens September 13; Runs through October 07
Tickets • Previews: $35 All other performances: $45

A Jewish man has escaped from one of the most notorious concentration camps in Germany only to be yet again imprisoned in an imaginary world. Herr Finkelbaum weaves a story of longing, while caring for his beloved puppets and clinging to a lost reality. Try as he might to create a world far from the tragedy of the camps-he and we are finally faced with the question: will this horrifying war ever end? The Puppetmaster of Lodz is a gripping story of memory and survival.

A Class Act
At The Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridge
music and lyrics by Edward Kleban
book by Linda Kline and Lonny Price
originally directed on Broadway by Lonny Price
A Class Act was originally produced by Manhattan Theatre Club and previously developed by Musical Theatre Works.
directed by Robert Moss
Previews July 10–13;
Opens July 14 at 8pm; Runs through August 04
Tickets • Previews: $35 All other performances: $45

A Class Act was nominated for 5 Tony Awards including Best Musical and 3 Drama Desk Awards. This small musical with a big heart is a tribute to Edward Kleban, one of the collaborators of A Chorus Line. It's a behind the scenes glimpse of the joy and struggle that go into making music soar.
Performed by The Unicorn Company, BTF's Pre-Professional Acting Company

Homestead Crossing
At The Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridge
WORLD PREMIERE
by William Donnelly
directed by Kyle Fabel
Previews August 07–10;
Opens August 11 at 8pm; Runs through September 01
Tickets • Previews: $35 All other performances: $45

It's a dark and stormy night and suddenly there is a tap at the window. Claudia, a young and lonely woman, seeks shelter in the home of Noel and Anne, an older married couple. Then comes Tobin, Claudia's young and impulsive lover. While the two couples wait out the storm, they begin to converse about life, love and relationships. From the playwright who brought us the acclaimed production of No Wake, a world premiere. Produced in partnership with Merrimack Repertory Theatre of Lowell, MA and Portland Stage Company of Portland, ME.The Colonial Theatre

Dark Star Orchestra
At The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
Tuesday, May 22 • 7:30pm
Tickets • A: $35 B: $25

Using the same methods as orchestras interpreting the music of classical composers, Dark Star Orchestra recreates song-for-song Grateful Dead performances with, "fanatical attention to detail," according to Rolling Stone Magazine. It's really about the sound that's created. It's about a sense of familiarity. It's about a feeling that grabs listeners and takes over. It's about a contagious energy: it's about the experience.

Raekwon
At The Colonial Theatre, PittsfieldWednesday, June 13 • 7:30pm
Tickets • A: $55 B: $35 C: $20 (limited balcony)

Corey Woods, aka Raekwon, has been a staple in the entertainment industry since his debut in 1993 as an integral part of one of the greatest Hip-Hop groups to date, the Wu-Tang Clan. With almost two decades in the game, Rae is the bridge between legendary artists of the past and the new crop of fresh MCs. With an ever-growing fan base, Rae's music has placed him on the forefront of Hip Hop's elite. Rae has lent his talents to fellow musicians Kanye West, Bun B, Fat Joe, Justin Beiber, and participated with Wu Brothers, Ghostface and Method Man in the highly anticipated, Wu Massacre.

The Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats
At The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
Saturday, June 16 • 2pm & 7pm
Tickets • $25 adults $15 for ages 16 and under

The Golden Dragon Acrobats have become the world's leading Chinese acrobatic troupe, performing more than any other company. World-renowned impresario Danny Chang and choreographer Angela Chang combine award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music and theatrical techniques to present a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty.

An Evening with The Chris Robinson Brotherhood
At The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
Tuesday, June 26 • 7:30pm
Tickets • VIP: $60 (includes preferred seating) A: $50 B: $35 C: $25 (limited balcony)

The Chris Robinson Brotherhood formed in March of 2011 and played an impressive 100 plus shows last year. The band plays a mix of new songs and originals to create a sound that is mellow, melodically driven and loose. They have recently played with Bob Weir and Phil Lesh, and has been compared to The Jerry Garcia Band. The Chris Robinson Brotherhood is Chris Robinson (vocals, guitar), Neal Casal (guitar, vocals), Adam MacDougall (keys, vocals), Mark 'Muddy' Dutton (bass, vocals) and George Sluppick (drums).

Bill Engvall
At The Colonial Theatre, PittsfieldSaturday, August 04 • 7:30pm & 9:30pm
Tickets • A: $75 B: $50 C: $25 (limited balcony)

After getting his start on Blue Collar TV and the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, Bill Engvall went on to star in and produce the TBS sitcom, The Bill Engvall Show, and host Country Fried Home Videos-one of the highest rated shows on CMT. It is his ability to share the humor in everyday situations that has made Engvall one of the top comedians today.

We Are Women: A Bernstein Cabaret
At The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
narrated by Jamie Bernstein
conceived by Michael Barrett & Jamie Bernstein
August 09–12
Thurs–Sat at 8pm; Sun at 2pm
Tickets • A: $40 B: $30 C: $20 (limited balcony)

A mother and daughter navigate the tricky terrain of their love lives, learning along the way to accept themselves and delight in the love of others. An all Broadway cast performs an array of Bernstein songs, including tunes from his hits On the Town, Candide and West Side Story, with music direction by Michael Barrett of Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts. This evening of humor, heart and memorable melody brings the glorious sounds of Leonard Bernstein back to his beloved Berkshires.

Christopher O'Riley
At The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
Friday, August 17 • 8pm
Tickets • VIP: $55 (includes preferred seating and post-show reception with Christopher O'Riley)
A: $45 B: $25 C: $15 (limited balcony)

Pianist Christopher O'Riley has garnered critical accolades and international acclaim for his groundbreaking transcriptions of Radiohead, Elliott Smith and Nick Drake as well as his sublime interpretations of the classical canon. His latest album, Out of My Hands, includes music by R.E.M., Portishead, Cocteau Twins, Pink Floyd, Nirvana and The Smiths, among others. As host of the popular radio show, NPR's From The Top, he performs with the next generation of brilliant young musicians.

Oliver!
At The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
music, lyrics and book by Lionel Bart
licensed by arrangement with Oliver Productions, Ltd. and Oliver Promotions, Ltd
directed by Travis G. Daly
September 07–09
Fri–Sat at 7:30pm; Sat–Sun at 2pm
Tickets • $25 for adults, $10 for children 16 and under

Oliver! is the beloved musical about a young orphan who runs away and joins a band of thieves all in the pursuit of a real home. "Consider Yourself" invited to Berkshire Theatre Group's 7th Annual BTG Children's Theatre Production.

The Neil Ellenoff Stage, Theatre at The Mount

Pinocchio
At The Neil Ellenoff Stage, Lenox
originally written by Carlo Collodi
adapted by E. Gray Simons III
directed by Eric Hill and E. Gray Simons III
July 25–August 11
Tues–Sat at 4pm; Tues & Thurs at 7pm
Tickets • $15 for adults, $10 for children 16 and under
For tours of The Mount call (413) 551-5111
A production of the BTG Acting Apprentice Company
In partnership with The Mount

Bring a lawn chair and blanket and enjoy BTG's Acting Apprentice Company's production of Pinocchio in the beautiful Dell at The Mount. The classic tale of the magical puppet who goes on a journey to become a real boy will delight audiences of all ages.

Special Events

Made in the Berkshires
At The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield and The Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridge
October 05–07

BTG is pleased to announce that after a successful inaugural year, Made in the Berkshires Festival of New Works will return in fall 2012. Submissions will be accepted from 3/01/12–5/15/12.
For submission information go to www.MadeInTheBerkshires.org

Greater Tuna
At The Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridge
May 04–06
prices and times tbd

This hilarious parody of small town morals and mores examines the upstanding and ridiculous citizens of Tuna, Texas. The long-running Off-Broadway hit features two actors creating the entire population of Tuna in a tour de farce of quick-change artistry. Presented by Lost Planet Productions

Friday Series
At The Fitzpatrick Main Stage and The Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridge
Begins June 29 • Fridays at 2pm
$10 donation suggested

BTG's wildly popular Friday Series will feature some of the best new work directed and read by members of the BTG company. In addition to staged readings, the series will include guest lecturers and BTG's Acting Apprentice Showcase.
Musical Mondays
At The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
July 30, August 06 and August 13 • Mondays at 2pm
Tickets • $10

Musical Mondays turns the spotlight on beloved shows from the American Musical canon. Featuring members of the BTG Acting Apprentice Company, these nostalgic performances will include sing-throughs of the full musicals.

For more information about the performances, please visit our website at http://www.BerkshireTheatreGroup.org

The Colonial Theatre, founded in 1903, and Berkshire Theatre Festival, founded in 1928, are two of the oldest cultural organizations in the Berkshires. Having united in November of 2010 under the leadership of Artistic Director and CEO Kate Maguire, these two institutions are providing the Berkshires and beyond with the finest in live theatre, music, dance and the visual arts on four stages in Stockbridge, MA, Pittsfield, MA and Lenox, MA. The Fitzpatrick 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 intimate Unicorn Theatre (122 seats) is a home for emerging artists and new theatrical ideas. The Colonial in Pittsfield (780 seats) re-opened in August of 2006, following a $21 million restoration, and boasts pristine acoustics, classic gilded age architecture and state-of-the-art technical systems. BTG also performs at the newly built outdoor Neil Ellenoff stage at the Mount. Together they serve over 100,000 patrons per year and reach over 15,000 students through their educational and outreach programs. For more information on BTF call (413) 298-5536 and on The Colonial call (413) 448-8084. To purchase tickets, call (413) 997-4444 or (413) 298-5576 or go online to www.berkshiretheatregroup.org.

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