Berkshire Theatre Group to Present A HATFUL OF RAIN, 8/13-30

Berkshire Theatre Group presents Michael V. Gazzo's A Hatful of Rain, a poignant foray into the devastating effects of heroin in the life of a Korean War Veteran at the Fitzpatrick Main Stage in Stockbridge. Opening Night is August 16 at 8pm. Preview performances begin on August 13 at 7pm and the production closes August 30 at 8pm.

Tickets to Hatful of Rain are $42 to $62, all preview tickets are $42. Veterans receive 20% off full price tickets.Tickets may be purchased in person at the Colonial Ticket Office at 111 South Street, Pittsfield; at the Fitzpatrick Main Stage Ticket Office at 83 East Main Street, Stockbridge; by calling (413) 997-4444 or online at www.BerkshireTheatreGroup.org. All plays, schedules, casting and prices are subject to change.

The war fought abroad is just as devastating as the war fought within. This rings devastatingly true for Johnny Pope (Tommy Schrider) a Korean War Veteran who has safely returned home to New York City and now struggles with drug addiction after being heavily medicated during his hospital stay.

Greg Naughton is making his BTG directorial debut with Hatful of Rain. Naughton founded and served as Artistic Director of Off-Broadway's Blue Light Theater Company in NYC for six award-winning seasons and also performed at The Colonial Theatre last year with his band, The Sweet Remains.

"A Hatful of Rain is best known these days as a scene-study staple for acting students," Greg Naughton said. "There have been very few significant productions since its premiere in 1955. But for 20 years, it has been occupying a large space in my imagination. A couple years ago I finally got a little workshop time with it, which only fueled my conviction that it is a 'lost classic.' And then- this play about a PTSD case (before the term was coined) who returns home addicted to heroin became (unfortunately) very timely again."

In A Hatful of Rain, Johnny's battle strangles his daily life and slowly deteriorates the relationship between him and his family as he attempts to hide and support his habit. His brother, Polo (Greg Keller) tries to help but there's only so much he can do. His pregnant wife, Celia (Megan Ketch) is convinced he's having an affair and tries to hold their faltering marriage together while their father's (Stephen Mendillo) visit only adds to the tumultuous downturn of Johnny's life. Gazzo's raw, insightful and carefully crafted storytelling depict the demise of an embattled soul and raises social consciousness on issues regarding addiction and the cost of war for our veterans.

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