Donations From BTG's 8/5 Performance Of TARZAN Benefited Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International

On the Sunday, August 5 matinee performance of Tarzan at The Colonial Theatre, Berkshire Theatre Group (BTG) collected post-show donations for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. This fund is dedicated to the conservation, protection and study of gorillas and their habitats in Africa.

In addition to patron donations, the cast and crew of Tarzan collected funds of their own to "adopt" mountain gorillas named, Mother Taraja and Infant Ishimwe, from Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. Proceeds from adoptions directly support wild gorilla protection in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Ralph Petillo, Berkshire resident, currently playing Professor Porter in Tarzan, says, "The cast has all contributed to help adopt our Mother Taraja and Infant Ishimwe. This years show, Tarzan, has become very special to us. We are all so proud of this excellent production, and the beautiful message of, 'Two Hearts, One Family.' We wanted to do something to help that message be heard, and what better way than to 'put your faith in what you most believe in?'"

BTG's Tarzan began July 26 at The Colonial Theatre, and will end its run August 16. To purchase tickets, please call BTG's Ticket Office at (413) 997-4444, or online at www.BerkshireTheatreGroup.org, or in person at the Colonial Ticket Office at 111 South Street, Pittsfield.

The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund's 50 years of successful conservation work in saving gorillas is based on a holistic model with four key parts: direct, daily protection of gorillas; scientific research on gorillas and their ecosystems; educating the next generation of scientists and conservationists in Africa; and helping local people with basic needs, so that communities can thrive and work together with us.

About Berkshire Theatre Group
The Colonial Theatre, founded in 1903, and Berkshire Theatre Festival, founded in 1928, are two of the oldest cultural organizations in the Berkshires. In 2010, under the leadership of Artistic Director and CEO Kate Maguire, the two organizations merged to form Berkshire Theatre Group (BTG). Berkshire Theatre Group's mission is to support wide ranging artistic exploration and acclaimed performances in theatre, dance, music and entertainment. Every year, BTG produces and presents performances to over 68,000 attendees and, through our Educational Program, serves over 13,000 Berkshire County schoolchildren annually. BTG's celebrated stages reflect the history of the American theatre; they represent a priceless cultural resource for the community.

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