Berkshire Theatre Group Hosts A WEEK LONG FESTIVAL OF OPERA IN WORKSHOP, Now thru 8/31

Berkshire Theatre Group presents, for the first time in Berkshire Theatre Group history, A Week Long Festival of Opera in Workshop at the Unicorn Theatre. Performances begin today, August 23 and run through August 31.

Tickets to all performances featuring: A Lover's Tale, A Staged Presentation of La Traviata, and The Paris Salon: Age of Romantic Virtuoso are $30. 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.

In workshop for one week at The Unicorn Theatre, opera's rising stars are featured in a staged presentation of La Traviata; A Lover's Tale; and songs from the Romantics in The Paris Salon.

"This year, for the first time, we're bringing a little opera back to the Berkshires," Artistic Director/CEO Kate Maguire explains. "We have a week long workshop featuring A Lover's Tale, an extraordinary compilation of Dumas' original story about the Lady of the Camellias, Charles's Ludlam's Camille, and La Traviata all rolled into one. Also that week, we will present a staged performance of La Traviata and a wonderful compilation of songs from the Romantics featuring the lovely soprano Megan Weston."

Experience one of opera's most mesmerizing and timeless tale of love's second chances with Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata. Set in 18th century Paris, famed courtesan Violetta Valéry celebrates her renewed health with an extravagant party where she meets a young man of notoriety, Alfredo, who quickly becomes the center of her affection. However, Alfredo's father insists the two young lovers break all ties least Violetta's rather licentious past taints the honored family name. Now, presented with the question of pursuing true love or family nobility, the two embark upon the profoundly moving and emotional tale of Verdi's LaTraviata.

A Lover's Tale is a wild evening of scenes from Alexandre Dumas' novel The Lady of the Camellias, Giuseppe Verdi's opera La Traviata, which was adapted by Dumas' novel, and Charles Ludlam's (playwright of this summer's comedy hit The Mystery of Irma Vep) parody of the novel, Camille. It will be an evening of spoof, laughter, and theatre.

The Paris Salon: Age of the Romantic Virtuoso is a step back into a 19th century Paris salon concert. Accompanied on piano, Megan Weston will sing Verdi and Liszt songs, and virtuosic Bel Canto and lyric Romantic arias. The evening also includes stories about Liszt, Chopin, Dumas, and Paris, France.

A Week Long Festival of Opera in Workshop
at The Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridge
The Larry Vaber Stage
Sponsored by Crowne Plaza, Pittsfield; Furlano & Arace PC; and Haddad Dealerships
August 23 thru August 31
Tickets: $30

Performance Dates
A Lover's Tale: A wild evening with scenes from The Lady of the Camellias by Alexandre Dumas, Camille by Charles Ludlam and La Traviata by Giuseppe Verde
directed by Dustin Wills
Saturday, August 23 at 8pm
Sunday, August 24 at 2pm
Tuesday, August 26 at 8pm
Wednesday, August 27 at 7pm
Thursday, August 28 at 8pm

A Staged Presentation of La Traviata
Friday, August 29 at 8pm
Sunday, August 31 at 2pm

The Paris Salon: Age of the Romantic Virtuoso
Saturday, August 30 at 8pm
Songs from the Romantics Featuring Megan Weston and Guests