Marc Savitt - Page 7

ONCE is one of those productions that comes along, once in a while, where audience members can truly sit back, relax, get comfortable, and enjoy as a delightful experience sweeps them up, carries them away, and lets them feel all the feels. ONCE continues at Berkshire Theatre Group’s Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield.

The season opener of Berkshire Theatre Group’s 2022 season B.R.O.K.E.N CODE B.I.R.D SWITCHING is not, as the title might suggest to some, about Native American Communication Specialists during WWII. It is one of those relatively infrequent theatrical experiences in which each of the many individuals involved in the production, and their skillful execution of their relative elements supports one another so particularly well, that that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts it’s made of. A powerful piece of theatre in which art imitates life extremely well. An experience that leaves the viewer mouth agape saying WOW and providing an abundance of food for thought.

To be clear, there is absolutely nothing about this production that is dull, dated, or dusty. The joint is most certainly jumpin’ for an evening full of rowdy, raunchy and humorous songs that capture the love longing and zest for life in the 1920’s/’30s.

World premiere presentations like ANDY WARHOL IN IRAN offer Berkshire audiences a special opportunity to experience a work in progress, recognized for their potential. While I won’t term this as a must-see; it is most certainly a fine piece, well worth seeing. If not for the creative aspects touched upon above, it serves a fantastic look at nearly forgotten period in modern history and a strong reminder both that things are not always as they may at first appear; as well the notion that we are all far more alike than different. Read the review!

What on the surface appears to be a lovely “little Irish play”, performed near flawlessly by three talented actors is one of the most powerful and deeply profound pieces of black box theatre I have seen in many years.

Directed by Bartlett Sher this production remains true to the original, but some updates have been made including some refreshing of the book and dialogue some of which shine a brighter light on the equality of the sexes despite social norms of the time.  Much of which was notably popular with the audience.

Although no theme is clearly communicated in the promotional materials, the common thread that seems to be woven throughout the collection this year is comedy and perhaps seeing things from a differing perspective.  Think – do not judge a book by its cover.  

There is much to enjoy in this stage adaptation of the 1954 American Musical film. This production features David Adkins as General Henry Waverly; Allison Briner Dardenne as Martha Watson; Alanna Saunders as Judy Haynes; Claire Saunders as Betty Haynes; Michael Starr as Phil Davis and Michael Wartella as Bob Wallace.

THE CHAIRS is an absurdist 'tragic farce' by Eugène Ionesco. It was written in 1952 and debuted the same year. THE CHAIRS concerns two characters, known as Old Man and Old Woman, frantically preparing chairs for a series of invisible guests who are coming to hear an orator reveal the Old Man's discovery.

In the hands of Hill and May audiences sit back, relax, and fall spellbound as she shares stories of her very average ordinary daily existence. May’s command of the stage for two hours is impressive. Her Shirley is comfortable, relaxed, and easy to get familiar with. She evolves into a wise and trusted old friend.

As we filed out of the theatre following the performance of the World Premiere Musical, A CROSSING, I leaned in toward BSC Artistic Director Julianne Boyd and said, “I am torn between two words - magnificent and gorgeous”. She replied, “I will take them both”, and I assure you deservedly so.

You likely have little to no knowledge or information about this new play that enjoyed a successful run at the Royal Court in London and now makes its regional debut at Shakespeare & Company in Lenox.  I will cut to the heart of the matter and state that both those who enjoy intrigue as well as good theatre should enjoy this fine production.

A moving tale about a man's refusal to give up his impossible dream, inspired by Miguel de Cervantes' masterpiece Don Quixote. Powerful, brutal, hilarious, and heartbreaking, MAN OF LA MANCHA celebrates the perseverance of someone who refuses to relinquish his ideals or his passion. The celebrated score includes 'The Impossible Dream,' 'I, Don Quixote,' and 'Dulcinea.'

I found myself with an overwhelming sense that what I was watching play out could easily have been an episode of television’s Law and Order or perhaps, more appropriately, the Broadway production of EQUUS from the 1970s. 

Director and Choreographer, Gerry McIntyre says, “At a time when people are feeling the need to do something in our hurting world but don’t know how to start, this production is an incredible reminder that you just need to take the first step. Or write the first note. Nina Simone: Four Women meditates on Nina Simone’s transition from a singer to an activist.'

The 2020 season opened with one of my personal favorites, PIPPIN.  It was the first Broadway show I saw. PIPPIN uses the premise of a performance troupe, led by the Leading Player, to tell the story of a young prince (son of Charlemagne) on his search for meaning and significance. 

In BOCA, we follow a group of retirees who, between rounds of golf, bridge and Botox, can be found bickering, gossiping and living it up like they’re teenagers all over again. Don’t worry, Sophia, this is NOT Shady Pines. The residents of the Royal Palm Polo Club, a gated community that offers Kundalini Yoga classes even if it gives some of them gas. These are quite a lively bunch, and these kids know how to party.

Allyn Burrows, became aware of the piece by Yasmina Reza when it ran in New York in the late 1990’s and it has been with him ever since.  Given that the play was translated into English by Christopher Hampton twenty-five years ago, along with the current common need for something to laugh about - ART’s time in the Berkshires has come. 

In Eleanor, Barrington Stage Company Associate Artist and playwright Mark St. Germain brings to life Eleanor Roosevelt, the most influential First Lady the world has ever seen. We chat with Harriet Harris on playing the title character.

I’m in this place where my questioning of Shakespeare is revolving around some of the same issues as these three characters are dealing with as they look at this painting, then consequently, as they look at each other.  What is the value of friendship?  What’s the cost of a contemporary painting and what’s the value of that painting?