Marc Savitt - Page 8

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? 

Every aspect of this production works together seamlessly and synergistically.  What's more, the team deploys seemingly simple techniques and tactics with very positive results.  The scenery consists of a park bench and a few sheets of fabric.  There is one actor in only one costume with no changes.  

Provides a tasty smorgasbord comprised of the layers contributing to the woman, as well as her depth, dynamism, energy, and intensity. The performance is primarily, a recounting of Byrd’s life and experiences. Like the woman, herself, the piece is an amalgamation of myriad events, issues, topics, some of which can be unpleasant and challenging.

“BECOMOING OTHELLO taught me how to get over things that I am.  I’m a mixed-race girl, and I am on the fairer side of blackness.  I had so many issues with colorism and racism and all the isms that I needed to tell this story.  If audience members are listening, no matter where they come from; what race, what religion, everyone is going to find something they can relate to.' 

The return of the performing arts across the region over the past few weeks has given Berkshire theatre goers much to celebrate.  With the opening production of KING LEAR, Shakespeare & Company increases the list of reasons, “when power to flattery bows”.

Oscar Wilde's much-loved and enduring masterpiece, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST tells the story of two bachelor friends, dandy Algernon Moncrieff and reliable John (Jack) Worthing, as they take on double lives to court the attentions of the desirable Gwendolyn Fairfax and the romantic Cecily Cardew. But the gallants must then grapple with the uproarious consequences of their ruse...and with the formidable Lady Bracknell. The results are a world filled with chaos, mistaken identity, and laughter.

Sharing details regarding the plot would be a disservice to the piece and those who will accept my encouragement to experience it for themselves. During the roughly 90 minutes (with no intermission) the pair of skillful actors present two broadly disparate seeming individuals mostly in a series of impressive and moving monologues.

Barrington Stage Company has been presenting award winning theatre in downtown Pittsfield for more than a quarter century. The thought of not producing during the pandemic was unacceptable to BSC Artistic Director, Julianne Boyd, board members and staffers. They went to extraordinary lengths to present a highly irregular and relatively limited number of offerings.

BSC Artistic Director, Julianne Boyd, who directs this production, said that WHO COULD ASK FOR ANYTHING MORE? Is a tribute to Gershwin’s indominable spirit and love-for-life.  It is also a joyous and triumphant return of live theatre to the Berkshires following the bleakness of the pandemic.