Photo Flash: Berkshire Theatre Group's A Christmas Carol

Berkshire Theatre Group hosts the reprise of their annual community production of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, adapted by Eric Hill and presented for the first time at The Colonial Theatre. Revel in the joy and redemptive power of Christmas as told in the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, the infamous miser who is reformed and shown the error of his ways by four spirits. 

This community production is dedicated to the memory of Jack Fitzpatrick. A Christmas Carol's founding sponsor is The Fitzpatrick Family. Additional sponsors include Greylock Federal Credit Union and Berkshire Life, A Guardian Company.

Artistic Director/CEO, Kate Maguire, explained that "My long-time collaborator, Eric Hill, and I recently engaged in a lively discussion regarding plays that may best serve the times we live in. As we spoke we recognized it is indeed this play, A Christmas Carol, which may be one of the greatest stories ever written about goodness and greed. We seek, in the theatre, to understand what it means to be human. We are honored to work with this diverse company to celebrate the spirit of Dickens, in this most perfect setting, at this most treasured time of year."

Eric Hill and E. Gray Simons III are co-directing again and return to the stage with fellow company members Kim Taylor, Michael Brahce, Ralph Petillo, Gail Ryan and Chris Vecchia. Joining the community cast this year will be award-winning musician and Berkshire local, James Taylor, in the role of Bob Cratchit; as well as four graduate students from BTG's partner academic institution, Brandeis University, Sarah Elizabeth Bedard, Sam Gillam, Brandon Green and Eddie Shields; three of Berkshire Theatre Group's Artists-in-Residence, Rachael Balcanoff, Jacob Gold and Lauren Stanek; in addition to 20 children, representing nine different schools and seven different towns in the Berkshire area.

Of working with James Taylor, director Eric Hill said, "It's a thrill to direct James Taylor in his theatrical debut - the process for A Christmas Carol is one of celebration and sharing of our common humanity on a community level. I know that James will bring his inherent charm and gentleness to bear in his portrayal of Bob Cratchit, a good and unpretentious man. To work with Kim, Rufus and Henry Taylor again will only add to the joy."

A Christmas Carol runs through December 30 at The Colonial Theatre.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children. There are also sponsor tickets available for $100 for adults and $50 for children, which include a donation to the Berkshire Theatre Group's Education Program.

Tickets are sale via phone at 413-997-4444 and walk up at 111 South Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 to Berkshire County residents exclusively on Saturday 11/12 from 12pm-5pm, Sunday 11/13 from 10am-5pm and Monday 11/14 from 10am-5pm. On Tuesday 11/15 tickets will go on sale for all and will be available online at www.JamesTaylor.com as well as via phone and walk up. A maximum of four tickets may be purchased in any one transaction. Standard Ticket Office hours are Monday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturdays 10am-2pm or on any performance day from 10am until intermission.

Photo Credit Ken Regan

Eric Hill

Daniel Garrity and the Cast of A Christmas Carol

Michael Brahce and the cast of A Christmas Carol

James Taylor, Eric Hill

Sam Gillam, James Taylor

Eddie Shields, Eric Hill, Sarah Elizabeth Bedard

Eric Hill

Kim Taylor, Emilee Logan

James Taylor