Shakespeare & Company presents ‘The Comedy of Errors’
Lenox— From July 13th through August 18th, William Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors” takes over Shakespeare & Company’s outdoor mainstage.
The Bard’s fast-paced and farcical story of mistaken identities begins with two sets of twins separated by a storm at sea and culminates in a raucous series of misunderstandings and mishaps. Directed by Kate Kohler Amory, it is set in the seaside Vaudeville of New York City, 1912, a mystical and sometimes strange place filled with as much magic and mischief as sailors and sea captains.
“Coney Island vaudeville was an escape and a destination, where the turmoil of American culture at the turn of the century could be seen through frivolity, farce, and play,” said Amory.
“Setting this turn of the 16th Century comedic gem at the turn of the 20th Century, I hope to highlight many of the play’s resonances for our own turn of the 21st Century. It is a fitting setting for Aegeon, and us, to encounter both the farce and the tragedy of his situation.”
The show runs from July 13th through August 18th at Shakespeare & Company’s outdoor Arthur S. Waldstein Amphitheatre at 70 Kemble Street in Lenox. Tickets are $22 to $72. Card To Culture tickets are available for $5. On select evenings, food trucks will be on-site for pre-show purchases from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tickets and more information can be found online.
***
New Marlborough Meeting House presents Heard World Jazz
New Marlborough— On Saturday, July 13th at 4:30 p.m., New Marlborough Meeting House presents Heard World Jazz.
Heard is a collective of musicians and dancers that bring their skills and passion for world music, jazz, and improvising together to create irresistible grooves set in a unique sonic tapestry. Their vibrant sound incorporates influences from South America, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. A four-time Eddy Music Awards nominee in the World Music category, their CDs “Karibu” and the daring “Flyway” have garnered much critical acclaim. Energetic and upbeat, Heard will open your ears and hearts!
The family-friendly concert is on Saturday, July 13th at 4:30 p.m. at the New Marlborough Meeting House at 154 Hartsville-New Marlborough Road in New Marlborough. Tickets are $40, $35 for members, $10 for college students ages 21 and up, and free for anyone under age 21. Card To Culture tickets are $10. Additionally, a limited number of community tickets are available for a discounted price of $10 for those who do not qualify for the Card To Culture program and may not otherwise be able to afford to attend. Tickets and more information can be found online.
***
Adams Theater presents a staged reading of ‘Iodine’
Adams— On July 13th and 14th at 3 p.m., the Adams Theater will present a staged reading of “Iodine” by writer/director Michelle Joyner, adapted from the novel of Haven Kimmel.
Tracey Sue Pennington is living a highly functional if impoverished existence after running away from her abusive home and is forced to face her painful past when she falls in love with a much older man. A traumatic childhood involving exorcisms, alien abduction, and a fragmented reality slowly comes into focus as this young woman’s heart begins to open.
This reading is part of the Adams Incubator’s Residency Program, which invites independent artists and collectives to use our physical space to develop bold, original works that promote cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary collaborations. Joyner says, “Prior to moving back to the Berkshires after many decades away, I was a screenwriter in Hollywood and wrote ten studio screenplays, of which many were book adaptations. Haven Kimmel’s ‘Iodine’ was a novel that I always longed to adapt. Now that I am back working in the theater, I jumped at the chance to finally tackle this complex and fascinating story for the stage. I’m thrilled that my play was chosen for this residency.”
Adams Theater Founder and Artistic Director Yina Moore adds, “’Iodine’ is a highly theatrical and complex work that our artistic team feels will benefit immeasurably with this residency. It will give creator Michelle Joyner the opportunity to work with a full cast, puppeteer, soundscape and limited design to create the next important step in the process of creating a new play.”
The cast includes Hero Marguerite, Anthony Crane, Elizabeth Aspenlieder, Georgi James, Gregory Boover, and Monk Schane-Lydon.
The readings are on July 13th and 14th at 3 p.m. at the Adams Theater at 27 Park Street in Adams. Each reading will be followed by a talkback. Tickets and more information can be found online.
***
Filmmaker James Schamus in conversation at the Crandell Theatre
Chatham, N.Y.— On Friday, July 12th at 7 p.m., Oscar-nominated filmmaker James Schamus, well-known for his longtime collaboration with Director Ang Lee and the range of his creative roles across feature film and television, will headline the theater’s next Crandell LIVE! Event, which presents Q&As with celebrated actors, filmmakers, writers and special guests throughout the year, extending the spirit of October’s FilmColumbia Festival.
Beginning with the 7 p.m. screening of “We Grown Now,” which Schamus produced, the evening will conclude with a discussion of the acclaimed film and a Q&A. “We Grown Now” follows 12-year-old best friends Malik and Eric in 1992 Chicago as they discover the joys and hardships of growing up in the infamous Cabrini-Green public housing complex. When a shooting in the community challenges everything they know and love, they must face the realities of growing up fast.
Written and directed by Minhal Baig, who grew up in the racially diverse Rogers Park neighborhood on Chicago’s north side, the film was nominated for three Independent Spirit Awards, including Best Feature. Baig says she wanted to make a movie that could both acknowledge the challenges of living in a place like Cabrini-Green while sharing what was beautiful and joyous about it. She won the Changemaker Award at the Toronto International Film Festival last year.
James Schamus is an award-winning screenwriter (The Ice Storm,) producer (Brokeback Mountain,) and former CEO of Focus Features (“Lost in Translation,” “Milk,” “The Pianist”.) His feature directorial debut, an adaptation of Philip Roth’s “Indignation,” starring Logan Lerman, Sarah Gadon, and Tracy Letts, premiered at the Sundance and Berlin Film Festivals, and was released by Roadside Attractions. He created, executive produced, and was showrunner on the hit Mexican limited series for Netflix, “Somos.” Schamus is currently collaborating with composer Huang Ruo on an opera for The Met, and is Consulting Producer on the next TV series from the Duffer Brothers (“Stranger Things”).
Works from his New York-based production company, Symbolic Exchange, include Kitty Green’s “The Assistant” starring Julia Garner and Rhys Ernst’s award-winning trans comedy “Adam” starring Margaret Qualley, among others, and is currently in production on Andrew Ahn’s reboot of Ang Lee’s “The Wedding Banquet,” starring Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, Joan Chen, Kelly Marie Tran, and Youn Yuh-jung.
Schamus is Professor of Professional Practice in Columbia University’s School of the Arts, where he teaches film history and theory. He served last year on the negotiating committee of the Writers Guild of America during their successful five-month strike. He joined the Crandell Theatre Board of Directors in January 2023.
Tickets and more information can be found online.
***
Paranormal investigation of Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum with David Raby
Lenox— On Saturday, July 13th from 7 p.m. to midnight, David Raby returns for another paranormal investigation of the historic and haunted Ventfort Hall.
A non-fiction author and paranormal investigator, Raby has always been intrigued by history. Undaunted, he enters haunted locations that would terrify others with hopes of contacting lingering spirits to discover why they remain. He is the author of four published books and countless online articles. With his passion for the paranormal field, he has accumulated over a decade of experience, founded a paranormal group and has helped many people (and spirits) that ranged between the curious and those seeking urgent advice.
Raby’s interest in the paranormal was shaped by the fact that spirits seem to be attracted to his compassion and openness. He has a knack for storytelling that fuels his intensive historical research and fact finding. He believes that by bringing people’s stories out of the shadows and into the light of our awareness, they may find eternal rest and peace.
Before the investigation, Raby will give a brief history of the lives that once graced the hallways – and possibly still reside within. He will also share some of his favorite evidence from previous investigations and will be happy to answer any questions about paranormal investigations. This event is perfect for everyone; from someone who has never been on a paranormal investigation to the seasoned investigator.
The event is on Saturday, July 13th from 7 p.m. to midnight at Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum on Walker Street in Lenox. Tickets are $40 with limited $25 tickets for youth ages 12 and up and students with ID. Reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations and more information can be found online.
***
Berkshires Jazz Summer Showcase
Pittsfield— On Saturday, July 13th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Berkshires Jazz presents its 6th annual “Summer Showcase” at Pittsfield’s First Street Common.
The wide-ranging lineup for the jazz extravaganza will include The Michael Junkins Group, Pamela Knowles and Friends, and The Don Mikkelsen Quartet. Keeping with the theme of the Showcase, all these musicians call the Berkshires “home”.
Guitarist Michael Junkins kicks off the festivities with a set by his quintet. Junkins is a mainstay on the regional jazz scene. His repertoire is deep and wide-ranging, including standards and originals. His set highlights his own remarkable skills as well as those of his bandmates, who include Matt Steckler on saxophone and BSO percussionist Will Hudgins on vibes.
Vocalist Pamela Knowles is equally at home charming a supper club in New York, exciting an audience in London, delighting crowds in a Paris jazz cellar, or in concert with a symphony orchestra. She will be appearing with Tim Regusis on piano; Tarik Shah, bass, and Tido Holtkemp, drums.
Trombonist and leader Don Mikkelsen defines the word “versatile.” His career includes playing with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, touring with Elvis Presley, and performing as a member of the house band at Caesar’s Palace. His credits include backing stars like Tony Bennett, Peggy Lee, Tom Jones and Mel Torme. His group includes Tardo Hammer, keyboard; Otto Garder, bass; and Pete Sweeney, drums.
The showcase is on Saturday, July 13th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pittsfield’s First Street Common. Audiences are advised to bring blankets or chairs. There will be local food trucks as well as a beer and wine garden. More information can be found online.
***
Lenox Library to celebrate 250th anniversary of historic agreement with Samuel Adams beer tasting
Lenox— On Saturday, July 13th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Lenox Library presents a special event to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Lenox Non-Importation Agreement. This historic document, signed by 111 Lenox residents in 1774, marked a pivotal moment in America’s path to independence.
Seven years after its incorporation, the Town of Lenox sent six delegates to a Berkshire Congress held in Stockbridge. On July 14, 1774, the delegates brought back to Lenox a covenant in which they promised to neither sell, consume, or import goods from Great Britain. By signing the agreement, each man declared himself to be one step closer to independence from the Crown.
Lenox was making good on an earlier promise to support Boston from its “remote wilderness Corner of the Earth,” written by the local Committee of Correspondence. The committee was formed in early 1773, after receiving a copy of the Boston Pamphlet, crafted by Samuel Adams as its primary author, which established the need for such local committees to communicate when colonists rights were infringed.
At 2 p.m., local history librarian Amy Lafave will share the history of this remarkable agreement and its signers, from the first stirrings of dissent to the aftermath of revolt. The handsomely framed, new conserved document will be unveiled for viewing.
From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., following the unveiling presentation, there will be an outdoor Samuel Adams Brewery beer tasting event.
This celebration will feature live music, balloon art, face painting, and photo opportunities with a live portrayal of Samuel Adams. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Four varieties of Sam Adams beers, including a non-alcoholic option and commemorative glasses will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the Lenox Library Association.
The event is on Saturday, July 13th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lenox Library at 18 Main Street in Lenox. More information can be found online.
***
Hop Brook Club of Tyringham presents ‘Pain Killer: A Talk with Barry Meier’
Tyringham— On Saturday, July 13th at 5 p.m., Hop Brook Club of Tyringham presents “Pain Killer: A Talk with Barry Meier.”
Barry Meier is the author of “Pain Killer: The Empire of Deceit and the Origin of the Opioid Crisis,” the best seller that inspired the hit Netflix series.
The conversation is on Saturday, July 13th at 5 p.m. at Tyringham Town Hall. Admission is free. Donations to benefit the Hop Brook Scholarship Fund are welcome.
***
Auditions for ‘Incognito Witch The Musical’ staged reading and performance
Pittsfield— On Sunday, July 15th at 5 p.m., auditions for “Incognito Witch The Musical” will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church.
“Incognito Witch The Musical” is a new stage play celebrating hidden magick. The characters and story are inspired by the films and artwork of Mollie Kellogg. The staged reading scheduled for October 26th will be costumed and blocked, with a full stage production in 2025 in the Berkshires. Audiences will be encouraged to attend in costume.
There are five female and two male roles for actors ages 40 to 65, one female role for an actor age 65 or older, plus multiple opportunities for actors of all genders and ages from 18 and up. Producers are also seeking a pianist or guitar player, and volunteers to assist with all areas of production.
Actors will be asked to improv, read from the script, sing a provided song, and perform simple dance steps. Characters and storyline are based on Incognito Witch short films and videos which can be viewed online.
The audition is on Sunday, July 15th at 5 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Pittsfield at 175 Wendell Avenue in Pittsfield. For additional information, contact Mollie Kellogg at artist@molliekellogg.com.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Pittsfield cultural council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
***
Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative presents production assistant workshop
Pittsfield— On Saturday, July 13th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative presents a one-day production assistant workshop designed to introduce you to the fundamental skills you need to be a production assistant (PA) on a film or television set.
The workshop will be led by Berkshire native Jake Diamond, who started as a Production Assistant six years ago and has worked his way up to be a 1st and 2nd Assistant Director for film, television, and music videos.
Participants will learn about industry-standard practices, covering everything from set preparation, craft service, roles and responsibilities, and equipment management. It’s a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience about the essential tasks and nuances of the PA role from someone who has done the job.
“In this workshop, I aim to share not just the technical skills but also the invaluable insights and etiquette necessary to thrive in any production environment,” says Jake, who has worked on prominent commercial projects for brands like Verizon, HBO, and Timberland in addition to many independent feature films.
The workshop is on Saturday, July 13th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Berkshire Community College on West Street in Pittsfield. Tuition is $115 with scholarships available. For scholarship information, text Catherine Burt Cantin at 310-880-6565. More information can be found online.
