Mahaiwe announces winter presentations including Terry Hayes, Ballet Hispánico, Samantha Fish, ‘Sing & Swing – Jazz at Lincoln Center,’ and Joanne Shaw Taylor
Great Barrington— The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center has announced a dynamic lineup of winter programming.
On Monday, February 5th at 7 p.m., The Mahaiwe and The Bookloft will co-present a live talk with Terry Hayes to commemorate the release of his new novel, “The Year of the Locust.” The event will be moderated by Joe Donahue of WAMC Radio’s “The Roundtable.” This is Hayes’ second novel. His first novel, “I Am Pilgrim” was an international bestseller. Hayes launched his creative writing career partnering with George Miller on the screenplay for “Road Warrior – Mad Max 2.” He also co-produced and wrote “Dead Calm,” the film which launched Nicole Kidman’s international movie career, “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome” and many TV movies and mini-series, ultimately winning over twenty film and television awards. Tickets are $8 for general admission and $40 for general admission plus a copy of the book.
On Saturday, March 2nd at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., Ballet Hispánico, the nation’s renowned Latinx/Hispanic dance organization and one of America’s cultural treasures, will return to the Mahaiwe stage. For 50 years, Ballet Hispánico has been bringing communities together to celebrate and explore Latino cultures through innovative dance performances, transformative dance training, and enduring community engagement experiences.
The organization’s founder sought to give voice to the Hispanic experience and break through stereotypes. Today, the visions of social equity, cultural identity, and quality arts education for all drives its programs. Ballet Hispánico’s legacy is infused with a bold and eclectic brand of contemporary dance that reflects America’s changing cultural landscape. Tickets are $34 to $84 with discounts for Mahaiwe Members and for those ages 30 and under.
On Saturday, March 16th at 8 p.m., blues rock guitarist and singer-songwriter Samantha Fish will perform with an opening act performance by Sgt. Splendor. Samantha Fish is known first and foremost for her fretwork. Fish’s secret weapon is her astute and nuanced storytelling in ultra-vivid detail. As one of the most dynamic blues forces in the world today she continues to blaze a trail of her own. In 2022, Fish’s work with Jesse Dayton earned her a Grammy nomination. She also worked with Eric Clapton and toured with the Death Wish Blues project. Over the years, Fish has maintained her reputation as a phenomenal live act and repeatedly turned out critically acclaimed albums, earning an ever-growing number of accolades. Tickets are $34 to $54 with discounts for Mahaiwe Members and those ages 30 and under.
On Saturday, March 23rd at 8 p.m., The Mahaiwe will present “Sing & Swing,” a Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) Production. This new and highly anticipated touring project from Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents celebrates the Great American Songbook in all of its playful and sophisticated glory, brought to life by two of this generation’s brightest stars, Bria Skonberg and Benny Benack III. With prodigious trumpet talent and vocal charm, Bria and Benny will re-live and re-imagine some of the classic partners in jazz and popular song. Joined by a who’s who of New York all-stars, this is an “unforgettable” evening of singin’ and swingin’. Tickets are $34 to $69 with discounts for Mahaiwe Members and individuals ages 30 and under.
On Friday, April 19 at 8 p.m., blues rock guitarist and vocalist Joanne Shaw Taylor and her stellar band will perform songs from her critically acclaimed studio album, “Nobody’s Fool,” as well as songs from her upcoming new album. Taylor’s guitar prowess, vocal abilities, and songwriting talents reach new heights as she presents a bold slate of material at the peak of her career and from her rich back catalogue. Tickets are $34 to $64 with discounts for Mahaiwe Members and individuals ages 30 and under.
Tickets are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by calling 413-528-0100, or by visiting the Box Office in person Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.
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The Mac-Haydn Theatre has announced the first five musicals of its 55th summer season
Chatham— The Mac-Haydn Theatre has announced the first five musicals of its 55th summer season. The lineup of hit musicals includes “West Side Story,” “Sister Act,” “RENT,” “All Shook Up,” and “Something Rotten.”
Consisting of both classics and contemporary pieces, Producing Artistic Director John Saunders drew from the success of the diverse 2023 season in formulating plans for summer 2024. “For me, selecting the 2024 season became about finding this great balance of shows to make us both laugh and reflect,” said Saunders. “I really wanted some shows with big comedy but also shows that we can all truly relate to. I hope our audiences find how each of the shows this season has its own very distinct story to tell.”
“After a tremendously positive 2023, where the theatre welcomed back scores of patrons and received unprecedented support from both granting organizations and individual donors, we are excited to launch into 2024 at full strength and with an optimism that we haven’t had since 2019,” said Managing Director James Rodgers, reflecting on the announcement. “Whilst it has been an extremely challenging three years for arts organizations across the United States, and we continue to move forward cautiously, there is no doubt that Musical Theater is alive and well in Chatham, New York.”
Single ticket sales are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online.
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Bimi’s Canteen and Cheese Shop offers seasonal fondue service
Chatham— Through March 14th, Bimi’s Canteen is offering its highly-anticipated seasonal fondue service.
There are two fondue services offered:
- THE SIMPLE FONDUE for $25, a house blend of Gruyere, Raclette, Challerhocker, and Ur Eiche served with chunks of freshly made bread – a perfect starter for two or a delicious bar snack.
- THE GRAND FONDUE for $60, a house blend of Gruyere, Raclette, Challerhocker, and Ur Eiche served with chunks of freshly made bread served on a bountiful platter of vegetables, fresh and dried fruits, and sausage – starter for four or an entree for two.
Co-owner Ellen Waggett explains, “Fondue is the literal embodiment of our motto ‘Community. Camaraderie. Cheese.’ We have so many wonderful fondue memories from our own home and want to share that joy and deliciousness at Canteen.”
In other exciting news, Bimi’s has also added raclette, a traditional melted cheese poured bubbling hot over new potatoes with cornichons, to their winter menu.
Bimi’s Canteen and Cheese Shop is located at 19-21 Main Street in Chatham. More information can be found online (Bimi’s Canteen/Bimi’s Cheese Shop.)
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The Crandell Theatre presents ‘Smoke Sauna Sisterhood’
Chatham— On Sunday, January 7th at 1 p.m. and Thursday, January 11th at 7 p.m., The Crandell Theatre presents “Smoke Sauna Sisterhood” (NR – Mature themes and nudity | 89 min | Documentary).
In the darkness of a smoke sauna near a frozen lake in the forest, women share their innermost secrets and intimate experiences, washing off the shame trapped in their bodies and regaining their strength through a sense of communion. Shot over a period of many months with women of different ages, this primal film celebrates the beauty of flesh, ritual, and community while listening to women make sense of their lives.
Director Anna Hints, making her debut, finds cinematic poetry in the simple act of observing conversation, winning “Best Director” in the World Documentary competition at Sundance this year and earning a nomination for a Producers Guild of America Award. This film was also a selection at FilmColumbia23.
The screenings are on Sunday, January 7th at 1 p.m. and Thursday, January 11th at 7 p.m. at The Crandell Theatre on Main Street in Chatham. Enjoy fresh popcorn with real butter, candy, and premium soft drinks while experiencing the film on a 24-foot screen with stereo cinema sound. More information can be found online.
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Pittsfield High School’s Proteus Theatre presents ‘The Dream of the Burning Boy’ directed by senior Dea Wood-Crooks
Pittsfield— From January 12th through January 14th, Pittsfield High School’s Proteus Theatre presents “The Dream of the Burning Boy” directed by senior Dea Wood-Crooks.
After a student’s sudden and tragic death, high school English teacher Larry Morrow struggles to move on amid heightened emotions from his students, rising tensions in his classroom, and his past coming back to haunt him. This is a story about grief, moving on, and becoming a better version of yourself – and the challenges and changes that come with that.
The cast includes Adrian Peterson-Holt (Grade 11), Jack Ressler (Grade 12), Alayna Osorio (Grade 9), Isabella “Izzy” Brown (Grade 11), Maverick Roberts (Grade 10), Sienna Maruli (Grade 9), and Isabella Peterson-Wick (Grade 9).
The performances are on Friday, January 12th at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, January 13th at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, January 14th at 2:30 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre at Pittsfield High School on East Street in Pittsfield. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students through grade 12. Tickets may be purchased online or at the door by cash or check. Advanced ticket ordering is encouraged as seats are limited.
