The Clark Art Institute’s Music at the Manton Concert series continues with the Eddie Henderson Quartet
Williamstown— On Saturday, May 4th at 6 p.m., The Clark Art Institute’s Music at the Manton Concert series, in collaboration with Jazz in the Berkshires, continues with a performance by the Eddie Henderson Quartet.
Prodigious bandleader and composer Eddie Henderson, who received his first lesson from legendary trumpeter Louis Armstrong at age nine, performs with drummer Mike Clark, who made history with Herbie Hancock and The Headhunters in the 1970’s. They are joined by bass player Gerald Cannon and pianist and Berklee College of Music professor Joe Mulholland for an unforgettable classic jazz experience.
The performance is on Saturday, May 4th at 6 p.m. in the auditorium located in the Manton Research Center at The Clark on South Street in Williamstown. Tickets are $5 to $10. Advanced registration is encouraged. Registration and more information can be found online.
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Great Barrington Public Theater presents a reading of ‘Madame Mozart, The Lacrymosa,’ by Anne Undeland, its first commissioned work
Great Barrington— On Wednesday, May 1st at 7 p.m., Great Barrington Public Theater (GBPT) presents the second public reading of “Madame Mozart, The Lacrymosa,” by Anne Undeland, its first commissioned work.
Directed by GBPT Associate Artistic Director Braha, it features well-known Berkshire actors Tara Franklin and Ryan Winkles, with Mozart’s music played live by pianist Larry Wallach.
The play was given its first public reading last summer to very favorable audience response. “New work is the heartbeat of GB Public,” said Braha, “These events give theater lovers an opportunity to see new work hot off the presses and gain insight to the creative process involved in the art and craft of playwriting.”
The free reading is on Wednesday, May 1st at 7 p.m. at St. James Place at 352 Main Street in Great Barrington. Tickets can be reserved by emailing tristan.greatbarringtonpublic@gmail.com. Seating is limited.
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Qualia Dance Collective presents ‘Choreography on the Edge in the Hudson Valley’ featuring the premier of Fiona Scruggs’s new solo, ‘Gymnopédie No 1’
Ancram, N.Y.— On Friday April 26th at 8 p.m., Saturday, April 27th at 8 p.m., and Sunday, April 28th at 3 p.m., Qualia Dance Collective presents ‘Choreography on the Edge in the Hudson Valley’ featuring the premier of Fiona Scruggs’s new solo, ‘Gymnopédie No 1.’
The performances are at Hudson Valley Academy of Performing Arts at 957 Route 82 in Ancram, N.Y. Tickets are $20, $15 for youth, and free for small children. Tickets are available at the door or by emailing choreographyontheedge@gmail.com.
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Pittsfield High School’s Proteus Theatre presents ‘Chicago: Teen Edition’
Pittsfield— From May 3rd through May 11th, Pittsfield High School’s Proteus Theatre presents ‘Chicago: Teen Edition’ directed by Kyla Blocker with musical direction by Ashley Paradis & Kyla Blocker and choreography by Summer Lawton.
Step into the roaring twenties. Set amidst the glitz and glamor of the prohibition-era, Chicago follows Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, two fame-hungry vaudeville performers accused of murder. With the help of smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn, these anti-heroines manipulate the media, challenge the justice system, and vie for the spotlight in a cutthroat battle for fame and freedom.
Filled with jazz, unforgettable characters, and ensemble dance numbers, Chicago explores themes of corruption, celebrity culture, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Don’t miss your chance to witness the “razzle dazzle” of Pittsfield High School’s final production of the year!
The performances are May 3rd at 7:30 p.m., May 4th at 2:30 p.m., May 10th at 7:30 p.m., and May 11th at 2:30 p.m. in the Pittsfield High School Theatre on East Street in Pittsfield. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students in grades K through 12. Tickets may be purchased at https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/83647 or at the door by cash or check.
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New England Center for Circus Arts’ ‘Circus Springboard: What to Do If Your Balloon Pops’ at The Colonial Theatre
Pittsfield— On Friday, May 3rd at 7:30 p.m., Berkshire Theatre Group and The Berkshire Eagle present New England Center for Circus Arts’ “Circus Springboard: What to Do If Your Balloon Pops” at The Colonial Theatre.
Step right up and witness a dazzling contemporary circus theater show that unfolds the extraordinary journey of our protagonist, Kato, as she finds herself at a crossroads. Surrounded by a kaleidoscope of characters representing her inner self, Kato meets her enigmatic guide who leads her through a series of breathtaking performances from interesting characters including the Witch of Fear, the Keeper of Fire, the Dream Goddess of Hope, and Fred, all who offer Kato their unique wisdom.
Through astonishing aerial and acrobatic acts delivering heartwarming moments, “What To Do If Your Balloon Pops” is a celebration of resilience, self-discovery and the transformative power of the human spirit. Find out what to do if your balloon pops in this enchanting, family-friendly circus extravaganza that reminds us all that life’s greatest challenges can lead to the most meaningful journeys.
The performance is on Friday, May 3rd at 7:30 p.m. at The Colonial Theatre on South Street in Pittsfield. Tickets are $15 to $35; Card To Culture accepted. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Mahaiwe invites participation in New York Theatre Workshop’s ‘Mind the Gap’ intergenerational program
Great Barrington— For a second consecutive year, the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center is inviting participation in New York Theatre Workshop’s “Mind the Gap,” an intergenerational collaborative performance-making program from June 24th through June 28th.
“Mind the Gap” is a free intergenerational theatre program in which youth [14-21] and elders [60+] interview each other and collectively create a performance piece inspired by each other’s life stories and guided by New York Theatre Workshop’s teaching artists. The primary goal is to use theatre as a creative tool to increase empathy and communication between generations. The workshop will culminate with a public presentation in which the collaborative work is performed by the participants on Friday, June 28 at 7 p.m.
No theatre experience is required to participate in the program. “Mind the Gap” is not an acting class; performance is merely the tool through which we mind the gap between generations. During the program, participants explore the past, present, and the future, using intergenerational interviews as inspiration. Participants are treated as artists, and all participants are seen as equal in the process. “Mind the Gap” starts with the premise that we always have something to learn from each other, regardless of age.
Prospective participants can apply by visiting mahaiwe.org/applymtg. Application deadline is Friday, May 3rd.
