Crandell Theatre and Shaker Museum present an exclusive, advance screening of ‘The Testament of Ann Lee’ followed by a live in-person discussion with Emmy and Golden Globe winner Amanda Seyfried
Chatham, N.Y.— On Tuesday, December 23rd at 6:30 p.m., The Crandell Theatre and Shaker Museum present an exclusive advance screening of “The Testament of Ann Lee” followed by a live in-person discussion with Emmy and Golden Globe winner Amanda Seyfried.
Director Mona Fastvold’s new film stars Amanda Seyfried as Mother Ann Lee, the founding leader of the Shaker Movement. Mother Ann, who was proclaimed the female Christ by her followers, suffered the loss of all four of her children. The film follows her grief and spiritual evolution as she establishes a utopian society and the Shakers’ unique style of worship through song and dance. Seyfried has just received a Golden Globe nomination for the role.
Amanda Seyfried first captured the attention of audiences and critics alike in her breakthrough performance as Sophie Sheridan in “Mamma Mia!” Ten years later, Seyfried reprised her role in “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.” Seyfried received both Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for her portrayal of Marion Davies in David Fincher’s critically acclaimed film, “MANK” (2020), about screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz and his development of the screenplay for Citizen Kane. She won an Emmy Award, Golden Globe Award, and Critics Choice Award for her portrayal of Elizabeth Holmes in Hulu’s limited 2022 series “The Dropout.” She is currently starring in “The Housemaid,” a psychological thriller based on Freida McFadden’s New York Times bestselling novel.
The screening is on Tuesday, December 23rd at 6:30 p.m. at The Crandell Theatre, located at 48 Main Street in Chatham, N.Y. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Manos Unidas Multicultural Educational Cooperative presents ‘Roots of Stories,’ a bilingual exhibition of oral histories, art and, talks at the Sanctum Gallery
Pittsfield— On Sunday, December 14th and Saturday, December 20th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Manos Unidas Multicultural Educational Cooperative presents ‘Roots of Stories,’ the unveiling of a new bilingual exhibition of oral histories, art and, talks at the Sanctum Gallery.
Sponsored by World & Eye Arts Center, Katunmeno, and Roots & Dreams, the exhibit was developed through a 2024 Mass Humanities “Expanding Stories: Advancing Equity” grant. Under the leadership of Creative Directors Jean Minuchin and Anaelisa Jacobson, a community-based team conducted interviews and creative workshops to gather authentic, lived experiences from diverse members of the Pittsfield community. The resulting exhibit features recorded firsthand narrations paired with original artwork inspired by the stories, as well as talks by local experts who provide cultural, historical, and social context.
On Sunday, December 14th, Fernando Leon, of the American Civil Liberties Union, presents “We organize therefore we belong: Immigrants and the Soul of Democracy.” On Saturday, December 20th, Marina Dominguez and Dina Gregory present “The Journey of Art and Healing.”
Describing the exhibit, Anaelisa Jacobson said, “This bilingual exhibit reflects the richness, resilience, and depth of our community. We hope it invites dialogue and sparks meaningful connection.” The events are on Sunday, December 14th and Saturday, December 20th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Sanctum Gallery, located at 148 North Street in Pittsfield. More information can be found online.
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Celebrate Chanukah with Jewish Federation of the Berkshires at ‘NightWood’ at The Mount
Lenox— On Sunday, December 14th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., celebrate Chanukah with the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires at ‘NightWood’ at The Mount.
‘NightWood’ combines innovative and immersive music, lighting, and theatrical elements to create unique scenes that evoke feelings of wonder, mystery, and awakens the imagination. Stroll through this ethereal winter landscape and immerse yourself in sound, light, and color. After the tour, meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Mansion Forecourt to kindle the menorah lights and celebrate with live music, Chanukah songs, holiday treats, and heaters to keep you warm.
The celebration is on Sunday, December 14th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Mount, located at 2 Plunkett Street in Lenox. Tickets to ‘Nightwood’ are required. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Berkshire Community College announces Winter 2026 class catalogue
Pittsfield— The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Berkshire Community College (OLLI at BCC) announces its Winter 2026 class catalogue, offering hundreds of engaging online and in person courses, lectures, and events for adults seeking enrichment, connection, and community.
A wide variety of classes spanning literature, history, science, art, theatre, music, current events, and practical topics such as self-defense and hiking will be offered. Registration is now open. Registration and more information can be found online.
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Christ Trinity Church annual Christmas Holiday Bake Sale to benefit food pantries
Sheffield— On Saturday, December 13th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Christ Trinity Church will host its annual Christmas Holiday Bake Sale to benefit food pantries.
In addition to all your holiday favorites, including cookies, candies, cakes, pies, stollen, fruitcake, marmalade, and more, there will be prepared soups and pulled pork for a ready-to-go lunch or dinner. Free hot cider and cocoa will be offered to sip while you shop. Best of all, in addition to picking up these attractively wrapped delights for holiday gift giving or your own enjoyment, all proceeds will benefit local South County food pantries.
The sale is on Saturday, December 13th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Christ Trinity Church, located at the corner of Route 7 and Maple Avenue in Sheffield. Arrive early for the best selections. More information can be found online.
