Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum presents ‘The Reluctant Dragon,’ a marionette show with popular puppeteer Carl Sprague
Lenox— On Wednesday, December 27th and Friday, December 29th at 3:30 p.m., Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum presents ‘The Reluctant Dragon,’ a marionette show with popular puppeteer Carl Sprague.
This year’s holiday show is a spoof on the old English tale of St. George from the story by Kenneth Grahame. In this beloved classic story, a young boy befriends a poetry-loving dragon living above his home. When the town-folk send for St. George to slay the dragon, the boy needs to come up with a clever plan to save his friend and convince the townsfolk to accept him.
Sprague has been a puppeteer since childhood. He inherited a collection of 60 antique Czech marionettes, each about eight inches tall that were assembled by his great-grandfather, Julius Hybler. Sprague has also been a set designer for such motion pictures as “The Royal Tenenbaums” and Scorcese’s “The Age of Innocence,” as well as for theater productions including those of Shakespeare & Company. The audiences will have the opportunity to meet this string-pulling wizard.
The performances are on Wednesday, December 27th and Friday, December 29th at 3:30 p.m. at Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum on Walker Street in Lenox. Tickets are $20, $10 for youth ages four to 17, and free for children ages three and under. Card To Culture accepted. Reservations are required. Reservations and more information can be found online or by calling 413-637-3206.
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The Race Brook Lodge presents Parranda Navideña
Sheffield— On Friday, December 22nd from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., The Race Brook Lodge presents Parranda Navideña.
In Spanish, the word “posada” means “inn.” Several Latin American countries have
their own Posada traditions. In Mexico, Las Posadas are a series of celebrations that last from December 16th to December 24th. They are meant to commemorate the search for lodgings made by Saint Joseph and the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem as they waited for the baby Jesus to be born.
For the nine days leading up to Christmas, there would be 9 masses, and following the masses there would be parties with piñatas. The piñatas were representative of defeating temptation with virtue. The fruit and candy that spilled out when the piñatas were broken symbolized blessings from heaven. Eventually, posadas began to be held in people’s homes. People would travel from home to home, similar to caroling, singing a traditional back-and-forth song.
The Race Brook Lodge invites the public to celebrate. There will be singing, dancing, plenty of hot drinks, and fun with piñatas! The free celebration is on Friday, December 22nd from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. in the Barnspace at Race Brook Lodge on South Undermountain Road in Sheffield. More information can be found online.
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The Clark Art Institute offers free gallery tours for parents and infants
Williamstown— On Friday, January 5th at 10:15 a.m., The Clark Art Institute hosts a tour of its permanent collection galleries for new parents/caregivers and infants.
In this special program, new parents and caregivers bring their infants into the galleries for a guided visit and the opportunity to socialize with other community members in a casual environment. The informal tour includes a unique look at the Clark’s permanent collection, featuring an array of works by a variety of artists. Best suited for adults with pre-toddlers. Strollers and front-carrying baby carriers are welcome.
The free tour is on Friday, January 5th at 10:15 a.m. at The Clark Art Institute on South Street in Williamstown. More information can be found online.
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One of a Kind Wonders at The Berkshire Museum
Pittsfield— Through January 7th, The Berkshire Museum presents “One of a Kind Wonders,” an exhibition exploring some of the Museum’s most unique pieces including a full chimpanzee skeleton!
Staff of the Berkshire Museum have identified a number of objects that are difficult to categorize and are unique within their collection. They have isolated those objects and have now unveiled them to the public in this unique exhibition.
The exhibit is on view through January 7th at The Berkshire Museum on South Street in Pittsfield. More information can be found online or by calling 413-443-7171.
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Zion Lutheran Church presents a pick-up Christmas pageant
Pittsfield— On Sunday, December 24th at 10 a.m., the Zion Lutheran Church presents a pick-up Christmas pageant, an intergenerational, casual, festive telling of the nativity story.
Perfect for families with squirmy children/teens/parents/grandparents, budding actors, jingle bell-ers, Christmas carol lovers, anyone looking to let off steam on Christmas Eve morning, and anyone who’s ever wanted to wear a shepherd’s costume. There are no rehearsals, but there are costumes and candy canes.
The pageant is on Sunday, December 24th at 10 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church on First Street in Pittsfield. More information can be found online.
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The Crandell Theatre presents ‘Migration’ this holiday season
Chatham— From Friday, December 22nd through January 4th, The Crandell Theatre presents ‘Migration’ (PG | 82 min | Kids & Family, Comedy, Adventure, Animation.)
The story of a family of migrating ducks on a funny, feathered family vacation like no other, this action-packed new original comedy from Illumination (Despicable Me, Minions, Sing, The Secret Life of Pets) flies into theaters this holiday season. Featuring the voice talents of Awkwafina, Elizabeth Banks, Danny DeVito, Keegan-Michael Key, and Kumail Nanjiani.
The screenings run from Friday, December 22nd through January 4th at The Crandell Theatre on Main Street in Chatham, including a sensory-friendly screening at 2 p.m. on December 27th. Tickets and more information can be found online.
