Saturday, July 12, 2025

News and Ideas Worth Sharing

BITS & BYTES: ‘Guys and Dolls’ at The Mac-Haydn; WAM Theatre presents ‘Where We Stand’; Happenstance Theater at The Foundry; Chelsea Gaia at Ventfort Hall; 18 Degrees Kids 4 Harmony summer concert; Lightning bug light show at The Mount; Berkshire Music School scholarship auditions; Explore electrician trade at BCC

“We’re thrilled to bring Guys and Dolls back to the Mac-Haydn stage, it was our most requested show. It’s a perfect summer musical—full of heart, humor, and some of the best songs ever written for the American stage,” said Mac-Haydn Artistic Director John Saunders.

Mac-Haydn Theatre presents one of Broadway’s most iconic and beloved musicals ‘Guys and Dolls’

Chatham, N.Y.— Through July 6th, the Mac-Haydn Theatre presents one of Broadway’s most iconic and beloved musicals “Guys and Dolls.”

A masterful blend of romance, comedy, and show-stopping music, “Guys and Dolls” brings the glitz of 1950s New York to the Mac-Haydn stage. With unforgettable characters like high-rolling gambler Sky Masterson (Tristan Caldwell), straight-laced missionary Sarah Brown (Belle Babcock), and the endlessly endearing showgirl Adelaide (Bridget Carrow), this Tony Award-winning musical is a high-energy crowd-pleaser for all ages. Director/Choreographer and Berkshire Theatre award-winner Mandy Modic returns to Mac-Haydn to lead the production, promising a dazzling and dynamic staging of this golden-age gem.

‘Guys and Dolls’ at The Mac-Haydn. Photo by Ann Kielbasa. Courtesy The Mac-Haydn.

The show features a celebrated score by Frank Loesser, including classics like “Luck Be a Lady,” “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” and “A Bushel and a Peck.” Artistic Director John Saunders said, “We’re thrilled to bring Guys and Dolls back to the Mac-Haydn stage, it was our most requested show. It’s a perfect summer musical—full of heart, humor, and some of the best songs ever written for the American stage.”

Performances run through July 6th at the Mac-Haydn Theatre, located at 1925 NY-203 in Chatham, N.Y. Tickets and more information can be found online. 

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WAM Theatre presents ‘Where We Stand,’ a solo performance and community exploration

Lenox and Albany, N.Y.— From June 26th through June 29th, WAM Theatre presents “Where We Stand, a solo performance and community exploration written by award-winning playwright Donnetta Lavinia Grays.

In a town running low on compassion, an exile seeks forgiveness, ultimately forcing the community to decide between mercy or justice. This human-centered theatrical folktale explores the fragile bond between the individual and the collective—and the profound consequences of breaking faith with one another. At a time when recent events ask us to reflect on who we are to each other, this play offers more than a performance; it invites a vital conversation. 

WAM Artistic Director Genée Coreno shared, “As I witness the media coverage of immigration enforcement and the humanitarian crisis unfolding all over the world—one line from ‘Where We Stand’ echoes in my heart: ‘Justice is what love looks like in public.’ These words remind us that justice is not theoretical—it’s how we choose to show up every day, for one another, for people seeking safety, shelter, opportunity, and dignity. Everyone felt the magic *tingles* in the room at the first rehearsal and read through…you DON’T want to miss this one.”

Vernice Miller, D. Colin, and Meg Lydon. Courtesy WAM.

This powerful solo performance will feature Capital Region-based multidisciplinary artist and performer D. Colin, known for her dynamic and captivating presence in performance, poetry, and community engagement. WAM Theatre is ecstatic to partner with the REP’s Pearl Side Presents for a special, pop-up performance on Saturday, June 28th at 7 p.m. in Albany, N.Y.

The performances run from June 26th through June 29th at Lenox Town Hall 6 Walker Street in Lenox and Capital Repertory Theatre, located at 251 North Pearl Street in Albany, N.Y. Tickets and more information can be found online. 

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The Foundry presents ‘Pocket Moxie: A Happenstance Vaudeville,’ a light-hearted homage to the style and spirit of the great age of Vaudeville

West Stockbridge— On Sunday, June 22nd from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., The Foundry presents “Pocket Moxie: A Happenstance Vaudeville,” a light-hearted homage to the style and spirit of the great age of Vaudeville. 

Vaudeville is an immensely popular theatre from the late 19th and early 20th Centuries made up of specialty acts, song, and dance. Happenstance Theater’s five versatile players breathe new life into these classic routines including a ventriloquist’s dummy, a magic act, novelty songs, a musical saw, and waiters juggling meatballs, all with full live “foley” sound effects. This show is teeming with hijinks, harmonies, nostalgic beauty, and physical comedy. Don’t miss your chance to see old Vaudeville brought back to life!

Happenstance Theater. Courtesy The Foundry.

The family-friendly performance is on Sunday, June 22nd from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Foundry, located at 2 Harris Street in West Stockbridge. The doors open at 2:30 p.m. Tickets and more information can be found online. 

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Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Mansion and Museum presents ‘The Story of Festival House in the 1950s,’ a talk with with Chelsea Gaia

Lenox— On Tuesday, June 24th at 4 p.m., Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Mansion & Museum presents “The Story of Festival House in the 1950s,” a talk about the time Ventfort Hall operated as Festival House, an inn in the 1950’s where everyone was welcome, with with Chelsea Gaia.

The Berkshires haven’t always been so open and celebratory of diversity. In fact, it’s a fairly recent development with an obscure catalyst. During the 1950’s, Ventfort Hall did not exist as the Gilded Age Museum it is today, but instead, an inclusive resort open to all who wished to stay, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or socio-economic class or status. While not many tangible relics remain from the Festival House era, the spirit of Festival House remains strong today.

Courtesy Ventfort Hall.

Chelsea Gaia is the Director of Programming and Events for Ventfort Hall. An avid researcher and student of life, Gaia is openly neuro-divergent and finds joy and fulfillment executing in-depth study and research in many disciplines, as well as the history of each particular study.  Among her skills, she is a native plant expert for flora of the Pacific Northwest region of North America, a stained glass restoration specialist, a visual artist, a 20-year photojournalist, a seasoned graphic designer, and a multi-disciplined application scientist.

The talk is on Tuesday, June 24th at 4 p.m. at Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Mansion and Museum, located at 104 Walker Street in Lenox. A tea will be served after her presentation. Reservations and more information can be found online.

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18 Degrees presents the 2025 Kids 4 Harmony summer gala concert

Lenox— On Tuesday, June at 7 p.m., 18 Degrees presents the 2025 Kids 4 Harmony summer gala concert with guest artist accomplished cellist Francesca McNeeley in honor of the dedicated longtime support of Ed Bride of Berkshires Jazz.

Kids 4 Harmony. Courtesy 18 Degrees.

Established 13 years ago, Kids 4 Harmony, a youth development program of 18 Degrees, is a youth string ensemble serving over 65 students each year at no cost to families. The program builds musical excellence, family support, life skills, access to opportunity, and community. The summer gala concert is the single largest fundraiser for Kids 4 Harmony.

Francesca McNeeley enjoys an eclectic career in the Boston area as a chamber musician, orchestral player, and modern music advocate. She is a member of the A Far Cry chamber orchestra, Castle of Our Skins, and has performed and toured as a substitute cellist with the Boston Symphony and Boston Pops Orchestras.

Francesca McNeeley. Courtesy 18 Degrees.

The concert is on Tuesday, June at 7 p.m. at Seiji Ozawa Hall at Tanglewood Music Center, located at 297 West Street in Lenox. Tickets and more information can be found online. 

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The Mount presents a family lightning bug light show

Lenox— On Wednesday, June 25th from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., The Mount presents a family lightning bug light show. 

You’re invited to experience a magical summer light show with your family. Learn how best to view or gently catch and release fireflies. After a short presentation, take an evening walk in the meadows for firefly viewing while keeping your eyes open for the stars, planets, and twilight wildlife.

Photo by Kristen Ryan. Courtesy The Mount.

The family program is on Wednesday, June 25th from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Mount, located at 2 Plunkett Street in Lenox. Registration and more information can be found online. Information about upcoming firefly programs designed for adults can be found online.

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Berkshire Music School announces talent and merit scholarship auditions 

Pittsfield— On Wednesday, June 25th from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Berkshire Music School (BMS) will host talent and merit scholarship auditions. 

Courtesy Berkshire Music School.

Open to talented instrumentalists and vocalists of all skill levels and ages, the scholarship auditions provide an excellent opportunity for musicians to showcase their skills and potentially receive talent or merit-based financial assistance for their music education at BMS.

Instrumentalists are asked to prepare major and minor scales in a key of their choice in one octave and two songs of their choice in contrasting styles. Vocalists are asked to prepare two songs of their choice in contrasting styles. BMS will not be providing an accompanist. Instrumentalists should be prepared to perform without accompaniment; vocalists may perform to pre-recorded accompaniment that they provide.

Students are also welcome to participate virtually, by recording a video containing the audition requirements, filling out the registration form linked below, and sending their video to Sarah Prouty at sprouty@berkshiremusicschool.org before June 25th.

The auditions are on Wednesday, June 25th from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Berkshire Music School, located at 30 Wendell Avenue in Pittsfield. Registration and more information can be found online. 

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Berkshire Community College invites all to explore the electrician trade

Pittsfield— On Tuesday, June 24th from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Berkshire Community College (BCC) invites all to explore the electrician trade. 

Berkshire Community College (BCC) will hold a free, hands-on career awareness event called “Explore the Electrician Trade.” The event will focus on the BCC Trades Academy’s future electrician program. Attendees will include local electricians, young employees in the trade and facilities managers. An overview of the program will be followed by a casual, guided talk with local employer Comalli Electric. Topics of conversation include career pathways, wages, certifications, day-in-the-life stories, and more.

In addition, there will be a virtual reality (VR) interactive experience and hands-on demonstrations of electrical tools and simulations, solar panel installation, and basic wiring practice. A variety of informational tables will feature BCC programs, employers and community partners, including MassHire, Second Street Second Chances and Dan D’Alma of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).

Courtesy Berkshire Community College.

The event is on Tuesday, June 24th from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Berkshire Community College, located at 1350 West Street in Pittsfield. Registration and more information can be found online. 

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THEN & NOW: Great Barrington Savings Bank

Great Barrington Savings Bank merged with Berkshire County Savings Bank in the 1990s to become Berkshire Bank.

BITS & BYTES: BAAMS faculty concert; Berkshires Jazz presents Jasper Zimmerman and Estaban Castro; Chinobay at The Clark; Andrew Lippman at The Mount; Stephanie...

This inspired night of jazz, blues, world, and funk music features an all-star band led by trumpeter Richard Boulger, featuring saxophonist Ron Blake, guitarist Rodney Jones, Alex Blake, Dario Boente, and drummers Mino Cinelu and Kenwood Dennard.

The Edge Is Free To Read.

But Not To Produce.