Saturday, March 21, 2026

News and Ideas Worth Sharing

BITS & BYTES: ‘The Magic Flute’ at The Clark; Wizards of Winter at The Colonial Theatre; ’Magic by George’ at The Berkshire Museum; Kids’ cooking class at The Clark; ’Beer and Carols’ at The Common Room; Otto’s pancake Christmas; BRTA announces no bus service

The Met’s family-friendly production of Mozart’s dazzling fairy tale returns.

The Clark Art Institute to air the Live in HD production of ‘The Magic Flute’

Williamstown— On Saturday, December 30th from 12:55 p.m. to 2:55 p.m., The Clark Art Institute will air the Live in HD production of ‘The Magic Flute.’ 

The Met’s family-friendly production of Mozart’s dazzling fairy tale returns, sung in English and running under two hours. Patrick Furrer and Gareth Morrell share conducting duties, leading a standout cast in Julie Taymor’s magical staging. Tenors Piotr Buszewski and Joshua Blue share the role of Tamino, the brave prince on a quest to win the clever princess Pamina, sung by sopranos Janai Brugger and Liv Redpath. The cast also features famed tenor Rolando Villazón reprising his uproarious portrayal as the luckless bird catcher Papageno, alternating with baritone Alexander Birch Elliott, and soprano Kathryn Lewek as the Queen of the Night, alongside basses Brindley Sherratt and James Creswell as Sarastro.

Matthew Polenzani as Tamino in Mozart’s ‘The Magic Flute.’ Photo by Ken Howard, courtesy of The Met Opera.

The Met’s Live in HD is the Metropolitan Opera’s award-winning series of live high-definition cinema simulcasts, featuring the full performance along with backstage interviews and commentary. Please note that this is an encore presentation of “The Magic Flute.”

The simulcast is on Saturday, December 30th from 12:55 p.m. to 2:55 p.m. in the Manton Research Center auditorium at The Clark Art Institute on South Street in Williamstown. Tickets are $25, $22 for members, $18 for students, and $5 for children ages 15 and under. Advanced registration encouraged. Registration and more information can be found online. 

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Berkshire Theatre Group presents The Wizards of Winter at The Colonial Theatre

Pittsfield— On Friday, December 22nd at 7:30 p.m., back by popular demand, The Wizards of Winter bring their musical intensity, stage theatrics, and holiday fun to The Colonial Theatre, a holiday rock event for the whole family!

The Wizards of Winter. Image courtesy of BTG.

Join The Wizards of Winter as they perform their rock opera, embarking on a musical journey in search of the true meaning of the holidays. Featuring former members of The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Def Leppard, Rainbow, Alice Cooper, and Blue Oyster Cult, along with Broadway and theater veterans, this 11-member ensemble boasts soaring vocal harmonies, precision string instrumentation, powerful percussion, and stunning keyboard work, layered around a rich storyboard that evokes memories and emotions of past holidays.

The concert is on Friday, December 22nd at 7:30 p.m., at The Colonial Theatre on South Street in Pittsfield. Tickets are $59. Tickets and more information can be found online or by calling 413-997-4444.

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The Berkshire Museum presents ‘Magic by George’

Pittsfield— On Saturday, December 30th at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., The Berkshire Museum presents ‘Magic by George’, an afternoon of magic, comedy, and fun-filled family entertainment with multi-award-winning magician George Saterial.

‘Magic by George.’ Image courtesy of The Berkshire Museum.

This dynamic show is a compelling blend of jaw-dropping magic, psychic mind reading and light warm-hearted comedy. Spectators will actively participate in the show to help create a unique, fun, and memorable experience. You’ll be amazed by the appearance of live birds, and an audience member will actually float mid-air!

The shows are on Saturday, December 30th at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at The Berkshire Museum on South Street in Pittsfield. Tickets are $20, $13 for children, $5 for members, and free for children ages three and under. Museum admission is included. Tickets and more information can be found online.  

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The Clark hosts a kids’ cooking class

Williamstown— On Friday, December 29th from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., The Clark’s popular kids’ cooking class ‘Kids Can Cook!’ returns.

Kids’ cooking class. Image courtesy of The Clark.

Little chefs will learn cooking techniques as they whip up delicious things from around the world, including empanadas, lasagna, and a tasty dessert. This exciting program gives children the chance to improve their skills in the kitchen and make a delicious meal to share. A take-home goodie bag is included.

The class is on Friday, December 29th from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Clark’s Café 7 on South Street in Williamstown. The cost is $30 and $28 for members. Each registration reserves a spot for a child and their guardian – children must be accompanied by a guardian. Registration and more information can be found online. 

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Zion Lutheran Church presents ‘Beer and Carols’ at The Common Room

Pittsfield— On Wednesday, December 20th at 7 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church presents ‘Beer and Carols’ at The Common Room with beer provided by Hot Plate Brewing Company.

Raise your glass and your voice. ‘Beer and Carols’ is back for its 10th year! Featuring beer from Hot Plate Brewing Company and music from Zion Lutheran Church’s instrumentalists, this evening is full of cheer, community, and laughter. Snacks and nonalcoholic drinks will also be provided.

‘Beer and Carols’ at The Common Room.

The free, all-ages event is on Wednesday, December 20th at 7 p.m. in The Common Room at Zion Lutheran Church on First Street in Pittsfield. A free will donation will be accepted to benefit The Common Room and PACC’s Fuel Fund. More information can be found online. 

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Otto’s pancake Christmas

Pittsfield— On Monday, December 25th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Otto’s will be serving up fluffy pancakes, bacon, coffee, and orange juice on Christmas morning from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

No one should be alone for the holidays, and Ottos feels that as members of our community, it’s their job to make sure everyone has a place to go for camaraderie, friendship, and a hot meal. Even if you have the means, come in, eat some pancakes, and help build community!

Otto’s pancake Christmas.

The dine-in only meal is on Monday, December 25th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Otto’s Kitchen & Comfort on East Street in Pittsfield. It is free with a “chip in a few bucks if you can” sort of deal. More information can be found online. 

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BRTA announces no bus service for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day

Berkshire— BRTA announces no bus service for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. 

BRTA.

All BRTA fixed route or paratransit bus services will not operate on Monday, December 25th to observe the Christmas holiday. All BRTA fixed route and paratransit bus services will also not operate on Monday, January 1st to observe the New Year’s Day holiday.  Additionally, the BRTA Administrative Office on Columbus Avenue will be closed on Friday, December 22nd.

Specific schedule or route information may be obtained by calling the operations department at 1-800-292-BRTA ext 1.

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