ANCRAM CENTER FOR THE ARTS | Ancram, N.Y.
July 11th through the 20th
“Where the Mountain Meets the Sea”
Written by Jeff Augustin | Music by The Bengsons | Directed by Christopher Windom
A Haitian man travels from Miami to California on a once-in-a-lifetime road trip and, years later, his gay son travels the same route in reverse. These parallel journeys allow them to forge a connection that had eluded them for years.
August 7th through the 20th
“Plein Air Plays”
Three original short performances created for secret, site-specific Ancram locations where the setting becomes a character.
August 16th and 17th
“Play Lab Residencies: Blue Cowboy”
Written and performed by David Cale
An evocative solo work about a NYC screenwriter on assignment in Idaho and his encounters with an enigmatic rancher, written and performed by three-time Obie Award winner and acclaimed monologist David Cale (Harry Clarke); and songs and excerpts from “Framed” by Ancram’s own Mary Murfitt, based on true events uncovering a love triangle than ends in a murder.
BARRINGTON STAGE COMPANY | Pittsfield, Mass.
June 3rd through the 8th
“Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground”
A New Los Angeles Repertory Company Production
Starring John Rubinstein | Written by Richard Helleson | Directed by Peter Ellenstein
“Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground” is a candid and fascinating fictional eavesdropping on President Dwight D. Eisenhower at his Gettysburg, Pennsylvania farm. This biographical play is “filled with timely political lessons from a leader who strove to put country over party.”
June 4th through June 22nd
“N/A”
Written by Mario Correa
“N/A” is inspired by the relationship between the youngest woman elected to Congress, and its first female Speaker of the House. Charles Isherwood of The Wall Street Journal, praises Correa, stating “Mr. Correa’s writing is sharp and smart, convincing in its understanding of the characters as we know them, and often refreshingly funny.”
June 25th through July 19th
“Lerner and Loewe’s Camelot”
Co-produced with Shakespeare Theatre in D.C.
Book & Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner | Music by Frederick Loewe | Directed by Alan Paul | Original Choreography by Michele Lynch | Choreographed and Recreated by Brandon Bieber
Amid mystical forests and grand castles, “Camelot” tells a beloved tale of a leader’s integrity, courage and empathy—a chronicle of the struggle for civilization and goodness in a world accustomed to violence and hate. With the legendary story of King Arthur’s Round Table, doomed romance and a stunning score, “Camelot” has won the hearts of generations of musical theatre lovers. Winner of four Tony Awards, this classic musical is a hymn to an era of leadership that upheld idealism and championed the potential of humankind.
July 8th through July 27th
“fuzzy”
Book & Lyrics by Jeff Talbott | Music & Lyrics by Will Van Dyke | Directed by Ellie Heyman
“fuzzy” is a world premiere musical about all the big things – how we take care of each other and, in doing so, take care of ourselves, even if you are just a little fuzzy puppet.
July 31st through August 17th
“Joan”
A South Coast Repertory Production
Written by Daniel Goldstein | Directed by David Ivers
Go behind the curtain with the queen of stand-up comedy, Joan Rivers. Daniel Goldstein’s new play imagines the legendary comic reliving her life story in the only way possible: with laughs from beginning to end. Discover the pioneer who conquered a man’s world, the mother of all-time punchlines, and the woman who had it all, lost it all, and did it all. This no-holds-barred look at the life of a true legend makes its regional premiere.
August 12th through August 31st
“King James”
Co-Produced with TheaterWorks Hartford and Round House Theatre
Written by Rajiv Joseph | Directed by Rob Ruggiero
In a town that was searching for someone to look up to, no figure loomed as tall as Lebron James—and no Clevelander worshipped him as much as Shawn and Matt. King James chronicles the budding friendship between these two fanatics as they bond over the rise of a basketball god.
BENNINGTON THEATER | Bennington, Vt.
June 8th
“Bipolar Brunch”
Written by Molly Kirschner | Directed by Suzanne Wessler
In this eccentric comedy about bipolar disorder, a weekly brunch brings together an eruptive sixteen-year-old obsessed with photosynthesis, a young life coach/drug dealer, a radical 73-year-old choreographer, a man who introduces himself as a world-famous fue flutist, and the lovely botanist who seems to “have it all” and is trying desperately to hold everyone together. In a world in which human connection is a luxury, “Bipolar Brunch” asks: Who needs to be heard? Who needs people who understand and accept you? Who needs to be challenged? Cheered on? Who needs to be loved for exactly who you are? We all do.
June 14th
“Eat, Drink, and Be Married!”
A Las Vegas-themed Murder Mystery Dinner Experience, you’re invited to the wildest wedding of the year—Vegas style! Join us for “Eat, Drink, and Be Married,” a hilariously interactive murder mystery dinner where love, luck, and larceny collide. This one-of-a-kind event blends live performance, audience participation, and a dash of deadly fun—set against a glittering Las Vegas backdrop.
BERKSHIRE THEATRE GROUP | Pittsfield and Stockbridge, Mass.
May 30th through June 15th
“The Elephant Man”
Written by Bernard Pomerance | Directed by Eric Hill
Set in Victorian England, the play follows Joseph Merrick, a man whose severe physical deformities make him a target of cruelty and exploitation. Rescued from a life in a traveling sideshow, he finds refuge in a London hospital, where he forms an unlikely bond with a celebrated physician. As society debates whether to view him as a medical curiosity or a man of intelligence and grace, “The Elephant Man” explores the struggle to be seen for who we truly are. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Play, “The Elephant Man” is a timeless examination of society’s perception of beauty, normalcy, and kindness. At its heart is a deeply human story about the need for connection and understanding.. As thought-provoking as it is emotionally stirring, “The Elephant Man” remains one of the most powerful and unforgettable dramas ever written.
June 30th through July 26th
“Out of Character”
A Berkeley Repertory Theatre Production
Written & performed by Ari’el Stachel | Directed by Tony Taccone
Written and performed by Tony Award winner Ari’el Stachel, this deeply personal and profoundly moving solo play takes audiences on an intimate journey through identity, mental health, and self-acceptance. This production is not to be missed—an unforgettable night of theatre that challenges, inspires and ultimately celebrates the beauty of embracing who we are.
July 24th through August 17th
“The Mousetrap”
Written by Agatha Christie | Directed by Gerry McIntyre
A timeless classic that has kept audiences on the edge of their seats for over 70 years, Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” is the ultimate whodunit. When a group of strangers becomes snowbound in a remote countryside guesthouse, a chilling murder sets off a race against time to unmask the culprit. With each guest harboring secrets of their own, suspicion runs high, and everyone is a suspect in this masterfully crafted mystery. The longest-running play in theatre history, “The Mousetrap” remains as captivating today as when it first premiered in London’s West End in 1952. Christie’s signature blend of tension, intrigue and unexpected revelations ensures that no two audiences experience the story in quite the same way. Whether you’re a longtime Christie fan or a newcomer to the world of classic mysteries, “The Mousetrap” is an unmissable theatrical experience that will leave you guessing until the very last moment.
August 7th through August 30th
“Dying is No Excuse”
Written & performed by Renée Taylor | Directed by Elaine May
Best known for her quick wit and larger-than-life presence, Renée Taylor, an Academy Award-nominated and Emmy-winning actress, writer, and comedian, brings her signature humor to this deeply personal journey through love, marriage, and loss. “Dying is No Excuse” is not just a memoir—it’s a celebration of a love story that defied the odds, proving that even in the face of loss, laughter and love endure.
CHESTER THEATRE COMPANY | Chester, Mass.
June 19th through the 29th
“Magdalene”
Written by Mark St. Germain | Directed by Keira Naughton
Eighteen years after the death of Christ, Peter seeks out Mary Magdalene, whom he banished after the crucifixion. Peter needs an ally against a self-proclaimed Apostle angling for power in the growing church. In “Magdalene,” the author of “Freud’s Last Session” offers a startling new look at two historical figures and the clash that impacts the course of Christianity.
July 3rd through the 13th
“A Hundred Words For Snow”
Written by Tatty Hennessy | Directed by Michelle Ong-Hendrick
After her father’s unexpected death, 15-year-old Rory discovers that he was planning a trip for the two of them to the North Pole. So, she picks up his ashes, her passport, and her mother’s credit card, and sets out to make good on his plans. Layered, complex and as beautiful as snowfall, Hennessy’s play is an epic Arctic adventure about adolescence, grief, love, and being an explorer in a melting world.
July 24th through August 3rd
“A Case For The Existence of God”
Written by Samuel D. Hunter | Directed by Daniel Elihu Kramer
Somewhere in the middle of America, Keith, a mortgage broker, and Ryan, a yogurt plant worker, unexpectedly let each other into their own fragile worlds. Negotiations of bank loans transform into talk of financial insecurity and the precariousness of parenthood, as the two realize they share a “specific kind of sadness.” Winner of the 2022 New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play, “A Case for the Existence of God” is a transcendent work from the screenwriter of the Oscar-nominated film “The Whale.” With humor, honesty and time-bending theatricality, Hunter intertwines the lives of two ordinary men, both outsiders to the forces that govern their lives.
August 7th through the 17th
“Mr. Joy”
Written by Daniel Beaty | Directed by Vernice Miller
What happened to Mr. Joy? A Harlem community takes stock when a Chinese immigrant’s shoe repair shop mysteriously doesn’t open one morning, causing an array of customers to realize what the shop owner has meant in their lives. In a tour-de-force performance, one actor plays all of Mr. Joy’s customers, from the bubbly eleven-year-old Clarissa to the sincere and savvy Bessie, leader of the “Gansta Grannies.” From them we learn about the profound impact the shop owner had on each of their lives, and the invisible ties that bind us all.
CHESTERWOOD | Stockbridge, Mass.
July 31st
“The Taming of the Shrew”
A Shakespeare & Company open rehearsal.
August 8th
“The Art of Tableaux Vivants”
By director and actor Doria Bramante.
Watching the live re-creation of famous paintings.
DORSET THEATRE FESTIVAL | Dorset, Conn.
June 20th through July 5th
“Savage”
Written by Lena Kaminsky | Directed by M. Bevin O’Gara
Carla attempts to junk the overwhelming collection of mirrors from her childhood home at her small town dump. Instead, amid other people’s trash, she finds the treasure of two new friends she didn’t know she needed. Past lives and future plans intertwine—and sometimes collide—as together these neighbors sort through what to toss and what to take away. And maybe, discover the magic potion for moving on? Salvage is a funny and heartwarming new play about what can happen when we allow ourselves to be seen.
July 11th through the 26th
“The Book Club Play”
Written by Karen Zacarías | Directed by Jackson Gay
When the members of a devoted book club become the subjects of a documentary film and accept a provocative new member, their long-standing group dynamics take a hilarious turn. A sold-out hit at theaters across the country, this delightful and engaging play is sprinkled with wit, joy, and novels galore.
August 6th through the 16th
“Satellites”
Written by Erin Breznitsky | Directed By Adrienne Campbell-Holt
Girl meets boy, girl marries boy, girl moves on after boy goes missing in outer space…until boy mysteriously reappears on Earth seven years later. While he has been lost in the far reaches of the cosmos, she has forged ahead on her own, grounded in the earthbound reality of career and motherhood. Memories of the couple’s romantic past converge with an impossible reunion in the present as they attempt to bridge the astronomical gap between then and now. Intimate, charming, and beautiful, “Satellites” is about time, space, and two people with great ambitions searching for connection.
August 22nd through September 6th
“Other Desert Cities”
Written by Jon Robin Baitz | Directed by Robert Egan
When Brooke arrives at her parents’ Palm Springs mansion with the manuscript of her tell-all memoir in tow, she unearths a devastating family secret, throwing her parents into a panic that threatens to rip the clan apart. With biting wit and razor-sharp insight, this gripping story, a finalist for the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, skillfully navigates the complex dynamics of family loyalty, political divides, and buried truths.
THE FOUNDRY | Stockbridge, Mass.
June 5th and 6th
“TREATY: A Play About How to Not Blow Up The Planet”
A Ground UP Productions original piece
Written by Chris Thorpe | Directed by Kate Middleton and Laura Standley with Seth Shelden
After a chance meeting with a disarmament expert, playwright Chris Thorpe fell into the world of nuclear treaty negotiation, The Treaty On The Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and the ordinary people who are trying to achieve the extraordinary outcome of complete nuclear disarmament. Based on conversations with organizations and individuals involved in those negotiations, including ICAN, the Nobel Prize winning International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, the play is partly a story about the people on either side of the nuclear debate, and partly a conversation with the audience about how we find the space to talk about disarmament in our own lives.
June 20th
“A Eulogy for Roman”
Produced by SPIN CYCLE
Directed by Ron Lasko
Meet Milo, a nervous young man who shares the stage with an urn. But things aren’t as dark as they seem. Milo is trying to give a eulogy for his friend Roman, but the ceremony proves unexpectedly difficult, and attendees are voluntarily enlisted to help him complete the memorial. Together, they celebrate life, confront death, and make a promise of their own.
June 21st
“HOMOS! A Solo Disaster Musical, Bitch”
Written and performed by Dan Kitrosser | Directed by Kyle Metzger
The award-winning queer musical comedy “HOMOS! A Solo Disaster Musical, Bitch,” playing monthly at The Stonewall Inn, will play for one night only at The Foundry! “HOMOS! A Solo Disaster Musical, bitch” is exactly what it sounds like. Queer. Musical. Solo. And, a disaster. Dan Kitrosser wants nothing more than to put on his six person gay-as-heck apocalyptic musical, but as our world is actually on the brink of collapse, Dan is literally running out of time. So, he’s just gonna roll up his sleeves and do it ALL himself. Don’t miss this side-splitting tour de-farce that won Best Cabaret at the 2023 Philadelphia Fringe Festival.
GREAT BARRINGTON PUBLIC THEATER | Great Barrington, Mass.
June 5th to 22nd
“How to NOT Save the World with Mr. Bezos”
Written by Maggie Kearnan | Directed by Clay Hopper
It’s illegal to be a billionaire, and Jeffrey Bezos has agreed to give an interview in exchange for information on the federal case against him. But, there’s something off about journalist Cherry Beaumont, a crowd is forming outside, and the onstage Fact Checker has a few important clarifications to make. The fall of capitalism is about to get very messy.
July 10th through the 27th
“Madame Mozart, The Lacrimosa”
Written by Anne Undeland | Directed by Judy Braha
A live pianist accompanies the cast in Anne Undeland’s work of historical fiction about an underestimated woman struggling to survive through dint of her own sharp wits and under severe financial duress, all while living in a patriarchal society.
August 1st through August 17th
“The Best Medicine”
Written by Robin Gerber | Directed by Matthew Penn
Rachel’s a free spirit in a long-term marriage. That ‘in sickness and in health’ vow is a distant memory, but when her husband gets a progressive, incurable disease she’s thrust into the job she’s least suited for: self-sacrificing caregiver. In this hilarious and poignant one-woman play, a stand-up comedy class becomes Rachel’s salvation and a portal to a transforming truth about life and love.
MAC-HAYDN THEATRE | Chatham, N.Y.
June 5th through the 15th
“Rodgers & Hammerstein’s A Grand Night For Singing”
Music by Richard Rodgers | Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II | Music Arrangements by Fred Wells | Conceived by Walter Bobbie
Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein may never have imagined “Shall We Dance?” as a comic pas de deux for a towering beauty and her diminutive admirer, nor might they have suspected that one day a lovelorn young lad might pose the musical question, “How do you solve a problem like Maria?” But that’s precisely the kind of invention lavished upon this new revue, with innovative musical arrangements, including a sultry Andrews Sisters-esque “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” a swingin’ “Honeybun” worthy of the Modernaires, and a jazzy “Kansas City,” proving how terrifically up-to-date the remarkable songs of R&H remain.
June 19th through July 6th
“Guys and Dolls”
Book by Abe Burrows & Jo Swerling | Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser | Based on The Idyll of Sarah Brown and characters by Damon Runyon
Set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City, Guys and Dolls is an oddball romantic comedy. Gambler, Nathan Detroit, tries to find the cash to set up the biggest craps game in town while the authorities breathe down his neck; meanwhile, his girlfriend and nightclub performer, Adelaide, laments that they’ve been engaged for fourteen years. Nathan turns to fellow gambler, Sky Masterson, for the dough, and Sky ends up chasing the straight-laced missionary, Sarah Brown, as a result. Guys and Dolls takes us from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, Cuba, and even into the sewers of New York City, but eventually everyone ends up right where they belong.
July 10th through the 20th
“A Bronx Tale”
Music by Alan Menken | Book by Chazz Palminter | Lyrics by Glenn Slater
Based on the critically acclaimed play that inspired the now classic film, this streetwise musical will take you to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s—where a young man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he’d love to be. “A Bronx Tale” is a story about respect, loyalty, love, and above all else: family.
July 30th and August 1st
“The Last Five Years”
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
An emotionally powerful and intimate musical about two New Yorkers in their twenties who fall in and out of love over the course of five years, the show’s unconventional structure consists of Cathy, the woman, telling her story backwards while Jamie, the man, tells his story chronologically; the two characters only meet once, at their wedding in the middle of the show.
July 24th through August 3rd
“Jesus Christ Superstar”
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber | Lyrics by Tim Rice
Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, “Jesus Christ Superstar” follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire. The iconic 1970s rock score contains such well-known numbers as “Superstar,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Gethsemane.” A true global phenomenon, Superstar continues to touch new generations of audiences and performers.
August 7th through the 17th
“Annie”
Book by Thomas Meehan | Music by Charles Strouse | Lyrics by Martin Charnin
Leapin’ Lizards! With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of the orphanage that is run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other girls in the orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of NYC. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan and even befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt! She finds a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.
August 21st through 31st
“Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville”
Music and Lyrics by Jimmy Buffett | Book by Greg Garcia & Mike O’Malley
We’re going to Margaritaville. Leading our visit is Tully, a part-time bartender, part-time singer, and full-time charmer who thinks he’s got life all figured out—until a beautiful tourist steals his heart and makes him question everything. The musical comedy features the most-loved Jimmy Buffett classics, including “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Margaritaville,” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” “Fins,” “Volcano,” and many more. Kick off your flip flops and set your clock to island time in this tropical paradise where love and laughter are the keys to growing older but not up.
MAHAIWE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | Great Barrington, Mass.
On Friday, June 13th
“A Streetcar Named Desire”
London’s National Theatre in HD
Written by Tennessee Williams | Directed by Benedict Andrews
As Blanche’s fragile world crumbles, she turns to her sister Stella for solace—but her downward spiral brings her face to face with the brutal, unforgiving Stanley Kowalski. Gillian Anderson, Vanessa Kirby, and Ben Foster lead the cast in Tennessee Williams’ timeless masterpiece.
SHAKESPEARE & COMPANY | Lenox, Mass.
June 19th and July 20th
“The Victim”
Written by Lawrence Goodman | Featuring Annette Miller | Directed by Daniel Gidron
A successful New York doctor whose racial diversity training has gone horribly wrong. A health aide grappling with racism during the COVID-19 pandemic. A Holocaust survivor facing her own horror, and finding her way back to love and healing. Three women, three interconnected monologues. Who gets to call herself a victim? Who is the perpetrator? “The Victim” is about identity, our blindness to others, and the human capacity for cruelty and compassion.
July 12th through August 10th
“Romeo and Juliet”
Written by William Shakespeare | Directed by Kevin G. Coleman and Jonathan Epstein
Presented under the Berkshires’ summer skies this summer, “Romeo and Juliet” proves that even the ultimate case of love at first sight can lead to… well, chaos. Meddling families and murderous duels meld to offer an evening of sword fights, swinging soirees, and secret weddings—but the play is also full of exuberant vulgarity, harsh brutality and above all, the tingling, unbearable delight of young love.
July 25th through August 24th
“The Piano Lesson”
Co-produced with Actors’ Shakespeare Project
Written by August Wilson | Directed by Christopher V. Edwards
Set against the backdrop of 1936 Pittsburgh during the Great Depression, Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning “The Piano Lesson” is a testament to the complexities of family, history, and legacy.
August 14th through August 24th
“The Taming of the Shrew”
Written by William Shakespeare | Directed by Nicole Ricciardi
Step into the world of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” with its timeless themes of identity, gender roles, and the clash of wills. Meet the fiery and fiercely independent Katherine, whose spirited nature meets its match in the cunning Petruchio as they embark on a hilarious and clever exploration of love, power, and transformation.The Taming of the Shrew offers a compelling—if not at times zany—look at relationships, and social norms, making it a must-see for anyone who loves classic comedy with a bit of bite.
SHARON PLAYHOUSE | Sharon, Conn.
June 29th through July 8th
“Million Dollar Quartet”
Written by Colin Scott & Floyd Mutrux | Direction and Musical Staging by Greg Santos
Step into the iconic Sun Studios in Memphis for an unforgettable night of music, history, and heart-pounding energy! Million Dollar Quartet is the sensational true story of one of the most legendary jam sessions in music history. On December 4th in 1956, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins came together to create a moment that would define rock and roll. With hit songs like “Hound Dog,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” and “I Walk the Line,” Million Dollar Quartet takes you inside the music and magic of that legendary evening. This electrifying musical brings the legendary stars back to life, bringing their timeless hits and unforgettable personalities to the stage.
July 26th through August 10th
“Annie”
Music By Charles Strouse | Lyrics by Martin Chernin | Book by Thomas Meehan | Directed by Carl Andress | Choreography by Krystyna Resavy | Music Direction by Eric Thomas Johnson
Step into the world of a brave, red-haired orphan who dares to dream big in the face of adversity. “Annie” is the classic, feel-good musical about a little girl who finds her place in the world with a lot of heart and a little bit of luck. Set during the Great Depression, Annie’s optimism leads her on a journey from the bleak walls of Miss Hannigan’s orphanage to the luxurious home of billionaire Daddy Warbucks, where she proves that even the toughest times can be overcome with hope, love, and a song. Featuring unforgettable songs like “Tomorrow,” “It’s a Hard Knock Life,” and “Maybe,” “Annie” is a show for all ages, brimming with laughter, heart, and joy.
August 29th through September 7th
“Sylvia”
Written by A.R. Gurney | Directed by Colin Hanlon
When Greg, a restless empty-nester, brings home a stray dog he names Sylvia, his midlife doldrums are turned upside down—and so is his marriage. Sylvia, an irrepressible pooch with a big personality (played by a human actor!), wreaks havoc, hilarity, and unexpected revelations in this one-of-a-kind tale. With witty dialogue and a fresh take on modern relationships, Sylvia is a must-see romp that explores love, loyalty, and the lengths we go to for our furry friends. Come. Sit. Stay. And Enjoy the Show! Whether you’re a dog lover, a theater aficionado, or someone who just loves a good laugh, “Sylvia” will leave you howling for more.
SPENCERTOWN ACADEMY | Spencertown, N.Y.
June 27th
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
A Rooted Voyagers Production
Written by William Shakespeare | Directed by Devante Owens
In Shakespeare’s classic tale of magic, transformation, and mischief, four lovers find themselves caught in a mystery of love and desire. The world of the fairies is thrown into chaos by rivalry and sparking passion while an ensemble of workers from Athens comes together to rehearse a play to be performed for the Duke’s upcoming wedding day. With enchanted flowers, fiendish spells, and mistaken identities, the lines between what’s real and fantastical blur in this 90-minute version of Shakespeare’s famous play.
WAM THEATRE | Lenox, Mass.
June 8th
“Rooted”
Written by Deborah Zoe Laufer | Directed by Tatyana-Marie Carlo
“Rooted” introduces us to Emery and her sister, Hazel, who have never left their tiny, rural town for all their 60-some years. This is “A-ok” with Emery who happily spends her days among her plants, in her homemade treehouse, where she blogs about her experiments on the consciousness of plants. But when she becomes an overnight viral internet sensation, large crowds start congregating beneath her home, and calling Emery their savior. Hazel, a recently fired waitress, sees this as their opportunity to finally escape the run-down town. When a young protester is hurt and hauled into the treehouse, all bets are off. Rooted is a magical and quirky comedy that centers the relationships of nature, art, and human connection, asking us all how we might heal.
June 26th through the 29th
“Where We Stand”
Written and created by Donnetta Lavinia Grays | Directed by Jackie Davis
An imaginative and soulful storyteller spins a tale of a lonely soul tempted by the devil’s kindness on a fateful trip to the crossroads. “Where We Stand” is an epic fable of penance filled with humor, heart, and music, that explores an individual pushed to the edge. Outcast by society, the exile is left in the hands of the audience who ultimately must decide their fate as they wrestle between mercy and justice.
July 13th
“Alien Girls”
Written by Amy Berryman | Directed by Genée Coreno
Tiffany is pregnant. Her best friend, Carolyn, is trying to be happy for her. When Carolyn’s true feelings become public in the form of a personal essay that goes viral, is the fallout irreparable? Time traveling through decades of friendship between two writers on the brink of huge life changes, “Alien Girls” is a meta-theatrical, dark comedy about the joys and challenges of creating art, cultivating friendships, and building a life of meaning.
WILLIAMSTOWN THEATRE FESTIVAL | Williamstown, Mass.
July 17th through August 3rd
“Camino Real”
Written by Tennessee Williams | Directed by Dustin Wills
The Camino Real is a dead end, a police state in an imagined Latin-Mediterranean-American country, and an inescapable condition. Characters from history and literature such as Don Quixote, Casanova, and Camille inhabit this phantasmagoric plaza where corruption and alienation have nearly destroyed the human spirit. Enter Kilroy, a prize-winning boxer and all-American fella with “a heart as big as the head of a baby.” In an ambitious first significant revival since the ‘99 Williamstown production, “Camino Real” unfolds over a series of sixteen dizzying “blocks” and is a clarion call to the Romantics of the world—drowning in an ocean of cynicism, suspicion, and censorship—to use their indefatigable spirit as a life raft.
July 17th through August 3rd
“Not About Nightingales”
Written by Tennessee Williams | Directed by Robert O’Hara
It’s 1938. Hitler is invading Austria, Stalin is putting on show trials, America is lynching Black people, thousands are rotting in state prisons, the world is slowly climbing out of the Great Depression, Hollywood is filming The Wizard of Oz, all while a 27 year old Tennessee Williams is pulling all-nighters to finish this blistering homoerotic prison drama. “Not About Nightingales” is a front row seat to America’s prison industrial complex whose atrocities are too often avoided and denied. Immerse yourself in this searing testament to what happens when we cage men, remove their humanity, and let them rot while the ‘outside world’ is run by rich, entitled gangsters.
July 17th through August 3rd
“Spirit of the People”
Written by Jeremy O. Harris | Directed by Katina Medina Mora
In “one of the most hotly anticipated events in theatre” (GQ), visionary playwright Jeremy O. Harris returns with his first world premiere after his record-breaking “Slave Play.”
