THE FABULOUS CULTURAL BEAT OF THE BERKSHIRES

My home base in the Berkshires was Lenox, Ma. It probably has the biggest draw which is TANGLEWOOD. In August of 1936, the Boston Symphony Orchestra gave its first concert in the Berkshire Hills. In the winter of 1936, following the BSO's concerts that summer, Mrs. Gorham Brooks and Miss Mary Aspinwall Tappan offered Tanglewood, the Tappan family estate, with its buildings and 210 acres of lawns and meadows, as a gift to the BSO. Afer the storm of August,1937, an architect was employed to build a structure. The plans were too elaborate, and beyond budget. So in 1938 a "Shed" was constructed, which currently stands. 

In 1986 The BSO acquired the Highwood estate adjacent to Tanglewood's public grounds. In 1994, Seiji Ozawa Hall was constructed providing a modern venue throughout the summer of Tanglewood Music Center concerts.  

Today, Tanglewood annually draws more than 300,000 visitors. Tanglewood is considered the world's most significant music festivals.

Stephane Deneve conducting. Chief conductor of the Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra and principal guest conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Cameron Carpenter organist. He generates international acclaim and controversy unprecedented in his field. His repertoire ranges from the complex works of J.S.Bach to film scores, his own original compositions, and hundreds of transcriptions and arrangements is the most diverse organist of his time. Among his many awards are the 2012 Leonard Bernstein Award, and was nominated for a Grammy Award for a solo album. He has apppeared with every major orchestra in the world. 

Christoph Von Dohnany. Conductor. German - 85 years old. Most recently music director of the Cleveland Orchestra 1983-2002. Still tours all over the world with the orchestra. 

Jazz at Lincoln Center - Wynton Marsalis , conducting. 

Born in New Orleans, 1961, began his classical training on the trumpet at age 12 and entered Julliard at 17. He has received 9 Grammy Awards for both classical and Jazz.

Paul Lewis - Pianist. Born Liverpool, England. He began playing cello at 14. He switched to piano and in 1994 won World Piano Competition in London. He is best known for his Beethoven Sonatas. 

SHAKESPEARE & COMPANY

Founded by Tina Packer in 1978 who is a gifted actress, and was the artistic director until 2009. Tony Simotes is currently artistic director. The plays are Shakespeare and new plays of "socail and political significance". They currently have 75,000 patrons.

"The How and The Why" by Sarah Treem

This award-winning,quick-witted drama about science,family,sex and survival of the fittest comes from writer/producer of television hits "House of Cards" and "In Treatment". The play unravels over the course of a weekend where two brilliant femal biologists meet for the first time on the eve of a national conference. Suprise is that the youngest biologist is the "birth daughter" of the older biologist.

This  was a brilliant play, and perhaps my favoite during my visit.

"The Unexpected Man" by Yasmina Reza.

 Also wrote "God of Carnage" and "Art". A British Laurence Olivier Award-winning play for best comedy, follows a man and woman who sit opposite each other in the detached intimacy of a train compartment on a journey from Paris to Frankfurt. He is an author, having doubts about his career; she is one of his biggest fans, and is currently reading his book.

I enjoyed this play, but it lacked the cohesive elements thay her writing usually enjoys. 

"Mother of the Maid" by Jane Anderson

Also wrote HBO'S Olive Kitteridge, it follows the tale of Joan of Arc"as seen through the eyes of her long-suffering mum", who is doing her very best to accept the fact that her daughter is different. Tina Packer, the founder of Shakespeare and Company plays Joan's mother. She was brilliant.

The play was interesting, however there were two very long dialogues between Joan's mum, and the lady in waiting that could have cut 20 minutes from the play.

BERKSHIRE THEATRE GROUP

Berkshire theatre Group's mission is to support wide-ranging artistic exploration and acclaimed performance in theatre,dance,music and entertainment. BTG's 4 stages reflect the history of the American theatre. Many great names in theatre have preformed on these stages - The Barrymores,Sarah Bernhardt, Al Jolson, Will Rogers, Katharine Hepburn,Al Pacino, Willam Devane and Buster Keaton to name a few. 

"Deathtrap" by Ira Levin. 

Also wrote "Rosemary's Baby" and "The Stepford Wives".The play is a classic, and is extremely well acted and directed. It doesn't lose its suspense, and surprise ending.

"Bells Are Ringing" by Betty Comden and Aldolph Green. Music by Jul Styne.

Another classic musical. The original production was directed by Jerome Robbins, and choreographed by Bob Fosse. The cast was wonderful. The chemistry was perfect. And, two popular standards came from this musical - "Just In Time" and "The Party's Over". The play opened on Broadway in 1956, and Judy Holliday (reprised her Broadway role) with Dean Martin in a film in 1960. 

BARRINGTON STAGE COMPANY

BSC is the fastest growing arts venue in Berkshire County, atracting more than 56,000 patrons eachyear. Co-founded by Julianne Boyd (Artistic Director) in 1995. BSC won two Elliot Norton/Boston Theatre Critics Awards and four Outer Critics Awards for "Cabaret". In 2004, BSC premierd "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" taking 2 Tony Awards and 3 Drama Desk Awards in 2005.

"Man of La Mancha" by Dale Wasserman.

The last act of "Man of La Mancha" - The Fire truck!!

Jeff McCarthy who played Cervantes/Don Quixote was wonderful. He has been in many NYC plays and is easily recognizable. Great voice. Felicia Boswell played Dulcinea/Aldonza. She played the lead in "Motown" in NYC as Diana Ross. "The Impossible Dream" beautifully done. 

However, in the last 5 minutes a fire alarm went off, and we had to evacuate from the theatre.

We did hear  "The Impossible Dream" and it was okay!!

"Lost in Yonkers" by Neil Simon

This was extremely well done. Lynn Cohen - Grandman Kurnitz, a seasoned Broadway star stole the show as the matron of the family. Paula Jon Derose - Bella, terrific character actress. 

The two boys - Jake Giordano (Arty) and Matt Gumley (Jay) were very believable in their roles.

It's difficult to do "Simon" well. 

Ahh---to be a star.......