How I spent my summer vacation

PRIME''s annual look at arts in the Berkshires By Shera Cohen Former owner/editor, Bravo newspaper Special to PRIME I have finally hit the even dozen mark. It's been twelve straight years of vacationing in the same place at the exact same time with the same people. Am I in a rut? Yes. Do I care? No. I love my rut. Also, who knew that gas prices would increase so much that I would no longer be asked, "Why do you stay in the Berkshires when you only live 50 miles away? You can leave each night and return the next day." I don't think so. The Berkshires is my favorite, most aesthetic, chock full of culture place to be. I have made it my vacation spot since the days when I ran Bravo newspaper and wrote my annual article with the child-like title, "How I spent my summer vacation." To my surprise, it was a hit with readers. Why not continue, I asked myself as I often talk to myself. I love going, I help fulfill one of my life missions to promote the local arts, and people actually read about my journey. Dear reader-this is a retrosepctive With this information as background, and to avoid your confusion, you must consider that the context of this article is dated. That is on purpose. Since Bravo was a monthly newspaper, my Summer Vacation story would have been printed in the September issue. That didn't work. So, we saved the story to print the next summer, a year later. This way, what was written was always a general overview of Berkshire venues, and not a review of current shows. Also, our goal was/ is to entice readers to consider attending as many arts events as possible, particularly because all of these sites remain from summer to summer thank goodness. The annual plan In preparing the week's itinerary, I spread dozens of Berkshire event flyers and booklets across a large table. I have two primary "rules" in selecting where we go: activities that include as many art genres as possible (theatre, music, dance, visual arts), and fitting in all of Shakespeare & Company's plays. Those who have read my past stories know that I am unashamedly a Shakespeare & Co. groupie. Shera's summer vacation... Sunday, 2 p.m., Garth Fagan Dance, Jacob's Pillow, Becket Before 5 p.m. check-in time, we literally picked up some dance along the way. The word "dance" and Jacob's Pillow are synonymous in the Berkshires. For those unfamiliar with the Pillow, its first dance company was the Ted Shawn Dancers a group of male dancers from Springfield. It is, then, appropriate that the Mainstage is called the Ted Shawn Theatre. This was where we saw the Garth Fagan Dance. As always, the house was full. Unusual was the fact that it was cool. Music by Shostakovich and Brahms was the backdrop for one part of the modern dance program, the other being the lively Jazz Jamaica All Stars. I didn't realize until I read the program that Fagan was the choreographer of "The Lion King." Like the dance in this musical, the troupe mixed unlike images with an emphasis on slow movement, stretch, and balance. Their big hit of the afternoon was a jazzy encore by the ensemble. The audience loved them, particularly the teens. Be sure to tour all of the Pillow As if dance wasn't enough, I encourage visitors to take a self-guided tour of the beautiful campus, which includes an art gallery and tea garden. On any given day, there's also lots of "free stuff" like the Inside/Out performances. We'll be seeing Ballet Flamenco/Eva Yerbabuen and Danish Dance Theatre this summer. 2006 info: www.jacobspillow.org Sunday, 8:30 p.m., "Ice Glen" Shakespeare & Company, Lenox Shakespeare & Co. performs a lot of Shakespeare's works, but that's not all. Contemporary plays and period pieces from the era of Edith Wharton fill their stages as well. The latter was the case with "Ice Glen." The play, set in early 20th century Berkshires, had the perfect setting at Shakespere & Co. Indeed, it was written particularly for the Company, having its world premiere here. Directed by its founder, Tina Packer, she and her cast explored the issue of who does art belong to? Starring the always-excellent Kristin Wold, one of the Shakespere & Co. "regulars," and flanked by a cast of other regulars, the play tackled the question does art have a life of its own? Mounting the play in the Spring Lawn Theatre (a replica of Edith Wharton's salon) helped emphasize the story. At the time, I didn't know that I would be seeing the last of the plays presented here. To save money, the company had to sell off many acres of their land, including this building. The plays have now moved to the Founders' Theatre. Yes, it's big, has all of the conveniences of modern theatres, and air conditioning, but it's not quite the same. This summer I plan to see "Enchanted April." 2006 information availabe at www.shakespeare.org Monday, 7 p.m., "A Night in Spain" Stockbridge Music Series, Lenox Having shopped 'til we almost dropped at the Outlets and the quaint stores in Lee, it was a pleasure to simply enjoy music and dance in the evening. Last summer marked the 20th season of this series. On Monday and Tuesday nights, concerts take place at the Seven Hills Inn. In fact, this is one of the very few events presented on Mondays usually a "dark" night for the arts. Members of the Ramon de los Reyes Spanish Dance Theatre performed flamenco dance and music. The spirited, authentic dance coupled with musicians on guitars was enjoyed by the audience. However, sight lines in this particular room were unsuitable for dance. I sat on a table, and a couple next to me (easily in their 60s) stood on a pedestal table. I expected them to fall at any minute. I would recommend a raised stage in the future. For 2006 performance information: www.stockbridgesummermusic.org Tuesday, 4 p.m., One-Act Plays, Shakespeare & Company, Lenox With lots of time to kill before the plays, we played a competitive game of miniature golf. I was very happy just to get some pars. Swimming was next or as much swimming that is possible in a pool with 50-plus kids taking over. Then it was off to Shakespeare & Co. for the one-acts, also in the lovely Spring Lawn Theatre. Both plays (one a drama, one a comedy) were adaptations of Wharton stories, penned by resident actor/director/author Dennis Krausnick. With minor exceptions, Wharton's works are commentaries on marriage, and are usually not flattering. Two actors starred in each Corinna May and Jason Asprey. I am a huge fan of both, having seen them equally skilled with Shakespeare's words, contemporary works, and the one-acts. Scheduled on my calendar for this year are the two plays, "Martha Mitchell Calling" and "No Background Music." Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. "The Taming of the Shrew" Shakespeare & Company, Lenox A hit of the Berkshire season was the popular "The Taming of the Shrew." The ensemble cast featured many graduates of Shakespeare & Co.'s education courses. It was hard to separate the pros from the newcomers as each group was top notch. Rocco Sisto (Petruchio) and Celia Madeoy (Katherina) were purposely an odd match. And yet all works out in the happy ending. It is always a joy to watch Jonathan Croy (in multi roles), one of the troupe's consummate and most humble actors. This was very much a physical comedy, with actors tossed about the stage, and/or climbing the scaffolding that borders the stage. The sisters' catfight was a gem. It was a pleasure to see so many youngsters in the audience. Not only had they purchased tickets to experience Shakespeare, but they "got it," laughing to the dialogue before many of the adults. Even with Shakespeare & Co.'s frequent multi, color-blind, and gender-blind casting, it is never confusing to know who is who and what is happening. Whoever says, "Shakespeare is hard" must come to Shakespeare & Co. This year we will get our fill of Shakespeare with "Hamlet," "A Servant of Two Masters," and "The Merry Wives of Windsor." Wednesday, 8 p.m. "American Buffalo" Berkshire Theatre Festival, Stockbridge BTF is known for its professionalism, staging that seems to have Broadway budgets (but does not), and skilled actors. Having never seen the contemporary classic, "American Buffalo" by David Mamet, I asked BTF to schedule it on our vacation calendar. Even though this was a preview, and not to be reviewed, there was no question that this was powerful and exceptionally well acted. The immediacy of the play almost slapped the audience in the face with the amazingly detailed chaotic set. I have to admit that it has generally been my experience (at all theatres, not just BTF) that TV/movie actors with recognizable names are not great stage actors. Obviously, I never had the opportunity of seeing Laurence Olivier, and I do realize there are exceptions to my "rule." Anticipating nothing striking from guest actor Chris Noth ("Law & Order"), I was very pleasantly brought to attention that this man is an excellent theatre actor. Sometimes I like to be proven wrong. I recently took in "Amadeus" at BTF a wonderful production. I look forward to "Coastal Disturbances" on the Mainstage and "The Pilgrim Papers" at the Unicorn Theatre this summer. 2006 performance information: www.berkshiretheatre.org Thursday, 11a.m., Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge Last summer's exhibit was the best in years. Over 130 covers and 80 years worth of The New Yorker magazine graced the many walls of the Rockwell Museum. As I passed from room to room I realized that I was laughing out loud at these drawings. Sometimes I stopped, feeling a bit embarrassed. Yes, some covers were dramatic and serious, but most were not. The subtle, cutting humor of the various artists' works pointed fingers at society's foibles. Also on display is the permanent collection of Rockwell's own Post covers. This was my fifth trip, yet I (and I am sure others) never tire of viewing Rockwell's portraits of Americans. Sometimes exhibits appear on the grounds of the Museum; in this case Windblown: Contemporary American Weathervanes presented colorful and odd scattered weathervanes. 2006 museum information: www.nrm.org Thursday, 4 p.m., Civilized Living, The Mount, Lenox On Monday afternoons the Mount (Edith Wharton's former home) presents Women of Achievement lectures authors talking about their books on famous women. I've attended several. Last summer a series called Civilized Living took place on Thursdays. Again, these were authors lecturing on their books on various topics. David Bainbridge, a scientist/zoologist with a charming British accent introduced his non-fiction "The X in Sex." With the promotional tag line, "Forget Mars and Venus: the fascinating science behind the battle of the sexes," I expected it to be yet another self-help book. I was wrong, and I was exceptionally impressed. Oxford-educated Bainbridge spoke about the X and Y chromosomes and how these simple letters in the alphabet literally made and make all the difference in the world about people, diseases, events, and learning. Do not yawn. Did I mention that he was also very funny? I was so fascinated that I stayed for the meet-and-greet wine hour and spoke to him until he was probably had enough of me as and the tea scones. We will attend another lecture and take a walk around the beautiful grounds this summer. With constant renovation activity, there is always something new to see. 2006 event information:www.edithwharton.org Thursday, 8:30 p.m. "The News in Revue" Lenox Before you think that we are all highbrows, and Shakespeare is our mainstay, it's important to know that the very first event that I schedule is "News." Everything else fits in around it. Call it lowbrow, sometimes salacious humor, and/or timely commentary a la Jon Stewart its lots of fun for any adult. The 90-minute, non-stop musical revue combines elements of "Saturday Night Live" with "Politically Incorrect." The quintet (4 singers, 1 pianist) is funny, clever, and sing on key. Nothing is sacred. With a minimum of props on a very small stage, donned in purposely pathetic costumes and hairdos, the focus is the hysterical songs. The material changes constantly, as Dick Cheney might be in the news for some issue, and then it's John Kerry's turn. Celebrities, politicians, saints, and sinners each have their own unique song new lyrics set to familiar music. Beware, as the cast often picks on the audience, and picks members in the audience to appear onstage. Of course, "The News in Revue" is on this summer's calendar too. "News" takes the stage every night except Wednesday. 2006 info at: www.newsinreview.com Coupled with "News" at the same site, we topped off the evening with some beautiful looking and tastefully pleasing desserts at the Cranwell Inn. Friday, 2 p.m. "The Importance of Being Earnest" Barrington Stage Company, Sheffield A year prior, BSC made a significant name for itself by mounting the world premier of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." That was a sensational fete, culminating in Tony Awards. However, we've been going to and reviewing BSC since its opening season and have awarded it numerous Bravo Awards over the years. Last summer's "The Importance of Being Earnest" easily could have won an award, if we still gave out these accolades. So instead, I'll write about this wonderful theatre and their productions. Just how many times could I see "Earnest," I wondered, and not be put to sleep? Once in Sheffield, the idea of sleep never entered my mind. The play boasted a fabulous art deco stylized set, period costumes, perfect English accents, and casting of the famous Carole Shelley (who came with her own precise accent). The plot is all pretense about two men named Earnest and mistaken identities. "Earnest" made for a delightful afternoon at the theatre. Note that BSC now has a new home in Pittsfield. While the name stays the same and the theatre undergoes renovation, this year's plays have been presented at numerous locations in Pittsfield and Lenox. We plan to see "Wonder of the World." 2006 info at: www.barringtonstage.org Friday, 7:30 p.m. "King John" Shakespeare & Company, Lenox Shakespeare penned a play called "King John"? Many do not know this. It is the least produced play of the Bard. Maybe because it is big in plot, battle scenes, and with a very large cast. Tina Packer also directed a cast of some of Shakespeare & Co.'s best actors from their cadre: Allyn Burrows (John), Annette Miller, Diane Prusha, Mel Cobb. I am one of the charter members of the Allyn Burrows fan club (not really), but I could be if there was such a club. Looking like a young Robert Redford, with acting skills, I would safely say, on a par, Burrows gave depth and reality to John. The play was long, as Packer made no cuts which is sometimes done (yes, Shakespeare can be wordy). She stated at the after-play party, that audiences should open themselves to accepting the more obscure plays. Packer and her cast made that an easy task. A sentence or two about the "free stuff" at Shakespeare & Co. Immediately before most of the full-scale Shakespeare productions are little pieces of education and/or fun or both for the audience to enjoy. This Bankside Series is prelude mini-performances, talks by directors and actors, history on Shakespeare, etc. Some last 20 minutes, some one hour. Some require tickets, some do not. The information is all in their brochure. Saturday, 10:30 a.m., Rehearsal, Tanglewood, Lenox Tanglewood rehearsals meant that we had to get up early. But the effort is alwys worth it. While some prefer to sit in the Shed (their large outdoor auditorium), I prefer outdoors, lying on a blanket. I look at the sky, the tree branches, the clouds and try to believe that the music does not come from those onstage but from nature itself. It's not that much of stretch of disbelief, really. Tanglewood is the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. To know what the rehearsal's program is, I had to look for the Sunday afternoon concert. Rehearsals are usually the day before, with musicians dressed casually yet taking this task very seriously. You're lucky if the conductor takes his orchestra straight through the number. Sometimes there are stops and starts to "fix" whatever needed correcting, which my untrained ears never detected. The program happened to include three of my favorites: Mozart, Ravel, and Rachmaninoff. Readers you don't need to know the difference in music of any of these composers to experience the thrill of Tanglewood. This isn't a classroom. There is no final test. Tanglewood is for those who love music, and for those who may not but probably will. Instead of a rehearsal, we will take in a full concert this summer, with music of Mendelssohn and Strauss, including violin virtuoso Miduri. 2006 concert info at:www.bso.org Saturday, 5:30 p.m., "Mass in B Minor" Berkshire Choral Festival Music twice in one day; could I take it? Yes, especially when the evening combined the talents of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra with the voices of over 50 choral members in work by Bach. Add to this the pastoral campus setting at Sheffield, the cool night air, and one of the best meals I have ever had. Note that the meal was an extra treat for us (the "prestigious" media), and patrons must dine on their own many brought picnics and spread out on the lawn. The dinner afforded us the opportunity to mix with the singers. To my surprise, these men and women were not professional vocalists from the Berkshires. They were doctors, salesmen, teachers, and elected officials from Massachusetts, Florida, Washington, and Japan. Each had to pass rigorous auditions to be permitted to sing at BCF. They come for one week, live in the dormitories of Berkshire School, and practice their one piece day and night. Once they were onstage it was easy to see that they thoroughly enjoyed singing en masse. We anticipate another wonderful night this year culminating in "Latin American Evening" under the baton of conductor Cantorum de Caracas. Sunday 10 a.m. depart Pack fast and messy, because everything will go into the laundry anyway. Also on this summer vacation's calendar, which we simply couldn't fit in last year are: Ventfort Museum, Church on the Hill Craft Show, Andrew DeVries Sculpture, Berkshire Botanical Garden, and Chesterwood. Of course, everyone (no matter what their age) has to sit in a rocking chair at the Red Lion Inn at least once. Freelance arts writer Shera Cohen maintains a website with local theatre, music and arts reviews at www.inthespotlight.com