Special to PRIME Editor's Note: Shera Cohn, editor of the Pioneer Valley arts Web site, In The Spotlight, graciously agreed to share her 2008 whirlwind trip through the Berkshires with readers again this year. If you're looking for an affordable getaway this summer, and you love the arts, we've no better suggestion for a great stay-in-the area vacation! Eleven women, all over age 50, attended 38 performing arts events, toured 10 museums and historic homes, spent lots on gas (at $4 per gallon last summer!) in 21 days. And, I was told there would be no math! This is how I spent my summer vacation in 2008. . . yes, last year . and I'll do pretty much the same this year. In my opinion, the Berkshires remain the best place to vacation in the summer. No, I didn't go to all of these programs in alphabetical order it's just easier to write this way. Barrington Stage Company, Pittsfield The move of BSC to Pittsfield is one of the linchpins that has turned the city 180 degrees towards the arts. BSC's home now is a newly renovated state-of-the-art theatre, and that's what the quality of BSC's productions deserves. In the past, I've seen some great work, from the musical "West Side Story" to the dramatic "Suddenly, Last Summer." Last summer was the year for Noel Coward. Info: www.barringtonstageco.org Editor's Note: the Barrington Stage Company opens for the season June 17. Berkshire Botanical Garden, Stockbridge Sure there are gardens, with lots of flowers, plants, and herbs, each with little signs with their names. That's good, because I can kill a cactus, which is why BBG continues to impress me. A self-guided walking tour through the pristine grounds shows its "audience" the art in nature. A birdhouse sculpture exhibit housed our feathered friends' lovely version of The Hamptons. Info:www.berkshirebotanical.org Berkshire Choral Festival, Sheffield I had been mistaken when I thought that I had to "know" a lot about music to properly critique BCF. Just listen and enjoy. The 200-plus singers and Springfield Symphony make that an easy task. The chorus members are volunteers. Annually, they flock from all over the world for one week of training which culminates in a concert. "I Hear America Singing" was the encompassing title for one concert. On another program, as if Orff's magnificent "Carmina Burana" wasn't enough, Beethoven's 9th was also on the docket. Info:www.choralfest.org Berkshire Fringe, Great Barrington Fringe is experimental, novel, and avante garde music, theatre, and dance sometimes separate genres and othertimes combined. I applaud the trio of young producers who have created workshops, free concerts, children's shows, at low-admission prices. I devoted an entire day to Fringe, which started with play readings, then a rock concert, ending with the world premier of "The Only Friends We Have." Its plot was about bedbugs. Odd, yes. Worth it? Yes. Info: www.berkshiremuseum.org Berkshire Theatre Festival, Stockbridge I probably should have camped out at BTF since I saw several productions. A commonality among many of the Berkshire performing arts are their two-plus venues. Not only does it permit the company to present more theatre and dance and music from which to choose, but it also creates a campus atmosphere and experience. BTF has its Mainstage and the smaller Unicorn Theatre. It seems their format for success is a coupling of the familiar and unknown, the old and new. There are many choices to make at BTF, which include theatre for youth. Info: www.berkshiretheatre.org Chesterwood, Stockbridge This is the year to celebrate Lincoln, and this is the home of Daniel Chester French, the man who created the Lincoln statue. Chesterwood is a tour in three parts. There's the guided tour of the sculptor's studio and home. Each docent gives a different flavor to the talk. Follow with a woodsy walk through the beautifully landscaped acres of property to see 30 modern sculpture works with high price tags. Sit on the porch, see the gorgeous view, and take time to smell the roses. Info: www.chesterwood.org Clark Art Institute, Williamstown There's something new at Clark. Well, not exactly "at," but a nice walk up the trail. The Stone Hill Center houses two galleries and a conservation center. The building's design is very different from that of Clark, yet last summer's exhibit was familiar works of Whistler and Inness. Clark is renowned for its on-going collection and special touring exhibits which included Japanese Art in Nature and the best of American and European Photography. Numerous special events, concerts, film, and lectures take place all year. Clark is not "just" a museum. Info: www.clarkart.edu Cranwell Resort, Lenox The presidential campaign was perfect timing to see Capitol Steps a parody on the news of today for the sheer purpose of laughs. Cranwell hosts these energetic far-from-subtle zanies as they take the headlines and rewrite them into new lyrics to familiar songs. The satirical quintet are exceptionally talented comedians/singers. For those who like current event reports edgy and a bit risque, CS outdoes Jon Stewart and Colbert. If you've seen CS and think there is no reason to go again, think again. As the news changes, so do the segments, music, and lyrics. Info: www.cranwell.com Jacob's Pillow, Becket The Hofesh Shechter Company danced its U.S. premiere performance at the Pillow last summer. JP is known for sharing its stage with young international troupes. The setting was the Ted Shawn Theatre a huge barn, founded by Springfield's own famous dancer/choreographer. Other indoor and outdoor stages host numerous performances. While there, I take advantage of the freebies, especially the photo exhibits. The Pillow is, literally, the highest point in my travels lofty, hazy, and lovely. Info: www.jacobspillow.org Editor's Note: Jacob's Pillow opens for the season on June 20 Mass MoCA, North Adams MM has big stuff. Yes, it's definitely art, but unless you live in a mansion or on a ranch, there would be no room for such creative, odd, pieces in your home or on your lawn. MM has done visitors from throughout the world a favor and housed these paintings, sculpture, and multi-media contraptions in this factory-turned-museum. Western Artists in China offered a 20th century look at Asian photography; Badland focused on abstract as well as accessible pieces. MM put North Adams on the map. Info: www.massmoca.org The Mount, Lenox You thought there was nothing to do in the Berkshires on a Monday. For the past 16 years, The Mount Lectures have presented afternoon talks by biographers. Voltaire's mistress "Divine Emilie" was a brilliant mathematician and scientist. The secret was revealed that Marie Antoinette used vegetables rigged on wire to frame her high and gauche hairdos. It's easy to imagine the smell of the cabbage. While there, tour the house and gardens, listen to Wharton readings, and enjoy the lemonade and scones. It's just so civilized. Info: www.edithwharton.org | ||||||
 | ||
