Auditions Set for Youth Summer Theater

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Barrington Stage is seeking budding actors for its summer production of Stephen Sondheim's musical "Into the Woods," a play featuring familiar characters from children's fairy tales.

High school students age 13 to 19 are eligible for the 18 roles up for grabs, and must be able to act, sing and move well. Those auditioning should prepare two songs – one ballad and one up-tempo number. (Songs from the musical are welcome). There will be an accompanist on site, but those auditioning should bring sheet music in the appropriate key.

Auditions will take place at Barrington Stage's Mainstage, 30 Union St., on the following dates:
Saturday, March 20, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 21, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Callbacks: April 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The production begins rehearsals on June 23, and the play will run from July 14 through Aug. 8 at St. Joseph's Central High School, Pittsfield, and from Aug. 10-15 at Pete’s Motors, Great Barrington.

Performers must commit to the rehearsal and performance schedule, must sign a contract, and will be paid a weekly stipend.

For more information or to schedule an audition call 413-997-6100 or visit www.barringtonstageco.org.

BCC Players to Hold Auditions for Spring Comedy

PITTSFIELD, Mass. —  Got the acting bug? Next week, you'll have the chance to cure it. The Berkshire Community College Players will be holding open auditions for Arthur Kipit’s comedy "Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mammas’s Hung You in the Closet and I’m Feelin’ So Sad."

The play tells the story of wealthy, overbearing Madame Rosepettle and her awkward son Jonathan, who arrive at a posh hotel with a man-eating tropical plant, piranha fish and coffin in tow.

Auditions are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday evening, March 8 and 9, at 7 in the small auditorium of the Koussevitzky Arts Center, Room 111, 1350 West St., Pittsfield. Two male leads, two female leads, and many other parts are up for grabs.

The play will be directed by Sam Slack. Performances are scheduled for April 23, 24, and 25.

For more information, contact Ellen Shanahan at 413-236-4703.

Disability Pride Art Show Seeks Submissions

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The 13th annual Disability Pride Day Art Show is fast approaching, but there is still time for Berkshire-area artists with disabilities to submit their work.

The show will be held at the Berkshire Mall on Saturday, March 6 from 10 to 3. (FYI, Berkshire Mall rules do not allow for the sale of items on the premises).

Entries must be received at AdLib, Inc., 215 North St., no later than Monday, March 1. All entries must have the artist’s name, address and phone number securely attached to the back of each item. All items will be returned to AdLib, Inc., for pick up no later than March 8, unless arrangements are made to pick up work at the end of the event. For more information, contact Cathy Carchedi at AdLib, 413-442-7047.

The art show is part of Disability Pride Day, the goal of which is to increase community awareness of the accomplishments of people with disabilities, and educate the community about the variety of services and opportunities available to them in Berkshire County. Participants include human service agencies, Berkshire Medical Center Health Van, and Lion’s Club Eye Mobile. Berkshire Bank is the major sponsor of the event.

For more information or to reserve a booth, call 413-442-1652 ext. 12 or 413-499-4241 ext. 230.

Helsinki on the Hudson

Devotees of the late, eclectic Club Helsinki in Great Barrington will be cheered to learn its doors will open once again. But they'll have to trek a bit farther — the new club's in Hudson, N.Y.

A press release received Friday night said the new Club Helsinki Hudson will open this spring. Restoration of the 19th-century mill it selected as its permanent home is nearly complete and its begun hiring staff. According to the release, the new club "reflects the same spirit and vision that had such a profound impact on the Berkshires."

The combined business of Club Helsinki and Helsinki Cafe & Tea Co. closed up its Great Barrington location last August, with promises of a Hudson return.

The club brought a wide range of musicians from well-known rock bands such as Phish and Blood, Sweat and Tears,  artists in jazz, blues, folk, poets, vocalists and more. The cafe offered food with a Finnish flare and music, too.

Deborah McDowell founded the cafe in 1995, inspired by her grandfather's time operating the Hotel Helsinki in Finland. Marc Shafler joined her in 1997 and the club opened two years later in space next to the cafe.

The relocation to Hudson had been planned for some time but still caught Berkshire County off-guard. A press release in August announced the closure and a "Last Waltz Farewell" was held at the end of the month.

According to the new Club Helsinki Hudson Web site, California producer Cameron Melville has joined the partnership with McDowell and Shafler. The club's located at 405 Columbia St.; for more information, info@clubhelsinkiweb.com.

Yankee's Best

A reader browsing through the just-published June edition of Yankee Magazine found North Adams mentioned twice in the top 10 attractions in New England.

Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art was rated best museum with Hudson's as best antiques shop. Not surprising for Mass MoCA to be listed; after all its the biggest contemporary art museum in the world and has been making waves with its massive, three-floor Sol LeWitt exhibit.

Hudson's is located right outside the Mass MoCA entryway (with another location on Main Street in the old Mohawk Gift Shop). Perhaps the editor of the piece decided to kill two birds with one stone, so to speak.

In any case, kudos are due to both establishments. The good press can't help but bring more tourists to the area. The listing can be found on Page 120 of Yankee Magazine.

We also note that Yankee named Williams College Museum of Art among the top five college art museums in New England back in February.