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Miss Hall’s School Presents 'The Government Inspector'

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Miss Hall’s School Theater Ensemble will present Nicolai Gogol’s satirical Russian comedy "The Government Inspector" in performances at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, May 17.

In Gogol’s tale, the governor and corrupt local officials of a small Russian community plan to cover up their misdeeds before the anticipated arrival of a government inspector, who will most likely arrive in disguise. When they learn that a mysterious stranger has already arrived in town, they do their best to woo the “inspector,” who nonetheless appreciates — and pockets — their overtures. A comedy of errors, the play satirizes, among other things, the bureaucracy and corruption in Imperial Russia. First performed in 1836, "The Government Inspector" is often named as one of the best Russian plays.

 The MHS production stars senior Elizaveta Kravchenko of Hinsdale as Anton Skvosnik-Dmuchanovsky, the governor; senior Maggie Darin as Ivan Khlestakov, the visiting “inspector”; junior Desiré Garza, as Anna, the governor’s wife; and junior Amelia Biancolo of Richmond as Marya, their daughter.

The local officials include senior Ryn Nason as Schools Superintendent Ludmilla Khlopov; senior Natalie Shindler as Judge Ammos Lyapkin-Tyapkin; sophomore Josie Dorsey as Postmistress Inna Shpekin; senior Emma Bullock, of North Bennington, Vt., as Charity Commissioner Elina Zemlyanika; freshwoman Olivia Kinne of Pittsfield and senior Minsoo Kim as Petr Dobchinsky and Petr Bobchinsky, respectively, two local landowners; freshwoman Vivian Hou as Dr. Khristian Gibner; sophomore Skipper Rosner as Osip, Khlestakov’s servant; senior Fiona Keane as the Police Inspector and Stepan Korobkin; and senior Claudia Bertrand of Pittsfield as Masha, the mayor’s servant.

Cyclists Pedal Into Berkshire Bike Month

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
06:42AM / Saturday, May 04, 2024

Berkshire Bike Path Council President Marge Cohan addresses bikers at the event. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Clad in helmets and bright colors, more than 20 people gathered in Park Square to kick on Berkshire Bike Month on Wednesday.

The month of May will be stacked with bicycle-centered events throughout the county — beginning with an eight-mile loop from the city's center that ends at Hot Plate Brewing Co.

"We have we have a lot of things going on in Pittsfield for bicycles and for safety," Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales said.

"We're not anywhere near where we should be. We have a lot of work to do."

Bike month is meant to promote the safe use of streets for anyone and everyone no matter how they are traveling, he said The commissioner is especially excited about Bike to Work Day on May 17, as he can register to be recognized for his typical commute.

He presented a proclamation to President of the Berkshire Bike Path Council President Marge Cohan. It states that the city is committed to the health of its citizens and environment, safe cycling with road bike lanes and the extension of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, and that the Police Department encourages safe cycling by distributing lights and helmets and accompanies the city's Ride Your Bike to School event.

BBPC is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Cohan said the quarter century has been full of commitment to bike paths and bike safety throughout Berkshire County "on roads, on trails, on tracks, and on paths."

"In expanding our mission in this way we have been able to encompass all kinds of cycles and all kinds of riders," she said.

She noted that participants range from babies to 90-year-old people. Bike month includes events for all ages.