Colonial Announces 2007-2008 Season

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Located in downtown Pittsfield, The Colonial Theatre has become a home to community groups and world renowned artists since reopening in August of 2006 after a historic restoration. Now in its second Season, the Colonial announces its programming schedule for May 2007-June 2008. Many months of preparation have gone into preparing for this exciting season at the Colonial. Highlights include: CATS, Hal Holbrook in Mark Twain Tonight!, and Say Goodnight Gracie in the Broadway Nights Series; Arlo Guthrie will return in the Top of the Charts Series; The Kingston Trio will put on a Holiday Show for the Holiday Cheer Series; Robert Dubac’s THE MALE INTELLECT: AN OXYMORON? and Late Nite Catechism in the Just For Laughs Series; a special Gala performance by Marvin Hamlisch, the Monterey Jazz Festival 50th Anniversary Tour, Natalie MacMaster, and The Ten Tenors in the Great Night Out Series; and Ladysmith Black Mambazo will join the International Discovery Series. “We really have a simple goal in mind…we want to put on the kinds of programs that audiences will look forward to, look back on, and be glad they came for. We want to continue the experimentation that we started in the first season, and to identify new areas of programming that will resonate with the people of the Berkshires,” says Executive Director, David Fleming. The twelve month season is grouped in nine series: Summer in the City, Broadway Nights, Holiday Cheer, Just for Laughs, Great Night Out, Top of the Charts, Family Time, International Discovery, and Young Concert Artists Discovery. The two repeat series, Just for Laughs and Family Time, join seven new series to round out the Colonial’s second season. “Grouping shows together by type or timing makes it easier for people to visualize what we are offering,” Fleming explains, “but the beauty of the Colonial’s ‘packaging concept’ is that the patron has total control. Pick any four or more shows that you like and that fit your schedule and all will be discounted. You also have the flexibility of sitting in different seats for different kinds of performances.” The Colonial announces its partnership with Young Concert Artists to bring three of today’s up-and-coming classical artists to Pittsfield. Young Concert Artists, Inc. was founded in 1961 as a nonprofit organization to discover and launch the careers of extraordinary young musicians. Many of today’s greatest performers started their careers with Young Concert Artists, including Dawn Upshaw, Emanuel Ax, Richard Goode, Eugenia Zukerman, Christopher O’Riley and many more. The three winners of the international competition: Sasha Cooke, mezzo-soprano; Louis Schwizgebel-Wang, pianist; Benjamin Moser, pianist; will have three premier American recitals at the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, and the Colonial Theatre. “The Colonial is already getting a reputation among established performers as a great theater, but we also want to be known as a place that plays a role in the development of new talent. We want our audiences to be among the first to see and hear the stars of tomorrow. We are proud to be able to accomplish that with these talented artists.” The Colonial is thrilled to announce that the Young Concert Artist Discovery Series is generously sponsored by Joseph and Mary Jane Handler. Joe has served on the Colonial Board of Trustees since 2003, and he and Mary Jane are residents of Pittsfield. “Some years ago our late friend Arnold Deutsch sponsored a young artist series including Midori, Joshua Bell, and Gil Shaham, at Temple Anshe Amunim and the Berkshire Museum before they earned international acclaim. “What an exciting opportunity for the Colonial to present these outstanding musicians here in the Berkshires! said Joe Handler. Another major sponsor again this year is Greylock Federal Credit Union. Greylock will be the exclusive sponsor for the Family Time Series. This year, the Colonial will collaborate with local arts organizations and presenters including returning organizations like the Albany Symphony Orchestra (3 performances), Berkshire Bach Society (3 performances) and Albany Berkshire Ballet. We are pleased to announce a new collaboration with the Berkshire Opera Company who will be producing “La Boh?me” in August. The Colonial will continue to be a site for various fundraising events including the comedy of Paula Poundstone to benefit the Guido Masiero Scholarship Fund, Romance, Soul Rock n’ Roll, and two farewell performances by the Earth Angels to raise money for special projects in our community. Tickets on sale to the general public May 1st, 2007 Please visit our website at www.thecolonialtheatre.org/Performances/07-08_SeasonMedia to download performance photos and audio. To purchase tickets: Ticket Office:? 413-997-4444 Ticket Office Fax: 413-997-4445 Online: www.thecolonialtheatre.org Subscriptions and Season Tickets Pick & Mix Subscriptions Create your own personalized subscription and get 10% off. Purchase tickets to any four or more performances* at one time and receive 10% off the single ticket price. Travel the world—from Mexico to China, South Africa and Ireland—by subscribing to the International Discovery Series. Get a taste of the “Big Apple” by subscribing to the Broadway Nights Series. Create your own subscription by picking performances in several different series. As long as you purchase four or more performances at one time, you will receive 10% off. Get creative, pick and mix and save! *Colonial presentations only Season Tickets Reserve your favorite seat for the entire season and get 20% off. Buy one seat (or more) for every show* in the season and receive 20% off the ticket price. Reward employees and business clients. Give the perfect gift. Make sure you have the best seats in the house at every show! *Colonial presentations only SUMMER IN THE CITY SERIES Larry Chernicoff and Windhorse acoustic, organic and unplugged SAT 6/2/07 8PM A: $29 B: $16 “shimmering, colorful music with the dynamism of jazz and the proportions of classical music.” –The Berkshire Eagle Windhorse combines the warm acoustic sound of a large chamber ensemble with the dynamic improvisation of jazz. The group’s rich sound is created by some of the best musicians in the country, who have shared the stage with Tony Levin, Frank Sinatra, Luther Vandross, Paul Simon, Michael Jackson, The Who, Josh Groban, Don Cherry, William Burroughs, Regina Carter, Yo-Yo Ma and many others. ZipStohr Comedy: Greg Fitzsimmons With special guests Tom Cotter and Sandy Marks SAT 6/16/07 8PM A: $35 B: $17.50 “New York comedy’s Golden Boy.” –The New York Times One of the premier comedians/writers in the business, Greg Fitzsimmons writes for the Ellen DeGeneres Show, where he has earned two Emmy awards for writing and producing. Fitzsimmons has made multiple guest appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman and Late Night with Conan O'Brien, and won Best Comedian at the renowned HBO Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen in 2001 and a Cable Ace Award in 1997. Tom Cotter A headliner across the country, Cotter has been featured on Comedy Central Presents Tom Cotter, as well as The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn. Cotter is a past winner of the prestigious Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal, and the Boston and Seattle Comedy Festivals. Adult Content Christine Lavin With special guest Kate Taylor SAT 6/23/07 8PM A: $35 B: $22 “Her lyrics combine the wit of poet Ogden Nash, the crazy viewpoint of the Roches, the sensitivity of Judy Collins, and the voice of Joni Mitchell.” –Performance Magazine Singer, songwriter and comedian Christine Lavin captivates audiences with wit and humor. A force in contemporary music, her smart, funny, wild and wacky songs are keen observations about the world we live in. Her latest project, One Meat Ball, a nineteen-artist, 96-page CD/cookbook, showcases music, commentary and favorite recipes of dozens of singer-songwriters. The reviews have been stellar for both the music and the recipes. Kate Taylor James Taylor is one of many talented musicians that make up the Taylor family. Don’t miss sister Kate performing songs from her vast repertoire, including Beautiful Road, which Rolling Stone gave three stars and described as “a heart-felt folk rock gem.” A Day in His Life: The John Lennon Anthology Concert MON 7/2/07 8PM A: $45 B: $24 “Tim Piper’s vocal and visual representation of Lennon is amazing.” –Los Angeles Times This widely acclaimed musical stage production features John Lennon’s most recognized songs from The Beatles’ vast repertoire in note-perfect renditions accented with phenomenal video footage from the 1940s through 1980. You won’t believe your eyes—or ears—as Tim Piper flawlessly portrays the voice, personality, appearance, mannerisms and humor of the late John Lennon. Piper and his full band will take you through dozens of hits, including “Twist & Shout,” “Strawberry Fields Forever,” “Come Together,” “Imagine” and countless others. Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers With Mary Verdi Opening MON 7/16/07 8PM A: $45 B: $24 “Gatlin harmonies spin with high and light precision and their music bleeds and screams of love and a lot of living.” –Country Capsule in New York The Brothers scored more than a dozen Top 40 hits, including “Houston (means that I’m one day closer to you),” “I Don’t Want To Cry” and “Talkin’ To The Moon.” In 1979, Larry Gatlin won the Academy of Country Music’s Top Male Vocalist award, Straight Ahead won Album of the Year, and “All the Gold in California” won Single of the Year. Over the course of a four-decade career that has taken the Gatlin Brothers from dusty Texas stages to White House performances, from Broadway to Grammy Awards and to the Grand Ole Opry and the top of the country charts, there has been one unifying element—great concerts! Gatlin live performances are magical events filled with incredible harmonies, professionalism and fun. A respected songwriter, Gatlin has written songs that have been recorded by his friends Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Barbra Streisand, Tom Jones and Elvis Presley. Mary Verdi Local singer-songwriter Mary Verdi opens for The Gatlin Brothers. Verdi began writing music fifteen years ago and is now releasing her second album, Here At Home, a mix of old standards plus five originals, including the title cut “Here At Home,” about a young love missing her soldier. Judy Gold in 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother MON–TUES 7/23–24/07 8PM A: $40 B: $22 “Judy Gold is one of the funniest stand-up comedians working today. Gold mixes autobiographical commentary with perfectly timed and delivered one-liners to uproarious effect. The show is riotously funny and ultimately quite moving.” –Hollywood Reporter To answer the question “Are Jewish mothers unique or do all mothers share the same basic characteristics?”, Gold interviews and becomes an amazing range of characters. She’ll make you laugh, make you think and make you glad you were there. The Comedy of Susie Essman from HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm With Kira Soltanovich Opening WED 8/1/07 8PM A: $42 B: $28 "The incomparable Susie Essman, every 'Curb' fan's favorite supporting player." –Newsweek Susie Essman plays the venomous Susie Greene in the critically acclaimed HBO comedy series Curb Your Enthusiasm. Hilarious bouts of withering sarcasm and uninhibited insults have become her popular character’s trademark. Manhattan–based Essman is a veteran of the world of stand-up comedy, logging thousands of performances on the Gotham comedy circuit. She has appeared in her own half-hour HBO comedy special, hosted the American Comedy Awards and performed on Comedy Central’s The Friar’s Roast of Jerry Stiller, Politically Incorrect and The Tonight Show. Her other television credits include appearances on Law and Order, The King Of Queens and Baby Boom. Essman has appeared in the films Keeping The Faith, The Siege, Volcano and Punchline. Her talent and audacity made her a natural choice to perform off-Broadway in the play The Vagina Monologues. Essman was the voice of Helen Higgins in the puppet animation/crank call series Crank Yankers on Comedy Central. Kira Soltanovich Trained in every aspect of acting, improv and comedy, Soltanovich has been a winner, finalist and semifinalist in myriad comedy competitions and festivals. She has performed on FOX, Comedy Central, E! and VH1, at clubs and colleges and tours the world entertaining troops in USO shows. Rick Benjamin’s Paragon Ragtime Orchestra Presents: The Mark of Zorro THURS 8/30/07 8PM A: $25 B: $15 “Listening to a full band perform the complete scores, written and timed to the action, became a surprising delight…the audience chuckled along, as much to the music as the films.” – The Washington Post In this restored original 1928 classic, Douglas Fairbanks creates the prototype of the modern action adventure hero, with surprising humor and athleticism. “Se?or Zorro” slashes his trademark “Z” on the consciousness and occasionally the posteriors of the corrupt administration, leading the way to “justice for all!” Renowned for more than twenty years for reuniting original cinema orchestra scores with silent film classics, Paragon Ragtime Orchestra performs the original Spanish score for the film. Come experience this classic film as it was meant to be seen—with live music! Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles SUN 9/2/07 8PM A: $45 B: $24 "You guys sounded great. Loved your vocals.” – The Doobie Brothers Hotel California accurately and faithfully recreate the music and mystique of The Eagles by blending extraordinary vocal harmonies and instrumentation with a modern stage show. Audiences can once again experience the energy and magic of their favorite songs performed live. The performance is an exciting showcase of classics like “Take it Easy,” “Heartache Tonight” and “Hotel California,” as well as selected titles from the solo works of Don Henley, Glenn Frey and Joe Walsh. A.J. Croce THURS 9/6/07 8PM A: $25 B: $17 “one of our greatest young songwriters” – Rolling Stone The singing, piano playing son of folk legend Jim Croce, A.J. Croce is a remarkably versatile musician who has appeared onstage with artists as stellar as Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Santana, Dave Matthews, Rod Stewart, B.B. King, Lenny Kravitz and his childhood hero, Ray Charles. Croce blends blues and pop to create a unique style that has hit the American radio charts in genres from blues to jazz and Americana to adult alternative. This eclecticism has gained Croce the reputation of being a “one-man music festival.” BROADWAY NIGHTS SERIES CATS WED 6/27/07 8PM THURS 6/28/07 2PM & 8PM A: $46 B: $24 “Cats is a magnificent marriage of words, music, dancing, design and direction…” – The New York Times Based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, CATS is the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and features twenty of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s timeless melodies, including the hit song “Memory.” There’s no better way to introduce your family to the wonders of live theater than with the magic, the mystery, the memory of CATS.? Special rate for groups of 6 or more for Thursday matinee Say Goodnight Gracie SUN 9/23/07 2PM & 7PM A: $46 B: $24 “You’ll be in heaven!” – The New York Times “Hilarious!” – The New Yorker “The neatly written script by Rupert Holmes is a pleasant, poignant, endearing stroll, through the life and times of George Burns!” –Newsday Broadway and the golden age of television come together for an extraordinary evening of theater in this one-man tour through a century of American entertainment with the perfect comical guide, the charming George Burns. See the golden years of show business through the eyes of a man who savored each day of his long life. From Burns’ impoverished youth to his career in Vaudeville with the incomparable Gracie Allen by his side, to their rise to success on the stage, screen, radio and TV—and, to his “second time around” film career in the 1970s—this multimedia “love letter” from George to his beloved Gracie will leave you smiling. Beehive FRI 10/26/07 8PM SAT 10/27/07 2PM & 8PM A: $46 B: $24 “Nothing short of smoking hot!” – BroadwayWorld.com From women’s rights to flower power, Motown to Rock ‘n’ Roll, this show takes you on a musical and historical journey of women in the '60s. Hailed by the New York Times as “pure, irresistible fun,” Beehive is a who’s who hit parade of some of the era’s biggest divas, featuring “My Boyfriend’s Back,” “One Fine Day,” “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” and “Proud Mary.” Whether you grew up with these musical icons or have learned to love them, this high-energy musical will have you dancin’ and singin’ in the aisles! Hal Holbrook in Mark Twain Tonight! SAT 3/8/08 8PM A: $65 B: $30 “It’s brilliant! Everything about the show is perfect.” – New York Post “One of the treasures of the American theatre.” – LIFE When Hal Holbrook’s Mark Twain Tonight! opened off-Broadway in 1959, it took the theater world by storm and became an immediate hit. What started as a college honors project for aspiring actor Hal Holbrook soon became the model for one-man theatrical performances. Over the years, Holbrook has captured the very essence of his subject as he uses mannerisms, voice and inflections to become the legendary Twain. From politics and patriotism to cigar smoking and memory loss, this Tony Award-winning performance is one of the most acclaimed and enduring performances in the history of theater—a must see. Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash TUES 4/8/08 7PM WED 4/9/08 3PM & 8PM A: $46 B: $24 “Judging from the laughter, smiles, and tears in the audience, the show is a definite crowd pleaser…” – BroadwayWorld.com A cast of fourteen multitalented performers takes you on a musical voyage through the life of Johnny Cash—the "Man in Black"—who grew up poor in the heartland of America, worked hard, fought adversity and found success, faith, redemption and the love of a good woman—all while traveling on the wings of his unforgettable music. Ring of Fire features thirty-eight of the music legend’s songs, such as “Country Boy,” “A Thing Called Love,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Ring of Fire,” “I Walk the Line,” “The Man in Black” and his final hit “Hurt.” Special rate for groups of 6 or more for Wednesday matinee Evita WED 5/7/08 8PM A: $46 B: $24 “Don’t cry for her: she’s sensational!” – Daily Mail This musical winner of an impressive seven Tony Awards, including Best Book, Best Score and Best Musical of the Year, along with a Grammy Award for Best Cast Album, brings to life the dynamic, larger-than-life persona of Eva Per?n, wife of former Argentine dictator, Juan Per?n. It is the story of the enormous wealth and power she gained and the means by which she became Argentina’s beloved Evita. GREAT NIGHT OUT SERIES Marvin Hamlisch Colonial Gala SAT 9/8/07 8PM “Hamlisch—a one man sensation...” – The Edmonton Journal The white lights of Broadway will shine brightly in Pittsfield on September 8 as The Colonial Theatre presents its annual gala featuring the legendary theater and film score composer and pianist Marvin Hamlisch. The Gala is The Colonial Theatre’s major fundraiser to benefit community programming. Hamlisch is one of a handful of artists to have won every major performance award, having received a Tony, three Oscars, four Emmys, four Grammys, three Golden Globes and the Pulitzer Prize. Hamlisch’s Broadway resum? starts with the score for A Chorus Line, which includes the standards “What I Did for Love” and “One.” He has composed a number of other Broadway musicals, including They’re Playing Our Song, The Goodbye Girl and Sweet Smell of Success. The composer of more than forty motion picture scores, including his Oscar winning score for The Way We Were and his adaptation of Scott Joplin’s music for The Sting, Hamlisch has created original compositions and/or musical adaptations for Sophie’s Choice, Ordinary People, Three Men and a Baby and Bananas. Two of Hamlisch’s songs are on the American Film Institute’s Top 100 film songs, including “Nobody Does it Better” from the James Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me, performed by Carly Simon, and “The Way We Were,” performed by Barbra Streisand. The Gala includes a lavish buffet and cocktails under a festive tent, the concert and a dessert buffet to follow. Current Colonial Theatre donors will receive invitations for this event in the mail. To be added to the invitation list, please call the Colonial at (413) 448-8084 x19. The Colonial Theatre is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit organization; a portion of every gala ticket is tax deductible. A Mardi Gras Celebration Featuring the Creole Jazz Serenaders with Don Vappie SAT 2/2/08 7PM A: $45 B: $24 "Its infectious beat, sunny disposition and unrestrained optimism said let go and have fun!" – The Palm Beach Post February brings a Mardi Gras party you won’t want to miss, featuring banjo virtuoso and New Orleans native Don Vappie leading an eight piece swinging jazz ensemble! Vappie comes from a long line of Creole musicians and has brought international attention to this infectious music through recordings such as “Creole Blues” and “In Search of King Oliver.” This live performance celebrates the true spirit of early jazz and includes music from “Jelly Roll” Morton, “King” Oliver, Louis Armstrong, “Duke” Ellington, McKinney’s Cotton Pickers, Mills Blue Rhythm Band, Jabbo Smith, The New Orleans Owls, The Astoria Hot Eight and many others. After spending a few minutes listening to this group, you’ll realize that New Orleans—the birthplace of jazz—must rise again! Monterey Jazz Festival 50th Anniversary Tour WED 2/27/08 8PM A: $45 B: $24 “Monterey…an inspiration for hundreds of jazz festivals around the world.” – CNN.com “everybody's favorite jazz festival.” – San Jose Mercury News The longest continually-running jazz festival in the world, the Monterey Jazz Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary with a national tour. Maintaining Monterey’s tradition of bringing together veteran and younger artists, the show stars Terence Blanchard (trumpet), James Moody (saxophone), Benny Green (piano), Nnenna Freelon (special guest vocalist), Derrick Hodge (bass) and Kendrick Scott (drums). If you listen to a lot of jazz, this may well be your favorite concert—ever! Natalie MacMaster SUN 3/2/08 4PM A: $45 B: $22 “backed by a band any top musician would be proud of, Natalie MacMaster continues to stun crowds around the globe with her feverish fiddling and mesmerizing step dancing.” – huliq.com “her fiddle playing bites into the jigs and reels and makes the slow melodies sing.” – The New York Times Cape Breton’s incandescent fiddler tears up the stage with grand, joyful shows filled with everything from ferocious fiddling and high-powered step dancing to fast-paced Celtic raves and heartwarming ballads. Charismatic on stage and with a great sense of humor, MacMaster and her sizzling band captivate audiences with colorful reels and jigs, and dynamically fuse the traditional with bluegrass, world music and pop. MacMaster has shared the stage with luminaries such as Carlos Santana, the Chieftains, Alison Krauss, Faith Hill, Luciano Pavarotti and dozens of symphony orchestras, including the Boston Pops. The Ten Tenors FRI 4/4/08 8PM A: $45 B: $24 “A high-energy brand of good, clean fun—these guys put on a first rate show...” – The Dallas Morning News From the moment these classically trained Australians burst upon the concert scene in 2001, their international career has been a huge success! They have appeared alongside such artists as Rod Stewart, Andrea Boccelli, Alanis Morissette, Willie Nelson and many others. The group has been seen by more than 77 million people on three continents, selling out shows and winning hearts with its unmistakable charm, camaraderie and vocal prowess in opera, pop, rock and more. From arias to ABBA, and from Bach to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the group’s unique style is an unparalleled fusion of artistry, musicianship and comedy. A Universe of Dreams: Ensemble Galilei with Neal Conan SAT 4/12/08 8PM A: $35 B: $22 “Unorthodox instrumental combinations result in interesting textures and imaginative interpretations.” – Atlanta Journal Constitution “Reflective, poetic and witty…” – The Washington Post Narrated by Neal Conan, host of NPR’s Talk of the Nation, with projected images from the Hubble Space Telescope, this concert marries music to words in a way that is both compelling and beautiful. Inspired by pictures from the Hubble Space Telescope, the evocative music of the Celtic/Early Music Crossover group Ensemble Galilei presents the perfect backdrop for works by some of the finest poets in America. Audiences have been swept away by this extraordinary combination of spoken word and what has been described as “music that speaks to the heart in ways that transcend mere language.” ODC/Dance Company FRI 5/2/08 7PM A: $15 B: $10 “I can’t think of a more vibrantly alive bunch of exuberant and fabulously trained modern dancers.” – San Francisco Bay Guardian ODC/Dance Company is known throughout the world for its athleticism, passion and intellectual depth. The company’s three resident choreographers—Brenda Way, KT Nelson and Kimi Okada—are considered to be among America’s major contemporary choreographers and have created a dynamic movement vocabulary over the last three decades that has significantly influenced dancers and choreographers alike. This mixed repertory program features many styles of dance, including Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, modern, creative movement, hip-hop and capoeira. YOUNG CONCERT ARTISTS DISCOVERY SERIES ?Generously sponsored by Joseph and Mary Jane Handler Young Concert Artists, Inc. was founded in 1961 as a nonprofit organization to discover and launch the careers of extraordinary young musicians. Many of today’s greatest performers started their careers with Young Concert Artists, including Dawn Upshaw, Emanuel Ax, Richard Goode, Eugenia Zukerman, Christopher O’Riley, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Chee-Yun, the St. Lawrence String Quartet and the Borromeo String Quartet. Now the Colonial is partnering with Young Concert Artists to bring you three of today’s up-and-coming classical artists. “Young Concert Artists has acquired a special status in the musical world, and deservedly so. Its auditions and concerts have brought to public attention a steady stream of remarkable musicians. It is extremely doubtful that any organization anywhere could have matched the YCA record for spotting great talent and helping it along.” – The New York Times Sasha Cooke, mezzo-soprano THURS 9/27/07 7PM A: $20 B: $10 “The outward purity of a Renaissance angel and a voice of powerful sensual warmth and excellent musicality.” – The New York Times Sasha Cooke is currently a member of The Metropolitan Opera Lindemann Young Artist Development Program. She received her bachelor’s degree from Rice University and her master’s degree from The Juilliard School. Louis Schwizgebel-Wang, pianist THURS 11/1/07 7PM A: $20 B: $10 “Equipped with fantastic fingers, his musical interpretations are exceptional.” – Tribune de Gen've (Switzerland) Louis Schwizgebel-Wang has appeared as a soloist with l’Orchestre de la Suisse Romande and the Basel Symphony Orchestra during its 2004 tour of China, and was the top prizewinner in the 2005 Geneva International Competition and the 2003 Concours Suisse de Musique pour la Jeunesse. He is currently a student at the Geneva Conservatory, where he studies with Pascal Devoyon and Jean-Jacques Balet. Benjamin Moser, pianist THURS 3/27/08 7PM A: $20 B: $10 “He is already a master of color, atmosphere and delicate nuance, with technical mastery and youthful exuberance.” –S ddeutsche Zeitung (Germany) Benjamin Moser won First Prize in the 2004 Arthur Schnabel Piano Competition in Berlin. He currently studies with Klaus Hellwig at the University of the Arts in Berlin. INTERNATIONAL DISCOVERY SERIES Ballet Folkl?rico de M?xico de Amalia Hern?ndez SUN 10/21/07 7PM A: $35 B: $22 “Passionate...impeccable...an unequaled point of entry to the riches of a fabulous culture!” – Los Angeles Times “Amalia Hern?ndez is an expert at putting together fast-paced entertaining shows that can make viewers want to rush right off to Mexico.” – The New York Times This colorful and exciting music and dance spectacular is a complete immersion into the mysterious past and magnificent present of Mexico. Founded in 1952 by legendary choreographer Amalia Hern?ndez to showcase her country’s centuries-old dance traditions—from pre-Columbian ritual dances to spectacular skirt-twirling fiestas—Ballet Folkl?rico de M?xico has brought international fame to Mexican dance. Powerful choreography, lavish costumes, breathtaking sets and captivating live music come together in a vibrant spectacle. Shaolin Warriors: Legendary Masters of Kung Fu SUN 11/25/07 4PM A: $35 B: $22 “they combine the agility and grace of gymnasts with the showmanship of Cirque du Soleil performers.” – The Washington Post “so good at what they do, it almost looks like animation.” – The Orange County Register Feats once thought only possible in the movies will take place right before your eyes! Direct from China’s legendary Shaolin Temple, this fully choreographed theatrical production brings the remarkable skill, stunning movement, and spectacular imagery of Kung Fu to The Colonial Theatre. Known throughout the world for its disciplined spiritualism and deadly martial-arts prowess, the production features many forms of Shaolin Kung Fu as well as a look at the daily temple life of the monks and their Zen Buddhist philosophy. These Kung Fu masters train from a very young age in mental and physical disciplines, each required to achieve extraordinary proficiency in hand-to-hand and weapons combat. Golden Dragon Acrobats WED 1/9/08 7PM A: $35 B: $22 “Ripples of amazement all the way to the back row...That’s entertainment!” – The Dallas Morning News Known for their spectacular presentations that combine gravity-defying balancing acts and high-flying acrobatics, the Golden Dragon Acrobats present a show of breathtaking skill and stunning beauty. These actors, athletes and artists captivate audiences of all ages with their spellbinding feats of physical daring and grace, enhanced by elaborate traditional costumes and a combination of ancient and contemporary theatrical techniques. The 25-member ensemble features contortionists, tumblers and jugglers performing acts with plates, bicycles, balls, umbrellas and, of course, their bodies—in unfathomable ways! The group has traveled around the world and performed to sold-out audiences and standing ovations in all fifty states and in sixty-five countries on five continents. Ladysmith Black Mambazo WED 1/16/08 8PM A: $35 B: $22 “It isn’t merely the grace and power of their dancing or the beauty of their singing that rivets the attention, but the sheer joy and love that emanates from their being.” – Paul Simon The Grammy Award-winning a cappella ensemble Ladysmith Black Mambazo captures South Africa’s historic struggle in an inspiring repertoire that melds the tradition of Zulu harmony singing—songs born in the mines during the apartheid era—with hints of gospel. Whether performing at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration, in Disney’s The Lion King or alongside Paul Simon on Graceland, Ladysmith Black Mambazo creates beautiful harmonies that have brought its unique sound to international prominence. The rich uplifting sounds and effortlessly synchronized dancing convey universal themes of faith, hope and peace, yielding a performance of pure, uninhibited joy. L?nasa SUN 3/16/08 4PM A: $45 B: $22 “The hottest Irish acoustic group on the planet.” – Irish Voice “The new Celtic royalty...” – The Boston Herald Distinctly Irish, this extraordinary group, known for its inventive arrangements and bass-driven grooves, thrives on many improvisational music forms, including folk and jazz. Named for an ancient Celtic harvest festival in honor of the Irish god Lugh, patron of the arts, L?nasa is one of the most sought-after bands on the international Irish music scene and includes some of the top musical talents in Ireland. JUST FOR LAUGHS SERIES Robert Dubac’s THE MALE INTELLECT: AN OXYMORON? SUN 10/7/07 4PM & 8PM A: $40 B: $22 “THE MALE INTELECT is as hilarious as it is thought-provoking…a brilliant show.” – John Gray, author of Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus “Robert Dubac is talented, entertaining and very funny!” – The Boston Globe In this hilarious examination of male-female relationships, playwright Robert Dubac attempts to answer the impossible question: “What do women want?” Hailed by critics and audiences alike, THE MALE INTELLECT is a refreshingly bright theatrical piece that takes audiences on a provocative and funny journey through the gender gap. The Four Bitchin’ Babes Presents Hormonal Imbalance A Mood Swinging Music Revue! FRI 11/2/07 8PM A: $35 B: $22
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Pittsfield Housing Project Adds 37 Supportive Units and Collective Hope

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— A new chapter in local efforts to combat housing insecurity officially began as community leaders and residents gathered at The First on to celebrate a major expansion of supportive housing in the city.

The ribbon was cut on Thursday Dec. 19, on nearly 40 supportive permanent housing units; nine at The First, located within the Zion Lutheran Church, and 28 on West Housatonic Street.  The Housing Resource Center, funded by Pittsfield's American Rescue Plan Act dollars, hosted a celebration for a project that is named for its rarity: The First. 

"What got us here today is the power of community working in partnership and with a shared purpose," Hearthway CEO Eileen Peltier said. 

In addition to the 28 studio units at 111 West Housatonic Street and nine units in the rear of the church building, the Housing Resource Center will be open seven days a week with two lounges, a classroom, a laundry room, a bathroom, and lockers. 

Erin Forbush, ServiceNet's director of shelter and housing, challenged attendees to transform the space in the basement of Zion Lutheran Church into a community center.  It is planned to operate from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. year-round.

"I get calls from folks that want to help out, and our shelters just aren't the right spaces to be able to do that. The First will be that space that we can all come together and work for the betterment of our community," Forbush said. 

"…I am a true believer that things evolve, and things here will evolve with the people that are utilizing it." 

Earlier that day, Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus joined Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and her team in Housatonic to announce $33.5 million in federal Community Development Block Grant funding, $5.45 million to Berkshire County. 

He said it was ambitious to take on these two projects at once, but it will move the needle.  The EOHLC contributed more than $7.8 million in subsidies and $3.4 million in low-income housing tax credit equity for the West Housatonic Street build, and $1.6 million in ARPA funds for the First Street apartments.

"We're trying to get people out of shelter and off the streets, but we know there are a lot of people who are couch surfing, who are living in their cars, who are one paycheck away from being homeless themselves," Augustus said. 

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