Weekend Outlook: Prom Dates, Strawberry Fields
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In 2005, a group of 20-something friends got to talking about how they hadn't enjoyed their own proms when they were in high school and how they wished that such opportunities to get dressed up and dance were as abundant in adulthood as they were in the teen years.
Out of this conversation, the April Fool's Ball emerged. After two years, the group is going one better — reliving the excitement of the prom with a semiformal event on Saturday at the Elks Lodge in North Adams.
"We were uncertain if we were even going to do an event this year," said Veronica Bosley, head of the North Adams Prom Committee. "But a few of us got together and decided we wanted to keep in the tradition of having a community dance that is fun for adults."
Dubbed the NAMA Prom (NAMA stands for North Adams, MA), the party begins at 8:30 and runs to 2 a.m.
Special features include DJ Hush spinning danceable tunes, a station where guests can make their own corsages, a backdrop against which couples can have their photo taken, complimentary refreshments, and also a few surprises. Guests are encouraged to dress up as much as they would like and even to wear outfits from their own high school proms if they still have them.
Admission is $5 and drinks are available for purchase at the Elks bar. Must be 21 to attend. For more information, visit myspace.com/thepromcommittee, call 413-652-2462, or e-mail socialpolish@yahoo.com.
Williamstown Theatre Festival Back Onstage
The venerable Williamstown Theatre Festival is back for the summer with the festival premiere of "Beyond Therapy." The play is about a chance meeting through a personal ad that provides two New Yorkers with a multitude of topics for their therapy sessions. The lines between doctor and patient, however, are hilariously blurred, say reviewers. Written by Christopher Durang and directed by Alex Timbers, this classic delivers a look at the idiosyncrasies of the heart.
The play is showing on Nikos Stage from June 11-22 for $35 on weekdays and $37 on weekends. For more information about events and purchasing tickets call 413-597-3400, or go to www.wtfestival.org.
Spend Your Weekend with the SteepleCats
The SteepleCats have are aiming to make this weekend a home run for residents.
First it's the 'Cats versus the Pittsfield Dukes on Friday at Joe Wolfe Field in North Adams. It's Rivalry Night sponsored by MCLA so wear the gear of your favorite team. The SteepleCats take on Team USA in a Father's Day Exhibition Sunday at 7 p.m. at Joe Wolfe Field. So bring your dad or your whole family.
For information on ticket pricing call 413-663-7333 or go to www.steeplecats.com.
The Red Room Returns
The Main Street Stage at 57 Main St., North Adams, is happy to announce the return of The Red Room on Saturday, June 14.
Doors open at 8 for life drawing, with models and art materials provided. There will also be mingling and light refreshments. The variety show begins at 9. The Red Room is featured on Saturdays in June and Mondays in July and August, featuring local musicians, writers, dancers, magicians and more.
For more information, call 413-664-7745 or go to www.mainstreetstage.org. Parents be aware: Red Room contains adult themes and language may not be suitable for children.
Open Mic Night
On Saturday at 7 p.m. Inkberry and Papyri Books at 45 Eagle St., North Adams, present WordPlay, this month featuring writer and designer Leith Colen. An open mic will follow Colen's presentation. Gail Burns is host. The event is free and open to the public. For more information call 413-664-0775 or visit www.inkberry.org or www.papyribooks.net.
Trip to Candyland
Mount Greylock Regional Middle School students will present the musical "Willy Wonka," directed by Kathy O'Mara, produced by Minerva Stage and with music direction by Deborah Burns, will take place Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the school auditorium in Williamstown. Ticket prices are $5 for adults and $3 for students. For more information, call 413-441-6120.
Play Ball!
There's still time to make the free community opening of the Bennington, Vt., Museum's "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" exhibit, featuring a batting cage, peanuts and Cracker Jacks and chance to meet local minor league players. The event runs today from 3 to 8 p.m. at the museum on Route 9. For more information, 802-447-1571 or www.benningtonmuseum.org.
Fruits of Spring
Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation is hosting a Strawbarb and Rhuberry Festival, a potluck celebration of strawberry and rhubarb, featuring scavenger hunt and craft-making activities for the whole family. The festival takes place Saturday at fronm 7:30 to 9 p.m. at its Sheep Hill headquarters on Route 7 South. For more information call 413-458-2494 or visit www.wrlf.org.
Storefront Artist Project
Six representational women artists from Massachusetts are showcased in this latest exhibit. "Women on Display runs through June 29 with a free artists' reception from 6 to 8 on Saturday at the Storefront Artist Project at 124 Fenn St., Pittsfield. More information, 917-568-3712 or storefrontartist.org.Classic Cars and Family Fun
Antique & Classic Car Show, featuring the Packard, author Pat Foster, tech sessions, Hemmings Motor News editors, food, field events, games, parade, exhibits and more. The show takes place at Dorr Farm in Manchester, Vt., on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults and free for children. For more information call 800-362-4144 or www.manchestercarshow.com.
Native Traditions
Try your hand at making a musical instrument at the Berkshire Museum, which is offering craft-making programs in conjunction with its "Native Peoples: Northeast-Northwest" exhibit. Museumgoers will also be able to expore American Indian traditions and artifacts. Next Saturday, June 21, will be basket making.
Cost is $15 per person ($10 members), which includes all materials, the program, and admission to the museum at 39 South Street in Pittsfield. For more information, 413-443-7171, Ext. 10, or visit www.berkshiremuseum.org.
When the Weekend's Over
During the first half of the 20th century, the Berkshire Street Railway operated a line of trolleys throughout Berkshire County and beyond with connecting tracks in four states. For a time, it was the largest trolley system in the United States.
From 1902 until 1930, these trolleys rumbled down the streets of Great Barrington and Housatonic. An exhibit of rarely seen vintage trolley photographs from the Great Barrington Historical Society and private collections is now on display at the Great Barrington post office.The exhibit will run weekdays until the end of August.
For more information, 413-528-5490 or www.greatbarringtonhistoricalsociety.org.
