Sandisfield Arts Center Presents 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'

SANDISFIELD, Mass. — Roald Dahl’s beloved classic "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" will be brought to life by the Sandisfield Players at the Sandisfield Arts Center this Father's Day weekend, with evening performances at 7 p.m. Friday, June 14, and Saturday, June 15, and a matinee at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 16. 

This production is one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken by Ben Luxon and the Sandisfield Players. While Luxon has directed such memorable productions as "Shakespeare Unchained," "Under Milkwood" and "Our Town, "Charlie" is the first musical the group has undertaken. 

The production includes seasoned Sandisfield actors Jean Atwater-Williams, Mary Anne Grammer, Ben Luxon and Susie Crofut, plus a host of child actors and adults from Sandisfield and neighboring communities.

Luxon is joined as co-director by Jesse Howard, drama teacher at the Berkshire School, who collaborated with him last year on directing "Shakespeare Unchained." Howard did a version of "Charlie" years ago, but according to Luxon, "He has always wanted to stage it with both adults and children." A;l of Howard's family are in the production, including his son as Charlie, and Howard himself stars as Willy Wonka.

Some of the songs like "Pure Imagination" will be familiar to anyone who saw the Gene Wilder movie version, "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," but this production also includes original music created by Jesse Howard. The sets are designed by artist Susie Crofut and built by Luxon and crew will create an atmosphere of magical fantasy. 

As with all Dahl’s writings, there is a dark, sinister side to the story, but this side is so deftly woven into the playful, clever prose, music and imaginative tale, that both children and adults will thoroughly enjoy it. 

Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under and are available online. 

New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:26AM / Saturday, December 27, 2025

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction. 

 

Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.

 

Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.

 

"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."

 

The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.

 

"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.

 

She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.