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. 

Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:23PM / Thursday, April 25, 2024

Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.

Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.

"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.

"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."

The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.

Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."

"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."

The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a  $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.