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Producer/director Marya LaRoche has put together a cast of acting newcomers and seasoned veterans.

'It's A Wonderful Life' Radio Play Being Staged in Cheshire

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This particular production is intended to be "script-in-hand," a full reading/performance of a play where the actors are allowed to have their scripts in their hands so lines need not be memorized.

CHESHIRE, Mass. — The Cheshire Community Association will present a community production of the Frank Capra family classic "It’s a Wonderful Life," adapted by Tony Palermo, at Tuesday, December 17, at 7 p.m. in the Parish Hall of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish at 159 Church St.

Brought to the stage as a 1940s radio broadcast in front of a studio audience, a dozen actors play radio dramatists, who, in turn, portray 30 characters from the heart-warming holiday film. Featuring live sound effects and an original score, this is a rare opportunity to see how a 1940s radio show was produced.

Producer/director Marya LaRoche has put together a cast of acting newcomers and seasoned veterans, featuring Simon Cole as George Bailey, Tommy Towne as Clarence, Elizabeth Kozik as Superintendent of Angels, Casey McShain as Mary Hatch Bailey, Travis Mille as Radio Announcer/Uncle Billy, and Shevaun Keogh-Walker as Potter, along with Curtis Elfenbein Asch, Mary Lou Burdick, Michael Morin Garrity, Patricia Kelly, Tyne LaRoche, and Larry Leavitt covering multiple roles.

This particular production is intended to be "script-in-hand," a full reading/performance of a play where the actors are allowed to have their scripts in their hands so lines need not be memorized. The director will utilize blocking, limited costumes, props and sound effects to create a performance experience for the audience.

With a run time of under 90 minutes, the play is recommended for ages 8 and up. The performance is free and open to the public. Donations to the Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention will be graciously accepted at the door. Tickets for priority seating privileges can be reserved online through Brown Paper Tickets. Walk-ins are welcome. All seats are general admission and doors will open at 6:30 p.m.


Tags: cheshire,   holiday event,   

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Cheshire Select Board Centralizes Public Records Requests Under Town Administrator's Office

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
CHESHIRE, Mass. — Amid an increase in public records requests, the Cheshire Select Board designated the town administrator's office as the town's records access officer to streamline the process. 
 
Public records requests have become increasingly complex and time-consuming, with some involving litigation, requiring redactions, or qualifying for response extensions and fees, Town Administrator Jennifer Morse said during the board's meeting Tuesday
 
One recent records request would have taken three hours of the fire chief's time, Morse said, when the individual withdrew it after being informed of a $25 fee. 
 
Morse said the current process can create confusion because Town Clerk Whitney Flynn will distribute the requests to everyone, making it difficult to track which requests have been responded to. 
 
"I think that having a lot of people involved in the process makes it more difficult to have that accountability, and it's a liability if we're not on top of it. So, certainly, it is important to streamline it," Flynn added. 
 
The board clarified that designating the town administrator's office as the records access officer would not change responsibility for maintaining town records, which will remain with the town clerk's office. 
 
Under the new arrangement, the Town Administrator's office will serve as the central point for incoming requests, route them to the appropriate departments, and track responses, Morse said. 
 
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