Barrington Stage Company's Devised Theatre Ensemble Presents 'Jack and the Beanstalk'

PITTSFIELD, Mass — Barrington Stage Company's Virginia and Harvey Kimmel Arts Education Fund's Devised Theatre Ensemble (DTE)  presents an original  musical: "Jack & the Beanstalk," running July 26–31 at the Boland Theatre at Berkshire Community College (1350 West Street, Pittsfield).

According to a press release: 

A delightful theatrical experience for audiences of all ages, this modern reimagining promises giant laughs, surprising twists, and unforgettable fun.

This wildly inventive take on the classic fairy tale bursts with original music, puppetry, and clever contemporary humor. When young Jack trades his family cow for a handful of mysterious beans, he launches into an epic adventure featuring a grumpy giant king, a golden goose, and—because this is 2025—a cunning real estate developer with plans to turn Jack's humble village into luxury condos.

The musical is directed by Sam LaFrage, with music direction and songs by Billy Recce and production design (including puppetry and animation) by Jim Spieler.

Performance Schedule:

• Saturday, July 26 – 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM

• Sunday, July 27 – 2:00 PM

• Tuesday, July 29 – 11:00 AM

• Wednesday, July 30 – 11:00 AM

• Thursday, July 31 – 11:00 AM (Relaxed Performance)

Relaxed Performance – July 31 at 11:00 AM

This special sensory-friendly performance is designed to create a welcoming, inclusive space for neurodivergent audience members, families with young children, first-time theatre-goers, and individuals with sensory sensitivities. Attendees are encouraged to enjoy the show in whatever way feels comfortable—movement, sound, and expression are welcome.

Ticket Information:

• Adults: $15

• Children: $8

• Card to Culture (EBT/WIC/ConnectorCare): $5 (available in person only)

Tickets are available online at barringtonstageco.org, by phone at 413-236-8888, or in person.

Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. 

 

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

 

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

 

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature." 

 

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures. 

 

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis. 

 

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.