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

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PITTSFIELD, Mass — Barrington Stage Company's Virginia and Harvey Kimmel Arts Education Fund'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.

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Schools Schedule Morningside, Budget Hearings This Week

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The School Committee will hold another public hearing for the potential closure of Morningside Community School.

On Thursday, April 9, at 6 p.m., community members will have the chance to give feedback in the Reid Middle School library. Last month, the Pittsfield Public Schools announced the possible closure of Morningside, which serves elementary grades, for the 2026-2027 school year and redistribution of its students to other city schools.

In the last couple of weeks, the district has solicited input from employees and community members through meetings at the school. 

Morningside Community School was built in the mid-1970s with an open classroom concept. Morningside serves about 374 students and has a 7 percent accountability score, outperformed by 93 percent of the state.

For fiscal year 2027, the district has allocated about $5.2 million for the school. The committee has also requested a version of the proposed $87.2 million district budget with Morningside closed. 

Pittsfield has another open concept school, Conte Community School, that is planned to consolidate with Crosby Elementary School, and possibly Stearns Elementary School, in a new building on the Crosby site by 2030. The status of the project's owner's project manager will be discussed on Tuesday, April 7, at 5 p.m. at Taconic High School during the School Building Needs Commission meeting. 

That leaves the school officials wondering if Morningside students could have better educational outcomes if resources followed them to other nearby schools.  Interim Superintendent Latifah Phillips has stressed that a decision has not yet been made. 

Considerations for the school’s closure include: The feasibility of the facility to provide a conducive teaching and learning environment with an open campus design, the funding allocation needed to ensure Morningside students can have equitable learning opportunities, and declining enrollment across Pittsfield elementary schools.  

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