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.

First Responder Awards Honor Excellence, Highlight Mental Health

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
06:32AM / Saturday, May 23, 2026

Keynote speaker Nicole Ferry, above, urged first responders not to suffer in silence; right, the committee recognized outstanding work by its members. 

Reader's note: This article discusses suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. To contact the Crisis Text Line, text HELLO to 741741. More information on crisis hotlines in Massachusetts can be found here.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — First responders gathered at the Proprietor's Lodge last week in advance of EMS Week to celebrate and support their colleagues. 

The EMS Awards Banquet, held by the Emergency Medical Services Committee of Berkshire County, included 20 awards for outstanding responses to specific calls over the past year and for excellence in various fields. 

Brian Andrews, president of County Ambulance Services and EMSCO, said its mission is to support and uplift the EMS community with compassionate care, critical resources, and "unwavering support" to first responders and their families.

"That mission is built on a simple but powerful principle: caring for our own," he said. 

"… EMS is a profession built around caring for others, but those who care for others also need to be cared for. They need support, encouragement, training, resources, recognition, and at times they need to know that this community stands behind them and their families." 

Andrews said EMSCO is one of the most active and successful county EMS organizations in Western Mass, and while its members may wear different patches and serve different communities, when the call comes in, they are all connected by the same mission. 

The evening included a $1,000 donation from EMSCO member Berkshire Community College Foundation, and County Ambulance paramedic supervisor Austin White requested that his 40 Under 40 donation be sent to the committee.