Barrington Stage Company Presents Cyril the Sorcerer in 'Once Upon a River'

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PITTSFIELD, Mass — Barrington Stage Company (BSC) invites audiences of all ages to experience Cyril the Sorcerer in "Once Upon a River."

The public performance will take place Saturday, May 2 at 2:00 p.m. at the St. Germain Stage, Sydelle and Lee Blatt Performing Arts Center (36 Linden Street). Student matinee performances for local elementary school groups are scheduled for Friday, May 1 at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 2:00 p.m.

According to a press release: 

"Once Upon a River" is an interactive "enviromagic" fairytale show performed by CJ May as Cyril the Sorcerer, designed to teach children about environmental stewardship. The story follows a peasant boy's quest to stop a magician from stealing an entire river, sharing important lessons about sustainability, water protection, and recycling.

Featuring magic, costumes, and music, the production invites young audience members to become "heroes," actively engaging them in the story and its message.

"This is a wonderful way to introduce young audiences to live theatre while also inspiring them to care for the world around them," said Jane O'Leary, Director of Education. "It's entertaining, interactive, and meaningful for the whole family."

Known as the Merlin of Environmental Magic, Cyril was born and raised in the mythical Land of Aquilon, where he began his magical studies. When his homeland faced devastation due to pollution and environmental neglect, he used his powers to restore harmony between humans and nature. Today, he travels the world sharing the lessons that once saved Aquilon—empowering young people to protect the environment in their own communities.

Cyril the Sorcerer is the alter ego of CJ May, an environmental professional who holds a master's degree in environmental management from Yale University.

This special BSC engagement is sponsored by the Virginia and Harvey Kimmel Family Fund, whose support helps make accessible, educational programming like this possible.

Tickets are $5, making this a magical and affordable outing for families, school groups, and theatre lovers alike.

For tickets and information, visit the Barrington Stage Company website at barringtonstagco.org or call the box office at 413-242-6411.

 

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Second Streets Second Chances Awarded $85K for Workforce Re-Entry Program

By Brittany Polito

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A local program for formerly incarcerated citizens seeking a technical career received $85,000 from the state.  

On Thursday, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $2.25 million in Re-entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program grants to 12 organizations that will provide job training, career support, and employment opportunities to 445 formerly incarcerated individuals returning to their communities.

Second Street Second Chances was allocated $84,712 to partner with the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office to offer a training program to 12 returning citizens with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry.  

The funds will be used to put 12 returning citizens through a training program with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in manufacturing and welding roles at Onyx Specialty Papers and Hi-Tech Mold and Tool.

The program was one of 12 awardees, a majority on the eastern side of the state; Greenfield also saw funding.

"When people return to their communities, they should have a real opportunity to get a good job, support their families and build a stable future," said Gov. Maura Healey in a press release. 

"These grants connect people with the training and experience they need to succeed and with employers that are ready to hire."

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said successful reentry means making sure people have the tools and opportunities to move forward, and these programs bring together community organizations, public safety partners, and employers to connect people directly with training and jobs. 

Launched in 2022, Second Street Second Chances' mission is to provide a central point of access for medical and mental health, housing, job training, legal services, and more for a successful reentry into the community. 

Early this year, the nonprofit saw an $89,000 grant from the program.  Executive Director Lindsay Cornwell at the time said this funding allowed 2nd Street to expand its mission of supporting returning citizens in Berkshire County through meaningful workforce opportunities and a pathway toward sustainable employment. 

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