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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SJC: Public Records Petition 'Proper'

Staff Reports
BOSTON — The Supreme Judicial Court in an advisory opinion released Monday found the petition to bring the Legislature and governor's office under the Public Records Law is "proper" as a form of law.
 
"Its principal purpose is not to regulate the internal proceedings or operations of the two Houses," the court wrote. "Instead, its principal purpose is to provide the public with a new right of access to the records of the General Court and the office of the Governor, applying the existing public records law to those bodies alongside the other governmental bodies already subject to the law. "
 
The state Senate asked the Supreme Judicial Court to weigh in on whether public records petition was a violation of the state constitution. The Legislature is required to act on the matter by May 5; if not, supporters plan to put it on the ballot in November. 
 
Auditor Diana DiZoglio has championed the petition as a measure to bring greater transparency to the workings of state government and as part of her own battle to audit the Legislature. More than 70 percent of voters approved the audit question in November 2024. 
 
The Senate asked the court whether, first, the petition was a law or a rule that would interfere with its internal processes and, second, would it create "new and unprecedented authority" to the courts to determine challenges to records determinations.
 
The court offered "that the petition proposes a law and is therefore properly pending before the Legislature" and, for Question 2, concluded "that the proposed measure does not relate to the powers of courts."
 
The court declined to answer three following questions related to intrusions on Senate authority and General Court authority, and violation of rights of  "deliberation, speech and debate" granted to members and staff.
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