The Colonial hosted four lovely ladies for two days last week when the tour of “Menopause the Musical®” sang and danced its way into the lives of so many wonderful Berkshire County citizens.
I was able to snag some time with Fredena Williams, Licia Watson, Pammie O’Bannon and Sandy DeWoody, and they told me about their touring schedule. This is a very busy troupe of actresses—they are typically on the road 325 days out of the year. When you think about how hard that would be, to live out of a suitcase almost every day, rarely staying more than a couple of days in one hotel – and sometimes back to back to back one-night gigs for weeks at a time – it really makes you wonder how they can be so darn cheerful…
…but they were delightful! They sincerely loved their stay in Pittsfield, and were most complimentary about everyone they met here. We did our best at the theater to be prepared and accommodating, and it really paid off. They gave our audience great shows on both nights, and left the audience wanting more.
As we were standing backstage before Wednesday night’s performance, we got chatting about the theater’s history. Whenever we do this it has a “magical” effect on performers. They love to hear about the theater’s early years—how it was saved by the Miller family, and how the community has embraced it so warmly since its reopening. They asked if I could stay around after the performance and give them a complete tour. So, after the crowds went home and they changed out of costumes and makeup we stepped off the stage and wound our way up to the Gallery level as I told them stories about the theater’s distant and recent past. We had a great time. They all laughed and loved running around in the deserted balcony and boxes. Fredena, Licia, Pammie and Sandy told me many things that night that we’ve heard before, but one never gets tired of hearing “This is by far the most beautiful and amazing theater in which we have performed.” “I could tell when I stepped out onto the stage that I’d like to come back and sing without a microphone to just enjoy the wonderful acoustics.” “Your entire staff has been amazing. They are so professional and are the friendliest folks we can remember meeting on this tour.” Afterwards, we snapped some photos, exchanged email addresses, and had our farewell hugs.
Pittsfield and The Colonial Theatre are getting a reputation in the entertainment industry, and it is a good one! This is a very gossipy business and word gets around fast about the “good ones” and the “ones to avoid.” One last thing, they could not stop talking about the friendliness of our audiences. Over the two nights all of you tossed a total of $1,780 into their buckets to raise money to build a house here in New England for a woman who has become homeless. All they said about that is “not many communities have been that generous.”
Shall we bring them back soon?
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Ani DiFranco at the Colonial
Our Director of Programming and General Manager, Seth, announced a few days ago that Ani DiFranco is coming to the Colonial! We are more than excited to have the Grammy Award-winning performer come to our beautiful theatre here in Pittsfield, MA. Tickets are still available. The performance date and information is listed below:
Tuesday, April 21st 2009
7:30PM
Ticket prices: A: $55 B: $35
Ani DiFranco is a songwriter, vocalist and guitarist perpetually on the move. From the raw folk-punk of her early albums through the jazz-funk grooves created while touring with her five-piece band, to the twists and turns of her current work as a solo artist, DiFranco’s restless creativity continually leads her and her listeners into ever more exciting territory.
Get your tickets today!
Tuesday, April 21st 2009
7:30PM
Ticket prices: A: $55 B: $35
Ani DiFranco is a songwriter, vocalist and guitarist perpetually on the move. From the raw folk-punk of her early albums through the jazz-funk grooves created while touring with her five-piece band, to the twists and turns of her current work as a solo artist, DiFranco’s restless creativity continually leads her and her listeners into ever more exciting territory.
Get your tickets today!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
"I Saw the Sign...And It Opened Up My Eyes"
A common question has arisen from passersby of the Colonial as of late: What is that brick structure going up near the edge of the building? Well, after more than two years of careful planning, and thanks to a generous contribution from two donors, the Colonial is getting a monumental sign that will clearly identify the building as The Colonial Theatre. Many people have cajoled or chastised us for not making this important improvement sooner, but the fact is that this type of sign is very expensive, and we have not been able to afford it until recently. The recent donation has allowed planning and installation to move forward swiftly. As you may see when you drive or walk by the Colonial, the dirt is flying and brick has been laid as Colonial staff, patrons and donors look forward to the sign's completion.
Prior to the arrival of the lettered sign, a foundation for the base has been excavated and electricity has been run out to the site. The sign's placement was almost completely dictated by the limitations of city-mandated setbacks, location of underground structures and patron access to the front of the Colonial from our parking lot. This past week, the brick base was completed and power is in place. Now we are all awaiting the arrival of the sign.
Once the sign is installed, the Colonial will address the appropriate design review commission for a variance to allow the installation of an LED display. This will enable the Colonial to show images on the sign that may be changed electronically so that a variety of messages and pictures corresponding with upcoming events can be displayed over time.
Keep your eyes peeled, South Street passersby! A beautiful sign in front of The Colonial Theatre will soon be up and running for your enjoyment, made possible by the kindness of our caring donors.
Dave
Prior to the arrival of the lettered sign, a foundation for the base has been excavated and electricity has been run out to the site. The sign's placement was almost completely dictated by the limitations of city-mandated setbacks, location of underground structures and patron access to the front of the Colonial from our parking lot. This past week, the brick base was completed and power is in place. Now we are all awaiting the arrival of the sign.
Once the sign is installed, the Colonial will address the appropriate design review commission for a variance to allow the installation of an LED display. This will enable the Colonial to show images on the sign that may be changed electronically so that a variety of messages and pictures corresponding with upcoming events can be displayed over time.
Keep your eyes peeled, South Street passersby! A beautiful sign in front of The Colonial Theatre will soon be up and running for your enjoyment, made possible by the kindness of our caring donors.
Dave
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
The 1960s Return with CHAD & JEREMY
The performer’s life is filled with glamour, right?
Well, not exactly. The things the audience never sees are the things that keep life interesting at The Colonial Theatre.
Singer-songwriters Chad Stuart and Jeremy Clyde tour on the same kind of a “showstring” budget that was typical during their heyday in the 1960s. This past weekend, Chad and Jeremy were driving into Pittsfield from their previous gig in New York. No problem. Granted there were a few radio interviews along the way, but how much time could that take? Apparently, with torrential rain and no GPS, longer than expected. The anticipated 4pm sound check time came and went. After a few frantic calls with phrases like “lost,” “not sure where we are,” and “should be there soon,” they arrived just before 6pm.
The pre-arranged afternoon snack sat untouched, as Chad and Jeremy were famished for an actual dinner. A very quick stage check satisfied them that all was ready on the show front. We asked the management at Patrick’s Pub to clear a table and rush them through dinner. In the meantime, audience members were arriving in the lobby. Chad & Jeremy returned to dress a lot later than originally planned. However, the show went up on time, they sounded great, the audience loved it, and no one knew about the behind-the-scenes drama that kept us on the edge of our seats all afternoon. But in this blog, you will learn what really goes on …behind the scenes.
Dave Fleming
Executive Director
Well, not exactly. The things the audience never sees are the things that keep life interesting at The Colonial Theatre.
Singer-songwriters Chad Stuart and Jeremy Clyde tour on the same kind of a “showstring” budget that was typical during their heyday in the 1960s. This past weekend, Chad and Jeremy were driving into Pittsfield from their previous gig in New York. No problem. Granted there were a few radio interviews along the way, but how much time could that take? Apparently, with torrential rain and no GPS, longer than expected. The anticipated 4pm sound check time came and went. After a few frantic calls with phrases like “lost,” “not sure where we are,” and “should be there soon,” they arrived just before 6pm.
The pre-arranged afternoon snack sat untouched, as Chad and Jeremy were famished for an actual dinner. A very quick stage check satisfied them that all was ready on the show front. We asked the management at Patrick’s Pub to clear a table and rush them through dinner. In the meantime, audience members were arriving in the lobby. Chad & Jeremy returned to dress a lot later than originally planned. However, the show went up on time, they sounded great, the audience loved it, and no one knew about the behind-the-scenes drama that kept us on the edge of our seats all afternoon. But in this blog, you will learn what really goes on …behind the scenes.
Dave Fleming
Executive Director
Thursday, November 6, 2008
November Events at the Colonial
Events/Films for this month:
- Thursday, Nov. 6 @ 7 pm....The Pittsfield Eagles Band presents Symphonic to Swing (FREE CONCERT)
- Saturday, Nov. 8 @ 8 pm....Chad and Jeremy (A: $40, B:$22)
- Sunday, Nov. 9 @ 4 pm....Bolshoi Ballet Film: BOLT* ($1-$15)
- Saturday, Nov. 15 @ 7:30 pm....Romance Soul Rock 'N' Roll presents Feel the Beat! (A:$22, B:$16)
- Tuesday & Wednesday, Nov. 18-19 @ 7:30 pm.... "Menopause the Musical" (A:$45, B:$25)
- Thursday, Nov. 20 @ 8 pm.... Arlo Guthrie's Lost World Tour (A:$55, B:$25)
- Sunday, Nov. 23 @ 4 pm....FILM: Bolshoi Ballet in Cinema presents "The Pharaoh's Daughter" ($1-$15)
- Tuesday, Nov 26 @ 7 pm....CTA FILM: "Casablanca" (1942, NR; Warner Bros./Turner) ($1-$8)
- Saturday, Nov. 29 @ 2 pm....CTA FILM: "The Neverending Story" (1984, PG; Warner Bros.) ($1-$8)
- Saturday, Nov. 29 @ 7 pm....CTA FILM: "Blazing Saddles" (1974; Warner Bros.) ($1-$8)
*Please note that the film BOLT is not the animated film, but a ballet-in-film presentation.
Monday, November 3, 2008
THE EAGLES BAND PRESENTS: Symphonic to Swing
THE EAGLES BAND PRESENTS: Symphonic to Swing
Thu, Nov 6th '08
7PM Free Concert
The Eagles Band will perform a free community concert titled “Symphonic to Swing” which will highlight the group’s Symphonic and Swing units. The Eagles Band is the county’s oldest continuing performance ensemble incorporation in 1936.
Thu, Nov 6th '08
7PM Free Concert
The Eagles Band will perform a free community concert titled “Symphonic to Swing” which will highlight the group’s Symphonic and Swing units. The Eagles Band is the county’s oldest continuing performance ensemble incorporation in 1936.
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