Pittsfield, MA – Berkshire Theatre Group (BTG) and Kate Maguire (Artistic Director, CEO) in association with Bay Street Theater and Geva Theatre Center are excited to announce casting for its upcoming production of Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein, the hilarious creation brought to life by the creator of The Producers.
At The Colonial Theatre
Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein
in association with Bay Street Theater and Geva Theatre Center
music & lyrics by Mel Brooks
book by Mel Brooks & Thomas Meehan
original direction & choreography by Susan Stroman
orchestrations by Doug Besterman and Mark Cumberland
based on a concept by Stuart Ross
casting by Murnane Casting, Chad Eric Murnane, CSA
assistant direction by Nick Cearley
music direction & arrangements by Eric Svejcar
direction & choreography by Gerry McIntyre
at The Colonial Theatre
Previews: Thursday, June 27 at 7pm and Friday, June 28 at 7pm
Opening/Press Night: Saturday, June 29 at 7pm
Closing: Sunday, July 21 at 2pm
Tickets: Preview $60
Tickets: Premium $125; Adult $60 & $75; Teen (13 and up) $38
ABOUT
Get set for a monstrously entertaining experience as Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein, the musical comedy born from Mel Brooks’ comedic genius and brought to life by the creators of the record-breaking Broadway sensation The Producers, descends upon The Colonial Theatre. This wickedly inspired reimagining of Brooks’ classic comedy film thrusts Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced “Fronk-en-steen”) into the spotlight as he inherits his family’s eerie estate in Transylvania. Alongside his peculiar sidekick Igor (pronounced “Eye-gore”) and the enchanting lab assistant Inga, Frederick ventures into the realm of mad science, striving to resurrect a corpse and rival his infamous grandfather’s experiment.
Bringing the hilarious antics of the screen sensation to life with added theatrical flair, this stage adaptation captures every ounce of the film’s panache. From the clandestine laboratories to the iconic exclamation of “It’s alive!,” the musical electrifies with unforgettable tunes such as “The Transylvania Mania,” “He Vas My Boyfriend” and “Puttin’ on the Ritz.” Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein promises an uproarious evening, catering to both die-hard fans of the original and newcomers, while offering a platform to showcase a diverse array of talents. Join us for an electrifying night of laughter and music!
Due to its slightly irreverent yet good-natured humor, Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein may not be suitable for very young children, but teens (and those above their teen years!) will best enjoy this uproarious comedy.
This production will be directed & choreographed by Gerry McIntyre and features Sean Bell as The Monster; Nick Cearley as Ensemble; Aaron Choi as Inspector Hans Kemp and Hermit; Savannah Cooper as Ensemble; Veanne Cox as Frau Blücher; Matthew Hydzik as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein; Brady Miller as Ensemble; Linda Neel as Ensemble; James Romney as Igor; Kyla Stone as Inga; Aléna Watters as Elizabeth Benning; Christina Emily Jackson and Cullen J. Zeno as Swings. Dance captain is Linda Neel.
Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein has a book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, music and lyrics by Mel Brooks and the creative team consists of direction and choreography by Gerry McIntyre, music direction and arrangements by Eric Svejcar, scenic design by Mike Billings, costume design by Barbara Erin Delo, lighting design by Mike Billings, sound design by Joanna Lynn Staub, projection design by Brad Peterson, wig design by Liz Printz, intimacy coordination by Lillian Ransijn, casting direction by Murnane Casting, orchestrations by Doug Besterman and Mark Cumberland, assistant direction by Nick Cearley, assistant to the choreographer Shira Holtz, production stage management by Whitney Keeter, assistant stage management by Julia Bregy, rehearsal stage management by Jason Weixelman and assistant rehearsal stage management by Kelsey Emry.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Sean Bell (The Monster) Select theater: Harmony: A New Musical (Broadway), A Bronx Tale (First National Tour), How to Succeed… (Kennedy Center), Fully Committed, Clue (Arrow Rock), Forever Plaid (The New Theatre), Plaid Tidings (Rubicon), Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Syracuse Stage), Deathtrap (The Fulton), Oklahoma! (North Shore). Concerts: NY Pops 40th Anniversary Gala (Carnegie Hall), Manilow: Live in NY (Radio City), The American Pops: How Great Thou Art (PBS). TV/Film: Z (Amazon), Succession (HBO), Red Oaks (Amazon), Boardwalk Empire (HBO). @seanbell13, SeanWBell.com He/him
Nick Cearley (Assistant Director, Ensemble) is the co-creator of the critically acclaimed “Undie-Rock” duo known as The Skivvies (www.theskivviesnyc.com). Broadway/Tour: All Shook Up, Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas (Chicago). Nick holds the record for the most performances of the one person play Buyer & Cellar all across America. Off-Broadway: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Puck), Pageant (Drama Desk Nominated Off-Broadway Original Revival Cast / Cast Album on Jay Records), Golden Rainbow (The York Theatre), Sex Tips…, Cupid & Psyche. Selected regional credits: Portland Center Stage, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Bay Street Theatre, Bucks County Playhouse, Saugatuck Center for the Arts, Cape Playhouse, American Stage Company, Rubicon Theatre, Laguna Playhouse, Two River Theatre, Pittsburgh’s City Theatre. Instagram: @clearlycearley & @theskivviesnyc. www.nick-cearley.com
Aaron Choi (Inspector Hans Kemp, Hermit) BTG debut! Most recently seen in the North American tour of Disney’s Aladdin as Iago, his favorite past credits include Sancho Panza in Man of LaMancha, William Barfee in 25th…Spelling Bee, Patsy in Spamalot. His work spans the country at many regional theatres including the MUNY, Marriott Theatre and the Fulton Theatre. Find him on Instagram and TikTok @trueaaronchoi. He/Him
Savannah Cooper (Ensemble, Understudy for Inga) is ecstatic to be making her debut at the Berkshire Theatre Group! Recent credits include: Little Shop of Horrors (Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Great Lakes Theatre), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Idaho Shakespeare Festival) and White Noise (Netflix). Savannah would like to thank her family and the team at Henderson Hogan for their love and support! @savvy_sc
Veanne Cox (Frau Blücher) BTG: The Prisoner of Second Avenue. Accolades: Special Drama Desk Award for ‘Excellence and Significant Contributions to the Theatre’ and an Obie Award for ‘Sustained Excellence.’ Recently: Webster’s Bitch (Playhouse on Park), Summer Stock (Goodspeed Opera House). Broadway: An American in Paris, A Free Man of Color, La Cage aux Folles, Caroline or Change, The Dinner Party, Company (Tony Award nom.) and Smile. Off-Broadway: The Wedding Band, The Old Friends, The Most Deserving, Paradise Park, Spain, Last Easter, House and Garden, Labor Day, The Altruists,The Batting Cage, The Waiting Room, Flora the Red Menace, Freedomland, A Question of Mercy, The Food Chain. Film/ TV includes: Summoning Sylvia, The Mandalorian, Only Murders in the Building, Erin Brockovich, Big Eden, Beethoven’s 4TH, You’ve Got Mail, Marci X, Louie, Smash, Pan Am, Two Broke Girls, Seinfeld, Cinderella and the web series Indoor Boys (Emmy nom.) and Cady Did. veannecox.com
Matthew Hydzik (Dr. Frederick Frankenstein) Broadway credits include: Gregg Allman in The Cher Show, Buddy in Side Show, Greg in It Shoulda Been You, Tony in West Side Story and Kenickie in Grease. Off-Broadway Matthew starred as John in Tomorrow Morning at the York Theater. National tours include If/Then, Rent, Fame, Grease and Flashdance. Concert and special appearances with the LA Philharmonic, Kennedy Center, Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Lyric Opera of Chicago, MUNY, Planet Hollywood Las Vegas, Stages St. Louis, Annenberg Theater Palm Springs, ACT Connecticut. A proud Pittsburgh native and graduate of Penn State, BFA Musical Theatre. All my love to my Megan and Grace Willow.
Christina Emily Jackson (Swing) National/International Tours: Shrek, The Sound of Music, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Disney Cruise Line. Selected Regional: North Shore Music Theater, Walnut Street Theater, Fireside Theater, Argyle Theater, J2 Spotlight Off-Broadway, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Maine State Musical Theater, and more. TV/Film: The Ellen Show, NYC Tourism. BFA Musical Theater from Penn State University, Masters of Accounting from Rider University. Owner of Bevel & Pop Wedding and Event Planning. Thanks to Gerry and Eric for the trust, Murnane Casting for the open doors, and Daniel, Mom, and Dad for the love in the highs, lows, and in-betweens. Psalm 30:10-12. www.ChristinaEmilyJackson.com IG:@christinaemilyjackson
Brady Miller (Ensemble, Understudy for Dr. Frankenstein, Inspector Kemp & Hermit) BTG debut! Ready to “Put on the Ritz!” National tour: 42nd Street. Regional credits include: MUNY (Chess), Pittsburgh CLO (Anything Goes), Goodspeed Musicals (42nd Street), Tuacahn Amphitheater (Mary Poppins, Sound of Music, Joseph…), Stages St. Louis (Jersey Boys), Riverside Theater (Thoroughly Modern Millie, My Fair Lady, Gypsy), Lyric Stage Co. of Boston (Gypsy), North Shore Music Theater (A Christmas Carol). Ohio Northern University alum! Many thanks to Gerry, Stuart and the entire Young Frank team. Much love to the team at Ann Steele Agency. For my family, Michael & Ellie. @itsbradymiller | www.bradyamiller.com
Linda Neel (Ensemble, Dance Captain, Understudy for Elizabeth Benning and Frau Blücher) is thrilled to be bringing this Mel Brooks classic to life! A native of Los Angeles, Linda has always had the ‘acting bug.’ She went to a doctor about it, but they only prescribed more acting. So, Linda got serious about her diagnosis and went to the Circle in the Square Theatre School. After years of studying mime and Chekhov, she booked a job with Norwegian Cruise Line. There she performed on the high seas and traveled the world for many years. She is now back on land and based in New York City. Linda would like to thank her loving family for their enthusiasm and understanding. Linda also thanks Gerry for this hilarious opportunity. Funniest regional credits include Monty Python’s Spamalot (Ogunquit Playhouse), Christmas in Hell (Notoriety Theater) and The Producers (Gateway Playhouse). @itslindaneel
James Romney (Igor) is delighted to be making their BTG debut! Broadway: Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, Camelot. Chicago: Big River; Fly by Night; My Fair Lady; Carousel; The Merry Widow; A Wrinkle In Time; The Distance; Barbecue Apocalypse; Sita Ram; La Chingada; Forget Me/Knot. Regional: A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Twelfth Night; The Man of La Mancha. Film: Seeing The Elephant. James is represented by DGRW. He/They
Kyla Stone (Inga) made her Broadway debut this season in Barry Manilow & Bruce Sussman’s Harmony (swing u/s Josephine Baker, Ruth). She made history as the first African-American Anya in Anastasia (National Tour) and the first black Elle Woods in the U.S. in The Muny’s Legally Blonde. Regional credits include Into the Woods (Cinderella) at PCLO, The Music Man in Concert (Marian) with the Gainesville Orchestra, The Secret Garden (Mrs. Shelley u/s Martha) at The Ahmanson Theatre, Sweeney Todd (Johanna) at The Hangar Theatre and 9 to 5 (Judy Bernly) at the Musco Center. Short Films: The Biggest Little, The Artemis Game and A Life Within (Paris Cinema Award for Best Actress). Thanks to Sweet180 Management, HCKR, the Young Frank team, and all of you! Love to Conner, Mom, and the Cali crew. VOOF! @kylastone She/her.
Aléna Watters (Elizabeth Benning) BTG Debut! Broadway: West Side Story (Revival) and in the Original Broadway Companies of The Addams Family, Sister Act, The Cher Show, Mrs. Doubtfire and Bad Cinderella. Off-Broadway: NEWSical, Boobs! The Musical. Touring/Regional: Chicago, Cinderella, Pippin (1st Int’l), World Premieres of The Prom (Pre-Bway), Ever After, Turn of the Century, Fairy Tale Christmas, Brooklyn (Pre-Bway) and 5 years with the USO Show Troupe (performing for our military families). Was a “Harlette” for Bette Midler. Featured in critically acclaimed documentary The Standbys and on 2024 release of the first electro-swing musical concept album Whisper Darkly. BA Musical Theatre, UNC. Yoga/Breathwork/Coaching/Healing Facilitator. IG: @sassballchange | www.alenawatters.com
Cullen J. Zeno (Swing, Understudy for The Monster) Cullen was born in Lafayette, Louisiana, and is a proud graduate of Elon Music Theatre ‘22. He has performed in: My Fair Lady (National Tour); State Fair and A Chorus Line (The REV); Cabaret (Hangar Theatre); Legacy: Maria Friedman & Friends (Hudson Theatre). He is very excited to be making his Berkshire debut with Young Frankenstein. He hopes you enjoy the show! @cullenjzeno
ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM
Mel Brooks (Book, Music & Lyrics) Director, producer, writer and actor, Mel Brooks is the recipient of three 2001 Tony Awards (Best Score, Best Book of a Musical, Best Musical) and two Grammy Awards (Best Musical Show Album and Best Long Form Music Video) for The Producers. Mr. Brooks began his distinguished career during television’s “Golden Age” as a writer for Sid Caesar on Your Show Of Shows in 1951. In 1955 and in 1957, Brooks received Emmy Award nominations (with others) for the best comedy writing for Caesar’s Hour, and in 1956 he was nominated (with others) for best writing for a variety or situation comedy. In 1952, Brooks wrote sketches for Leonard Sillman’s Broadway smash-hit revue, New Faces Of 1952, and in 1957, together with Joe Darion, he wrote the book for the Broadway musical Shinbone Alley, which starred Eartha Kitt. In 1962, he wrote the book for the Broadway musical All–American, starring Ray Bolger. In the ’60s, Brooks teamed up with Carl Reiner to write and perform The 2000 Year Old Man albums, which became immediate bestsellers. In 1960 and 1961, Brooks and Reiner received Grammy Award nominations for the best spoken word comedy for 2000 Years and for best comedy performance for 2000 And One Years, respectively. In 1997, Brooks and Reiner teamed up again for The 2000 Year Old Man In The Year 2000. Both a book and a CD were released, the CD winning a Grammy Award in 1998 for the best spoken word album: comedy. Brooks wrote and narrated The Critic, a short satire on avant-garde art films, which received the Academy Award for best animated short subject in 1964. In 1965, he teamed up with Buck Henry and created Get Smart, the long-running television show starring Don Adams as Agent 86. Brooks, along with others, received an Emmy Award for outstanding writing achievement in a comedy-variety in 1967 for The Sid Caesar, Imogene Coca, Carl Reiner, Howard Morris Special. In 1968, he wrote and directed his first feature film, The Producers, starring Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder, which earned him an Academy Award for the best original screenplay written directly for the screen. He then went on to create a remarkable string of hit comedies: 1970, he wrote, directed and acted in The Twelve Chairs; 1974, co-wrote, directed and acted in Blazing Saddles, and was nominated, along with John Morris, for the best title song, “Blazing Saddles”; 1974, co-wrote and directed Young Frankenstein; 1976, co-wrote, directed and starred in Silent Movie; 1977, co-wrote, directed and starred in Silent Movie; 1977, co-wrote, directed, produced and starred in History Of The World, Part 1; 1983, produced and starred in To Be Or Not To Be; co-wrote, directed, produced and starred in the hit sci-fi spoof, Spaceballs; 1991, co-wrote, directed, produced and starred in Life Stinks; 1993, co-wrote, directed, produced and starred in Robin Hood: Men In Tights; 1995, co-wrote, directed, produced and starred in Dracula; Dead And Loving It. For three successive seasons, Brooks won the Emmy Award for his role as Uncle Phil on the hit comedy show, Mad About You. His visionary film company, Brooksfilms Limited, founded in 1980, has produced some of America’s most distinguished films, among them: David Lynch’s The Elephant Man, David Cronenberg’s The Fly, Frances, Richard Benjamin’s My Favorite Year and 84 Charing Cross Road, starring Anthony Hopkins and Mr. Brooks’ wife Anne Bancroft.
Thomas Meehan (Book) received the Tony Award for co-writing the book for The Producers in 2001 and in 2003 for co-writing the book for Hairspray. He received his first Tony Award in 1977 for writing the book of Annie, which was his first Broadway show, and has written the books for the musicals Rocky, Elf the Musical, Cry-Baby, Young Frankenstein, Chaplin, Bombay Dreams, I Remember Mama, Ain’t Broadway Grand and Annie Warbucks. In addition, he was a long-time contributor of humor to The New Yorker, an Emmy-Award winning writer of television comedy, and a collaborator on a number of screenplays, including Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs and To Be Or Not To Be. Mr. Meehan was also a member of the Council of the Dramatists Guild. He and his wife, Carolyn, divided their time between a home in Nantucket and an apartment in Greenwich Village, near which, on Hudson Street, she owned and presided over the long-running and near-legendary children’s store Peanut Butter & Jane.
Gerry McIntyre (Director & Choreographer) has won widespread acclaim for choreographing Godspell, the only Equity sanctioned show in the country at the start of Covid. (Berkshire Theatre Group). He is the Associate Artistic Director of the York Theatre. He directed the regional premiere of The Cher Show at Ogunqit Playhouse. His credits as Director/Choreographer: Songs For A New World (BTG), Nina Simone: Four Women (BTG), The Goodbye Girl (Off-Broadway), Lucky Strike (Off-Broadway), The Color Purple (Broadway Sacramento), Spamilton (Musical Theater West and Pittsburgh CLO), Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Casa Mañana Theatre), Kinky Boots (Pittsburgh CLO), Hallelujah Baby (The Hangar Theatre, York Theatre, Musical Theatre Guild), Soon of a Mornin’ (Lions Theatre),Once On This Island (Martin Beck Theatre, Pioneer Theatre, Actors’ Theatre Of Louisville, Theatreworks, Bay Area Theatre Award, Critics Circle Award for Choreography. La Mirada Theatre, Robby Award for Best Director, Ovation nomination for Best Choreography and Best Musical), Chicago (Ogunquit Playhouse: BroadwayWorld Best Director, Reagle Music Theatre), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat starring Diana Degarmo and Anthony Federov (Lyric Theatre), The National Tour of Dreamgirls. As a Choreographer: Cinderella (Walnut Street), Ragtime (TheatreWorks), Irving Berlin’s White Christmas (BTG), Hairspray (Connecticut Critic Circle Award Best Choreography), Anything Can Happen In The Theatre and Forbidden Broadway The Next Generation (York Theater), Side by Side, Tommy and My Fair Lady (Berkshire Theatre Festival), A Saint She Ain’t (Westport Playhouse), Laura Comstock’s Bag-Punching Dog (LA Weekly nomination Best Choreography), The Wiz (Broadway Sacramento), Priscilla (Ogunquit Playhouse and Gateway Playhouse. Memphis (Gateway Playhouse). After The Storm documentary. Gerry is the choreographer of the hit Off-Broadway show Spamilton.
Eric Svejcar (Music Director, Arrangements) is thrilled to return to BTG where he previously provided the musical direction for Hair. He is the composer of the musicals Caligula (NYMF Audience Award Winner), A Rockin’ Midsummer Night’s Dream, which was the subject of the documentary film Midsummer in Newtown, and the musical podcast Loveville High with lyricist David Zellnik, which was also recorded in Portuguese as Amorlândia. On Broadway, he conducted the Deaf West/Roundabout revival of Big River and played in the pits for The Little Mermaid and A Chorus Line (City Center). Off-Broadway credits include Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living In Paris, Evil Dead The Musical (orchestrations) as well as many productions at the York Theatre including The Lieutenant, Marry Harry and several shows for the Musicals in Mufti series. As a pianist, he has played for Debbie Gibson, Jennifer Holliday and with the Cincinnati Pops and Ocean City Pops orchestras. Regional credits include Skylight Music Theatre, Capital Repertory, Centerstage Baltimore, the Weston Playhouse and others. By day, he is one of Broadway’s most active audition accompanists.
Mike Billings (Scenic Designer, Lighting Designer) West End: Dreamworks’ The Prince of Egypt. Off-Broadway: Vanities, Becoming Dr. Ruth. Regional: Bay Street Theater, Rubicon Theatre Company, Ensemble Theatre Company Santa Barbara, Laguna Playhouse, CCAE Theatricals, Flint Repertory Theatre, Bucks County Playhouse, Ebony Repertory Theatre, TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, freeFall Theatre Company, Guild Hall, Quintessence Theatre Company, Connecticut Repertory Theatre, Dorset Theatre Festival. Themed attractions at Busch Gardens and Six Flags and the international touring exhibitions of Harry Potter, Downton Abbey and Titanic. BFA from the University of Connecticut. Proud member of United Scenic Artists Local USA829. www.mikebillingsdesign.com IG: @mikebillingsdesign
Barbara Erin Delo (Costume Designer) is a Costume Designer and Artisan working in dance, theatre and opera. A New York native, she has previously designed costumes for Williamstown Theatre Festival, Bay Street, Theatre at St Clements (The Bigot, Off-Broadway premiere), Judson Church (Beyond Babel, Off-Broadway premiere), The Flea, HideAway Circus (Touring), York Theatre, Capital Repertory Theatre, Castillo Theatre, Martha Graham Dance Company, Paul Taylor Dance Company, Parsons Dance Company, Megan Williams Dance Projects, Battery Dance Company, NYC Fringe Festival, Chain Theatre Company, Third Rail Productions as well as many other NY and regional theatres. She studied costume design at SUNY Binghamton and NYU Tisch and is the proud creator of the Theatrical Parents Fund. www.TheatricalParentsFund.com www.barbaraerin.com
Joanna Lynne Staub (Sound Designer) is a NYC-based Sound Designer and Audio Engineer. This is her first time at BTG. Other regional designs include work at Alliance Theatre, Asolo Rep, Bay Street Playhouse, Bucks County Playhouse, Dallas Theatre Center, Ensemble Studio Theatre, 5th Avenue Theatre, Geva Theatre, Goodman Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Nashville Children’s Theatre, New York Theatre Workshop, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Public Theatre, Seattle Rep, TheatreWorks Hartford, Trinity Rep, Weston Playhouse, and WP Theatre. She has extensive credits for associate designing and engineering Broadway shows and national touring companies. Her TV credits include audio engineering PBS’s Great Performances and NBC productions of The Sound of Music Live!, Peter Pan Live! and The Wiz Live!. She is a Drama Desk Nominated Sound Designer, Jeff Award (Chicago) Nominated Composer and a GRAMMY Nominated Recording Engineer, along with having won regional design awards in Nashville and San Diego. She has lectured at Ithaca College, Princeton University, University of Cincinnati, and SUNY Albany. She holds music, audio engineering and technical theatre degrees from Ithaca College and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. jlssound.com
Brad Peterson (Projection Designer) is a New York-based video and projection designer. Select designs include A Sign Of The Times (Off-Broadway), Corruption (Lortel Nomination, Lincoln Center Theatre), Cats (Broadway Revival); Fish in the Dark (Broadway); Broadway Bounty Hunter (Off-Broadway); If I Forget (Roundabout); Sing Street (The Huntington); Anything Goes, The Sound of Music and West Side Story (Pittsburgh CLO); Jersey Boys, Tarzan and Wonderland (Tuacahn); Scrooge (Arizona Theatre Co.); El Sitt (Riyadh Festival, Saudi Arabia); Lion…Witch…Wardrobe, Carousel and A Little Night Music (Stratford Festival); Actually We’re… (Off-Broadway); and Red Roses Green Gold (Off-Broadway). Graduate of UNCSA. Proud member of USA-829. bradpetersondesign.com
Lillian Ransijn (Intimacy Coordinator) is a multi-modal performance artist who implores the moving body and personal storytelling to plumb the depths of grief, loss and missed connection. They seek to see and be seen through the power, history, devastation, intimacy and immediacy of the body through their work as a deviser, choreographer, teaching artist, filmmaker and intimacy coordinator. A member of Pig Iron/UArts’ inaugural M.F.A. class in Devised Performance Practice (2016), and one of the first to complete an honors thesis in Dance and Movement Studies at Emory University (2005), their work has been presented nationally by The High Museum of Art, UC San Diego, Colorado College, Emory University, First Person Arts, Fringearts, Urban Movement Arts, The Wilma Theater and Temple University’s Center for Intellectual Disabilities, amongst others. Currently they teach Movement and serve as Intimacy Director for the affiliated Connecticut Repertory Theater in the UConn Dramatic Arts Program and they continue to make new physical theater works as Co-Artistic Director of Rough & Tumble Productions. www.lillian.ransijn.com
Murnane Casting (Casting Director) is a first-class office in New York City specializing in casting theatre, film and television projects nationwide. We focus on developing new works and collaborating with emerging creators. Our mission is to curate exceptional ensembles of artists in a relaxed and imaginative casting environment. Learn more at MurnaneCasting.com.
Doug Besterman (Orchestrations) is a three-time Tony Award winning musician with a career spanning across theatre, film, television and recording. As a Composer, Producer, Arranger and Orchestrator, he has been privileged to work with some of the most recognizable names in the industry, including composers Mel Brooks, Alan Menken, and Marc Shaiman; recording artists Barbra Streisand and Barry Manilow; and directors Rob Marshall and Susan Stroman. A veteran of 25+ Broadway shows, Besterman won the Best Orchestrations Tony Award® for Fosse, The Producers, and Thoroughly Modern Millie, and was nominated for The Music Man (2000), How to Succeed in Business, and Bullets over Broadway. He was also awarded the Drama Desk Award for The Producers and Thoroughly Modern Millie. His most recent Broadway credits include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, A Bronx Tale, and Anastasia. Besterman has also written orchestrations for 20+ film and television projects; including recent film work on Mary Poppins Returns, Aladdin (2019), Beauty and the Beast (2017) and Frozen; and American Housewife, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and Galavant for television. As a composer, Besterman penned the scores for the podcast musical Little Did I Know (with lyricists Dean Pitchford and Marcy Heisler), currently available for download on Apple Podcasts; The Big One-Oh (with lyricist Dean Pitchford), which recently premiered at The Atlantic For Kids in NYC, and is available for licensing through Music Theater International (MTI); and the vignette “Swelling and Irritation” (with lyricist Sharon Vaughn) from the musical Breathe, also to be licensed by MTI – concept album to be released by Sony. His music has also been recorded by singer Christian Bautista, heard in the films The Punisher, Out of Step and Exit Speed, television shows Summerland and One Life To Live, in concert with the United States Military Academy Concert Band, and in the musical revue Hats. He is a proud father, husband, and sommelier. When not in New York or Los Angeles working, Doug is an avid traveler.
Mark Cumberland (Orchestrations) Credits include: known for Nine (2009), Tin Man (2007) and The SpongeBob Musical: Live on Stage! (2019).
Whitney Keeter (Production Stage Manager) Las Vegas: Cirque du Soleil’s O; New York: (PSM) The Play That Goes Wrong Off-Broadway, Production Supervisor: The Play That Goes Wrong National Tour; First National Tour: The Play that Goes Wrong, Something Rotten; Off-Broadway: Orwell in America, Trick or Treat, Brits Off-Broadway. Regional: The Engagement Party (Hartford Stage), Into the Woods, The Hound of the Baskervilles (Northern Stage), Shrek the Musical, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Spamalot, Singing in the Rain, Les Misérables, Hair (New London Barn Playhouse), Macbeth, God of Carnage, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Alabama Shakespeare Festival). For Nicholas.
Jason Weixelman (Rehearsal Stage Manager) is excited to be celebrating his 10th season with Berkshire Theatre Group. Previous BTG: On Cedar Street, Photograph 51, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Shirley Valentine, Nina Simone: Four Women, The Importance of Being Earnest, Holiday Memories, Godspell, Outside Mullingar, Naked, Arsenic and Old Lace, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune. Broadway: Wicked, The King and I (2015 LCT Revival). Off Broadway: Scene Partners, Between the Lines, Which Way to the Stage, Othello, Old Hats . Regional: Paper Mill Playhouse, Barrington Stage, George Street Playhouse, Arden Theatre, Gulfshore Playhouse, Skylight Music Theatre, Santa Fe Opera. Numerous readings and workshops. BTG Artistic Associate. Love to family and for their endless support. Deep gratitude to this SM team. Member of Actors’ Equity.
Julia Bregy (Assistant Stage Manager) is thrilled to be a part of Berkshire Theatre Group’s 2024 Summer Season. She would like to thank her family and friends for all of their support. New York: DiscOasis NYC (Constellation Immersive), Proud Ladies (James Williams Productions) Regional: Frida…A Self Portrait (Geva Theatre Center), Dial M for Murder (Geva Theatre Center), Russian Troll Farm (Geva Theatre), Measure for Measure (Fiasco Theatre/ Actors Theatre of Louisville), Fun Home (Speakeasy Boston), Little Women (Perseverance Theatre). International: Little Mermaid (Metta Theatre London/Underbelly Fringe Festival), I Do Need Me and I’m Not a Bit Like a Clown (Metta Theatre London).
Shira Holtz (Assistant to the Choreographer) joins the choreographic team of Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein as her first job immediately following her college graduation in May. She is a multi-hyphenate artist from New York who is thrilled to be spending her first summer at BTG! Favorite directing credits include The Little Prince, the world premiere of Nowhere Left To Go, and the world premiere of O-P-H-E-L-I-A (Scranton Fringe Festival 2023). Favorite acting credits include Medea (Heller Theatre Company), Waiting: A New Song Cycle, Antigone and Seussical (Mayzie). All the love to her family!
Season Discounts & Ticket Information
BTGY (Young Adult)
Young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 can purchase one ticket to any BTG produced show for $30 (fees included). This offer is available by phone or in person only. Additionally, one BTG presented show ticket may be purchased for 10% off the single ticket price (rental events not included).
EBT Card to Culture Program
The EBT Card to Culture program in partnership with the Mass Cultural Council and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services’ Department of Transitional Assistance, is available to anyone with EBT, WIC, or ConnectorCare Insurance. This offer includes four tickets for performances or events at The Colonial Theatre and two tickets for performances at The Unicorn Theatre per household at the rate of $5 each. All additional fees are waived. Tickets are subject to availability as seating is limited. This offer is available by phone or in person only.
Berkshire Resident
Full-time Berkshire residents receive a 25% discount to any Friday BTG produced show. Limit two tickets per patron per performance. Exclusions include previews, openings and special events. Tickets must be purchased by phone or in person at our box office. A valid Berkshire County driver’s license is required when picking up tickets.
Massachusetts Teachers Association
Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) members are eligible for a discount of 20% off orders to any BTG show. Education is a core value of BTG, and we appreciate those who are doing the work in our community. To redeem this discount, mention it while ordering over the phone at 413-997-4444, or in person at our box office.
AAA
AAA members are eligible for 10% off on orders to any BTG show. To redeem this discount, mention it while ordering over the phone at 413-997-4444, or in person at our box office.
Tickets for all of BTG’s exciting productions are on sale now. All plays, schedules, casting and prices are subject to change. To purchase tickets, visit www.BerkshireTheatreGroup.org or contact the Colonial Box Office by calling 413-997-4444.
The Box Office is open Tuesday through Sunday 12pm-5pm or on any performance day from 12pm until curtain. BTG’s Pittsfield Campus is located at 111 South Street, (The Colonial Theatre) Pittsfield, MA. BTG’s Stockbridge Campus is located at 6 East Street, (The Unicorn Theatre) Stockbridge, MA.
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Safety Protocols
For safety protocols, please visit BTG’s COVID-19 information page:
www.berkshiretheatregroup.org/covid-19-information/
About Berkshire Theatre Group
The Colonial Theatre, founded in 1903, and Berkshire Theatre Festival, founded in 1928, are two of the oldest cultural organizations in the Berkshires. In 2010, under the leadership of Artistic Director and CEO Kate Maguire, the two organizations merged to form Berkshire Theatre Group (BTG). Berkshire Theatre Group’s mission is to support wide ranging artistic exploration and acclaimed performances in theatre, dance, music and entertainment. Every year, BTG produces and presents performances to over 68,000 attendees and, through our Educational Program, serves over 10,000 Berkshire County school children annually. In July 2020, Berkshire Theatre was the first company in the United States to earn approval from Actors’ Equity Association to produce a musical (Godspell) in the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic.