Pittsfield, MA – This holiday season, Berkshire Theatre Group (BTG) and Artistic Director and CEO Kate Maguire invite you to celebrate with a festive lineup of events. Newly announced, An Evening of Holiday Jazz with Tim Jones on December 13 and A Special Holiday Reading of Santaland Diaries on December 20 join the season’s highlights. Enjoy Mutts Gone Nuts: Santa Paws on December 15, The Wizards of Winter on December 21, and New Year’s Eve with Max Creek on December 31. Plus, don’t miss the cherished holiday production of A Christmas Carol, running from December 5 through December 22 at the Unicorn Theatre with a newly announced cast. Tickets are on sale now—reserve yours early, as these holiday favorites often sell out!
A Special Holiday Reading of Santaland Diaries
the unabridged text by award-winning author David Sedaris
directed by Greg Santos
featuring Ron Bagden
On The Stage at The Colonial Theatre
Friday, December 20 at 7:30pm
Tickets: $20 General Admission
Get ready to laugh at the holiday season like never before with Santaland Diaries, David Sedaris’ darkly comedic account of his stint as a Christmas elf named “Crumpet” at Macy’s presented in its original version as published in The New Yorker. This one-night-only reading features Ron Bagden, a longtime Macy’s employee who has seen his fair share of wild holiday seasons, bringing a unique and personal touch to this delightfully irreverent monologue.
Through Crumpet’s sharp and sardonic lens, Sedaris reveals the chaotic, hilarious and sometimes bittersweet realities of holiday retail, complete with demanding shoppers, bewildered children and the eccentric personalities of his fellow elves. Sedaris pulls back the curtain on the commercial madness of Christmas, blending satire with unexpectedly heartwarming moments to offer both humor and a touch of holiday truth.
Perfect for those who want a holiday experience that’s equal parts comedy and commentary, Santaland Diaries is sure to entertain with Sedaris’ signature wit and keen eye for human nature. Don’t miss your chance to join us for an evening of laughter, wit and holiday spirit!
Please note: Santaland Diaries contains adult themes and is recommended for mature audiences.
Mutts Gone Nuts: Santa Paws
at The Colonial Theatre
Sunday, December 15 at 2pm & 5pm
Tickets: Adults: $30, Kids: $15
Imagine five of the world’s most talented four-legged performers in an uproariously funny, comedy dog spectacular that is leaving audiences everywhere howling for more! From humble shelter beginnings to showbiz stardom, these amazing mutts will unleash havoc and hilarity on stage, creating a festive frenzy of fur, fun, and fabulous entertainment. Complete with classic holiday music and an abundance of good cheer, this family-friendly show is sure to warm your heart and tickle your funny bone.
The all-star lineup includes Kiddo, a two-time world champion disc dog, the highest jumping dog in the universe, a hilarious six-pound Pomeranian Pikachu mix, and a host of other rescue dogs who will prance, dance, flip, and skip their way right into your heart. Join us for an unforgettable holiday season filled with laughter and joy! Deemed an absolute “must-see” by The Washington Post, Mutts Gone Nuts: Santa Paws guarantees to be “Best in Show” this holiday season.
At The Unicorn Theatre
A Christmas Carol
by Charles Dickens
adapted by Eric Hill
original production by Eric Hill
directed by David Adkins & Isadora Wolfe
on The Larry Vaber Stage
at The Unicorn Theatre
Previews: Thursday, December 5 at 7pm
Opening: Friday, December 6 at 7pm
Sensory Friendly: Wednesday, December 11 at 6pm
Closing: Sunday, December 22 at 5pm
Tickets: Adult $56; Child (Ages 16 and under) $30
Tickets: Sensory Friendly $15
Celebrate this timeless Berkshire County holiday tradition with the whole family, and revel in the joy and redemptive power of Christmas as told in the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, the infamous miser who is shown the error of his ways and reformed by four spirits. Journey back to Victorian England and experience the classic story filled with holiday carols and the wonderment of the season.
CAST
Belle’s Daughter, Spirit of Christmas Present: Charlotte Ackerley
Newspaper, Fezziwig Dancer: Ollie Andrews
Ghost of Christmas Past: Alex Boyd
Solicitor 2, Ensemble: Isabella Brown
Young Scrooge: Aiden Chalfonte
Laundress, Fezziwig Dancer: Lotus Cohen
Belle: Ulla Collins
Dick Wilkins, Christmas Yet to Come, Fezziwig Dancer: Ronan C. Conway
Turkey Boy, Caroler, Fezziwig Dancer: Lucas Davis
Martha Cratchit: Madeline Davis
Fezziwig Dancer, Youth Supervisor: Alexis Depson
Belle’s Husband, Topper: Ian Depson
Mrs. Fred, Fezziwig Dancer: Morgan Depson
Bob Cratchit: Myles Evans
Mrs. Cratchit: Kate “Kit” Goble
Fred, Fezziwig Dancer: Shayne Haley
Peter Cratchit, Dick: Julian Houghtling
Party Guest, Solicitor 1, Fezziwig Dancer: Leah Kammeyer
Tiny Tim, Spirit of Christmas Present: Daniel Kennedy
Youngest Scrooge: Mason Alexander LaDouceur
Party Guest (Sister), Fezziwig Dancer: Grace Lillie
Fan: Annabelle Meighan
Student, Fezziwig Dancer: Kabir Patel
Watch, Solicitor 1: Lee Perlman
Dorit Crachit: Betsy Monroe Russo
Narrator: Julianna Salinovici
Scrooge: E. Gray Simons III
Old Joe: Michael Paul
Marley: Logan Weibrecht
Fezziwig, Watch: Straford Wild-Rocheleau
Ghost of Christmas Present, Snuff Box Undertaker: Dan Woods
Mrs. Fezziwig, Charwoman: Jeannie Marlin Woods
THE CREATIVE TEAM:
This production is directed by David Adkins and Isadora Wolfe, and the creative team consists of scenic design by Randall Parsons, costume design by Amy Avila, lighting design by Matthew E. Adelson, sound and projections design by Adam Lewis, vocal coaching by Michael Paul, dialect coaching by Jennifer Scapetis and stage management by Victoria Coulter.
Eric Hill (Adaptor) directed Berkshire Theatre Group’s productions of The Weir, Copenhagen; Edward Albee’s Seascape; Shirley Valentine; Holiday Memories; The Goat, or Who is Sylvia?; Naked; At Home at the Zoo (The Zoo Story); The Homecoming; Thoreau or, Return to Walden; Poe; Benefactors; A Christmas Carol; Oklahoma!; A Chorus Line; The Who’s Tommy as well as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Neil Ellenoff Stage at The Mount. Additional BTG directing credits include: Macbeth, Endgame, Faith Healer, The Einstein Project, Amadeus, The Glass Menagerie, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and The Caretaker. Previous acting credits include: Deathtrap, A Man for All Seasons, Dimetos, The Father, and Scrooge in A Christmas Carol (2006-2019).
David Adkins (Director) has performed in numerous productions at Berkshire Theatre Group over the last thirty years and is excited to collaborate with Isadora Wolfe and the whole BTG Christmas Carol family! As Artistic Director of Education and Training, David has taught, coached and directed numerous productions and projects. He appeared this season in Abe Lincoln in Illinois, directed by David Auburn. He has worked On and Off Broadway, in major resident theatres across the country and guest starred extensively on television, including, New Amsterdam, Madam Secretary, Evil, Homeland, Blacklist, The Good Wife, Elementary, The Americans (two seasons), Happy-ish, Without a Trace, Law and Order, Law and Order SVU, Black Jaq (a pilot directed by Forest Whitaker) and the Ben Franklin mini-series on PBS.
Isadora Wolfe (Director, Movement/Choreographer) has created movement for many BTG productions including this season’s Abe Lincoln in Illinois and Pipe Dream, A Christmas Carol, The Einstein Project, Holiday Memories, The Importance of Being Earnest, Macbeth, Once, Dracula, Edward Albee’s Seascape, and Skin of Our Teeth. She has worked with choreographers and directors such as Johannes Wieland, Martha Clarke, Mark Dendy, Maxine Doyle and Richard Jones. Isadora is now an Artistic Associate for Punchdrunk (UK), after her post as Associate Artistic Director and Resident Director for the NYC production of Sleep No More. Isadora is adjunct faculty at The Juilliard School. www.isadoramovementarts.com
Randall Parsons (Scenic Designer) Past seasons at BTG: Songs For A New World, dir: Gerry McIntyre; Footloose, dir: Kathy Jo Grover; Godspell, dir: Alan Filderman; What the Jews Believe, dir: Mark Harelik; What We May Be, Coming Back Like a Song!, Arsenic and Old Lace, and White Christmas, dir: Gregg Edelman; Tarzan and Shrek The Musical, dir: Travis Daly; The Weir, Copenhagen, Edward Albee’s Seascape, Shirley Valentine, Holiday Memories, The Goat, Or Who Is Sylvia?, Naked and At Home at the Zoo, dir: Eric Hill; Lost Lake, dir: Daisy Walker; Finnian’s Rainbow, A Thousand Clowns and Same Time, Next Year, dir: Kyle Fabel; The Mystery of Irma Vep and Deathtrap, dir: Aaron Mark. Other recent designs include: Pride and Prejudice, dir: Jason O’Connell, Playhouse on Park; Tinker to Evers to Chance and Home of the Brave, dir: Sean Daniels, Merrimack Repertory Theatre; A Little Night Music, dir: Clayton Phillips, The Barnstormers Theatre; The Bridges of Madison County, Sweeney Todd, Nine, Jekyll and Hyde, A Christmas Carol, Big River and Saturday Night Fever, dir: Jeffrey Sanzel, Theatre Three (as resident designer). Art Direction: Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style (Bravo), The Late Show with David Letterman (CBS) and Mike Birbiglia’s Thank God for Jokes (Netflix). MFA: NYU Tisch. Proud member of United Scenic Artists Local 829, IATSE.
Amy Avila (Costume Designer) is thrilled to be returning to the world of Charles Dickens! Previous BTG credits include: The Weir, Disney’s Frozen JR., Disney’s Moana JR., The Secret Garden: Spring Version, Footloose and four shows from The Magic Treehouse series. Other previous design credits include: The Addams Family Musical, A Day in the Death of Joe Egg and Almost, Maine. She has worked for various organizations across the country, including Sarasota Opera, Gulfshore Playhouse and Nebraska Repertory Theatre. MFA, Florida State University.
Matthew E. Adelson (Lighting Designer) Previously for BTG: he has designed A Christmas Carol since 2006, as well as: The Weir, Copenhagen, Edward Albee’s Seascape, Once, White Christmas, Shirley Valentine, Nina Simone: Four Women, The Wizard of Oz, Holiday Memories, Godspell, Shrek The Musical, The Goat, or Who is Sylvia?, Naked, Tarzan, The Music Man, Fiorello! (Stockbridge and New York), Thoreau, Poe, Tommy, Babes in Arms, Red Remembers, The Einstein Project, Broadway By The Year, A Man for All Seasons, Caretaker, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, The Glass Menagerie, Amadeus, Rat in the Skull, The Misanthrope, Floyd Collins, Talley’s Folly, A Saint She Ain’t (Stockbridge and Westport), Miss Julie, Dream Play, Love’s Fire, Secret Lives of the Sexists and Life’s A Dream. He has also designed extensively throughout the Berkshires, for Great Barrington Public Theater (including Dog People and Night at the Speakeasy this season), Barrington Stage, Chester Theatre, Shakespeare & Company, Berkshire Playwrights Lab, Berkshire Opera, Jacob’s Pillow and Williams College, among others. Previously this year: The Book of Will (Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey), Centuries (Ancram Center for the Arts), 24 Hours @ Once (Arts Letters & Numbers). Matthew is the Production Manager for Five College Dance in the Pioneer Valley (Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, Smith colleges and UMass Amherst) and was the Director of Production for the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center from 2005 to 2014. MFA: Yale Drama School.
Adam Lewis (Sound & Projections Designer) is the Audio and Projections Supervisor here at BTG and is thrilled to be a part of this production. Other BTG design credits include: Pink Floyd’s The Wall, Disney’s Frozen JR., The Secret Garden: Spring Version, Footloose, Disney’s Moana JR. and Magic Tree House touring shows. Other selected works include: Every Brilliant Thing (RITU Festival, Belgium), Purdue Theatre: Nell Gwynn, Water By The Spoonful, In The Blood. BA Purdue University. He would like to thank his fiancé and wonderful colleagues at BTG for their support.
Jennifer Scapetis (Resident Dialect Coach) Jennifer’s coaching credits for Berkshire Theatre Group include: The Weir, Abe Lincoln in Illinois, Photograph 51, On Cedar St, Dracula, Once, Shirley Valentine, The Importance of Being Earnest, Holiday Memories, What the Jews Believe, Outside Mullingar, Church & State and A Christmas Carol. Other coaching credits include work for Goodspeed Musicals, Hartford Stage, Shakespeare & Company, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Bated Breath Theatre at 59E59 NYC, Bay Street Theater, Playhouse on Park West Hartford, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati, The Know Theatre of Cincinnati, Saratoga Shakespeare Company, Dirty Pretty Theatre at 45 Downstairs (Melbourne, Australia), The Rose Theatre Bankside (London), Oval Theatre (London) and the short film: Crime Wave. Jennifer teaches on the MFA and BFA Acting programs at University of Connecticut and coaches for the Connecticut Repertory Theatre. She holds an MFA in Voice Studies from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London and trained as an Actor at ArtsEd, London. Jennifer has performed in theatre, film, TV and audio drama/narration. www.jenniferscapetis.com
Victoria Coulter (Stage Management) is excited to finish out her contract with BTG by stage managing A Christmas Carol. Previous credits include PA for The Weir, Pipe Dream, Young Frankenstein, 4000 Miles at Berkshire Theatre Group, PSM for The Tempest and Importance of Being Earnest at Tennessee Shakespeare Company, PA for American Ballet Theatre, ASM for Measure for Measure at Illinois Shakespeare Festival. BFA in Stage Management from The University of North Carolina School of the Arts. She would like to thank her friends and family for their support throughout her career.
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.
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.
Military Personnel
U.S military personnel, veterans and their immediate families are eligible for a discount of 20% off orders to any BTG show to extend our gratitude to those who have served or are currently serving our country in the US armed forces. 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 these exciting events are on sale now. All plays, schedules, casting and prices are subject to change. To purchase tickets, visit www.BerkshireTheatreGroup.org or contact our box office by calling 413-997-4444.
The box office is open Tuesday through Saturday 12pm to 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.