by Gail M. Burns
On behalf of all of us at Berkshire on Stage I offer condolences to the Phelps family and the larger Theater Barn family on the passing of Theater Barn founder Joan Phelps at age 85. From the time I attended their inaugural production of “Godspell” in the Hitchingpost Plaza, until I became unable to review in person, many of my happiest hours were spent at the Barn, where Joan and Abe always gathered an exciting group of talented young performers and local artists for a season of comedy, musicals, and, of course, an Agatha Christie mystery.
While the Barn didn’t have large facilities or a large budget, they frequently put on terrific shows, catering to a solid center summer stock audience. I know I’m not the only person who was deeply saddened when the theatre closed, and I wonder what has become of the property. I dream of a new little company opening it up and bringing new, and old, talent to the stage once again.
