(Pittsfield, MA) the Berkshire Theatre Critics Association held the Ninth Berkshire Theatre Critics Awards (the Berkies) at Zion Lutheran Church and Harbinger, the small community theater in Albany, NY was nominated for three awards and won two on the week that they are opening their 18th Capital Region premiere.
The awards covered the time period from 10/1/24-9/30/25 and honored many shows in 23 categories. Shows that garnered multiple wins were fuzzy at Barrington Stage, The Elephant Man and Metamorphoses at Berkshire Theatre Group, Annie and Guys and Dolls at Mac Haydn Theatre and Harbinger’s Deep Blue Sound by Abe Koogler.
Deep Blue Sound was nominated for Outstanding Ensemble Performance, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Play for Tony Pallone and Outstanding Direction of a Play for Chris Foster. Both Tony and Chris won in their categories.
“Hearing my name called from the stage to come up and receive a Berkie award was both a shock and an honor. Thanks, above all, to the Berkshire Theatre Critics Association for creating an event which made it clear that everyone nominated for an outstanding performance was a winner” enthused Tony Pallone first time nominee. “Thanks, too, to the terrific work of director Chris Foster and the all of the cast and crew of Deep Blue Sound, without whom receiving this award would not have been possible.”
Chris Foster for his part said “I knew that this production was special early on because I couldn’t wait to get to rehearsal each night, to work with all our amazing colleagues on the technical creation of it, and to share your outstanding work with the audience. THANK YOU to my cast for that honor of my being part of that experience!”
Harbinger co-founder was especially pleased that the wins occurred the week that they are opening their latest show, Swing State by Rebecca Gilman which plays at Sand Lake Center for the Arts 11/14-11/23 with a FREE Preview on Thursday, 11/13. “We loved producing Deep Blue Sound, it was our first Abe Koogler play, six of the actors were new to Harbinger, it was the first time we performed at Steamer No 10 Theatre and our box office was one of our best! We’re so gratified with the recognition especially because it comes at a time when we can tell you about the new play we love.”
Swing State by Rebecca Gilman is the gripping story of a widow fighting to care for her prairie backyard with the help of her neighbor; an ex-con, recovering alcoholic getting back on his feet. Species are dying out, jobs are scarce and prices are going up. The stakes are raised when a vintage rifle goes missing. Will this Wisconsin town live together peacefully?
Harbinger’s production of Swing State is playing at Sand Lake Center for the Arts (2880 NY 43, Averill Park, NY 12018) on 11/13, 11/14, 21/15, 11/21,11/22 at 7:30pm and 11/16 and 11/23 at 2:30pm. 11/13 is a FREE Preview. 11/14 & 11/21 are Talkback nights and 11/15 there will be a Cheese Tasting Reception to celebrate the play’s Wisconsin setting.
Tickets are $15 and are available on Ludus.https://harbingertheatre.ludus .icom/
